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China: US hyping up South China Sea issue by Patricia Lourdes

Viray

as protecting freedom of navigation and overflight. mANILA—China claimed that the Chinese foreign ministry spokesUnited states (Us) is only hyping up person hong Lei on Wednesday, feb. the south China sea issue as Us Presi- 17 stressed that the Us is not a condent Barack obama called for a peace- cerned party in the issue. ful resolution on the sea dispute. “It should speak and act prudently obama and leaders from southeast and create favorable conditions for Asia earlier issued a joint declaration parties directly concerned to peaceChinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei expressing their commitment to keep- fully resolve relevant disputes through holds a regular press conference. ing peace in the disputed sea, as well consultations and negotiations, instead Philstar.com

of exploiting the occasion to hype up the south China sea issue, sensationalizing tensions, and driving a wedge among regional countries,” hong said in his regular press conference. hong insisted that some countries tried to use the Us-AseAN Leaders summit to hype up the south China sea dispute. “But the majority of AseAN countries disagreed, believing that it would

only undermine mutual trust between regional countries, disrupt or even sabotage the efforts made by regional countries to safeguard peace and stability in the south China sea,” hong said. hong noted that China is willing to cooperate with southeast Asian countries in upholding peace and stability in the region. he said that Beijing is also PAGE A2

Parties call for mutual respect, peace in the region

US-ASEAN SUmmit focUSEd oN bUSiNESS oPPortUNitiES, PEAcE iN SoUth chiNA SEA

World leaders create measure to boost ASEAN economies by aLLyson

escobar

AJPress

the first-ever two-day summit with President Barack obama and 10 southeast Asian leaders kicked off on monday, feb. 15 at the Annenberg retreat at sunnylands in rancho mirage, California. the standalone meeting between the White house and leaders of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) is meant to be a crucial step in the Us effort to “rebalance” foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific, to improve relations with southeast Asian allies, and to address key issues including maritime security, Islamic state extremists,

DATELINE

by agnes

constante AJPress

and the south China sea. the 10-nation axis (the world’s seventh largest economy) is also crucial for the growth of many American companies, including Us firms, who are the largest foreign direct investors in the AseAN region--America’s fourth largest export market--and contribute over half a million jobs in the Us, reported Al Jazeera. It is the first summit meeting held on Us soil. other nations’ heads of government present at the summit included presidents from Indonesia, malaysia, singapore, thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, President Barack Obama leads the plenary session meeting of ASEAN, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at the Annenberg myanmar, Cambodia, and the Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 15. Sitting with Obama are (L-R) President Benigno Aquino III, Laos President

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

US deports filipino human rights violator A fILIPINo man who admitted to conducting surveillance for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines linked to the disappearance of a number of opposition politicians was deported to the Philippines last week by Us Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe), according to a news release from the agency. regor Cadag Aguilar, 42, was escorted by ICe enforcement and removal operations (ero) and arrived in manila mid-day Wednesday, feb. 10, Pacific standard time. his repatriation follows his arrest on Jan. 5, 2015 in Union City in PAGE A3

Choummaly Sayasone, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and Cambodia’s White House photo by Pete Souza

PAGE A2 Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Nike dumps Pacquiao as endorser over homophobic comments by MoMar

g. Visaya

AJPress

the backlash has started. Nike on Wednesday, feb. 17, announced that it has dropped manny Pacquiao as an endorser after the boxer remarked that people who engage in same sex relationships are worse than animals. “We find manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” Nike said in a statement, according to esPN. “Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBt community.” Pacquiao’s controversial interview with tV5 became viral online on monday, feb. 15. the issue was picked up

by local and international press. filipino performers Aiza seguerra and Vice Ganda issued their own statements castigating Pacquiao calling him a ”bigot” and a “false prophet”. tV host and talent manager Boy Abunda also delivered a stinging rebuke on his late night show on ABs-CBN saying that Pacquiao “crossed the line”. on tuesday, feb. 16, Pacquiao took to social media and posted an apology through his Instagram account. When filipino-American Aries de la Cruz saw the apology, he went online and started a petition asking Nike to drop Pacquiao as an endorser. “I believe apologies mean nothing without actions and consequences, and a PAGE A2 Manny Pacquiao

filipina arrested for abandoning newborn in West covina A fILIPINA transient was arrested on monday, feb. 15 for reportedly abandoning her newborn baby in a subway restroom in West Covina, California. surveillance video released by the West Covina Police Department shows mary Grace trinidad enter the subway sandwich shop at 8:07 am on monday, february 15. After getting a cup from an employee at the register, trinidad appeared to fill the cup and then made her way to the restroom. Presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay is welcomed in Pangasinan by Governor Amado Espino Jr., an ally of his rival PAGE A4 Mar Roxas. Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jasyon Cayabyab

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

After a day of discussions on economic issues and trade, the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) switched gears on tuesday, feb. 16, by working toward reaching a common stance on territorial disputes in the south China sea. “the United states and AseAN are reaffirming our strong commitment to a regional order where international rules and norms and the rights of all nations, large and small, are upheld,” Us President Barack obama said at the end of the summit, according to reuters. “We discussed the need for tangible steps in the south China sea to lower tensions including a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed areas,” the president said. Washington and AseAN members agreed that territorial disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully and through legal means, according to reuters. however, both parties did not reach a common stance on the conflict. In a joint statement, the Us and AseAN restated principles of cooperation between the two, such as “mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of all nations … and a shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.” the Philippines is among nations with claims at stake, along with others including Brunei, maPAGE A2

binay to improve business climate, create more jobs by JoeL

M. sy egco ManilaTimes.net

UNIteD Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer and Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday, feb. 17 vowed to embark on programs to create a business-friendly environment to attract more investors and generate jobs to promote inclusive growth. “We will revisit the existing legal frameworks for doing business, which include the Corporation Code, certain provisions of the Civil Code, the National Internal revenue Code, the Investment Company Act, the securities regulation Code and other relevant rules and regulations,” Binay said at the federation of filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. Leadership forum.

“We will also regularly conduct a comprehensive review and audit to identify legal provisions that hamper business needs. A menu of incentives should be formulated for our market to gain the attention of domestic and foreign investors. All this can be possible if government periodically meets and consults the business sector, to listen to your thoughts and insights,” he added. If elected, Binay said his administration will encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises, noting that msmes have a higher multiplier effect than big business when it comes to employment. “We should bring about an environment that will enable our micro, small and medium enterprises to succeed. We need to extend to them the assistance PAGE A3

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february 19-25, 2016 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

From the Front Page

Nike dumps Pacquiao as endorser over... PAGE A1 plan for addressing how the contrite person will make things right with those he hurt,” de la Cruz told the Asian Journal. “Everyone has the right to have religious, social and cultural beliefs, but if you are a political leader and decision maker that is different because you have a duty to represent all your constituents, not just the views of a select few.”

In a little over 24 hours, the petition has generated more than four thousand signatures. Online and mainstream news outlets have also picked up the news. TMZ reported that Nike is “preparing to cut ties with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao after his last round of anti-gay comments.” New York City-based LGBT activist and graphic designer Scott Wooledge has also launched

an online campaign asking the brands who have Pacquiao as an endorser to drop him. He posted a tweet on Tuesday saying that Pacquiao speaks for these brands—Nike, Footlocker, Wonderful Pistachios and Nestle—and earned $12M in 2015 as face of these companies. “I’m not surprised at all that the message of the petition that companies like Nike should not provide a platform for Cong. Manny Pacquiao’s anti-gay positions has resonated with so many Filipinos all over the world, gay and straight,” de la Cruz added. Born in Manila and raised in Bacolod City, the 30-year-old de la Cruz is a graduate student of anthropology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Like many Filipinos, de la Cruz was proud of Pacquiao’s achievements on the ring. “In the past, his prowess in the ring and his many victories has made me proud to be a Filipino, but being a hero means nothing if one does not use that platform to unite the people he is supposed to represent,” he shared. “As a Filipino with a large global platform, Pacquiao has a tremendous opportunity to heal with his words and not harm or hurt.” But much more than that, de la Cruz says Pacquiao’s words “are not merely opinions but have material and legal consequences for the LGBT Filipinos who must face oppression each time they leave their homes.” Top Rank Chief Executive Bob Arum believes that Nike made the right decision to drop Pacquiao as its endorser. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Arum said that he agrees with the company, as the boxer’s remarks were offensive to many people, particularly those in the gay and lesbian community. “Manny shouldn’t have said what he did, and Nike acted appropriately,” he added. Arum has been promoting Pacquiao for many of his fights, and has helped him become a global superstar. Although he explained that the Filipino boxer was simply being true to the tenets of his faith as a born-again Christian, he, however, does not share his opinion. He is also unsure if the ongoing controversy will affect the payper-view numbers of Pacquiao’s fight against Timothy Bradley, Jr. on April 9 — supposedly the boxer’s last fight of his career.

China: US hyping up South...

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in favor of advancing peaceful resolution of the disputes. The Chinese Foreign Ministry official added that China is welcoming the commitment of the US and ASEAN to non-militarization in the region.

“Country outside the region shall not show off its military force in the South China Sea nor use force or coercive means to advance its unilateral assertion. Meanwhile, it shall not rope in regional countries to conduct joint military drills or patrols

targeting the third party in the South China Sea,” Hong said. Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III said that the Philippines has no plans of arming itself with weapons of mass destruction in able to resolve the sea dispute.

HUMAN RING. Caloocan residents reach out to touch Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during his campaign rally in Barangay Bagong Silang on Wednesday, Feb. 17. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

World leaders create measure to boost... PAGE A1

Philippines. President Benigno Aquino III and members of his Cabinet arrived in California on Monday morning for a brief visit. They were welcomed at the airport by a senior protocol representative from the US State Department; Jose Cuisia Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US; and Consulate General Leo Herrera-Lim. The Philippine delegation consists of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Climate Change Commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman, reported The Philippine Star. The first retreat session of the ASEAN-US Summit was themed, “Promoting an Innovative, Entrepreneurial ASEAN Economic Community.” “Early in my presidency, I decided that the United States, as a Pacific nation, would rebalance our foreign policy and play a larger and long-term role in the Asia Pacific. And this has included engagement with Southeast Asia and ASEAN, which is central to the region’s peace and prosperity, and to our shared goal of building a regional order where all nations play by the same rules,” Obama greeted leaders in his opening remarks. “This summit marks our seventh meeting. At your invitation, the United States joined the East Asia Summit, and together we’ve made it the region’s leading forum for addressing political and security challenges.”

Obama also highlighted accomplishments of the US-ASEAN meetings: forging a new Strategic Partnership, increasing trade and economic partnerships, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and boosting overall trade between the US and ASEAN nations. “Our sustained engagement is delivering concrete results that benefit all of us--momentum that we can build on here at this summit,” he said. “Here, we can advance our shared vision of a regional order where international rules and norms, including freedom of navigation, are upheld, and where disputes are resolved through peaceful legal means.” The first day’s touched on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a freetrade deal signed by Obama earlier this month, and currently includes four of the ASEAN nations with more on the way, according to US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. The controversial TPP is also intended to further reduce barriers to trade, but has prompted outcry over “restrictive copyright language and expanded rights of corporations to sue nations whose regulations get in the way of profits,” reported The Desert Sun. The second retreat session on the following day revolved around “Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the AsiaPacific.” China’s growing boldness and influence in the region has concerned ASEAN leaders, including the Philippines and Vietnam, which are both involved in territorial disputes and want the US’s support for security. The lack of consensus over Chinese policy currently divides ASEAN’s member nations, who all want to handle the China situ-

ation differently without angering leaders. On Day 2 of the summit, leaders met for a working session, where Pres. Obama was seated between representatives from Singapore and the Philippines. The result of an hours-long meeting included a joint US-ASEAN statement, the “Sunnylands Declaration,” which calls for “Mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of all nations by firmly upholding the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter and international law.” A new initiative, the USASEAN Connect, was also announced by Obama. The US president said the “network of hubs” is meant to help connect business entrepreneurs and international investors. “I believe this summit has put US-ASEAN on a new trajectory that will carry us to greater heights in the decade ahead,” Obama told reporters on Tuesday at the summit’s end. After the summit, Aquino was scheduled to be in Los Angeles for a working visit, where his activities included addressing the Los Angeles World Affairs Council at the Intercontinental Hotel, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at Loyola Marymount University, and meeting with the top executives of three big LA-based companies (Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions). “Our kababayans in the US and I are looking forward to welcoming him once more to the United States. We’d like to wish him a successful visit,” Cuisia told Radio Television Malacañang.

President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with US President Barack Obama and fellow ASEAN leaders for a Family Photo during the Special USASEAN Summit at the Sunnylands Garden and Center in Rancho Mirage. In the photo (L-R) ASEAN’s Secretary General Le Luong Minh; Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen; Indonesia President Joko Widodo; Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak; Laos President Choummaly Sayasone; President Obama; President Aquino; Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong; Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha; Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; and Myanmar Vice President Nyan Tun. Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

Parties call for mutual respect, peace in...

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laysia and Vietnam. On Tuesday, Vietnam’s prime minister called on the US for a greater role in island-building and preventing militarization in the Sea, the government said, according to Reuters. Premier Nguyen Tan Dung on Monday, suggested that the US uses a stronger voice and “more practical and more efficient actions,” Reuters reported. But some ASEAN members, including Cambodia and Laos, have close economic ties to China.

China has accused the United States of looking for maritime hegemony in Asia. “The United States is not and will never be a spokesman for an independent organization like ASEAN on any issue. It is time for sober-minded ASEAN nations to distance themselves from U.S. interference,” read a report by Chinese news agency Xinhua. “It is China’s unswerving stance that the disputes over the South China Sea should be settled through direct one-on-one negotiations and consultations

between China and the countries concerned,” according to the same report by the agency. However, Washington claims its interest in the disputed region is preserving freedom of navigation, Reuters reported. Freedom of navigation “must be upheld, and unlawful commerce should not be impeded,” Obama said, adding that the US would “continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and … support the right of all countries to do the same.”

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US deports Filipino human rights... PAGE A1

Northern California. Aguilar originally entered the United States on a visitor’s visa 15 years ago and overstayed, which led him to be placed in removal proceedings. He admitted that from 1998 to 2001, he served as a surveillance agent for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines that targeted rival political figures, according to the ICE news release. He claimed he was unaware of the task force’s illegal activities in that time period, but testified that one of his surveillance targets disappeared and was assumed dead. Aguilar further testified that his superiors told him members of the task force depended on his surveillance to abduct and mur-

der a political figure, and that he heard superiors instruct task force members to torture abducted individuals, according to the agency’s release. “This day has been in the making for more than a decade, but it should leave no question about ICE’s resolve to hold human rights violators accountable for their actions,” ICE Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale said in a release. “The successful outcome of this case is owing to the outstanding work by ICE attorneys and ERO officers who were determined to see justice served. We simply won’t stand by and allow the U.S. to serve as a safe haven for those whose actions have caused incalculable harm to others.” Aguilar was ordered to be removed in 2010 by a San Francisco

Dateline USa

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[experience]. When I arrived in Makati, the government was almost, or veering to bankruptcy. Ang pera namin P240 million [We only had P240 million]. When I left in 2010 when I ran for Vice President, the P240 million became P11 billion. Sabi ko sa mga taga-Makati, gagawin kong financially stable ang ating munisipyo [I told my constituents in Makati that I will make the city financially stable]. Makati became the richest local government in the whole country on a per capita basis,” he narrated. Binay said poverty is the “most serious moral issue” and scored the administration of President Benigno Aquino 3rd anew for failing to fulfill its promise in 2010. “The first truth is that poverty is the most serious moral issue

Regor Cadag Aguilar

judge, after the exhaustion of all his appeals. Since fiscal year 2004, the ICE has arrested more than 360 individuals for human rights-related violations under various criminal and/or immigration statutes, according to the agency’s news rePandanon Island along Mactan Channel, Cebu lease. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

Binay to improve business climate... they badly need, particularly in terms of financing and access to research and development materials. We will promote SME development and encourage our countrymen to be entrepreneurial in order to achieve financial independence,” he added. The Vice President cited his experience as mayor in developing Makati City from an almost bankrupt local government to the richest city in the country “per capita.” Binay said the Makati experience can be replicated all over the country to achieve inclusive growth. “Ito lang naman ho ang aking kwalipikasyon para maging Pangulo ng ating bansa [This is my only qualification to be a President], and this is karanasan

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 19-25, 2016

affecting the nation today. The other truth is that this administration has failed to deliver on its promise made almost six years ago to end poverty, with the poor growing in number in spite of the rosy economic figures,” he added. Binay earlier vowed to abolish the income tax for workers earning P30,000 and below per month, insisting that this can be achieved by curbing smuggling, improving tax collection and ending government underspending. “Billions of pesos are lost due to smuggling, inefficient tax collection and through mishandling of funds by government agencies. I believe that fixing these inefficiencies will cushion the projected impact of reduced tax revenues on our national coffers,” he said.

Photos by Mary May Portez

‘ViSit the PhiliPPineS AgAin 2016’

DOT encourages tourists to revisit PH by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

THE New York Times Travel Show, the largest and longestrunning trade and consumer travel show in North America, ended a couple of weeks ago on a high note. The attendance to the show this year was the highest in nine years and the second most attended New York Times Travel Show ever. Almost 30,000 people trooped to the Jacob Javits Convention Center over the weekend when the show was on, despite nearfreezing weather. There were more than 500 exhibitors, including the Philippine Department of Tourism, an annual supporter of the travel show. This year, the tourism department showcased the Tourism Promotion Board’s newest campaign, ‘Visit Philippines Again 2016’, an offshoot of the successful ‘Visit Philippines Year 2015’ project. Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr., accompanied by Ms. Eleanor De Leon, Philippine Department of Tourism New York (PDOT-NY) Representative Michelle Cristalle Dy-Vera, as well as Consul Felipe Carino III, welcomed prospective travelers visiting the Philippine booth to learn about the latest tourism packages. Also in attendance were Ms. Zeny Pallugna and Mr. Joey Chanco of PDOT-NY United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer Jejomar Binay (third, from left) and his entire slate are endorsed by One Cebu, a party led and Ms. Daniella Usmanova representing Philippine Airlines. by its gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia, in ceremonies launching the UNA-One Cebu alliance in Cebu City. A three-day event for travel Inquirer.net photo by Tonee Despojo

enthusiasts, the New York Times Travel Show boasts of exhibitors representing over 150 countries. The event showcases products like exploring domestic and international hot spots, familiar favorites and under-the radar crowdfree escapades. The travel show features, among others, the Travel Industry Conference, consumer seminars, and an interactive exhibition including more than 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. In addition to discounts and special offers, the show provides educational seminars and live entertainment for families, individuals, couples and seniors. Consul General Mario De Leon lauded the efforts of the Philippine Department of Tourism and PDOT-New York which are actively promoting attractive travel packages to mainstream travelers as well as Filipino-Americans in cooperation with US travel operators and international air carriers. There were several outstanding travel packages to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Philippines that are widely popular among American retirees and younger generation FilipinoAmericans that can be marketed extensively, he added. PDOT-New York’s Ms. Michelle Dy-Vera is upbeat for the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines this year. She said

that her office is aiming to expand partnerships and develop cooperation with US travel operators and agents, mainstream organizations, including air carriers, to include travel packages to the Philippines in their promotional efforts and publications as well as encourage a side-trip to the Philippines for American travelers to Asia. She found this year’s attendees to the Travel Show with increased interest on the Philippine tourism destinations. In order to further promote the campaign in New York, TPB through the DOT have placed ads on the Gray Line double-decker buses that bring NYC tourists to the various landmarks and destinations in the city. 2016 promises to be another good year for Philippine tourism as global publications continue to recommend the county as a mustvisit destination. National Geographic picked the Philippines as one of their top destinations for 2016, along with Burgundy, France; Glasgow, Scotland and Hokkaido, Japan. Cebu and Boracay made it to this year’s ‘Best Islands’ survey of Conde Nast’s Traveler magazine readers who unanimously voted for Palawan to be the best island in the world for the second year in a row. “Visit the Philippines Again 2016” The campaign was launched by the Department of Tourism SecPAGE A3

february 19-25, 2016 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline USa

Filipina Canadian pleads guilty to human trafficking

SAN FRANCISCO—A Filipino Canadian woman in Edmonton, Canada pleaded guilty to human trafficking and illegally employing foreign nationals Tuesday, February 2. Jennilyn Morris, 46, originally from the Philippines, pleaded guilty to two counts in Court of Queen’s Bench under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Morris knowingly used false or misleading information to encourage immigration to Canada between 2007 and 2010, according to a report by CBC News. Also, Morris between 2006 and 2010 hired at least 68 foreign nationals in work they were not authorized to do. She offered jobs to two men and a woman from the Philippines in her Canada-based company, Demot Cleaning, and gave them legitimate employment contracts. But three Filipinos, Robert Blando, Michael Faustino and Teodora Bautista, testified that Morris underpaid them for work and overtime stipulated in the contracts. Also she did not use them only in the positions approved in the contracts. Blando, Faustino and Bautista were only allowed to work for Demot, but Morris also used them at Webco. She also paid them two dollars an hour less than their offers. Also she made Bautista illegally work as a care-

giver for her children and as a housekeeper. Morris was arrested by the Canadian Border Services Agency. Morris employed at least 68 foreign nationals who were not authorized to work in Canada for her or any of her related companies. These included people who had work permits for an unrelated company, people who were under the Live-In Caregiver Program, held work permits for other employers, and are on visitor visas. As well as owning Demot Cleaning, Morris owns Smokey Joe’s Hickory Smoke House, and

she had a contract with Webco Printing to provide workers for certain taskes. She also owned four city homes and used three of them as rental units for the foreign workers. The workers felt Morris would fire them and send them home if they refused the work or complained. Some of the victims reportedly are no longer in Canada. Human trafficking can lead to a fine of $1 million, life imprisonment or both, while misrepresentation can garner up to $100,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. (Inquirer.net)

Filipina Canadian Jennilyn Morris pleaded guilty to human trafficking before a Canadian court.

Legally blind Fil-Am in North Carolina is a top wrestler, student SAN FRANCISCO—A 17-yearold blind Filipina American high school wrestler who is going blind got the attention of Raleigh, North Carolina television news recently. Liana Mutia, a Millbrook High School senior, told ABC 11 News in Raleigh, “I usually can tell by the handshake how strong (my opponents) are. “The touch of the handshake is about the only pre-match gauge she’s got. She describes her myopia and astigmatism: “It’s like having a large blind spot in the center of my vision with a lot of distortion around the edges.” Mutia has been losing her

sight since her sophomore year and is now legally blind. Judo is her primary sport, but she added wrestling two years ago both for the conditioning benefits and self-reliance as her vision deteriorated. “I didn’t want to be useless. I wanted to be useful to someone, somehow and if that meant getting into a spot and wrestling, then so be it.” Mutia told ABC News 11. Mutia could have graduated last year at age 16 – she has a 4.7 GPA, carrying exclusively AP classes this year. Next year, it’s off to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado

High school student and wrestler Liana Mutia is legally blind. ABC 11 News

Springs, Colo., where she’ll train for the 2020 Paralympic Games. She will also be in pre-med at the University of Colorado.

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New initiative aims to reduce childhood obesity in Los Angeles County LOS ANGELES — The ongoing effort to battle childhood obesity in Los Angeles County will now include a bigger focus on informing parents about healthier meal choices, smaller portions and choosing water while eating out, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) officials announced on Thursday, Feb. 11. With recent studies showing Americans now spend more money on eating out than on groceries, county officials today unveiled a creative advertising and outreach effort aimed both at parents as well as restaurants to secure healthiersized portions and healthier meal offerings for children. “As part of our ongoing efforts to battle childhood obesity in Los Angeles County, we will now have an enhanced focus on educating parents about healthier meal choices for their children,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis. “Today, we are empowering parents with easy tips to make better choices for their kids and encouraging restaurants to provide healthier options. Healthy options should be available no matter where we eat.” The “Healthy Eating Out” campaign is part of Public Health’s Choose Health LA effort and comes a few months after the county launched an outreach program to warn parents about another cause of childhood obesity – sugary drinks. “A meal away from home can be viewed as a special occasion, but it gets tricky if you are eating out three or four times a week. Studies indicate that families on average consume far more calories than they should when eating out at restaurants, and it’s not just fast food but also sit-down restaurants where calories are over-consumed,” said Dr. Paul Simon, MD, MPH, Director, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The new initiative will feature a series of advertisements placed throughout the county and online with simple, important tips when eating out or at home such as choosing fruits or veggies instead of french fries, and asking for water or low-fat milk instead of soda or juice drinks. Health officials also are encouraging Los Angeles

LAPH Healthy Eating Out 4

County’s more than 30,000 restaurants to remove or limit fried foods and sugary drinks from children’s menus, offer smaller portion options for all meals and deliver a fresher and healthier fare overall. “Whether you are going to a sitdown restaurant or picking up food to bring home, look for smaller portion-size options and children’s meals that include fruits or veggies, water or milk, and non-fried foods,” Simon said. “The other key tip is to have conversations with your children before going out to eat. Set the ground rules at home that certain foods will be off-limits. This removes the temptation – and a potentially bad scene – at a restaurant.” Emphasizing smaller portions and healthier meal options is even more important in 2016 given Los Angeles residents are, on average, eating out at least four times a week and nearly one in four children and adults are obese. “Parents are hungry for healthier meal options that are accessible, affordable and convenient,” said Teresa Nuno, chief of programs and planning for First 5 LA, which provided a grant to help research and fund the media campaign. “By partnering with restaurants to offer healthier options for children, along with providing tips and ideas to families on making better choices, we can help parents teach their kids healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.”

Public Health partners with restaurants to offer smaller portion sizes for meals and healthier children’s menu offerings. A list of more than 700 participating restaurant locations can be found online at ChooseHealthLA.com. “Choose Health LA Restaurant” partners displayed their modified healthy-choice menus, provided samples of their healthier children’s meals, and demonstrated proper portion sizes. The new campaign was announced against the backdrop of healthy meal preparation conducted at L.A. Kitchen, a social venture training new chefs and providing healthy meals and wholesale products for senior service agencies, hospitals, schools, and retail outlets throughout Los Angeles. The campaign is part of the Choose Health LA initiative operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to prevent and control chronic disease in Los Angeles County. The current media campaign, which runs through March, was funded through a grant from First 5 LA. Under this initiative, Choose Health LA Kids is a communitybased program partnering with county departments and public agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and health care providers to provide skills-building opportunities and give nutrition and physical activity resources to families with children up to age 5. n

Photos courtesy of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Filipina arrested for abandoning newborn... PAGE A1 The 37-year-old Filipina stayed inside the restroom for 10 minutes and left the establishment through its front doors. A customer said that he saw Trinidad leave, dripping a trail of blood, and informed an employee. Witnesses heard cries from the restroom and saw an umbilical cord hanging out of the toilet. A newborn baby boy was found sitting upright, half-submerged in the toilet. “They saw an umbilical cord leading into the toilet. When they looked inside the toilet they found the baby,” West Covina Police Spokesman Rudy Lopez said. According to reports, Trinidad gave birth in the restroom and left the placenta in the trash can. Following the discovery, a Subway employee called 911, describing the cries from the newborn and blood left by the mother. “We tried to keep her in and she just walked out. There’s a crying baby in the restroom,” a female employee told a dispatcher. Subway employees and customers tended to the newborn until paramedics arrived on the

scene and rushed the baby to Queen of the Valley Hospital. The baby was in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care and remains in critical condition, as of press time. He is expected to survive. Police found Trinidad nearby at the Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service shop. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment, and will be booked on suspicion of attempted murder and child abandonment once released. Lopez said bail will be set at $2 million. Trinidad also has a $30,000 narcotics-related warrant outstanding for her arrest. She was arrested on Jan. 3 for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police records. The police department circulated Trinidad’s booking photo from the previous arrest to “bring more awareness to the Safe Surrender Baby Law,” which allows parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant to any fire station or hospital within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked. The sandwich shop is located

Mary Grace Trinidad’s booking photo from a previous arrest on Jan. 3, courtesy of the West Covina Police Department.

in a Filipino-concentrated shopping center, where employees of various businesses said Trinidad has been a local transient for years. She frequently begged for food and money in the area. “I’ve done this for 36 years. I thought I had seen everything,” Lopez said. “I have no words to describe how I’m feeling about this.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

DOT encourages tourists to revisit PH PAGE A3

retary, Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. last November at the World Travel Market 2015 held in The Gherkin in London. The campaign aims to attract more visitors from all over the world to the Philippines and encourage them to return this year for more fun and feel-good adventures. As a kick-off to the campaign, the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum on 18 – 25 Janu-

ary 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Similar to Visit Philippines Year 2015, other exciting activities have been lined up to sustain the interest of the traveling public. Among the major events being showcased are Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 in April for foodies, the MTV Music Evolution 2016 in May for music-lovers and the 2016 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship in August for

sports and outdoor enthusiasts. Major musical acts such as Madonna and Andrea Bocelli have scheduled concerts in Manila as well. As of October 2015, the Department of Tourism has recorded a total of 4,226,489 international tourist arrivals to the Philippines from January to October 2015. The figure is an 11.13% increase from the same period of the previous year.

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Comelec: Pacquiao fight vs. Estrada: Forgive Pacquiao for Bradley possibly a poll violation off-the-cuff remarks on gays by Rosette

Adel

by ANNelle

tAyAo-Juego Inquirer.net

Philstar.com

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, Feb. 18 said it is looking into a possible violation of election rules by Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mannyâ&#x20AC;? Pacquiao, who is preparing for the last match of his celebrated boxing career in April. Comelec Chair Juan Andres â&#x20AC;&#x153;Andyâ&#x20AC;? Bautista said he already tasked one of the poll agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawyers to review whether Pacquiao may be using his match against Timothy Bradley within the campaign season as a way of promoting himself as a political aspirant. He said other candidates who endorse products must not appear in advertisements during the campaign period to be fair with other candidates who do not have commercial deals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an endorser who decided to run for public office, you have to stop your endorsements during campaign period,â&#x20AC;? Bautista said in an interview with ANC. Bautista was asked to comment on Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight following senatorial contender Walden Belloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remark oppos-

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada asked the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to forgive Rep. Manny Pacquiao for his recent anti-gay statements, which Estrada said were most likely made in haste. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nabigla lang yun (He simply made off-the-cuff remarks). [Manny] is a devout Christian, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his belief,â&#x20AC;? said Estrada in an interview after the oathtaking of registered nurses at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila where he was guest Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao raises his hands as he is introduced as a senatorial candidate speaker. by Philippine Vice-president and now opposition presidential candidate Jejomar Binay at the start of the official campaign period for the May 9, 2016 presidential elections in Mandaluyong city on Tuesday, Feb. 9. AP photo by Bullit Marquez

ing the congressmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It entails massive free media coverage which is unfair,â&#x20AC;? Bello, a former Akbayan party-list representative, said in an interview on ANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Headstart. Bello added that aside from Pacquiao, television and radio personalities who are candidates are obliged to take leave of absence during campaign period.

He insisted that Pacquiao will have to reschedule his fight until the May 9 polls end. Bautista, meanwhile, said that even if candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names are already on the ballot, they may still be disqualified from joining the elections. Pacquiao will face Bradley for the third time on April 9. The boxing match will occur a month before the elections at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Duterte questions US loyalty amid maritime dispute by NestoR

CoRRAles Inquirer.net

IS the United States a true ally of the Philippines? Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, Feb. 18 questioned the loyalty of the US amid the maritime dispute of the Philippines with China. Despite diplomatic protests, China has conducted massive reclamation on the disputed islands, building structures and airstrips in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). China also recently fueled tensions by deploying an advanced surface-to-air missile system to one of the islands it controls in the West Philippine Sea.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sinasabi ko nga bakit ito dumating sa panahon na ganito. Iyong ginagawa pa iyong Spratly ng China mga structures diyan, nandiyan naman iyong 7th fleet (ng US Navy) nila sa Pacific, bakit hindi nila pinuntahan doon at pinara nila. Na this is a violation of international law, you cannot construct man-made (structures),â&#x20AC;? Duterte said in an ambush interview at University of the Philippines Diliman. Is the US not a good ally? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To that extent, yes,â&#x20AC;? Duterte said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am still surprised until now na pinaabot nila iyong problema na ganito kabigat,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;E bakit noon they were just building those structures there,

pumunta na sana ang Amerika dun.â&#x20AC;? But the tough-talking mayor said he would not want the Philippines to go war with China. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why should we go to war? What can we gain?â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do we get if we go to war? Do you think we can match the military strength of China?â&#x20AC;? He said the US would never die for the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the most critical question is, would the Americans be on our side at that moment? â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Yan ang mahirap,â&#x20AC;? he said. In previous statements, Duterte said he was open to a dialogue with China on our maritime dispute, saying he was amenable to a joint exploration on the gas-rich sea.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think people should forgive him. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still our champion,â&#x20AC;? Estrada added. Asked if he had any advice for Pacquiao on making such public statements, Estrada said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to give out unsolicited advice.â&#x20AC;? Pacquiao on Tuesday drew flak from the members of the LGBT community, especially on social media, after he described in an interview homosexuals as â&#x20AC;&#x153;worse than animalsâ&#x20AC;? for having male-to-male and female-to-female sexual relations. The video went viral online and received so much negative feedback that Pacquiao later apologized for his comments.

Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada

However, he said he remained firm on his stand against samesex marriage. Sports brand Nike has dropped Pacquiao from its roster of endorsers because of his remarks.

MalacaĂąang: Martial law victims must speak upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by AuReA

CAliCA Philstar.com

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;MalacaĂąang has urged victims of martial law to speak up to make young people cherish the freedoms they now enjoy. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters that the return of the Marcoses to power makes more relevant the stories about martial law and how people should learn from the past. On Feb. 25, the country celebrates the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos and installed President Aquinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Corazon, to the presidency. In this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elections, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is running for vice president, while his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos is seeking her third and last term as Ilocos Norte representative. His sister, Imee Marcos, also filed her candidacy for Ilocos Norte governor for her third and final term. Quoting French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville, Lacierda said â&#x20AC;&#x153;that which you obtained freely, you considered cheap. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a paraphrase to thatâ&#x20AC;Ś Those who underwent the difficult periods of martial law cherish those freedoms.â&#x20AC;? Lacierda said the EDSA Revolution could not be considered a

On Feb. 25, the country celebrates the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos and installed President Aquinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Corazon, to the presidency.

failure just because the Marcoses were able to make a political comeback but rather a sign of a continuing battle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that the election is here, now that Senator Bongbong Marcos is here and the specter of dictatorship is coming back again, we certainly need to speak up against the dictatorship,â&#x20AC;? he said. Asked whether Marcos Jr. should carry the burden of being a dictatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Lacierda said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He

has not made any action which would convince us otherwiseâ&#x20AC;Ś the basic statement that the apple does not fall far from the tree? He has not acknowledged the sins of the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has not acknowledged the sins of his father. He has not acknowledged the corruption of his father. He has, in fact, glorified the dark days of martial lawâ&#x20AC;Ś How do we now say that he is different from the father when his actuations, his statements have not made any (distinction).â&#x20AC;? Lacierda stressed it was incumbent on everyone, especially those who lived during those years, to ensure that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dark daysâ&#x20AC;? of martial law would not come back and â&#x20AC;&#x153;haunt us.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Far from it. This is a period of human rights violations, human rights abuses; our economy went down. At some point, it went down, but towards the end because of cronyism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rampant cronyism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our economy was in the dumps,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a number of people who have experienced during that timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including Iâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who felt that this is a good time to recall those years. EDSA was a period where the whole people, the whole country just rose up in defiance of a dictator.â&#x20AC;? Lacierda said those who never PAGE A7

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february 19-25, 2016 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

O piniOn Business trip

Features

PRESIDENT Barack Obama welcomed leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday, Feb. 15, to discuss terrorism, maritime security, trade, and climate change. “Economic growth that is inclusive, creating opportunity for all; mutual security and the peaceful resolution of disputes; human dignity, including respect for human rights, and development that is sustainable — that is our vision. That’s what brings us here together today,” Obama told the ASEAN heads of state. President Benigno S. Aquino III was among the attendees of the twoday summit, which included leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The first US-ASEAN summit aims to strengthen the partnership that the US has forged with ASEAN since 2009, and will further advance the administration’s rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. This new multilateral initiative also aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, fight corruption, empower citizens, and utilize new technologies to make governments accountable and effective. “This ASEAN-US Special Summit is providing us an excellent opportunity to exchange our views and also provide direction for our officials in order to implement the outcome of previous ASEAN-US Summit in view of further strengthening our strategic partnership for the promotion of durable peace, stability, and prosperity for the future benefits of our nations and peoples,” Obama said. According to Philippine Ambassador to the US

Jose Cuisia Jr., the summit is an opportunity for leaders of the ASEAN and the US to have candid conversations about issues of mutual concern. Cuisia also highlighted that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US have never been more vibrant. He added that the two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security, climate change, violent extremism and economic engagement. “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of PhilippineUS relations, we highlight the durability, comprehensiveness, and dynamism of our ties. We have always been supportive of the rebalance to Asia-Pacific policy of the United States as it is an opportunity to deepen further our alliance in various areas of cooperation,” he said. Following the US-ASEAN summit, Aquino embarked on a working visit to Los Angeles where he had a series of meetings with officials of Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions. Before leaving the US, Aquino also met with members of the Fil-Am community to share with them good news from the Philippines. This may be Aquino’s final visit to the United States as Philippine president. With limited experience in foreign policy and an apparent preference for concentrating on domestic issues, Aquino has managed to thrive with his official trips abroad.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

The history of state visits goes back several hundred years. These formal visits are an important part of international diplomacy—to reinforce excellent relations, and intensify cooperation and exchanges between economies. There will never be a lack of subjects that need to be addressed between governments. Issues to be discussed such as economic balancing, security challenges and maritime cooperation, (of bilateral and global importance) should

constantly be looked upon. Maintaining peace and stability is always a priority so that each country can focus on their own domestic issues. State visits between important countries is an opportunity, not just for the attendees, but to each leader’s constituents as well. While Aquino’s state visits have yielded positive results, perhaps the trickier part of the process is making the outcome survive, years after the summit. (AJPress)

Why you should apply for US citizenship now MANY kababayans in America, even those among my own circle of family and friends, take their sweet time before taking the first step toward naturalization to become US citizens. This, despite the pains and struggles of obtaining their Permanent Resident card (green card) so they can legally live and work in the US. Some have separation anxiety—that sadness of letting go of their Filipino citizenship and professing loyalty to a country other than the Motherland. Others are worried about the cost of filing for naturalization, while there are those who just forget about it until their green cards are about to expire. If you and your family have made the decision to permanently live in the US, there are reasons why you should apply for citizenship sooner rather than later. On The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” Pinoy Panawagan legal counsel Atty. Lou Tancinco shares the important reasons why, which I hope can help you make that urgent decision: 1. Family unity Green card holders or non-US citizens who are permanent residents may petition their un-

grant who was arrested for a married children as well as their traffic violation but was later spouses. However, unlike US The Fil-Am found to have a criminal hiscitizens, they are not allowed to tory. The criminal convicpetition their parents, their mar- Perspective tions he had were deportable ried children and their siblings. offenses and resulted in his Being a US citizen provides deportation from the United them the ability to petition more States; consequently, he was family members including their separated from his US citizen future spouses or fiancées. Also, gel SantoS-ReloS spouse and children. This sitUS citizens may petition their minor children and spouses faster (about 12 uation could have been avoided if the immigrant months) as compared to green card holder pe- was a naturalized US citizen at the time of conviction. titioners. To prevent any unintended immigration conFilipino immigrants who are family-oriented would prefer to be naturalized as US citizens sequences, it would be best to apply for US citirather than wait to be reunited with their family zenship as soon as the immigrant meets the eligibility for naturalization. members. 3. Civic engagement 2. Avoiding separation Filipinos are the second-fastest growing miOnce a green card holder migrates, the permanent resident status is not really “permanent” nority group, and integration to the adopted in the sense that it may be revoked for cause by land becomes critical. Naturalized US citizens are given access to voting, political rights and the US Department of Homeland Security. This happens when an immigrant is convicted can seek equal protection of the law. A naturalof a removable/deportable offense, even if fam- ized US citizen may hold elected positions that will not only protect the interests of their conily members are all US citizens. This happened to a longtime Filipino immi- stituents but also their community.

4. Federal employment A naturalized US citizen may be afforded opportunities for federal employment with better benefits. Many Filipinos have joined the US military and have become US citizens giving them the ability to petition family members and enjoy military benefits. 5. Ease of travel This is probably the least important in terms of the reasons for becoming a US citizen but interestingly, some Filipinos carry pride in holding US passport when traveling to other countries. Certainly, there are more than these five reasons to apply for US citizenship. The motivation may be toward immigration integration but it does not take out the “Filipino” in the immigrant. With success or failure, the Filipino naturalized US citizen will still be perceived as a Filipino in his/her adopted land. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

The Candidates: Ms. Panday, the Why President Obama should quickly nominate Dirty Harry, the Clone and the Mayor SucceSSor to Scalia

an Asian American to the US Supreme Court

Community Voice Faith bautiSta PRESIDENT Obama, as a result of the unexpected death of US Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia, has an opportunity to appoint the first Asian American to the US Supreme Court in its more than 225 year history. As the late Justice Scalia has frequently stated, the court needs more diversity. In America’s history 112 justices have been appointed and confirmed. But despite more than 20 million Asian Americans, and the projections of the Census Bureau that the Asian American population will at least double in the next generation, no Asian American appointees have ever been made. We believe that this decision to appoint an Asian American should not be political since the very conservative Justice Scalia has always raised the issue of lack of Supreme Court diversity. Many of us, including the authors of this article, disagree on what elements are crucial in President Obama’s appointment process. Therefore, we have sent

to the President on February 16th, three names of Asian Americans who are 50 or under who cover the spectrum of political opinions from those probably approved by Senator Cruz to those probably approved by liberal governors such as Governor Brown. This includes California Supreme Court Justice Gordon Liu, who President Obama previously nominated to be a 9th Circuit Judge and is presently a brilliant scholarly progressive on the California Supreme Court. Somewhere in the middle, we have mentioned Jacqueline Nguyen, a 9th Circuit (Western US) Justice. Farther to the right, we have mentioned a former associate of Senator Ted Cruz, Sri Srinavasan. We also believe there are at least a dozen other well qualified and scholarly Asian American judges in the mix. The obvious political advantage to President Obama of nominating an Asian American is that it is likely to further unify the Asian American vote in favor of future presidential candidates. It also has the advantage of including the perspective of a community that potentially, within a generation, will have at least eight times the voting power of the entire Jewish community (Presently, three of the nine members of the US Supreme Court are Jewish.)

For Republicans, the advantage of such an appointment should they agree to hold hearings and support the nominee is that they will prove to the Asian American community that the Asian Americans are a key element in America’s future progress. It is our hope and expectation that the Republican leadership will join with the President in supporting the late Justice Scalia’s commitment to and concerns about the lack of diversity throughout the 225 year history of the US Supreme Court. Our letter to the President will be followed, if possible, by meetings with both the Republican leadership and the President when the National Asian American Coalition and its allies from the Black and Latino churches and chambers of commerce are in Washington D.C during the week of March 1st. It is also our hope that the leading Republican and Democratic candidates, including Clinton, Sanders, Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush and Kasich will begin to speak out on the need for the prompt confirmation of a fully qualified Asian American justice. As many Asian American leaders have often said, the US Supreme Court is far stronger by having three women, an African American and a Latino among the nine justices.

Commentary

RigobeRto tiglao LET’S not fool ourselves into believing that the May election is one in which Filipino voters will choose a President that has the best platform of government for the country. The scheduled “presidential” debates are not likely to be real exchanges of rational thinking to crystallize issues in the same way the college debates of our youth sought to thresh out issues. It will be a contest of sound bites, of the best and most imaginative verbal dirt-hurling in an “angpikon-talo” match – all intended to project a certain image of the candidate. It is entirely a contest of imagebuilding, even atrociously false ones. Thanks to the survey of Mr. Pedro Laylo Jr., made public in the Manila Standard, we have an empirical basis to describe these images. Ms. PAndAy Grace Llamanzares surrounded by posters of movies she should be grateful for. The first candidate is Ms.

Panday, Panday II, or Panday’s daughter – Senator Grace PoeLlamanzares. C’mon, people are not voting for this foundling, or more probably the winter-spring lovechild of a 51-year old Philippine President with a 20-year old starlet, even putting her at the head of the pack. They are not voting for this well-off Assumption College alumna who preferred to pursue the American dream in the US of A, and who worked in shortstints as a grade-school teacher, as “procurement liaison” for an obscure US government agency, and as sales assistant for an even more obscure private firm. People are not voting for this rich actor’s adopted daughter who returned to the country when her father died and then decided to become a Filipino citizen in order to be qualified to become senator … sorry, in order to serve the country. Delusional Filipinos are choosing her in presidential votingpreference surveys not because she is the poor adopted child of that near-recluse Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) and actress Susan Roces. They are choosing her because somehow in their minds, she is the daughter of “Panday,” the mythical hero portrayed by FPJ in many box-office hits, or the daughter of the working-class, anti-rich protagonist as he had

played onscreen several times. This is not a conjecture. That Laylo survey reported that 45 percent of the 29 percent who chose Llamanzares for President picked her because she is “kind, like her father,” that she will “continue the good work of her father” and that she will “fulfill her father’s promises.” The father here obviously does not refer to FPJ, as a person but to his Panday image and other movie-screen heroes he had portrayed. As amazing as that is the fact that a further 7 percent responded that they will vote for Llamanzares because she “provided housing for the poor, fought the rights of women, gave scholarships, helped calamity victims and helped those in financial need.” But Llamanzares really hasn’t done any of those: clearly they are projecting non-existent accomplishments on her, the result of their belief that she is a hero’s daughter who does such kind things. Such delusion, the mix-up of reel and real, is certainly not an infliction solely of the poor, and therefore, uneducated. Llamanzares garnered the highest percentage of her supporters, 30 percent, among the ABC economic class, bigger than the 27 percent in the E class. That is really a repeat of the PAGE A7

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 19-25, 2016

The Candidates: Ms. Panday, the Dirty... Roxas vows to campaign harder PAGE A5 presidential elections of 2004, when ousted President Joseph Estrada helped his best friend, Poe (Grace’s adoptive father), run for the top post against President Arroyo. Estrada convinced the introverted actor to run and win the presidency, because otherwise, Estrada would spend the rest of his life in jail for the plunder charges filed against him. Given that Poe lost by only 3 percentage points to Arroyo, Estrada now banks his hopes on the Panday’s daughter to sneak into the tight race and win the presidency this year. Those behind Llamanzares are the same gang of supporters as Estrada’s shadowy cabal of Chinese Filipino businessmen that included William Gatchalian. ‘Mini-Me,’ the clone Another candidate is “The Clone,” or a better “Mini-Me:” Manuel Roxas 2nd. “Mini-Me” is that character in those Austin Powers comedy movies – the clone of villain Dr. Evil, identical in every way with the main character but “one-eighth his size.” It was a hilarious scene when Dr. Evil, even if visibly disappointed that his clone is a dwarf, pompously dubs it “Mini-Me.” A similar scene came to mind when Aquino raised Roxas’ hand as he declared him the Administration’s candidate, even if he knew he was rating badly in the voterpreference polls. Roxas is without a doubt the contest’s “Mini-Aquino” in the Laylo survey. A huge 42 percent chose him “because he will continue Aquino’s programs, such as the conditional cash-transfer program.” A further 10 percent did because he was endorsed by the President. Roxas fits the role to a tee. The Mini-Me of the movies often hilariously tries to be tougher than Dr. Evil, only to hide later behind his boss’s legs. Roxas also often tries to appear tougher than Aquino, as when he told the Tacloban mayor Alfred Romualdez in the wake of Yolanda’s damage: “Let’s face it, you are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino.” Or when he replied to Duterte’s remark that he would slap Roxas when he sees him: “Bakit pa sampalan, pambabae ‘yan, suntukan na lang, ‘di ba?” But he kept his mouth shut when Duterte challenged him to a gun duel. What dooms Roxas, and explains his low ratings, is that while 42 percent of those who

chose him did so because “he will continue Aquino’s programs,” 38 percent did not vote for him because he will be “like Aquino who hadn’t changed things in the country,” and that he is precisely a Mini-Me, “walang sariling decision, sunud-sunuran kay Aquino.” That is, it’s a wash being Aquino’s clone. Dirty Harry, tHe sHeriff Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the contest’s Dirty Harry, the Wild West Sheriff. In the Laylo survey, nearly 70 percent picked him because of his tough anticrime stance: “he is a disciplinarian and really punished criminals (22 percent),” “eradicated drug pushers and illegal drugs (20 percent),” “eradicated crime under his leadership (12 percent),” “strict in implementing the law (8 percent)” and “wielded the iron fist in disciplining Filipinos (7 percent).” Duterte has been mayor of Davao City for 20 years since 1988 (his daughter Sarah became mayor so he could skirt the term limits), and a congressman from 1998 to 2001. But those who chose him perceived him almost totally as a man who vanquished crime and who could “discipline Filipinos.” Duterte’s image is as the ruthless San Francisco detective Dirty Harry Callahan who didn’t hesitate to kill criminals where they stood, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the box-office hit movies where the lead character replaced the goody-goody iconic hero of the past. Obviously huge sectors of Filipinos, tired of the wave of crimes that have grown worse under Aquino, want such a cold-blooded crime-buster as President. But wasn’t Erap, with his PAOC nearly one, and aren’t most of our police, already of that kind? the Mayor About 20 percent of respondents chose Vice President Jejomar Binay because “he could replicate his success as mayor in developing Makati” on a national scale. (“Napaganda/napaunlad niya ang Makati, baka magawa niya sa buong bansa.”) The “good mayor” aiming for the presidency, that is. This is the reason why the Aquino-Roxas camp undertook an expensive two-year campaign to defame Binay’s track record as mayor, and tried to show that his stint was one of corruption, the biggest instance of which, they alleged, was the purportedly overpriced Makati City Hall

Building II. The Administration failed in this intense defamation campaign, even if it was supported by the biggest newspaper in the country, and the plot even backfired, which explains why Binay is now leading in the voter-preference surveys. The “Good Mayor” is a powerful image in national elections, given that most Filipinos’ encounter with government—especially outside the metropolis—is solely with a mayor. It is at that level where they can feel the impact of having a good or bad government representative, a mayor, on their lives. However, the second biggest group of Binay’s supporters chose him not just because of his track record as Makati mayor. A significant 19 percent of those who favored him in the Laylo poll picked him because of his “wide experience in government.” This could be due to the fact that aside from being Makati mayor, he served the high-profile posts of Metro Manila Authority chairman from 1990 to 1992, and its successor institution, the Metro Manila Development Authority from 1998 to 2001. Binay took a clever move when he collaborated with the Aquino Administration as that added to his political support base. Due to his work as Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, 11 percent of respondents chose him because “he has helped OFWs in trouble in other countries.” One of Binay’s strong points as revealed in the Laylo survey where 14 percent of those who supported him selected him because “he grew up poor, and therefore he is pro-poor.” There has been no other presidential candidate—except Ramon Magsaysay, a former auto mechanic who won the presidency in 1953—who managed to have such an image, which is an enormous edge in a country where I suspect more than 70 percent of voters see themselves as poor. (Manuel Villar tried to build up that image in the 2010 elections, and failed catastrophically as it backfired on him.) Would you vote for somebody whose image is of the Snow White fairy tale type? Would you vote to office a “Mini-Me” so we would have the same kind of government as we’ve had the past six years, a Mini-Me wielding the vast resources and power of the Republic of the Philippines as its leader? (ManilaTimes.net)

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA—With his ratings in surveys showing little sign of improvement, Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II vowed to campaign harder in the coming weeks and highlight more his qualifications and clear governance platform. “As you can see, we don’t do dramas, we just work to let our people know what we can do and where we can bring our nation,” Roxas told reporters in Quezon City after meeting with local leaders and supporters led by Mayor Herbert Bautista. “We want to see our country where each family can live in dignity, with decent livelihood, with enough money to buy food and fulfill their dream for their children—that’s where our campaign is focused,” he said. Roxas’ ratings slipped from 21 percent to 18 percent in a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations and the newspaper BusinessWorld from Feb. 5 to 7. While admitting his survey ratings are erratic, he stressed “the most important survey is the one in May.” LP officials are unfazed by Rox-

Malacañang: Martial law... PAGE A5 experienced human rights violations and martial law in general would tend to not appreciate the same kind of disappointment over those years. Lacierda said Aquino, whose family became victims of martial law, had stated that the Marcoses should apologize for it. The EDSA revolution and the country’s restored democracy were also not about one family or person alone, he added. Lacierda said Aquino’s parents were considered democracy icons because the first EDSA revolution occurred three years after his father, Benigno Jr. was assassinated in 1983 after years of fighting the dictatorship, while his mother continued the fight of her husband by running for president. “The legacy of EDSA must be carried by all of us, all of us who value freedom, all of us who fought against the dictatorship,” he said. “That’s a legacy… that should be carried by all freedom-loving people.”

as’ poor showing, saying varying survey results only showed many voters are still undecided. “We have several weeks to go to campaign. Our message of a better economy, a better future with jobs, and security for our people will resonate,” Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas Jr. said. The ruling party hopes to get more support from voters in Metro Manila, particularly Quezon City, and is tapping Bautista to serve as its campaign manager for the whole metropolis.

Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas

february 19-25, 2016 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

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the asian journal entertainment magazine

february 19-25, 2016

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

february 19-25, 2016

Boyce Avenue says Philippines is their ‘home away from home’ by Joyce Jimenez

Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday, Feb. 16. “We made sure to be here MANILA—American band around February or around Boyce Avenue has found a “home Valentine’s Day. So thank you guys away from home” in Philippines. for coming tonight. You already “We missed you guys, feels made tonight a special night,” he good to be back. This is like a home away from home,” Alejandro added. Boyce Avenue—a band of Manzano of Boyce Avenue said during their concert at the Araneta brothers composed of Alejandro Philstar.com

Fabian Manzano showing off some of his guitar skills.

(lead vocals, guitar, piano), Fabian Manzano (guitar, vocals) and Daniel Manzano (bass, percussion, vocals)—has been in the country a number of times in the past. It was in 2009 when the band first had a show in the the Philippines. The boys first met thousands of their Filipino fans during mall shows, in Manila and Cebu seven Valentine’s Days ago. Alejandro said have been “overwhelmed” by the support of their Filipino fans. This made his Fabian shout, “Mahal namin kayo!” Some of the cover songs that they performed which elicited loudest cheers were “Wake Me Up” by Aviicii, “Use Somebody” of Kings of Leon, Adele’s “Hello,” “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls and Alejandro’s mash up of “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. They also performed some of their new singles like “Imperfect Me,” “Sinner” and “Be Somebody.” “I swear the Philippines has some of the best singers out there,” Alejandro said as the audience sang along to the band. At the end of their show, Boyce Avenue thanked everyone who was there for making it an “amazing and special night for us.” Boyce Avenue was joined by two other performers who opened the show for them.

First is the Australian pop-rock band At Sunset who performed some of their hits like “Every Little Thing” and “Rush.” Also there was YouTube sensation Savannah Outen who performed her hits “Can’t Take It Back” and “Closure.”

American band Boyce Avenue found a “home away from home” in Philippines, after they’ve been warmly received by the Filipino fans in the years they have been doing concerts in the country. Philstar.com photos by Efigenio Toledo IV

The Vamps: ‘It’s always nice to come back to PH’ in the pop band by lead vocalist Brad Simpson, bassist Connor Ball, and drummer Tristan Evans. “That’s why we have always ONE of The Vamps’ first wanted to put [Manila] in our impressions of the Philippines world tours.” when they first visited here last Late last month, The Vamps year was that it was hot—“very took the stage anew at the same hot,” in fact, to quote guitarist venue, where the guys were once James McVey. again received with a raucous Later on, the British group welcome. learned that the local fans’ The band, which describes enthusiasm and eagerness to see its style as “pop-rock and indie,” them could be just as intense as had revelers jumping, shrieking the tropical heat, if not more. and singing along, as the pop “It was very loud, and there quartet delivered a 12-song set were lots of excited fans—which that included such hits as “Can was awesome,” James told We Dance,” “Last Night,” “Wake Up” reporters at Raffles Residences in Makati City. “The Philippines is one and “Somebody to You.” Titled “#3logy,” the one-night of the places in the world where show (mounted by MMI Live) also people are most supportive, so it featured American pop groups, was nice to come back,” he said, recalling the band’s concert at the Before You Exit and The Tide, as SM Mall of Asia Arena in February well as Australian R&B singer William Singe. Twelve-year-old 2015. Jayda Avanzado (Dingdong “Filipino fans are some of the most active in our Facebook page, Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza’s daughter) was the front act. too,” added James, who is joined by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

The pop quartet delivered a 12-song set.

Expectedly, giddy tween girls comprised the majority of the audience—some of whom, James related, trooped to the airport to catch the group’s arrival. “They seem to know where we are set to go to before we do,” quipped James, who personally invited teen actress Liza Soberano, a fan of the band, to attend the concert. Asked about the group’s huge female fan base, Brad let out a chuckle. “It’s nice that people are enjoying our music. They are very dedicated, and they sing all the words—which is cool,” he said, quickly adding: “But we saw a few guys out there, as well!” The Vamps, which also flew to Cebu City for an autograph session, was formed and gained traction in 2012 with the help of social media. Thus, Brad pointed out, giving back and making the fans happy are always a top priority—even if it meant having

to twerk, which they once did as part of a dare. “We try to cater to whatever the fans want, because they have done a lot for us,” Brad said. “We didn’t come from a TV show or something. Much of our success is due to their support and hard work. So if they ask us to twerk, we twerk!” Aside from their ongoing tour, The Vamps has also covered the song, “Kung Fu Fighting,” for the third installment of the movie “Kung Fu Panda”—an exciting and intimidating project, Brad related, “because the song is wellknown.” The band also continues to write new material for its third album. “We are very open to anything as musicians. We will see where [our sound] ends up going,” Brad said. “We’re evolving all the time. As we evolve as people, from teenagers to young adults, so will our music,” James added.

Marian Rivera: I feel more complete by nAthAlie

tomAdA Philstar.com

MANILA—After a four-month maternity break, Marian Rivera is set to resume her TV work with two new projects on GMA 7. The Kapuso primetime queen will star in the revival of the fantasy-series “Encantadia” as Ynang Reyna and will host her own talk show befitting her newfound status as a mother and homemaker. She’s also rejoining the cast of the comedy-variety show “Sunday Pinasaya.” All these were announced by GMA Entertainment TV boss Lilybeth Rasonable during a presscon last Tuesday, Feb. 16 for Marian. It was her first official media appearance since giving birth to her firstborn with Dingdong Dantes, Maria Letizia (nicknamed Baby Zia), in November. Stunning as ever and hardly showing any baby weight, Marian had reporters commenting that she looks very much like when she

was still single. The 31-year-old actress responded with a laugh, “Okay lang akong tawagin ninyong mukhang nanay na,” adding an emphatic “I don’t care” should there be comments on the postpregnancy changes of her body. Marian couldn’t stop talking about her family life. According to her, the feeling of becoming a mother is incomparable. “Of course, it’s a different feeling when you get married. Pero ‘yung pagkakaroon ng isang anak, parang mas buo ‘yung pagkatao ko ng literal. (I feel more complete as a person, in the literal sense.) Iba talaga pag nanay ka.” That’s why she’s having “mixed emotions” about returning to work as she finds it difficult to leave her daughter behind at home. She would turn emotional every time. Nevertheless, she’s thankful to GMA because the network bosses have been considerate and cooking up plans even during her

Marian Rivera (who’s set to host her own talk show and star in Encantadia) on being a mom: ‘Of course, it’s a different feeling when you get married. Pero ’yung pagkakaroon ng isang anak, parang mas buo ’yung pagkatao ko ng literal. Iba talaga pag nanay ka.’

breastfeed, then ‘pag tulog siya, I have to pump, then when she wakes up, I have to breastfeed her again, siempre sobrang sensitive. Ang hirap pala pero sabi ng asawa ko, ‘Susuportahan kita, ‘wag kang susuko.” “I’m really doing this for my daughter because they say, a breastfed baby will be healthier and better behaved growing up. So, it’s okay. I’m willing to make sacrifices for our daughter.” Having a child has obviously made Marian and Dingdong tighter as a couple. According to Marian, they’re very hands-on as parents, not even employing the Heart Evangelista and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero during the 2016 State of the Nation help of a nanny. At the time of Address red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. the presscon, she entrusted her Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion daughter to her mother and lola. “Sabi nga ni Dong, ‘Ang swerte talaga natin kasi nagkaroon tayo ng anak.’ Lagi niyang sinasabi na ang pagkakaroon ng anak ay isang miracle talaga. Ito ang totoong buhay para sa amin — ang by AlixAndrA cAole VilA “I don’t really feel pressured. Just magkaroon ng isang pamilya.” Philstar.com a little bit siguro because it’s his Continued on Page 4 number one love, and his passion, MANILA—With the elections pero okay lang.” just a few months away, Heart Heart said that despite being Evangelista expressed gratitude busy with the campaign and that her husband, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero who is running for his political career, Chiz remains vice president, knows how to keep supportive of her career. “He is super supportive (with political tension at bay. my painting career). In fact, he “I’m lucky that I don’t have is the one who bought me my like a political monster husband. canvasses and brushes and said He’s very relaxed. He never made me feel like he’s galit sa mundo or you know what, you should start painting,” shared the actress super stressed,” Heart said in an turned artist. interview with Philstar.com. Heart recently collaborated According to Heart, both of with designer Mark Bumgarner them try hard to live a normal life and stay away from the tension as for a fashion gala. The event showcased 40 well-designed much as possible. Asked if she feels pressured for tailored dresses, 15 of which are masterfully hand-painted by Heart his husband, who is the running Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares as one of the godparents of Baby Zia. mate of Sen. Grace Poe, Heart said: herself. hiatus that could work around the big changes now happening in her life. So, now that she’s back, her work schedule will have to ease up. Several soap ideas were presented to her, but she decided to take on the Ynang Reyna role (originated by Dawn Zulueta), which doesn’t require her to spend long hours on the set. Fans of the original “Encantadia” would remember Ynang Reyna appearing intermittently throughout the series. The talk show will have less taping time as well. “Ito lang talaga magawa ko para di mabigat sa akin. Of course, I love my work but my priority now is really my daughter.” Marian proudly noted that she’s breastfeeding Baby Zia fulltime. “No formula milk for three months now,” she shared. “Thank you Lord, marami akong stock (breast milk).” “At first, it was hard. It even reached the point na naiiyak ako kasi maya’t maya I have to

Heart feels ‘lucky’ not to have a ‘political monster’ spouse

february 19-25, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Grammy awards: A night of epic tributes and electric performances

Bruno Mars takes home 3 Grammys By Allyson

EscobAr AJPress

The 58th annual Grammy Awards, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the music industry, was a big night for artists including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruno Mars. At the Premiere Grammy Awards Ceremony, most of the 83 awards in various categories were handed out. Only eight awards were presented live on CBS, along with a string of memorable performances that included Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex), and many more. A performance by Rihanna was cancelled at the last minute due to bronchitis. Taylor Swift took home prestigious album of the year award for “1989,” during the live ceremony on Monday night, held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. It was her third Grammy win of the day. (She also took home Best Pop Vocal Album for “1989” and Best Music Video for “Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick Lamar.) “As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to all the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” Swift said in her acceptance speech, which some believe is a response to rapper Kanye West’s lyrics about her in his new single, “Famous.” “But if you just focus on the work, and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and you’ll know that it was you and the people who love you that put you there,” she added, “and that will be the greatest feeling in the world.” 28-year-old rapper Lamar, who earned a record of 11 nominations, received his fifth

Grammy of the day for best rap album for his acclaimed “To Pimp a Butterfly.” “First off, glory to God, that’s for sure,” said Lamar, who also thanked family and those who worked on the album. he added, “This is for hip-hop.” Compton-based Lamar had one of the most powerful and talked-about performances of the night, with onstage images of jail cells, a giant fire and tribal dances, and the word “Compton” superimposed over an image of the African continent. The rapper emerged in chains to perform a medley of his songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright,” from his award-winning album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” It was also a night of music’s biggest tributes. Lady Gaga paid an eclectic tribute to the late David Bowie; Stevie Wonder sang “That’s the Way of the World” with Pentatonix in honor of earth, Wind and Fire’s Maurice White; Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark Jr. and Chris Stapleton came out to honor R&B pioneers Ruth Brown and B.B. King, and Jackson Browne and the remaining members of The eagles sang “Take It easy” for Glenn Frey, who died on Jan. 18. Luke Bryan, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Tyrese and Meghan Trainor also performed a medley of Lionel Richie’s hits, later joined by the singer himself. The hollywood Vampires-which includes Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry-also made their fiery television debut, introduced by Dave Grohl. The group paid homage to the leader of Motorhead, late singersongwriter Lemmy Kilmister. Breakout performances included a pop duet by country singers Sam hunt and Carrie Underwood, as well as a riveting mashup of “hollow / Let It Go” by newcomer artists Tori Kelly and James Bay. Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton was awarded best country album of the year win for “Traveller,” while ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud” was named

Andre Paras and Barbie Forteza topbill “That’s My Amboy.”

Barbie & Andre by popular demand by bibsy

M. cArbAllo Philstar.com

“That’s My Amboy” is under the direction of Bb. Joyce Bernal with guest director Dominic AFTeR Barbie Forteza and Zapata. Included in the cast Andre Paras were successfully are Tonton Gutierrez as Albert paired in the recently-concluded top-rating Afternoon Prime series Romero, former matinee idol and a ladies’ man; John Arcilla “The half Sisters,” they are back as Joselito “Lito” Tapang, the as they revive their onscreen stepfather of Maru, a stunt love team as Maria Rosario director and a responsible and “Maru” Carreon and Bryan Ford in loving husband and father; Donita “That’s My Amboy. “ This is GMA Rose as Cecille Carreon Tapang, Network’s newest primetime former actress and Maru’s kind offering on GMA Telebabad. and understanding mother; Kiko “That’s My Amboy” is a light romantic comedy series calculated estrada as Patrick Almeda, a rising star who will be Bryan’s rival in Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars took home three Grammys, including Best Pop Duo/Group to pull the heartstrings of the Performance, Remixed Recording (Non-Classical), and Record of the Year for his funky hit viewers and make them feel good showbiz; Jazz Ocampo as Trina with producer Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk.” Dominguez, a young actress and and kilig every night. Photo posted by Bruno Mars on his Instagram account Bryan’s secret girlfriend; Matet de The series is about Maru Song of the Year. The British “The piano mics fell on to the Leon as Yaya Yolly, Bryan’s caring (Barbie), a simple yet determined artist also received his first piano strings, that’s what the girl who seeks to do her best in life, nanny and No. 1 supporter. Grammy ever for best solo pop guitar sound was. It made it Also part of the cast are Meryll inspired by her mother’s love for performance. Rock quartet sound out of tune. Sh*t happens,” her. It is also about Bryan (Andre), Soriano as Divine, Bryan’s strict yet Alabama Shakes won the best Adele tweeted later, brushing fair and loyal manager; Maritoni TV and film’s hottest leading man, rock performance with “Don’t off the unavoidable technical Fernandez as Alice Ford, Bryan’s who seeks to be truly appreciated Wanna Fight,” which was also difficulties. mother who looks down on his by his girl and his family. And it named best rock song of the Filipino-American singer tells about how their unusual work chosen field; Jerald Napoles is year, and the group won best Bruno Mars took home three Tope, Bryan’s driver and No. 2 relationship blossomed into a alternative music album for Grammys, including Best Pop beautiful friendship and one great supporter; Pam Prinster as Miley, “Sound & Color.” Duo/Group Performance, Bryan’s loveteam; Jan Manual as love story. The cast of Broadway’s Remixed Recording (NonSimon, Bryan’s former personal In the series, Bryan was the “hamilton” performed the hipClassical), and Record of the Year assistant; Philip Lazaro as PR, reason why Maru’s stepfather got hop musical’s opening number, for his funky hit with producer Miley’s manager; Pauline Mendoza which was broadcasted live from Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk.” The into an accident. To pay for the as Maria Carmela “Maricar” damages, Bryan’s manager hired the Richard Rodgers Theater in prestigious accolade, presented Tapang, Maru’s sister and a big Maru as Bryan’s personal assistant. New York City. “hamilton” also at the end of the night by fellow fan of Patrick Almeda; Kryshee But they would always get on took home Best Musical Theater Super Bowl performer Beyoncé, Grengia as Maria Theresa “Mayte” each other’s nerves. They finally Album. is Mars’ fourth Grammy Award. Tapang, Maru’s youngest sister Adele, whose new record “25” “This is dedicated to the fans became friends when something happened to Bryan, and Maru was and a super fan of Bryan; and Rob will make next year’s Grammy’s right here. We wouldn’t be here Walcher as Donald Ford, Bryan’s cut, had a rare weak performance it weren’t for the people dancing there for him. This brought them American father and a successful closer and eventually they fell for when the sound cut out during in this song,” Mars said in his her live rendition of “All I Ask.” lawyer. each other. speech. “This is for ya’ll.”

february 19-25, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Lav Diaz film main entry in Berlin film fest LAV Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” (A Lullaby for the Sorrowful Mystery) has been chosen to compete in the Main Competition section of the Berlin International Film Festival 2016 (Berlinale). The awards night is on Feb. 21 with Meryl Streep as president of jury. The film is Diaz’s first main competition in the Big 3—Cannes, Berlin, Venice—and a long overdue recognition of being accepted into the section after years of participation in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, Venice’s Orrizonti and the Berlinale Forum. Hele is about the history of Filipinos and boasts of having the biggest cast ensemble in current Philippine film history. Its lead stars are John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual, with Cherie Gil, Angel Aquino, Bernardo Bernardo, Alessandra De Rossi, Hazel Orencio, Susan Africa, Joel Saracho, Ely Buendia, Sid Lucero; Ronnie Lazaro, Menggie Cobarrubias, Bart Guingona, Jean Judith Javier, Sheenly Gener, Paul Jake Paule, Noel Sto. Domingo, Matt Daclan, Melo Esguerra, Bianca Balbuena, Moira Lang, Bradley Liew, Kristine Kintana, Karenina Haniel,

Director Lav Diaz, Paul Soriano, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual in Berlin to attend the Berlin International Film Festival 2016. Philstar.com photo

Sigrid Bernardo, Rcee Tenefrancia and Kuya Manzano as supporting actors. Diaz said he was surprised but thankful that many actors agreed to join his film about revolution. Interconnected narratives on the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1897 against the Spanish characterize “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis”—the story of the ballad Jocelyn ang Baliwag, which became the hymn of the

revolution; Gregoria de Jesus’ forlorn search for the body of the Father of Philippine Revolution Andres Bonifacio; the journey of our national hero’s fictional book characters Simon and Isagani; the role of the Philippine mythical hero of strength Bernardo Carpio and the half-man, half-horse tikbalang/ engkanto, and a discourse on the Filipino psyche. It is a marriage of history, literature and mythology, Diaz said. (Philstar.com)

Marian Rivera: I feel more... From Page 2

Baby Zia was baptized last Feb. 14 at the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati. A reception followed at the couple’s Makati home. The godparents were a mix of showbiz and non-showbiz, including Ai-Ai delas Alas, Gabby Eigenmann, Bettina Carlos, Ana Feleo, director Mike Tuviera, GMA 7 senior AVP of Regional Business Development Oliver Amoroso and Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, whose presence had the media speculating that her presidential candidacy in the May elections is being endorsed by the couple. Marian said, “Lahat ng ninong at ninang na kinuha namin, magsisilbing pangalawang magulang ng mga anak namin. So, yung binyag ni Zia, binyag lang talaga, walang halong pulitika.”

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Contrary to Marian and Dingdong’s lavish and muchpublicized 2014 wedding, no media coverage was allowed for the christening. In general, exposure for Baby Zia—considered a “celebrity” even before she was born—has been noticeably limited, save for a few photos on her parents’ Instagram accounts. Marian explained that they’re not trying to hide or keep her away from the public eye, but that they simply want to give her a “normal” childhood as much as possible. “Actually, nag-request talaga ako sa asawa ko na gusto ko ang binyag ni Baby Zia simple lang, tipong pamilya at malapit na kaibigan. Kasi di naman artista yung anak ko. Siguro nga stage mother ako, kasi masyado daw akong protective sa anak ko.”

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Marian also admitted that they have already received several endorsement offers for Zia as well. “A lot, but we—I wouldn’t say reject—said no because sobrang liit pa ng anak ko. We’re open to it. But gusto kong lumaki muna siya, at kung pwede sa edad na pwede na siyang tanungin na ‘Anak, gusto mo ba?’ at sasagutin n’yang, ‘Yes, mom.’” The joys of raising Zia have only increased Marian’s desire of having more children. Ideally, she wants four more kids, with their age gaps spaced by at least two years. Being an only child, it has always been her dream to have a big family. What if another one comes along—maybe, sooner than expected? Marian said, “Kung sakali po ipagkaloob po sa amin, OK lang po!”

Nurses with old Priority Dates by Carl

ShuSterman

Are you a foreign-born registered Nurse or Medical Technologist looking for a job in the US? Our law firm represents health care providers across the US who may sponsor you for temporary visas and green cards. The hospital will pay 100 percent of your legal fees. Our law firm represents over 100 hospitals, and during the past 30+ years, we have immigrated over 10,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals to the US. Our client hospitals currently have several hundred job opportunities for registered Nurses, Medical Technologists and other health care professionals. They are primarily interested in rNs and CLSs with old eB-3 priority dates which original sponsors are no longer interested in hiring them. If you are interested in finding a job in the US and being sponsored for a temporary visa or a green card, please send your answers to the following questions to egarcia@ shusterman.com: 1. Have you passed the NCLeX exam? 2. Do you have a US current valid license? If so, from what state(s)? 3. Have you taken and passed

the IeLTS or TOeFL exam? 4. Do you have a valid VisaScreen certificate? 5. Do you have any immediate family members accompanying you to the United States (spouse and children)? 6. Have you ever been petitioned by any US sponsor and hold an old priority date? If so, what is the old priority date? 7. Have you ever been to the US? 8. What is your rN background (area of expertise)? 9. What is your country of birth? 10. What is your country of citizenship? If you are eligible to be sponsored, she will forward your information to one or more of our hospitals and a representative from a hospital will contact you. Our services are free to you. Both attorney and filing fees will be paid for by the hospitals that we represent. *** Attorney Carl Shusterman has over 35 years of experience as an immigration lawyer. He served as an attorney for the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) until 1982, when he entered the private practice of law. For more than 10 years, he has been voted as one of the Best Lawyers in America and as a Super Lawyer by his colleagues in the bar. Carl has been named as one of the top 15 corporate immigration attorneys

CorraleS

Inquirer.net

IN the present administration, she may not have been given the controversial National Artist award despite being selected by the government agencies concerned but Philippine entertainment industry living icon Nora Aunor will graciously accept this year’s Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awardees on February 29. The award is given by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), an agency directly under the Office of the President of the Philippines. Together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the NCCA is also the same agency that is tasked for the final list of the NA awardees that is presented to the Office of the President for approval. In 2014, Aunor was removed from the said list in a controversial decision by President Benigno Aquino III, citing the actress’ alleged drug charges in the US. But this year, a few months before the Aquino administration folds up, Aunor will be among the 83 artists who will be honored by the NCCA led by its chairman, Prof. Felipe M. de Leon Jr, a musiciancomposer and executive director officer-in-charge Adelina Suemith, a long-time serving bureaucrat at the NCCA. The Ani ng Dangal recognizes artists who have earned international accolades during the past year. It is a yearly event, which serves as the culminating activity of the NCCA’s National Arts Month.

Aunor thanked the NCCA for receiving the award for the second consecutive time. “Ang Ani ng Dangal po ay isang mataas na pagbibigay ng karangalan sa isang artista o miyembro ng sining na talagang karapat-dapat na mabigyan nito,” Aunor said in a press conference. The veteran actress also thanked her fans for supporting her in her career. “Maraming-maraming salamat po, lalung-lalo na sa mga fans, na hanngang ngayon ay sumusuporta pa rin po,” she said. Aunor received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 ASeAN International Film Festival and Awards on April 2011 in Malaysia. Actress Cherry Gil will also receive the Ani ng Dangal Award in the field of cinema. Gil won best actress award for her performance in the film “Sonata.” Other personalities be honored in the field of cinema are Aiko, Melendez, Albert Chan Paran, Allen Dizon, Benjamin Tolentino, Brillante Mendoza, Carlo enciso

in the U.S. by Human Resource Executive magazine. His hard work and dedication to immigration law have earned him the highest rating (“AV”) in legal ability and ethics from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory. He has also served as a member of the Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission for the State Bar. Carl is also listed in The International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers and the Chamber’s USA Guide for Leading Business Lawyers. Additionally, he has testified as an expert witness before the Senate Immigration Subcommittee in Washington, D.C. Carl Shusterman Attorney at Law Certified Specialist in Immigration & Naturalization Law LAW OFFICES OF CARL SHUSTERMAN 600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1550 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone:(213)623-4592 Fax:(213)623-3720 E-mail: carl@shusterman.com Website: http://www.shusterman.com/

Catu, epy Quizon, emilo Garcia, Joseh Israel Laban, Jun robles Lana, Lemuel Lorca, Sid Lucero, Liza Dino, LJ reyes, Louie Ignacio, Micko Laurente, ralston Javier and richard Gomez.

kissed, speckled with freckles and care free, is how I see her. Hands clasped through rough terrains and the cliché walks on the beach, we’ll keep each other company through this nomadic adventure,” he said in the caption. He ended his greeting by

The makings of a successful Chinese entrepreneur

Filipino entrepreneurs working hard and diligently has stuck in the minds of budding entrepreneurs in the Philippines. Indeed, if one THe overseas Chinese or huaaspires to become a successful chiao is a term commonly used for entrepreneur, there is much to the Chinese in Southeast Asia. In learn from the Chinese Filipino a broad sense, overseas Chinese entrepreneurs. refers to all Chinese who have left The following list, initially their home in China to live and work abroad. The Chinese migration three due to limited space, gives an overview of the most famous to Southeast Asia, particularly Filipinos in business, mostly Chinese those who arrived between the 18th century and mid-20th century with a handful of Spanish mestizos. I will start with the four most popular was mainly for economic reasons and successful businessmen. I am and focused in economic activities hoping my readers can learn a lot related to employment and trade. Their prime motivation was to make from these icons of the Philippine business scene. a decent living and survive in a 1. Henry Sy. Henry Sy came from practically new frontier. an impoverished family in Jinjiang, a Unparalleled work ethic town near Xiamen, China. The entire In my new book, “ensuring family left China in 1936 to help the Your Family Business Legacy,” I family patriarch manage a thriving identified eight out of the twelve most famous Filipino entrepreneurs convenience store in Manila. As a child, Henry Sy used to and included wealthy businessmen work twelve-hours a day to help his whose families emigrated from father run their small family-owned Mainland China to the Philippines convenience store. During the before World War II when the Second World War, their store was economy was strong. looted and burned so the young I mentioned in my last column Sy switched to buying whatever he and I wish to reiterate that even could to sell for a profit. Hard times if each took a different approach, there is one common denominator and a humble background in retail, shaped and molded the young Sy. among them before they became Today, he is touted by the famous Filipino entrepreneurs business community as the richest — unparalleled work ethic man in the Philippines with a net While there are other worth of US$14.4 Billion, according factors that contribute to their to the Forbes.com list in March achievements, such as being 2015. With over fifty malls and frugal, a good financial sense, and stores of various sizes, the most a strong network of fellow Chinese recognized of all famous Filipino businessmen for support, the collective image of these famous Continued on Page 6

Calendar of Events across

Lucio Tan

Henry Sy

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS F E B R UA RY 2 0

PCCHS/ PUPLHS 1996 Golden Jubilee The Philippine College of Commerce High School Laboratory Batch 1966 (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from February 20-21 in Manila, Philippines. According to the President of the PCCHS Batch ‘66 Alumni Association, ROLAND ATIENZA, about 55 batchmates from Australia, Canada and USA have confirmed attendance to the Homecoming and 50 from Manila local chapter. Activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee Celebration are as follows: February 20, 2016 -- 6:00-12:00 pm. Formal Program/Dinner at the Banahaw Ballroom, The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City, Philippines February 21, 2016 -- 8:00 am - 9:00 pm - Visit the ANAWIM Home for the Abandoned Elderly, Montalban, Rizal Province (Fellowship/Lunch/Donate basic needs of the elderly) - Tour of Manila (Former PCCHS in Lepanto, Intramuros Tour (old churches and Cathedral, Rizal Park, Fort Santiago) - Dinner/Cultural Show, at Barbara’s, Intramuros February 22, 2016 - BREAKUP GROUP (To Palawan, Laguna and respective hometown provinces of the guests) For inquiries, please contact the following members of the CORE group: Agnes T. Sule #09165567000 suleagnes@yahoo.com, Roland Atienza #09062947156 atienza8@yahoo.com, Rebecca T. Sayed 09064032624 rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com, Lourdes T. Flores lulutflores@yahoo.com, Rebecca Sayed rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com.

Take the ‘Journey to Success’ at Cal State LA

erwan Heussaff: Anne’s presence will always be more than enough MANILA—erwan Heussaff posted a romantic message for his girlfriend Anne Curtis, who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 17. On Wednesday, erwan posted on his Instagram account a photo of Anne smiling by the seashore. “Through my eyes, sun

The Kite Runner

Prof. EnriquE M. Soriano

Culture, arts agency under Office of the President honors Nora Aunor by neStor

february 19-25, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

saying, “Happy birthday to the one who’s presence will always be more than enough.” Anne and erwan have been together for five years. The couple said they’re in no rush to settle down, but admitted that they’re talking about marriage from time to time. (Philstar.com)

WHAT: Asian American and Pacific Islander students and families are invited to California State University, Los Angeles for “Journey to Success,” a college exposition open to high school and community college students who are interested in Cal State LA. “Journey to Success” will feature workshops on how to prepare and pay for college, information on CSU requirements for admission and application processes, and representatives from Cal State LA and other CSU campuses to answer questions. The outreach event will include free parking, breakfast, special giveaways, college resources and student panels. The college expo is sponsored by the California State University’s (CSU) Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiative. WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm WHERE: The Golden Eagle Ballrooms at Cal State LA. (5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA) For more information and details, please go to calstate.edu/journeytosuccess or call the Office of Outreach and Recruitment at Cal State LA, (323) 343-3839.

MARCH 4-6

GK USA National Summit 2016 There is no better time for Gawad Kalinga (GK) to present the Philippines as the new land of opportunity, with a steadily rising economy--the fastest growing in the world next to China, according to Bloomberg--and alleviating poverty. GK continues to evolve as a movement, starting with philanthropy expanding to sustainability, and creating hybrid, innovative systems to end poverty. The Summit will provide an opportunity for Filipinos, GK volunteers, partners, and millennials to reconnect with their homeland, contribute to their country and social entrepreneurship, and help to build bridges for a thriving nation. Asian Americans will have a taste of the emerging market of world-class, affordable Philippinemade products, such as Bayani Brew, First Harvest Peanut Spreads, Human Nature beauty products, and Theo Philo chocolates. Support GK’s humanitarian efforts to provide home and livelihood to the poorest of the poor, and learn about GK, GK USA, and GK Enchanted Farm programs. The Summit will take place from March 4-6, 2016, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). To register, please visit gk-usa.org.

MARCH 5

“An Enchanted Evening” Dinner-Dance for Gawad Kalinga As part of the GK USA National Summit, you are cordially invited to a dinner-dance, themed “An Enchanged Evening,” to benefit programs of Gawad Kalinga and GK Enchanted Farm. The Dance will take place on Saturday, March 5, 7:00pm, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). The cost is $100, with formal attire. The all-night program will include dinner, induction of the GK-USA Board of Directors, remarks from the Chairman of the Board, and all-night dancing. For more details on sponsorship packages for Gawad Kalinga builders and feeding programs, as well as GKEF programs and scholarships, please visit gk-usa.org. For tickets, please visit gk-usa.org/dinnerdance. Restaurateur Erwan Heussaff and Anne Curtis spend a vacation in South America in this January 2016 photo posted by the actress-host on her Instagram account. Instagram photo by Anne Curtis

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

february 19-25, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Free citizenship workshop in North Hollywood LA immigrant rights organizations provide free legal assistance

LOS ANGELES—On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles and Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) will help local green card holders take the first step towards becoming citizens through two free events as part of the New Americans Campaign. These workshops will provide lawful permanent residents with free naturalization application assistance by professional and trained volunteers. Individuals will also receive legal counsel by probono attorneys and legal experts. Services are available in multiple languages. The New Americans Campaign is an innovative

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Pressure cooker violence

Connecticut company he was working for. Confronted with the evidence, he was given the Monette choice to quit or be fired, instead, AdevA MAglAyA he pulled out a gun hidden in his (Part 1 of 2) lunchbox and blasted away at “AFTER all the news vans his superiors, who happen to be are gone from the crime scene, all white, and according to one after the vacuous words of any victim who survived the carnage, sitting president have been said, as “cold as ice” fatally killed eight after all references to the story good people and injured two are buried in the inside pages others before killing himself. The and eventually ground to a halt race card was immediately pulled on the internet, and when the out as a motive among the grieving families of victims have pundits trying to put a racial spin no more tears to shed, there is no on the tragedy. The fact remains answer to the question ‘WHY?” that one evil man wiped out the Do you still remember the lives of eight good, productive Boston Marathon tale of murder people and forever marred the and mayhem on a lovely spring lives of those around him. day just a few years ago? There’s a common thread Two young Muslim Chechen — one man driven by religious brothers, who together with their fanaticism, rage, jealousy, families came as refugees 10 paranoia, desperation, depression years ago and who lived much over economic pressures, family of their lives on state welfare problems or just plain deranged, allegedly committed this heinous decided he can’t take it anymore US$4.5 Billion based on the Forbes’ assault on American soil. and instead of committing billionaires list. Originally a simple The older terrorist died in a suicide, decide to inflict murder immigrant from China, Tan was volley of gunfire and after being and mayhem killing several born in the Fujian province of run over and dragged allegedly others, either his own family China. He spent his childhood at an by his own brother. The surviving members or total strangers. apartment in Hong Kong shared younger brother claim that they, In 2009, there were more by other families and had a short particularly his brother who was than 7 mass murders committed supply of basic necessities. (Please the ringleader of the bombing, was by ordinary people, with a total see related article last year where I angered by the wars in Iraq and casualty count, including the wrote about his phenomenal rise). Afghanistan and are defending murderers themselves, of more Later, he moved to Manila attacks on Islam. He is doing time than 60 people before the first where he studied Accounting for his crime yet he and his family 100 days of the year were over. at the University of the East. For are without remorse. It is 6 years later and this tragic economic reasons, he would head They murdered 3 innocent social phenomenon is still to school walking rather than riding bystanders: a boy of 8, a 29 year trending upwards. on public transportation. During old woman who was a restaurant Pundits and talking heads his early years in business, the local manager, a 23 year old Boston predict that as the percentage government unit of Quezon City University grad student of math of the unemployed continues honored him as “Businessman of and statistics from China and a to hold steady as we stay in the the Year” in 2004. Tan now runs the well-liked 26 year old campus grip of a stubborn economic Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), police officer at MIT. The officer downturn, we can expect more of Andrew Tan composed of four companies was killed by multiple gunshot this type of horror. God forbid. namely Megaworld Corporation, is slated to deliver a talk on Philippine Business wounds while in his squad The trend for mass killings Emperador Distillers, Inc., Travellers and Franchising Opportunities. The first talk is car. Another police officer is global. Breivik who killed 77 International/Resorts World Manila in NY on Feb 1 at the Philippine Consulate and was gunned down. More than Norwegians in 2011, most of and Goldern Arches Development Boston on Feb 4 at the Harvard Campus and 180 people were injured and whom were teen-agers is in jail Corporation. in LA. The talk is organized by the Philippine maimed while more than a dozen serving a paltry 21 years. His only *** Consulate in New York, in coordination with spectators have lost their limbs. regret is not being able to kill Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business the Bagong Kulturang Pinoy (bkpinc.org), So many people’s lives were more. Advisor, Book Author, Executive Director of the Harvard Philippine Forum, TFC with Asian turned upside down by these Ever since the Columbine Asean-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Journal as media partner. For those interested malcontents. mass murder perpetrated by 2 Advisory and Program Director for Real Estate to attend, pls email nzuelke@gmail.com. There has been no let-up young misguided misfits garbed and the former Chair of the Marketing Cluster Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be in violence. Who can forget in black trench coats more than of the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He accessed at www.Faminbusines.com. the heartbreaking murder of 10 years ago, things haven’t been innocents in Newtown by a the same. There were copycats deranged misfit raised by a exhibiting lemming-like behavior misguided parent? since then. Our hearts are heavy and Evil glamorized by repetition there is a collective pall of gloom and attention-getting drama among the general population. seems to have morphed into Sadly, violence is a feature of many other incidents in North modern life. A cursory glance America and elsewhere, resulting at the day’s news everywhere in incalculable, untold pain and around the world indicates that suffering among families of the nothing much seems to have victims. changed. We seem to be stuck on Who can forget the theater some kind of groove from hell. killings in Colorado? Who can Man’s own inhumanity to man forget the great pain inflicted by continues unabated and is still at the Virginia Tech mass murder an all-time high. which snuffed out the lives of 32, In 2010, Omar Thornton, a including Cho, the killer, who was black driver of a beer distribution a quiet, deranged malcontent warehouse, was recorded on who never quite fit in. video stealing beer from the Many noted that perpetrators nonpartisan partnership with organizations like the Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles and Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) that seeks to help aspiring Americans overcome barriers to becoming citizens and achieve citizenship. Workshops like these show the local community that there is assistance available and that the New Americans Campaign is there to lend a helping hand through its network of partners and service providers. Free Citizenship Workshop Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles workshop Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 9am 1145 Wilshire Blvd, Los

Angeles, CA 90017 Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) workshop Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 12pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 5250 Central Ave, Riverside California, 92504 RSVP: Registration for the Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles workshop is required. For more information, call 213-977-7500. Services are available in English, Khmer, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Spanish. Registration for the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) workshop is required. For more information, call 213-3857800 X 152. Services are available in English and Spanish.

The makings of a successful Chinese... From Page 5 businessmen has foothold in virtually all the major cities in the Philippines. They recently even expanded to Guam and China. To date, four of the ten largest malls in the world are owned and operated by the Sy family. 2. Lucio Tan. Lucio Tan worked as a janitor in a cigarette factory. After a few promotions, he eventually resigned and started his own tobacco company. This company grew to capture a 60 percent share of the Philippine market. With its strong revenues, Tan was able to diversify. This famous Filipino businessman now owns several prominent Philippine companies, many of them bluechippers. The biggest chunk of his fortune comes from his Hongkong based Eton Properties. Among the country’s wealthiest businesmen, Tan is arguably the most enigmatic. He is the most elusive, preferring to stay out of the limelight. His 2015 net worth is US$4.3 Billion according to Forbes.com. 3. Andrew Tan. Andrew Tan is a billionaire businessman from the Philippines who engages in real estate, liquor, and fast food. His network currently stands at

of this troubling trend were often the quiet ones. We are now told to watch out for the quiet “pressure cooker” types, those who never cause a ripple, are withdrawn and spend hours on the internet and who find ways to circumvent the many state gun laws in place and and explode with volcanic intensity and wipe out those around them. A young mentally troubled gun enthusiast from Alabama, depressed over his life and who kept mostly to himself, killed 5 members of his own family and 5 other total strangers at random in a barrage of gunfire before taking his own life. He was a Vietnamese immigrant named Jiverly Wong, aka Vuong, a quiet, social misfit, driven by severe paranoia and frustrated over his “poor life” and poor English skills, gunned down 12 others in an immigrant center, 10 of whom came from 8 countries and who were students just trying to learn English as a second language. One was a Filipina, Dolores Yigal, then, a recent immigrant who was studying so she could find a job. One was a long time substitute teacher named Roberta King. One was an Iraqi woman who survived 3 car bombs in her native Iraq and left behind a devastated family, a daughter at the Sorbonne in Paris and another daughter, a Fulbright scholar. All these lives were cut off by one sorry excuse for a human being in one fell swoop. Among ordinary families from all strata and from nearly every ethnic group, there has also been a rash of killings among fathers who have decided to kill themselves because of their failures and are taking their whole family with them. On rare occasions, it is a mother who does it. Sometimes, the sick and the elderly decide to take matters into their own hands and end it all. The murder suicide rate among families is on the rise, thankfully not in epidemic proportions just yet as to cause panic. Perhaps, some of this is fueled by the effects of crumbling social and cultural mores. Or this could simply be the effects of the economic downturn. Some are unable to cope with mounting financial pressures. And yet to merely focus on economics as the root of this troubling phenomenon is shortsighted and misses the whole point. (To be continued next week) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

SBA offers disaster assistance for Aliso Canyon gas leak impacted businesses, non-profits, others

LOS ANGELES—The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by the Aliso Canyon gas leak that began October 23, 2015, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet announced today. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following a request received on February 3, 2016, from Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s designated representative, Mark S. Ghilarducci, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as neighboring Kern and Orange counties. “SBA is committed to supporting those who are working to restore the economic livelihood of the people in Porter Ranch and the surrounding area. As the situation continues to unfold, our agency will be offering low-interest working capital loans to the small business men and women who are being severely impacted by this unusual gas leak,” said Administrator Contreras-Sweet. “SBA representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program,

explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application.” “Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said SBA’s Los Angeles District Director Victor Parker. “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Parker added. The center will be open on the days and times indicated until further notice. No appointment is necessary. LOS ANGELES COUNTY Business Recovery Center Community Service Center Council District 12 9207 Oakdale Avenue #200 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Opens Wednesday, February 17 at 8:30am Mondays - Fridays, 8:30am – 4:30pm

(Building is closed daily 12 – 1 p.m.) Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for small businesses and 2.65 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years, and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship. Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website athttps://disasterloan.sba. gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba. gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more disaster assistance information, or to download applications, visit http://www.sba.gov/ disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: US Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The filing deadline to return economic injury applications is November 8, 2016.

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