Us asian post february 18, 2015

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Vol. 4. No. 21 LOS ANGELES

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Wednesday - Tuesday, February 18 - 24, 2015

Alleged US role in Maguindanao clash probed MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – The alleged US role in the infamous January 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, will be covered by the ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to Secretary Leila de Lima.

“Definitely,” De Lima told reporters Monday, answering questions on whether the DOJ will look into the alleged US role in the clash. “That would be unavoidable to look into.”

“May reported or alleged involvement of the US and the extent and scope of involvement na lumalabas ngayon sa ibang mga news items, so it may be unavoidable to look into,” she added.

On January 25, more than 50 people, including 44 elite policemen, were killed when a police operation to arrest two high-profile terrorist targets resulted in a daylong clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has an existing peace agreement with the government.

In a February 5 report, the

Manila Times, quoting unnamed sources, said the firefight erupted while American troops – after the US government supposedly paid the MILF – were fetching the terrorist targets from the rebel group.

In a Senate inquiry last week, relieved Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas admitted seeking the help of US forces in the Mamasapano clash, but only in extricating the injured policemen.

After news broke out about the Mamasapano clash, US soldiers who were in Mindanao to train their Filipino counterparts were seen assisting Filipino servicemen at the clash site.

De Lima said investigators would try to determine whether reports that the US had a role in the alleged misencounter would have “any bearing on the criminal aspect of the matter.”

She, however, admitted that more than the US alleged participation, the DOJ – through the See US ROLE, page 6

Members of Gabriela hold a protest in front of the US Embassy in Manila on Thursday to condemn the alleged involvement of the US government in the Mamasapano encounter. Militant groups criticized the Aquino government’s silence on accountability issues pertaining the bloody clash between the PNP-SAF commandos and Moro rebels.(MNS photo)

AFP seeks to quell coup rumors Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 2/16/2015 – The Philippine military insisted Monday it remained loyal to President Benigno Aquino, responding coup rumours that have swirled since a bungled security operation left 44 police commandos dead.

Aquino is facing the biggest crisis of his nearly five years in office over last month’s assault in which the special forces killed a top Islamic militant but also unexpectedly came under heavy fire from Muslim rebels.

“If there are officials who are trying to persuade us into join-

ing coup attempts, we will not follow them. They are not part of our chain of command,” military public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc told reporters.

“We have no valid reasons to remove our loyalty from the president of the republic.”

The coup rumours began to dominate local media and political chatter last week when a senator told a Senate hearing that unnamed military figures financed by a wealthy individual were plotting to overthrow Aquino.

The military has a long history

of meddling in the Philippines’ democratic system, including supporting dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s.

With the support of military figures who abandoned Marcos, Aquino’s mother Corazon led a “people power” uprising in 1986 that saw the dictator flee into US exile.

She then withstood six coup attempts during the first half of her six years in office.

One of those saw Benigno Aquino shot five times, and he still has a bullet in his neck from the amSee COUP RUMORS, page 6

Superintendent Raymund Train, the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) intelligence officer who led the 38-member assault team, had reportedly told investigators that the assault team still had ammunition for their rifles but their grenades did not explode. Forty-four elite police officers were killed in the bloodbath.

Palace downplays BOI probes ‘defective’ SAF grenades MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) were duds,” he said in a sworn calls for Aquino – The Board of Inquiry will look statement. reports the grenades of the An M203 is an M-16 rifle fitted resignation due to into Special Action Force assault team with a grenade launcher.

Maguindanao Asked why he thought nine of Mamasapano clash inwereMamasapano, defective, which could have his men died, he said, “There was

Monique Wilson (2nd right) joins other nuns, students and teachers in the “One Billion Rising” dance campaign at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila on Friday. The campaign against gender violence and discrimination was joined by about 3,500 people at the all-girls Catholic school. (MNS photo)

Metro Manila now safer due to police efforts: Roxas MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – Metro Manila is now a safer place to live in than in previous years.

That is because of the dedication of policemen to “do their job to the ultimate,” Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Monday.

“Sa pangkalahatan mas safe ngayon ang National Capital Region kaysa sa mga nakaraang taon at ito ay resulta ng masigasig ninyong trabaho, ‘yung dedikasyon ninyo, ‘yung inyong propesyunalismo, at ‘yung inyong pagseserbisyo,” Roxas said in a speech before Metro Manila policemen on the 24th foundation day of the Philippine National Police.

(Overall, it is safer now in National Capitol Region compared to the previous years and this is a result of your diligence, dedica-

MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday downplayed anew calls by some groups for President Benigno Aquino III to resign from office following the Jan. 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that while the Palace will respect the sentiments of groups critical of Aquino, it will still wait for the Board of Inquiry

See MAMASAPANO, page 6

Lawmakers laud DOJ’s action to stop illegal mining

tion, your professionalism, and your service.)

Although there are still improvements that need to be done in some police stations in the region, Roxas said he is proud of the National Capital Region Police Office.

“They are doing their job to the ultimate. We honor them every day by likewise doing our work professionally, competently, responsibly, to serve and to prootect. The order is very simple. The mandate is simple: to serve and to protect,” he added.

The NCRPO’s success, according to Roxas, could be attributed to the “Oplan Lambat-Sibat,” the crime prevention strategy Roxas and the PNP leadership initiated.

Under the leadership of

MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers have expressed elation over praiseworthy action by the Department of Justice which stopped illegal mining activities in the province of Camarines Norte.

“Congress should commend Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for taking positive action against illegal mining operations in the First District of Camarines Sur,” Rep. Catherine Barcelona-Reyes (1st District, Camarines Norte) and Rep. Francisco Matugas (2nd District, Surigao del Norte) insisted.

The lawmakers have filed House Resolution No. 1745 strongly citing Secretary de Lima for enforcing the “cease-and-desist order” against the rampant illegal mining operations in the province. Barcelona-Reyes noted

See SAFER METRO, page 6

See LAWMAKERS, page 6

led to their deaths.

Superintendent Raymund Train, the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNPSAF) intelligence officer who led the 38-member assault team, had reportedly told investigators that the assault team still had ammunition for their rifles but their grenades did not explode.

“I instructed my men to have fire discipline or shoot only when you see the enemy. However, many of our M203 ammunition

no immediate reinforcement upon extrication. [The Armed Forces of the Philippines] did not react immediately even after we requested for indirect fire support.”

AFP officials have claimed that they were given little information on the Mamasapano operation and on the location of the embattled SAF forces.

PNP spokesperson Generoso Cerbo said should the Board of Inquiry find the grenades of the

See DEFECTIVE, page 6

De Lima: Source of Mamasapano viral video identified by NBI MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already identified the source of the six-minute viral video that showed a wounded member of the Special Action Force (SAF) being shot at close range.

“NBI has already identified where it came from and who uploaded the video,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters Monday.

The showed a man, who was later identified by relatives as police officer Joseph Sagonoy, one of the 44 SAF men killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in camouflage uniform sprawled on a cornfield being shot twice at close range.

The SAF commandos were on a mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir aka Marwan and Filipino bomb maker Abdulbasit Usman.

The video also showed the group, most of whom were armed, taking magazines and other ammunition from several other fallen men, again, in camouflage uniform. Gunfire is repeatedly heard in the background while at least two of the perpetrators shouted, “Allah hu akbar!”

However, de Lima refused to identify the source adding that the NBI is still working to further authenticate the video. “…Because this will be used as evidence. This will not be admisSee VIDEO SOURCE, page 6

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The AFP vows to go after the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who were responsible for clash with MILF in Maguindanao.

Military to go after BIFF rebels who clashed with MILF MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – The military is set to go after members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who figured in a recent clash with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, an official said Monday.

In an interview, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jo-Anne Petinglay said they are assessing the situation since government troops were not involved in the clash over the weekend, but added that “we will go after the BIFF for sure.”

“We are properly assessing the situation as of the moment kasi legitimate rin naman ‘yung lakad diyan ng MILF for the peace advocacy,” Petinglay said.

She added that the military is “looking into possibility of going after the BIFF at the soonest.”

However, she admitted, “Pursuing them is medyo difficult kasi sa marshy area ‘yung pinagtataguan.”

A commander of the MILF 108th base command was killed during the firefight on Saturday. Petinglay said they are still confirming the total number of casualties. No civilian was hurt or killed.

The BIFF is a splinter group of the MILF opposed to the peace negotiations with the government.

The clash was the third in a week, Petinglay said, adding it was not a continuing firefight since BIFF forces had several times retreated to the marshy area.

According to Petinglay, commandos of the MILF were in the area for a peace advocacy campaign related to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Some residents there, however, are members of the BIFF. “Nagkaroon ng tensyon dahil ang MILF nag-conduct ng peace advocacy or activity na kung saan gusto nilang isulong ang mga provision, ‘yung information drive among their people, their supporters, kung anong nilalaman nitong BBL,” she said.

“Obviously the BIFF is not supportive of the ongoing peace process kaya gusto rin nilang manggulo siguro sa ginagawang advocacy,” she added. However, Petinglay clarified that the clash was not related to the Mamasapano incident last January 25, adding that those involved in the recent clash were part of a long-standing rido or clan war.

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents of Pagalungan and nearby Pikit town in North Cotabato have left their homes following Saturday’s encounter, after barangay officials advised them to evacuate because of the growing presence of armed men in the area.

Petinglay said at least 1,300 people have evacuated as of Sunday night.

She said it is not advisable yet for residents to go back to their houses since authorities are still determining the details of the situation, as well as their action against the BIFF troops involved.

During the weekly Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel, Senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr said President Benigno Aquino III knew the whole truth surrounding the botched Mamasapano incident because he knew everything about the operation which killed 44 elite policemen, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters, and five civilians last month.

Marcos: Aquino knows everything about Mamasapano incident MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – Senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said the whole truth surrounding the botched Mamasapano incident would only be known if President Benigno Aquino III revealed what he knew about “Operation Exodus” and his role in the operation.

During the weekly Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel, Marcos said Aquino was key because he knew everything about the operation which killed 44 elite policemen, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters, and five civilians last month.

“Siguro ang pinakamadaling solusyon diyan ay sabihin na lang ng Pangulo kung ano talaga ang kanyang parte dito. Saan siya sa planning? Saan siya sa implementation? Ano ang mga order niya nung nagka-encounter na dahil siya lang naman ang nakakaalam ng lahat,” Marcos said.

(The easiest way [to find out the truth] is for the President to reveal his role [in the incident]. What was his role during the planning? What was his role during the implementation? What were his orders during the encounter because he knows everything?)

The senator maintained that Aquino was privy to the operation and could have readily accessed all information from the police and the military.

“May access siya sa impormasyon ng police, may

access siya sa impormasyon ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at alam niya kung ano ang ginawa niya noong siya ay nasa Zamboanga. That would be the easiest way na maging maliwanag ang mga tinatanong ng lahat,” he added.

(He has access to all information from the police and the military and he knows what he was doing in Zamboanga. That would be the easiest way to provide answers to questions being asked by everyone.) The Senate has commenced its own probe on the Mamasapano incident where AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas testified that they did not inform Aquino about the encounter.

But Marcos said he had difficulty believing this claim as the President revealed in a speech to SAF troopers that he knew about the battle between government troops and the rebels during the fateful morning of January 25 “Mahirap paniwalaan na unang napag-usapan nila yung Mamasapano ay alas-singko na ng hapon noong briefing. And even the words of the President seems to deny this. So that is why there is confusion. And we have to remove the confusion to really once and for all find out what happened and what are the facts,” Marcos said. (MNS)

DOLE: Additional funeral benefits for SAF 44 released this week

MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – Relatives of the 44 Special Action Force troopers who died in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 may soon get additional assistance by way of funeral benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The assistance from the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) is ready for release this week, the DOLE said as it cited a report from Employees’ Compensation Commission Executive Director Stella Banawis.

“ECC Regional Extension Units staff were already instructed to coordinate with the families of the SAF 44 and the GSIS branch in their areas. They will inform the families once the checks are available for them to claim,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said, quoting a report from

Banawis.

Baldoz added the Government Service Insurance System had processed the funeral benefits of the 44 and the concerned GSIS branches have been advised to release these.

For now, the ECC and GSIS are working on processing the death benefits for the 44.

Under the ECP, an employee from the public or private sector who died in a work-related accident or illness will be granted a funeral benefit of P20,000.

His or her beneficiaries will also get a death benefit in the form of monthly pensions.

Last week, the ECC Board ordered the urgent release of EC benefits for the SAF 44.

It directed the GSIS to process and release the benefits, GSIS is the administering agency.

DFA: China’s lack of transparency a cause for concern MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urges China to inform the international community of its intentions in its reclamation activities in disputed areas.

Consul General Henry Bensurto said it is China’s obligation, adding Beijing’s lack of transparency is a cause for concern.

Bensurto, who heads the DFA’s legal team in the ongoing arbitration case filed by the Philippines with the UN, added Manila will continue to pursue international arbitration.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said China must comply with any ruling on competing territorial claims with the Philippines even if it refuses to participate in international arbitration.

In an interview with Bloomberg television in Singapore, he added world opinion is on Manila’s side.

Carpio also described China’s actions as “grand theft,” adding there is no way one country can claim the entire sea for its own. (MNS)

Radioman shot, wounded in Tagbilaran MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – A radio broadcaster was shot and wounded in Tagbilaran City in Bohol Saturday morning, a police official said.

Tagbilaran City police head Chief Inspector George Vale said the victim was about to report for work at the radio station dyRB-Tagbilaran when he was shot.

Vale identified the victim as Mauricio Lim, 60.

Citing initial findings, Vale said the assailant

may have been a motorcycle-riding person using a cal-.45 pistol.

Also, Vale said the victim was rushed to a hospital and is confined in the intensive care unit. He said they are looking for possible closed-circuit television footage of the incident.

Initial information also showed the victim, who was shot in the left cheek, is a retired engineer.

(MNS)

Pinoy child killed in Saudi Arabia pilgrim bus crash – report MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – A Filipino child was reported killed along with an Egyptian woman, while 37 were injured after their bus collided with a truck in Saudi Arabia Thursday, a Saudi news site reported Friday.

The collision occurred early Thursday morning in Dhalam near Taif, Arab News quoted head department in Taif spokesman Siraj Al-Humaidan as saying. No other details about the Filipino child were immediately available. Citing initial information, the report said the bus was carrying pilgrims to Makkah so they can perform Umrah, a

pilgrimage to Mecca at any time of the year.

Pilgrims of other nationalities including Pakistanis, Indians and Bangladeshis were also aboard the bus.

Al-Humaidan said nine of the injured were brought to hospitals in Taif for treatment while other cases were taken to Dhalam General Hospital.

The Arab News report noted seven Pakistanis died when a bus carrying 49 people collided with a truck on the Makkah-Madinah highway in February 2014. (MNS)

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Palace on US hand in Mamasapano: Let Congress investigate MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday chose to stay tightlipped about the United States’ reported involvement in Mamasapano operation, which left 44 police commandos killed in the hands of rebels with whom the government has an existing peace agreement.

In a text message to reporters, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. instead tossed to Congress the responsibility to look into a report that the US funded and directed the deadly police operation.

“Mainam na masiyasat sa mga pagdinig sa Kongreso ang mga alegasyon at magbigay din ng impormasyon ang mga nagpapahayag sa media,” Coloma said.

The Palace official neither confirmed nor denied the contents of the report. He also did not respond when asked if Americans are allowed to participate in operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Citing an unnamed source from the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF), the Philippine Daily Inquirer ran a report on Monday saying that the US provided logistics, intelligence and funding for the so-called “Oplan Exodus.”

The operation involved the arrest of alleged Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan. He was confirmed killed in the January 25 operation following a DNA test facilitated by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

However, 44 PNP-SAF members were killed after the operation when they engaged in a firefight with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). (MNS)

Summon US envoy to Mamasapano hearing – Ridon MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said he will ask his colleagues to summon United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg to the Mamasapano hearings amid reports that the US had a direct hand in the operation that originally targeted Jemaah Islamiyah member Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan.

“We have said this before and we’ll say it again: It is apparent that the US played a pivotal role in this botched operations. However, I believe that we will not get any new compelling information in tomorrow’s congressional hearing if we will talk to the same PNP and AFP officials. No less than US ambassador Philip Goldberg should be summoned to the hearing to explain Washington’s role in Oplan Exodus and all the other operations to capture Zulkifli bin Hir,” Ridon said.

Besides Golderg, Ridon also wants his colleagues to invite the head of the Joint Special Operations Task ForcePhilippines (JSOTF-P), a US military unit representing the US Pacific Command based in Camp Navarro in Zamboanga.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on Monday that Oplan Exodus, the covert operation to bring down Marwan and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter commander Basit Usman, was funded and directed by the US from start to finish.

The chaotic operation eventually ended in the death of 44 police commandos, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and 5 civilians.

“We’ve had enough of Purisima and Napeñas’ dilly-dallying on Washington’s real role in this operation. It is time that US officials themselves explain the scope of American intervention in this particular case. I will personally ask Negros Rep. Ferrer to invite these US officials in tomorrow’s hearing,” Ridon said.

He noted WikiLeaks earlier revealed that the US had been active in the counterterrorism activities of the PNP and the AFP. “Washington can no longer deny its longstanding intervention in the affairs of the Philippine government, especially in peace and internal security. Its own officials should explain to Congress what really happened in Mamasapano, and should be made liable once the reports on their heavy involvement in Oplan Exodus are verified,” he said. (MNS)

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OPINION

Obama vows to fight immigration ruling

By Andrew Beatty Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 2/17/2015 – US President Barack Obama’s tactic of using executive orders to bypass a hostile Congress and drive through controversial immigration reform has run into legal trouble.

A judge in Texas has blocked an Obama order that would have protected about four million undocumented foreigners from deportation and was due to come into effect from Wednesday.

Twenty-six states – all but two Republican-governed – had sought an emergency injunction against the order, which is a hot political issue heading towards the 2016 presidential election.

The states had claimed Obama’s move was illegal and could oblige them to provide driving licenses and other documents at great cost.

Federal judge Andrew Hanen of the US District Court in Brownsville agreed with their argument and granted a temporary injunction Monday.

“It is far preferable to have the legality of these actions determined before the fates of over four million individuals are decided,” the ruling read.

The White House called the ruling wrong, saying the president had acted within his legal authority and vowed an appeal.

Obama and his Democrat allies have tried to push comprehensive immigration reform, which could eventually bring millions of new voters, many seen as likely Democrats.

“The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that the federal government can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws,” a statement said.

The White House described Obama’s order as “commonsense policies to help fix our broken immigration system.”

Under the Obama plan, three-year deportation deferrals and work permits were offered for undocumented immigrants who have not committed serious crimes, have been in America at least five years and have children who are American citizens or legal residents.

“The district court’s decision wrongly prevents these lawful, commonsense policies from taking ef-

fect and the Department of Justice has indicated that it will appeal that decision,” the White House said.

‘Overreach’ Conservative Republicans have largely opposed immigration reform, pointing to issues of security and the rule of law.

“President Obama’s executive overreach on immigration poses a clear and present danger to our constitution,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte.

“We cannot allow one man to nullify the law of the land with either a stroke of his pen or a phone call.”

But advocates for immigration reform expressed confidence that Obama’s actions would eventually be ruled legal.

“We are confident that the courts will ultimately side with the scores of legal experts, state leaders, city officials, and law enforcement leaders who say that these immigration initiatives are both in full compliance with law and deeply beneficial to our communities, society, and country,” said Marielena Hincapie of the National Immigration Law Center.

Controversy over both executive orders and immigration reform is likely to burn on until the 2016 election.

Obama has issued a slew of executive orders – touching on North Korea sanctions, abortion, antigun-violence, the environment and a host of other issues.

Republicans, who since last year’s mid-term elections have controlled both the House of Representative and the Senate, accuse Obama of being authoritarian. “The president said 22 times he did not have the authority to take the very action on immigration he eventually did, so it is no surprise that at least one court has agreed,” said Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

Historians point out that previous presidents have made extensive use of executive orders.

President Franklin Roosevelt used an executive order to establish internment camps during World War II and Abraham Lincoln used two to set out the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the National Constitution Center.

DFA chief: Norway assured PHL of its commitment to Mindanao peace MANILA, Feb 14 (Mabuhay) – Despite the bloody clash between government troops with Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and other armed groups in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao last January 25, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that Norway remains fully committed to the peace process in Mindanao.

In a press statement on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Brende expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in the Mamasapano clash, which left 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force troopers and 18 MILF fighters dead.

The DFA said Brende expressed hopes that the pursuit of peace in Mindanao would continue despite the recent tragedy.

For his part, Del Rosario thanked Brende for expressing sympathy to the victims of the Mamasapano bloodbath. The DFA chief also expressed appreciation for Norway’s role in the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Norway is a member of the IMT for the Philippine Government-MILF peace talks and sits as vice-chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in charge of the decommissioning process of the MILF forces and arms.

It is also the third-party facilitator for the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

Del Rosario assured the Norweigan official that the Philippines will continue its efforts to fully implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, while “being fully committed to finding justice for the slain police officers.”

Maritime sector Meanwhile, Del Rosario also relayed the government’s appreciation for Norway’s technical assistance in ensuring the country’s maritime education and training institutes meet the standards required by the International Convention on Standards of Timekeeping, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention).

“This [assistance] has resulted in the continued recognition of Philippine-issued licenses and certificates by the European Union (EU), a requirement for Filipino seafarers for employment as officers in EU-flagged vessels,” the DFA statement said.

“With over 25,000 Filipino seafarers on board Norwegian-owned and -managed vessels, Minister Brende noted that it was in the common interest of both countries to continue efforts to achieve adequate progress in meeting STCW requirements,” it added.

Both foreign ministers also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the proposed free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (PH-EFTA FTA).

The two officials also agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral organizations, including mutual support of candidatures in the United Nations.

Also, the DFA said that in earlier bilateral consultations, Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson and Norwegian Director General Tore Hattrem agreed to strengthen relations in the energy sector, disaster risk reduction, water, social security and law enforcement.

Norway is home to about 18,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Norwegians. (MNS)

Pope voices sadness over Libya beheadings of Christians Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | Monday 2/16/2015 – Pope Francis on Monday expressed “profound sadness” over the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by Islamic militants in Libya, saying they had been killed for their faith.

“They were executed for nothing more than the fact that they were Christians,” Francis said in impromptu remarks in his native Spanish following a meeting with John Chalmers, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

“The blood of our Christian sisters and brothers is testimony that cries out (to us),” the pontiff added.

“Be they Catholics, Orthodox, Copts, Lutherans, it does not matter. They are Christians, their blood is the same, their blood confesses (their faith in) Christ.”

The pope later called the patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, to offer a personal message of condolence, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.

“He assured him of his prayers and tomorrow, during the funerals of the victims, he will be united in spirit with the prayer and the pain of the Coptic Church,” Lombardi said.

Egypt on Monday launched air strikes against Islamic State targets in Libya on Monday after the jihadists posted a video showing the decapitations.

The killings have been condemned around the world. They have been described as “despicable” by the United States and “barbaric” by Al-Azhar, the Cairo-based institution which is regarded as Sunni Islam’s leading theological authority.

White House slams IS Libya ‘beheading’ of Egyptian Christians

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Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 2/16/2015 – The United States condemned as “despicable” the Islamic State group’s apparent beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya after it released a video claiming to show the killings on Sunday.

“The United States condemns the despicable and cowardly murder of twenty-one Egyptian citizens in Libya by ISIL-affiliated terrorists,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, referring to the IS extremists.

“ISIL’s barbarity knows no bounds. It is unconstrained by faith, sect, or ethnicity,” Earnest added, saying the latest bloodshed “only further galvanizes the international community to unite against ISIL.” The Islamic State group in Libya released a video purportedly showing the beheading of the 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, prompting Egypt’s president to threaten a “suitable” punishment for the killings.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said his country reserved the right to “punish these murderers” as he called a meeting of security chiefs and declared seven days of mourning after the video was distributed on social media.

US Secretary of State John Kerry “strongly condemned the despicable act of terror” and offered his condolences in a call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, agreeing to keep close touch while Egypt decides a course of action, a senior State Department official said.

The footage shows the handcuffed hostages wearing orange jumpsuits being beheaded by their blacksuited captors on a beach the group said was in the Libyan province of Tripoli.

“This heinous act once again underscores the urgent need for a political resolution to the conflict in Libya,” Earnest said.

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UTREACH Fight near as Pacquiao ‘agrees’ to drug test

By Joel Guinto

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Tuesday 2/17/2015 – Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao said a much-anticipated fight with unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather was “near” after he agreed to a key demand to undergo drug testing.

The eight-division world champion said negotiations were nearly complete after he dropped his opposition to drugs screening – and even suggested a $5 million fine if he tests positive. “(The fight) is near. The negotiations are nearly finished,”

Pacquiao told reporters on Monday during a break from evening sessions in parliament, where he represents one of the Southeast Asian nation’s poorest provinces.

“We agreed that this fight has to happen. We are ironing out the kinks. He (Mayweather) said he wants the fight to push through.”

Boxing fans have for years been clamouring for a showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather, the two “best poundfor-pound” fighters of their generation.

Pacquiao is 57-5 with two draws and 38 knockouts, while

Is Floyd Mayweather Jr. next for Manny Pacquiao? According to Mayweather himself, it could be him, as he reportedly said that Pacquiao (shown here flexing his muscles) has signed the and Floyd Mayweather Jr. hasn’t been finalized yet, this according to Mayweather himself, after attending the NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. The Sunday Telegraph in London, citing a source in the Pacquiao camp, reported that Pacquiaohad signed a deal for a fight expected to be worth $250 million.

Mayweather is 47-0 with 26 knockouts.

The mega-fight could go down in history as boxing’s biggest and most lucrative, with a British newspaper reporting at the weekend that the pair had agreed to a $250 million deal.

However time is running out for fans to see them fight in peak form, with Pacquiao aged 36 and Mayweather 37.

In a brief television interview on Sunday, Mayweather denied a deal had been signed but said he was “hopeful” the fight with Pacquiao would happen.

In his comments on Monday, Pacquiao declined to say how much the deal would be worth and gave few other details. However he said a rematch clause in the contract was unlikely.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, last month ignited buzz over the fight occurring in Las Vegas in May when he said negotiations in the contracts had been “narrowed down to extraordinarily small points”.

Among the many factors that have prevented the two from getting into the ring in the past was a demand by Mayweather for a

bigger share of the fight’s revenues.

Blood tests Mayweather had also demanded strict Olympic-style drug screening that would require blood tests 30 days before the fight, instead of a few days.

Without giving specifics of the current requirements by Mayweather about the drug testing, Pacquiao said that he had agreed.

“We agreed to their demand.

In fact, I suggested a $5 million fine if I test positive for drugs,” he said.

Another issue that needed to be resolved was the fighters’ contracts with rival television pay-per-view networks in the US. Mayweather is contracted to Showtime while Pacquiao has a deal with HBO. But there is a precedent. The last time Showtime and HBO made such a deal was for a Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis matchup in 2002.

A chance meeting between the two fighters during a January 29 Miami Heat-Milwaukee Bucks NBA game, where the two were seen exchanging phone num-

bers, raised hopes the blockbuster fight would happen.

A few days after that basketball court face-off, Mayweather posted a photo on his Instagram account of himself in a huddle with Pacquiao.

“I set up this meeting with Manny Pacquiao to get this fight done,” the flamboyant fighter wrote in the caption.

Pacquiao has turned up his taunts to Mayweather since beating American Chris Algieri in November last year.

It was his third straight win via unanimous decision after two consecutive defeats in 2012, the first a controversial split decision against American Timothy Bradley and the second a crushing knockout by Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez.

“The ball will drop at midnight to usher in 2015. @FloydMayweather, let’s not drop the ball on each other next year #LetsMakeFistory,” Pacquiao said in a Twitter post on New Year’s Eve. “@FloydMayweather Don’t be a boxing humbug. Let’s give the fans the fight they want. They waited long enough,” he said in another post.

Over 100 banks hit Chinese gay couples win by sophisticated contest to marry in California China | AFP | Satur“It will strengthen awareness cyberattack: report dayBeijing, 2/14/2015 – Ten gay couples and encourage respect and tolWashington, United States | AFP | Saturday 2/14/2015 – A sophisticated global cyberattack struck more than 100 banks in 30 countries stealing hundreds of millions of dollars, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Citing a soon to be released report from computer security company Kaspersky Lab, the newspaper said the attack involved malicious software that gave hackers long-term access to banking systems.

A group of Russians, Chinese and Europeans was able to siphon off around $300 million in one of the world’s largest bank robberies, the report said.

The money was transferred to bank accounts around the world in small-value amounts to avoid detection.

Hackers largely focused on banks in Russia, but millions of dollars were also taken from banks in the US, Japan, etc.

in China have won a trip to the US to get married this summer as part of a competition organized by Alibaba’s e-commerce platform Taobao that ended Saturday.

Four hundred couples entered the pre-Valentine’s Day sweepstakes organized by two gay rights charities and the internet giant in what is a highly unusual move for China where same-sex marriage is illegal and homosexuality remains a taboo subject.

The hopefuls had to upload a short video explaining their love story. The organisers then whittled down the field to just 20 finalists before opening the competition to a public vote.

The winning couples will be flown to Los Angeles in June to tie the knot on an all expenses paid trip to the United States.

The unions will not be recognized under Chinese law but an Alibaba spokeswoman described the move as “more of a symbolic kind of gesture”.

erance towards homosexuality,” the company said.

Beijing only decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and stopped classifying it as a mental illness in 2011.

Gay rights campaigners in China still face harassment from authorities or bureaucratic roadblocks. LGBT groups in China are barred from registering as official non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and activists often take a low-profile approach to promoting events lest the authorities decide to crack down.

Those who come out to friends and family in China often face significant pressure to undergo sexuality “treatment” or marry a partner of the opposite sex.

The competition was part of promotion Taobao’s new travel platform aimed at the gay community with deals on trips to “destinations were gay marriage is legal” including the United States, New Zealand and Canada.

22 US Marines hurt in California training accident Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Friday 2/13/2015 – An accident during a training exercise at a US Marine base in California on Thursday left 22 troops injured after a fire extinguisher malfunctioned, officials said.

The majority of the injuries were inhalation related, NBC News reported.

Marines and sailors were training at the Twentynine Palms Marine base “when a fire extinguisher system located within their assault amphibious vehicle inadvertently discharged,” the Marine Corps said in a statement.

Those requiring medical treatment were receiving care at local medical facilities and were in stable condition, the statement read.

The Twentynine Palms base is located about 150 miles east of Los Angeles and features a mock town that has been made to resemble an Iraqi city to prepare troops for missions.

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Celebrate Asian New Year with the Lucky Lion Dancers At Pechanga Resort & Casino Lunar New Year Table Game Promotions

If winning a brand new car sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year, make plans to come to Pechanga Resort & Casino. Between February 1 and February 27, table games players who win certain hands in Baccarat, Pai Gow, Blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Let It Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold’em will win entry tickets for the Grand Prize drawings on Friday, February 20 and February 27. Each Fridays, 15 raffle winners will received $500 in Easyplay at 8:00p.m. and 20 raffle winners will received $1,000 in Easyplay at 9:00p.m. One lucky player each night will drive home in a brand new 2015 MercedesBenz CLA. The more you play, the higher chances of winning. In the year of the Ram, luck will be on your side!

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Each times someone swipes, he or she can win up to $1,000 in

Easyplay. For more information, please call 1-877-711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Lucky Lion Dance Performance & Photo Opportunity With The God Of Wealth Usher in the inspiring Year of the Ram with Pechanga Resort & Casino! Many Asian cultures mark Saturday, February 21 as the Lunar New Year celebration period with their families and friends. Pechanga invites everyone to join the fun and festivities with a wonderful performance by the Lucky Lion Dancers on Saturday, February 21, starting at 3:00p.m. The “lion” awakens and begins its opening sequence at the Pechanga Hotel Valet entrance and works his way throughout the casino floor. Pechanga Resort & Casino executives will follow the lion dancers and pass out lucky red envelopes to guests along the way. To bring this joyful celebration to another level, come take a photo with the God of Wealth on

Sunday, February 22, for infinite luck and fortune in the New Year!

Must be 21 or older with players card to participate. These series of Lunar New Year promotions and activities will bring endless joy to all the guests. Pechanga will continue our effort to promote more Asian events for our valuable guests and patrons.

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Wednesday - Tuesday, February 18 - 24, 2015

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LAWMAKERS From page 1

persistent reports of unabated illegal mining operations being undertaken

by Bohai Top Mining International and other mining companies in the 1st District of Camarines Norte, particularly in Barangays Napaod and Benit, in the municipality of Labo, as well as in Barangay Bagumbayan in the municipality of Paracale.

“These illegal mining activities have been ongoing for more than three years, and the companies involved are reportedly owned by Chinese nationals who are allegedly in cahoots with some municipal and provincial officials,” the authors said.

These mining operations, they

added, have adversely affected the environment and have caused the untaxed depletion of mineral resources, the pollution of water supply, and the erosion of land resulting to the destructive inundation of the area by flash floods.

“These unregulated mining activities are violations of the provisions of Executive Order 79, Reforming the Philippine Mining Sector, issued on 06 July 2012, and Republic Act 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, and other environmental laws,” the authors pointed out. They noted that despite a Cease-and Desist Order (CDO) by the Department of envi-

COUP RUMORS From page 1

bush against his mother’s forces.

Benigno Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Arroyo, also weathered several coup attempts, although the top military leadership remained loyal to her.

Aquino, who won the 2010 presidential elections in a landslide, has enjoyed widespread popular and military support throughout his time in office.

This had, until last week, ensured there were no coup rumors.

But he has faced public outrage over the January 25 assault

against Islamic militant Zulkifli bin Hir on the southern island of Mindanao. Zulkifli was killed but 44 police commandos also lost their lives after poor co-ordination saw them ambushed by Muslim rebels. At least four civilians and 11 guerrillas died as well.

Still, political and security analysts in the Philippines have said Aquino does not face any serious coup threat as he is still relatively popular and continues to have the support of the military leadership.

US ROLE From page 1

QNational Bureau of Investigation and the National Prosecution Service – would focus more on the criminal aspect of the incident, including determining what charges could be filed against individuals.

“Ang focus namin is yung mismong sa insidente, kung sino ang makakasuhan criminally,” De Lima said.

De Lima stressed the importance of what particular charges could be filed against the individuals, and whether they would be slapped with violations special laws on top of violations under the Revised Penal Code.

Among the special laws being considered for the Mamasapano incident are the Human Security Act and Republic Act 9851 or An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

“Pag ina-apply kasi ang RA 9851, deemed absolved iyong mga common crimes, like murder, direct assault, serious physical injuries, etc... kaya pinag-aaralan ko nang seryoso, thoroughly, yung applicability nung RA 9851 kung puwede rin ba iyan sa Mamasapano incident,” she said.

De Lima cited as an example the Zamboanga seige, in which alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front were charged for violation of RA 9851 on top of charges of rebellion and other crimes.

Apart from the DOJ, separate probes are currently being undertaken by the Philippine National Police, the MILF, the Office of the Ombudsman, and both houses of Congress.

A Senate bill has also been filed seeking the creation of a Truth Commission that will look into the Mamasapano incident. (MNS)

ronment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region V to Bohai Top International, the company continued its operations, flagrantly ignoring the CDO. “Upon orders of DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima, a composite team was organized to enforce the CDO,” the lawmakers elatedly revealed, adding that positive and prompt actions by government should not remain unnoticed. They recalled that on February 6, 2014, a composite team of the NBI, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), conducted a

dismantling operation upon the order issued by the DENR of the mining companies at Barangays Napaod

THE US ASIAN POST

and Benit, in Labo and Barangay Bagumbayan, in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

VIDEO SOURCE From page 1

sible unless authenticated,” de Lima explained.

“We should find out whether the one who uploaded the video was also the one who took it or was it a secondary source? So we could trace who really took it. Whoever took that video should be the one to authenticate,” she added.

De Lima said if the one who

took is also involved in the killing, in the whole incident, “the question is will he cooperate in affirming the video?”

The NBI through its Cybercrime Division is working on the video. Aside from the identity of the source, it has already pinpointed where the video was uploaded. (MNS)

that. It has been steady at the 500 level for four weeks,” Roxas said.

He also noted that out of 440 most wanted criminals in Metro Manila, 140 have been captured.

Since the Mamasapano debacle, Roxas said that in every achievement of the police force, the PNP has mixed feelings of happiness and sadness.

The lives of 44 policemen were claimed after a covert operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province to arrest a Malaysian terrorist. This, however, led to a

12-hour deadly encounter with Moro rebels.

“Life continues… We honor them by doing our job. We honor them by remembering, and we honor them by seeking justice,” he said.

“To men and women of the Philippine National Policce and in particular the NCRPO, I salute you, I honor you, and I am proud to be with you. Thank you very much. Thank you for the good job that you are doing to our people.

Good morning to all.” (MNS)

racity or katotohanan sa report na ito and appropriate actions will be done,” he said.

Cerbo also said the PNP has no reason to hide the truth amid persistent speculation the United States was involved in the Mamasapano operation to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin hir, alias Marwan.

An American has reportedly come forward to claim the reward money, saying he was the one who provided information on Marwan.

“Marami tayong counterparts

na tumutulong naman eh, unang-una sa Philippine National Police in terms of training, equipment and other support. Di namin pinagtatakpan.

Ano naman ang use pagtakpan kung tumutulong sila? During the incident in Mamasapano, narining naman natin statement ni General [Getulio] Napenas tungkol dito at wala syang sinasabing actual involvement of other troops other than SAF in the engagement area.”(MNS)

Lacierda said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Lacierda’s statement was in response to a question regarding a group’s plan to hold protests on Feb 22. to call for Aquino’s resignation.

At least one group – EDSA dos bente dos Coalition – has threatened to stage protests starting Feb. 22.

It hinted at a “nationwide simultaneous event” involving motorcades and an “ecumenical Mass” in Metro Manila on that date.

The Jan. 25 incident had triggered an outpouring of sympathy from Filipinos for the slain 44 and their families. It also triggered outrage and calls for accountability. (MNS)

SAFER METRO From page 1

NCRPO head Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, Roxas said that from the average number of 1,000 crime incidents per week, it has been reduced to less than 500 since the Lambat-Sibat’s implementation.

The recorded crime incidents include theft, robbery, car and motorcycle theft.

“The NCRPO Command the entire PNP were able to reduce it to 436 last week, 522 the week before that, 577 the week prior to that and 563 the week prior to

DEFECTIVE From page 1

SAF team were indeed defective, it will come up with an appropriate recommendation.

He said the PNP’s weapons come from reputable suppliers.

“Lahat ng equipment, lahat ng mga baril, lahat ng mga bala na ginagamit ng PNP, dumadaan yan sa matinding testing. Of course di naman natin ipagagamit sa kapulisan natin, including the Special Action Force, kung mayroon ganyang diperensya sa aming mga kagamitan. But just the same, titingnan namin yun ve-

MAMASAPANO From page 1

findings on the Jan. 25 incident.

“I suppose all these are demonstrations of free expression, and it’s something that is respect(ed).

Again, we are in the midst of several inquiries.

While we respect their choice to express themselves in those manners, we will wait for the results of the Board of Inquiry kasi dapat malaman ang katotohanan,”

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, February 18 - 24, 2015

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INMENT

Why Isabelle Daza is not into beauty pageants Pageant watchers have high hopes for model-actress Isabelle Daza to follow the footsteps of her mother, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.

However, Daza, 26, said she is already happy being in show business, adding that she isn’t keen on joining beauty contests.

“It’s not my thing. Parang hindi ko masyadong type. Pero I respect all the women na sumasali.

Ang gaganda nila.

Ako, happy na ako here [sa showbiz],” she said.

In a previous interview, Diaz explained that her daughter is “a little scared” to join pageants,

saying Daza is naturally shy.

“Hindi naman sa ayaw. You never know. The last minute, lalakas ang loob nun. She’s a little scared. She’s very fit now, so I don’t know,” Daza said.

Meanwhile, Daza admitted that she isn’t very girly.

“Ever since bata ako, tomboyish na talaga ako. Mahilig ako sa sports, football, basketball. Paglaki ko, I can’t naman play football and basketball regularly. So [I spend my time] sa gym to workout. Masaya lang siya,” she said.

These days, Daza is also into triathlon due to the influence of her French boyfriend.(MNS)

Isabelle Daza

Julia Montes talks about real score with Coco Julia Montes emphasized that she and Coco Martin are just friends even if Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino have been teasing her to the actor on their shows recently.

Montes admitted that she and Martin are really close because they have known each other even before they started working together.

“Niloloko talaga nila ako on and off cam. Ako kasi honestly kapag hindi ako nakikita sa screen, mahiyain talaga ako.

Bibihira ako makipag-usap kung hindi ako kakausapin kasi ganun ako kamahiyain.

Siguro nakikita nila na kay Coco, close ako. Kasi ever since, hindi pa ako nagma-‘Mara Clara,’ close na kami. Magkakilala kami way way back. Hindi pa sa mga shows dito sa ABS, kakilala ko na siya. Friends talaga kami,” she explained.

Martin and Montes have worked together in several projects including the teleseryes “Walang Hanggan” and “Ikaw Lamang,” as well as the movie “A Moment in Time.”

In his past interviews, Martin had been vocal about his plans to court Montes once she turns 18.

The actress celebrated her debut in March 2013.

Although almost two years have passed since then, Montes said work remains her top priority and that she is not yet ready to enter into a romantic relationship.

7

KZ addresses rumors that she is a lesbian

Singer KZ Tandingan sees nothing wrong about comparisons with her “The X Factor Philippines” mentor Charice as long as it’s about music and not about sexual preference.

Tandingan, who is sporting a new short hairdo these days, has been the target of speculations that she would also eventually come out as a lesbian – just like Charice.

“Kapag ganon I get offended.

Every time kapag sinasabi nilang ‘Uy, susunod kay Charice,’ I mean, sobrang offensive naman ‘yun para sa tao. I mean, kung ano man ‘yung sexual preference ni Ms. Charice, it has nothing to do with her side as a singer,” KZ Tandingan Tandingan said.

“Just because of the hair, you judge people,” she commented.

Once and for all, Tandingan stressed that she’s straight, although she also admitted that many people mistake her for a lesbian.

“Palagi ko talagang nakukuha ‘yun na ‘tomboy ka ba?’ Actually hindi ba being a lesbian and being a tomboy are totally two different terms. It’s just that some people don’t know kung ano talaga ang ibig sabihin no’n. Kasi ako talaga mahilig ako magdamit ng panlalaki kasi mas comfortable ako doon. Hindi ako comfortable sa mga heels, sa mga ganon. But I’m straight, super straight,” she said.

“Ako, as long as I know who the real me is, as long as my family knows who I really am at ‘yung mga taong talagang nagma-matter sa akin alam kung sino ako at naniniwala kung ano ako, ‘yun lang ‘yung importante sa akin,” she added.

Tandingan also clarified that she cut her hair short not because she’s brokenhearted or in love.

“Siguro in love with my work na I wanted people to see the real me kaya ako nag-decide na magpagupit na ‘hala parang iba,’” explained Tandingan, who said she is seeing someone.

Last year, she admitted dating a fellow singer from Cagayan de Oro. (MNS)

Derek Ramsay dating a non-showbiz girl

Coco Martin and Julia Montes

“Kapag nag-focus kasi ako sa isang bagay, focused talaga ako.

Siguro work muna talaga ‘yung focus ko. Hindi natin masasabi.

Ayaw ko magsalita ng tapos pero work muna,” she said.

Asked if she is willing to go on a date with Martin on Valentine’s Day in case he invites her, Montes said: “Kapag nagyaya na lang saka na pag-isipan. Bilang wala pa naman po, wala muna.”

Meanwhile, Montes shared that she is hoping to work with Gerald Anderson again in future projects after she has gotten to know him in their movie “Halik sa Hangin.”

“At first, ‘yun din ang iniisip namin. Ano kaya ang magiging

The truth according to Papa Jack After years of being a love guru on his radio show “True Love Conversations,” Papa Jack (real name: John Gemperle) already knows how Pinoys react to heartbreak: Many of them, he says, deny what they already know in their hearts.

“They need someone to tell them what they refuse to believe. ’Yung tipong magtatanong (halimbawa), ‘Mahal kaya niya ako?’ kahit alam na nila ang sagot sa tanong nila,” Papa Jack explains.

To him, the reaction is understandable and he believes the need for confirmation is just part of human nature. As such, Papa Jack makes sure he listens to the whole story so he can give the best advice.

“Kasi kadalasan kapag may nagkukwento sa akin ng love problem, they are just telling me fragments of what they are remembering sa kabuuan ng relationship. Naaalala lang nila kung kailan sila nasaktan at nakakalimutan nila na at one point, sumaya sila. It’s (also) my duty to remind them na baka naman sa kabuuan, say in 10 years, once ka lang sinaktan (tapos you act like) parang katapusan na ng mundo mo…”

Although known for being candid, if sometimes too brutal with his commentary, the radio jock insists he is merely being honest.

“Ayoko magpaka-plastic, naiparamdam ko sa kanya (caller) na hindi ko siya pinagtripan,” he says, adding, “’Pag galit ako sa caller, talagang galit ako, pero hanggang dun lang ’yun.”

Despite his brashness at times, people seem to take it in stride.

Asked if he’s received threats for his frank way of addressing callers, he says, “Wala po. Sana ’wag mangyari kasi ’di ko alam sasabihin ko, baka mag-sorry na lang ako.”

For those who have failed in relationships, he wants to remind them, “Kahit kailan hindi ko pa nasagot ’yang bagay na ’yan ng specific kasi if you ask me how to move on, I’ll tell you na ikaw pa rin ang magdedesisyon how.”

He likens the idea to knowing how one’s immune system reacts to various diseases. “’Yung immune system mo, sa iyo lang ’yan so it depends on how it can combat ’yung sakit. It’s up to you kung paano papalakasin ang resistensiya mo.”

If there’s one thing Papa Jack often points out to callers, it’s to never jump into a new relationship just to lick old wounds.

Meanwhile, having an advice show on radio has proven that a very thin line exists between fact and fiction. In all the years he’s been doing it, Papa Jack has had his share of weird and wacky unforgettable callers.

“One night, ang kwento sa akin, may binata na lumaki na nanay lang (ang) kasama tapos may naka-relasyon, nag-live in sila at nagkaanak just to find out na ang tatay na hindi niya nakilala ay ang tatay ng girlfriend niya,” he relates.

Then there was a caller who accused him of causing his separation.

reaction nila sa bagong team-up?

Lahat naman po ng artista, kapag may bago na ka-love team or kapartner, ‘yun naman ang unang pumapasok sa isip namin. Now, unexpected na nagustuhan nila.

Hopefully masundan kung meron,” she said.

Montes admitted she will miss her “Halik sa Hangin” co-stars, especially Anderson and JC de Vera.

“Silang dalawa nakilala ko sa movie na ‘to. Nung nagsisimula kami nagkakahiyaan kami and nung patapos na, doon lang kami nagkakilanlan, nagkakabiruan na. Sabi nga namin, sa huli pa kami naging close lahat,” she said. (MNS)

ACTOR Derek Ramsay has returned to the dating scene.

The “Mac & Chiz” main man shared he is going out with a nonshowbiz girl, which started after the New Year.

“I’m seeing someone. I don’t want to jinx it so I take things slow. After what has happened, I’m very, very careful. (We’re) just getting to know each other. Wala na yung putting your best foot forward, that kind of stuff. We’re enjoying each other’s company and we’re going to see where we are going from here,” he said.

The Kapatid actor is hoping things will work out between him and the unnamed woman.

“We don’t want to jump into something because we’re attracted to one another. I’ve been blessed with so many things in my life. So, sana naman sa 2015, 15 is my lucky number, I’ll be blessed with the right woman. I

want a family and sana yun ang ibigay sa akin ni Lord sa 2015,” the 38-year-old said.

Derek added that they understand each other better because they are both parents. The actor is a father to an 11-year-old boy.

“I’m not going to judge her on her past. I think because she has a child (daughter), she has a sense of responsibility that is something I’d be very attracted to. It’s not a problem for me,” he said.

The actor also reiterated that he’s not the kind of person who delves into someone’s past.

“Some of them always better themselves or improve their life.

So, you look at the person as who they are right now. People make mistakes. No one’s perfect. I can’t judge someone for their history or their past,” said Derek.

Meanwhile, Derek confirmed that there are already talks to renew his contract with TV5.

8

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

A

n ancient grain with roots that trace back as far as 8000 B.C., sorghum is seeing a resurgence as demand for non-GMO and gluten-free food grows.

Sorghum is an excellent substitute for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, and can be used to make both leavened and unleavened breads, various fermented and unfermented beverages and can be steamed, popped, flaked or consumed as a whole grain or syrup.

“Sorghum is light in color, has a pleasing texture and tastes similar to wheat, which makes it perfect for use in gluten-free baking,” said gluten-free expert and cookbook author Carol Fenster.

Sorghum also provides iron, calcium, potassium, as well as polycosinol, which research has shown to lower serum cholesterol and may improve heart health.

Contrary to the perception that some grains lead to a spike in blood sugar, research has indicated that sorghum offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means people feel fuller longer, aiding with weight management.

White, food grade sorghum can be milled directly into whole grain flour to produce foods such as cookies, cakes, breads, pizza dough, pastas, cereals and more. Whole grain sorghum is also a healthy addition to salads. Sorghum’s natural attributes make it possible to enjoy deliciously healthful and gluten-free versions of some of America’s favorite foods, thanks to these recipes.

For more recipes and tips for cooking with sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Pearled Sorghum Tangy Pear Salad Contributed by Nu Life Market Salad: 1/2 cup cooked Nu Life Market Pearled Sorghum Grain 8 cups prepared mixed baby greens 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced 1/3 cup dried cranberries Toppings: 2 red Anjou pears, halved vertically and thinly sliced Dressing: Favorite dressing or balsamic vinaigrette To cook sorghum, a ratio of one part sorghum to four parts water should be used. In appropriate size saucepan, add water and heat until boiling. Add sorghum and allow to simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 45 minutes or until desired tenderness. Once cooked, drain water from pan and rinse cooked grain. Allow cooked sorghum to cool completely before adding to salad, to avoid wilted lettuce. Toss together cooked sorghum, baby mixed greens, onion and dried cranberries in large bowl.

To serve, place desired amount of tossed lettuce mixture onto salad plate, adorn with 5 pear slices and drizzle with desired amount of dressing.

Thin & Crispy Sorghum Pizza Crust Contributed by Nu Life Market 1 cup white whole grain sorghum flour 2/3 cup potato starch 4 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder

1/2 1/2 tartar 2 2 gum 1/2 2/3

teaspoon salt teaspoon cream of teaspoons sugar teaspoons xanthan cup shortening cup rice milk Olive oil

Garlic powder or granules Whisk dry ingredients together. Cut shortening into flour mix until crumbly. Add rice milk and mix until dough forms sticky ball. Knead on floured surface and continue to work dough, adding flour if necessary.

Dough is ready when it no longer sticks to your hand.

Roll into ball and flatten onto ungreased pizza pan.

Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Gently roll edges over to form ridge.

Bake for 12 minutes at 450°F. Top with your favorite toppings and bake for additional 10–15 minutes.

Mushroom and Garlic Pearled Sorghum Contributed by Nu Life Market 1/2 cup of Nu Life Market Pearled Sorghum Grain 2 cups vegetable stock 1/4 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup mushrooms, quartered 3–4 asparagus shoots 1/4 cup thyme, chopped Bring sorghum and veggie stock to a boil and simmer for approximately 50 minutes.

In small skillet, over medium heat saute onion, garlic and mushrooms until tender. Add to cooked sorghum. Garnish with steamed asparagus shoots and fresh thyme. Serve.

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US teens increasingly sleep-deprived: study (Relaxnews) - It’s a time when sleep is critical, but a study at Columbia University says that teens are sleeping less and less -- girls in particular.

The first comprehensive evaluation of adolescents in recent years, it involved self-reported data collected between the years of 1991 and 2012 from 270,000 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18.

Although US teens are known to sleep late on weekends, the researchers were more concerned with how much sleep they got overall and their survey did not control for weekday versus weekend wake-up times.

Throughout the study period, 15-year-olds showed the largest decrease in overall sleep, which the researchers report as being particularly disconcerting because the age represents an important juncture in growth and development.

In 1991, 72 percent of 15-year-olds reported regular nights in which they slept a minimum of seven hours, yet in 2012 only 63 percent reported likewise.

The biggest drops in adolescent sleep were seen between 1991 and

1995 and 1996 and 2000, according to the study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics.

Lead author Dr. Katherine W. Keyes initially pointed to increasing use of social media as a large reason for the problem and while exposure to light-emitting screens was found to interfere with sleep in a recent study, another side to the story pertains to early school bells in the US. According to the results of the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health -- released Monday -- half of parents believe school should start later to give kids the chance to get more sleep.

As for why they cannot simply go to bed earlier, biological patterns that occur in the teenage years make it extremely difficult to fall asleep before 11PM, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Teens need between eight and 10 hours of sleep per night, they say.

According to new research, teens in the US need -more sleep. ©Africa Studio/shutterstock.com

In the works: A sports bra that syncs music to heart rate

The Keep Beat Bra helps you maintain the right pace by connecting to your music. ©All Rights Reserved

Exercise balls ease childbirth: study (Relaxnews) – A peanut-shaped exercise ball could decrease time spent in labor and reduce the need for a Cesarean section by as much as 50 percent, according to nurse researchers at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona in the US. “The peanut ball is a low-risk, low-cost nursing intervention that promotes positive labor outcomes and reduces the duration of the delivery process,” says lead author Christina Tussey, MSN, RN, CNS, a clinical nurse specialist at Banner Good Samaritan.

Epidurals are commonly used to ease the pain of childbirth, but they can prolong labor and increase the need for C-sections, which account for more than 30 percent of births in the US, according to the study.

Ninty percent of women who have had a C-section will have another the next time they give birth, says Tussey, who concluded that using a peanut ball during labor gave women a statistically lower rate of delivering by means of surgery.

Changing position during labor increases circulation, accelerates fetal descent and eases contractions, but epidurals restrict the woman’s ability to move, according to the study.

Yet the peanut ball can counter the negative effects of an epidural, according to the randomized, controlled study, in which 107 peanut-ball-assisted births were observed.

By comparison against 91 births without peanut balls, the research team concluded the use of the peanut ball shortens first stage labor by 29 minutes and accelerates it by another 11 minutes in the second stage.

“Our findings show that mothers can ask for a risk-free option to help promote labor when receiving an epidural,” says co-author Emily Botsios, BSN, RN, a nurse at Banner Health. “Based on the success of the study, we have implemented use of the peanut ball in all labor and delivery units across Banner Health.”

The study was published in the Journal of Perinatal Education.

Push, push! An exercise ball could be useful during childbirth, according to recent research. ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock. com

(Relaxnews) – In the age of the quantified self, British design student Victoria Sowerby is dancing to the counter-beat with an innovative sports bra that tells users if they’re pushing themselves too hard or not enough by adjusting the beat of their music.

Sowerby told Refinery29 that she got the idea for the Keep Beat bra from talking to performance runners who told her that glancing at a wearable tracker made for a rude break in the adrenaline-charged intensity of a work out.

It keeps users in tune with their heart rate while eliminating the need to look at an app -- a daring departure from the numbers-based motivation strategies of the gadgets that have become popular with fitness enthusiasts.

The bra has a special pocket for a smartphone but there’s no need to remove it and study the numbers until after the workout.

Instead, users set target heart rate zones before they start running and the app syncs to their MP3 music files and encourages them to keep their pace by slowing the music when they slack off,

and quickening if they put out more effort than planned.

In an interview with Relaxnews, Sowerby said the bra was the final project for her master’s degree and she prepared for it by researching the relationship between music and exercise.

Encouraged by the findings of a sports psychologist concluding that running to music ups motivation up to 15 percent more than silence, she set out to create a tool that would employ audio stimulation.

A sensor is mounted on the front of the bra, which is made of high performance fabrics that are also sweat- and bacteria-resistant and Sowerby, a print specialist, added style and reflective function.

She told Relaxnews she plans to develop a vest for men using the same technology, and to further develop the product line using 3D knitting with conductive fibers.

She is currently in the talks with several major sportswear companies to commercialize Keep Beat, she told Relaxnews, and is soon to begin working for Puma.

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MOTORING

What to look forward to at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show

(Relaxnews) – Although the most prestigious event of the annual autoshow agenda doesn’t officially open its doors to the public until March 5, many car companies have already offered a sneak peek of what to expect, and this year it’s shaping up to be all about hot hatches and hypercars.

That doesn’t mean that there won’t be a host of new SUVs, crossovers or intelligently packaged city cars on display. Indeed, BMW has chosen Geneva as the venue for the official unveiling of its premium compact seven-seat MPV, the 2 Series Gran Tourer.

But, as clever as it is, the 2 Series Gran Tourer will have a hard time being heard over the din that will no doubt be created by a host of supercar makers.

Ferrari will be taking the wraps off its first ever mid-engine turbocharged V8, the 488GTB. An evolution of the company’s phenomenal 458 Italia, the new car turns up the style and the performance -- 661bhp (up by 99) and a test track lap time of 1 minute, 23 seconds (2 seconds faster) -- but also cuts harmful emissions and fuel consumption figures thanks to the turbochargers.

Arch rival Porsche will be showing off two hardcore track-focused cars: the Cayman GT4 and its big brother, the 911 GT3 RS both of which are bound to get the compa-

Apple plans to develop electric car: WSJ (Washington-AFP) – US tech giant Apple is working in secret to create a company-branded electric vehicle, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The maker of the iPhone and iPad has a team of several hundred people working on a minivan-style car that could incorporate Apple’s array of technology products.

The newspaper quoted people familiar with the matter in a story Friday on the car project nicknamed “Titan.”

If the vehicle moves forward it would put Apple in competition with other electric car makers including Tesla and General Motors.

The Wall Street Journal said the company is exploring several different technology developments and could decide not to proceed with the car.

On Tuesday, Apple became the first company to be valued at over $700 billion after recently posting $18 billion in quarterly profits.

Kia coming to Geneva with new mid-size concept (Relaxnews) – At the Geneva Motor Show, which opens on March 5, the South Korean manufacturer is set to premiere a concept that is expected to be a preview of the next Kia Optima. The 11th concept out of Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt falls in the Dsegment, which corresponds with the mid-size car category in the US. Kia is touting the model’s “confident, powerful lines which sweep elegantly from Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille towards the rear of the vehicle.”

Described by Kia as “spacious and versatile,” the concept is said to be aimed at drivers concerned with both the aesthetic appearance of their car and the pleasure of driving. The next-generation Optima, which will likely incorporate elements of this new concept, is due to premiere later this year.

ny’s biggest fans worked up into hysterics.

British supercar upstart, McLaren will also be hoping to cause jaws to drop. From out of nowhere, it has announced it will be showing off an all new model, the 675LT which, if it lives up to the hype, will be stunningly fast and stunningly good-looking.

However, in terms of sheer spectacle no one will be able to come close to Koenigsegg, the outlandish Swedish car company. It will be launching not one, but two new incredibly fast cars at the show, one of which, the Regera is being described as a megacar because calling it a hypercar would be an insult to its performance ca-

pabilities.

But as well as a potential supercar showdown, Geneva will be playing host to some super fast, super practical and super affordable new cars, too.

The hot hatchback, a car segment invented by Volkswagen with the Mark I GTi Golf nearly 40 years ago, is still very much alive and well.

This year’s show will see Honda displaying the finished production version of the Civic Type R, which can purportedly hit a 167mph top speed, and Ford attempting to set new standards in the segment with the third-generation Focus RS. It boasts a 315bhp engine and is the first ever RS with four-

Ferrari 488 GTB: The latest car from the Prancing Horse could well be the star of this year’s Geneva motor show. ©Ferrari

wheel drive to ensure that all of that power goes to the road.

But perhaps the one to watch will be the Audi RS3, which, like the Focus, has permanent fourwheel drive but doesn’t look like set dressing from the “Fast and

the Furious.” In fact it’s a lesson in hot hatchback subtlety in all but vital statistics. It can go from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, can hit a top speed of 174mph (280km/h) and its engine can generate 362bhp.

12

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The heart of East Asia

I gave him a spa certificate, he doesn’t spa.

He gave me a cookbook, I don’t cook. It was our funny twist to the popular O. Henry story. And it only worked cause we both got the joke. That’s how my husband and I celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together as a married couple.

Shows how seriously we took the Hallmark holiday. off the southern coast of South Of course I know that some Korea, in the Korea Strait, southcouples take it more seriously. west of Jeollanam-do Province. It And in some countries, there is the country’s largest island and are strict traditions around it. smallest province, at the same In South Korea, like in Japan, time.

China and Taiwan, Valentine’s I remember it was a trek to get Day is is observed by females pre- to, starting with a 12-hour flight senting their male partners with from LAX to Incheon Internationpresents of chocolates, hard can- al Airport. We arrived at night, dies, and other sweet confections. so we got to sleep soon after we And in answer to this, White Day landed. Call time was at 5:00 a.m. was established – a day when the The following morning, to board boys and men return the favor a bus for a1-hour drive to Gimpo to the girls and and women who Airport, where we had a 4-hour presented them with gifts on Val- layover in Gimpo, before catchentine’s Day. White Day is typi- ing a 1-hour flight to the island of cally observed on March 14th, one Jeju. Of course, if you’re going on month after hearts’ day. a holiday, you will want to stay a For some reason, thinking few days in Seoul, which is about of Valentine’s Day and White 50 kilometers from Incheon.

Day brings me back to my travWe were on a tight one-week els to South Korea a few years trip, visiting tourist attractions ago, when I went every year, on and shooting features, so we had a trip commissioned by the Ko- to get right down to business. And rean Tourism Organization. The because Jeju island is considered charming country in East Asia, by many as the “Hawaii” of South proclaimed itself as the “Seoul of Korea, our first stop was the Asia” in a tourism campaign; and world-famous surfing and water I thought that was genius! activities attraction in the south My first trip to the beautiful coast of the island, particularly in country was in 2002, to cover the the province of Seogwipo, JungSoutheast Asian Games in Busan. mun Tourism Complex. It is also I was working as a sportscaster/ the largest resort in South Korea. sports columnist in the PhilipThe complex hub offers panpines. A few years later, in 2010, oramic views of the Jungmun Sea while hosting and producing the that leads to the Pacific Ocean. first locally produced Filipino- There are man-made facilities American daily talk show in that blend well with the works Southern California, I got to visit of nature. It was designated a Seoul, considered one of the great- National Tour Site in 1971, and est cities to travel by CNN Travel. through the years, have become a The following year, in 2011, favorite spot of popular Asian and the Seoul trip was followed by a some Hollywood stars. You may visit to Jeju, the volcanic island bump into them at the luxurious located in the province of Jeju, Shilla Hotel, one of the three ho-

Wednesday - Tuesday, February 18 - 24, 2015

tels in the complex. The other two are Hyatt Regency and Lotte Hotel.

A short distance from the hotels, also within the resort, is the Teddy Bear Museum – a showcase of impressive variety of the special cuddly creature that has been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. It is not unique in the world. The very first teddy bear museum was founded

by Judy Sparrow in 1984. The place in Petersfield, Hampshire, England, housed a collection of antique teddy bears and related items. It was closed, in 2006.

There are also teddy museums in other part of England, in Japan, and even in Santa Barbara, California. The gallery in Jeju, South Korea was initially intended for European collectors looking for unique and hard to find collectibles. The space is divided among three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall. In the History Hall, we saw the 100-year history of teddy bears, starting from the beginning: “The Teddy Bear was named for American’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname was Teddy. The story goes that President Roosevelt had been bear hunting. At the end of his trip, he had not shot a single bear. One of staff members caught a bear cub and lashed it to a tree for President Roosevelt to shoot.

He refused. President Roosevelt felt it was inappropriate behavior for a sportsman such as himself.

This story spread rapidly, people soon started to make their own Teddy Bears. Morris Michtom, an American and Margarete Steiff, a German, were the first manufactures to produce teddy bears commercially. The Steiff Co. was the most successful of the two toy companies,” said our tour guide.

There were also interesting teddy bear pieces that depict popular icons in history: the Mona Lisa teddy bear and the teddy

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The Jungmun Tourism Complex hub in the province of Seogwipo, South Korea, offers panoramic views of the Jungmun Sea that leads to the Pacific Ocean. There are manmade facilities that blend well with the works of nature. It was designated a National Tour Site in 1971,

bears of the “The Last Supper” (Leonardo Da Vinci), are some that stood out.

In the Art Hall are the latest artworks of world’s famous designers, and you will also find animation characters beloved by children. And thanks to technology, this section also features moving bears, hand-crafted and motoroperated. I especially enjoyed the Elvis Presley show inside the theater where an Elvis-looking bear “performed” some of the pop icon’s hit songs.

We only had about an hour to explore. I would say it is not enough. Allow for about three hours, so you can see everything, and maybe even have time to snack at the Museum Cafe that’s overlooking Jungmun beach.

There’s also souvenir items to shop.

From teddy bears, which is also a popular representation of Valentine’s Day, to White Day, there’s a lot of love, literally and figuratively, in South Korea. It’s people are some of the most romantic I’ve seen and met. Most couples even dress in matching outfits when they go out, and/or go on vacation.

Maybe South Korea is not just the “Seoul of Asia.” In my mind, I nicknamed them “Heart of Asia.”

Or maybe “Heart of East Asia;” since my heart will always be with my own country, the Philippines.

TRAVEL NOTES: Travel to Jeju: Most airlines fly to Incheon International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. It also houses the 3rd busiest and most profitable Duty Free Shop in the world. From Incheon Airport, one can take an hour ride by bus to Gimpo airport, where smaller aircrafts fly domestic routes, including those that lead to Jeju Island.

To Visit: Jungmun Resort Complex - Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea To Stay: The three hotels inside Jungmun Resort Complex has accommodations for every budget – Shilla, Hyatt and Lotte.

To See: Teddy Bear Museum – www.teddybearmuseum.com

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. This new column will document her sojourns as she shares what she learns an discovers on her trips. Connect to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; or email her at sojannelle77@gmail.com.