San Francisco Edition -- November 20 -- 26, 2015 by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

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Volume 14 - No. 47 • 3 Sections – 24 Pages

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Obama ups pressure on China ‘Stop building artificial islands in disputed sea’ by Nikko

DizoN Inquirer.net

Us President Barack obama on Wednesday, Nov. 18 told China to stop building artificial islands in the hotly contested south China sea, increasing the pressure on Beijing at the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ meeting in manila. obama and President Aquino

met on the sidelines of the summit, and agreed that “bold steps” were needed to ease tensions that had been heightened by China’s land reclamation in the spratly archipelago to bolster its claim to nearly the whole of the West Philippine sea. President Aquino said freedom of navigation and overflight in the area must be continuously

Over 120 killed in Paris attacks, including Cal State Long Beach student

USA

DATELINE Coalition alleges railroading of new SF commercial project from The AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

sAN frANCIsCo– members of a citywide coalition concerned with the economic and social impacts of new development in the city’s south of market neighborhood charged that the city’s Planning Department and a private developer were making plans separate from the public process and were fast-tracking the project while ignoring the community’s request to study the negative effects of genPAGE A3

ensured, consistent with international law. The annual Apec gathering is meant to forge unity on trade issues among 21 Pacific rim economies of 3 billion people. But the territorial row over the strategically vital sea, as well as terrorism concerns following friday’s deadly attacks in Paris, PAGE A2

by AgNes

CoNstANte AND AllysoN esCobAr

US-PH MEETING. US President Barack Obama and his team hold an expanded bilateral meeting with President Benigno Aquino III and members of his Cabinet at Sofitel Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Malacañang photo

PH ranks 11th in Global Terrorism Index by Alexis

romero Philstar.com

AJPress

horror struck on the night of friday, Nov. 13 in Paris, france, the site of multiple coordinated terrorist attacks, including mass shootings, suicide bombings, and the taking of hostages. The attacks have left 129 people dead and 433 wounded, according to sources. The Islamic state has claimed full responsibility for the deadly unprecedented attacks, prompting french PAGE A2

Angelica Cabande, director of the South of Market Community Action Network, explaining her group’s opposition to the 5M Project in San Francisco.

mANILA—The Philippines ranked 11th out of 162 countries in terms of the impact of terrorism in the Global Terrorism Index 2015, a tool that analyzes the trends in terrorist activities worldwide. The country’s ranking improved from ninth in 2014 as it saw a decrease in the number of deaths related to terrorism. The Philippines experienced 378 terrorism incidents in 2014 that left 240 persons dead and 367 injured. A total of 529 properties were damaged beThe Philippines experienced 378 terrorism incidents in 2014 that left cause of the atrocities. The number of terrorism-related fatalities went 240 persons dead and 367 injured. A total of 529 properties were down by 18 percent to 240 in 2014 from 291 in 2013, damaged because of the atrocities. “Terrorism in the Philippines is intrinsically tied according to the Global Peace Index 2015 report. Because of the lower number of fatalities, the Phil- with nationalist and separatist claims by people livippines’ terrorism index score went down slightly to ing in provinces in southern Philippines,” the report 7.27 from 7.29. PAGE A5

Marcos wants P15B for state universities and colleges by JeffersoN

ANtiporDA ManilaTimes.net

Inquirer.net photo

Court upholds CA death penalty

After the horrendous series of attacks in Paris, the world has come together to show their support and solidarity, including the Philippines. Tourism Philippines recently shared a photo of Rizal Monument beaming with colors of France’s flag.

A feDerAL appeals court overturned a lower court’s ruling that California’s death penalty process was unconstitutional, on grounds that the system-wide appeals were flawed and taking too long. U.s. District Judge Cormac J. Carney ruled the system unconstitutional on July 16, 2014, saying it is “arbitrary and plagued with delay,” reported the Los Angeles Times. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, Nov. 12 rejected Judge Carney’s argument PAGE A3

Binay to DOLE: Pay working students now The Department of Labor and employment (DoLe) must ensure that students who work during the summer and the Christmas season are paid within the 11-day period required under the law, Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Binay’s camp had noted the delay in the release of PAGE A4

If the government was able to spend P10 billion to host the AsiaPacific economic Cooperation (APeC) summit, sen. ferdinand marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 said he sees no reason for the government not to fund the education of all students enrolled in state universities and colleges (sUCs). According to marcos, the government only needs to allot P15 billion for scholarships and grants-in-aid for students who could contribute to the country after they finished their studies. he said he already studied the 2016 proposed budget and found that P15 billion is enough to pay for free tertiary education.

marcos added that there is a need to implement a large-scale scholarship/student aid program in the country and institutionalize reforms in the educational system. “That is why we are looking at

the budget and looking at what we can do for education. That is why I have been proposing these measures that some may see as radical but actually aren’t. These are the measures PAGE A3

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From the Front Page PAGE A1

Obama ups pressure...

have dominated the buildup to this week’s meeting in Manila. China has repeatedly insisted its rows with its Southeast Asian neighbors over the disputed waters, home to some of the world’s most important shipping routes and where islets, reefs and atolls are believed to be sitting atop vast oil and natural gas reserves, should not be on the Apec agenda. But just hours before the twoday summit started, Obama voiced concerns over giant land reclamation works by China that have created new islands close to the Philippines. “We discussed the impact of China’s land reclamation and construction activities on regional stability,” Obama told reporters after meeting President Aquino. “We agree on the need for bold steps to lower tensions, including pledging to halt further reclamation, new construction, and militarization of disputed areas,” Obama said.

On Tuesday, Obama announced more than $250 million in maritime aid to the United States’ Southeast Asian allies, including two warships for the Philippines. China claims nearly all of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer West Philippine Sea, even waters close to the shores of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Apec members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have rival claims to parts of the sea. US challenge The United States refuses to recognize China’s expansive claims, challenging these recently with a US Navy patrol near at least one artificial island that China had built in the Spratlys and flying two B52 bombers near the contested islands. Chinese state media hit what it described as US meddling over the sea. “Washington’s recent provocative moves have infringed upon Beijing’s maritime sovereignty and

ness,” President Aquino said after his meeting with Obama. Mr. Aquino said Edca would make defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States “that much more real,” adding that the agreement would allow the Philippines access to “the most modern technology that [would give] us . . . higher capabilities.” “That is why we welcome now with very open arms this agreement pending in our Supreme Court,” Mr. Aquino said. He said US access to Philippine military bases would enable it to project its power in the Asia-Pacific, helping to bring order and stability and diffusing tensions in the region. ‘Rock-solid commitment’ Obama reiterated the United States’ “rock-solid commitment to the defense of the Philippines,” and promised to help build up the

security in the South China Sea,” the China Daily wrote in a commentary. “But China is not one to give in when it comes to its territorial, maritime and security interests, and the US is unlikely to succeed in its designs by instigating Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries to challenge China’s maritime rights in the South China Sea,” it said. Defense cooperation Obama and President Aquino emphasized that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), the legality of which has yet to be decided by the Supreme Court, would boost their strategies to ensure maritime security in the area “We recognize, with the deepest appreciation, the significant contribution to our efforts by the United States’ contribution that help us ensure that we can ably respond to PAGE A1 current security challenges, particularly in the area of maritime secu- President François Hollande to rity and maritime domain aware- declare a state of emergency and declare that France is “at war.” He further said that France is committed to “destroying” the Islamic State group, according to BBC. In public, multilingual statements on ISIS’s encrypted messaging accounts, the terror group called the assaults “the first of the storm,” and mocked the Western European city as the “capital of prostitution and obscenity.” The style of the attack was in line with ISIS’s tactic of indiscriminate killings, and goes against the guidelines of Al Qaeda, said the New York Times, which states that Qaeda operatives should avoid attacks that could inadvertently cause the death of Muslim civilians. Two days after the bloodshed, Hollande launched airstrikes on ISIS’s de facto capital and stronghold in Raqqa, Syria. He also promised to move an aircraft carrier to the Middle East, as part of a large effort to intensify airstrike bombings, assaults, and rocket launches in Syria, reported BBC and NPR. “The attacks represent an aggression against our country, against our values, against its youth and its way of life,” Hollande said in a joint session of both houses of parliament. “The faces of the dead people, of the wounded, of the families don’t leave my mind…in my determina-

President Barack Obama talks with Captain Vince Sibala on the bridge of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), during a tour of the ship in Manila Harbor on Tuesday, Nov. 17. White House photo by Pete Souza

Philippine military and establish said. Still, both leaders said the disa “more effective cooperation for defense and humanitarian work.” putes should be resolved peace“We think that the Enhanced fully. Defense Cooperation Agreement President Aquino said he and is going to help us do that,” he PAGE A5

Over 120 killed in Paris attacks... tion to combat terrorism, I want France to remain itself. The barbarians who attack France would like to disfigure it. They will not make it change. They must never be able to spoil France’s soul.” Explosions, mass shootings Starting around 9:20 pm on Nov. 13, three explosions occurred at the Stade de France, the national sports stadium, where an anticipated soccer match between France and Germany was taking place that was attended by Hollande. The French president was immediately removed from the scene, and the game was allowed to finish before fans were swiftly evacuated. “About 15 minutes from the time the game started, we heard a loud bang, like big,” Filipina Rachel Gunther, who was attending the soccer game, told ABC7. “It shook the stadium. And then the second bang or boom happened within minutes of each other and we thought, ‘boy, they really enjoy their soccer here…’ we thought it was a joke.” “Thousands of those ahead of us started charging back. Like running wild, desperate, terrorized looks in their faces, as if something was following them…All I could think of was, ‘I’m going to get trampled if I don’t run with the crowd.’ So I started running and it was the most terrifying ordeal I’ve ever experienced. I was literally running for my life,” Gunther continued.

The stadium in the Saint-Denis suburb resulted in the death of four, including three suicide bombers. A Syrian passport was found near the body of one of the bombers killed near the stadium, reported the Los Angeles Times, but authorities believe it was fake, according to BBC. At the same time, several street shootings and bombing attacks throughout the city also occurred at four populated outdoor plazas known for their restaurants and nightlife. The shootings by gunmen killed at least 25, said the Associated Press. The deadliest attack was a mass shooting at the Bataclan music hall theater. A concert by the Eagles of Death Metal, a band from Southern California, had an attendance of over 1,000 people at the venue. Around 9:45 pm, three men with assault rifles entered the hall and opened fire on the crowd, and several hand grenades were also reportedly thrown in the chaotic scene. Witnesses said they heard rounds of automatic and Kalashnikov rifles fire, and gunmen shouting “Allahu akbar! (God is greatest)” as they entered the crowded hall. “When they started shooting we just saw flashes,” said an escaped witness, according to NY Times. “People got down on the ground right away.” French news services said that as many as 100 hostages were taken at Bataclan, many of them PAGE A3

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From the Front Page

Court upholds CA death... Coalition alleges railroading... PAGE A1 on a technicality that it did not address the question of whether life on death row in California constituted “cruel and unusual punishment”--thus upholding the state’s capital punishment system. “The idea that death row inmates’ sentences have been transformed from one of death to one of ‘grave uncertainty and torture’ has no support in legal precedent, nor is it supported by logic,” the judges wrote in their decision on Thursday. Lawyers arguing both sides of the case said the appellate ruling was decided “on largely technical grounds, and leaves unanswered the larger question of whether lengthy delays are unconstitutional.” “The elephant is still in the room,” commented lawyer John Phillipsborn, who intervened in the case on behalf of criminal defense lawyers in California. Carney vacated the 20-year-old death sentence of Ernest Dewayne Jones, who petitioned the court to determine whether his death sentence was valid, said CNN. In 1995, Jones was convicted and sentenced to death for raping and killing his girlfriend’s mother, 50year-old Julia Miller, and has also served time in prison for raping the mother of a previous girlfriend. In 2003, the California Supreme Court upheld Jones’ conviction of first-degree murder and charges of rape. Judge Carney wrote: “Allowing this system to continue to threaten Mr. Jones with the slight possibility of death, almost a generation after he was first sentenced, violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.” Delays in the case had created a “system in which arbitrary factors, rather than legitimate ones, like the nature of the crime or the date of a death sentence, determine whether an individual will actually be executed,” Carney said, also noting that a death row inmate faced “complete uncertainty” as to when or if he or she would be executed. Mr. Jones’ legal team had “asked the court to consider what would be a new constitutional rule in a habeas corpus case (determining

whether imprisonment is valid). Most are barred by a 1989 ruling in Teague v. Lane,” wrote Judge Susan P. Graber in the official opinion for the appeals panel. Graber added the decision was based on the legal maneuvers in the case, not whether the number of years death penalty cases often take in the California system was unconstitutional. “Many agree with petitioner that California’s capital punishment system is dysfunctional and that the delay between sentencing and execution in California is extraordinary,” Graber, a Clinton appointee, wrote. “But, ‘the purpose of federal habeas corpus is to ensure that state convictions comply with the federal law in existence at the time the conviction became final, and not to provide a mechanism for the continuing re-examination of final judgments based upon later emerging legal doctrine’,” she continued, quoting an older 1990 habeas case. Judge Paul J. Watford agreed that Carney’s ruling had to be struck down, but added that “it should have been overturned on the grounds that the California Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the precise issue in the case-whether arbitrary delay deprives the death penalty of any deterrent value.” If that had happened, the case would have returned to the California Supreme Court, which has previously said it would be willing to consider Carney’s theory. Jones’ lawyers could still appeal to the Court of Appeals’ ruling to a larger panel of the Ninth Circuit. According to reports, there are currently 747 people on death row in California. No one has been executed since 2006. Executions will remain suspended, pending separate legal arguments about whether lethal injections are constitutional, reported BBC News. Since 1978, over 900 people in California have been sentenced to death row, where inmates spend 23 hours alone in their cells. Of those 900, 13 were executed; as of 2014, 94 have died of other causes. Many inmates have been waiting on death row for over 19 years. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

Over 120 killed in Paris attacks... PAGE A2 apparently killed later by ISIS. By Monday, the focus of the French and Belgian security services turned to Abdelhamid Abaaoud, 27, who is Belgian of Moroccan descent, as the mastermind of the attacks. Then last Wednesday, Nov. 18, Abaaoud was killed in a massive pre-dawn raid by French police commandos in Paris, according to The Washington Post. The New York Times reported that Abaaoud is believed to be in Syria with fellow Islamic State militants. US governors say they won’t admit Syrian refugees In wake of the attacks, about 30 governors in the US are seeking to ban the admission of Syrian refugees. Michigan and Alabama were the first states to refuse the relocation of refugees on Sunday, Nov. 15, after which they were joined by Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin, among others. Republican governors say there is a chance that among refugees are those with terrorist ties, USA Today reported. Only one Democrat, Gov. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, joined the GOP governors in urging the federal government to cease the admission of refugees until more details about the vetting process are known. Michigan had been working to attract Syrian refugees to the state, but on Monday, Nov. 16, Gov. Rick Snyder said he is suspending the program, USA Today reported. “Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich his-

tory of immigration,” Snyder said in a statement. “But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents.” The governor further demanded that the Department of Homeland Security review its security measures for screening refugees, but added that not all people with the ethnic background of those who coordinated the Paris attacks are the same. The Obama administration previously announced plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees throughout the next year and the State Department said Monday it would not change that plan. A September report from The New York Times said the United States could end up taking in a total of more than 100,000 refugees. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Monday announced that they issued executive orders to suspend the relocation of refugees in their states. Jindal also urged Obama to hold off in accepting additional refugees. Legislators have also echoed the sentiment of opposed US governors, including House Speaker Paul Ryan who plans on introducing a bill this week to suspend the US refugee program, CNBC reported Tuesday. Obama, while addressing reporters on Monday, called out Republican candidates who have objected to admitting refugees to the United States, according to CNN. “When I hear a political leader suggesting that there should be a religious test for which a person who is fleeing from a war torn country is admitted … when some of those folks themselves come from families who benefited from protection when they were fleeing political persecution, that is PAGE A5

PAGE A1 trification. Meeting on November 11 the SoMa Action Committee (SMAC) coalition reiterated its pending appeal of developer Forest City’s 5M Project, which will be heard by the city’s Board of Supervisor on November 17 at 3 p.m. SMAC is appealing the certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the conditional use approvals and the office allocations associated with the project. It states that the deficient EIR fails to analyze and fully disclose substantial project impacts such as massing and height, traffic, pedestrian safety, open space, shade and shadow effects, inconsistency with area plans and policies and violations of the city’s General Plan. Furthermore, SMAC charges that approval of the project will obliterate the Youth and Family Special use District, displace the Filipino community, and jeopardize the establishment of the Filipino Historical District, therefore destroying the aesthetic and cultural integrity of surrounding neighborhoods.

Condos, office towers The 5M Project by Clevelandbased Forest City consists of luxury condos and office towers at the heart of a longstanding working class and diverse neighborhood in the SoMa. It threatens the displacement of low-income, seniors, and immigrants living in the area. Many of the residents are Filipinos that have lived in the neighborhood for generations. The 5M Project more than doubles the highest allowable heights: 470 ft. tower with 400 market-rate residential units, 395 ft. and 350 ft. towers with 600,000 sq. ft. of office space, 200 ft. tower with 230 market-rate residential units, and 87 affordable units. Forest City developments include the Westfield San Francisco Center, The Uptown, a 665-apartment complex in Downtown Oakland, and the Pacific Park, Brooklyn Nets Arena Complex, a massive 15-building site in New York City. Repeat of history? The concerns of the Filipino community about the 5M Project seem to be a case of history re-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 20-26, 2015 peating itself. The urban renewal and redevelopment in San Francisco in the mid-1960’s caused the displacement of thousands of residents in west of Downtown and as far as the Fillmore district, due to the city’s plans to expand the business sector. The International Hotel or IHotel at the corner of Kearny and Jackson Streets, home to Filipino immigrants, was demolished after the eviction of 196 tenants, many of whom were poor and elderly. It was part of the eradication of 10 full blocks of what was then Manilatown–low-cost housing, restaurants, barbershops, markets, clubs and other businesses that benefited the Filipino community. Angelica Cabande, director of the South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN), hoped that the Board of Supervisors would listen to the concerns of the SMAC and their supporters and reject the 5M Project. She said the project “will set a dangerous precedent for development throughout the City, enabling developers to make up their own rules to get out of their affordable requirements and zoning rules.” Cabande further charged that

Marcos wants P15B for state universities...

PAGE A1 we need to push. These are the initiatives that we need to fight for,” Marcos said in his speech before the ABAKADA Party List NCR/R Leaders Assembly held at the Lyceum of the Philippines last Sunday, Nov. 15. The senator added that these initiatives would greatly benefit those who have the potential to succeed in life but are impeded by poverty and their inability to get an

education supported by the SUCs. The independent vice presidential candidate in next year’s elections earlier said the failure of the government to introduce programs and projects that would help improve the country’s education system is the reason why the country is facing many problems now. Marcos said aside from providing free education, the government must also invest more in teachers

not only providing higher pay but also making sure that they will be given regular retraining courses for them to cope with changes. While additional school buildings, books and school supplies are also priorities, the government must also make sure the teachers are provided with the needed support that would also improve their knowledge, he added. “There was a time when the Philippines has the highest litera-

claims that the luxury office and housing development will have 40 percent affordable housing is misleading and false. “In fact, we’re left with zero affordable housing units tied to the massive Fifth and Mission development, even though we need new affordable housing now more than ever.” Encouragement for developers Cabande further stated that approval of the project incentivizes future developers to circumvent provisions of the zoning code through Special Use District that will open doors to unlimited expansion of downtown SoMa and be detrimental to the City as a whole. SMAC has also alerted the City Attorney and Board of Supervisors that Supervisor Jane Kim, whose district is the South of Market, has likely disqualified herself from the 5M Project appeal hearing because of her stated support for the Project in advance of the November 17 appeal hearing, which violates San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance. The community coalition has requested the recusal of SuperviPAGE A5 cy rate in all of Asia, the literacy rate at the time was 98 percent, where no Filipino was considered ‘no read, no write.’ Obviously, we can see that it has gone down drastically,” Marcos earlier said. ABAKADA party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz welcomed Marcos’ statement and said his group has been pushing the increase in funding not only for the growing college population in the country but those enrolled in technical/ vocational or tech/voc schools as well.

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Binay to DOLE: Pay working...

PAGE A1

DOLE’s 40-percent share in the payment for working students under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in 2013. A recently-released 2013 report from the Commission on Audit showed that payment for 54,177 students under the SPES totalling P139 million was delayed for 1-441 days, resulting in some students not being able to claim their wages. COA reported the delays in: National Capital Region or Metro Manila, 5,964 beneficiaries, P22,133,239.12 in wages, 1,433 days delayed; Region I (Ilocos Region), 5,740 beneficiaries, P15,257,752.16, 7-10 days delayed; Region II (Cagayan Valley), 5,910 beneficiaries, P10,394,859.87, 6-240 days delayed; Region III (Central Luzon),

782 beneficiaries, P1,680,214.58, 30-330 days delayed; Region IV-A (Calabarzon), 9,084 beneficiaries, P34,411,777.78, 7-193 days delayed; Region IV-B (Mimaropa), 4,054 beneficiaries, P7,786,587.10, 28-257 days delayed; Region VI (Western Visayas), 8,183 beneficiaries, P16,312,573.65, 2-259 days delayed; and Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), 3,706 beneficiaries, P6,143,903.16, 30-87 days delayed. Salgado said he hopes the use of an automated system of SPES by DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment will speed up the process. According to DOLE, it has developed an information technology system to establish a database of SPES beneficiaries nationwide and facilitate their claims for salaries.

Over 120 killed in Paris attacks... PAGE A3 shameful. We don’t have religious tests to our compassion,” Obama said. Democrat governors of at least seven states— Connecticut, Delaware Hawaii, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Washington— announced Monday that they would continue allowing resettlement of refugees. While Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters on Monday that he would say “no as of right now” to accepting refugees from Syria, state Sen. Edward J. Markey was more welcoming. “We should not close our hearts or our doors to the women, children and families that are fleeing the Middle East to escape war and the daily terror, violence and chaos it brings. America has always been a refuge for the persecuted and oppressed,” Markey said in a statement. The United States has so far accepted more than 2,000 Syrian refugees since the civil war began in the country in March 2011. Refugees have been admitted to 138 cities and towns and 36 states. The bulk of refugees are located in California, Texas, Michigan, Arizona and Illinois, according to wrapsnet.org, where the U.S. government posts its official numbers. Louisiana has 14 refugees, Ohio has 76, and New Jersey has 88. Immigration and constitutional attorneys and experts have raised doubts whether governors have a say in the accepting or refusal of

refugees. Rachel Rosenbloom, an immigration law professor at Northeastern, told the Boston Globe that no legal basis exists for state to keep out refugees. Fourteen states have not admitted any refugees: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. The District of Columbia also has no refugees. Student from Cal State Long Beach among fatalities Victims included people from all nationalities and walks of life, from Algeria to Egypt, Mexico, Spain, the US, and the UK. Among fatalities in the Friday attacks was 23-year-old Nohemi Gonzalez from El Monte, a junior studying design at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) who was completing a semester abroad at Strate School of Design. Gonzalez, who is so far the only American victim identified in the attacks, was killed at a restaurant while having dinner with three friends. One of Gonzalez’s schoolmates in Paris saw her get shot in the stomach, but she was able to escape from the Le Petit Cambodge restaurant, ABC 7 reported. The spray of gunfire at the sidewalk bistro left a total of 19 dead, including Gonzalez. Hundreds on Sunday, Nov. 15, gathered at the university in Long Beach to mourn Gonzalez’s death and remember her spirit, the Los Angeles Times reported.

From the Front Page COA reported that 1,052 checks amounting to P2,304,476.19 prepared from July 2004 to June 2013 remained unclaimed and became stale. Another set of 1,619 checks covering the total amount of P4,967,876.94 prepared from July to December 2013 were not released or claimed. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz herself said “over P2 million worth of individual checks for 988 SPES beneficiaries have became stale due to inadequate documentation” in 2013. The SPES, which was instituted when Republic Act 7323 was signed into law in March 1992, aims “to help the poor but deserving students pursue their education by providing income or augment their income through encouraging their employment during summer and/ or Christmas vacations.” (ManilaTimes.net) At the university, Gonzalez was described as a “shining star” in the design program by professor Michael LaForte, and a hardworking student with a bubbly, fun-loving personality. Herman added that she frequently headed the design workshop and “ran a very tight ship.” Gonzalez’s mother, Beatriz Gonzalez, is struggling to cope with the loss of her only daughter, who she said wanted to have a career and family. “I feel lost, sadness and she was my only daughter,” her mother said, according to ABC. “She was a very strong young woman. She had big decisions, when she went to do something she was committed to whatever she was doing.” Her boyfriend of almost four years, who she met in shop class, Tim Mraz, said, “she ran that place, man. She owned it. Now, she will “always be here. She will be still roaming those halls.” In a statement on Saturday, Nov. 14, CSU Chancellor Timothy B. White expressed outrage at the attacks. “My heart is heavy and I am deeply saddened for the family and Long Beach State community, and I grieve with all those who have lost a cherished one,” White said in a statement. “Many campuses in the CSU have student studying abroad in France, and all others are known to be safe,” he said. A total of 17 students from CSULB were studying abroad, and the other 16 were accounted for as safe, according to a school official, ABC reported.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 20-26, 2015

PH ranks 11th in Global...

PAGE A1 read. “The largest individual group was the New People’s Army (NPA), a communist organization, which claimed responsibility for 32 percent of deaths in 2014,” it added. The NPA has about 4,000 members nationwide based on latest military estimates, virtually unchanged in the last few years despite the military’s claims that the group is on decline. The Philippines’ ranking was the second highest among Southeast Asian countries covered by the report. It was a notch lower than Thailand (10th) but higher than Indonesia (33rd), Myanmar (41st), Malaysia (49th), Cambodia (113th), Laos (121st), Singapore, Timor Leste and Vietnam (tied at 124th). Iraq, plagued by the presence

of terrorist group Islamic State, ranked first in the index followed by Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria. Countries that scored zero in the index or those least affected by terrorist acts were Benin, Botswana, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Guyana, Haiti, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Namibia, North Korea, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Swaziland, Timor-Leste, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The Global Terrorism Index 2015 report said deaths from terrorism rose to 80 percent last year to the highest level ever, with 32,658 people killed from 18,111

Obama ups pressure... PAGE A2 Obama discussed how “international law should remain the framework for the behavior of all countries and for the peaceful resolution of disputes.” The Philippines has taken its territorial dispute with China to the

United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague for resolution, angering China, which has refused to participate and said it would not recognize any decision of the tribunal. Mr. Aquino said other claimants had shown interest in arbitration

Coalition alleges railroading... PAGE A3 sor Kim for the upcoming appeal hearing on the 5M Project, and is also asking for a 60-day continuance of the appeal hearing because the privately negotiated deal “materially alters the subject matter on appeal.” Appellants were not notified of the changes prior to the hearing. SMAC’s attorney, Rachel Mansfield-Howlett, stated, “this week, Supervisor Jane Kim acknowledged she negotiated a private deal with Forest City and the Hearst Corporation to make changes to the Project. Supervisor Kim’s support of the Project in advance of the hearing on the appeals represent a conflict of interest; her ongoing participation in the pending hearing prejudices Appellants in the appeal process.” Private deal The private deal includes increasing the Area Media Income (AMI) levels for the below market rate (BMR) housing, making the onsite BMR rental units more expensive. Mansfield-Howlett said that “such increase in AMI levels invariably creates more displace-

ment impacts” and this “change further demonstrates less mitigation for resulting displacement impacts, which is an issue raised on appeal.” The community coalition is questioning the validity of inclusionary housing with the 5M Project. There are 600 units of luxury housing and every unit in the proposed 470-ft. condo tower is slated for luxury housing. It appears that Supervisor Kim has removed the rental units that were targeted for lower income people and increased the rate of rentals. A 2-bedroom apartment that would cost $1,146 per month will now cost $2,293 to $3,439 per month. Most of SoMa’s Filipino residents will no longer qualify for these AMI levels. The coalition proposes that for real inclusionary affordable housing, Forest City should be required to complete any off-site affordable housing projects without subsidy and build the units before 5M’s market rate units come on line. Capping heights According to Cabande, “there could be just as much housing on the 5M site, 687 units, by cap-

in 2013. Boko Haram and the Islamic State were jointly responsible for more than half or 51 percent of all global fatalities in 2014. According to the report, 78 percent of all deaths and 57 percent of all attacks occurred in just five countries namely Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria. “Iraq continues to be the country most impacted by terrorism with 9,929 terrorist fatalities, the highest ever recorded in a single country,” the report said. The global economic cost of terrorism has hit an all-time high at $52.9 billion. There have been more than 61,000 terrorist attacks worldwide since the year 2000. A project of think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, the Global Terrorism Index assesses 162 countries based on four indicators – total number of incidents, fatalities, injuries and property damage. as a way of resolving the disputes and they had indicated they were “very close to a decision whether or not to join us in arbitration.” Obama backed the Philippines’ decision to seek UN arbitration in its dispute with China. “Disputes need to be resolved peacefully,” he said. (With reports from Gil C. Cabacungan, AFP and AP) ping the heights at the highest currently allowed, 160 feet. Our vision includes ground floor open space and retail, over 200,000 square feet of office, and 50% onsite affordable housing in keeping with the City’s Housing Balance policy. This would have much less shadow, wind and open space impacts.” Cabante has expressed concerns with regards to a hearing last November 17 about “the Mayor not caring about the impact of this development in the long run to the SoMa community and he will do whatever he can with his executive power to tell the Supervisors to pass it. He has been doing that since the project went through the Planning Commission. The Supervisors will ignore the impacts because the Development Agreement sounds good.” However, she continued, “the Development Agreements will not cure the massive negative impact this development will have on the South of Market. Transactions don’t make inclusive cities. In this housing crisis, we need more than smoke, mirrors and PR. We need affordable housing that is real, onsite and guaranteed.” (Wilfred Galil/Inquirer.net)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Poe jumps for joy, as SET scraps disqualification case by taRRa

Quismundo Inquirer.net

IN A VISIT to Biñan, Laguna province Tuesday, Nov. 17, Sen. Grace Poe jumped for joy on hearing the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) decision. “From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank everyone who chose justice and upheld the rights of voters and abandoned children,” the senator told reporters. Poe scored an early victory against moves to disqualify her in next year’s presidential election after the SET, voting 5-4, dismissed a petition seeking to oust

her as senator on the ground that she is not a natural-born Filipino as required by the Constitution. Poe’s supporters in the SET announced the ruling and hailed the quick vote in the tribunal’s meeting at Manila Polo Club, calling it a triumph for foundlings, echoing the senator’s position on the belated disqualification case filed by Rizalito David, a losing candidate in the 2013 senatorial elections. The decision has not been released. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it would consider the SET ruling when it tackled

four petitions questioning Poe’s citizenship and residency to run for President in the 2016 balloting. The Constitution states that a presidential candidate should be a natural-born citizen and should be a resident for at least 10 years in the Philippines. An elected President takes an oath to uphold the Constitution. Senators Loren Legarda, Vicente Sotto III, Cynthia Villar, Bam Aquino and Pia Cayetano voted to dismiss David’s disqualification case. PAGE A7

France grateful for PH’s support after Paris attacks by RosEttE

adEl

Philstar.com

MANILA—France expressed gratitude and said it was touched after the Philippines extended its sympathy in response to the terror attacks that left many dead in Paris, France. “We are deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of support in the Philippines extended by President Benigno Aquino III, the national and local au-

thorities, the people of the Philippines,” the French Embassy said in a statement. “France will always fight against extremism and stand for the values of democracy and human rights enshrined in our national motto ‘Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite’ which was coined in Paris centuries ago,” it added. “Today we are all Parisians.” The French capital came under a series of shooting and

explosions coordinated in restaurants, bars, sports stadium Stade de France, and concert hall Bataclan Theater last Saturda. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria claimed responsibility for the attacks. French President Francois Hollande earlier declared state of emergency and closed its borders following the deadly incidents. He also declared three days of national mourning.

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Junjun Binay may use Supreme Court condonation ruling to take back post by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. could still invoke the condonation doctrine in questioning his dismissal by the ombudsman, three legal experts said on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Former University of the Philippines law dean Pacifico Agabin, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Vicente Joyas and former University of the East law dean Amado Valdez believe that the prospective application of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling last week abandoning the condonation doctrine could actually benefit Binay. They all agreed that Binay may still invoke the doctrine, which condones administrative liability of reelected officials for acts committed in a previous term. In its ruling, the SC held that the condonation doctrine, which became part of Philippine jurisprudence in 1959 upon a ruling

Suspended Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr.

by the high court, should be abandoned for lack of basis in the 1987 Philippine Constitution and law. The majority, however, ruled that the application of the abandonment should be prospective. The three legal experts re-

butted an earlier opinion of SC spokesman Theodore Te, who said Binay could no longer invoke the doctrine against his dismissal, which stemmed from the same charges related to the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II.

Dateline PhiliPPines

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OFW cleared in ‘tanim bala’ case gets back her nanny job in HK

A tearful 13-year-old boy convinced his mom to hire back Gloria Ortinez by Tina

G. SanToS Inquirer.net

PROTEST. A boy rests on the center island of TM Kalaw in Manila as anti-riot policemen stand guard during a protest rally near the US embassy on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Militants protesting the holding of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit attempted to force their way to the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard but were prevented by the police and military triggering the clashes. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Poe jumps for joy, as SET scraps disqualification... PAGE A6 All Supreme Court magistrates in the nine-member SET—Associate Justices Teresita Leonardode Castro, Arturo Brion and Antonio Carpio—voted to disqualify Poe, along with Sen. Nancy Binay. Her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, is among the contenders against Poe in the 2016 presidential race. “It was a vote of 5-4, five dismissing the petition of Mr. David, and four concurring with the petition of Mr. David,” Legarda told reporters. “That means, five voted and gave consideration to the fact that, as a foundling, Senator Poe is natural-born Filipino,” she added. David called the SET decision a “moral victory” and planned to go to the Supreme Court to question it. “It’s a pity that our senators failed to rise above their political nature.” David has charged Poe with “material misrepresentation” in the 2013 senatorial race, while four other petitions in the Comelec want to disqualify her from the presidential race and have her certificate of candidacy canceled. In the SET case, David’s camp is contending that Poe, then a baby, found in 1968 at a church in Jaro, Iloilo province, is stateless and is, thus, unqualified to hold public office.

Poe, an adopted daughter of the late actor and presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., had acquired American citizenship in October 2001, 10 years after marrying Filipino-American Neil Llamanzares. She reacquired her Philippine citizenship in 2006, and in 2010 she renounced her US citizenship upon her appointment as chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. David’s lawyer Manuelito Luna said the petitioner would file a motion for reconsideration. He has 10 days to do so, or the ruling will become final, Legarda said. Commenting on the ruling, Luna expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would eventually overturn the ruling once elevated on appeal. “We’ll have to peruse the decision first, but in the event it’s a political decision and the senators disregarded the Constitution, then on the strength of the ruling in the Lerias case, the Supreme Court will set aside the decision,” Luna said. In ruling on a 1991 case filed by petitioner Rosette Lerias against the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and her rival for the Southern Leyte congressional seat at the time, Roger Mercado, the high court warned politicians against making political decisions in ruling on electoral protests, saying “they must resolve election

MANILA—Her 13-year-old ward’s tears made her employer change her mind and gave her another chance. Gloria Ortinez, the overseas Filipino worker who recently fell victim to the “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) racket at the airport, was issued another contract by her employer in Hong Kong, according to migrant workers advocate Susan “Toots” Ople. Ople said Ortinez’ previous contract was terminated by her employer due to the tanim-bala incident. “They agreed on a settlement that includes a prospect of a new contract once Nanay Glo is prepared to come back,” she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer over the phone. According to Ople, Ortinez and her employer, a single mother, initially had a bitter

parting of ways Sunday night after the latter refused to allow the former to enter the apartment to get her things. The employer’s 13-year old son went down the building, without her mother’s knowledge, to bid Ortinez goodbye. “The mother witnessed how emotionally affected her son was by her decision to let go of Nanay Gloria,” Ople said. “You study well. I love you,” she qouted Ortinez as telling her crying ward. “If you love me then, why are you leaving me?” Ople quoted the boy as saying in reply to Ortinez. The next day, Ople said Ortinez received a call from her employer. “She was saying sorry to Nanay Gloria. She said her son cried the whole night and refused to eat breakfast before going to school. The employer then invited Nanay Gloria to meet her at a small restaurant across her

apartment,” narrated Ople. She added it was an opportunity for Ortinez to explain to her employer the tanim-bala incident and latter expressed her sympathy over what happened. “They agreed on a financial settlement and the employer promised not to replace her. They will wait for Nanay Gloria to come back once all her papers are ready,” Ople added. Ortinez, 56, was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Oct. 25 after two policemen claimed to have found a live bullet in her handbag. The case was dropped against Ortinez after three days due to “lack of probable cause,” and the two policemen were suspended from duty. Ople said they have already asked the Commission on Human Rights to look into the possible human rights violations committed against Ortinez in the tanim-bala incident.

Sen. Grace Poe

controversies with judicial, not political, integrity.” If the petitioner files an appeal, SET must rule on the case and release a decision with finality before Dec. 10, the deadline for the printing of ballots for the 2016 elections. Foundlings “I think this will have both legal and political implications. And more important, the most important I think, this will have a great implication on foundlings. This issue goes beyond Grace Poe,” Legarda said. “This is important for adopted children who do not know where they came from,” she said. Media were barred from covering the SET proceedings, which took roughly two hours. Cayetano said in a statement, “The case is still pending with us given that the petitioner has a right to file a motion for reconsideration.”

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OpiniOn

Features

Building inclusive economies, building a better world THE Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as its name implies, is first of all an economic grouping. APEC aims to boost trade among its member economies, encourage investments, create jobs and in the process ease poverty. It’s good to have a regional grouping pushing for such objectives, especially when the bloc includes the world’s four largest economies. Each country, however, must do its own homework to facilitate trade, improve the environment for job-generating investments and become more globally competitive. The Asia-Pacific is seen as the world’s most dynamic region. It is home to several of the economies that consistently top international surveys on competitiveness, ease of doing business, transparency and good governance, livable cities, happiness and human development indicators. Against such neighbors the Philippines still has a lot of catching up to do, despite sustained economic growth for several years. Restrictive economic policies enshrined in the Constitution have dampened investments and prevented the country from joining the Trans-Pacific

Partnership, which aims to lower trade barriers among members and promote economic growth. Apart from restrictions in the basic law of the land, red tape, corruption and inefficiency all the way down to the lowest levels of government make the Philippines one of the most difficult places to do business in the Asia-Pacific. This deters the development of micro, small and medium enterprises. It hinders inclusive growth and efforts to bring down poverty incidence, which at 40 percent of the population is one of the highest in the Pacific Rim. Economic cooperation within the Asia-Pacific is meant to boost growth. “Building inclusive economies, building a better world” is the theme of this year’s APEC summit. Serving as APEC host should firm up the resolve of Philippine officials to implement the necessary reforms in pursuit of that theme. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

APEC and why it is good for the Philippines

Commentary

Carmen Pedrosa WHEN I returned for good to Manila it coincided with the last time the Philippines hosted APEC back in 1996. The mood was buoyant with a sense that after decades of being the sick man of Asia we were finally getting well. In other words APEC, of like any gathering of heads of state gives trade and social opportunities if we know how to use them. But we are deep in politics and political campaigns to see it that way. I remember from the first APEC as an occasion when we started our first efforts to open up the economy. What was important at that time were the efforts made to open up our economy to competition. As an organization that unabashedly supports globalization APEC has been focusing on the opportunities it presents to small and medium enterprises. In this highly competitive global environment this is welcome news.

We have immense talent in our country but they face barriers to success. We need to remove them. The Internet provides a platform for entrepreneurs to reach a global market but we need to address the fundamental infra challenges they face and remove the burdensome regulations to even just set up a business. APEC has a role to play by enabling us to learn from others and how they have dealt with these issues in their economy and set goals to achieve. APEC might be minor inconvenience for a few days but there are benefits for us if we chose to use it well. Frankly, I welcome APEC as housecleaning days. We should have more of these—I mean, housecleaning days. As one report said, APEC is useful even for services we need and take for granted—electricity and Internet. Now more people have access to electricity and the mobile phone is ubiquitous. But electricity is expensive and Internet connection slow and intermittent.

The process of reform is continual even for a government of which I have been a critic seems not to think so. It did pass some important legislation, like a competition law that will, if implemented, impose disciplines on the big companies and hopefully lower prices. The liberalization of cabotage to make inter-island transportation more competitive, lower costs, and improve standards, is another. Some see APEC as being only for big foreign business. But that has changed. The theme of this year’s meeting is inclusive growth and that is necessary especially for the Philippines. But how this will be implemented is the question. If it is a government project, chances are it will also be exclusive to friends and relatives of officials. *** As expected, the removal of 20,000 homeless from the streets received the most criticism The outcry reminded them of the Marcos days. Whenever, remove them from sight, as if this ugly sight was the problem. When the

A FEW blocks away from the Gates of Hell as interpreted by novelist Dan Brown, there is a UNESCO Human Heritage Site. As it turns 450 this year, the San Agustin Convent and Museum in Manila’s Walled City is showing its age—in the wonderful way that good wine does. San Agustin is a repository of Augustinian wealth—material, intellectual, artistic and spiritual. The rich heritage is reflected in the opulence of the church interiors. As a child I was awed by the ornate carvings, the fascinating trompe-l’oeil interior painting, the baroque pulpit with a golden pineapple motif of the church. Within the thick walls the sounds of the city were muffled, and the intonations of the priests – who at the time still celebrated mass in Latin – bounced around in hushed tones, like disembodied voices. Dressed in my Sunday best and wearing a veil (yes, women and

visitors have gone it was back to normal, the slums returned and once more the ugly sight became part of the landscape the natives do not notice. Imelda Marcos erected whitewashed walls to cover the slums so the visitors would not see and smell the stench of poverty. This I find quite reprehensible because it was deception and shows how the government has not given enough attention to the needs of the marginal sectors. Here is where the housecleaning for foreign visitors falls apart. What may be welcome is less traffic at least in certain streets. Why should this be done only in the usually chaotic capital to speed up the shuttling of delegates for the APEC and not for the residents and taxpayers themselves? It is up to us to see that a difference can be made about the way we solve traffic problems not only during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and related meetings but also on normal days for the sake of residents. Everyday should be APEC day.

*** For those who worked with him in the labor unions, there was palpable sadness when former Senator Ernesto Herrera died last week. He will be truly missed as an exemplary worker for the sake of a strong labor sector in the Philippines. At the time of his death, I noticed the urgency with which he put things together to ensure that labor and marginalized sectors would be adequately represented in the political mainstream. But it was not to be. He did not live to see his dream to see a strong labor party patterned after the Labor Party in the UK. After many talks I had with him I can say this was his obsession and unless we are able to bring in labor and the marginalized sectors, the Philippines will not move forward. Happily the torch has passed to a man who is just as dedicated to labor and the poor. Ruben Torres, Secretary-General of the Katipunan, has been elected president of the Trade Union Congress of the Philip-

pines (TUCP) to succeed Ernesto Herrera. Torres is a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Public Administration. He was the former executive secretary of President Fidel V Ramos and secretary of labor of President Corazon Aquino, chairman of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and chairman of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). He is married to Dr. Amaryllis T. Torres and they have four children, three of whom are doctors. Torres has already begun the work of the Katipunan which has moved across the country, starting in Zambales, to gather workers, farmers and fisherfolks and provide education and training seminars so they are able to understand the mission and objectives of the Katipunan. Zambales will be followed by Pampanga and Pangasinan and other provinces. The idea is to create labor leaders throughout the country. (Philstar.com)

450 years of love

Sketches

AnA MArie PAMintuAn

Philstar.com photo

girls did at the time), I thought the cavernous church interior, with the angelic choir and organ music, was a piece of heaven— definitely no place for childish misbehavior. In my family’s frequent visits to the church, however, I never got to tour the adjacent facilities. As a kid I was warned about ghosts roaming the hallways and dark corners. Reaching adulthood I became a lapsed Catholic and went to church only for weddings, baptisms and funerals. Last Sunday, Nov. 15, I saw what I had missed, and regretted not visiting the museum much earlier. The museum showcases ivory and gold artifacts, ancient paintings, carvings, ceramics, lacquer ware and furniture made by Filipinos, Spaniards, Mexicans, Japanese and Vietnamese. There are musical instruments, religious icons, books. The museum traces the history of the Augustinian mission from the arrival in Manila in 1571 of friar Diego de Herrera. Manila became the staging point for Catholic missions to China, Japan, India, Africa and the Americas. Since 1571 some 3,000 Augus-

tinians have served in the Philippines, reaching the country mostly through the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade or by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal. So the museum also traces the history of the galleon trade, through which the spices of Southeast Asia made their way to the Americas and Europe, such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper and turmeric. Raw and fine embroidered silk, including the Manila shawl or manton de Manila, actually made in Canton and traded through Macau, were shipped to Mexico. The Augustinian tradition as educators and scientific researchers is also documented in the museum. The order set up the archipelago’s first public schools where the 4Rs were taught: reading, ’riting, ’rithmetic and religion. The order set up the country’s two printing presses, first in 1614 and then in 1886. “They never found conflict between reason and faith,” explained museum director Fr. Ricky Villar. Fr. Blas Sierra De La Calle, project manager of the museum renovation, stressed that the gal-

leons “carried much more than silver and friars.” The trading ships also carried plants, art and traditions. More importantly for the Augustinians, De La Calle said the galleons “carried the Christian message.” *** San Agustin, the oldest church in Luzon, was originally made of bamboo and nipa. Finished in 1571, it was destroyed by fire when the Chinese pirate Limahong attacked Manila in 1574. A new church made of wood was also destroyed by fire in 1583. The Augustinians then used adobe stones quarried from Bulacan and Rizal to build a new church, which was finished in 1607, and a monastery that opened in 1604. Since then the complex has been damaged by numerous earthquakes, sacked by the British during their two-year occupation of Manila in the 18th century, and turned into a concentration camp by the Japanese during World War II. But it became the only church to survive the destruction of Manila during the war, although the monastery was destroyed. Rebuilt in the 1970s, the structure was turned into a museum, but it also

fell into disrepair. It’s good that the Augustinians decided to tap professional help for the restoration. Some years ago it was dismaying to see the church facade painted a garish coral hue. It looked like cheap cake. Later, the elements gave the paint a naturally distressed finish, which improved the appearance somewhat. *** In December 2010, after a visit by the provincial superior of the Augustinians, the order decided to renovate the museum and convent. The target date of completion was 2015. De La Calle was picked as manager of the renovation, which was supported by the Spanish government. We can take some tips from them in restoring our heritage sites. No more garish cake-like paint. The adobe walls were strengthened based on the original appearance, with the natural stone color preserved. The concrete floor was replaced with granite, while on the upper cloister the floor was restored to the original red tiles. Wood and capiz windows were also restored.

De La Calle, who was at the opening of the museum together with Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo Castaño, said the main objective of the restoration was to hew to the original design as much as possible. Some things cannot be restored. The Augustinians lament the loss of items looted by the British during their occupation of Manila. The friars were driven out of San Agustin and found themselves helping prepare gunpowder to expel the Brits. When the British left, the Augustinians reported that all the bells of the church, over 500 books and all the chairs – about 400 – were gone. The Augustinians built other baroque churches in the country that have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: those in Paoay and Sta. Maria in Ilocos and Miagan in Panay. “We Augustinians are very much aware of the responsibility to preserve (our heritage),” Villar said. Preservation of that heritage is a labor of love, which is how the order likes to call the San Agustin museum project: “450 years of love.” (Philstar.com)

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

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COMMUNITY

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MAy ZhAng, DiZA AnD nAncy MilleR LAST week we reported that Speaker of the House Paul Ryan had announced that no comprehensive immigration reform bill will be introduced or entertained in the House while President Obama is in the White House. This week, in keeping with that philosophical bent, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the federal government’s appeal of the preliminary injunction that put a halt to Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (“DAPA”). While the Obama Administration quickly declared its intention to appeal to the US Supreme Court, any positive decision is at least a year away. So, no comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) and no DAPA; what is there? A lot! As societies in various countries around the world become more unstable and existing governments become less able or willing to protect their citizens, political asylum is a very real avenue for relief. Changes in country conditions allow one to file for asylum despite having been here for more than oneyear. Once the application has been pending for 6 months, the applicant is eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (work permit). With work authorization, one may apply for a social security number, work legally and obtain a state-issued driver’s license. Another option is cancellation of removal. Cancellation of removal allows qualified individuals to obtain a green card if they have lived in the US for at least ten years, have good moral character and can show that their US citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident parent, spouse or child would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if the applicant were forced to leave the United States. Applicants

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 20-26, 2015

Journal Fifth Circuit says no to Germs and how to prevent DAPA – what now? them through healthy habits are eligible to apply for a work permit as soon as their application is filed. As always, anyone with a US citizen or lawful permanent resident family member should explore the possibility of a family-based petition. Immediate relatives (IR) who entered the US with inspection are able to obtain their green card in the United States in a process called adjustment of status. If the foreign citizen has to return home to complete their immigration process, they can seek a provisional waiver of the 10year unlawful presence bar that will be tripped when they leave to United States to consular process. Provisional waivers allow the applicant to submit the request from inside the US and wait for the decision here. Once approved, the applicant departs for their immigrant visa interview at a US Consulate. This waiver avoids lengthy separation of family members. The provisional waiver applies to aliens who entered the United States without papers, who came in on a crewman visa, who entered the United States on a fiancé visa but did not marry their petitioner and who entered on a visa but overstayed or violated the visa and are not in the immediate relative category. Other waivers are available for those with various other grounds of inadmissibility. Those who entered the United States using false information or false documentation and can show that their USC or LPR parent or spouse would suffer extreme hardship may be able to get a waiver. Non-citizens who have convictions for various criminal offenses may be able to obtain a waiver if they can show that their USC or LPR parent, spouse or son or daughter would suffer extreme hardship. Due to some recent court decisions, many

non-citizens may be eligible for criminal conviction waivers even if they were not before. Waivers also exist for those who obtained their green cards through false information and want to clear their record so they can naturalize. Non-citizens who are studying in the United States may be able to turn that education into both a non-immigrant work visa and a green card depending on what they are studying. While not technically lawful status, another option is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). Yes, DACA 1 – the original version is still available. It was not part of the lawsuit and injunction. DACA is available to a person who: (1) was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; (2) entered the US before the age of 16; (3) has resided in the US since June 15, 2007 up to the present date; (4) is currently out of status; (5) is in school or has graduated from school in the US (or is a veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces); and, (7) has not been convicted of a felony or a significant misdemeanor. More than one million individuals obtain legal permanent resident status each year. In order to find out if you could be one of them, consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney.

*** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration @rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

What are germs? Germs are tiny microorganisms that exist all around us and are invisible to the human eye. There are many different types of germs. Most are not harmful, but some cause infectious diseases. You probably already know about many infectious diseases. There are vaccines to prevent some and medicines to treat others, but we don’t have vaccines and medicines for every kind of infectious diseases. It is important to know about germs and infectious diseases, and simple ways to avoid getting and spreading them. Where do germs live? Germs have favorite places to live, preferred ways to travel, and if they are harmful, their own unique ways of causing disease. Germs can live in or on dirt, water, countertops, our skin, our intestines, and in many other places around us. Some germs

can survive on their own while others prefer living in people or animals. Some germs live only in hot areas of the world while others live only in cold areas. When germs find a place that is good for them, they multiply and set up a home for themselves. how do germs spread? Germs spread in different ways. To catch an infectious disease, you first need to be exposed to a harmful germ. Then it needs to get on or into your body and act in its unique ways to cause disease. Our bodies are good at fighting infections; not everybody who is exposed to germs will get sick, but some will. Here are the most common ways to be exposed: • Touching. Some germs live in body fluids like mucus, pus, and stool. Even the invisible drops released when people talk, cough, or sneeze can can carry germs. Touching a contaminated

surface or object, then touching your eyes, nose, mouth, a cut, or other opening in the body, can lead to an infectious disease. • Eating or drinking. Some germs exist in food and untreated water. Unwashed fruits and vegetables, and foods not properly cooked or kept at the right temperature, may carry harmful germs. • Breathing. Some germs spread through the air. When someone coughs, sneezes, or talks they can release germs. When harmful germs are inhaled, they can cause illness. • Getting bitten. Animals can carry and spread infectious diseases to people. Bites from wild animals, pets, or even a small animal like a bat or insect can cause illness. Even if the animal doesn’t look sick, it may carry harmful germs. Infectious diseases are also

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New local health centers in California receive $1,803,287 to help enroll people in the Health Insurance Marketplace THE Health Resources and Services Administration recently announced that 24 new California health centers will receive $1,803,287 in awards for outreach and enrollment assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These funds will support health centers’ work in raising awareness of affordable insurance options and providing eligibility and enrollment assistance to uninsured residents in their communities. Open enrollment in the Marketplace began on November 1, 2015 and runs through January 31, 2016. “Today’s awards build upon the work health centers across the country have done over the past three years to help Californians learn about and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage,” HRSA Acting Administra-

tor Jim Macrae said. “With these funds, California health centers will be able to ramp up efforts to reach the uninsured members of their communities during Open Enrollment.” California health centers that will receive awards include: • AAA Comprehensive Healthcare, Inc., North Hollywood, CA; • American Indian Health & Services, Santa Barbara, CA; • Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Inc., San Francisco, CA; • Behavioral Health Services Inc., Hawthorne, CA; • Center for AIDS Research, Education & Services Inc., Sacramento, CA; • Center for Family, Health & Education, Inc., Panorama City, CA; • Central Neighborhood

Health Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; • Community Medical Wellness Centers USA, Long Beach, CA; • Complete Care Community Health Center, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; • Davis Street Community Center, Inc., San Leandro, CA; • Harbor Community Clinic, San Pedro, CA; • Harmony Health Medical Clinic and Family Resource Center, Marysville, CA; • Latino Kids Health, Montebello, CA; • Riverside County Health System, Riverside, CA; • Roads Foundation Inc., Compton, CA; • SAC Health System, San Bernardino, CA;

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Marriage and Immigration Laws The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi James, a noncitizen foreign national, is married to Lesly, a United states citizen, and by virtue of this marriage was accorded a lawful conditional permanent resident status. However, not even a full year into the marriage the newlyweds find themselves extremely unhappy with each other and are fighting incessantly. Lesly files for divorce and the marriage is terminated. a few months after the divorce was finalized, James marries for the second time to Barbara, who is also a United states citizen. James now seeks to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on his current marriage to Barbara. However, his application to adjust status was rejected because his status as a conditional permanent resident based on his first marriage has not been terminated.

Can James terminate his conditional status based on his marriage to Lesly, and subsequently adjust his status based on his current marriage to Barbara? according to the Immigration and Nationality act (INa): In the case of an alien with permanent resident status on a conditional basis under subsection (a), if the attorney General determines, before the second anniversary of the alien’s obtaining the status of lawful admission for permanent residence, that (a) the qualifying marriage … (ii) has been judicially annulled or terminated, other than through the death of a spouse; … the attorney General shall so notify the parties involved and, subject to paragraph (2), shall terminate the permanent resident status of the alien involved as of the date of the determination. moreover, the Board of Immigration appeals has highlighted the authority of the Citizenship and Immigration services of the Department of Homeland security to affirmatively terminate the conditional resident status of a noncitizen foreign national according to the INa. Termination of an alien’s conditional resident

status can occur in three ways. First, under section 216(b)(1) of the INa, they may terminate the alien’s conditional resident status before the 2-year conditional period expires, where the service determines that the qualifying marriage was judicially annulled or terminated. second, the service may terminate the conditional resident status for failure to timely file a joint petition to remove the conditions on permanent resident status. Finally, the service may terminate the noncitizen’s conditional resident status upon determining that the information provided in the joint petition to remove conditions is untrue. In matter of stockwell, the Board found that the service properly terminated respondent’s conditional permanent resident status because the qualifying marriage had been legally terminated. similarly, in matter of Lemhammad, the respondent married a United states citizen and obtained a conditional resident status under section 216 of the act. sometime thereafter, the respondent and his wife divorced,

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

IN many cases, those in their immediate family orbit say, they never saw it coming and will be left wondering WHY. suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless. Those left behind who will have to pick up the pieces deal with the heavy pall of gloom and guilt that descends on them for a long time. so how does one deal with the dark night of the soul? I don’t know about you but it seems to me that darkness can only be fought and won decisively by seeking the light. Only light can dispel darkness. Psychotherapy, anti-depressants and all other known scientifically proven ways of dealing with mental illness and the eventual sickness of the soul may be of some help. But as in anything, the first step is to acknowledge and adu PAGE CJ4 mit the condition as a serious cause for concern and to seek help right away. This is the crucial first step towards healing. and the hardest. The courage to recognize and admit one needs help may not be enough though. Humility is a key ingredient. The afflicted must reach out to someone he can trust, someone who cares about him and lead him to those that can help. This is when fervent heartfelt prayers, his own and those of others, can assault the heavens for mercy. The bigger part of defeating the darkness of the soul lies within one’s self. seek the light every which way possible, both physical and spiritual. even the very act of being exposed to sunlight can fight off the sadness that afflicts many when the fall and winter seasons with their diminished amounts of sunlight

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’? “… You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord, and have girded me with joy, alleluia…” —Psalm 30 come every year. If you have strayed from the Christian faith, come back, renew and rekindle that relationship with God. He is the vine; we are the branches. Cut off from God, we wither and die. In daily life, seek the company of genuinely happy people who have that buoyant tendency to lift others. They have the force of high tide that lifts all boats. Cheerfulness is the daylight of the soul. Bask in joy-filled people’s megawatt light until you can generate your own. It may just be a flicker of hope in the beginning that grows into a bigger flame that may become a bonfire blazing within one’s soul. Quite possibly, with the Holy spirit’s help, that onceailing soul can become a light bright enough to give hope to others similarly situated. Like anyone else, cheerful people do have problems and undergo dark times. But they have within their inmost core, a steady spark of God’s light that enables them to tap a wellspring of joy, no matter what season of the soul they are going through. You must stay away from negative, depressed people. Darkness can and will go viral given the chance. They have twice the force of gravity to bring you down to the depths of despair. In my pedestrian view, since deep depression is essentially a disease that afflicts the mind and withers the soul, all physi-

cal remedies seem to me to fall far short of true healing. a spiritual illness can only be cured by spiritual means. match the method to the madness. a leap of faith is a must. God is light and only God can dispel the darkness of one’s soul. Without God, one can do nothing. The promise is clear for many who have remained steadfast in their faith. Faith is the solid and unwavering core belief that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead so we may live happily ever after far beyond death into eternity. This is the ending really worth seeking for every life story. Rock solid faith brings a bottomless well of hope. Faith gives us a deep, down to the marrow, heartfelt and genuine appreciation of God’s unfailing love to see us through and bring us home in His own good and perfect timing. God gave us life as a gift. Our gift to God in return, is to live as joyfully as possible the whole enchilada, the full measure of that life until we are called home. What then is the ultimate weapon against dangerous depression that afflicts many today? It is JOY, the pure and simple expression of gratitude for GOD’s eNDURING LOVe. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Cosmetic vs therapeutic mouthwash tacking bacteria and plaque, or strengthening teeth with fluoride. When buying therapeutic mouthwash, look for the american Dental association seal of acceptance on the bottle. Products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts Dr. VALerie De Leon and meet specific standards for safety and effectiveness. sWIsH, gargle, spit – simple, Read the instructions right? mouthwash is usually as with any health product, seen as an addition to your oral make sure you thoroughly read health, the cherry on top of your the instructions – yes, even for hygiene routine. But are you us- mouthwash! Here are some iming the right kind, and are you portant things to note: using it correctly? some products recommend Cosmetic mouthwashes diluting before use. (again, mask bad breath check the label!) most people think all mouthmost mouthwashes are not washes do the same thing, but recommended for children unthere are key differences you der seven. need to know! Cosmetic mouthRinsing right after a meal washes only serve to mask bad helps to inhibit bacteria growth breath and leave your mouth and bad breath. with a pleasant taste – like a avoid eating or drinking mint but with fewer calories. for 30 minutes after using a Therapeutic mouthwashes at- fluoridated mouthwash. This tack plaque gives the fluoride more time to Therapeutic mouthwashes strengthen your teeth. serve clinical purposes, like atMouthwash doesn’t replace

Dr. Val’s Dental Views

other oral health habits! Regular brushing and flossing are far more important than using mouthwash. mouthwash is not a substitute for the more important dental care habits. If you have a specific issue, like periodontal disease, chronic bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, talk to us about it! We may recommend a specific therapeutic mouthwash for you. Other times, problems we address with mouthwash can be a sign of a larger issue. If you have any questions, ask us below, or talk with us about it next time you visit. Thank you for being our patient and friend! *** If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation. (Advertising Supplement)

Germs and how to prevent...

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spread through sexual contact, during pregnancy from a mother to an unborn child, from sharing needles, blood transfusions, and through other ways. How can I prevent the spread of germs? Healthy habits are the best and easiest way to prevent the spread of germs every day. Learn, practice, and teach them today. Healthy habits prevent germs and infectious diseases from spreading. Learn, practice, and teach the following healthy habits: 1. Handle and prepare food safely. Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food, especially raw meat. always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and keep foods at proper temperatures. Don’t leave food

out - refrigerate promptly. 2. Wash hands often. Learn how, when, and why to wash your hands. 3. Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Germs can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. However, you should disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly. Disinfect other areas if someone in the house is ill. You can use an ePa certified disinfectant (look for the ePa registration number on the label), bleach solution, or rubbing alcohol. 4. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve. Learn how and when to cover your cough and sneeze. 5. Don’t share personal items. avoid sharing personal items that can’t be disinfected, like toothbrushes and razors, or sharing towels between washes.

Needles should never be shared, should only be used once, and then thrown away properly. 6. Get vaccinated. Vaccines can prevent many infectious diseases. You should get some vaccinations in childhood, some as an adult, and some for special situations like pregnancy and travel. make sure you and your family are up-to-date on your vaccinations. If your regular doctor does not offer the vaccine you need, visit the adult Immunization and Travel Clinic. 7. avoid touching wild animals. You and your pets should avoid touching wild animals which can carry germs that cause infectious diseases. If you are bitten, talk to your doctor. make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date. 8. stay home when sick. (San Francisco Public Health Department)

New local health centers in California receive... PAGE CJ1 t • san Diego american Indian Health Center Inc., san Diego, Ca; • san Fernando Community Hospital, san Fernando, Ca; • sierra Family medical Clinic Inc., Nevada City, Ca; • southern California medical Center, Inc., el monte, Ca; • sT. anthony medical Centers, Los angeles, Ca; • Tri-state Community Healthcare Center, Needles, Ca; • Unicare Community Health Center, Ontario, Ca and • Vietnamese Community of Orange County, santa ana, Ca Nationwide, HRsa announced

approximately $7 million in awards for health center outreach and enrollment assistance to 93 health centers. These awards build on HRsa’s annual $150 million national investment in health center outreach and enrollment activities. since July 2013, health centers have assisted more than 12 million people with their efforts to become insured. Visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ to find out who is doing enrollment in your community and which ones have translation services. Health centers are community based and patient directed organizations that serve populations with limited access to health

care. They provide comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. Through outreach into their communities and “in reach” to their uninsured patients, health centers are helping consumers understand their coverage options, learn what financial help they may be eligible for, and enroll in new affordable health coverage options through the marketplace, medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Raising awareness is especially

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(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ In October 2015, the State Department and Department of Homeland Security announced a new format for the monthly priority dates. The monthly Visa Bulletin would now have TWO charts: the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart; and the Final Action Dates chart. (The Final Action Date chart is the old priority date chart from previous Visa Bulletins) The Dates for Filing chart was supposed to allow people to file for adjustment of status months or years ahead of the Final Action Date chart, to enable people to apply for work authorization while waiting for their priority date to become current under the Final Action Date chart. However, for December 2015, USCIS announced a confusing mixture of these two charts in connection with when people can file for adjustment: 1. For family-based petitions, people can rely on the “Dates for Filing” chart for when they

Community Journal

may file for adjustment of status. That is good. 2. For employment – based petitions, people must go back and rely on the Final Action Date chart. That is not so good. By way of comparison, for employment based cases for the Philippines, the Application Filing Date is January 1, 2010. However, the Final Action Date is August 1, 2007. Therefore, starting December 1, 2015, people with employment-based petitions would be able to file adjustment of status applications only if their priority date is earlier than August 1, 2007 (rather than January 1, 2010). As stated on USCIS’s website: December 2015: For Family-Sponsored Filings: • You may use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart for December 2015. For Employment-Based Filings: • You must use the Application Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for December 2015.

What this means is now, you not only must check the State Department’s website for the Visa Bulletin for every single month, but must also check the USCIS’s website as to which chart it will follow for the upcoming month for filing adjustment of status. Confused? So are they. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

lic Library, and South San Francisco Public Library, to offer this simple amnesty program to allow patrons to “pay-off” library fines by donating food to those in need. Patrons can give to the community and get their library record back in good standing at the same time. Combined efforts last year resulted in a collection of 35,252 pounds of food and 5,475 library accounts cleared. Second Harvest Food Bank estimated that 25

pounds of food will feed one family for a week. These millions of pounds of food are provided free of charge to 326 local nonprofit agencies at more than 700 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs. All residents are encouraged to donate this season. Monetary donations can be made directly by visiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties at www.shfb.org.

Former PVB employees 2016 Grand Reunion

FORMeR employees of Philippine Veterans Bank will hold their Grand Reunion on February 21, 2016 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Manila. We are trying to reach out to all members residing all over the

world to disseminate information about the upcoming event. For more details about the reunion, please contact the following members through their Facebook accounts: Southern California – Aurora

Carillo northern California – Angie Virola Philippines – Lourdes Barbero Ramos and Lyn Lagpitanghap We look to forward to see you all!

Pampanga High School Class ’65 celebrates golden jubilee CLASS 1965 of the Pampanga High School will hold TULA ampong SAYA, its 50th anniversary reunion, on December 29-30, 2015 in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines. All 1965 graduates of the Pampanga High School (PHS), formerly the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS), and their spouses are welcome to all the planned events. Admission is free. There are three major events scheduled: 1) BISPeRAS on December 29, a fun day (9am to 6pm) of games and togetherness at the Diaspora Farm Resort in Santa Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga. 2) KAPIYeSTAn on December 30, a simple luncheon (11am to 3pm) featuring familiar Kapampangan dishes at the Mulang Galang, a tiny orchard in San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga. A karaoke machine and several carts of various street foods will complete the provincial fiesta atmosphere. 3) TeRAKAn on December 30, a gala dinner-dance (6:30pm to 12 midnight) at the Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant in of San Fernando Pampanga. After a sumptuous lauriat, the Class of ’65 will enjoy an evening of music by the Decadas and mellow songs of Jerry, the folksinger.

Are you ready to be confused over the December 2015 priority dates?

Daly City Public Library offers Food for Fines program for patrons THe Daly City Public Library is participating in the 2015 Food for Fines Program from november 16 through December 31, 2015. Under the program, patrons can “pay-off” accrued fines for overdue library materials with a donation of non-perishable food items. The Daly City Public Library has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank, San Mateo County Library, Redwood City Public Library, San Mateo Pub-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 20-26, 2015

To help finance the celebration, the golden jubilee organizing committee is publishing a book after the events. Also called TULA ampong SAYA, the book will not only memorialize the 50th anniversary reunion itself but will also celebrate the successes of Class ‘65ers (the likes of noted “innoventor” Virgilio Malang, former Congresswoman and immigration commissioner Andrea Dizon Domingo, and Retired General Jose Lalisan) and the accomplishments of the PHS Class ’65 Foundation, Inc. established in 2000, the foundation had undertaken various projects that have benefited class members, the school and the greater Pampanga community. These projects include high school and college scholarship grants, medical and dental missions to surrounding poor communities, livelihood training for stay-home parents and out-of-school youths, a housing project for indigent classmates, feeding programs in area elementary schools, and direct gifts and donations to various local charities and to the Pampanga High School, its faculty and students. The golden jubilee organizing committee is asking for the cooperation of all PHS Class 65ers to

ensure the success of the celebrations by doing any or all of the following: 1) Attend the reunion events. Show up, be there, and enjoy the celebrations. 2) Spread the word. Actively find and reach as many Class ‘65ers as possible. 3) Make a donation. Be generous! Help finance the planned activities so that other classmates who might get intimidated by the prospect of a reunion expense will not have to worry anymore. 4) Support the Souvenir Book. Buy or sell advertising pages and sponsor a personal family page or two. Details on preparations, events and venues can be found on “TULA ampong SAYA,” on Facebook. Contact persons on the reunion organizing committee are the following Class ‘65ers with their Philippine telephone numbers: Joseph Deang (0927228-8588); erlie Aquino estandarte (0929-219-0248); Corazon Cunanan (0939-118-2888; 0926660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918-915-9095); and Dan Galang 0929-427-9308; 045966-0764). In the US and Canada, contact Dan Galang at (510) 4875551 or at (510) 648-1047.

A HUSBANd’S 30-YEAR-OLd “SECRET” ALMOST dERAILEd THE FAMILY’S GREEN CARdS ON AN ENCORE EPISOdE OF CITIZEN PINOY!Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (right) was able to revive Alice’s (center) petition by her US citizen father, after it was terminated due to the petitioner’s death. The family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s Lebanese husband, Andre (left). But Andre refused to come to the US because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the US. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday, November 22 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

America

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 -2 1

Free AARP TEK Mobile Technology Workshop What: A free technology workshop from AARP TEK Program AARP TEK and presented with AT&T’s generous support comes to Cerritos on Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st. Featuring 50-plus technology learners from the Cerritos area, AARP TEK representatives, and local elected officials, the “hands on” AARP TEK workshop is designed to enable people to leverage personal technology to enrich their lives and to educate the community on how they can maximize their use of their tablets and smartphones. When: November 20th: 11 am - 1 pm: Intro to Smart Phones – Beginner Workshop 3 pm – 5 pm: Beyond the Basics: Smart Phones – Intermediate Workshop November 21st: 10 am - 12 noon: Intro to Smart Phones – Beginner Workshop 2 pm – 4 pm: Beyond the Basics: Smart Phones – Intermediate Workshop Where: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, Garden Terrace Ballroom. 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703 For more information on AARP TEK or for more details on scheduled workshops, visit the Events tab on aarptek.org.

N OV E M B E R 28

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

D EC E M B E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776). Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved D EC E MbyBemailing E R 5 lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-8767695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-681-0974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650994-0701).

D EC E M B E R 29 -3 0

Pampanga High School Class of ’65 Golden Jubilee Celebration

HERCULES CYCLING CLUB. Want to get into cycling or looking to ride with a group? Established in August 2013, The Hercules Cycling Club was organized to promote the enjoyment of cycling in our local community. We are a collection of cyclists from different backgrounds and skill levels that organize fun group rides open to everyone, and support events and activities that encourage cycling. Membership is not limited to Hercules City residents, we have members all over the Bay Area including San Francisco, Fremont in the south and Fairfield up north. Safety comes first on our rides, and no one gets dropped nor left behind! For more information on the club and ride schedules, go to www. herculescyclingclub.net or email herculescyclingclub@gmail.com.

New local health centers in California receive... PAGE CJ2 t important because the majority of uninsured individuals don’t know about the financial assistance available through the Marketplace. This year, about 8 out of 10 uninsured people who are eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace qualify for financial help to make their

monthly premiums more affordable. More than 7 in 10 returning customers can find a plan for $75 a month or less in premiums after advance premium tax credits. For the full list of award winners and funding amounts visit: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/outreachandenrollment/

fy16/index.html. For more information about the Marketplace, including information about total costs of coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Or call 1 800 318 2596 (TTY 1 855 889 4325) for free, confidential help enrolling. Translation services are available.

The Class of 1965 of the Pampanga High School will hold “TULA ampong SAYA,” its 50th Anniversary Reunion, this coming December 29-30, in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines. All 1965 graduates of the Pampanga High School (PHS), formerly the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS), and their spouses are welcome to all scheduled events. Admission is free. The celebration will begin with BISPERAS on December 29 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, enjoying fun games, old music, and togetherness at the DIASPORA FARM RESORT in Santa Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga. On December 30, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, join us for KAPIYESTAN, a provincial fiesta luncheon featuring familiar Kapampangan dishes, at the Mulang Galang orchard in San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga. The evening of Dec. 30 will conclude with TERAKAN, a gala dinnerdance from 6:30 pm to 12 midnight, at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in the San Fernando, Pampanga. Enjoy a fun evening of dancing to the retro music of Decadas and the mellow songs of folksinger Jerry. Class ‘65ers, please join us in celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary! Full details on preparations, events and venues can be found on “TULA ampong SAYA,” on Facebook. For donations, interest in the 50th Anniversary Reunion souvenir memory book, highlighting the successes of individual Class ‘65ers and the accomplishments of the PHS Class ’65 Foundation, Inc., please contact the jubilee reunion organizing committee in the Philippines: Joseph Deang (0927-228-8588); Erlie Aquino Estandarte (0929-219-0248); Corazon Cunanan (0939-118-2888; 0926-660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918-915-9095); and Dan Galang 0929-427-9308; 045-966-0764). In the US and Canada, please contact Dan Galang at (510) 487-5551 or at (510) 648-1047.

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

NOVEMBER 20-26, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

PeoPle & events

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New initiative aims for $3.3M in energy Board Member Fiona Ma honors community organizer and entrepreneur with SHEro Equalizer Award savings for San Jose businesses San JoSe—San José businesses will have the opportunity to achieve both energy and financial savings that could result in a $1 million award to the San José community through the “Step Up and Power Down” campaign in partnership with PG&e. the goal is to have more than 400 San José businesses band together to reduce energy waste by 25 million kilowatt hours by the end of 2016. this represents enough electricity to power two entire city blocks for a year and $3.3 million in energy savings. When San José reaches its participant and savings goals, these local businesses will not only achieve financial and energy savings for their own benefit, but they can take pride in earning $1 million for the city of San José. the award from PG&e would be used to reinvest in additional community efforts for sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “as a city deeply rooted in innovation and home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, we have a responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for our community,” said San José mayor Sam Liccardo. “By helping San José businesses Step Up and Power Down, we’re taking another step towards achieving our Green Vision goal of cutting our per capita energy use in half by 2022.” Step Up and Power Down focuses on small changes in ev-

eryday business actions that can achieve big results over time. In addition to providing resources to encourage the switch to energyefficient products, the campaign also encourages energy-smart behaviors such as powering down work stations when not in use or closing street-facing retail doors during hot weather to save on cooling costs. “this initiative will result in a huge benefit for San José businesses. not only will the energy savings help create a more sustainable city, but it will also improve business profits,” said Kerrie romanow, San José environmental Services Director. Participating businesses will receive support from San José and PG&e staff, energy-saving tips, a personalized web portal, and access to training and energy rebates. they will also receive recognition for their efforts through Step Up and Power Down events and publicity. the award for reaching participation and energy savings goals is provided by PG&e shareholders. If the concurrent San Francisco campaign also reaches its goals along with San José, both cities will receive an additional $250,000 award. “reducing energy use and emphasizing energy efficiency across our communities are some of the most effective ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet california’s ambitious climate goals, and create a healthier

Marriage and Immigration... PAGE CJ2 t and the Service terminated his conditional resident status under section 216(b)(1)(a)(ii) of the act, based on his divorce. the Board also held that an alien holding a conditional permanent resident status is prohibited from adjusting his status under 245(a) of the act, pursuant to Section 245(d) of the act. However, Section 245(d) of the act does not prohibit an alien, whose conditional permanent resident status has been terminated, from adjusting his status under Section 245(a). there, respondent’s conditional resident status was terminated by the Service upon his divorce from his US citizen spouse. respondent thereafter sought to adjust his status based on his (second)

EMPLOYMENT

marriage to a US citizen spouse, whose visa petition filed on his behalf was approved. the Board found that section 245(d) does not bar the respondent from adjusting his status pursuant to section 245(a) of the act, based on his second marriage to a US citizen spouse. thus, James should be able to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on his second marriage as long as his conditional resident status based on his first marriage is terminated. marriage and divorce are very personal in nature and in themselves are hard enough decisions to make, and navigating through the immigration laws on top of it makes it more difficult and frus-

future for generations to come,” said Laurie Giammona, senior vice president and chief customer officer for PG&e. San José began to reach out to businesses in September, and the San José Step Up and Power Down team will continue this effort through December 2016. the initiative will work with offices, hotels, retail stores, and food service organizations among other types of businesses. Businesses are encouraged to learn more about joining this citywide effort and visit: sanjose. stepupandpowerdown.com about San José environmental Services Department (eSD) and San José Green Vision San José, capital of Silicon Valley, is the largest city in northern california and the 10th largest city in the nation. the San José environmental Services Department (www.sjenvironment.org) manages garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; community sustainability initiatives; and the San José-Santa clara regional Wastewater Facility. eSD’s programs and initiatives align with the San José Green Vision (www.sjenvironment.org/ greenvision), a long-term plan to create a sustainable future for our community. Follow us on Facebook: SJenvironment, twitter: @SJenvironment, Instagram: @SJenvironment. trating. It is important to be informed and know your options. an experienced immigration firm or attorney will be able to help you understand what immigration terms mean specific to the regulations, what steps might be taken for your particular case, and the options available to you under the evolving immigration laws. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com.

EMPLOYMENT

Sacramento—State Board of equalization (SBoe) member Fiona ma, celebrated the close of october, which is Domestic Violence awareness month, by presenting her first SHero equalizer award to marily mondejar. this award is given to an individual who exemplifies the dedication and drive of a fearless female leader. their role as an “equalizer” is to be a tireless advocate for issues and causes to further expand women’s rights. “I am pleased to present my first SHero equalizer award to marily mondejar,” stated Board member ma. “as an entrepreneur, community organizer, and an untiring advocate against domestic violence and trafficking of women, marily throws out a wide net and brings together women from all over the world to unite for important causes like domestic violence and human trafficking.” marily is the Founder & ceo of the Filipina Women’s network (FWn) and has dedicated the last decade to transforming how global Filipina women view themselves and how others perceive them. She has spearheaded initiatives to bring about this transformation which include producing alternative and more positive search results on the Internet for the term “Filipina,” leading a campaign to end domestic violence, and facilitating the creation of a pipeline of Filipina leaders with the skills to compete at all levels in all sectors in our state. Under marily’s leadership FWn produced the first all Filipino women and all asian women cast of the vagina monologues. as the sixth of 13 children, marily learned early how to get her voice heard by her family and carried this over throughout her career in roles such as a senior business leader, as a board member for organizations working on the status of women, and as commissioner on various commissions and task forces appointed by San Francisco mayors Gavin newsom and edwin Lee. marily also draws from her experience as a survivor of an abusive relationship, a single mother, and a US immigrant who started from scratch to promote networks for advancing the status of Filipina women globally. marily has helped shift the language of mentorship to

“femtorship” and the mindset of Filipinas from being a silent force in society to a catalyst in changing the face of power in america and worldwide. Her impact can be measured by the countless number of women she brought along with her and those they will in turn bring along with them to positions of leadership. marily is the founder of the Filipina Women’s network, the nonprofit association for women of Philippine ancestry in the US, an organization she grew from 50 members in 2002 to over 10,200 list members today. the Filipina Women’s network received the organization of the Year award during International Women’s Day 2010. marily serves (and has served) on nonprofit boards and commissions including Leadership california, the Friends of the SF commission on the Status of Women, the Sweatfree Procurement advisory Group, the Justice and courage oversight Panel, Image Industry council International, the american Society for training and Development, to name a few. In 2010, she was honored by the california asian Pacific Islander Joint Legislative caucus (nominated by Speaker Pro tem Fiona ma) with the award

for excellence in civil rights; in 2012, she was selected by KQeD as Local (S)Hero to celebrate Women’s History month; in 2013, california Woman of the Year by Senator Leland Yee; for Kapit-Bisig Women’s Human rights award by Westbay; for community Service by asian Pacific Labor alliance (aPaLa). marily was appointed by San Francisco mayor edwin Lee in 2012 to the commission on community Investment and Infrastructure (ccII), the successor agency for the San Francisco redevelopment commission. ccII exercises land use, development and design approval authority for development projects which include mission Bay, Hunters Point Shipyard/candlestick Point and transbay terminal and manages the former redevelopment agency assets in Yerba Buena center. these projects represent $20 billion in assets and will create jobs, affordable housing, commercial space, parks and open space areas. In 2011, she served on the San Francisco redistricting task Force convened every 10 years after the census results are released, that redrew the boundaries of San Francisco’s 11 districts, laying the groundwork for the city’s political future for the next decade.

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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SEAFOOD CITY FOOD SERVICE FpFC

Friday, November 20, 2015

Chef eriC PasCual’s green Beans with Calamansi Photo By duane ramos

Chef eriC PasCual’s Butternut squash laing Photo By Phi tran

Chef CoCoy Ventura’s roasted CraB with garliC Calamansi Photo Courtesy of sun troPiCs

SF2

cover story

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 20, 2015

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Filipino twist Recipes from our favorite chefs for a non-traditional fare by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe

FILIPINOS love to celebrate with food wherever they are. That is why, like most races and cultures, we put in our own twist in traditional American Thanksgiving dishes to make it our own, or create our own menu. “I think Filipinos in the US may want to (or should) try nontraditional dishes for Thanksgiving because we should take

/ AJPress

advantage of the availability of the local ingredients and other cooking techniques,” said Chef Eric Pascual of Eats by E. “I also believe that in doing so we can still stay true to some of the traditional flavors.” The great part about celebrating Thanksgiving is that we can do it any way we like. Although the standard of roasted turkey and stuffing, cranberry

sauce and pumpkin pie are expected on one’s dinner table, it doesn’t mean we have to follow suit. In this age of food blogs, Pinterest and fusion cooking, the options are endless. In this special Thanksgiving feature of the Asian Journal, Chef Eric and international chef Cocoy Ventura share recipes of alternative and Filipino-inspired Thanksgiving dishes.

roasted crabs with garlic calamansi 2 servings

Braised Bistek Cocoy Ventura

AJPress file photo

IngredIents: • 1 large Dungeness crab, cleaned and sectioned (raw or precooked) • ¼ cup SunTropics Pure Calamansi • 4 tbsp butter • 10 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 tbsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper Procedure: 1. Preheat oven to 500°F. 2. Line a cookie sheet

with aluminum foil. 3. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. 4. Tear about 20” long foil, place onto lined sheet, place mixture in the center of foil and wrap it up, seal all openings. 5. Bake for 10-15 minutes. 6. Transfer on a serving platter, pour cooking juice on top, arrange and garnish with scallions or herbs (optional).

Pork spareribs toyo-mansi 2 servings

Chef Eric Pascual

IngredIents: • 1 lb pork spare ribs, cut into manageable pieces 1/3 cup SunTropics Pure Calamansi ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tbsp dark soy sauce 3 tbsp brown sugar 10 cloves of garlic, crushed ground black pepper 4 dried bay leaves 1 cup water Procedure:

Photo courtesy of Feastly

IngredIents: • 3 lbs. of beef chuck roast or short rib (bone-in preferably) • 4 tbsp. SunTropics Pure Calamansi • 5 garlic cloves (minced) • ½ cup soy sauce • ½ cup water • ½ cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp. sea salt • 2 tbsp. cane sugar • 1 tbsp black pepper • 4 tbsp oil

• 3 medium onions cut into rings Procedure: 1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Pat beef dry and rub all over with the salt and pepper. 3. Heat oil in an ovenproof 5-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown beef on all sides,

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium pot and cook over high heat with the lid on. 2. When boiling, gently stir, turn down heat to medium low and put the lid back on. 3. Cook for 30 minutes until pork is soft. 4. reduce sauce by raising heat to high, lid off. Stir occasionally. 5. Serve with rice. Continued on Page SF7

about 15 minutes total. 4. Add garlic, soy sauce, cane sugar, SunTropics Pure Calamansi, water, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil. 5. Cover pot tightly and braise in oven, until beef is very tender, approximately 3-3.5 hours total. 6. In a separate pot, sauté onions in 2 tbsp. of oil until clear. Serve onions over beef. Continued on Page SF6

Photo courtesy of Sharon Sy Lao of SunTropics

suntropics Pure calamansi SUNTrOPICS was started to bring the finest of the Filipino fruit flavors to the US market. Through our products, we seek to tantalize the senses with succulent and fragrant fruits of the Philippines. The products we take to market are rich with true to the fruit flavors. • Not from Concentrate

• Premium Ingredients • More fruit & lower sugar than other nectars • Made with Fruit Purees • No High Fructose Corn Syrup SunTropics Pure Calamansi is available at Seafood City, Island Pacific, Manila Oriental, Pacific Supermarkets, and Amazon.com.

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – November 20, 2015

San FranciSco By Monet

I love hearing success stories produced by humble beginnings. It is probably because I believe all of us, at one point have to start somewhere. Sometimes we have to start small and hope that it would someday grow bigger; other times, we expect nothing, and wake up with so many blessings. Such is the story of Ms. Maria Regina Buffa, more commonly known as the humble Ms. “Cora” Buffa. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Cora a few days ago. It was a short meeting and mostly “work-related.” But despite the formality, I did not miss the chance to try and get to know more about her and her beautiful story. I decided to write about Cora today in the hopes that her story would inspire you, as it did me. Cora is one of the sweetest and down-to-earth “Ilongga” (native from Iloilo) I have ever met. She spoke in a noticeably sweet accent, and yet, it’s what she says that’s stood out. She talked about her husband very lovingly as she happily shares their recent europe vacation and her husband’s antique gun and armor collection. Cora and her husband have been running an Adult Nursing and Care Service conglomerate for over a decade. Their company, Care Plus Nursing Services, is comprised of 3 subcompanies namely, Care Plus Home Care, Care Plus Home Health, and Care Plus Hospice. But, before it gives you the impression that the “Buffas” are your typical entrepreneurs who are only concerned about their RoIs, Allow me to say that Carl, Cora’s husband, actually founded their company out of love for his senior parents.

The inspiring story of Ms. Cora Buffa their hearts. In 2010, Cora and Carl then started their second company, Care Plus Home Health which provides skilled nursing care through the Medicare program. After two years, Care Plus Hospice, also under Medicare, was added to the family. This service provides nursing care and end-of-life care with comfort, compassion and dignity. Throughout the family of companies, the guiding principal has been to provide care that allows clients/patients the option to age in place at home. Cora Buffa Cora and Carl are very proud of the continuity of care they offer their community, and As for Cora, she is one of the reasons why Carl’s parents were the employment provided for very much cared for—Cora was over 250 people. As Cora recalls her humble their caregiver. beginning, she ceaselessly Cora started out as a carethanks God for all the blessgiver when she moved to the US. She worked tirelessly for 23 ings that she and her husband hours a day, seven days a week, receives. I nodded my head in agreement. In my mind, I for five years and cherishes know by experience that God every single moment of it. She is known for being hardworking indeed blesses us even when and cheerful. one of Cora’s cli- we are not deserving of His blessings. I also believe that ents loves to talk to her about good people, like Cora and her their son, Carl. They tell her how kind and smart their son is husband, receive more because (possibly hinting that he is per- they willingly give more to the community whom they love so fect for her). Well, a few years evidently. passed, Cora officially became To Cora; who will be hontheir daughter-in-law. ored on November 21st for her Cora describes her husheartfelt service in her chosen band Carl as the nicest, highly educated and a very smart guy. field, I thank you for the inspiraThey dated for 3 years and got tion. May you stay as humble and kindhearted as you are. married in 2005. Before they got married, they started Care *** Plus Home Care in orange Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardCounty – a non-medical home winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own care company. chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern Care Plus was founded California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, because of their love for Carl’s Monet is known as an all-around artiste parents. It is what inspired who produces sold-out fashion and awards them to build a community that shows as well as unforgettable marketing aims to provide the same level campaigns. Monet is also the founder of customer care and personal- of the revolutionary all-natural beauty ized service for their clients. products such as Enlighten, your solution They know just how it’s like to to discoloration. To contact Monet, please care for the aged. They picked visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at the right business that speaks monetsalon@aol.com

APEC delegates chill out on Filipino cuisine, pop music by Pocholo

concePcion Inquirer.net

oN Monday, Nov. 16, it felt like the Philippines was the safest place on earth as 600 foreign guests—among the 7,000 delegates representing 21 countries to the ongoing Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) business forum—savored creative takes on Filipino and international cuisine while chilling out on traditional and contemporary Pinoy music. The occasion was a welcome dinner for the delegates of the Apec ministerial meetings at the Marriott hotel in the Resorts World Manila complex. A fourcourse meal was served at Marriott Manila’s newly built grand ballroom. The scene was relaxed during cocktail hour at the ballroom lobby, where people of different nationalities mixed freely while sipping wine. A few were fiddling on their mobile phones. everyone seemed in a convivial mood. At one table, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Assistant Secretary of State for east Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel engaged in animated banter with egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Mahmoud Mostafa Ahmed Mohamed. Their laughter was contagious.

It’s Go Time. When it comes to business, timing is everything. APEC 2015 CEO Summit guests line up at the roast beef station.

every so often, guests were spotted exchanging calling cards. The Japanese contingent was quite obvious with their customary bows in the course of introductions. Soft rondalla music was played while the guests waited for dinner. ‘Mangga,’ ‘hipon,’ ‘binakol’ First served was an appetizer of Ensaladang Mangga at Hipon (green mango and prawn salad), followed by a soup of Chicken Binakol (double-boiled chicken with papaya and young coconut). This

Ilonggo version of tinola came in a coconut shell. The main course was Roasted US Beef Tenderloin with Seared Atlantic Scallops and crushed potato, bell pepper relish and organic petit carrots with liver jus. Dessert consisted of Leche Flan with Macapuno (caramel custard with young coconut), Turon (sweet banana roll with jackfuit) and Tropical Island Fruit Salad. Manila Polo Club president Isabel Caro Wilson took note Continued on Page SF4

And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica. As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance, It’s Go Time. Are you ready? Call 800.705.2387, stop by a Comerica banking center or visit comerica.com/cre.

Pinay girl band 4th Impact advances to ‘X Factor UK’ top 7

NoT even an emergency could stop 4th Impact from advancing to the top seven

4th Impact

in X Factor UK, as one of the all-Filipina girl group collapsed before the performance.

In a report from British news site Mirror Online, Celena fainted moments before the group took to the stage. She, though, was able to hold her own and perform Beyonce’s Work It Out to give fans a show. A spokesperson for X Factor shed light on what transpired backstage, as he said, “(Celena) was checked by a medic who said she was okay to perform.” Producers rushed to give Celena a chair on stage as the judges shortened their comments after the performance. “Under the circumstances, that was the most incredible Continued on Page SF5

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celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 20, 2015

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

Kapuso primetime King Dingdong Dantes can hardly wait for his wife, actress Marian Rivera, to give birth. In an interview with 24 Oras at a blog conference for the National Youth Commission last November 17, the actor clarified the rumors that Marian has already given birth. “Hindi, hindi pa siya nanganganak. I wish!,” he said. He also added that the actress is due “very, very soon” and that they are both waiting in anticipation. “Kaya nga yung phone ko, lagi kong tinitignan kasi nga any moment...so hindi ako puwede masyadong lumayo.” The actor is confident that he will be there when the moment for their daughter—who they named Maria Letizia—to come out to this world.

Both Dingdong and Marian are ready to become parents. In fact, the actor shared that the moment they got married, they knew it was the start for them. “Yung buong proseso ng pagbubuntis, ang laking naging bonding namin na kaming dalawa lang,” he said and explained that living as husband and wife has helped. “Iba yung appreciation namin ngayon sa isa’t isa. Siguro kasi noong nagsasama kami before, puro trabaho naman. Pero ngayon talaga, buhay mag-asawa, nakatutok lang kami sa isa’t isa, lalo na ngayon na may paparating kaming baby,” he said. Here’s to a safe delivery for Marian and a healthy baby! *** More talk about preg-

Dindong Dantes and Marian Rivera excited to be parents

Kapuso royal couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are expecting the birth of their first child anytime soon. They will be having a baby girl who they named Maria Letizia.

nancy and babies—songbird Regine Velasquez shared that she doesn’t want to get pressured into getting pregnant again, now that her son, Nate, with husband ogie alcasid, is already four years old. Explaining that taking it too seriously takes a lot of effort, especially when relying on medicine to get pregnant. “It’s very stressful, so ang nangyayari, the more you don’t get pregnant, “ she said in an interview with pep.ph. “Because stress is a big factor na hindi ka nakakabuo—for both ha—for the man and the woman, ha. so sa amin, ano kami, parang if we’re going to have sex, we’ll have sex because it’s natural and we’re passionate about each other and we love each other.” of course, if they do get pregnant, they would be happy, she added. However, she is also realistic about her age (she is now 45 years old) and how it is a big factor in fertility in women. “Pero kung wala, okey na

Songbird Regine Velasquez recently shared that she does not want to be pressured into getting pregnant again. She and husband, singer/songwriter Ogie Alcasid have a son, Nate, who is now four years old.

Comedienne Pokwang said that she and her American boyfriend, Lee O’Brien are going to try to get pregnant again after she finishes all her showbiz commitments. Pokwang suffered a miscarriage a few months ago.

rin yun. Madyongers [matanda] na ako, ‘teh! Forty-five, majirap [mahirap] na. Pero alam mo, like I said, no pressure. I don’t wanna pressure myself. God already gifted us with a wonderful boy!” *** one couple who want to give parenthood a try is comedienne pokwang and her american boyfriend Lee o’Brien. although it broke their hearts when they lost their baby through a miscarriage, the couple believed that it made their relationship stronger. In an interview with pep. ph last November 11 during a press conference for her new movie, Wang Fam, pokwang shared that they will try to get pregnant again after she finishes all her showbiz commitments. “Oo naman, hangga’t keri pa, hangga’t kering-keri pa, why not? Mayroon kaming plano, tinatapos ko muna yung mga bagay na dapat tapusin,” pokwang said. she also added that it doesn’t matter if they have a boy or a girl, as long as the baby is healthy. The comedienne said that it was during her miscarriage that she saw how much Lee loves her, especially when she saw him cry. “Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng lalakeng umiyak nung na-miscarriage ako. ‘Yung pain, sobra, niyakap niya ako. Dahil sa iyak niya, di na ako nakaiyak kasi nakita ko na ang laking tao, humagulgol ng iyak,” she said and added, “Naramdaman ko yung pain.” according to pokwang, they have also talked about marriage and she believes that Lee is the one. aside from being respectful of her family and culture, the comedienne shared that what makes Lee special to her is his acceptance of her daughter.

Cupertino’s jetsetter couple Suresh and Rema Vasa, are leaving for Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Dubai on Monday, November 30, to celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary.

Former on-screen love team John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo reprise their iconic roles of Popoy and Basha in Star Cinema’s upcoming romantic-drama, “A Second Chance,” the highly anticipated sequel to their 2007 box office hit, “One More Chance.”

Shown in photo are students of Thomas Edison Elementary School in Daly City during their recent annual Halloween Parade (L-R): Angelynn Guiang, Azusa Fini, Eren Padilla and Ysabella Reyes.

The Filipino Band Musicians Hall of Fame Foundation (FILHOFF) held its second annual Induction of Outstanding Band Musicians at the Millbrae High School Amphitheatre last Sunday, November 8. Shown in photo are (L-R) FILHOFF Directors Chito Desuasido, Essie Claveria, awardee Manny Galvez of the Ramrods, FILHOFF Managing Director Frank Sityar, awardees Mario Velasco of the Deltas, Danilo Yuson of the Le Jovials, Bambi Lopez (representing Pete Lastra of the Gay Toppers), Sonny Abad of Bad Habits, Glenn Velasco of the Deltas, Exceptional Artist awardee Vaughn Velasco, FILHOFF Director Agness Torres, Hall of Famers (Class of 2014) Charlie Meehlieb, and Rey Denard Tolentino, and FILHOFF Director Pat Ancheta.

apEC delegates chill out... From Page SF3 of the tastiness of the dishes, considering the large number of guests, though the Binakol was not warm enough. “The steak’s really good,” she said, as Goldberg quipped: “Well, this is an american hotel…” a special cultural performance commenced. Dubbed “archipelago of sounds,” the show featured renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias who sang Filipino clas-

sics Buhat and Ikaw; West End theater star Joanna ampil did a reprise of her Miss Saigon piece On My Own, including a Tagalog version. The world famous philippine Madrigal singers offered a touching rendition of the Visayan love song Usahay. But it was the old pop hit Manila that had the guests smiling and swaying on their seats. ampil and Gerodias joined rock and pop singers Jett pangan

and VJ Caber, along with musical theater star aicelle santos, in a lively version of the Hotdog hit. Dancers used stylized jeepneys as props. seen lingering after the show were Bernard Morgan of the australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and wife Margaret. Bernard, who was wearing a barong Tagalog said, “We had so much fun, we were waiting if there was an act two!”

entertainment

SF5

ANA launches‘Tastes of Filipina photographer included JAPAN’ Recipe Contest in BBC 100 Women of 2015 list The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 20, 2015

The contest, jointly run by ANA and JNTO, has a grand prize of a roundtrip ticket to Aichi, Japan LOS ANGELES—ANA, Japan’s largest airline, recently announced an online contest asking foodies everywhere to submit an original recipe inspired by the ‘Tastes of JAPAN,’ a unique campaign that introduces regional beverages and cuisine to ANA flights, airport lounges and other services. The contest, in partnership with the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO), invites participants to submit an original recipe containing their favorite beer for the chance to win a roundtrip ticket to Aichi, Japan, a region situated in the center of the country known for its superb craft beer made of soy. “Our mission has always been to share the culture, heritage and world-class charm of Japan with people everywhere,” said Jean Saito, Manager Online Marketing Communications, ANA. “As the airline that serves as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, we are proud to highlight the ‘Tastes of JAPAN’ and extend the ANA customer experience.”

Contest participants can submit a photo of their culinary creation and a 500-character or less description of the dish. Entries can be submitted by visiting http://shout.lt/bgYzj The contest will run until December 21, 2015 and the winner will be announced during the week of January 11, 2016. ANA will fly the winner and one guest to Aichi, Japan for the ultimate cultural and foodie adventure and a 4-night stay at Nagoya Tokyu Hotel. ANA’s recipe contest was designed to raise the profile of some of Japan’s most vibrant cities and regions, particularly to overseas customers, and it supports the airline’s ongoing ‘Tastes of JAPAN’ campaign. Featuring different prefectures in 3-month cycles, ‘Tastes of JAPAN’ aims to stimulate local economies, in part by boosting consumption of regional agricultural products. Now in its tenth phase, ‘Tastes of JAPAN’ by ANA will introduce passengers to products from Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures between December 2015 and February 2016.

This will include a Blancmange dessert combo prepared with fresh soy milk and green tea from Aichi Prefecture’s Nishio District, rolled wagyu beef with grape mustard Gifu Nagara wine sauce, and black small shrimp – an appetizer highly regarded by the local people of Mie because of its refined taste. More about these dishes and the other featured products from Aichi, Gifu and Mie can be found by visiting http:// www.ana.co.jp/eng/aboutana/ press/2015/151109.html As part of the campaign, ANA customers are able to sample Japanese sake and shochu, the ‘Kokushu’ or national spirits of Japan, at ANA airport lounges in Haneda, Narita and Kansai Airports. Prefectures previously featured by the ‘Tastes of JAPAN’ are Kumamoto, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Ehime, Miyazaki, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Ishikawa, Okayama, Oita, Yamagata, Kagawa, Yamaguchi, Fukushima, Osaka, Tottori, Toyama, Nara, Fukuoka, Niigata, Kanagawa and Shiga. *Advertising Supplement

Pinay girl band 4th Impact... From Page SF3 performance we have ever seen,” said Simon Cowell. “I was there as this was all happening backstage so I know what you’ve been through. I hope you’re okay, sweetheart.” Despite Celena’s condition, 4th Impact still was able to survive the double elimination night on Sunday, Nov. 15 and advanced to the top seven. They joined Anton Stephans, Reggie and Bollie, Che Chesterman, Mason Noise, Louisa

Johnson, and Lauren Murray. All seven earned tickets to perform on the X Factor UK live tour next year from February to March. Monica Michael from the Girls Category and Max Stone from Over 25 Category have been booted from the competition. 4th Impact mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini praised the group for their fortitude, saying, “I’m so proud of all of you for getting up in those circumstances. You had the chance to

use the rehearsal tapes but you said no. We suffer things like this. There are things you have to just do and you guys did that tonight without the professional experience.” Celena has already assured fans of her condition, as she tweeted through the group’s Twitter account @4thImpactMusic saying, “1st of all I want to thank God for giving me the strength to perform last night. Thank you all for praying for me! Feeling better now – Cel” (Inquirer.net)

by Julie

espinosa Inquirer.net

XYzA Cruz Bacani, a Filipina domestic worker-turnedstreet photographer, shared on Wednesday, Nov. 18 that has been included in the list of the BBC 100 Women of 2015. “Very Honored to be one of the BBC 100 Women of 2015 from all corners of the world. Thank you so much Sarah Bukley and BBC. This is awesome! Yey! #100Women #MagnumFoundation #BBC #Pinay #Ofw Thanks to my Ma and Pa who always inspire me!” the 28 year old enthused on her Facebook account. Bacani started working as a maid in Hong Kong at the age of 19 with her mother. To unwind, she began taking casual pictures which evolved into dramatic street photographs

that gave a raw look into the lives of people from diverse backgrounds. She is known for her remarkable black-and-white photos which have been featured in several international news sites, such as CNN and The New York Times. “Having worked as a domestic worker in Hong Kong for almost a decade, Xyza tells the stories of the victims of human rights violations through photography,” BBC describes the Filipina on its website. The BBC 100 Women of 2015 is a list “of the most inspirational women across the world” named by the British media outlet. The list features “30 entrepreneurs under the age of 30 and inspiring women over the age of 80,” as well as “nurses on the front line,

Xyza Cruz Bacani, a Filipina domestic workerturned-street photographer. AJPress file photo by Momar G. Visaya

young female film-makers documenting the pressures and expectations in their community and leaders in science, politics, education and the arts.”

Fil-Am singer advances to ‘The Voice US’ top 11 by ChuCk

smith Philstar.com

MANILA—Filipino-American singer Amy Vachal made it through the second live show week of the American reality talent show The Voice on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The 26-year-old artist survived another week in the show thanks to her performance of Drake’s Hotline Bling. “I don’t think there’s ever been a more elegant and classy performance of a song about a booty call in the history of music,” Blake Shelton quipped. “That was, like, unbelievable.” “Amy, you always make songs yours. It’s an amazing, uncanny ability that not many people have,” Pharell Williams said. Amy is part of coach Adam Levine’s team. Mark Hood, who sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours, was eliminated from the competition. This leaves Amy and 10 other contestants vying

for win for the ninth season of The Voice. Amy’s Hotline Bling single is number six on the iTunes

Singles Chart, second only to Jordan Smith’s Great Is Thy Faithfulness, which reached number one.

SF6

features

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 20, 2015

How to have a healthy & happy Thanksgiving! by Grace

THANkSgIvINg doesn’t have to be a carb-loaded, overeating frenzy. You can make satisfying, anti-aging food choices for this holiday that will leave you feeling thankful for indulging. Take turkey, for example. I cook at least four turkeys each Thanksgiving because I usually have about 30 people over for dinner. Turkey contains tryptophan, which produces niacin, giving us energy. Turkey also contains the selenium, a detoxifying antioxidant. You don’t have to drown your turkey in fatty gravy. It can be deliciously sauced using healthier ingredients. I like to marinate my turkeys in a mixture of red wine, soy sauce, and lemon juice before roasting. By the time the turkey is done roasting, the marinade has become a rich sauce. Resveratrol is present in another classic Thanksgiving ingredient: cranberries. Every year I make Cranberry Bread Pudding. I add walnuts to my bread pudding because they are high in antioxidants like Omega-3 fatty acids

and vitamin E—both of which reduce the risk of heart disease. Instead of butter, I use a butter substitute, Smart Balance, so that this dessert stays heart-healthy. Wild rice is another holiday staple that is really good for us. It’s a whole grain that provides the foodTrient fiber for great digestion and Omega-3s, which also is good for our skin. It can be cooked with plenty of herbs and tossed with lightly sautéed bell peppers for a colorful side dish. You can also add some healthy holiday vegetables like red cabbage and leeks. The trick is to load your table with delicious healthy options while minimizing exposure to foods—such as like mashed potatoes, white rolls, or creamy gravies. Mashed sweet potatoes are a better choice than mashed white potatoes because the orange tubers contain carotenoids, a foodTrient that supports the immune system. Whole-grain rolls (as opposed to white ones) will provide fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium.

Pumpkin is another healthy Thanksgiving tradition. Be sure to use evaporated milk in your pumpkin pies instead of cream and a sugar substitute like Xylotol. In the crust, you can substitute Smart Balance for the shortening. That way, you will reap all the benefits of pumpkin’s carotenoids and fiber without taking in too much fat or sugar. The same rules apply to apple pies. Just remember to leave the skins on the apples so that you will get some quercitin, an anti-inflammatory that can reduce allergy symptoms and keep arteries from becoming inflamed. I make a beautiful Pear and Apple Tart with plenty of cinnamon, an antioxidant-rich holiday spice that makes me feel good about eating dessert. All of these recipes and more are available on foodTrients.com

Chef Cocoy’s Calamansi Creme Brûlée 8 servings

From Page SF1 InGREDIEnTS: 2 tbsp SunTropics Pure Calamansi 3 cups heavy cream 10 tbsp turbinado sugar (raw sugar) 6 large egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla extract PRoCEDURE: 1. Put oven rack in the middle position and preheat oven to 325°f. 2. In a heavy sauce pan, stir in 7 tbsp turbinado sugar in the cream and a pinch of salt. 3. Heat mixture over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until almost boiling, then remove from heat. 4. In a mixing bowl,

beatf egg yolks with a wooden spoon, then gradually stir in hot cream mixture. Pour custard onto ramekins. 5. Arrange ramekins in a roasting pan and bake in water bath until custards are just set around the edges but centers wobble when pan is gently shaken, 30 to 35 minutes. 6. Cool custard in water bath for 20 minutes then remove from pan and chill, uncovered at least for 2 hours. This will set the custard. 7. Sprinkle about 1 tsp turbinado sugar evenly over each custard, then move blowtorch flame evenly back and forth close to sugar until caramelized. Caramel will harden in 3 to 5 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Sharon Sy Lao of SunTropics

Thanksgiving is All Rolled Up with this Dish! by Grace

If you don’t feel like roasting a big turkey for Thanksgiving, or want to try a great dish for holiday entertaining, you might want to try my Stuffed Turkey Rolls. I pack these turkey cutlets with my Savory Stuffing, roll them up, and secure them with kitchen twine. The finished rolls are sliced and fanned out on a plate to make a beautiful presentation, and you can serve them with cranberry chutney or cranberry sauce for a nice added touch. Because I marinate the turkey before cooking, it’s juicy and flavorful. The selenium in turkey can increase your resistance to infection. The red wine (I use a Pinot Noir) adds a bit of resveratrol to the selenium’s antioxidant power.

Stuffed Turkey Rolls SERVES 6 ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbs. lemon juice (about ½ lemon) 2 Tbs. red wine Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 6 turkey cutlets or butterflied turkey breasts 1 recipe Savory Stuffing 2 Tbs. butter 2 Tbs. olive oil 1. To make the marinade, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, red wine, salt, and pepper in a large re-sealable plastic bag. 2. Add the turkey cutlets to the bag. Squeeze out the air, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 3. Remove cutlets, reserving the marinade. Pat each cutlet dry with paper towels. 4. On a work surface, lay one cutlet so it slightly overlaps a second one. Pound the seam together with a mallet. You should have one fairly large, thin turkey round. Repeat with the remaining cutlets until you have 3 rounds. 5. Spread about 1/2 cup of Savory Stuffing evenly onto each turkey round, smoothing almost to the edge. Roll up the turkey, pinwheel style, and secure with kitchen twine. 6. Heat the butter and olive oil in a heavy bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey rolls and sear until a golden crust develops, about 1–2 minutes per side. 7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place turkey rolls in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Spoon the reserved marinade and any remaining stuffing around the rolls. Cover with foil and bake until the turkey is cooked through, about 20–30 minutes. 8. Before serving, remove the twine and cut each turkey roll into 5 slices. 9. Serve with a cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney if desired.

Savory Stuffing Homemade croutons, fresh celery and onion give this stuffing its unique flavor and texture. It can also be served on its own as a side dish if you spread the stuffing in a greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

YIELDS 2-3 cups 4 Tbs. olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 lb. ground turkey 2 slices cubed whole-wheat bread Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 cup turkey or chicken broth 1/4 cup chopped celery 1. Heat 3 Tbs. of the olive oil in a large pan over medium high-heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. 2. Add the ground turkey and cook until done. Set aside. 3. To make the croutons, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season the bread cubes with the salt and pepper, drizzle with the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and the Italian seasoning, bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. 4. Add the broth, croutons, celery, and sausages, if using, to the turkey mixture and mix well. Season to taste.

Shrimp and Moringa Curry Shrimp and coconut milk are a classic Asian combination. I’ve added moringa powder to this very mild dish in order to increase the health benefits. If you want to dial up the heat a notch or two, use Serrano or other hot peppers in place of the mild red Anaheim chilies. If desired, serve over brown or jasmine rice. Ingredients: 1⁄4 cup peanut oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 inch peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1⁄2 cup sliced red onion 2 red Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into strips 1 can (19 oz.) coconut milk 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips 1 lb. peeled tiger shrimp (devein, if desired) Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 Tbs. moringa powder dissolved in 1 Tbs. warm water MAIN COURSES 1. Heat the peanut oil in a nonreactive saucepan, such as copper or enamel-coated cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion slices and sauté for 5 minutes. 2. Add the chilies and cook for 2 minutes. 3. Add the coconut milk, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. 4. Add the bell pepper, shrimp, salt, pepper, and Moring a powder and simmer for 5 minutes.

Chef Eric’s Green Bean Stir Fry

From Page SF1

InGREDIEnTS: 1 tsp. grated ginger 4 cloves finely-diced garlic 3 sliced tomatoes 4 tbsp. oil 2 lbs. green beans ½ cup sliced onions 2 tbsp. SunTropics Pure Calamansi 3 tbsp. Oyster sauce 1 tbsp. black pepper 2 tbsp. Patis (fish sauce) InSTRUCTIonS 1. In a wok, add in oil. 2. Once heated add and sauté garlic, ginger and onion

in oil for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. 3. Add in the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Add in the green beans, oyster sauce, patis, and black

Photo courtesy of Duane Ramos

pepper. 5. Stir with vegetables, for 3 minutes at moderate to high heat. 6. Correct seasoning if required. Serve hot.

Chef Eric’s Calamansi Dipping Sauce InGREDIEnTS: 2 tbsp. SunTropics Pure Calamansi 3 diced garlic cloves 2 tbsp. diced red onion 2 tbsp. diced jalapeno (seeds removed)

2 tbsp. cane sugar ¼ cup cane vinegar 2 tbsp. soy sauce InSTRUCTIonS 1. Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar has dissolved.

2. Allow 30 minutes for ingredients and flavors to combine before serving. *For more recipes or information from Eats by E please follow @Eats_By_E or visit www.EatsByE.com.

Maharlika’s Kamote Pie From Page SF1 InGREDIEnTS: FoR PIE CRUST • All-purpose flour • Shortening • Ice water FoR FIllInG • Sweet potato or kamote, chopped • 1/4 cup butter • 2 tbsp of canola oil • 1/3 cup milk • 5 eggs • ginger powder • coconut powder • salt PRoCEDURE: Pie crust: 1. Combine flour, shortening and butter in a food processor until coarse in texture then slowly add ice water. Once it starts to form a ball, transfer the crust to a ziplock bag or bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, let it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes. 2. When handling the pie crust, make sure to dust your

Photo courtesy of Maharlika/Jeepney

cutting board with flour to avoid it from sticking. filling: 1. Pan roast chopped kamote with 1/4 of butter and 2tbsp of canola oil. Once the kamote is fork tender add the ginger powder, coconut powder, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well. 2. In a food processor

puree the kamote with 1/3 cup milk. Make sure its smooth to texture. 3. With the processor on low, slowly then add 5 eggs one at a time. 4. Transfer to pie crust brush the top with a little egg white for color. Bake 325 degrees for about 45 minutes to an hour until golden brown.

features SF7

Karen Davila opens up on ‘awkward’ interview with Alma Moreno

Alma Moreno and Karen Davila are hot trending topics on social media over the latter’s interview with the actress about her senatorial bid. Netizens called the interview “awkward.” “>Let’s challenge our candidates Instagram photo by Karen Davila to be their best,” Davila said in a tweet.

MANILA—”My job is to ask the hard questions.” Thus said Karen Davila on her viral television interview with actress and senatorial aspirant Alma Moreno. On Monday, Nov. 15 netizens went abuzz over Davila’s interview with Alma on her ANC morning program Headstart with Karen Davila which aired last week. The interview, which tackled her senatorial bid, was deemed “awkward” and “uncomfortable” by viewers online due to Alma’s answers to question regarding reproductive health and her advocacy on women. “Kailangan ko pa ba sagutin?” Alma said when asked about her “yes, with reservations” stance on the reproduc-

tive health bill. When asked how people should practice “control” regarding reproduction, Alma joked: “Kailangan palaging bukas ang ikaw.” When the interview went viral, netizens used Karen’s Instagram account to express their opinion on the controversial Headstart episode. One netizen commented: “Kahit ako pag may interview at on the spot, hindi ko kakayanin. May mga tao kasi na mas magaling sa written, pwede mong i-edit lang. Wala bang interview questions na binibigay bago ang interview? Sa akin kasi ang sukatan ng magaling na reporter, yung hindi lang ikaw ang lalabas na magaling.“

Karen replied and said: “NO, interview questions are never given to an interviewee. I research a lot & try and come as prepared as I can every single day. If you watched the interview in full, you will see that I shifted to Tagalog, during many times - I tried to help her. My previous interviews were much tougher - w Sen Bongbong Marcos for example or MIAA GM Anghel Honrado. When someone is running for higher office - they must have an understanding of issues. This is a standard we owe to the Filipino people. You will choose in the end. My job is to ask the hard questions.“ The broadcaster also noted that she did not ask Alma about other national issues and instead focused on the reproductive health law because “because she said her advocacy is on women.” “Please note - I didn’t ask Ms Alma Moreno about the West Phil Sea issue, but moved to RH Law because she said her advocacy is on ‘women.’ I took on from there - her thoughts on RH Law which is a landmark law crafted for women.“ Karen also responded to questions about the interview on her Twitter account. She noted that her program already interviews the likes of Cong. Manny Pacquiao and presidential aspirant Mar Roxas in the past. (Philstar.com)

ABS-CBN: Post on Piolo Pascual’s sexuality a hoax MANILA—ABS-CBN, the home network of Piolo Pascual, on Saturday denied claims that the actor admitted his being gay in an interview with a website. In a statement, ABS-CBN said Pascual himself “vehemently denied” granting an interview with website Manila Link, which recently posted a story headlined “Piolo Pascual admits he’s gay.” “This article is a HOAX. We enjoin the public to beware of

HOAX sites such as manilalink. com that intend to malign and destroy the reputation of good people,” the network said. On its description page, the site dubs itself the “most notorious satirical news portal in the Philippines” claiming to publish make-believe articles from contributors. Here’s the rest of the statement: “It has come to the attention of PUSH.com.ph that a site

namedMANILALINK.com came out with an article claiming that they had an interview with Piolo Pascual regarding his sexuality. We verified this with Mr. Piolo Pascual himself and he vehemently denied that THE interview ever happened. This article is a HOAX. We enjoin the public to beware of HOAX sites such as manilalink.com that intend to malign and destroy the reputation of good people.” (Philstar.com)

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – November 20, 2015

Resorts World Manila (RWM) President & CEO Kingson Sian (5th from left cutting ribbon) and Bouberg Productions’ world renowned composer Claude-Michel Schönberg (2nd from left cutting ribbon), together with Habitat for Humanity President Charlie Ayco (6th from left cutting ribbon), recently turned over 209 houses and a school building with two classrooms located in Barangay Dolores, Ormoc City, Leyte, to typhoon Yolanda survivors. Bouberg Productions and RWM co-produced “Do You Hear the People Sing”—a two-day gala concert that raised P32,333,796 and featured world class entertainers such as Lea Salonga, David Harris, Marie Zamora, among many others. The fund raising project was made possible in cooperation with IMG Artists, Enda Markey, and Ultimate Shows Inc.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith wants to do a movie with sister Anne by ChuCk

Smith Philstar.com

MANILA—In the shadow of big sister no more. Jasmine Curtis-Smith admits she dreams of starring in a movie with big sister Anne Curtis, almost five years after she entered show business. “One day I would love to kasi nakatrabaho ko pa lang siya sa commercial pero different naman ‘yun. I’m sure for something that’s longer like a film, and we never really acted together per se,” she said. The TV5 star added: “It will really be interesting to see what her method is and what her approach is when it comes to film making.” Jasmine hopes to do a “family-centered movie” that would “focus on the relationship of sisters” with the ABS-CBN star. The 21-year-old actress was often compared to her sister, the showbiz veteran Anne, when she entered the entertainment industry as a TV5 contract star

Jasmine Curtis-Smith: “What my sister taught me is that when you do your job, you have to give your whole self into that and your whole heart.”

in 2010. But the young actress proved she can set a path apart from Anne in showbiz by starring in independent films and stage plays. In a previous interview, Jasmine described herself as “indie” in contrast to Anne’s more “mainstream” image.

The two have worked together for endorsements. However, they have yet to do a movie to TV project together. “What my sister taught me is that when you do your job, you have to give your whole self into that and your whole heart,” Jasmine said of her sister.

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