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LOS ANGELES

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Wednesday - Tuesday, April 2-8, 2014

China: Ties with PHL ‘damaged’ by UN ruling call MANILA, April 1, 2014 (AFP) – China warned Tuesday that the Philippines has “seriously damaged” bilateral ties by asking the United Nations to rule in their favour in a maritime dispute.

Manila at the weekend asked a UN tribunal to declare Beijing’s claims over most of the strategically significant South China Sea illegal, submitting nearly 4,000 pages of evidence to back its case.

It argues that the Chinese stance contravenes the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and interferes with the Philippines’ sovereign rights to its continental shelf.

“What the Philippine side did seriously damaged bilateral relations with China,” Charge d’affaires Sun Xiangyang of the Chinese embassy in Manila said

in a statement.

“We find it very hard to understand these moves of the Philippines and we are deeply disturbed by and concerned with the consequence of such moves.”

Both countries are signatories to UNCLOS, but Beijing argues that its provisions do not apply to the row.

The embassy statement urged the Philippines to “correct its mistake and come back to the right track of resolving the disputes through bilateral negotiations”.

China – which is vastly more powerful than any of the several countries it has disputes with in the strategically significant waters – prefers to negotiate with them individually, rather than in international forums.

See TIES DAMAGED, page 12

US accuses China of provoking PHL WASHINGTON, March 31, 2014 (AFP) – The United States criticized China as provocative Monday after its coast guard tried to block a Philippine vessel that was rotating troops in the tense South China Sea. The attempted Chinese blockade, which led to a two-hour standoff with the Philippine ship, is “a provocative and destabilizing action,” State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters.

Harf said that the Philippines had permission to resupply troops to the remote reef, the Second Thomas Shoal, because it has kept a naval presence there since before a 2002 declaration of conduct in the South China Sea. “As a treaty ally of the Republic of the Philippines, the United States urges China to refrain from further provocative behavior by allowing the Philippines to continue to maintain its presence at

Second Thomas Shoal,” she said.

The incident was the latest in the South China Sea, where China claims a vast area that overlaps with several neighbors’ claims.

On March 9, China successfully turned away a similar resupply boat from the Philippines.

The United States has been warning China against taking more drastic action in the South China Sea after it declared an air defense identification zone in November over much of the East China Sea, including islands administered by Japan.

On Sunday, the US expressed support for the Philippines’ filing of a Memorial before an international arbitral court to support its claims on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In a statement, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf lauded the PhilipSee US ACCUSES, page 12

Republic of Korea (March 31, 2014) More than 20 U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea (ROK) ships, from the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Boxer ARG and ROK Flotilla Five, participate in a joint amphibious landing training exercise. South Korea defended Tuesday its “sufficient” response to a North Korean live-fire drill that triggered the exchange of hundreds of artillery shells across the two rivals’ disputed maritime border. The North fired 500 shells during the three-hour drill on Monday, about 100 of which fell into South Korean waters. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Wendy Wyman/Released)

Enrile, Jinggoy, Revilla to face plunder charges

MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla, as well as businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, with plunder in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said plunder charge will also be filed against several government and non-government organization (NGO) officials for their participation in the scam.

Rafanan said Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the recommendation of the Filipino Mary Jean Lastimosa (center) crowned ‘Binibining Pilipinas 2014’ (Miss Philippines 2014 pageant) with Kris Tiffany Janson (right) and Yvethe Marie Santiago pose on stage as they jubilate during the coronation rites in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines on 30 March 2014. Top winners will represent the country in the world stage pageants. (MNS photo)

PHL women score high in Asia-Pacific well-being index MANILA, Mar 29 (Mabuhay) – Women in developing countries like the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia have more positive views of their own well-being compared to their developed counterparts, according to the MasterCard Index of Well-Being.

The inaugural index, based on a survey of 16 Asia-Pacific markets, sought to measure the level of well-being of women in these countries. It covered women’s attitudes in five categories: work

See PLUNDER, page 12

MH370 saga: Lengthy and difficult search

and finances, safety from threats, personal and work satisfaction, personal well being and sense of empowerment.

The index showed all of the 16 Asia-Pacific market had scores above the neutral mark (50 points). The index score of 100 is most optimistic, zero as most pessimistic and 50 as neutral.

Women in Myanmar scored the highest on the index with 70.9, followed by Indonesia with 70,

PERTH, April 1, 2014 (AFP) – Australia warned Tuesday the hunt for missing Flight MH370 could be long and frustrating as a vessel equipped with a specialized “black box” locator raced against the clock to reach the Indian Ocean search area.

Despite an extensive multinational search southwest of Perth, no wreckage has been identified since the Malaysia Airlines plane vanished on March 8, with objects retrieved from the desolate seas turning out to be fishing gear or flotsam.

Retired Australian air chief

See PHL WOMEN, page 12

See MH370 SAGA, page 12

DND eyes BVR upgrades for F/A-50s MANILA, Mar 29 (Mabuhay) – The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to install equipment that would give the F/A-50 “Fighting Eagle” a “beyond visual range” (BVR) capability.

BVR is the capability to detect, track and if needed attack air targets beyond 20 nautical miles (around 37 kilometers).

DND Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said that this is one of

the upgrades they are planning to make the F/A-50 a much more capable aircraft in defending the country’s airspace.

But due to the cost, estimated at P800 million to P1 billion per BVR fitting, not all 12 aircraft will be fitted.

“We are looking at the possible installation for three to four aircraft to provide us with a long See UPGRADES, page 12

Trillanes pushes passage of bill granting loans to students

MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Antonio Trillanes on Monday pushed for the passage of a bill granting loan programs for poor but deserving students. ”With this measure, we look forward to helping a number of our students who are determined to finish their studies,” Trillanes said, referring to Senate Bill No. 637 he filed in August last year.

Trillanes said he is hoping SB 637, entitled ‘The Comprehensive Student Loan Program’, will be included as one of the priority bills at the resumption of the Senate session on May 5. ”In the end, it is our country that will benefit from having a learned and skilled citizenry. It is just right that we invest on them,” Trillanes said.

The proposed measure seeks to strengthen the educational assistance program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

It also aims to create a Php 5 billion student loan fund to be administered by an Educational Loan Fund Authority under the See STUDENT LOANS, page 12

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Breakaway rebel leader vows to fight after peace pact

BY TEODORO ALJIBE

MAGUINDANAO, March 29, 2014 (AFP) – A day after his former comrades in arms signed a treaty to end 42 years of bloodshed in the Philippines, an ageing Mus-

lim guerrilla leader packing a rusty handgun vowed to fight on.

“We want independence... through armed struggle,” Abu Missry Mama, spokesman and se-

nior leader of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), told AFP on a visit to his rural stronghold in the south.

Mama’s former comrades in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed a peace treaty Thursday that is expected to see them gain power under a self-rule setup in the Catholic nation’s Muslim-populated southern areas.

Mama, 62, is the public face of the BIFF, which split from the 10,000-member MILF in 2008 amid a row on how best to advance the interests of the 10 million Filipino Muslims.

The Muslim rebellion that began in 1972 left tens of thousands of people dead and consigned the area of the proposed autonomous region to brutal poverty and lawlessness.

Wearing rubber flip-flops, horn-rimmed glasses and a colorful scarf atop a bronzed and craggy face, Mama casually rode a motorcycle Friday through dirt roads bisecting green rice paddies.

A rusty .45-calibre pistol was

stuck in his holster as he led visitors to an empty schoolyard, about three-and-a-half hours’ drive from a major southern city.

Fifteen similarly dressed guerrillas, carrying assault rifles, emerged from nowhere to stand guard as he spoke to AFP for half an hour.

Nearby, a group of young men played basketball and residents sat by their windows or in front of their wood and straw huts in the late afternoon.

“The MILF have their own way and we have mine too,” said Mama, who spoke fluent English and Filipino, the country’s official language.

He said he fought for the MILF and was now the numberthree leader of the BIFF under its founder Ameril Umrakato, who the military said has been incapacitated by illness.

The BIFF founder was accused of leading his men in attacks across the south in 2008 that left more than 400 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The farming region, more than a thousand kilometers (600

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Small military units and motorists have been frequent targets of deadly BIFF attacks as the group sought to disrupt the peace process, somehow withstanding repeated government assaults against it.

As he presided over the peace treaty signing in Manila on Thursday, President Benigno Aquino vowed that armed opponents of the pact “will be met with a firm response based on righteousness and justice”.

After more than 50 of its members were killed in a major military operation in late January, the BIFF has about 460 guerrillas left, military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP. “We have diminished their threat but we are still monitoring them because of the possibility that they will continue to spurn the peace,” Zagala said, adding they were now led by a man named Mohiden Animbang, alias “Karialan”.

Zagala said Mama was apparently an alias and the man was considered by the military as a BIFF spokesman.

Mama said the BIFF would only consider peace talks if the government would allow the creation of a separate Muslim nation, something Aquino has ruled out.

“There would be no condition in the talks.

They just have to leave our homeland,” Mama said.

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MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – A 60-yearold school principal was abducted by armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group in Basilan on Monday morning, police said.

Benitta Enriquez Latonio, principal of the Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town, was snatched by five armed men wearing bonnets at 6:20 a.m., Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza of the Basilan provincial police said.

Latonio was taken while travelling on board a jeepney to Isabela City, Dapilloza added.

The abductors are believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits under Juhaibel Alamsurul alias “Abu Kik,” the police official added.

Earlier this month, armed men also supposedly linked to the Abu Sayyaf group kidnapped elementary school teacher Alrashid Jahang in Sulu. The victim was released a day after he was forcibly taken by armed men.

In 2009, suspected members of the bandit group kidnapped and beheaded Gabriel Canizares, an elementary school principal also from Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf group supposedly has ties with global militant Islamist group al Qaeda. Authorities likewise said the group operates with the Jemaah Islamiyah, described to be as the al Qaeda’s arm in the Southeast Asian region. (MNS)

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Gov’t-MILF peace agreement positive for PHL economy – Moody’s MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – Moody’s Investors Service has dubbed as “credit positive” last week’s signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In a research note, the debt watcher said the agreement will not only ensure political stability but economic growth in what is currently called Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but will be called Autonomous Government of Bangsamoro once the new political entity is in place in 2016.

“The pact also promises to boost growth and investment in what is one of the poorest – although resource-rich – parts of the country,” it said.

Under the agreement, the government and the MILF will have to share the revenues from the resource-rich region as well as on governmental power in the area.

“Although many peace deals with Muslim separatists have fallen through over past decades, the latest agreement has a better chance of success owing to the more favorable terms it affords the Bangsamoro, including greater fiscal autonomy,” the debt watcher said.

Moody’s noted that although the agreement did not get the nod of all Muslim groups in the ARMM, it pointed out that “the greater stability that it will bring will likely encourage investment in the region and provide scope for the development of more profitable industries, such as mining and agribusiness.”

“In addition, the truce should facilitate greater investor interest across the several provinces in the island of Mindanao,” it said.

The credit rating agency cited that ARMM has lagged behind the growth of the whole country.

When the Philippine economy grew by 6.8 percent in 2012, Mindanao, as a whole, expanded by 8.2 percent but ARMM’s output is only 1.2 percent.

On the other hand, the government allocated 2.1 percent of its expenses in the ARMM in 2012 but its share in total domestic expansion is only 0.9 percent during that year.

Contribution of ARMM’s share in total output of the country is expected to go up if investments in mining, among others, would pick up, Moody’s said, noting that the region is rich in mineral deposits like lead, zinc, iron, copper, and gold.

The government currently places the value of these resources to about USD 312 billion, a small amount compared to its potential, thus, it has “plenty of scope for a pickup in economic activity.”

The region’s contribution to agricultural output is also expected to grow from the current 35 percent share since it has “rich arable lands and fishing grounds.” ”Greater stability would also allow tourism to develop,” it said.

“The peace deal supports the robust economic outlook for the Philippines, which already has one of the fastest growth rates in the AsiaPacific region,” it added.

Moody’s projects a 6.5 percents growth for the Philippine economy for 2014, the lower end of the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent target.

(MNS)

‘Humanitarian relapse’ feared in Yolanda-hit areas TACLOBAN, Mar 29 (Mabuhay) – International agencies and development groups have stepped up funding efforts amid cries for help from local governments and ‘Yolanda’ victims, but the national government has yet to fullfill its end of the bargain.

Almost five months after Yolanda, a significant number of people still live in tents, while infrastructure projects have yet to pick up.

“If there’s a relapse in humanitarian situation after June, when the United Nations pulls out [from Leyte], the situation may get much worse. Now, it’s stable and may not stay that way,” German Aid Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Chief Advisor for Local Governance Dr. Andreas Lange said.

On the sidelines of the Donors Forum that GIZ organized here in Tacloban, Lange noted the slow downloading of investments earmarked for rehabilitation.

It is the national government which administers the whole process, but its plan of action has yet to materialize, he said.

“It’s now a matter for the national government to do the coordinating part. Someone has got to be in charge and has to take the lead quickly – by quickly, we mean this quarter or second quarter, and not 2015,” he added.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) was invited to the 3-day forum, but was a no-show.

‘LGUs are ready’ GIZ Program Advisor for Environment and Rural Development Program Max Baumann noted that local government units (LGUs) have already done their part in assessing the needs of affected residents.

“They’re already there to download the funds… It doesn’t matter if [the funds] will come from the international partners or the national government, but the LGUs already did their homework and it sends a strong signal to the whole world that they’re ready,” he said.

During the forum, around P167 million was pledged for 18 municipalities and one province, with 111 identified projects. A total of 28 donors attended, including NGOs such as Red Cross, Oxfam, etc.

Lange said the donor community, from the very beginning, has always been open to suggestions of the national government on how it can help.

Transparency still a big challenge Transparency is another issue still clouding the rehabilitation of Yolanda-hit areas, and the national government has yet to answer it fully.

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China to PHL: Return to right track in settling dispute MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – China insisted it will not recognize the Philippines’ case before an arbitral tribunal “no matter how [its] memorial is packaged.”

In a press conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said: “China’s position on issues concerning the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) is clear-cut and consistent. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their adjacent waters.”

Hong insisted the direct cause of the dispute is the Philippines’ “illegal occupation of some of China’s islands and reefs in the South China Sea.” He said disputes such as these have already been excluded from arbitration proceedings based on a declaration in 2006 that was anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He said bilateral talks are also provided in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries.

“In this context, China’s rejection of the Philippines’ submission for arbitration is solidly based on international law, and China’s lawful rights as

a party to UNCLOS should be truly respected,” he said.

He said the Philippines should return to the right track of settling the dispute, which is through bilateral diplomacy.

“China urges the Philippines to comprehensively and effectively implement the consensus repeatedly reaffirmed between the two sides and the DOC, and return to the right track of settling the disputes through bilateral negotiations,” Hong said.

Notwithstanding the recent actions of China, the Philippines proceeded to file its 4,000-page Memorial before an arbitral tribunal insisting its claim over the West Philippine Sea. In a press conference Sunday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said: “With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It’s about defining what is legitimately ours. It’s about securing our children’s future. It’s about guaranteeing the freedom of navigation. It’s about preserving our regional peace, security, and stability…”

Once resolved, the decision is one that would provide a “just, durable solution grounded on international law.” (MNS)

Aquino cites PNP modernization program under his administration MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III Aquino highlighted on Monday the modernization and upgrading of the capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under his administration.

In his speech during the commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Mandilaab” Class 2014 at Camp Castaneda in Silang, Cavite, the President said the government has already purchased 74,879 glock pistols for the police and some of these would be issued to the new graduates.

He also said that aside from pistols, about P2 billion was allotted for the upgrade of mobility, investigation, communications, and other capability components of the PNP under the Operational Transformation Plan.

He said the procurement of 882 patrol jeeps, 17,680 assault rifles, more than 200,000 magazines for basic assault rifles and almost 5,000 mobile radios can also be expected.

The President noted that besides these, the government is also to create a small arms ammunition center which will respond to the needs of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other agencies implementing laws.

He added that about 4,888 8mm pistols were also procured for police stations to address the nearly 41

percent backlog and soon reach the 1:1 jail officer-topistol ratio.

As for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), President Aquino said that last year, the government was able to obtain 76 Rosenbauer fire trucks, which have high-quality machinery and water pump discharge capacity.

Finally, about P3.6 billion was also allotted to purchase an estimated 300 fire trucks and put up at a total of 300 fire stations in municipalities still lacking fire- fighting capability.

“Talaga naman pong ang dating inakalang imposible, ngayon ay isinasakatuparan na natin,” the President said, adding that there was no “magic” in the purchase of such equipment.

“Ngayon, mas may kakayahan na ang ating unipormadong hanay,” he stressed.

In his speech, President Aquino urged the new PNPA cadet graduates to reject corruption and instead fulfill their duties of maintaining law and order well and put the people’s best interests at hand.

“Ang tapang na ipapakita ninyo sa pagtatanggol ng bayan laban sa krimen, ang dedikasyon ninyong iligtas ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan mula sa sunog, at ang katapatan ninyo sa pagbabantay sa loob ng mga piitan – ito po ang siya mismong diwang magpapasulong sa atin sa tuwid na daan,” he said. (MNS)

Muslim rebels joyous, but wary, at peace prospects

BY TEODORO ALJIBE

SULTAN KUDARAT, March 28, 2014 (AFP) – Joyous shouts of “Allahu akbar” echoed across the headquarters of the Philippines’ biggest Muslim rebel group as a pact to end four decades of bloodshed was signed, but there were also fears war clouds had yet to pass.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended its rebellion on Thursday when its leaders signed a deal in Manila with the government that would create a new, autonomous Muslim homeland in the southern Philippines.

Various armed Muslim groups have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent Islamic state or autonomous rule in the south, which they regard as their ancestral home, and the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

MILF leader Murad Ebrahim said at the signing ceremony the accord was the “crowning glory” of his organisation’s struggle, and his troops at their main camp 900 kilometres (550 miles) to the south voiced similar jubilation.

Hundreds of rebels, wearing camouflage uniforms and pointing assault rifles to the sky, shouted “Allahu akbar”, or “God is greater”, as they watched the historic moment on a television screen in a grassy field.

Senior MILF commander Usop Pasigan, 65, said he took up arms at the age of 17 and had lost three brothers in the fighting. Now he just wants to be a farmer and for his son to be able to live a normal life.

“I hope my boy will be able to finish college and not be an MILF fighter, like me,” Pasigan told AFP as he stood alongside many other elderly soldiers in their military fatigues.

For Jamira Mapagkasunggot, 56, a member of the MILF women’s auxiliary battalion, peace would mean being able to live without the constant fear of death.

“Most of the women have lost a father, a son or a nephew,” she told AFP at Camp Darapanan, where rebels and their families live inside a sprawling compound of coconut groves and corn fields.

Fears of more conflict But while Mapagkasunggot was optimistic about the process, she also acknowledged the many potential pitfalls that lay ahead.

“We fear some groups might not be supportive of these peace talks,” she said, referring to a wide range of smaller armed groups that roam the impoverished and often lawless southern Philippines that are opposed to the peace process.

Among them is the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which split from the MILF in 2008 because it wanted to continue pursuing independence.

The BIFF has just a few hundred militants, ac-

cording to the military, but it has launched deadly attacks in the past to disrupt the peace process and has been able to withstand repeated government assaults against it.

“The war is not yet over. We are still here,” BIFF spokesman Abu Missry Mama told AFP by telephone from his secret base elsewhere in the south.

Another armed group not covered by the peace accord is the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, which specializes in kidnapping for ransom, while the area is plagued by private armies of corrupt politicians who may resist the new government.

The MILF, which has about 10,000 fighters, has committed to working with the government to neutralize the threat of rogue groups such as the BIFF, meaning future battles against former comrades are possible.

Accord faces hurdles Meanwhile, there are doubts President Benigno Aquino’s administration will be able to fulfill its commitments in the accord.

Among the hurdles is securing approval from Congress for a “Basic Law” that would create the autonomous region.

Without the law, the autonomous region cannot exist, but there are no guarantees that Aquino can secure majority support in Congress for the highly sensitive issue.

As insurance, the MILF has said it will not reveal to the government the names of its fighters, or hand over its giant arsenal of weapons, until the law is passed and the autonomous region created.

The MILF leadership is also aware that other peace efforts have failed, leading to more conflict.

In 1996, another major rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), signed a peace deal with the government in return for the creation of a Muslim autonomous area.

But critics, including the MILF, said the autonomous area did not give Muslims enough powers.

Under the new peace deal, the new autonomous region would replace the old one, angering factions of the MNLF and opening another potential front for conflict.

MNLF founder Nur Misuari’s followers attacked the southern port city of Zamboanga in September last year in an effort to derail the peace talks.

The military responded with an unrelenting assault in which more than 100 MNLF fighters were killed.

In a speech at the signing ceremony, Aquino cited the September clashes as he warned he was prepared to unleash his troops on any armed group opposed to the peace process.

“Those who want to test the resolve of the state will be met with a firm response based on righteousness and justice, as we demonstrated in Zamboanga,” Aquino said.

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UTREACH JFAV to mark 72nd Bataan Day April 5 in UCLA Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) will mark the 72nd Fall of Bataan or Bataan Day, April 9, 1942 and will honor our veterans on its Second National Conference to be held at the University of California of Los Angeles (UCLA) on April 5, 2014 The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) National Coordinator Arturo Garcia said, “ We mark the 72nd Bataan Day and honor our veterans on this JFAV’s 2nd National Conference.

The first JFAV National Conference was eight year ago, was also held in UCLA in 2006.

Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9, 1942 The Fall of Bataan or April 9 is called : Araw ng Kagitingan” to mark the surrender of 90,000 USAFFE forces to the Japanese in April 9, 1942. After almost four months of siege and five days of terrible battle, the USAFFE led by US General Edward King Jr. surrendered the 90,000 Filipino-American troops to General Homma of the Japanese Imperial Army.

After the surrender, the Japanese forced the Filipinos into a “Death March” from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

They were then herded into the rail boxes and forced to walk again at Capas,Tarlac to the POW camp at Camp O Donnel. During the 60 kilometers march, more than 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers died due to Japanese

brutalities and hunger.

JFAV 2nd National Conference’s Theme; “ Consolidate Our Gains, Struggle for Veterans/Survivors Equity and Justice” will be held on April 5,2014 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the UCLA Student Activities Center Rooms 1, 2 and 3 Consolidate the JFAV Gains Garcia also said, “At that time from 1998 to 2006, JFAV was a campaign center under People’s CORE formed in 1998. JFAV was based only in Southern California, took the challenging step to build a national organization in 2006.

Now, that JFAV has expanded into a national organization and has led the lobby in the US Congress and have challenged the US Government in Courts, it’s time for JFAV to consolidate and take raise the ante while there is still time for the last remaining veterans and survivors and look for the near future “ Garcia also said, “ JFAV Chapters Nationwide and each regions will attend the one day conference in UCLA and map out next steps for advocacy and lobbying in the US Congress, campaign for the welfare and rights of the remaining 41,000 Filipino veterans and 60,000 of their survivors and the pursuance of Pilipino Studies in schools in the United States.

JFAV therefore is calling on all Filipino-American activist, allies, advocates and friends to join its 2nd national Conference on April5 at UCLA.”

Each third Wednesday of the month, a 60-foot trailer food bank caters to about 700 seniors around the San Gabriel Valley. A joint ministry of Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese Methodist Church congregants, the charity also provides free medical exam to registered attendees. For more information contact the Reverend Pastor Deborah Oh of Mission Community Methodist Church at (626) 262-9131 or email her at rev.deborahoh@gmail.com.

Filipino Veterans Foundation presents Bataan Legacy April 9 Free admission, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles, 11 a.m.

Los Angeles, CA – March 13, 2014 – In commemoration of the 72nd Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan (A Day of Valor), the Filipino Veterans Foundation will present Bataan Legacy on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:00AMat the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Admission to the Program is Free. Doors will open at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Purple Heart Inn (Basement) at 12:30 p.m. (Donation of $10).

The Bataan Legacy Historical Project was created by Cecilia Gaerlan to depict the real story of World War II in the Philippines and the major role of the Filipinos during the war. The multi-media program will combine film, music, photographs and spoken word. A Q&A

with veterans and survivors of the war will follow the presentation. Bataan Legacy Project has received Commendations, Certificates of Recognition and Letters of Support from Members of the U.S. Congress and Senate and the California Legislature.

The Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 is always remembered as the biggest single surrender in U.S. military history. 75,000 troops consisting of 63,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans were forced to surrender and march some 60 miles away under extreme tropical conditions with no provisions for food, water or shelter. Those who could no longer go on were beaten, bayoneted and some even beheaded by their Japanese captors. And civilians who tried to help were dealt with in the same manner. Approximately between 10,000

to 15,000 Filipino and 750 American soldiers died during the march. What is not remembered today is how the defenders of Bataan, despite suffering from massive disease and starvation, held on for four months to delay the timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army and prevented them from reaching Australia. This enabled the Allied Forces to harness the resources that eventually turned the tide of war and led to the Allied victory.

A contest entitled What Bataan and Corregidor Means to Me will be launched during the event. Entries can come from different media (essay, performing arts, film, display art and social media). The winner will be announced and presented on May 6, 2014 during the Corregidor- Remember the Rock commemoration at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall.

Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic April 16-27 in SoCal In a one-of-a-kind skating spectacular featuring more than 65 Disney characters WHAT: Be part of the festivities when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to SoCal! More than 65 of Disney’s captivating characters from 18 unforgettable Disney stories come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment. In this lavish ice show, everyone’s favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a funfilled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy

& Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Chip & Dale; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast plus many more – and magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan, The Lion King plus Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story!

Beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs will inspire fond Disney memories. Families can share this

once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments.

O N TAR I O WHEN: Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, April 20 Wednesday, April 16, 7:30PM Thursday, April 17, 7:30PM Friday, April 18, 12:00PM & 7:30PM Saturday, April 19, 11:00AM, 3:00PM & 7:00PM Sunday, April 20, 1:00PM & 5:00PM WHERE: Citizens Business Bank Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764 TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $22, $28, $45 (VIP), $65 (Front Row) Opening Night tickets are only $15 each for select seating (not valid for VIP or premium seating)* Tickets available for purchase online at AXS. com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the CBBA Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.

LONG BEACH WHEN: We d n e s day, April 23 – Sunday, April 27 Wednesday, April 23, 7:30PM Thursday, April 24, 7:30PM Friday, April 25, 11:30AM & 7:30PM Saturday, April 26, 11:00AM, 3:00PM & 7:00PM Sunday, April 27, 11:00AM, 3:00PM & 7:00PM WHERE: Long Beach Arena – 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802-4825 TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $22, $28, $45$50 (VIP) and $65-$70 (Front Row)* Opening Night tickets are only $15 each for select seating (not valid for VIP or premium seating)* Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the Long Beach Arena Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.

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Hammer-wielding robbers cause chaos at Mall of Asia MANILA, March 30, 2014 (AFP) – A band of robbers armed with guns and hammers shot it out with Philippine police inside one of the world’s largest shopping malls Sunday, sending Manila shoppers scrambling for safety, police and witnesses said.

Waves of police commandos in bullet-proof vests and helmets and armed with assault rifles stormed the SM Mall of Asia, an AFP photographer saw, after the gang entered a jeweler’s shop inside.

Hundreds of frightened shoppers, waiters and store clerks ran for dear life amid gunfire toward the exits of the nearly four-hectare (10-acre) complex of department stores, boutiques, restaurants and entertainment establishments by Manila Bay. “We were in the grocery when we heard gunshots.

We ran for the door immediately and my wife nearly fell with our 10-month-old boy,” office worker Stacy Mercado, 32, told AFP. “The security guards initially blocked us, apparently because they feared some of us would steal items off the shelves on our way out.

“But they were swept aside after another burst of gunfire,” he added as the family of three watched the unfolding police operation in early evening behind yellow police lines outside.

The AFP photographer said he saw several people screaming or crying, including parents who told him they had been separated from their children or other family members in the ensuing chaos.

Police said no one was seriously hurt in the firefight, and the authorities arrested one of at least four armed suspects.

The rest of the gang apparently escaped, they added.

“This is a common tactic. These robbers would go into a shop and start smashing the display cases with a hammer to grab things inside,” Erwin Villacorta, district police chief in southern Manila, told local television station ABS-CBN in an interview.

Several other Manila shopping malls have been attacked in similar fashion in recent years, which led the interior ministry last December to ban Manila malls from selling hammers.

Opened in 2006, the Mall of Asia has 407,000 meters (4.38 million square feet) of retail space, making it the country’s second largest, as well as among the world’s largest, shopping destinations.

Mall of Asia is part of the SM Supermalls retail chain controlled by the family of Henry Sy, the Philippines’ richest man.

CA junks Napoles plea vs illegal detention case MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – The Court of Appeals (CA) has junked the petition of alleged pork barrel queen Janet Lim Napoles that sought to nullify a Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution tagging her in the alleged serious illegal detention of her former aide, Benhur Luy. In a 23-page decision penned

by Associate Justice Ramon Garcia, the appellate court dismissed Napoles’ petition assailing the DOJ’s review resolution dated August 6, 2013. The case also tagged her brother Reynald Lim.

“[T]his court finds no compelling reason to reverse or modify the assailed ruling of the DOJ,” the decision read.

The CA said there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the department’s Task Force on Anti-Kidnapping.

Napoles also urged the appellate court to quash her arrest warrant, also on the basis of grave abuse of discretion.

The appellate court, however, was not convinced because of “her [Napoles] failure to attach the trial court’s order finding probable cause to issue a war-

rant of arrest against her as well as the warrant itself.”

The CA also stressed that she failed to file an initial and necessary pleading before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) that would question its ruling.

Luy claimed that the siblings detained her for three months beginning December 2012. He alleged they kept him from revealing his knowledge on the siphoning of billions of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) towards alleged bogus non-government organizations that Napoles put up.(MNS)

NPA guerrillas mainly concentrated in north-eastern, southern Mindanao – AFP MANILA, Mar 29 (Mabuhay) – The New People’s Army forces are now mainly concentrated in some areas in Mindanao and have resorted to banditry, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saturday during the 45th founding anniversary of the NPA. AFP spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said “[the communist rebels] have lost their ideological mooring and now engaged in extortion [activities].”

With around 4,000 fighters in the whole country, they are now mostly concentrated in northeastern and southern Mindanao, he said.

When asked if the communist insurgency is still a long-term threat, he said: “They are more of a criminal group now.”

Earlier reports indicated the NPA guerrillas have been doing extortion activities targeting politicians, especially during election season.

They also collect “revolutionary taxes” from construction companies and other businesses operating in the countryside.

21-gun salute In an earlier report, the Communist Party of the Philippines said they will mark NPA’s 45th anniversary with a 21-gun salute in their respective “territories.”

It said the 21-gun salute is for “the heroes of the New People’s Army and the people’s democratic revolution.”

“At high noon, prior to the general public singing of the Internationale (the communist anthem), NPA commands and people’s militia units in formation will give a 21-gun salute. Depending on prevailing military and security conditions, dif-

ferent NPA commands and people’s militias can modify this plan by either extending, abbreviating or rendering an alternative gun salute,” the CPP said in a statement.

It added all NPA commands will parade the flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the People’s Democratic Government.

The CPP lauded the “eminent proletarian revolutionaries” who it said continue to help lead and guide the revolution as it sets its sights on the “next higher phase of the people’s war.”

It said the 45th anniversary of the NPA should “celebrate the people’s victories in waging revolutionary armed struggle, car-

rying out agrarian revolution to smash land monopolies and improve the conditions of the peasant masses and building the organs of the people’s democratic government from the ground up.”

In January, a report on the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan as saying the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia remains the “most potent internal security challenge.”

Tutaan said this at a command conference to assess the military’s performance last in 2013.

The conference is a regular venue where senior military officers discuss the AFP’s gains in its internal peace and security operations. (MNS)

An anti-riot policeman grabs a protester during a rally in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila March 27, 2014. The protesters denounced the Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation that could legalize U.S. military presence in the Philippines and also protested against the upcoming visit of U.S. President Barack Obama in April, local media reported. (MNS photo)

PDEA rewards 5 informants MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – Five civilian informants on Monday received over P3.5 million cash reward from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for providing information that led to the successful arrest of several high value drug personalities.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. said the informants—identified through their codenames as:Cold Ice 2, Storm, Tiger, Eboy and Playboy-received their rewards earlier this day at the PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City under its Operation Private Eye (OPE).

He said that they provided information which led to the dismantling of a small clandestine laboratory and the successful arrests of several high value drug personalities during buy-bust operations, implementation of search warrant, interdiction operation and the confiscation of large volume of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, ephedrine and controlled precursors and essential chemicals.

“Our five informants were identified only by their codenames and wore ski masks in order to conceal their identities. All information that goes through Operation: Pri-

vate Eye are classified and handled with utmost confidentiality,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac said that the OPE is a citizen-based information collection program of the PDEA, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and various non-government organizations involved in the battle against illegal drugs.

“OPE is a reward and incentive scheme designed to counter fear and lack of concern as stumbling blocks to active participation of the citizenry in reporting any suspected illegal drug activities in their communities,” Cacdac said.

Among the informants, Eboy received the biggest reward of P2 million. Eboy provided information which resulted in the seizure of 79.833 kilograms of shabu and the arrest of three drug personalities during the implementation of a search warrant in LPL Ranch, Barangay Inosluban, Lipa City, Batangas on December 25, 2013.

The Private Eye Rewards Committee, composed of members from academe, non-government organizations, law enforcement, religious and business sectors, approved a resolution granting a total of P3,574,889.98 cash rewards to the five informants after a careful study and deliberation. (MNS)

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Kenichi Ebina, ang nagwagi sa ‘America’s Got Talent 2013’ ay magtatanghal sa Pechanga ngayong Abril Ikinagagalak na ipaalam ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang pagtatanghal ni Kenichi Ebina ngayong Abril sa kanyang pinaka-unang palabas mula nang siya at manalo sa “America’s Got Talent” Season 8. Mararamdaman ng mga tagahanga ang buhay na buhay na lakas ng kanyang pagsasayaw sa dalawang espesyal na palabas ng “Kenichi Ebina Dance-ish Entertainment” sa Abril 12 at 13 sa Pechanga Theater. Dahil sa malakas at napakalaking pagtanggap, ang mga upuan ay limitado kaya bumili na kayo ngayon habang mayroon pang natitirang mga tiket. Ang mga tiket ay mabibili sa halagang $30, $45, $60 at $80 mula sa Pechanga Box Office mula alas dose ng tanghali hanggang alas otso ng gabi, sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa (877) 711-2946 o sa pagbisita sa www.Pechanga. com/Entertainment.

Sinimulan ni Kenichi Ebina ang kanyang karera sa pagsasayaw noong siya nagpasimula sa grupong “BiTrip,” kasama ang ibang mananayaw na Hapon noong 2001.

Napanalunan ng BiTrip ang unang puwesto at sila ay naging Grand Champion ng “Amateur Night.” Noong 2007, napanalunan ni Kenichi ang pitong parangal sa isang kompetisyon sa pagsasayaw na pinamagatang “Showtime at the Apollo” at siya lamang ang naging Grand Champion ng dalawang beses sa buong kasaysayan ng Apollo Theater. Pagkatapos ng pitong taon, nakamit ni Kenichi ang pambansang pagkilala at nagkaroon siya ng mga tagahanga mula sa buong bansa sa pamamagitan ng “America’s Got Talent.” Pagkatapos ng kanyang pagsasayaw ng dalawang beses sa pinale ng palabas, siya ay hinirang na tagapanalo ng season 8 noong Setyembre 18, 2013.

Si Kenichi ay naging aktibong-aktibo pagkatapos niyang manalo sa “America’s Got Talent.” Siya ay nagtanghal sa maraming pagdiriwang at mga palabas na pangtelebisyon sa iba’t-ibang bansa, nagturo ng pagsasayaw sa Estados Unidos, Tsina, bansang Korea, Hapon at marami pang iba, at nagturo din ng sayaw sa teatro. Sa ngayon, si Kenichi at mapapanood sa telebisyon sa

palabas na pinamagatang “Angelina Ballerina” sa PBS Kids Sprout bilang isang mananayaw.

Huwag kaligtaan ang kabiha-bighaning palabas ni Kenichi kung saan makikita ang kanyang tanging kakayahan sa pagsasayaw na tiyak na magpapahiyaw at magpapapalakpak sa mga manonood. Halina at ng maranasan ang lahat ng ito ng buhay na buhay sa Pechanga Resort & Casino!

Inaalok ng Pechanga Inaalok ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang isa sa mga pinakamalaki at malaganap na kasiyahan na pang resort/casino kahit saan sa buong bansa. Hinirang na “Four Diamond property” ng AAA mula pa noong 2002, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagbibigay ng walang katumbas na paraan para sa isang araw o pang-matagalang marangyang bakasyon. Naghahandog ng mahigit sa 3,000 sa pinaka mainit na slot machines, table games at world-class entertainment, 517 na kuwarto sa hotel nito, mga kainan, spa at championship golf sa “Journey at Pechanga,” ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay tampok na destinasyon na tumutugon at humihigit sa kagustuhan ng mga panauhin nito at ng komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay pag-aari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag sa 1-877-711-2946 o pumunta sa www.Pechanga.com. Sundan ang Pechanga Resort & Casino sa Facebook.com/Pechanga at Twitter @PechangaCasino. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay bukas ng 24 oras. Ang mga panauhin ay dapat na may edad 21 anyos at pataas para makapasok sa casino.

Filipino Cursillos in Christianity-L.A. & V Entertainment stage ‘Via Crucis’ Lenten musical IN TIME for Lent, Filipino Cursillos in Christianity-L.A. and V Entertainment stage “Via Crucis,” a Lenten musical retelling the Passion of Jesus through music and movement, onApril 6 at El Segundo Performing Arts Center.

Directed by Vic Perez, with choreography by Mimil Rosales, “Via Crucis” features the special participation of Fides Ecclesiae Priests Chorale, made up of mostly Filipino clergy who formed the main cho-

rus of “Fides Ecclesiae,” the acclaimed musical that was staged in February 2012 at Pantages Theater in Hollywoodbecoming the first Filipino production to show in the prestigious venue.

“Via Crucis” also features the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles, Harana Men’s Chorus, Filipino American Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bob Schroeder, and Holy Family Glendale Choir.

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INMENT

Chiz: Marrying Heart more important than running in 2016 As things stand, Senator Chiz Escudero can imagine getting married with actress-host Heart Evangelista more than running for a higher position in 2016.

Sitting down for an impromptu interview with Heart, Escudero told reporters that 2016 is too far away that he considers his personal life as his priority now more than politics.

He added that he is very content with what he has right now.

“Magpapakasal, oo. Gusto ko kasi mabuo ang pamilya ko… syempre kasabay ng, literally and figuratively, pagtanda.

Actually, mas malapit ‘yan sa tingin ko kaysa pagtakbo sa election sa 2016. Kaya nga nananahimik ako, nadadamay pa ako [sa kontrobersya]. Tama na muna. Personal munang buhay bago pulitika,” Escudero told reporters. “Ang layo pa e. Ang layo pa talaga e. Sa pananaw ko ha,”

Escudero said of the 2016 elections.

“Siguro sa pananaw ng iba malapit na ‘yun at kailangang paghandaan. Sa pananaw ko, may mga bagay na mas kailagang paghandaan, sa personal kong buhay kaysa pulitika o eleksyon. Wala nga lang maniniwala pero bahala sila.”

Escudero said he has not yet decided on any plans for the next elections.

“Wala akong idedeklara.

Wala akong balak magdeklara sa totoo lang. Napakalayo ng tingin ko sa 2016. Pero hindi ko pipintasan ‘yung mga maagang magdeklara at ‘yung maagang nagpa-plano. Karapatan nila ‘yun. Pero ayaw kong tumulad sa kanila. Mayroon man o wala akong plano, hindi ito ang tamang panahon para pag-isipan o pagpasyahan ‘yan,” he said.

But Escudero has not pro-

posed to Heart yet nor is there a wedding date already for the couple while already “certain” about their relationship.

“Wala pang pormal although pinag-uusapan namin at hindi naman namin tinatago. Ever since sa relasyon naman namin, hindi namin pinagyayabang pero hindi rin naman namin tinatago. So kung ano lang, ‘yun lang. Sa ngayon, pinag-uusapan namin pero walang petsa, walang proposal pa, wala pa lahat ‘yun,” Escudero said.

Heart teased Escudero that they can get married next year but added that she is not rushing to tie the knot.

“I don’t really believe that you have to rush things just because you’re certain age. You never rush into anything. I guess with my relationship with him, I feel very certain about it. I’ve never felt this certain about anything

Cherie Gil walks out of ‘Ikaw Lamang’ set Veteran actress Cherie Gil walked out of the set of the ABS-CBN soap “Ikaw Lamang,” Dreamscape publicity head Eric John Salut confirmed.

On his Twitter and Facebook accounts, Salut said Gil wanted to leave the set of “Ikaw Lamang” at 10 p.m. to attend a send-off party even though she was supposed to shoot her scenes until 2 a.m.

In “Ikaw Lamang,” Gil plays the role of Miranda, mother of Franco (Jake Cuenca).

“To set the record straight: Cherie Gil is supposed shoot her scenes till 2AM (the usual cut off) but she wanted to leave at 10PM to attend a send off party. Siyempre, hindi siya Cherie Gil pinayagan ng production kasi hindi siya nagpaalam ahead of time.

“She was permitted to a 2-week leave for her musical play. The day she walked out of the taping was the day she resumed taping for Ikaw Lamang. Why blame the production? Why blame the writers? This is not fair! Teka lang ha,” Salut wrote.

Gil, for her part, complained about the alleged lack of work ethic in TV soaps. On Friday afternoon, Gil also accused Salut of “completely [twisting] the truth,” adding she will no longer speak on the matter.

“Work ethics? Why can’t it exist in the world of soaps? Sadly it doesn’t. There must be a better way,” she wrote.

“Ikaw Lamang” stars Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, Julia Montes and Cuenca. It airs weeknights after “Dyesebel” as part of ABSCBN’s primetime block. (MNS)

KC: Ayaw ko na ng heartbreak While admitting that she has a long-time crush on suitor Paulo Avelino, KC Concepcion said she is taking her time before entering into a new relationship.

Concepcion said she no longer can afford to go through another heartbreak.

“Paulo and I are very very good friends, isa talaga siya sa mga best friends na meron ako. But I’m not leaving it at best friend.

Siyempre at this point, tinitignan ko rin kung baka naman okay siya maging boyfriend. Ayaw ko na ng heartbreak,” she said.

Explaining that she doesn’t want to pressure herself, Concepcion added: “Nandun na rin ako sa point na you want to make sure na you end up with someone who fits like a glove. I’m still giving it time.”

Concepcion, however, maintained that Avelino is continuously exerting effort to win her heart.

“Oo naman [nanliligaw pa rin siya]. Paulo is a good man with a good heart. He is so sweet. He is so thoughtful. He’s a really good dad lalo na kapag nakita mo siya taking care of his kid, nakakakilig din.

Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista

in my life, for sure. So that’s why I’m confident I can joke about it but, no, I’m not really rushing, the honest truth,” Heart said.

“What’s important is we have

already each other in our lives.

Before, siyempre you don’t know kung siya na ba talaga or what.

Now, I am certain so with that idea, I’m fine already.” (MNS)

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MOTORING Electric cars: Three of the best

(Relaxnews) – Electric cars might still be a rarity on many roads but, thanks to improvements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, price cuts and government grants and other schemes, the vehicles are starting to gain in popularity. A look at three of the best currently on the road.

The Nissan Leaf In 2010, Nissan and Renault were bullish about the impact the car would have and set a target of selling 1.5 million Nissan and Renault-branded electric vehicles before the end of 2016. Although the companies have since been forced to rein back their enthusiasm – the target is now 1.5 million cars by 2020 – sales of the Nissan Leaf alone already account for nearly 10 percent of that target.

Since its launch in 2011, the Leaf has achieved sales of over 100,000, making it the world’s most popular electric car. Part of this has been achieved through aggressive advertising, by discounting and through government-backed schemes, but, fundamentally by constantly improving the car as technologies develop.

As a result, the latest generation Leaf is capable of traveling 124 miles (200km) on a single charge. It is also more comfortable and roomy when traveling that distance, thanks to reworked suspension, the introduction of higher cabin specifications and the relocation of the charging point to the car’s nose. This has freed up space in the rear for back-seat passengers and their luggage.

The other big change since the car’s launch has been available charging points. Nissan and Renault have worked hard to ex-

tend the Leaf and other Nissan and Renault-branded electric vehicles’ desirability by investing in supercharging infrastructure.

There are now over 1000 fast charging points across Europe that can add an 80 percent charge to the car’s batteries in roughly 30 minutes. The company aims to hit the 1800 charger mark in Europe by the end of this year.

Technical specifications: 0-100km/h (062mph): 10.1 seconds Power: 107bhp Range: 124 miles (200km) Price: €26,000/ $28,800 Tesla Model S P85 Performance+ The Leaf might be the world’s most popular green car, but there is little doubt that the Model S is the world’s most desirable electric car.

And, in P 85 Performance + guise it can compete with the best that BMW and Mercedes have to offer in terms of performance, comfort and looks, while still offering emission free motoring. The Model S comes with a premium price tag – in excess of $87,000 once the customization options are selected -- but it also offers a premium range for an electric vehicle of 265 miles (426km).

Initially only available to US customers upon its launch in 2012, it quickly became the vehicle of choice in Silicon Valley where it is known as the Apple Mac because of the devotion it creates with owners. Since August 2013 it has also been on sale in left-hand drive form in Europe and a right-hand-drive version is in development for the UK and Japanese markets. At the beginning of 2014 it also officially went on sale in China.

Like Nissan, Tesla has been hard at work putting in the charging infrastructure necessary to make its cars more practical and has already managed to build a US-wide network of superchargers that can add a 50 percent charge to a battery in 2030 minutes.

It also has similarly comprehensive plans for Europe and has set itself a deadline of the end of 2014 for electrifying German, Norwegian and Dutch roads and for providing access within a 320km (200-mile) radius to Tesla owners in France, England, Wales and Sweden.

Technical specifications: 0-100km/h: 4.2 seconds Power: 416bhp Range: 265 miles (426km) Price: $87,000 / €95000 BMW i3 The German company, with a reputation for building drivers’ cars has, unsurprisingly, taken a slightly different approach to a number of electric carmakers with its first truly environmentally friendly offering.

Its lightweight, battery-powered city car, the i3, uses carbon fiber to keep weight down and rear-wheel drive to make the car fun to drive. It’s also pretty fast – 0-100km/h (62mph) in just a smidgen over 7 seconds.

However, the nimble handling and acceleration come at a cost – range. To keep the weight down, the battery is small and is only good for 130-160km (about 99 miles) before a recharge is needed.

However, the car’s navigation system, smartphone and smartwatch apps are designed to factor available range and closest charging points into route selection and there’s a 24-hour helpline

Nissan Leaf

BMW i3

The Tesla Model S: The car with the longest range of any electric vehicle currently available ©Tesla

for anyone who might end up stranded on mile 100. Other steps BMW is taking to increase peace of mind is to offer the car with an optional generator – a 650cc gas engine that can be installed to charge the batteries, essentially turning the car into a series hybrid. However, it only has a 9-liter tank so is there as an emergency range extender, good for a further 100km or so and not for a real cross-country adventure.

That’s why BMW also plans to offer owners access to other types of cars, such as big SUVs and

larger sedans for longer-distance trips and weekends away so that they keep the i3 solely for weekday commuting. It looks as if BMW could be on to something.

It is struggling to meet demand.

Over 11,000 have already been sold and in the US the company has had to impose a three-to-sixmonth waiting list for new customers.

Technical specifications 0-100km/h (62mph): 7.2 seconds Power: 168bhp Range: 99 miles (160km) Price €34,990/$41,350

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 2-8, 2014

Nissan to present next-generation Murano in New York

FAB Design introduces Spidron, a modded Lamborghini Aventador (Relaxnews) – Swiss car modifier FAB Design has presented the Spidron, a souped-up version of the Lamborghini Aventador with a lime green livery, a unique aerodynamic package and an additional 70hp.

FAB Design has equipped the Lamborghini Avendator with additional air intakes, new aerodynamic elements in the rear, new wheels and a new carbon fiber rear wing.

Thanks to a new engine configuration and the addition of specially adapted sport air filters, FAB Design claims to have boosted the supercar’s total power to 770hp, compared to 700hp for the factory-issued Aventador.

The modifier also claims that the Lamborghini Aventador Spidron accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

The tuner car is available through FAB Design for €430,000 (around $592,000) plus tax. The first deliveries are expected to go out this June.

In a new teaser, Nissan highlights an aspect of its next-generation Murano, which will be unveiled at the 2014 New York Auto Show. ©Nissan

Forty years of the Volkswagen Golf

(Relaxnews) – The Japanese carmaker has uploaded a teaser for the next iteration of its premium crossover, the Murano. The model will be unveiled in a world premiere at the New York Auto Show, which opens on April 18, 2014.

With this short video, Nissan turns the spotlight on the Murano’s new V-shaped daytime running lights, as seen on the Juke and the Qashqai.

This next-generation Murano is expected to be based on the Resonance, the hybrid concept presented at NAIAS 2013 in Detroit.

With its curvaceous body panels and enormous 22-inch wheels, the concept stood out for its futuristic style. On the inside, Nissan gave the Resonance a high-end cabin with light-colored stitched leather upholstery and a lighting scheme highlighting natural wood accents. The glass roof provides passengers with natural light and a panoramic view of the sky.

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(Relaxnews) – After seven generations and sales of over 30 million, the iconic family hatchback is still going strong and is still setting the benchmark for other carmakers to meet.

The Volkswagen Beetle, the ultimate people’s car, was an extremely hard act to follow, but when the original Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed three-door hatchback rolled off the Wolfsburg production line on March 29, 1974, it signaled the start of a second motoring revolution.

As well as offering what has become timeless styling, it introduced German build quality to the affordable family car sector, but as well as being inexpensive, was an absolute joy to drive.

But as well as redefining the concept of the family hatchback, it also invented the concept of the ‘hot’ hatch with the launch of the original Golf GTI in 1976 – a car that really was all things to all.

A car for running around town, shopping, long road trips or even for the track.

It created a market sector that 38 years later is still not just alive and well but as competitive as ever. Every company that produces hatchbacks for the European market, from Honda to Ford, has at least one family car with serious sporting credentials in its lineup.

By the time the GTi was launched, one million Golfs were already on the road and in 1979 the company launched the first convertible version, which has gone on to become a modern, affordable classic.

The Golf has survived because the company has never been tempted to tamper with the formula – a nimble car, packed with technological advances, focused firmly on families.

This concentration is also why over the past 40 years there have only been seven generations of the car. The current Golf, launched in September 2012, is the most comfortable and technically advanced yet, and in 2013 scooped both the European and World Car of the Year awards.

And, for its 40th anniversary year, Volkswagen plans to launch the e-Golf, the first ever all-electric version of the car, which should offer a range of 190km between charges and a GTE plug-in hybrid version capable of delivering a fuel economy of 1.5l/100km and an electric motor only range of 50km.

As Volkswagen points out, very few products launched in 1974 have stood the test of time quite as well, but those that have include the Rubik’s Cube, liposuction and the Post-it note.

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Wedding dress on the tight side? 5 foods to avoid (Relaxnews) – Altered and carefully placed on its hanger, your wedding dress is ready and waiting for you. But will your measurements be the same on the big day? It’s a question that many future brides ask themselves, especially if they have chosen a particularly form-fitting gown. Of course, it is essential to exercise and avoid overeating in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding. But it’s also advisable to watch your intake of these five bloat-causing items for a few days before stepping into your gown.

Raw veggies No one is suggesting cutting vegetables out of your diet, even for a few days. But when a flat stomach in the short term is top priority, it is a good idea to keep your salads small. Vegetables are exceptionally rich in fiber, which is essential to digestion but can also cause gas and bloating in its raw form. This is particularly true of raw broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Skip the coleslaw and opt instead for steamed or roasted vegetables, which are easier to digest as the fibers have been partially broken down by the cooking process.

Milk and ice cream If you have trouble digesting dairy products – as many people do – it’s obviously advisable to abstain in the days leading up to your wedding. Lactose intolerance, whether severe or mild, is due to a lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk

proteins. For a calcium-rich treat that’s easier to digest, try yogurt, as the proteins have been partially digested through the fermentation process.

Carbonated drinks As you might expect, fizzy drinks introduce air into the digestive tract and can cause bloating. Calorie-rich sugary drinks are certainly out of the question, and even diet sodas contain sodium and other ingredients that can cause an upset tummy. Quench your thirst with water or an occasional cup of green tea.

White bread Given the choice between white or wheat bread, it’s always preferable to opt for the latter, which

tends to contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals. In contrast with raw vegetables, whole grain bread contains partially processed fiber that is easy to digest, meaning that it helps to ward of constipation without causing too much gas or bloating. Furthermore, white bread tends to have a lower satiety factor than wheat bread, which can lead to overeating.

Fatty and salty foods Digesting a bag of chips or a plate of fettucine alfredo is a long and complicated process. Creamy sauces, fried foods and other rich foods slow down the digestive tract, resulting in bloating. Excess salt, meanwhile, causes water retention.

While raw veggies are a great way to stay healthy and slender in the weeks leading up to a wedding, they are best avoided on the big day itself. ©Olga Miltsova/shutterstock.com

Alternative treatment for cholesterol shows promise (WASHINGTON-AFP) – An ex- important, breakthrough kind events in their PCSK9 inhibiperimental treatment has shown of area,” said Peter Libby, pro- tor, alirocumab, causing jitters promise in lowering bad choles- fessor of medicine at Harvard among stockholders and raising concerns about the drugs’ path terol, offering hope for people Medical School.

“Ultimately, the proof of the to market approval. at risk of heart disease but who The research presented Suncannot tolerate drugs known as pudding is in the long term outstatins, researchers said Sunday. come studies that show efficacy day on evolocumab showed eight The therapy developed by Am- and show safety,” added Libby, percent experienced side effects gen pharmaceuticals is known as who was not involved in the such as headache and muscle evolocumab. It is a monoclonal study. There are also questions pain. “It is well-tolerated in a antibody that is injected every on whether this class of drugs difficult, high-risk patient popcouple of weeks or once a month, may have negative effects on ulation with a clinically unmet need, so we hope this will be a instead of being taken in a daily the brain.

Last month, the US Food very good option for these papill.

Evolocumab is part of a new and Drug Administration asked tients,” said study author Erik class of drugs known as PCSK9 pharmaceutical companies Re- Stroes, professor at the Departinhibitors, which suppress a gene generon and Sanofi to assess po- ment of Vascular Medicine in involved with cholesterol regula- tential neurocognitive adverse Amsterdam’s Medical Center. tion in the liver.

Research from two separate phase III trials released at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting showed it was effective in lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol, with few side effects.

The research showed evolocumab lowered cholesterol further than the only other statin-alternative on the market, ezitimibe.

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TIES ‘DAMAGED’ a small and weak country,” the PHL WOMEN From page 1

Apart from China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the sea.

Sun’s comments followed a commentary in People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, denouncing Manila’s move.

“The act of the Philippine side is against the international law and the historical truth as well as against morality and basic rules of international relations,” it said.

Manila had “provoked China” by going to “so-called international arbitration, a move that is both illegal and unreasonable” and “an act lacking credibility”, it said.

“The Philippines attempted to solicit international sympathy through disguising itself as

commentary said.

Manila was attempting “to legalise its invasion of Chinese islands through the arbitration”, it added.

‘Provocative and destabilizing’ The invective from China’s state-run media comes as the United States and Japan have rallied to the Philippines’ defense.

Tokyo – which is also embroiled in a bitter territorial row with Beijing – issued a statement hailing Manila’s move, which it said was aimed at “peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law”.

“Such an action contributes to the maintenance and enhancement of the international order in the region based on the rule of law,” the Japanese foreign ministry said.

US ACCUSES

PLUNDER

pines’ peaceful ways of seeking a resolution of its dispute with China.

“The United States reaffirms its support for the exercise of peaceful means to resolve maritime disputes without fear of any form of retaliation, including intimidation or coercion,” Harf said.

“All countries should respect the right of any States Party, including the Republic of the Philippines, to avail themselves of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under the Law of the Sea Convention,” she added.

The US is hoping that the Memorial filed will provide greater legal certainty on the issue of compliance with the international law of the sea.

On Sunday, the Philippines proceeded to file its Memorial despite reported pressures from China not to file it.

“With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It’s about defining what is legitimately ours. It’s about securing our children’s future. It’s about guaranteeing the freedom of navigation.

It’s about preserving our regional peace, security, and stability,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a press conference Sunday.

five-member special panel that looked into the complaint filed by the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation in three joint resolutions Monday.

The announcement came less than two hours after Senator TG Guingona, head of the Senate blue ribbon committee, announced in a separate briefing that his panel has recommended plunder charge against Napoles and the three senators also in connection with the anomaly.

Guingona proposed criminal charges against six other individuals composed of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, former National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) president Allan Javellana, former Technology Resource Center (TRC) director general Antonio Ortiz, and the senators’ PDAF “agents” Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes who is the former chief of staff of Enrile, Pauline Labayen, the former apointments secretary of Estrada, and Richard Cambe, a senior staffer of Revilla.

Guingona presented the committee report to the media but clarified that it had yet to be signed by the members of the panel. “The report will be submitted to individual senators for their perusal and signatures,” Guingona said.

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Philippines with 69.2 and India with 69.1.

Developed countries such as Japan (53.6), South Korea (54.9) and Taiwan (55) had the lowest index scores.

On the average, the 7 developed markets featured on average lower scores (average of 58.9) than emerging markets (65.7).

“At first glance, the contrast in scores between developing and emerging markets seems to suggest that a higher standard of living may not necessarily translate to a higher sense of well-being as there are other influences involved such as cultural or psychological ones,” said Georgette Tan, group head, Communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard.

There was only one component of the survey – “safety from

threats” - where women in developed countries ranked higher, 57 versus 55.2 from those in emerging markets.

The index showed women in emerging markets score higher across all other components compared with their counterparts in more developed economies, with the greatest difference seen in the “satisfaction” component (69.9 vs.

59.0) and “personal well-being” (67.4 vs. 55.0). Women in emerging markets also had a more optimistic outlook on their work and finances. On the other hand, women from developed markets appear to have more control when paying their bills or saving for big purchases, possibly due to the better margins afforded by their higher incomes. “What differentiates this research from other studies is the holistic view we’ve

taken in understanding the factors that impact the level of wellbeing amongst women. As we look to enhance the role of women in society, our research provides a complementary view to economic data, ultimately helping us better gauge the progress that still needs to be made in this space,” Tan said. At the same time, MasterCard announced the results of its Index of Women’s Advancement. Among the 14 Asia-Pacific markets, New Zealand ranked first (77.9 Index Score), followed

by Australia (76.0).

The Philippines (72.9) ranked third, followed by, Singapore (68.4) and Taiwan (65.9).

At the other end of spectrum, India (39.2), Japan (48.3) and Korea (50.0) had index scores indicating that much more can be done to achieve gender parity.

MH370 SAGA

UPGRADES

STUDENT LOANS

marshal Angus Houston, who is heading a new coordination centre in Perth, said it was the most challenging search and rescue operation he had ever seen and cautioned against expectations of quick success.

“I say that because the starting point whenever you do a search and rescue is the last known position of the vehicle or aircraft.

In this particular case, the last known position was a long, long way from where the aircraft appears to have gone,” he said.

Houston noted it took more than 60 years to find HMAS Sydney, which was sunk in the Indian Ocean in 1941 by a German warship, and the search for MH370 is “not something that’s necessarily going to be resolved in the next two weeks”. “This could drag on for a long time but I think at this stage that it’s very important to pursue all the leads,” he added, as 10 planes and nine ships, some with helicopters, resumed the search in worsening weather.

Malaysia believes the flight, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard, was deliberately diverted by someone on board.

range intercept capability,” Velez said.

He added that installing BVR capability to the F/A-50s is relatively simple as the aircraft is already fitted with a decent air-toair radar.

Adjusting it to BVR standards would just mean upgrading the radar to be capable of detection at much longer range and fitting of BVR weapons like the Raytheon AIM-7 “Sparrow” missile.

The Philippines and Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. signed the P18.9-billion contract for the acquisition of the 12 aircraft last Friday.

DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that the first two F/A-50 jet aircraft will be delivered 18 months after the opening of the letter of credit; the next two will be delivered 12 months later, and the remaining eight jet planes in staggered basis within eight months.

The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one-and-a-half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted with air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heatseeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

CHED, according to Trillanes. ”It proposes to establish a comprehensive mechanism that would allow eligible students, who are financially incapable, to apply for loan to support their matriculation, school fees and other expenses needed for quality education,” he added.

Trilllanes said the bill is intended to fulfill the commitment and resolve of the State, as enshrined in the Constitution, to pursue the democratization of educational opportunities for every deserving citizen and promote social and economic development for every Filipino family. ”Despite the government’s efforts to provide quality and accessible education, a number of capable students are prevented from pursuing college degree due to their dire financial conditions,” he explained. ”There are existing government scholarship programs for these students but due to their limited scope and coverage, the results are still far from the government’s aim,” the lawmaker added. Trillanes pushed for the passage of his bill as parents prepare financial needs of their children in another academic year this coming June. (MNS)

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