Us asian post june 25, 2014 by Balita Media Inc

Celebrating

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What’s next for Angel after ‘Legal Wife’ SEE PAGE 7

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Vol. 3. No. 41

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Wednesday - Tuesday, JUNE 25 - July 1, 2014

Senator Jinggoy Estrada arrested in graft scandal First it was fellow Sen. Bong Revilla who surrendered; Enrile next?

Senator Jinggoy Estrada leaves the residence of his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, in Greenhills, San Juan on Monday, June 23, to proceed to Camp Crame to surrender following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him and several others in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam. (MNS photo)

Jinggoy Estrada, wife renew wedding vows before his arrest MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) – Amid his impending arrest, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and his wife renewed their wedding vows in time for their 25th anniversary. Estrada confirmed that he and his wife Precy took their vows on Sunday at the house of his father, former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. “Our children surprised us with a simple, very very simple wedding ceremony in the house of my dad yesterday, in anticipation of our simple wedding anniversa-

ry this coming Saturday,” he said. Estrada, who is accused of committing plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam, is expected to join Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in jail soon if the Sandiganbayan finds probably cause for the charges filed against him. A court official earlier said the arrest warrants for Estrada and his co-accused will be released on Monday. Last month, Estrada, while insisting on his innocence, lamented that he won’t be able to celebrate

the milestone of his marriage with his wife. “We plan to attend Mass and invite close friends for a simple gathering, if I would not yet be in jail by then,” he said during a privilege speech. The Senator said he was pleasantly surprised with what his children had arranged on Sunday. “When I entered the chapel we were surprised that all our relatives were there. They decorated the chapel as if it was really planned,” he said, adding that his wife cried. (MNS)

MANILA, June 23, 2014 (AFP) − Philippine police detained Monday the senator son of former president Joseph Estrada, the second high-profile official arrested within days over a massive corruption scandal. Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, 51, gave himself up to police after the Sandiganbayan antigraft court said it found probable cause to proceed with the charges and issued an arrest warrant. “I never stole a single centavo from government coffers,” a defiant Estrada told reporters, as he accused President Benigno Aquino of playing politics and cracking down on his opponents. “At the end of the day, I will prove my innocence,” he said. “I will face all charges against me in court.” Flanked by his father Joseph Estrada, the senator then boarded a white van trailed by a long line of media vehicles for a short drive to the police headquarters, where he turned himself in. Estrada is among 54 people

indicted for an alleged scam in which lawmakers, their staff, and other officials are accused of embezzling millions of dollars alloted for development projects. In particular, Estrada is accused of pocketing 183 million pesos (about $3.4 million) in “pork barrel” funds that were allegedly diverted to ghost projects. He has been charged with one count of “plunder”, a non-bailable offence referring to massive corruption, punishable by life imprisonment. He also faces 11 lesser counts of graft. Another senator, Ramon Revilla, was arrested Friday on similar charges, while the courts are expected to soon issue an arrest order for a third senator, Juan Ponce Enrile, a 90-year-old veteran politician who was once dictator Ferdinand Marcos’s chief martial law enforcer. The case erupted last year when businesswoman Janet Napoles was accused of colluding with lawmakers to embezzle an See JINGGOY, page 12

Aquino backs Abe’s military moves By Shingo ITO

TOKYO, June 24, 2014 (AFP) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino, whose country was brutally invaded by Japan in World War II, said Tuesday he supports Shinzo Abe’s plan to expand the scope of his country’s armed forces. The comments, during a oneday trip to Tokyo, highlight the huge shifts in attitude in the region and show how alliances are being forged as Asia adjusts to an increasingly muscular Beijing pressing territorial claims in nearby waters. Aquino praised the path Japan had taken in the decades since its troops invaded the Philippines. “Very few would question the devastation that my country suf-

fered during the Second World War. However, since the middle of the 20th century, my country’s relationship with Japan has been characterized by trust and unfailing support,” he said. “Japan has acted with compassion and in accordance with international law, and has more actively and more positively engaged the region and the world.” And Aquino gave his public backing for Abe’s push to reinterpret the current Japanese constitutional ban on so-called “collective self-defence” – coming to the aid of an ally under attack. “We... do not view with alarm any proposal to revisit the Japanese constitution, if the Japanese people so desire, especially if this See AQUINO-ABE, page 12

WTO extends PHL Ex-Agri chief Yap, 2 ex-solons face tariff restrictions malversation raps over ‘pork’ scam MANILA. June 23 (Mabuhay) Arroyo administration since Anon rice, says Agri – The Ombudsman has filed mal- tonino’s request to transfer his chief Alcala versation charges against Bohol PDAF allocation to the National

Secretary Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, shows the effect of the coco infestation “Aspidiotus Rigidus” to coconut trees at the sidelines of the launching of “Sama-samang Aksyon ng Gobyerno, Industriya at Pamayanan sa Malawakang Pagsugpo ng Pesteng Cocolisap” (SAGIP) program on Friday (June 20) at Barangay Potol, Tayabas, Quezon. (MNS photo)

‘Dead’ top Filipino militant is alive and a threat: AFP MANILA, June 21, 2014 (AFP) − A Filipino militant bomb-making expert who had been believed dead recently eluded a military raid of a Muslim guerrilla camp in the Philippines, disproving earlier reports of his demise, the military said Saturday. Abdel Basit Usman is on the US government’s list of mostwanted “terrorists”, described a “bomb-making expert”, and the State Department offered an $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest in 2009. The Filipino press had reported in 2010 that Usman was among several people believed killed early that year in a US drone attack

MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) − The World Trade Organization Committee on Trade in Goods (WTO-CTG) has granted a Philippine petition for protective measures by keeping the high duties on imported rice under the minimum access volume at 40 percent and incoming shipments of the commodity at 50 percent outside the MAV, the Department of Agriculture said Monday. The WTO-CTG decision basically extended the quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice in favor

See ALCALA, page 12

Rep. Arthur Yap and two former lawmakers in connection with their alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) from 2007 to 2009. A statement from the Ombudsman said former Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino and former Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda were alleged to have channeled P15 million and P21 million of their PDAF, respectively, to bogus nongovernment organizations. On the other hand, Yap was indicted in his capacity as former Agriculture chief during the

Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) was coursed through the Department of Agriculture. Based on the Ombudsman’s investigation, Antonino requested Yap to transfer the funds to NABCOR even if it was not identified in the General Appropriations Act of 2007 as one of the implementing agencies of PDAF. The other individuals who were charged with malversation were NABCOR officials Alan Javellana, Encarnita Cristina Munsod, Rhodora Mendoza and Maria See EX-AGRI CHIEF, page 12

Palace assures help for Maguindanao folk affected by floods

that targeted a Pakistani Taliban leader in a remote area of northern Pakistan. However Philippine military officials now say that the reports of his death were erroneous. Usman, who the Philippine and US governments say has links to the Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf group of Southeast Asian militants, was seen in the camp of another armed Muslim group on the island of Mindanao, southern Philippines military spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso told AFP. The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is a small

MANILA, June 21 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday reassured Maguindanao residents affected by floods of assistance especially from the local government units concerned. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the residents will get temporary relief goods while authorities make sure evacuation centers continue to operate so long as they are needed. “Sinisigurado natin na habang sila ay naroon, nabibigyan sila ng temporary relief goods,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. The local government units and regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim

See THREAT, page 12

See MAGUINDANAO, page 12

Officer-in-Charge Johnny Yu (extreme left) of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office inspects some of the sophisticated amphibious rescue equipment purchased by the city government as part of the preparations for the rainy and flood season. (MNS photo)

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Wednesday - Tuesday, June 25 - July 1, 2014

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Lani wants air cooler inside Bong’s detention cell

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. undergoes booking procedures in Camp Crame on Friday, June 20, after he surrendered to the Sandiganbayan. The anti-graft court manifested that it has taken Revilla into custody because he surrendered, and that there is no need to serve an arrest warrant issued against him. The booking process included a medical examination, and taking his fingerprints and mugshot. (MNS photo)

San Miguel chief to buy stake into GMA7 MANILA, June 24, 2014 (AFP) – The president of top Philippine conglomerate San Miguel is set to acquire a stake in one of the country’s major television networks, the two parties said Tuesday. GMA Network, the country’s second-largest broadcast outfit, said it and San Miguel boss Ramon Ang are in talks to wrap up the terms of his acquisition of an unspecified minority stake. “The company has been informed by its major shareholders

that they have agreed to sell to Mr. Ramon Ang a participating minority equity interest in the company’s outstanding capital stock,” listed GMA disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange. “Details of the transaction will be disclosed once we have finalized everything,” a separate GMA statement added. Ang in a statement described the acquisition as “a done deal” but gave no details. San Miguel said Ang was buying the GMA shares in his person-

al capacity. San Miguel, founded 124 years ago, had its roots as a brewer and food processor. Under Ang’s leadership, it has diversified in the past decade into oil refining, power, airlines, infrastructure, telecommunications and other businesses. GMA shares gained 3.24 percent Tuesday to close at 7.65 pesos (17 US cents) while San Miguel finished 0.36 percent higher at 83.10 pesos after the deal was announced.

Furor as Nora Aunor gets national artist snub MANILA, June 24, 2014 (AFP) – President Benigno Aquino’s snub of one of the Philippines’ most accomplished film stars for a top cultural award has sparked a furor amid talk her political ties and lifestyle were to blame. Nora Aunor, 61, was among six people short-listed by the National Commission on Culture for the Arts for “national artist” honors this year, but her name was missing from the awardees announced by Aquino’s office last week. Commission spokeswoman

Trixie Angeles told AFP on Tuesday it was bemused about the omission, which has sparked outrage in the local film industry and social media. “She has an excellent body of work, there is no question about her talent or artistry,” Angeles said. “We are talking about a lifetime’s worth of spectacular work here.” Aquino spokesman Herminio Coloma said in a statement the award recognizes “those who ex-

celled in the arts and letters and embodied the goodness and nobility of the Filipino people”. From humble beginnings Aunor – born Nora Villamayor – burst onto the entertainment scene in the 1960s as a singer with a powerful, soulful voice. She also starred in movies where her petite, dusky looks broke stereotypes of fair-skinned leading ladies patterned after Hollywood. Aunor has won several “Best Actress” awards at local and international film festivals. Last year she took home the “Best Actress” trophy at the annual Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong for her powerful portrayal of a midwife in the locally produced “Thy Womb”. But her personal life has suffered several setbacks including an arrest in the United States for illegal drug possession, and ties to various scandal-plagued Filipino politicians.

MANILA, June 21 (Mabuhay) − Cavite Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla has expressed concern over the health of her husband, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame. On Friday afternoon, Revilla complained of migraine due to the extreme heat inside his detention cell. “Tumataas ang BP (blood pressure) niya kapag mina-migraine siya. Yun ang problema, so we have to control that,” Mercado saod. Mercado said she has requested the PNP to allow them to bring an air cooler inside her husband’s cell. “Sana mapayagan po yun kahit yung air cooler, para at least lumamig-lamig lalo na pag hapon kasi very humid talaga,” she said. She noted that it would be more costly for the PNP if Revilla’s condition worsens since he would have to be rushed to the hospital. “Mas mapapamahal talaga sila kapag may nangyari na emergency [at kailanganing] dalhin pa sa

ER (emergency room).” According to Mercado, she is also hoping that the court will transfer her husband to another cell or at least allow his doctors to visit him to check his condition. Mercado also bought plastic utensils, biscuits, bread, tissue and clothes for Revilla. She said Revilla’s food ration yesterday consisted of rice, fried galunggong, and mongo. Revilla requested her to bring his favorite kare-kare and sinampalukang manok the next time she visits him. Mercado, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the PNP for allowing her and her family to stay with Revilla until 6 p.m. on his first day in detention. She said they are allowed to visit the senator only on Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Revilla on Friday morning surrendered to the Sandiganbayan after the anti-graft court’s First Division ordered his arrest for plunder and graft charges over the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam. (MNS)

Jinggoy files motion for bail, says evidence against him weak MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) -− Hours after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday filed a motion for bail with the anti-graft court. Estrada is facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam where he supposedly pocketed P183.7 million in government funds. “Sen. Estrada most respectfully prays that the Honorable Court admit him to bail in such amount as the court may fix, and order his release upon posting of bail,” Estrada’s motion read. In his motion submitted through his lawyers, Estrada emphasized that “evidence of guilt is absent and at worst is not strong.” The motion also further qualified that Estrada, son of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, is not a flight risk. Plunder is a non-bailable offense if strong evidence of guilt exists. Estrada’s lawyers argued that the prosecution in the case has failed to prove that strong evidence exists. “Therefore even though a person is charged with an offense punishable by life imprisonment such as plunder, he or she is entitled to be released on bail unless prosecution proves that evidence of guilt is strong,” the motion said. “The prosecution, which has the burden of proof in order for bail to be denied, has not demon-

strated probable cause, much less, that evidence if guilt is strong,” it added. Estrada has been implicated in part due to whistleblower Benhur Luy’s testimony that he received kickbacks coursed through bogus non-government organizations linked to alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. However, the motion stated that Luy’s testimony was based on hearsay, noting that there is “no evidence that Estrada personally amassed, accumulated or acquired ill gotten wealth.” “Apart from bare allegations and hearsay evidence, there is no proof that Estrada received a single cent of his PDAF,” it said, referring to the Priority Development Assistance Fund, the formal name of the pork barrel. Estrada also cited his current standing as an incumbent senator and a “celebrity” as proof that he is not a flight risk. “He is a movie actor and a celebrity. He is easily recognizable, making it impossible for him to depart any airport or port. He has always maintained that he will face charges,” the motion read. It also pointed out that Estrada’s surrender to authorities shortly after the issuance of the arrest warrant “is a very clear indication that he has no intention to flee.” Estrada also filed a separate motion to be allowed to stay at the Philippine National Police’s Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (MNS)

NLDC staff named in ‘pork’ scam asks for dismissal of graft raps MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) − A co-accused of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Jinggoy Estrada in the P10-B pork barrel scam on Monday asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft charges filed against her. Gregoria Buenventura, an employee of the National Livelihood Development Corporation, claimed that her name was not included in an Ombudsman joint resolution as among the persons who should be indicted for plunder or graft. Buenaventura is facing eight counts of graft before the First Division as a co-accused of Revilla, before the Fifth Division for five counts of graft as a co-accused of Estrada, and before the Third Division for two counts as a co-accused of Enrile. Her name was linked to the scam as she reportedly checked and verified the endorsement letters from the three senators; confirmed the authenticity of the authorization given to subordinates regarding the monitoring, supervision and implementation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund projects; and prepared evaluation and verification reports. The pork barrel scam allegedly involved diverting lawmakers’ PDAF into fake NGOs put up by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the scheme. Lawmakers reportedly received millions in kickbacks in return. In her motion to determine probable cause filed before

the Third and Fifth Divisions, Buenaventura said a look at the Joint Resolution dated March 28, 2014 issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on the pork barrel scam case “did not include the name of the accused as among those persons who should be indicted for violation RA 7080 (plunder) and violation of Sec 3 (e) RA 3019.” Buenaventura said her name was not also included in the Ombudsman Joint Order dated June 4, 2014 resolving the motion for reconsideration filed by the respondents. “Under these circumstances, there exists no legal and actual basis for the Office of the Ombudsman to include in the information the name of Gregoria Buenaventura as one of the accused...because the Office of the Ombudsman itself did not find probable cause against respondent Buenaventura as shown in the Joint Resolution and Joint Order,” the motion read. She added that the filing of information by the Ombudsman against her without probable cause after preliminary investigation was conducted “is an act without or in excess of its jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of its jurisdiction.” Reduce bail In a separate motion, Buenaventura asked the anti-graft court to reduce the bail for her temporary liberty claiming that she is a lowly government employee, a single parent, and owns no property or business from which she may derive income.

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DOST gunning to launch satellite by 2016 MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) â&#x2C6;&#x2019; In terms of legacy projects, this plan by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) may literally fly above all other accomplishments of the administration: to launch the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own space satellite. According to DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, he is gunning to launch by 2016 the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first microsatellite, a tool that will primarily boost the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather detection technology, among many other uses. The project is called the Development of the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Earth Observation Micro-Satellite, or codenamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diwata.â&#x20AC;? As a step toward the satellite plan, Montejo said, his department is now working on how to build a receiving station for satellite data. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are still developing the tools. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a program that has already been approved by our president,â&#x20AC;? Montejo told reporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have actually started implementation by developing the tools.â&#x20AC;? The science secretary said that

project cost for the construction of the receiving station may be about P600 million, an item which is already included in the budget plan for next year. In addition, Montejo said his department is now stepping up the research capability of DOST personnel, in partnership with other countries such as Japan, to interpret satellite data. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having our own receiving station and satellite will be a departure from our present set-up, where we rely on third-party service providers and commercial vendors to provide satellite space imagery along with interpretation,â&#x20AC;? the DOST chief said. Montejo said that being in control of our own tools will spawn various technological benefits. The microsatellite, for example, can also be used to monitor our forest cover, agricultural growth patterns, as well as our much-porous territorial borders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are lots of uses that we can develop,â&#x20AC;? Montejo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we keep on improving the capability, then the applications will also increase.â&#x20AC;? (MNS)

This fixed-satellite service, telecommunications satellite for Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation, launched in 1997, is providing telephone, digital broadcast TV, and data services to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

PNRI to use gamma rays for inspecting containers Solons seek Php5,000 minimum net MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) â&#x2C6;&#x2019; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not quite cial loss to the industry and, depending on the na- take-home pay for govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t workers X-ray vision but perhaps the next best thing, es- ture of the product, could affect the economy,â&#x20AC;? it pecially for helping speed up industrial inspections. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is now offering assistance to inspect â&#x20AC;&#x153;process vesselsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x2C6;&#x2019; pressurized industrial containers for transporting everything from food to chemicals â&#x2C6;&#x2019; using the more efficient Gamma Ray Column Scanning technology. In a post on its website, the PNRI said the new technology is a more cost-efficient and safe way of seeing inside a process vessel â&#x20AC;&#x153;without interrupting normal plant operations.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Process columns are critical components in industries where separation of components to extract or refine raw materials is undertaken such as the case in petroleum products and fertilizer manufacturing plants,â&#x20AC;? it said. Should components malfunction, there could be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;waste of materials or loss of resources or even worse, to emergency total shutdown of operation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;These in turn would mean significant finan-

said. With Gamma Ray Column Scanning Technology (Column Scanning) using a gamma-ray emitting radioactive source, the PNRI said it can get significant information on the condition of the process and vessel. It can detect conditions like as damaged or missing trays and their positions, extent of flooding and its location, liquid weeping and foaming, liquid levels, and blockages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because gamma-ray column scanning provides real-time information and uses a sealed radioactive material that is not affected by environmental conditions, it provides advantages in troubleshooting procedures,â&#x20AC;? PNRI said. Also, it said the process is non-destructive and cost efficient as there is no need for column preparation, removal of insulations and shutdown of operation during investigation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It also does not emit or produce any waste to the environment making it safe to use,â&#x20AC;? it said. (MNS)

Roast pigs and mudbaths mark colorful PHL festivals BALAYAN, June 24, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roast pigs decked out as superheroes and mud-coated farmers paraded in separate Philippine villages Tuesday in two of the mainly Catholic nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most colorful religious festivals. Several thousand revellers marched behind mini-trucks carrying roasted hogs through the town of Balayan, with bystanders periodically dousing the raucous procession with buckets of water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the old days these processions were not as fabulous as the ones that we have now,â&#x20AC;? pensioner Teresita Francisco, 60, told AFP after watching the start of the parade from her front yard. The procession is a post-harvest agricultural rite featuring the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lechonâ&#x20AC;?, suckling pig roasted on a spit over charcoal that is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular special dishes. It is held in honor of Saint John the Baptist, whom Christians say baptized Jesus Christ on the banks of the Jordan river. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-hour parade through Balayan, a coastal town in Batangas province south of Manila, featured about a hundred roasted pigs in gaudy outfits. They were kitted out in a Spiderman suit, boxing trunks and gloves, as a doctor and as a Red Cross rescuer on a boat. Another hog was mounted

atop a motorcycle. The pigs, which cost about 3,500 pesos ($80) each, are consumed communally after the parade. Big corporations as well as thousands of tourists also took part in the parade, with corporate sponsors handing out free liquor, beer and candies. Telephone repair man Leon Sara, 28, splashed water at revelers as they passed, a traditional Filipino custom during the feast day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I doused a uniformed policeman earlier. He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too upset about it because he knows itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the custom here,â&#x20AC;? Sara told AFP. The saint was also honored in another unique procession Tuesday in the remote farming village of Bibiclat 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Manila. Following annual tradition, about 200 men and women trooped to nearby rice fields at daybreak, cast off their outer clothing and rubbed mud all over their faces and bodies before donning cloaks made from torn-up banana leaves. They then walked barefoot down the main street, accepting candles and alms offered by residents on the way to the local church for a thanksgiving mass. Religious devotees take part in the procession as an act of humility and penance, imitating a saint who preached and lived in poverty in the desert.

Smuggling raps filed vs importers of fake shoes, steel coil MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Smuggling-related charges have been filed against officials of two import firms and their licensed brokers for the alleged illegal importation of counterfeit shoes and steel coils worth over P120 million. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed charges against Ma. Rosalia Quiambao, owner, proprietor and general manager of Fort-Jhorel International Trading, and customs broker Henry Villa in relation to the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s importation of three 40-foot container vans with footwear bearing faked brands such as Nike, Havaianas, Abercrombie, Hush Puppies, Sandugo, Nathaniel, Sanuk, Disney and Happy Feet. BOC said the shipment was declared as packages containing eye glasses, paper box, stationery pads, Happy Feet rubber shoes, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leather shoes and slippers. Quiambao and Villa were charged for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) and the Revised Penal Code. Charges for violating the TCCP, Republic Act 4109, and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code were also filed against Jose Alingasa Jr., owner

and proprietor of Titan Movers Enterprises, and customs broker Mon Carlo Inciong. The case stemmed from the importation of three 20-foot container vans of what the firm declared as â&#x20AC;&#x153;steel coilsâ&#x20AC;? imported from Australia last February 2014. BOC said that further examination revealed that two of the containers had â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bluescope Steel with Galvalume markingsâ&#x20AC;? while the other container had â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bluescope Steel with Zincalume markings.â&#x20AC;? Bluescope Steel is a publicly-listed steel producer in Australia while Galvalume is a specialized type of galvanized steel made using flat-rolled steel sheets coated with aluminum-zinc alloy by a continuous hot-dip process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Titan obviously misdeclared, misdescribed and misclassified its importation of specialized steel products to avoid paying the correct duties and taxes. Futhermore, Titan did not obtain the required Import Commodity Clearance certificate for its importation. Even if the firm imported specific types of steel products, it does not exclude them from complying with the law to get your product tested and certified first,â&#x20AC;? said Customs Commissioner John Sevilla.

AFT3IRM South Bay holds â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wine and Art Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; June 27 Carson, CA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AF3IRM Gabriela Network, a feminist organization in the South Bay will hold its first â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wine and Art Nightâ&#x20AC;? fundraiser on Friday, June 27 at 7 pm at 21611 Avalon Blvd in Carson. Princess Manuel, coordinator of AF3IRM South Bay Los Angeles said that the fundraiser will feature artist Loralei Bingamon. The funds will support AF3IRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transnational womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summit to be held October 11-12 in Los Angeles.

Bingamon, a multimedia collage artist will lead the art session participants in making dreamcatchers. Primrose Villena, also AF3IRM coordinator added that there will raffle prizes at the event. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Admission is $20 per person. There will also be an exhibit of the works of community artists at the event. For more information, contact 323. 717.7038 or 310.987.8886.

MANILA, June 21 (Mabuhay) â&#x2C6;&#x2019; House members are seeking to peg at Php5,000 the monthly minimum net take-home pay of government employees after authorized deductions, to raise the purchasing power of workers and discourage them from taking out more loans, a habit that the government is strongly discouraging. The lawmakers led by Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo (6th District, Manila) raised this proposal through House Bill 4441 seeking to provide for a monthly minimum net-take home pay for all government employees after authorized deductions. Ocampo, an assistant majority leader, said increasing the minimum net take-home pay per month would boost the employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; purchasing power and control their loan habit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will allow them to have a few thousand pesos more to spend on their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Also, this could put some form of control on the loan amount an employee can avail of,â&#x20AC;? said Ocampo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a known fact that most government employees take out loans left and right regardless of their capacity to pay which reduces their minimum net take-home pay,â&#x20AC;? Ocampo further said. Ocampo said the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) in its 2012 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics Report stated that a family of five will need at least a monthly income of P5,513 to buy its minimum basic food needs and around P7,890 a month for minimum basic food and non-food needs. Inciden-

tally, she said inflation in the country increased at 4.1 percent per year from 2009 to 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, having a deficit of a few hundred pesos below the required amount set by the NSCB may already be considered as living below the poverty line. Certainly, a net take-home pay of P3,000 is not enough,â&#x20AC;? she said. Ocampo, also a vice chairperson of the House committees on basic education and culture, natural resources, and games and amusement, said state employees selflessly render their invaluable service to the government and are the primary movers towards the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth and development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is necessary to preserve their well-being and help them keep their dignity by providing measures that will protect their economic liberties. The provision under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) which sets the monthly minimum net take-home pay of employees annually must be enacted as a special law to gain permanence and give our state workers a sense of security,â&#x20AC;? said Ocampo. The annual GAA sets the monthly minimum net take-home pay of state workers after authorized deductions. This is to ensure that they bring home a decent portion of their earnings after paying all their obligations and contributions. In 2012, Ocampo said the monthly minimum net take-home pay was increased to P5,000 from P3,000 during the previous years. This adjustment was deemed necessary because of the rising cost of living in the country.

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Palace says Estrada arrest ‘a step forward’ in finding truth MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday welcomed the court order on Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada’s arrest, saying it brings Filipinos closer to the truth. “The issuance of this warrant is a step forward in finding out the truth, which is fundamental in strengthening the trust of our people in our institutions and processes,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a televised press briefing. Estrada on Monday morning surrendered to his father, former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, after the fifth division of the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest. “As the Sandiganbayan works to fulfill its mandate, we ask the Filipino people to remain vigilant throughout this process, bearing in mind that the outcome should clearly reflect the profound reality – that just as every Filipino is accorded constitutional rights, these rights are to be protected in a manner that is just and in the service of the truth,” Lacierda added. Lacierda dismissed reports that the arrest of opposition senators is President Benigno Aquino III’s way to discredit his opponents. “We assure Mayor (Joseph) Estrada that the perception that he has is entirely inaccurate. There is no systematic plan (to prosecute the opposition),” he said, referring to the older Estrada’s statement criticizing the Aquino administration for the filing of plunder charges against his son. “What we have however is a plan to bring to court those who have been found to have misused their PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund),” Lacierda said. He explained that the court cases will affect “anyone who have misused the funds, whether you are friend or foe.” (MNS)

Miriam irked by ‘VIP inmates’ MANILA, June 21 (Mabuhay) − Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is irked by reports that some high-profile inmates in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) enjoy luxurious accommodations inside their cells. “These prisoners are supposed to be experiencing punishment for their crimes, not taking a vacation. They are making a mockery out of the justice system by turning our jails into their own private resorts,” Santiago said in a statement on Saturday. She cited news reports of rich inmates staying in airconditioned rooms, enjoying illegal drugs and alcohol, and even taking in sex workers. She said some VIP inmates also reportedly drive around in golf carts, electric motorcycles and tricycles. It was also reported that the NBP’s maximum security compound has its own dress shops, wet and dry markets, fruit stands, as well as a jazz bar, plaza, and tennis court, she said. “How can there be justice in our correctional system when we have a double standard between poor and rich inmates?” With these reports, Santiago has filed Senate Resolution No. 525, calling for a Senate investigation on the anomalous situation in the NBP. She also filed Senate Bill No. 1759 or the “No Frills Prison Bill” to eliminate luxurious prison conditions by mandating average standard living conditions and opportunities for every prisoner. “If this can happen in a maximum security compound, who knows what else happens in other jails?” she said. The senator’s proposed law prohibits access by all prisoners to certain luxuries such as TV-viewing inside cells, cellphones, and computers. It also imposes additional restrictions for prisoners serving a sentence for violent crimes. “Under the equal protection clause of the Constitution, all persons similarly situated should receive similar treatment. It does not matter whether you’re a Johnny caught picking pockets or a Johnny charged with plunder. All detainees and prisoners, whether common criminals or senators, should have the same accommodations,” Santiago said.(MNS)

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OPINION

100,000-plus kids − Blame Obama, Bush, or who? By Raoul Lowery Contreras

Some Americans are going berserk over the huge numbers of children walking into the United States through Mexico from Central America; e.g. − some cable news, some radio talk shows. Additionally, there is a loud minority that point to the porous South Texas border as the ultimate result of Barack Obama’s perceived Open Border policies. That emotional cohort, however, is wrong that President Obama is totally responsible for the thousands of children and some adults that have overwhelmed thousands of Texas-based Border Patrol agents. Obama deserves only one third of the blame for the situation. One third of the blame belongs to six Democrat U.S. Senators, five of whom voted against proceeding in 2010 to passage of what became known as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Act) that had passed the House 216-198. The five who voted against ending debate were Montana’s Max Baucus, now Ambassador to China; Montana’s Jon Tester, Nebraska’s Ben Nelson (now a lobbyist) Kay Hagan of North Carolina currently not favored for re-election this November and Arkansas’ Mark Pryor considered the Senate’s most endangered incumbent this November. The sixth Senator to be blamed for the DREAM Act defeat was Majority Leader Harry Reid who desired a defeat in order to blast Republicans; enough Republicans voted for proceeding with the Dream Act to have passed so Harry Reid’s Democrats killed the Dream Act which would have allowed children brought here illegally to be legalized with a path to citizenship. Naturally President Obama blamed Republicans for killing the Dream Act, but the real blame lay with his five Democrats and Harry Reid who didn’t “whip” his own people to make sure they were voting for the Act which the majority and enough Republicans wanted passed. The remaining third of blame for today’s border mess lies with former Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and his political off-spring, Congressmen Steve King of Iowa, lame duck Michele Bachman (R-MN) who is leaving Congress in December and somewhere between 40 and 60 like-minded Republican representatives who are death on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. This group of mostly back-bench Republicans screams when anyone mentions immigration reform. The number one scream of these people and their enablers in talk radio is the word “A-M-N-ES-T-Y.” There is no amnesty proposed by anyone in the Senate or the House. Doesn’t matter, the enablers of stop-any-immigration-reform movement don’t care, they deceitfully label “legalization” with many conditions as amnesty and further are really death on a

“path to citizenship.” The current crisis on the Texas border and basically only on the Texas border can be blamed equally on Obama, on those five Democrat senators who were so frightened by someone running against them this year and the few dozen anti-immigration-reform-ofany-sort Republicans. In the final analysis, however, Barack Obama is the principal bogey-man because when he became President in 2009 he had a Democrat House and Senate and he did nothing on immigration reform, didn’t offer any reform program and didn’t mention immigration reform. To this day, Obama has not offered a written plan or proposal for immigration reform like George W. Bush did in 2006 and 2007. Obama has failed, utterly failed the Hispanic community that is concerned with immigration. Can the situation be fixed? Not the immediate problem, we just will have to deal with it. But the long range problem can be alleviated by, of all people, Eric Cantor, whose defeat in the 7th Virginia District primary will end his congressional run this December. If Speaker John Boehner cooperates, Eric Cantor can partner with the Cuban American Republican congressmen from Florida, Democrat Luis Gutierrez of Chicago and a couple of Hispanic congressmen from California and Texas and offer a House comprehensive reform bill with five basic elements: A reformulation of the existing Immigration and Customs Enforcement into a field agency of real sworn border cops, not cast-offs from other agencies; more than nine border sectors so agents can be moved around on a moment’s notice not as now with union rules. No more agents are necessary than the 20,000 on payroll now. Annual or bi-annual work permits applied for by employers of workers already here or needed in the future, all employment categories, no felony records, labor laws applicable to all Residential permits for families here already with American born citizen children Permanent residency for foreign college graduates in technical/science/engineering and mathematical fields of study An E-Verify program (Social Security card based) administered by a contractor (credit card or merchandising company such as VISA, Master Charge, American Express or Amazon). To be fully functional at a time certain to be used on all hires This five point program will channel the vast majority of people coming to the USA for work into legality. To Obama, the five Democrats and the recalcitrant House Republicans the question will be: “What part of legal don’t you understand?” (Contreras formerly wrote for the New American News Service of the New York Times)

Family-friendly workplace policies are not frills − They’re basic needs By President Barack Obama As President, my top priority is rebuilding an economy where everybody who works hard has the chance to get ahead. That’s the subject of the first White House Summit on Working Families, which is taking place today. We’re bringing together business leaders and workers to talk about the challenges that working parents face every day and how we can address them. Take flexibility − the ability to take a few hours off for a school play or to work from home when your kid is sick. Most workers want it, but not enough of them have it − even though studies show that flexibility makes workers happier and helps companies lower turnover and raise productivity. Take paid family leave. Many jobs don’t offer adequate leave to care for a new baby or an ailing parent, so workers can’t afford to be there when their families need them the most. And the United States is the only developed country in the world without paid maternity leave. Take childcare. Most working families I know can’t afford thousands a year for childcare, but often, that’s what it costs. I recently got a letter from a woman in Minnesota whose kids’ preschool is so expensive it costs more every month than her mortgage. And take the minimum wage. Nearly 28 million Americans would benefit if we raised the minimum wage to $10.10. And we’re not just talking about young people on their first job – the average worker who would benefit from an increase is 35 years old. Many have kids. And a majority are women. Right now, many full-time minimum-wage workers aren’t even making enough to keep their kids out of poverty. Family leave, childcare, flexibility and a decent wage aren’t frills. They’re basic needs. They shouldn’t be bonuses − they should be the bottom line. Parents who work full-time should earn enough to pay the bills and go to work every day knowing that their kids are in good hands. Workers who give their all should know that if they need some flexibility, they can have it − because their employers understand that it’s hard to be productive when you’ve got a sick kid at home or a childcare crisis. And talented, hard-working people should be able to say yes to a great new opportunity without worrying that their families will pay the price. Nearly half of all working parents surveyed say they’ve chosen to turn down a job not because they didn’t want it, but because it would be too hard on their families. When that many members of our workforce are forced to choose between a job and their family, something’s wrong.Some businesses are realizing that family-friendly policies are a good business practice, because they help build loyalty and inspire workers to go the extra mile. JetBlue offers a flexible work-from-home plan for its customer-

service representatives. Google increased its paid parental leave to five months − and the rate of women leaving the company decreased by half. Cisco lets their employees telecommute as needed, which they estimate saves them over $275 million every year. And there’s a bigger economic case here, too. The strength of our economy rests on whether we’re getting the most out of all of our nation’s talent − whether we’re making it possible for all our citizens to contribute to our growth and prosperity. That’s the key to staying competitive in the global economy. Right now, we’re leaving too many people on the sidelines who have the desire and the capacity to work, but are held back by one obstacle or another. It’s our job to remove those obstacles. That’s what supporting working families is all about. States are getting on board, too. California, Rhode Island and New Jersey give workers paid family leave. Connecticut offers paid sick days. So does New York City. Since I asked Congress to raise the minimum wage last year, 13 states have taken steps to raise it on their own. But all Americans should get to benefit from these policies. That’s why we need to see some action here in Washington. I’ll work with anyone – Democrats or Republicans – to increase opportunity for American workers. But in this year of action, whenever I can act on my own, I will. Today, I’ll sign a Presidential Memorandum directing every agency in the federal government to expand access to flexible work schedules, and giving employees the right to request them. I’m calling on Congress to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, because too many pregnant workers are forced to choose between their health and their job. They can get fired for taking too many bathroom breaks, or forced on unpaid leave just for being pregnant. It’s inhumane, and it needs to stop. And to help parents trying to get ahead, I’m directing my Secretary of Labor to invest $25 million in helping people who want to enroll in job-training programs, but don’t currently have access to the childcare they need to do it. I take this personally – as the son and grandson of some strong women who worked hard to support my sister and me; as the husband of a brilliant woman who struggled to balance work and raising our young ladies when my job often kept me away; and as the father of two beautiful girls, whom I want to be there for as much as I possibly can – and whom I hope will be able to have families and careers of their own one day. We know from our history that our country does better when everybody participates; when everyone’s talents are put to use; when we all have a fair shot. That’s the America I believe in. That’s the America I’ll keep fighting for every day.

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LOS ANGELES

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UTREACH MAJOR FEAT FOR PHILIPPINE CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHARITIES, INCORPORATED

Successful celebration marks the crowning of Ambassadors of Goodwill 2014 Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Incorporated scored a major feat with the successful celebration that marked the Grand Coronation of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassadors of Goodwill, Miss Philippines USA, Miss Teen Philippines USA and Mrs. Philippines USA 2014. After many months of hectic preparations, the event held last May 10 at the Hilton Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Los Angeles Airport could only be described as a major success. Crowned this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassadors of Goodwill are the following: Sophia Galicia, Miss Teen Philippines USA Universe; Grachelle Gonong, Miss Philippines USA Universe; Rea Poticar Lazo, Mrs. Philippines USA Universe; Erin Borja, Miss Teen Philippines USA International; Dinah Sarming, Miss Philippines USA International; Jennifer Velasco, Mrs. Philippines USA International; Sychelle Phoebe Jaochico, Miss Teen Philippines USA World; Kristen Solis, Miss Philippines USA World; Vivian Neri, Mrs. Philippines USA World; and Geraldine Gacuya, Mrs. Philippines USA Tourism. Project Director Darna B. Umayam welcomed the guests who packed the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, and acknowledged everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support of the humanitarian activities of the Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Incorporated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mission is to help and answer the cry of the poor, build homes for the homeless families in our homeland, and extend assistance to as much as 20 other beneficiaries,â&#x20AC;? Umayam said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Incorporated is proud to continue its annual humanitarian projects.â&#x20AC;? Over the years, the Ambas-

sadors of Goodwill project of the Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Incorporated has made available about Php14 million in donation to the less fortunate Filipinos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially the sick, the abused and the underprivileged children back in the Philippines. Consul Marlowe Miranda of the Philippine Consulate General-Los Angeles, who delivered an inspirational message, headed the list of diplomats and officials that graced the event. Also present were Carson City Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, Deputy Director of Department of TourismLos Angeles Manny Ilagan, Cesar Angeles and Adrian Peran, Information Officer and former Financial Officer respectively, of the Philippine Consulate General. This year, guests were treated to an evening of grace and glamour, world-class dance presentation, as well as music and magic. Lianna Gutierrez wowed with her golden voice, Ric Manrique Jr. enchanted the audience with rendition of his hits love songs, and the Magic of Arnel was both mesmerizing and entertaining. Masters of Ceremonies were Lorian Fausto and Henry Sanchez. Also on spotlight were the 10 Outstanding Mothers of the Year 2014 who were equally honored, namely: Celyn Anuran, Minda China, Conchita Galicia, Edith Knoch, Flordeliza Lecaros, Adelina Lquigan, Gloria Resurreccion, Brigida Sarmiento, Dorothea Sarming and Zeny Zoleta. Sophia Galicia, Miss Teen Philippines USA Universe winner Sophia Galicia was also judged Most Photogehic and Best in Talent, while Miss Teen Philippines USA World Sychelle Phoebe Jaochico won Best in Evening Gown. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miss Philippines

USA Universe Grachelle Gonong also won Most Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown; Miss Philippines USA World Kristen Solis was named Best in Talent. Mrs. Philippines USA Tourism Geraldine Gacuya also brought home the Most Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown titles, while Mrs. Philippines USA Universe Rea Poticar Lazo also won Best in Talent. The panel of judges for the talent and evening gown competitions were composed of: Consul Marlowe Miranda, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, Deputy Tourism Director Manny Ilagan, Dr. Carlos P. Manlapaz; Dr. Dante Banta, Atty. Nicolas Lerman, Atty. Norberto Reyes, Atty. Noriel Flores, Dr. Lynne Mariano, Perfecto Braga, Fedelito Ruiz and Nanie Enriquez. Photogenic Category judges were: Jim Hernandez, Bobby Crisostomo, Anthony Castillo, Mailah de Leon, Irwin Jazmines, Ramie Dador, Rick Gavino, Mario Arcena, Oscar Arcena and Jun Tolibao. The Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Incorporatedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassadors of Goodwill 2014 project was proudly sponsored by: Atty. Steve Lerman & Associates, Inc., Mallon Foundation, Incorporated, Pro Care Home Health, RSG Fine Jewelry, Megaworld, Department of Tourism, Heartland Institute for Financial Education (HIFE), House of Seafood, Elena Lapidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chicharon, Weekend Balita, US Asian Post, Philippine Tribune and Fil-Am Insider.

(From left) Manny ILagan-Deputy Tourism Director/OIC Department of Tourism LA; Consul Marlowe Miranda â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles; Darna B. Umayam, Project Director; and Elito Santarina-Mayor Pro Tem Carson City.

(From left) Darna B. Umayam, Project Director, Consul Marlowe Miranda â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Elito Santarina-Mayor Pro Tem Carson City and Manny ILagan-Deputy Tourism Director/OIC Department of Tourism LA.

Project Director Darna Umayam recognizes honorees, sponsors and other supporters.

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Inc. Ambassadors of Goodwill 2014 Grand Coronation Night at Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Airport, May 10, 2014, Darna B. Umayam, Project Director (standing L-R) Rea Poticar Lazo-Mrs. Philippines USA Universe; Sophia Galicia-Miss Teen Philippines USA Universe; Jennifer Velasco-Mrs. Philippines USA International; Erin Borja-Miss Teen Philippines USA International; Sychelle Phoebe Jaochico-Miss Teen Philippines USA World; Kristen Solis-Miss Philippines USA World; Grachelle Gonong- Miss Philippines USA Universe; Dinah Sarming-Miss Philippines USA International; Geraldine Gacuya- Mrs. Philippines USA Tourism and Vivian Neri-Mrs. Philippines USA World.

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Philippine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charities, Inc. Presentation & Awarding Ceremonies of the (10) Ten Mothers of the Year 2014 at Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Airport, May 10, 2014, (standing L-R) Dorothea Sarming, Minda Chin, Flordeliza Lecaros, Cely Anuran, Conchita Galicia, Consul Marlowe Miranda- Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Manny Ilagan-Deputy Tourism Director/ OIC, Department of Tourism Los Angeles, Elito Santarina, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson, Darna B. Umayam, Project Director, Gloria Resurreccion, Adelina Liquigan, Edith Knoch, Brigida Sarmiento, Zeny Zoleta (not in photo). Background : Henry Sanchez & Lorian Fausto, Masters of Ceremonies.

GROUPONE PHOTOGRAPHY 909.610.5847 GURXSRQH #JPDLO FRP

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Asian Pacific community fund to strengthen the API nonprofit sector with over $160,000 in grant awards LOS ANGELES – On Thursday, June 19, 2014, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) will hold its 8th Annual Giving for All Seasons Fundraising Gala. The gala will be held at Fifth Floor, Los Angeles Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The event will begin at 6:00pm with a hors d’oeuvres reception and silent auction, followed by a formal program at 7:30pm. “We are proud to be investing over $160,000 into our Asian and Pacific Islander communities. There are great needs in our communities and these grant awards to our community partners not only sustain critical services, but also help position many of them to increase capacity, further develop their skills and expertise, and really take their programs to the next level,” said Debra Fong, Executive Director of APCF. “We are also pleased to recognize those who have supported our work over the years and have made this all possible.” This year’s honorees are Diamond Wipes International Inc. (Corporate Philanthropy Award), Vincent Huang & Jovy Cheng (Philanthropy Leadership Award), and LA18 KSCI-TV (Spirit of Giving Award). Honorees are recognized for their leadership, contributions and long-term com-

mitment to the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. APCF grants over $160,000 to 29 community organizations focused on providing health and human services to API and other ethnic communities in need throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. In 2013, APCF’s overall grant making totaled over $350,000, including funds generated from workplace giving programs, donor advised funds, and other giving opportunities. In addition, APCF offers several scholarship programs for students pursuing higher education. “In a time when students are faced with significantly rising costs of obtaining a college degree, it is important that there is support for students in the API communities as well as those who are economically disadvantaged,” Fong remarked. For the first time, through APCF, Diamond Wipes International is funding a $40,000 multiyear scholarship award for high school seniors planning to attend Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, or Cal State San Bernardino. Each awardee will be eligible for a total of $8,000 in scholarships over the next four years. As the needs of the API community continuously evolve, the mission of APCF is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in orga-

Knights, PHL Consulate join FACLA in commemoraƟng the Rizal Day

Los Angeles − The Knights of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter and the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc (FACLA), together with officials of the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles and with different KOR Chapters held a traditional commemoration of the 153rd Rizal Day or the anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal birthday last Thursday, June 19 in Los Angeles. Dr. Jose P. Rizal was born of June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna and was executed by firing squad by Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896 at the Luneta, Manila. He is the national hero of the Philippines. Rizal Day of Service The whole day started with a wreath laying ceremonies at the

foot of the Dr.Rizal Monument inside the FACLA Compound led by Deputy Consul General Imelda Panolong and Cultural Officer Wilma Bautista, Consular officer Cesar Angeles, FACLA Directors and Knights of Rizal from different chapters of Southern California led by FACLA President Jun Baul, Dr. Marc Caratao, KCR of the Knights of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter, Chito Mandap and Tony Berango of the KORCalifornia. After the simple program, the TALAKAYAN sa FACLA , a weekly community forum, was held where panelists focused on the relevance of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Filipino American community life. A simple turn-over ceremony from KCR Fender Santos to KCR Dr. Marc Caratao was also held.

nizations that empower underserved APIs to prosper. APCF’s vision is a thriving API community fostered by a culture of philanthropy. APCF is proud to work with its affiliates, corporate and community partners, and individuals to build healthier and stronger API communities. This year’s gala sponsors include Diamond Sponsor, Cathay Bank, and Platinum Sponsor, Toyota Financial Services & Toyota Motor Sales, as well as many other corporate partners who have made generous donations to APCF, such as LA18 KSCI-TV, First General Bank, Shawn Chou, Diamond Wipes International, East West Bank, New Omni Bank, Pacific Commerce Bank, Royal Business Bank, Verizon, and Walmart, to name a few. ABOUT APCF Established in 1990, APCF is a community-based, non-profit fund that was created to educate and encourage individuals and companies to support API communities in need by donating through workplace giving programs as well as other channels. The organization is the only API community-based fund of its kind in Southern California. Since its founding, APCF has raised and distributed about $3 million in grants to its 29 Affiliate Agencies as well as other

“Philanthropy Leadership Award” honorees, Vincent Huang (President, VHA Corp) and Jovy Cheng, pose with Debra Fong (APCF Executive Director), Michael Chee (APCF Board Chair) and Shawn Chou (APCF Board Member and Gala Chair). (L-R: Debra Fong, Jovy Cheng, Vincent Huang, Michael Chee, Shawn Chou)

APCF Affiliate Agencies receive $160,000 in funding from APCF and its donors to support programs and services for Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

community organizations. APCF Affiliate Agencies serve over 225,000 people annually with programs and services provided in a total of 27 Asian languages plus English and Spanish. Programs include childcare/youth programs,

affordable housing, counseling & case management, healthcare, job development & training, legal services, senior services, violence prevention and much more. For additional information, please visit www.apcf.org.

Village Buildah to announce winner of the car raffle fundraising event for charity Event to raffle off nearly $40,000 in prizes, including a 2014 Mercedes C250 Los Angeles, June 23, 2014 – Village Buildah, a non-profit group dedicated to educating, sheltering and feeding the underprivileged of the world, will hold the grand raffle draw on June 28, 2014 at Gigs Circle, Philippine Village at 8pm. Those in the United States can still purchase tickets for only $2 per ticket until Saturday before the raffle event. The top prize is a brand-new, 2014 Mercedes Benz C250 luxury sedan. The second prize winner will receive a brand new Vizio 70-ich HDTV, and the third prize winner will receive $1,000 in cash. The proceeds will serve to ad-

vance humanity, fight poverty, and make a difference across the globe through four worthy causes: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Palmdale; Philippines-based Gawad Kalinga; and Typhoon Victims of Haiyan/ Yolanda, dedicated to assisting the thousands of victims of the hard-hitting 2013 typhoon in Southeast Asia. Village Buildah is a 501©(3) nonprofit group based in California that seeks to serve as an agent and facilitator of progress and development, as well as improve the social well-being of the underprivileged. More informa-

tion about the Car Raffle Fundraising Event, as well as Village Buildah’s latest projects and how others can volunteer and donate, can be found at www.villagebuildah.com.

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What’s next for Angel after ‘Legal Wife’ What’s next for actress Angel Locsin now that her successful series “The Legal Wife” has ended? The Kapamilya beauty is all set to take on a new role − as an acting mentor in the upcoming kiddie talent show “Promil’s I-Shine Talent Camp 3.” “For me, it’s an honor. Malaking karangalan ito na maging fist mentor ka ng mga bata,” Locsin said. “Ito ay challenge for me na may mai-share ko sa mga naituro ng mentors ko din nung nagsisimula pa lang ako. So maraming salamat sa oportunidad at excited talaga ako,” she added. Joining Locsin as mentors are Zsa Zsa Padilla for singing and Georcelle Dapat-Sy, artistic director of of G-Force, for dancing. Aside from teaching talented

kids, Locsin also wants to meet their parents. “Hindi lang bata ang dapat tutukan kung hindi bigyan din ng advise ang mga magulang kung paano nila mapapabuti,” she explained. “’Yung acting ay continuous ‘yan. Dapat bawat performance mo ay nag-evolve ka. Mayroon kang dapat bagong ipapakita so dapat sensitive ka sa paligid mo. Doon mo makukuha ang experience mo at kung paano ide-develop ‘yung imagination nila,” she added. Locsin also said she prefers to work with raw talent. “Sa amin, mas advantage kung wala pa silang masyadong experience, kung first time, kasi mas maganda ‘yung raw, ‘yung walang formula, ‘yung mas totooo

na emosyon,” she said. “Noong nakita ko ‘yung mga bata ay magagaling na talaga sila. Ibang klase ang talento ng mga batang ito. Nandito lang kami para sumuporta at ma-enhance ‘yung talent ng mga bata,” she noted. But Locsin also understands that it has to be also fun for the children. “Kailangan maging fun lang ‘yung activities namin at ma-enjoy ng mga bata kasi gusto kong maging happy sila,” she said. “Kasi fist time ito sa kanila so mag-enjoy sila at the same time enhance ang talent nila.” “Promil’s I-Shine Talent Camp 3,” which will debut on June 28, will be hosted by Xian Lim, Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli. (MNS)

Cherie Gil denies tiff with ‘Ikaw Lamang’ production Cherie Gil denied that her character was killed off in the top-rating series “Ikaw Lamang” because of a rift between her and the show’s production team. The veteran actress explained that it is just normal for the cast and crew of a TV show to have some “ups and downs” but it wasn’t the reason why her character died on the soap. “Tampuhan? Wala. It’s just ups and downs, rollercoaster, just the way a soap should be. The way the process is always ganyan, ‘di ba? Hindi naman smooth sailing. Alam natin iyan,” she said. “Mahirap ang ating trabaho, hanggang umaga. So nagkakaroon ng mga konting glitches pero naaayos,” she added. In the June 12 episode of “Ikaw Lamang,” Gil’s character, Miranda, died after she was accidentally shot by her father, Maximo (Ronaldo Valdez). Miranda’s death came after she tried to save Maximo from being ambushed by Gonzalo (John Estrada) and Paquito (Ronnie Lazaro). Last March, Dreamscape publicity head Eric John Salut confirmed that Gil “walked out” of the set of the ABSCBN soap at around 10 p.m. to attend a send-off party even though she was supposed to shoot her scenes until 2 a.m. Gil, for her part, complained about the alleged lack of work ethic in TV soaps. (MNS)

Angel and Luis

Jason Francisco refutes womanizing issue

Cherie Gil

New dad Jason Francisco has clarified that the girl he met up with in Pangasinan that’s being rumored to be his “other woman” is just his cousin. “Dumating ‘yung pinsan ko sa Kuwait, tapos ako ‘yung parang nag-entertain sa kanya (My cousin arrived from Kuwait and I was the one who entertained her),” he said. His wife, Melai Cantiveros, brushed off the insinuation that her husband is doing monkey business her back, saying she’s confident with Jason’s loyalty to her. “Over! Hindi naman siya (babaero) talaga. Saka hindi lang nila alam, sobrang haling na haling ito (Jason) sa akin. Mahal na mahal naman ako nito (Over! He’s no womanizer. Jason is so into me, he loves me).” Jason has no time for other

women, so busy is he taking care of his first child with Melai. “Sobra siyang responsible naman. Sobra akong sweet sa kanya dahil hands-on siya talaga (sa pag-aalaga ng bata) (He’s very responsible. I am sweet to him because he’s really hands-on in taking care of our kid),” said she. Melai wants to take complete rest for now, relating how drained she was from undergoing threeday labor to give birth via normal delivery last April. “Ang hirap manganak… Grabe, parang bato lumabas! Sobrang hirap… Malapit na akong mamatay… (It’s really hard to give birth… it’s like delivering stone… I almost died),” she said candidly. The celebrity couple now lives in Cavite after staying in Melai’s hometown General Santos City for some time. (MNS)

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MOTORING Google getting ready to reveal its in-car tech (Relaxnews) − The company has made no secret of its plans to launch an in-car infotainment pla orm based on its Android smartphone opera ng system. But since its ini al announcement in January, the company has been very quiet and no further details have been released. However, a er six months of silence, sources speaking to Automotive News claim Google Auto Link is about to make its official debut at the I/O Developers conference which gets underway on June 25 in San Francisco. Since Google announced its intenons to bring Android apps to the car dashboard in January, Apple has gone one be er and officially revealed its own take on in-car smartphone use. Called CarPlay, it was shown off for the first me at the Geneva Motor Show

in March with help from Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes − the first companies that will be integra ng its features into their new cars. CarPlay essen ally mirrors an iPhone’s screen and a select number of its apps to the car’s dashboard display and allows drivers to access features such as naviga on, their music library and to send messages via voice commands or touchscreen input. And, like CarPlay, Google’s Androidbased equivalent is also expected to make using a smartphone and its apps both safer and more intui ve while driving, but sources suggest that Google is planning to take things one step further. It wants to use the platform to connect the car itself to the internet, paving the way for vehicle-tovehicle communica on (for avoiding

collisions or traﬃc jams for example) and for sharing data with manufacturers regarding maintenance issues. US company Automa c already offers this type of func onality via its smartphone app and diagnos cs port connector. Users plug a gadget into a port in the dashboard and it passes informa on regarding fluid levels and service intervals to a connected smartphone so that drivers have a be er sense of poten al problems with their car before they become serious issues. Google has already signed up a number of car companies to its ‘Android in the car’ project including GM, Volkswagen-owned Audi, and Hyundai, and the new tech is expected to make an appearance in new models from these companies before the end of 2014.

Global automakers split on ‘green car’ strategy

(TOKYO-AFP) − Global automakers are locked in a showdown evoking the video format wars of the 1980s, as they bet on what eco-friendly vehicles will prevail in the battle for dominance of the burgeoning low-emissions sector. In a contest reminiscent of the scrap for pre-eminence in the home video market, which pitched Betamax against VHS, huge auto firms are going all out for very different technologies. Toyota, which is ending a battery deal with US electric car leader Tesla, is concentrating on mass-producing a fuel-cell vehicle, along with smaller rival Honda. Nissan, by contrast, has bet the farm on all-electrics, unveiling its second model this month— despite weak sales of its flagship Leaf − and is pushing the technology in China, where officials are scrambling to contain an air pollution crisis. Japan’s number-two automak-

er is also reportedly in talks with Germany’s BMW and Tesla about standardising re-charging systems, after the US company took the rare step of agreeing to share its patents with competitors to boost lacklustre electric vehicle production. “Nissan and Tesla... came out with very ambitious goals for the technology but had to backtrack, partly because demand... wasn’t strong enough,” said Stefan Bratzel, director of Germany’s Center of Automotive Management. “Daimler, Toyota and General Motors are the most advanced in fuel cells, but the problem is the high cost of the technology and necessary infrastructure.” Limited range, high prices Analysts say very low or zeroemission vehicles will dominate the next phase of independent travel, with governments everywhere rolling out stricter emissions standards. This near-certainty is sparking

massive investment, with Japan’s seven major car manufacturers expected to spend a record $24 billion on green car research and development this year, according to the Nikkei business daily. Detractors says electric vehicles simply shift emissions to the fossil-fuel burning power plants that provide the energy to recharge their batteries. They are also hampered by a short driving range. Fuel cell cars, on the other hand, are seen as the Holy Grail of green cars as they’re powered by a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, which produces nothing more harmful than water. Still largely experimental, fuel-cell vehicles could get a boost as various jurisdictions, including the US state of California, launch new hydrogen refuelling stations. Toyota is eyeing a 500-kilometre (300-mile) range for its fuel-

Like Apple, Google wants to make using a smartphone while driving safer and more intui ve.

©leolintang /shutterstock.com

cell car − more than twice the Leaf’s current range − and much faster re-juicing. The company, while not abandoning electric altogether, sees the fuel cell as the next logical step after its big early success with the Prius gas-electric hybrid, which has sold about 3.7 million units since its launch in the late 1990s. “Electric vehicles are still so limited by the cruising range,” Nobuyori Kodaira, Toyota’s executive vice president said in a recent interview. “Hydrogen can be recharged in three minutes... Quick-charging an electric vehicle still takes about half an hour.” Diﬀerent paths, same goals Cleaner power generation, however, may boost the appeal of electric cars, said Jos Dings, director of Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment. “If... we manage to make electricity in a much cleaner way

− there is a lot of investment in renewable energy − then it can definitely be a sustainable way forward,” he said. Still, Nissan’s Leaf has shifted about 120,000 units since its launch nearly four years ago, way below expectations. But its chief executive Carlos Ghosn − a steadfast cheerleader of electric cars who has scoffed at rivals’ ambitious plans for a commercialised fuel-cell vehicle − said new re-charging stations will be crucial to demand. “All of it is very closely linked to the development of infrastructure, but we are seeing more and more competitors coming onto the scene which is always a tell-tale sign,” he told AFP earlier this year. Ghosn was speaking in Bhutan, where Nissan sealed a deal to supply the tiny Himalayan kingdom’s government with a fleet of its green vehicles as it eyes an allelectric transport policy.

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Kids with musical training show better brain ‘management’: study (Relaxnews) − Researchers at the Boston Children’s Hospital worked with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and found early musical training enhances the areas of the brain responsible for executive functioning. Also known as cognitive control or supervisory attentional system, “executive functioning” refers to brain management, not unlike the corresponding corporate term. This is the top of the hierarchy in terms of brain organization, for executive functioning enables information processing and retention, regulates behavior, and is responsible for problem solving and planning, among other cognitive processes. Better said, it’s a key player to success in life. In the study, researchers considered a musically trained child to be one who had at least two years of private lessons under his or her belt. They selected 15 of them, ages 9 to 12, and the group statistics amounted to significantly more training than researchers had originally sought out: the children had

played for 5.2 years and practiced 3.7 hours per week, beginning at the age of 5.9. Researchers compared them with a control group of 12 children in the same age range with no musical training. Next, two similarly structured groups of adults were formed, although the musical group consisted solely of active professional musicians. Cognitive tests showed musicians in both age groups had the upper hand. MRIs showed children had an enhanced activity levels in the prefrontal cortex indicating they may be more apt at multi-tasking than their nonmusical counterparts. The numerous brain benefits of musical training are well-known and have been the centerpiece of many academic studies. Just last year, the Society for Neuroscience presented three studies at an annual conference, all of which conclude that musical training influences not only certain functions but also the anatomy of the brain. The Boston study, however, is one of few to explore executive functioning and adjust results for socioeconomic sta-

tus, an important factor that past studies have not taken into proper consideration. “Since executive functioning is a strong predictor of academic achievement, even more than IQ, we think our findings have strong educational implications,” says study senior investigator Nadine Gaab, PhD, of the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s. “While many schools are cutting music programs and spending more and more time on test preparation, our findings suggest that musical training may actually help to set up children for a better academic future.” Gab says future studies could determine whether children and adults who are struggling with executive functioning—such as kids with ADHD or the elderly— could benefit from music as a therapeutic intervention tool. Researchers remarked that enhanced executive functioning is the very aspect of the brain motivating kids to stick to their music lessons, suggesting that training should begin early in life. The study was published June 17 in PLOS ONE.

Studies indicating the benefits of music are numerous, but Boston researchers add to the list, saying enhanced ability to manage in life is one of them. ©xavier gallego morell/shutterstock.com

Kids with strong ties to parents create better friendships: study (Relaxnews) − Not only do strong parent-child bonds mean that kids are more likely to be a en ve to friends, they’re also more asser ve in the face of diﬃcult peers, say researchers at the University of Illinois. As a first step in their study, researchers assessed the rela onships between 114 children and their mothers. Parents were asked to describe their children’s social courage and suscep bility to anger. The same children were observed at 39 months, paired oﬀ with a peer of the same gender. Researchers observed the interacons of the pairs in a series of three visits over a period of one month.

Those with strong bonds to their parents reacted posi vely in the first mee ng of their new friend and were a en ve even if the other child was likely to react in anger.

“Securely attached children are more responsive to suggestions or requests made by a new peer partner,” says Nancy McElwain, a U of I profes-

sor of human development. “A child who has experienced a secure a achment rela onship with caregivers is likely to come into a new peer rela onship with posi ve expecta ons.” Yet if the new peer partner reacted in anger, children with strong bonds to their parents lost enthusiasm for the friendship. “A more securely attached child

was also likely to use suggestions and requests rather than commands and intrusive behavior − such as grabbing

toys away − during play with an angerprone peer during the first two visits,” says McElwain. When their peer partners’ anger spells came into full play, the children with strong bonds adapted to the situa on in self-defense.

“By the final visit, a child with a secure attachment had adjusted to the controlling assertiveness of her anger-prone partner by becoming more controlling herself,” says McEl-

wain. McElwain reminds parents that a child’s diﬃcult temperament does not mean the parental bond isn’t strong

Study says staying cool creates ‘good’ brown fat (Relaxnews) − In a preliminary study to learn about mysterious but promising brown fat cells, researchers demonstrated that exposure to cool environmental temperature actually creates them, possibly helping to boost metabolism. The study was led by endocrinologist Dr. Paul Lee from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research, whose past research has indicated brown fat, prevalent in lean people, is the key player in metabolism because it generates heat. “Excitement in the brown fat field has risen significantly over last few years because its energyburning nature makes it a potential therapeutic target against obesity and diabetes,” said Dr. Lee about his prior study, published in Cell Metabolism, indicating that shivering and exercise may convert white fat to brown. The new study, The Impact of Chronic Cold Exposure in Humans (ICEMAN) study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington DC, worked with five healthy men over a four-month period. For the duration of the study, they lived in climate-controlled rooms of various temperatures at the NIH Clinical Center in Washington DC, although they maintained normal routines during the day. At the end of each month, researchers conducted “thermal metabolic evaluations” of participants. In addition to biopsies of muscle and fat, they performed cold-

considered a “thermoneutral” temperature in scientific terms, so analysis conducted at the end of the first and last months in which participants lived at this temperature represented the baseline. “The big unknown until this study was whether or not we could actually manipulate brown fat to grow and shrink in a human being,” said Dr Lee. “What we found was that the cold month increased brown fat by around 30-40%.” Dr. Lee’s findings indicate that not turning up the thermostat during winter months could play a role in fighting obesity. “During the second thermo-neutral A new study says that keeping the temperature at 19°C could cause an increase in brown fat cells which month at 24 degrees, are important for weight management. ©StockLite/ the brown fat dropped shutterstock.com back, returning to stimulated CT scans to measure baseline,” says Lee. the amount of brown fat in the His research supports another body, which proliferated during recent study exploring the efthe cool month during which par- fects of ambient temperature on ticipants lived for a minimum of health and weight management. 10 hours in an environment of 19 The Dutch study, published in degrees C (66F). the journal Science & Society, inDuring the first month, re- dicates that frequent, prologned searchers set their subjects’ exposure to mild cold mobilizes rooms to 24 degrees C (75F), the brown fat, provoking calorie next month to 19C, back to 24C burning up to five times the avfor the third month and to 27 erage resting metabolic rate. degrees C (80F) the fourth and Dr. Lee’s study indicates that final month. cold actually creates the cells inThe body does not need to stead of merely activating their work to produce heat in 24C, heat-generating capabilities.

The parent-child bond could play a role in children’s social savvy, according to a new study. ©Yuganov

Konstantin/shutterstock.com

enough, also no ng that social courage played a role in children’s asserveness, regardless of the bond they

shared with their parents. The study was published in Developmental Psychology.

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PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

mention your request) Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I

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

is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short

count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You

dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never

will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus,

want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may

I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many

be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A

favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart.

ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three

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

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

consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish

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

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

will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to publish

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

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

this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - LITA

PRAYERS

wrong that 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 want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

lways the convenient go-to option for snack time, grapes from California also bring great taste, texture and added flair to your favorite dishes. From the juicy burst of flavor to the vibrant array of beautiful reds, greens and blacks — fresh grapes are a top choice for home cooks and health-conscious eaters alike. While shoppers often choose this tasty fruit for in-between meal snacking, grapes can also boost the “healthy” factor in recipes, while adding bright, beautiful color to salads, entrees and desserts. They can make any of your favorite dishes healthier, and can make already healthy ones taste even better. California grapes are available May through January. For flavorful, unique ways to add grapes to your meals, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com or facebook.com/ grapesfromcalifornia.

Grape, Feta and Mint Quinoa Salad Servings: 4 1 cup quinoa 1 1/3 cups water 1 cup red seedless California grapes 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 8 fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped Sliced green onion tops (optional garnish) Rinse quinoa in fine-mesh sieve. Put in medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove cover and fluff with fork. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Stir together quinoa, grapes, cheese, lemon juice and mint in large bowl. Top with green onions, if desired. Nutrition information per serving (without onions): 228 calories; 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat); 25% calories from fat; 8 g protein; 36 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 17 mg cholesterol; 222 mg sodium; 400 mg potassium.

Grape and Lentil Salad Servings: 6 3 cups green seedless California grapes, halved 3 cups chopped English cucumber 17.5 ounces (2 1/2 cups) steamed lentils 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced into slivers 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 lemons, zested and juiced (about 6 tablespoons) 2 tablespoons olive oil In large bowl, toss all ingredients together. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Notes:  Steamed lentils are sold in the produce department of most grocery stores. Canned lentils (rinsed and drained) can be substituted.  An English cucumber has a thinner skin and smaller seeds than traditional cucumbers.  Make this salad a complete meal by adding a grilled, whole grain pita on the side. Nutrition information per serving (1 1/2 cups): 246 calories; 11 g fat (2 g saturated fat); 40% calories from fat; 9 g protein; 29 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 6 mg cholesterol; 387 mg sodium; 495 mg potassium.

Grape, Golden Beet and Brown Rice Salad Servings: 8 4 medium golden beets, scrubbed 2 cups cooked brown rice Salt, to taste 1/3 cup chopped red onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste 1 cup thinly sliced celery 1 cup halved red seedless California grapes Pinch cayenne

1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley Preheat the oven to 375°F. Trim off all but 1 inch of stem on the beets and place in a small baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until a paring knife inserted into the center of the beets goes in easily, about 60 –90 minutes. Let cool until easy to handle. Peel, then cut the beets into 1/2inch wedges. At the same time, combine the onion, garlic and vinegar in a large mixing bowl and let stand 15 minutes. Whisk in the oil, honey and salt and pepper to taste. Then add the rice, beets, celery, grapes, cayenne, parsley and toss. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 6 cups. Nutrition information per serving: 162 calories; 8 g fat (1.1 g saturated fat); 41% calories from fat; 2.3 g protein; 22 g carbohydrate; 2.5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 119 mg sodium; 328 mg potassium.

Did you know? According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, greater consumption of certain whole fruits, particularly grapes, apples and blueberries, is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The researchers described the association as “significant.”

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Wednesday - Tuesday, June 25 - July 1, 2014

LOS ANGELES

Four Islamic militants captured in Mindanao ZAMBOANGA, June 23, 2014 (AFP) − Security forces have captured four members of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the southern Philippines, including one accused of the 2002 kidnapping of Christian missionaries who were later beheaded, police said Monday. It was the latest in a series of reported arrests of senior Abu Sayyaf men as operations against the group are intensified. Three of the four were arrested in a coastal village near the port city of Zamboanga on Mindanao island on Sunday night, said city police chief Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro. “We recovered from them documents of a plan to kidnap a local businessman and a son of a shipyard owner,” Casimiro said. “The plot was thwarted and we have

heightened the security alert around the city,” he said. Earlier on the same day, Casimiro said combined military and police intelligence units arrested Sattar Sabtula, an Abu Sayyaf member involved in the 2002 kidnapping of a group of Jehovah’s Witness missionaries on the nearby island of Jolo, a rebel stronghold. Two of the missionaries were beheaded while four others were freed after months in captivity following ransom payments, police said. On June 11 Khair Mundos, listed as one of the “most wanted” terrorists by the US government which put a $500,000 reward on his head, was captured in a Manila suburb. A week later two of Mundo’s followers, who were linked to various kidnappings

EX-AGRI CHIEF From page 1

Niñez Guanizo, Technology Resource Center (TRC) officials Antonio Ortiz, Dennis Cunanan, Marivic Jover, Belina Concepcion, Francisco Figura, Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, and Consuelo Lilian Reyes Espiritu. Also slapped with malversation charges

were Marilou Antonio, president of Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. (BMKFFI), Carmelita Barredo, General Manager of CC Barredo Publishing House (CC Barredo), and Domingo Mamauag and Edison Sabio of Aksyon Makamasa Foundation, Inc. (AMFI). (MNS)

ALCALA From page 1

of the Philippines, and the committee has pledged to endorse the decision to the WTO General Council in July, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala told reporters at a briefing. “Our negotiators have succeeded... Between now and 2017, we will still have control over rice that will enter the country,” Alcala said, noting the three-year extension of the QR on rice. He said the approval of the special restriction on rice entails an increase in the

minimum access volume (MAV) and the continued imposition of a 40 percent tariff on imports made within the MAV and tariff of 50 percent outside of MAV. “But we will not rest with this,” the Agriculture chief said. The department will remain vigilant by implementing measures to boost rice output. However, in line with the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement starting next year, rice imports from Southeast Asian neighbors will be levied at 35 percent for now. (MNS)

JINGGOY From page 1

estimated 10 billion pesos ($230 million) from legislator’s “pork barrel” funds, or money for their pet projects. Napoles initially denied any wrongdoing, then in a failed effort to turn state witness gave prosecutors a list implicating more than 100 lawmakers. She has also been charged with plunder. Two of those on the list are now Aquino cabinet members, although they deny the charges and say Napoles is trying to spread false information to deflect blame from herself and the other key players. Corruption has long been a problem in

the Philippines’ brand of free-wheeling democracy, and accounts for much of the massive poverty in the Southeast Asian nation of 100 million. The elder Estrada himself was ousted from the presidency midway through his six-year term in 2001 for massive corruption and incompetence. He was later convicted, but was subsequently pardoned. Last year, the ousted president was elected as mayor of the capital Manila, in what he said was a vindication, proving his innocence.

for ransom, were captured in Zamboanga. The Abu Sayyaf is a small gang of Islamic militants blamed for the country’s worst terrorist attacks, including a 2004 ferry bombing that left over 100 dead.

Founded in the 1990s with seed money from Al Qaeda, the group has survived over the past decade by drawing support from poor Muslim communities that have become fertile recruiting ground.

MAGUINDANAO From page 1

Mindanao are working together to address their problem, she added. On Friday night, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the number of families and towns affected by floods that hit Maguindanao

province since last June 13 rose to more than 13,000. The NDRRMC added the floods have so far caused more than P800,000 in damage to agriculture but this could go higher as the amount covers only one of the 13 affected towns.

THREAT From page 1

offshoot of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim guerrilla force that waged a decades-long armed rebellion in the southern region of Mindanao. “We launched a raid two weeks ago. There was a firefight and we recovered an arms cache, but he was able to get away,” Hermoso said, adding: “He’s the one training the BIFF members who are conducting bombings in central Mindanao.” “Based on what we know, he is still active,” Philippine military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP Saturday. “As far as we’re concerned he’s with the BIFF,” he said. Zagala said the Philippine government was offering a 6.3 million-peso reward (about $144,000) for information leading to

AQUINO-ABE From page 1

enhances Japan’s ability to address its international obligations, and brings us closer to the attainment of our shared goals of peace, stability, and mutual prosperity,” he said. Abe’s push to increase his country’s military options to allow its well-equipped armed forces to play a more active global role is controversial at home, where many are deeply wedded to the idea of pacifism. Beijing also regularly cautions against what it says is Abe’s attempt to reawaken militarism. Both leaders stressed the need to use “the rule of law” to solve regional disputes, at a time when their countries are embroiled in separate rows with China. “In the face of the regional situation becoming severe, both nations are closely coordinating,” Abe told reporters in a joint news conference after the summit with Aquino. “I reaffirmed with President Aquino today the significance of...the rule of law,” Japan’s conservative premier added.

Usman’s capture. There is a standing warrant for his arrest on charges of multiple murder, Zagala added. “We are securing our communities and vital installations from his activities,” Hermoso added. The MILF signed a peace treaty with the Philippine government early this year that had both sides committing to create a Muslim self-rule area in the region. The BIFF has rejected the deal and vowed to fight on. Two BIFF members were killed in the latest military operation on June 10, when the military also said they seized firearms and bomb-making equipment at the rebel training camp near the town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha. Aquino said his visit to Japan was focusing on “the challenge of safeguarding our regional security by advancing the rule of law to protect our global and regional common interest”. The phrase is something of a mantra for Abe as he tries to press Beijing into backing off from Tokyo-administered islands that it claims as its own. It has also become a refrain among other countries in the region who are feeling the heat from China’s more aggressive assertions of ownership of nearly all of the South China Sea. When Abe visited Manila in July last year, he pledged Japan’s help in strengthening the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities. Part of that was a promise of 10 patrol boats for the Philippines’ poorly-equipped coast guard, which is on the front line of Manila’s dispute with China. The Philippines has lodged repeated protests at China’s growing military and civilian presence on islands and in waters within what it considers its exclusive economic zone.

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