Us asian post april 8, 2015

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Vol. 4. No. 28 LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, April 8 - 14, 2015

PHL sets two crew in cockpit rule after German tragedy

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the operations and security set-up at the Departure Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Wednesday (April 01). The President wanted to make sure that all security preparations were in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (MNS photo)

99 Pinoys evacuated from Yemen on Easter Sunday MANILA, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – Ninety-nine Filipinos may soon be on their way home from strifetorn Yemen after availing of the government’s mandatory repatriation program on Easter Sunday, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said.

In a news release, the embassy, which has consular juriscition over Filipinos in Yemen, said the 99 included 54 males and 43 females, along with two infants.

Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago and embassy personnel and the Philippine consulate in Jeddah evacuated the 99.

The 99 traveled in a two-bus convoy, leaving Hodeidah City in Yemen and arriving at the Tuwal border crossing of Saudi Arabia 215 km away. The trip was relatively safe, the embassy said.

“Embassy and consulate personnel are now assisting the evac-

uees in Jizan, providing them food and accommodations, as well as arranging their onward air travel to the Philippines,” it added.

Meanwhile, the crisis management team was to undertake another evacuation Monday from Sana’a. It urged Filipinos to join the evacuation by calling the team via +967-73-0914-165 and +967-73-742-6292, or emailing it at cmt-sanaa@riyadhpe.com.

Recent reports from Yemen indicated that Houthi fighters and allied army units had clashed with local militias in the southern city of Aden on Sunday, and eyewitnesses said gun battles and heavy shelling ripped through a downtown district near the city’s port.

The Houthi forces have been battling to take Aden, a last foothold of fighters loyal to Saudibacked President Abd-Rabbu See 99 PINOYS, page 4

Net satisfaction with Aquino plunges to its lowest – SWS MANILA, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – Public satisfaction with President Benigno Aquino III in the first quarter of 2015 plunged 16 points to 47 percent, giving the president his lowest net satisfaction rating in his term, according to a poll taken by the Social Weather Stations.

Those dissatisfied with Aquino’s performance was at 36 percent, up 12 points from December. Some 17 percent were undecided, three points higher than December.

The resulting net satisfaction rating of +11 (those satisfied minus those dissatisfied) was 28 points lower than in December. Also, the +11 net satisfaction gave Aquino a See PLUNGES, page 4

Manila, Philippines, AFP, Sunday 4/5/2015 – The Philippines has become the latest country to require two airline crew in the cockpit at all times, a statement said Sunday, after the co-pilot of a German plane deliberately crashed it last month.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced its decision after investigators concluded co-pilot Andreas Lubitz intentionally smashed a Germanwings flight into the French Alps after locking his colleague out of the cockpit, killing all 150 people on board.

“For aircraft certified for two pilots, a flight crew-member, preferably male but not neces-

sarily a pilot, shall be required to be inside the flight deck should one of the pilots leave the flight deck for personal reasons,” the regulation read.

The authority’s director-general, William Hotchkiss said all air operators must revise their operations manuals to comply with the new regulation.

Numerous airlines worldwide have introduced a two-person rule since the March 24 tragedy.

French air crash investigators announced on Friday that information from the doomed plane’s flight data recorder had confirmed their earlier findings that the co-pilot acted deliberately.

Filipino nurse charged with sedition for anti-Singapore online rant Singapore, Singapore, AFP, Tuesday 4/7/2015 – A Filipino nurse who insulted Singaporeans online and called for the takeover of the city-state by his countrymen was charged in court Tuesday with sedition and lying to police, offences punishable by fines or jail.

Ello Ed Mundsel Bello, 28, had already been fired from his job

at the government-run Tan Tock Seng Hospital in January following internal investigations into a series of social media posts which were deemed offensive.

On Tuesday he was slapped with two charges of publishing seditious statements on January 2 as well as three charges of subsequently lying to the police, See FILIPINO NURSE, page 4

FBI confirms death of terrorist Manila, Philippines, AFP, Thursday 4/2/2015 – The FBI confirmed Thursday that a senior Malaysian militant believed to have been involved in the 2002 Bali bombings was killed in a January raid in the Philippines that also left 44 police commandos dead.

Zulkifli Abdhir, who was on the bureau’s most-wanted list with a $5-million reward on his head, was killed in the January 25 op-

eration that plunged President Benigno Aquino’s administration into crisis and jeopardised efforts to end a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency, the FBI said.

“After a thorough review of forensic data and information obtained from our Philippine law enforcement partners, the FBI has assessed that terrorism subject, Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as “Marwan,” is deceased and has See FBI CONFIRMS, page 4

‘Mission accomplished,’ Espina on SAF killing of Marwan

30-year-old construction worker Arjay Rivera told AFP before he slit his back with broken bottles and razors, later whipping himself with bamboo flails to keep the wounds open.

As the flagellants made an excruciatingly slow barefoot march to the hill in San Juan, a rural district of San Fernando north of Manila where the crucifixions were to take place, some of them stopped at times to lay face down on the hot pavement and let children flog them with twigs.

Five men had nails hammered through their palms and feet

MANILA, Apr 6 (Mabuhay) – The 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos did not die in vain.

Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina declared this on Monday after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officially confirmed the SAF had killed Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“As I’ve said mission accomplished,” Espina said.

“Marwan is confirmed to be the one taken down by the SAF. My people did not die in vain. One international terrorist down to keep you all safe,” the official said in a chance interview in Camp Crame.

Marwan, who had a $5-million reward on his head, was the target of “Operation Exodus” that led to the death of 44 policemen, 17 Moro fighters and five civilians.

The botched raid triggered public outrage against President Benigno Aquino III, whom they blamed for mishandling the operation.

Espina, after the FBI confirmed Marwan’s death last Thursday, issued a statement declaring that one of the US agency’s most wanted terrorists was dead.

He said the FBI’s findings “effectively dismissed any and all

See CRUCIFIXIONS page 4

See ACCOMPLISHED, page 4

Penitent Ruben Enaje wails in pain as he is nailed to a cross by residents wearing costumes of Roman centurions during the observance of Lent in the village of Cutud, San Fernando City Pampanga on April 3, 2015. (MNS photo)

Filipinos carry out bloody Good Friday ‘crucifixions’

By Joel Guinto

San Fernando, Philippines, AFP, Friday 4/3/2015 – Devotees in the fervently Catholic Philippines marked Good Friday by being nailed to crosses and whipping their backs bloody, in extreme acts of devotion that attracted thousands of spectators.

The annual ritual in scorching hot farmlands just outside of Manila is one of many colourful outpourings of faith in the Southeast Asian nation, where 80 percent of its 100 million people are Catholics.

“I feel no pain because I know I am one with my God in suffering,”

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (April 14, 2009) Armed Forces of the Philippines Marines embark Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1627 for transit to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) for a Balikatan 09 training exercise. Essex is participating in Balikatan 2009, an annual combined, joint-bilateral exercise involving U.S. Military and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel as well as subject matter experts from Philippine Civil Defense Agencies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio/Released)

PHL, US set to hold expanded war games Manila, Philippines, AFP, Monday 4/6/2015 – The United States and the Philippines will double the size of their annual war games this month, with some exercises to be staged close to a South China Sea flashpoint, the Filipino military said Monday.

The 10-day exercises between the long-time allies will be held as fears grow in the Philippines that China is seeking to take control of the strategically vital and resource-rich sea.

Nearly 12,000 soldiers will be

involved in this year’s edition in several locations in the Philippines, including a naval station directly facing the disputed waters, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said.

That number, which includes 6,600 American troops, compares with a total of 5,500 soldiers who participated in last year’s Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises, Cabunoc said.

He emphasized the expanded war games highlighted the deepSee WAR GAMES, page 4

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DOT caps Mega Fam Tour for travel agents with product presentations highlighting tourism opportunities in the Philippines Asian-American and mainstream American travel agents immerse themselves in a 7-day Philippine experience

“Waves” is a romantic drama about the intimate love affair between Ross and Sofia – two troubled souls who decide to rekindle an abandoned friendship. It stars Baron Geisler and Polish model Ilona Struzik.

Cebuano filmmaker launches film, ‘Waves’ in New York Film Academy Theater, Los Angeles

By Hannah De Castro-Abinuman

On Friday, March 27, 2015, Waverly Productions, a Cebu-based, Indie filmhouse, hosted a special screening of their very first featurelength film entitled, “Waves,” in the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Theater in Burbank, California.

Waves stars multi-award winning actor, Baron Geisler (Ross), Polish model Ilona Struzik (Sofia) and award winning actress and beauty queen, Pilar Pilapil (Cora). It is a romantic drama about the intimate love affair between Ross and Sofia – two troubled souls who decide to rekindle an abandoned friendship.

A jaunt to an isolated island brings back old emotional struggles and sheds light to new ones, making any kind of relationship an unlikely proposition. “Baron Geisler is a really good Filipino actor. He typically portrays antagonist roles in crime dramas and action movies in the Philippines. With his subtle intensity, I thought he’d do well in a romantic role.

Ilona Struzik is a professional model that has worked in several countries. She’s a natural fit for the

role. Pilar Pilapil represented the Philippines in 1967 for Miss Universe. It seemed appropriate for her to portray a role as sort of a mother figure to Ilona’s character,” said director Don Gerardo Frasco when asked about how he chose the actors.

Frasco, whose roots hail from Cebu studied in the New York Film Academy. And by living abroad, he was able to meet most of his collaborators in the film. Thus, a multiethnic cast and crew was formed for this project. He commissioned Scott Curtis Graham to do the screenplay.

Ukranian producer Anna Skrypa handled the production between Philippines and the US, and Ayana Jimenez from Cebu is the associate producer and also handles the business development and marketing of Waverly Productions. Post-production was handled by Adrian Morales Ramos, and camera and lighting were handled by Yousheng Tang and Deanna Covello.

In “Waves,” the location also plays an essential role in setting the mood and emotion of the entire movie. At times, it even becomes sort of a “character” by itself. The film

brings its viewers to the beautifully intimate beaches of the Philippine archipelago, where Ross (Geisler) and Sofia (Struzik) dive in to their emotional adventures.

Though most scenes depict dark and jarring emotions brought on by the main characters, the location also evokes a sense of emotion. The calmness and stillness of the deep blue oceans of Cebu and the pristine white beaches of Mangenguey Island in Coron, Palawan represent the struggles that the two main characters experience.

“We imagined the beautiful, yet isolated seascapes of Palawan could serve as a good backdrop to a relationship that’s falling apart,”said Frasco. The movie also showcases different cities of Cebu such as Liloan, Consolacion, Oslob Pangdait and Cebu city.

Waves will be released theatrically in the Philippines in June, where it is currently distributed through VIVA Films. For international viewing, the film is available online on VIMEO ON DEMAND. Simply log on to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ wavesfilm to purchase or rent a copy.

MANILA, March 23, 2015 – Beaches are just the beginning…

The Mega Fam Tour organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) featured not only Boracay, the number one beach destination in Asia, but also historic and cultural elements, adventure travel, good food and lots of surprises along the way that made the event one of the most fun, informative and memorable trips to the Philippines for the over 100 travel agents from the United States and Canada.

On Monday, March 23, DOT wrapped up the Travel Agents & Media Members’ Mega Familiarization Tour to the Philippines with a product/buyers’ seminar held at the Blue Leaf Filipinas Events Pavilion in Aseana City in Paranaque.

The seminar placed the emphasis on the Visit Philippines Year 2015 campaign’s five main themes: 1) business meetings, 2) history and culture, 3) lifestyle and entertainment, 4) music and arts, and 5) sports, adventure and eco-tourism.

In her welcome remarks, Ms. Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism’s Project Development, expressed optimism that the week-long Mega Fam Tour has equipped the participants with knowledge about the country’s tourism products that are available to aggressively and effectively promote the Philippines and partner the country in twin destination packages with other popular Asian destinations.

The Mega Fam Tour organized by DOT featured three major Philippine destinations. Held in partnership with Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air, with the support of major airline consolidators GTT International/Majestic Vacations, Hanatours and Sita Tours, the Fam Tour allowed veteran travel industry leaders to experience for themselves what the Philippines has to offer so they can share their personal experiences with their clients back home.

Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Cebu and Bohol, Corregidor and Tagaytay were the main attractions in the activities-filled itineraries specially designed for the over 100 tour operators, travel consultants and agents, who were divided into three groups based on their specialized interests.

Coming from all parts of the United States and Canada, most of the participants are first-time travelers to the Philippines. For a whole week, they immersed themselves in all things Filipino: cultural events, historical sites, shopping destinations, adventure tourism, food, nightlife and local scenes – both in the cities and in the countrysides.

As industry leaders with years of experience in tourism promotions and tour packages, their opinions and experiences matter to their clients and future travelers. In addition to taking the tour participants to well known Philippine attractions, the Mega Fam Tour placed a focus on showing off unique travel experiences as well, including: a visit to the Tarsier sanctuary in Bohol for an up-close and personal encounter with the nocturnal animal which is unique to the Philippines; a lunch aboard a boat while cruising the Loboc River in Bohol with the waiters and waitresses doubling up as singers and dancers to provide entertainment; a religious encounter in Cebu on a Sunday where local residents filled the grounds of the Basilica Menore de Santo Nino that attest to their faith the chance to dance the tinikling under the starlight; an endless culinary offerings from multiple restaurants, all of which served the famous lechon; a nostalgic encounter with the historic past in Corregidor; and a taste of the Filipinos’ number one treat and dessert: halo-halo; Currently one of Southeast Asia’s fast rising economies, the Philippines offers a lot of opportunities for MICE business, health-and-wellness and medical tourism, adventure travels and eco-tourism and diving and liveaboards. The product presentations on these topics conducted by Venus Tan and Glenn Agustin of DOT and TPB (Tourism Promotions Board) drew lots of interests from the travel agents.

Elizabeth Pirrie, master cruise counselor and destination specialist of Travel Leaders from Seattle, Washingtonwho joined the tour so she can market the Philippines to her clients who are looking for unique destinations was particularly happy with her Mega Fam Tour experience.

“It was a hectic exhausting week, but it was all worth it,” she said. “After what I have seen and experience, I am certainly now in a position to market the Philippines.”

Pompeyo Cepeda-Moya, a travel consultant for Travel Services Explorers from Verdugo City, CA was particularly impressed with the hospitality extended to the participants every they went. “I think the most worthwhile experience for me is getting around and interacting with the locals,” he said.

“The people are so warmth and so kind and hospitable,” he added. “I wish I could stay longer. But I got to get back and do my job.” And that is include the Philippine destinations as part of the tour packages he will design fro clients back in the States. “The only thing I miss is there was no time for me to swim despite all those awesome hotel pools, and beaches we have stayed in and visited,” another participants said.

“I will definitely come back – and I will stay longer,” Kinsey McFadden, a participant from Hawaii added.

In addition to the varied immersion experience, the Mega Fam Tour participants learned additional information from representatives of partner airlines, Maricel Wall of Philippine Airlines, Depi Cheng of China Airlines and Sara Lube of Eva Air, who all provided updates of their respective airlines latest offerings that are important to travelers, including latest developments, airline safety features and flight frequencies.

Eliza Chung of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the largest airline consolidators in the United States and Ryan Choi of Hana Tour, one of the leading travel agencies in the US, also conducted product presentations on the tour packages offerings available to the travel agents in attendance.

ETTV Network, the leading Chinese television company in the US provided full coverage of the Mega Fam Tour to feature the country’s unique culinary, attractions, people, culture – all of which show why it’s more fun in the Philippines.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 8 - 14, 2015

Farmers plow in fear in Mindanao killing fields

By Joel Guinto

TUKANALIPAO, Philippines, AFP, Sunday 4/5/2015 – Farmer Lot Pangaoilan gazes towards a vast cornfield in the Philippines’ rebelinfested south, hoping that one day he will be able to farm his land without fear of being killed.

For two decades, he has been plowing his three-hectare (7.4-acre) land by hand and with the help of a water buffalo, worried that if he uses a heavy motor tractor he might detonate an explosive.

“If I’m not careful, I might hit a bomb... it could explode and I might die,” Pangaoilan, whose leathery skin, cloudy eyes and thin frame make him look much older than his 50 years, told AFP. Two months ago, the farmer’s marshland village of Tukanalipao was the site of a day-long battle between Muslim militants and police that left more than 60 people dead as security forces hunted down alleged top terrorists.

The latest carnage has seriously jeopardized efforts to end a fourdecade Muslim separatist rebellion which has claimed 120,000 lives, dimming hopes again that people such as Pangaoilan will be able to prosper in peace.

The nation’s biggest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), signed a pact last year agreeing to give up its struggle in return for an autonomous homeland in the impoverished southern region of Mindanao.

But the January 25 battle in Pangaoilan’s village – in which 44 police commandoes, 17 rebels and at least three civilians died – triggered a huge political backlash that threatens the passage of a proposed national law endorsing the autonomous region.

Deep poverty The new region would take in large parts of Mindanao, which the nation’s Muslim minority of roughly five million people regard as their ancestral homeland, including Pangaoilan’s village.

Despite fertile farming lands, vast mineral resources and idyllic beaches ripe for tourism, the region is the poorest in the country with nearly half of the population living in poverty, according to government data.

Tukanalipao, with no electricity or running water, is a typically impoverished Muslim community in Mindanao.

Its 1,600 residents live in palm thatch houses on wooden stilts, with corn and rice farming their only source of regular income.

Pangaoilan has six children but he was not able to afford to send them to school.

Military chiefs say villages like his make good recruiting grounds for the MILF, which has about 10,000 fighters, and other rebel groups.

In a typical cycle of violence and poverty that builds resentment, a military offensive launched after the January battle against a small breakaway rebel group opposed to the peace process displaced 120,000 people.

Two displacement camps with tarpaulin tents lie on a road close to Tukanalipao, although the military last week declared the offensive over and hopes the displaced people will soon return home.

Corn farmer Haji Maul said he had been in an out of evacuation shelters three times during the offensive to escape bursts of fighting near Tukanalipao, but this was not unusual.

“It has been a very difficult life for me and my family,” Maul, 60, told AFP, as troops wearing helmets and with their rifles pointed to the ground patrolled the parched earth, alongside water buffaloes, chickens and dogs.

Building peace As part of its efforts to promote the peace process, President Benigno Aquino’s administration has increased annual infrastructure spending on the region from 8 billion pesos ($179 million) in 2010 to 24 billion pesos this year.

In Tukanalipao, a sore lack of infrastructure is symbolised by a rickety patchwork of logs that its residents use to cross a stream and get to their farmlands.

When the stream overflows during the rainy season, work stops as farmers can not get their animals across because the improvised bridge might fall apart, according to Pangaoilan.

This week the government broke ground on a concrete and steel bridge to replace the wooden structure.

Tukanalipao and the surrounding township of Mamasapano has become a “representation” of the Muslim region, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad told AFP as he guided journalists through the area to witness the inauguration.

“Our presence here today and these symbolic projects are meant to deliver a message that poverty is the root cause of conflict and that we are sincere in pursuing peace,” Abad said as he stood alongside supportive MILF leaders.

The symbolic impact was deepened by building the new bridge in the same area as the deadly battle two months ago, showing the government and the MILF remained partners in peace even in the most volatile of areas.

“One of the requirements of building peace is development, we need development,” MILF army spokesman Von Al Haq said in a speech at the inauguration ceremony.

But without a final peace pact, infrastructure spending appears destined to offer only small band aid solutions.

“Without a political settlement, these socio-economic projects are just part of counter-insurgency,” MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told AFP.

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OPINION

In Easter message, Pope Francis urges end to ‘absurd violence’

By Jean-Louis De La Vaissiere

Vatican City, Holy See, AFP, Sunday 4/5/2015 – Pope Francis appealed Sunday for an end to “absurd violence” in hotspots around the world and said the international community must not stand by in the face of the “immense humanitarian tragedy” in Syria and Iraq.

In his traditional Easter message, the 78-year-old pontiff said he was praying for those killed in armed conflict, including the students massacred by Somali gunmen at a university in Kenya.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims huddled under a sea of umbrellas in a rain-soaked St Peter’s Square to hear the pope deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and World) blessing, broadcast live to dozens of countries.

In his third Easter message since his election as pope in 2013, the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics prayed “for peace, above all, for Syria and Iraq, that the roar of arms may cease”.

He called on the international community to “not stand by before the immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees” created by the two conflicts.

He also prayed for the victims of Thursday’s attack in Kenya that left 148 people dead, with survivors sayng the militants spared Muslim students but taunted Christian and Jewish students before killing them.

“I think in particular of the young people who were killed last Thursday at Garissa University College in Kenya,” he said.

Earlier Francis greeted pilgrims personally as he rode through the flower-bedecked square aboard his open Popemobile after presiding over Easter mass.

The most important and joyous moment of the Catholic calendar, Easter celebrates the day when Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.

Speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Francis also said the framework nuclear accord reached Thursday between Iran and six major world powers inspired hope for “a definitive step toward a

more secure and fraternal world”.

The Argentine pope pleaded for “absurd bloodshed and all barbarous acts of violence” in Libya to be halted, and voiced his “desire for peace, for the good of the entire people” in war-battered Yemen and Ukraine.

Without referring to a particular hotspot, Francis said: “Those who bear within them God’s power, his love and his justice, do not need to employ violence.”

Be ‘respecƞul, ready to help’ He prayed for “all who have been kidnapped, and for those forced to abandon their homes and their dear ones” in armed conflict and attacks by extremists in Nigeria and South Sudan as well as parts of Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In addition, he urged “peace and freedom for the many men and women subject to old and new forms of enslavement on the part of criminal individuals and groups (and) for the victims of drug dealers...

And we ask peace for this world subjected to arms dealers.”

Francis also sounded his trademark appeal to the rich and powerful to care for the world’s poor and downtrodden, saying: “The world proposes that we put ourselves forward at all costs, that we compete.”

Instead, Christians should “seek to live in service to one another, not to be arrogant, but rather respectful and ready to help,” he said.

Sunday’s Easter observances capped a long and demanding Holy Week that left Francis at times appearing tired.

On Friday he presided over the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession at Rome’s Colosseum evoking the last hours of Jesus’s life.

The day before Francis celebrated two masses – one for priests, and the other at Rome’s Rebibbia prison, where he washed the feet of 10 inmates symbolically evoking Christ’s humility – a theme he took up again on Sunday.

“To enter into the mystery, we need to ‘bend down’, to abase ourselves,” Francis said.

‘God-fearing’ Romanian doctors halt abortions for Easter Timisoara, Romania, AFP, Monday 4/6/2015 – A group of around 30 gynaecologists in a Romanian town have decided to stop all abortions during the week leading up to Orthodox Easter on April 12, so as to not “upset God”.

“We do not perform abortions during the major holidays, especially during Holy Week and Christmas because we think it is not right to upset God,” said Marius Craina, gynaecologist and director of the local hospital of Timisoara, a town in western Romania.

He deplored the number of abortions taking place – around 250 a day – in the majority Orthodox Christian country.

“Here, abortion is seen as a means of contraception. We have one of the highest abortion rates in Europe,” he said.

Abortion was banned in Romania during the regime of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who was killed in 1989 after a popular rebellion pushed him from power.

Abortion was then legalized in 1990. That year, as many as 992,000 abortions were registered, three times the number of births.

Since then, the number of abortions have gradually decreased in the European Union’s second poorest country, with 88,000 recorded in 2012 compared to 200,000 newborns.

US wage hikes: Real progress for workers or publicity stunt?

By Jeremy Tordjman

Washington, United States, AFP, Sunday 4/5/2015 – After turning a deaf ear to pressure for years, US businesses are digging into their pockets to improve the lot of the lowest-paid workers, but also their own images.

Faced with a mounting campaign to address a growing gap between the rich and the poor, and complaints that low wages leave workers dependent on state handouts, some of the largest US employers have announced sweeping wage increases in recent weeks.

After department store Walmart and clothing chain The Gap said they would raise worker pay, this week fast food giant McDonald’s announced a hike for 90,000 of its workers.

The wave of companies showing a greater appreciation for their workforce has even spread to the tech industry. Microsoft announced it would require its contractors to extend paid leave to thousands of people that regularly work for the company but are not Microsoft staff.

The companies have made sure the public takes note. McDonald’s took a full-page advertisement out in the New York Times heralding its generosity.

“We’re announcing a first step in rewarding the team members who work so hard for our brand every day,” it said.

Wal-Mart Stores chief executive Doug McMillon told workers that the world’s largest retailer would “continue to provide that ladder that any of you can climb.”

Political and market pressure But the moves, which sought to raise hourly wages above the official minimums—McDonald’s promised it would pay an average $10 an hour by the end of 2016 -- still fell short of a national campaign calling for a $15 an hour standard.

That raised questions about whether the moves are simply a publicity effort for the firms.

The US labor union federation, the AFL-CIO, which has been fighting for higher wages for retail and food chain workers, dismissed the question.

“It’s not essential to figure out whether or not they did it for good reasons. The key issue here is that it rewards months of mobilization,” deputy policy director Kelly Ross said.

The companies could also be responding to fundamental economics. The US economy has been growing steadily and companies have added some 3.4 million jobs in the past year alone, tightening the jobs market somewhat.

“It is a public relations move by the companies, but it comes in a macro-economic context that is pushing up low wages,” Ioana Marinescu, a labor rights expert at University of Chicago, told AFP. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington agreed.

“As the labor market become more competitive, the firms have to increase wages to attract the workers they want,” he said.

At the same time, a debate has mounted over why only the wealthiest Americans have seen income gains while wages and salaries for the lowest 80 percent have stagnated or declined.

Worker groups want the government to address it by forcing up the official minimum wage.

But the political gridlock in Washington leaves the focus on companies. For several years President Barack Obama has pressed Congress without success to increase the federal minimum wage, stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009.

Nor has he been able to get enough Congressional support for other benefits common elsewhere, like a minimum paid maternity leave.

“Congress is clearly broken and won’t change anything with respect to the labor market,” said Jacob Kirkegaard, a researcher at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

He told AFP that companies announcing wage increases get more than a public relations boost.

“If you pay more than the average, you’ll have a higher retention rate so you won’t have to constantly spend money on training new hires.”

Some analysts express worry of the risk that the large firms raising wages will make business harder for small companies with less financial power.

Jeb Bush made ‘mistake’ in identifying self as Hispanic

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Washington, United States, AFP, Monday 4/6/2015 – Jeb Bush, the Republican former governor of Florida who is widely expected to run for president in 2016, said Monday he had mistakenly identified himself as Hispanic on a 2009 voter form.

Bush’s acknowledgement came shortly after The New York Times published a story showing that on a 2009 application to register as a voter, Bush checked Hispanic in the section labeled “race/ethnicity.”

On Monday, Bush’s son, Jeb Bush Jr., tweeted a link to the Times story and wrote: “LOL - come on dad, think you checked the wrong box #HonoraryLatino.”

The father responded shortly after, saying: “My mistake! Don’t think I’ve fooled anyone!”

Bush, who was born in Texas, is the son of former president George H.W. Bush and brother of former president George W. Bush.

He is married to Columba Bush, who was born in Mexico, he speaks fluent Spanish and as a young man he lived in Venezuela.

Winning Latino support is key if Bush is to succeed in a likely run for the presidency. Some 11 million Hispanic people participated in the 2012 elections, equivalent to 8.8 percent of the total number of voters. Ethnic self-identity has been an issue for other candidates in the past.

For instance, when Elizabeth Warren ran for Senate in 2012, she was accused of misrepresenting herself after saying she was a Native American.

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WAR GAMES From page 1

ening military alliance between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.

“The higher strength of Balikatan 2015 for this year only reflects the Philippines’ and the United States’ growing commitment to enhance our capability to conduct joint military and non-military activities,” Cabunoc told AFP. He said the decision to expand the numbers involved in the games was not directed at China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters and reefs close to Southeast Asian nations and far from its nearest major landmass.

However, part of the exercises will be held from Zambales naval base, which is located 220 kilometers (137 miles) east of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The shoal is a rich fishing

ACCOMPLISHED From page 1

doubts” that hounded the incident over the identity of the bombmaking expert and terror group Jemaah Islamiyah member.

“Based on this new evidence provided by modern science, there

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been removed from the FBI’s list of Most Wanted Terrorists,” the FBI Los Angeles office said in a statement.

The national police said the confirmation “validates” their earlier insistence that the botched raid, which caused Aquino’s approval rating to tumble to its lowest level since he took office in 2010, was a success despite the huge death toll.

“We have got our man and (the operation) was a success,” Philippine national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo said in response to the FBI confirmation.

Poor planning and coordination had been blamed for the deaths of the commandos sent to the troubled southern island of Mindanao to get Zulkifli and a senior Filipino militant leader Abdul Basit Usman, who escaped.

While the forces were able to

FILIPINO NURSE From page 1

a spokeswoman for the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers told AFP. Charge sheets said Ello’s remarks have “the tendency to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of the population of Singapore, namely, between Singaporeans and Filipinos in Singapore”.

In the first Facebook post on January 2, he wrote: “Singaporeans are loosers (sic) in their own country, we take their jobs, their future, their women and soon we will evict all SG loosers (sic)out of their own country hahaha”.

He ended the post by saying “Remember Pinoy (Filipinos) better and stronger than Stinkaporeans”.

In a subsequent comment on the same day, Ello said “we will kick out all the Singaporeans and SG will be the new filipino state”.

Ello was also charged with lying to the police on three different occasions during investigations.

He had told police officers that he was not responsible for the of-

Wednesday - Tuesday, April 8 - 14, 2015

LOS ANGELES ground within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but has been controlled by China since 2012.

The Balikatan exercises, which start on April 20, will also be held on the central island of Panay, Palawan in the southwest and a former American airbase north of Manila.

Cabunoc said the exercises involved maritime security and disaster response drills, as well as civic projects.

Spokespeople for the US and Chinese embassies in Manila were unavailable for comment on Monday.

The Philippines has repeatedly protested at China’s increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea and has sought closer military ties with the United States in an effort to counter it.

The US and Philippines signed an agreement last year that will allow a larger American military presence in the Philippines. is no doubt that the PNP-SAF indeed got their man, as they always do,” Espina said.

He added, “This fact should add to the glory and honor of the 44 brave young men who offered the supreme sacrifice to get the job done.” (MNS) kill Zulkifli during the raid, they were later attacked by Muslim gunmen who killed 44 of them.

“We are glad we can finally erase all doubts about this death.

We are now assured that the notorious terrorist has been neutralised,” said Philippine military spokesman Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala.

The government had been left red-faced in 2012 after prematurely declaring Zulkifli dead.

US role The raid also prompted questions about the nature of US-Philippines cooperation on military and anti-terror operations with a Philippine Senate report saying that the US played a “substantial” role in the operation, providing training, equipment and intelligence to the Filipino forces.

However, some questioned whether Washington’s influence on the Philippine National Police was too strong and whether the country would have entered into such a risky operation otherwise. fending posts, and that his Facebook account had been hacked.

Under the Sedition Act, among other things, it is an offence to promote hostility between different races or classes in multiracial Singapore, which is mainly ethnic Chinese.

In a statement after Ello was charged in court, the Singapore Police Force said it “takes a stern view of acts that could threaten social harmony in Singapore”.

“Any person who posts remarks online that could cause ill-will and hostility between the different races or communities in Singapore will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” it said.

Singapore clamps down hard on anyone seen to be inciting communal tensions after bloody racial riots in the 1960s.

The Filipino community in Singapore is estimated at more than 170,000.

Singaporean citizens make up just over 60 percent of the 5.4 million population, with a low fertility rate forcing the government to rely heavily on guest workers.

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Mayor Garcetti unveils new easy-to-read parking signs L.A. Department of Transportation is the first transit system in the country to test grid-style signs to reduce parking confusion; bluetooth beacon technology installed for beta test to pave the way for smartphone parking info LOS ANGELES - Mayor Eric Garcetti today installed the first of 100 new easy-to-read parking signs that use streamlined graphics and colors to explain confusing parking restrictions. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) will test the signs during a six-month pilot program on Spring and Main Streets between 2nd and 9th Streets in downtown L.A. “My back to basics agenda is about creating modern city government

that makes life easier for Angelenos, and these new signs are designed to help people find parking and avoid tickets,” Mayor Garcetti said. “Some of these sign poles are simply out of control, so we should be taking common sense steps to cut the confusion.”

The LADOT Parking Signage Pilot Program makes Los Angeles the first city in the country to create grid-style parking signs. The signs use graphics in green and red to pictorially summarize parking restrictions. The new signs are being placed alongside existing signs, in accordance with state law. A web address on the sign solicits input from drivers about the signs during this initial phase of the program: http://parkinginfo.lacity. org. In Phase II of the pilot program,

LADOT will work with the California Traffic Control Devices Committee to gain final approval to completely replace existing parking signage with the new signs.

“Most Angelenos have had the experience of driving around, trying to find a place to park, finally finding one, and then seeing confusing parking signs stacked one on top of another,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian who introduced the City Council motion proposing the pilot program. “It’s aggravating and unfair. This new, grid-style sign and the pilot program we’re launching today should help remedy that. We want to revolutionize the parking experience by making it easy for people to read and understand parking signs.

while four others, some with fake beards drawn on their faces to resemble Christ, were tied to the crosses. They wailed in pain as attendants, costumed as Roman centurions, pounded the nails through their palms.

“My faith got me through my illness. I will continue doing this for as long as I live,” one of the men, Wilfredo Salvador told AFP after he was taken down from a cross, his hands and feet wrapped in bandages.

“It was painful up there, but I felt light. I can’t explain it. I would say my faith is very strong,” added the 50-year-old, who said he had recovered from a nervous breakdown several years ago.

Vow to God Several of the men have undergone multiple crucifixions over the years.

Seven-month pregnant Catherine Madoles wiped off blood that had splattered on her legs and half-exposed tummy.

Her brother, Genesis Reyes, was one of those whipping his back, undergoing the ordeal for the first time on Friday so that she could have a safe delivery, she said.

“I have a high-risk pregnancy because I’m diabetic. I hope this devotion will help me,” the

32-year-old housewife told AFP as she took refuge from the searing heat.

San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias has discouraged the bloody practice, saying there are other ways to profess one’s faith.

“Our acts should be geared toward good works. Christian life is not something that is done overnight,” he counseled.

San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago openly conceded that the religious ritual has vast economic benefits for the community.

“We don’t have the exact record of the money... but for sure the Good Friday activities help our locals in their businesses,” he said.

This year’s spectacle attracted a crowd of 60,000, roughly the same number last year, San Fernando Councillor Harvey Quiwa told AFP. While organisers tried to keep the event solemn, the general mood appeared more festive with dozens of hawker stalls selling food and souvenirs, giant streamers of mobile phone companies set up in various places and crowds taking photos with their smartphone and tablet cameras.

Above the crucifixion hill, a huge brown kite in the shape of a cross flew overhead.

“I wouldn’t take a selfie here” Foreign tourists who flocked to the spectacle reacted with both shock and fascination even as blood from the flagellants splattered their clothing.

“It’s quite gross and bloody. I would never have a selfie taken here,” Jorene Chai, a 26-year-old tourist from Singapore, told AFP. She and three other friends made a side trip to the site from a food tour of Pampanga province.

Waldemar Traczyk, 50, a history professor from Poland, said he saved up for seven years so he and his wife could fly to the Philippines to witness Friday’s events.

“This is too much blood... but it is interesting to know why a 17th century practice in Europe still persists in the Philippines,” he told AFP. The Philippines is known around the world for its fervent brand of Catholicism, which was introduced by Spanish colonisers in the 1500s.

An annual procession of Christ’s image in downtown Manila drew 5.5 million barefoot devotees last January, authorities said.

A mass by Pope Francis in the capital’s main outdoor park a week later drew a record crowd of six million people.

PLUNGES

al percentages and ±6 points each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao applied to the poll.

The poll results were posted in the BusinessWorld website.

Aquino’s satisfaction ratings dropped across geographical areas and socioeconomic classes.

In Balance Luzon, his satisfaction rating fell 42 points, downgrading Aquino’s rating two steps to a “neutral” -3 (40 percent satisfied, 43 percent dissatisfied) from a “good” +39 (62 percent satisfied, 23 percent dissatisfied) in December.

In Mindanao, net satisfaction fell 21 points to a “moderate” +25 (55 percent satisfied, 29 percent dissatisfied) from a “good” +46 (66

percent satisfied, 20 percent dissatisfied) in December.

In Metro Manila, it fell 16 points to a “neutral” +7 (45 percent satisfied, 38 percent dissatisfied). In December, his score there had been a “moderate” +23 (55 percent satisfied, 31 percent dissatisfied) In the Visayas, his satisfaction score fell 12 points to +30 (57 percent satisfied, 27 percent dissatisfied) from +42 (66 percent satisfied, 24 percent dissatisfied), but remained in “good” territory.

Aquino’s net satisfaction in urban areas fell 34 points to a “neutral” +3 (44 percent satisfied, 41 percent dissatisfied) from a “good” +37 (61 percent satisfied, 24 percent dissatisfied) in December.

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“moderate” rating, a downgrade from the “good” +39 in December.

The SWS explained that net satisfaction ratings of at least +70 were considered “excellent”; +50 to +69 “very good”; +30 to +49 “good”; +10 to +29 “moderate”; +9 to -9 “neutral”; -10 to -29 “poor”; -30 to -49 “bad”; -50 to -69 “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”

Despite the drop in satisfaction, 50 percent of those polled opposed calls for Aquino to resign, with 32 percent agreeing and 18 percent undecided.

Among those opposing Aquino’s resignation, the President’s net satisfaction was a “good” +31 (59 percent satisfied, 28 percent dissatisfied).

University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos told business newspaper BusinessWorld that the drop could be attributed to the January 25 Mamasapano clash, in which 44 police officers were killed, and the government’s response to it.

The SWS poll was taken from March 20 to 23 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide. Sampling error margins of ±3 percentage points for nation-

99 PINOYS From page 1

Mansour Hadi, advancing to the city center despite 11 days of air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition of mainly Gulf air forces.

Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia launched the air strikes on March 26 in an attempt to turn back the Iran-allied Shi’ite Houthis, who already control Yemen’s capital Sanaa, and restore some of Hadi’s crumbling authority.

The air and sea campaign has targeted Houthi convoys, mis-

siles and weapons stores and cut off any possible outside reinforcements - although the Houthis deny Saudi accusations that they are armed by Tehran.

The fighting has failed so far to inflict any decisive defeat on the Houthis, or the supporters of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh who are fighting alongside them, but the growing death toll and humanitarian suffering has alarmed aid groups.(MNS)

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Bataan survivors, descendants to meet at st Hotel Queen Mary for 31 annual reunion Survivors of the Battles of Bataan and Corregidor, and the Bataan Death March, and their descendants will gather in Long Beach on Friday and Saturday, April 24 – 25, at the annual meeting and reunion of thePhilippine Scouts Heritage Society. These men are the soldiers who fought America’s first ground battles of World War II. The United States Army awarded its first three Congressional Medals of Honor of World War II to Philippine Scouts: Lt. Alexander R. Nininger, Sgt. Jose Calugas and Lt. Willibald C. Bianchi, for their heroic actions on Bataan. Ultimately, all 80,000 American and Filipino servicemen in the Philippine Islands became Prisoners of War, and more than half of them died in Japanese prison camps.

The Philippine Scouts were a unique and special U.S. Army organization consisting of highly-

Soldiers of the 57th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.

“They were ready anywhere, anytime.”

trained Filipino soldiers, and American and Filipino officers, who formed the backbone of General Douglas MacArthur’s United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). In the wake of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines on December 7, 1941, the Philippine Scouts were reinforced by U.S. Army National Guard units and joined by Philippine Army Infantry divisions, and ordered to hold back the Japanese advance. On Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island these men were surrounded and starved out by the Japanese Army and Navy, but managed to fight on for more than four months while every other country and island in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific succumbed to the Japanese. They bought America time to repair Pearl Harbor and throw a cordon of defense around Australia at the beginning of World War II. Today, less that 100 of the original 12,000 Philippine Scouts are still with us, scattered around the U.S. and the Philippine Islands. Those who are able to do so will meet in Long Beach, where families and admirers will join them for two days of discussions, business meetings, and celebration. As their numbers grow smaller, the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society seeks to preserve their memory and raise public awareness of the role these men played in the early stages of World War II, and the horrible treatment they received as prisoners of the Japanese Army.

The Alexander Nininger Chapter of the Society will host its 2015 reunion at the Hotel Queen Mary Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. The reunion will include exhibits of World War II Pacific Memorabilia, a veterans’ panel discussion of the Battles of Bataan, Corregidor, and the Death March, authors of books about the Philippine Scouts, Living History re-enactors in period uniforms, and a keynote address Saturday evening by Honorable Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim are all features of the event.

The April 25 “Exhibits and Talks” are open to guests who RSVP to contact person below as seating is limited.

For RSVP’s, additional information, photographs, photo opportunities and interviews with surviving Philippine Scouts and uniformed re-enactors, contact: Gil Mislang, Reunion Coordinator, Tel: 562-417-6772; Email: mrbenmis@gmail.com.

JFAV announces the passing of two Fil-Am vets Los Angeles –The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) announced the passing of Battle of Bataan veteran and Death March Survivor, Jose Vargas Geaga, who turned 100 years old a few days ago, last April 4 He is a resident of Los Angeles.

Another veteran – Veteran Ben G. Falloria – who hailed from Botolan, Zambales also passed away last March 12.

Here is the announcement from the Geaga Clan Facebook: “ To the Geaga family and clan: We announce the peaceful passing of our beloved (father, dad, lolo, tito, uncle, brother) Jose Vargas Geaga yesterday Saturday April 4.

He would have been 101 years old on May 23, 2015.

Manong Julian Gomilla (our cousin priest) celebrated a beautiful and solemn funeral mass for Jose amongst family and friends in his home.

Shortly thereafter, his body was taken by the Abbott and Hast Mortuary. Internment of his ashes at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Memorial Park and a memorial service celebrating his life is set for Saturday May 16, 2015 (details to follow and will be posted on www.josegeaga.geagas.org).

“Dad, we are grateful and thankful for all you’ve done for our us and our family; and, we celebrate your life.”

Ben G. Falloria was born on December 18, 1923 in

Botolan,,Zambales. He was an elementary school graduate. He was 91 years old.

He was a founding member and was an active member of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) until his health failed and began off from JFAV activities.

He joined the Magsaysay Guerillas of the Western Luzon Guerilla Forces (WLGF) in Botolan during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1942.

The Botolan military district became a special regiment under the command of guerilla leader Ramon Magsaysay who later became the defense secretary under the President Elpidio Quirino . And later was elected as the President of the Philippines in 1953.

He fought during an encounter with the Japanese In Bucao River, Botolan where 150 Japanese were killed. He was twice wounded in October 1942 and in December 1944 Although he receieved his lump sum, he continued fighting for his fellow veterans who was denied of their lump sum and for recognition and benefits with the JFAV. He died on March 12, 2015 and was buried last March 29, 2015 .

California farmers spared worst of water rationing Washington, United States, AFP, Sunday 4/5/2015 – California Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday defended tough new measures aimed at combating a crippling fouryear drought, but which critics say are far too lenient on the state’s farmers.

Brown on Wednesday announced sweeping water restrictions for the first time in the state’s history to counter what officials called the most devastating dryspell on record.

The decision that many of the draconian restrictions would not apply to agriculture reflects how hard the industry has already been hit, he told ABC television’s “This Week” program.

“Look, the farmers have fallowed hundreds of thousands of acres of land. They’re pulling up vines and trees. Farmworkers who are at the very low end of the economic scale here are out of work,” he said.

“There are people in agriculture that are really suffering.”

The executive action taken by the California governor aims to achieve a 25 percent reduction in water usage across cities and towns throughout California.

The reductions would be achieved by ramping up enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, while investing in technologies designed to make California more drought-resilient.

The measures also order college campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large consumers of water to significantly cut their use.

“If they don’t comply, people can be fined $500 a day,” Brown told ABC. The drought has left huge swaths of California’s landscape unrecognizable, with normally brimming lakes and rivers now dry and losses to the state’s agricultural industry estimated at several billion dollars.

But critics cited figures circulating in the US media that farming uses 80 percent of California’s water but accounts for less than two percent of its economy.

Brown confirmed those figures, but said agriculture’s importance to California belies its relatively small share of the state’s domestic product.

“If you don’t want to produce any food and import it from some other place, theoretically, you could” impose water restrictions on agriculture, he said.

“But that would displace hundreds of thousands of people and I don’t think it’s needed.”

He conceded that while technological improvements can help the farm industry use water more efficiently, but nevertheless rejected – for now – the idea of imposing water restrictions.

“They’re not watering their lawn or taking long showers. They’re providing most of the fruits and vegetables of America to a significant part of the world,” he said.

But, Brown added, “if things continue at this level, that’s probably going to be examined.”

$6.8-M unpaid wages collected from NorCal nursing homes SAN JOSE, Calif. – A multiyear compliance assistance and enforcement initiative conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has found that Bay Area residential care facilities and nursing homes have underpaid more than 1,300 workers by millions of dollars.

The agency’s investigations concluded that between 2011-2014 minimum wage and overtime violations resulted in more than $6.8 million dollars in back wages and damages for the workers, money desperately needed to cover basic life expenses, such as rent, food, transportation and child care.

At the same time, the Wage and Hour Division has worked with business owners, worker advocacy groups and employees to educate the industry on basic federal labor law requirements.

However, investigators continued to see widespread abuses where many employers took advantage of workers vulnerable to exploitation because they often don’t know their rights. As a result, they were subject to wage violations and retaliation.

Soldiers of the 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts. “They were strong to endure.”

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Lydia V. Solis, newly-inducted president of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California celebrates with family, friends and media colleague on March 14, in Cerritos, Calif. Seated from left: Lilia A. Solis, Lulu S. Alcayde, and Aquino sisters Medy and Miriam. Back row: Carlos Antonio Jr. and Vilma Elder, Lydia, Jovy Aquino and Myrna Aquitania. Photo by Ted Talag.

Lydia V. Solis, a woman of substance elected PWUAASC President

By Myrna Aquitania

A woman of substance, Lydia Vergara Solis, was recently elected President of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California.

Ms. Solis is not just Philippine News’ Southern California Chief Correspondent but she’s an active leader in the community as well.

Lydia was born in Taal, Batangas to Public School Supervisor Marciano Kasilag Solis and First Grade Teacher, Pacita Vergara Solis. After graduating as high school valedictorian, Solis she was sent to the United States as one of the eleven scholars of the AFS or American Field Service Scholars.

Upon her return, Lydia’s educator parents wanted her to be the Guidance Counselor in their family-owned college in Mabini, Batangas, but she opted to pursue her studies at the Philippine Women’s University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and further earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling.

Lydia moved to the United States with her family in 1969 and while working with the City of Los Angeles, one of her daughters discovered her knack for writing, so she encouraged Lydia to take up Journalism at UCLA as a scholar of the Philippine American Women Writers and Artists. In the late 80’s, she was invited by former Philippine News Publisher, Alex Esclamado to become its Southern California Correspondent, but left after 15 years due to her appointment as West Covina Senior Citizens Commissioner, a post she had until her retirement in 2007.

Subsequently, in 2011, she was requested back at Philippine News and was appointed Southern California Chief Correspondent, a capacity she holds until now.

As a community leader, she is currently the Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Inde“Kalayaan” pendence Committee, and an active officer in community organizations such as: the Philippine Heritage Institute and the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement. As an active media practitioner here in LA, Lydia was the former President of the Philippine Press Club International and former Treasurer of the Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles, Inc. (1978). She was married to former LAPD Narcotics Lieutenant Clarke A. Wardle, Ph.D. who passed away in 2011.

In her acceptance speech during their recent Induction ceremonies at the Sheraton Cerritos on March 14th, Lydia Vergara Solis delivered a very powerful message:” More than ever, we bond with other Philwomenians globally and the entire PWU community - its administration, faculty and student body in an effort to preserve our legacy of quality education as we draw nearer to our 100th Anniversary and to honor what Tita Helen’s parents, Francisca Tirona Benitez and Dean Conrado Benitez have bequeathed to us, their alumna.”

Indeed, as the new President of PWUAASC, Lydia’s message resonates not only in her capacity to lead but her virtue as a woman of substance. Congratulations Lydia, more power to you!

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Packed with health benefits, coffee gains ground with experts

(Washington-AFP) – Long viewed as a controversial dark substance, coffee is gaining ground among medical experts who say it can protect against heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, even if it is decaffeinated.

Multiple studies published worldwide in recent years have concluded that coffee can be good for the health.

In February, the US government issued new dietary guidelines, as it does every five years.

But this year’s recommendations said for the first time that coffee is not generally harmful, even multiple cups per day. “We looked at all the science,� said Miriam Nelson, a professor in the School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and a member of the committee that wrote the guidelines. “We have found no negative, adverse effects on health when you drink up to three to five cups a day,� she told AFP. “In fact, there is a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and a couple of cancers,� including breast and prostate cancer, she said.

She said a “moderate amount� would max out at 500 milligrams of caffeine per day.

Researchers do not yet understand the reason for coffee’s health benefits.

That’s why Tom Brenna, another member of the advisory group that wrote the new guidelines, urged some caution. “Implying that coffee is going to cure cancer is not a very good thing to do,� said Brenna, a professor of nutrition and chemistry at Cornell University. But after poring over the research, experts could find no reason for concern. “There is no evidence whatsoever for negative health consequences in the general population and if anything, the signal was in another direction. It seems to be protective,� Brenna added. “The real takeaway is, have your coffee in the morning with complete confidence that at least on average, nobody ever found any problem.�

Pregnant women should limit themselves to about 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, just as a precaution, even though the panel found no evidence in reviewing the research that coffee was linked to premature birth, he said.

More research Nelson would like to see more research on the effects of caffeinated energy drinks that are popular among youths, in order to find out how much caffeine may be toxic.

She also cautioned against the extra calories that come when people add cream and sugar to coffee, which has very few calories on its own.

Both scientists agree that the benefits of coffee, of which each grain contains 1,000 different molecules, goes beyond the caffeine and could be explained by antioxidants like polyphenols, which are also found in red wine and cocoa.

These attributes could also explain the results of a recent study involving 25,000 men and women in South Korea that found those who drank three to five cups of coffee per day had cleaner arteries, with less of the cholesterol buildup that leads to heart disease.

A study involving 2,000 people found coffee may help protect against Parkinson’s disease, an incurable neurological disorder.

Other studies have linked coffee consumption to lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at Harvard University showed in 2011 that women who drank at least four cups of decaffeinated coffee per day had a 20 percent lower risk of depression.

And in 2006, a study involving 90,000 US women showed that drinking two or three cups of coffee – caffeinated or decaffeinated – per day reduced the risk of diabetes.

Coffee may also help extend life, according to a National Institutes of Health study on 400,000 US men and women aged 50 to 71, which found a 10 percent lower risk of dying from any cause – except cancer – among those who drank multiple cups of coffee per day.

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MOTORING DCH Auto Group rises to prominence and expansion

Filipino Sales Dept (from left) Phillip Rivera, Teddy Villafuerte,General Manager Chris Hunter and Filipino Department Manager Loyd Aler.

In the late 1930’s businessman/entrepreneur B. Y. Lam (the father of current DCH Chairman, Shau-wai Lam), established a trading company in Shanghai which rapidly expanded in Hong Kong naming it the Dan Chong Hong (DCH) Limited company. Eighteen years later, in 1948, Mr. Lam opened their American subsidiary DCH (USA) in New York City. This particular branch specialized in commodity trading and importation of food and clothing.

However, after almost 29 years in the import food/ clothing and commodity trading market, the Lam family decided to shift their business focus on the automotive dealership market.

Subsequently, in 1992, the Lam family partnered with the Wing On Group of Hong Kong and jointly, they acquired the American subsidiary, DCH (USA), right after its Hong Kong parent was sold to another company.

Through its tenacity, the DCH Group now has 27 new car and used car dealerships in New York, New Jersey and California, where they specialize in offering and marketing “distinguished” automobile brands such as: Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Kia, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, Scion and Toyota.

Currently, the DCH Auto Group is the largest automotive group in New Jersey and is among the top ten auto groups in the U.S. today, in terms of new vehicle retail sales. They have also received numerous awards inside and outside the auto industry for exceptional sales and service, as well as for contributions to business and the community.

DCH Toyota of Torrance offers special interest rate of 0% for 36 to 60-month terms along with rebates and cashbacks amounting from $500 to $1,500. Their dealership covers the heavily-populated Filipino areas of Southbay such as: Carson, Wilmington, Lomita, Lawndale, Hawthorne and Long Beach.

At DCH Toyota of Torrance, they offer new and certified pre-owned Toyota and Scion vehicles, as well as other cars such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Ford, Nissan and Honda, all of brands of which are the top choices for the FilipinoAmerican market.

The dealership in Torrance is headed by a seasoned General Manager Chris Hunter, who has quite a lengthy career in the automotive business, and an equally knowledgeable professional Filipino Sales Director in the person Loyd Aler.

And to serve the huge Filipino-American population in and around Southbay Aler employs the expertise and support of two kababayans, Sales and Leasing Consultants Philip Rivera and Teddy Villafuerte. “It’s not only that we have specialized in the business of car sales,” Aler said, “We are seriously very dedicated to help each and every customer. We are committed in making sure that all our customers’ concerns have been addressed and their questions answered. It is our goal that all our customers are more than just satisfied with their carbuying experience.”

Both Chris Hunter and Loyd Aler aim to introduce not only DCH Toyota of Torrance’s topnotched vehicles but also their sales staff’s outstanding and friendly customer service.

Aler said, “Sa DCH Toyota, serbisyong walang pag-aalinlangan, presyong mapagkakatiwalaan at makatulong sa kababayan ang aming karangalan.

Halika na kaibigan, tawag na (888) 311-0102.” (Myrna Aquitania)

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How Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto bridge age gap Age is just a number. This seems to be the mantra of Pauleen Luna when it comes to her relationship with Vic Sotto, who is 34 years her senior.

While many wonder how they make their relationship work amid the big age difference, Pauleen revealed they do not exert effort at all but simply click together.

“Swak kami. Walang masyadong effort para magkasundo kami on a lot of things and that’s very important, I believe. Hindi kami madalas mag-away. Or kung mag-away kami, mabilis kaming magbati. Sobrang petty lang (mga pinagawayan naming) at kahit mabigat (pa kung minsan), mabilis maayos,” Pauleen said.

Their common interests and having good communication also help Vic and Pauleen enjoy a smooth-sailing relationship. Pauleen and Vic, who co-host the longest noontime variety show, have been a couple for three years now.

“Sobra kaming happy. We like sports, we like watching basketball. We like watching movies, (TV) series. We like eating. We both don’t go out, we both don’t drink,” she said.

Age doesn’t matter for Vic and Pauleen, but there are still some who can’t understand their situation. The couple sometimes receives mixed reactions from netizens, so Vic had advised Pauleen to refrain from using social media. “Tigilan ko na daw magsocial media. Eh gusto ko eh,” Pauleen said. The 26-year-old actress-TV host admitted getting hurt sometimes over negative criticisms from those who doubt their love for each other. She thinks it’s unfair when some accuse her of loving 60-year-old Vic only for money.

“I would be lying if I say na not at all (affected). Of course may mangilan-ngilan na below the belt, but most of it naman hindi.

Pero meron lang talaga minsan, very rare naman ‘yung times na

naapektuhan ako. Kasi parang ang unfair naman kung sabihin nila na ang habol ko lang kay Vic ay pera. Iyon lang ba ang rason para magustuhan ko siya? Hindi na nga ako naapektuhan kapag sinasbihan akong gold-digger.

I’m more affected for him. Hindi kasi nila kilala (siya) so it’s very easy for them to judge (us),” she said.

Pauleen is thankful that her relationship with Vic and his children is “okay.” She said that she did not force herself into his family, as she “slowly” established good relationship with them.

Having mutual respect is a big factor, she added.

In their three-year-relationship, Pauleen hopes his children appreciate her sincerity and love for Vic. “I love their father. Through the years, sana nakikita naman nila yung totoo kong intentions.

Hindi ko naman pinipilit na makita nila but sana (they do).”

(MNS)

Bea Alonzo: I’m not pregnant!

Bea Alonzo has denied rumors that she is pregnant.

On Instagram, the 27-yearold actress has been sharing photos of her with boyfriend and fellow ABS-CBN star Zanjoe Marudo on vacation in Japan.

In one post, she addressed a report on a gossip blog noting that she has supposedly been “absent” from television for some time. The report added that her supposed pregnancy has been the subject of speculation on social media and tabloids.

Alonzo said: “Hey, everybody! Still enjoying sakura viewing here in Japan. Siguro

naman ‘di namin ma-e-enjoy talaga ang bakasyon at ang ganda ng bansang ito kung papansinin namin ang katawatawang chismis. Sayang ang pamasahe!

“The rumor of me being pregnant is not true! May we all have a meaningful and peaceful week. Let’s all go back [to] collecting good vibes and happy memories. God bless you all!”

Alonzo is currently filming a Star Cinema film, “Crossroads,” co-starring Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. Her last TV series, “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon,” concluded in October 2014. (MNS)

Bea Alonzo

Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto

Coco Martin not in a hurry to settle down “DARATING din tayo diyan.”

This was Coco Martin’s response when recently asked about the possibility of starting his own family. The “Yamishita Treasures” lead actor said that he wants to seize all the opportunities and blessings in show business before settling down.

“Yun ang pinaghahandaan ko (yung future ng magiging pamilya ko). Sabi nila ang sarap daw magka-baby at totoo naman yun kasi nakikita ko yung pamangkin ko. Pag pagod na pagod ka tapos makikita mo sila na naglalaro, ang sarap sa pakiramdam,” he said.

Coco added: “Pero mas masarap sa pakiramdam na pag nagkapamilya na ako, pag may mga anak na ako, mas may oras

ako sa kanila kasi pinaghandaan ko yung time na pagpapamilya ko kesa sumubok ako sa isang sitwasyon na hindi pa ako handa.”

He said his main priority remains to be his family.

The Kapamilya actor said it is all worth it to put his love life on the back burner because he wants to return the love and sacrifices of his family, especially his grandmother.

“Kagaya ng mga magulang ko, ng lola ko, mas inisip nila ang pamilya nila, na palakihin kami ng maayos. Yung ang sinusuklian ko at natutunan ko nung bata ako, na mas i-priority ang pamilya ko kesa sarili ko. Bibigyan ko din naman talaga ng time yung sarili ko pag settled na talaga lahat, pag okay na ang pamilya ko,” he said.

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KITCHENOMICS

T-Bone Steaks with Dad’s Steak Rub

Using the proper grilling technique FAMILY FEATURES

his year, recognize dad with the gift he’s really looking forward to receiving — a feast fit for a steak-loving king shared with family and friends.

Fire up the grill and serve up robust, savory cuts, such as Omaha Steaks T-bone or Rib Crown selections for your Father’s Day celebrations. The T-bone is a thick cut to give you more bone-in strip and butter-tender Filet Mignon for even the heartiest of appetites, while the Rib Crown is carved from the most prized part of the Ribeye and is known for exceptional marbling, flavor and tenderness. Both cuts are grain-fed, aged to perfection and flash-frozen to capture freshness and flavor. Omaha Steaks make the perfect gift, so you can confidently ship them directly to your favorite fellow or grill them up for him at home.

For more steak recipes for your Father’s Day celebration, visit www.omahasteaks.com.

T

Make it a memorable day This Father’s Day, give your dad a gift that ignites his love of grilling.

The T-bone and Rib Crown cuts from Omaha Steaks offer up big, meaty portions every guy would be happy to receive. While you’re honoring your dad, be sure to visit www.RemarkableDads.com for quotes, stories and other Father’s Day inspiration.

T-Bone Steaks with Dad’s Steak Rub

Rib Crown Steaks with Roasted Root Vegetables

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 4 Omaha Steaks T-Bone Steaks 2 tablespoons cooking oil Dad’s Steak Rub (see recipe) Thaw steaks overnight in refrigerator or quick thaw by placing sealed steaks in sink with water for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Prepare rub recipe.

Heat grill on medium. Blot dry steaks with clean paper towel, then brush each side with cooking oil.

Generously season both sides of steaks with rub.

Grill steaks to desired doneness. For medium rare steak, grill for about 8 minutes on first side and 6–7 minutes on second side.

Prep time: 60 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Servings: 4 4 Omaha Steaks Rib Crown Steaks 2 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons Dad’s Steak Rub (see recipe) Roasted Root Vegetables (see recipe) Thaw steaks overnight in refrigerator or quick thaw by placing sealed steaks in sink with water for 15–30 minutes.

Prepare rub and vegetables.

Heat grill on high. Blot dry steaks with clean paper towel, then brush each side with cooking oil.

Generously season both sides of steaks with rub.

Grill steaks to desired doneness. For medium rare steak, grill for about 5 minutes on first side and 3–4 minutes on second side.

Serve each steak with vegetables.

Dad’s Steak Rub Yield: 1/2 cup 4 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt 1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper 1 tablespoon coarse dehydrated onion flakes 1/2 tablespoon coarse dehydrated garlic 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon whole dill seed 1 teaspoon dried whole thyme 1 teaspoon whole cumin (toasted and crushed coarse) 1 teaspoon whole coriander (toasted and crushed coarse) Combine all and mix well. Store in air tight container or zip lock bag for up to 6 months.

Note: To prepare cumin and coriander, toast by placing in dry pan over medium heat, shaking pan about 2–3 minutes until seasonings start to brown.

Crush using bottom of pan on cutting board or with mortar and pestle.

Roasted Root Vegetables Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes Total time: 60 minutes Servings: 4 2 pounds mixed root vegetables (carrots, red beets, yellow beets, turnips, celery root, baby purple potatoes, baby gold potatoes) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Heat oven to 400°F. Wash and peel root vegetables. Cut into even size wedges about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place on foil lined sheet pan.

Roast for 30–40 minutes or until all vegetables are done, stirring once half way through cooking time.

KNOW WHEN YOUR STEAK IS DONE Interior Color

Touch

Internal Temperature

Surface Appearance

Rare

Completely red all the way through

Feels very soft

120° to 130°F

Beads of bright red juices barely begin to form on edges of steak

Medium Rare

Red center with pink edges

Feels soft and spongy

130° to 140°F

Red juices form on surface

Medium

Pink in center with brown edges

Offers resistance to touch

140° to 150°F

Abundant pink juices on surface

Medium Well

Mostly brown, slightly pink in center

Feels slightly firm

150° to 160°F

Brown and pink juices on surface

Well

Brown all the way through

Feels very firm

160° to 170°F

Juice, if present, will be brown

For exceptional steaks every time, incorporate these tips from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef Karl Marsh.

1. Clean and heat your grill on high.

2. Blot dry any moisture using a clean paper towel, and then lightly oil the steak before you put it on the grill. This helps the searing process and prevents sticking.

3. Season your food before grilling, preferably with Omaha Steaks seasonings.

4. Sear the outside of steaks when grilling. This really helps with the flavor and juiciness.

5. Use tongs or a spatula to turn your meat on the grill. Using a fork can damage and dry out the meat.

6. Cover your grill as much as possible during the grilling process. This helps to lock in the grilled flavor and will help prevent flare-ups.

7. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to douse any unexpected flare-ups.

8. Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after you turn over the food. This will give you an evenly cooked product.

9. Place your cooked product on a clean plate.

Never place cooked product on the plate you used to transport the raw product to the grill without thoroughly washing it first.

10. Allow your steaks to “rest” for 5 minutes between cooking and eating. This will help retain moisture when you cut into them.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 8 - 14, 2015

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE

Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach

(Never known to fail)

O Lord, Jesus Christ, to Your Most Sacred Heart I conÂżde this intention. (Here,

my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that

Oh most beautiful Àower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed

is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never

Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the

want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A

bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for

PRAYERS

mention your request) Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart.

person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After

us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your

When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your Precious Blood, He will not

the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise

hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must

refuse it. It will be no longer my prayer but Yours, O Jesus. O Sacred Heart

to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -TREY

publish and it will be granted to you.Grateful Thanks.-SAYA

of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. -PRI

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Filipino-owned pizza salon at The Plaza Food Hall NEW YORK – There’s thin crust pizza; and there’s paper thin crust pizza. That’s Pizza Rollio - a delicate crisp layered with a delightful blend of cheese, herbs and fresh toppings, best enjoyed in one bite, rolled up with fresh arugula, alfalfa and sauces.

The artisanal pizza created by mother Mariko Jacinto, son Deki Tajonera, and daughter Miyuki Tajonera-Tawar team from Manila introduced the concept to New Yorkers on November 28th 2014 when they opened shop at The Plaza Food Hall.

While the common business model is restaurant concepts from the United States being copied and/or franchised in the Philippines, Pizza Rollio is the exact opposite, bringing a successful idea from Manila to America. The family was running two successful places in Pasig City, Philippines – at the Robinson’s Magnolia and SM Hypermart – when they decided to introduce their concept to a bigger market.

“My family felt that this pizza concept will attract not only the Asian market but the global market as well. Our family then decided to take the risk and open in New York,” said Miyuki who had been a resident of the Big Apple for 15 years now, which is why the family decided to open there.

Open, they did; but they did not look for any ordinary corner. Instead, Miyuki said they approached the head of retail at The Plaza Food Hall, “where all top chefs and famous food shops are located, such as Daniel Boulud, Francois Payard, Luke’s Lobster, and Lady M. We really determined to get a space in this location.”

They had little preparation for the meeting; but apparently, the food presented itself.

“When they tasted our paper thin crust pizza, they just loved it! We were very fortunate to have been given the last retail space which is right across the famous Eloise Shop,” said Miyuki.

For her, every day of the last four months or so that they’ve been in business is a learning experi-

ence. She said she and her family have often compared doing business in America and back in the Philippines. While there are different theories and processes, there are similar values that can make or break a business, especially one that’s in the service industry like theirs.

“Whether here or there, we have to show respect to the people we work with and create an environment where each and every customer experience something worthwhile and in the end, they are happy and satisfied,” she said.

Happiness, satisfaction and pride are also what they get from being the only Filipino business owners at the Plaza Hotel.

“All of the people we interact with since we opened our business have said all great compliments. They say Filipinos are the most wonderful to work with and that we always have a smile on our faces,” Miyuki shared.

Their product may just be the thinnest pizza you will ever encounter; but their concept is thick with possibilities, for opportunities and expansion. And they do have that in mind, to bring Pizza Rollio to other States.

“When the time is right,” Miyuki said.

For now, you must all make the time to visit the city that doesn’t sleep and there, you skip the zzz’z but must not miss Pizza Rollio bestsellers - “Big Bang” with pancetta, pepperoni, mushrooms and caramelized onion; “Mushroom Truffle Madness” with a drizzle of truffle oil; “Imeldific” which is topped with spicy code roe and chives.

Jannelle So is credited for creating, hosting and producing America’s first and only locally-produced daily talk show for Filipinos, that ran for 8 ½ years under her leadership, making it the longest-running Filipino talk show outside of the Philippines. On her spare time, she loves to travel. Connect to her on Facebook – www.facebook.com/JannelleSoOF-

Pizza Rollio – a delicate crisp layered with a delightful blend of cheese, herbs and fresh toppings, best enjoyed in one bite, rolled up with fresh arugula, alfalfa and sauces.

FICIAL; Twitter – www.twitter.com/JannelleSo; and Instagram – www.instagram.com/sojannelle; or email her at sojannelle77@gmail.com.

The artisanal pizza was created by mother Mariko Jacinto, son Deki Tajonera, and daughter Miyuki Tajonera-Tawar from Manila, who introduced the concept to New Yorkers on November 28th 2014 when they opened shop at The Plaza Food Hall.