Us Asian Post May 6, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

Celebrating

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Why Rica Peralejo left showbiz See PAGE 7

WWW.USASIANPOST.COM

Vol. 4. No. 32

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Muslim bomb-making terrorist killed MANILA, May 3 (Mabuhay) – Filipino bomb-maker Basit Usman, the target of a massive government dragnet since the January 25 Mamasapano mission where he escaped as police commandos were closing in on Malaysian terrorist Marwan, was killed before noon Sunday, according to reliable military intelligence sources. Usman and two comrades were shot dead when his group, along with a unit under a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander, ran into State forces in Guindolongan town in Maguindanao, the sources said. “Yes, Usman is dead, It’s confirmed,” a high-ranking intelligence officer said, though an official military confirmation has been withheld “pending verification on the ground.” Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman and Civil Relations Service (CRS) chief, “We’re still getting verification and confirmation on the

ground.” The encounter happened at aroun 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Mote near Camp Afdal, according to the intelligence source. There had been reports, since the military launched an offensive to get Usman, that the alleged bomb-maker said to have been trained by Marwan (real name: Zulkifli bin Hir) and his men were being coddled by one Commander Marlboro’s unit, under the 106th Base Command of the MILF led by Wahid Tundok. Usman and Amin Baco alias Jihad, a Malyasian terrorist, as well as four other “foreign-looking terrorists” had eluded the Special Action Force (SAF) raid of January 25 in Tukanalipao village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where Marwan was shot dead. The mission proved tragic, though, as it led to the death of 44 SAF men, 17 MILF members and three civilians, and plunged the Aquino presidency into its worst political crisis. Hundreds of MILF fighters See MUSLIM, page 6

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. of the U.S. (left) ducks a right hand from Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in the second round during their welterweight WBO, WBC and WBA (Super) title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).(MNS photo)

Fight fans sue Pacquiao over injury Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Tuesday 5/5/2015 – Two Nevada men filed a class-action lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday, seeking millions in damages because they say he fraudulently concealed a shoulder injury before his defeat to Floyd Mayweather. It is just the latest fallout from Mayweather’s victory in Las Vegas on Saturday in a unanimous decision, with Pacquiao saying afterwards that the shoulder complaint hampered his performance in the welterweight world title showdown. The plaintiffs argue that by failing to go public with the injury before the feverishly anticipated bout, the Philippine icon and his camp violated the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The suit filed in a US District Court in Las Vegas names

Pacquiao, his manager Michael Koncz, promotional company Top Rank and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and president Todd duBoef. According to court documents available online, the lawsuit claims that when plaintiffs Stephane Vanel and Kami Rahbaran – who bought tickets, forked out pay per view fees or bet on the fight – the defendants “knew and had full knowledge and information that defendant Pacquiao had been seriously injured and was suffering from a torn rotator cuff.” “Defendants further know that such injury would severely affect his performance,” the lawsuit says. “None of the defendants informed or apprised the public or even the Nevada Athletic Commission about the injury to defendant Pacquiao.”

The clash between Pacquiao and Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was billed as the “Fight of the Century.” It’s certainly set to go down as the most lucrative bout in history, with possible revenue of $400 million. That could include as many as three million pay-per-view purchases, at about $100 each. The bout went the full scheduled 12 rounds, Mayweather easily winning on the judges’ scorecards to take his perfect record to 48-0. After the fight, Pacquiao and Top Rank revealed the 36-yearold had been injured in training camp some three weeks earlier. They said he’d been cleared by doctors to fight, although they had expected him to be able to take an anti-inflammatory injection on See FANS SUE, page 6

Nursing home operator to pay thousands in back wages, damages

Manny Pacquiao (yellow/red trunks) waves to the crowd after being defeated by Floyd Mayweather (not pictured) during their world welterweight championship bout at MGM in Garden Arena. Mayweather won via unanimous decision. (MNS photo)

Pacquiao: ‘I thought I won the fight, he didn’t do anything’ MANILA, May 3 (Mabuhay) – “I thought I won the fight.” That was how Manny Pacquiao reacted after his unanimous decision defeat to Floyd Mayweather on Saturday (Sunday PHL time). As expected, Pacquiao was the more aggressive fighter during the fight, stalking Mayweather outside the ring. But it was Mayweather’s accurate counterpunching that earned the nod of the judges, who scored the fight 118110, 116-112, and 116-112 for the American fighter. “It was a good fight,” said Pac-

quiao. “I thought I won the fight. He didn’t do anything.” Though Pacquiao repeatedly forced Mayweather to backpedal, the wily American blunted his opponent’s best efforts by using his renowned defensive skills while getting in several telling jabs and punches of his own. The showdown between the two best boxers of their generation, dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century’, had been more than five years in the making and is expected to be the biggest-grossing prize bout of all time. (MNS)

FresnoEmployer: Bonavente Corporation, doing business as Bonavente ICF/DD-N Home, Bonavente Fremont Home and Bonavente Laureen Home Sites: Three facilities in Fresno at 6404 N. Cornelia Ave., 6429 N. Ellendale Ave., and 6567 N. Lauren Ave. Investigation findings: The employer was found in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime and record-keeping provisions for failure to pay time and

President Benigno S. Aquino III is interviewed by the media thru the van window following the inauguration of CEMEX Philippines at the APO Cement Plant in Barangay Tina-an, City of Naga, Cebu on Friday (May 01). The expansion project had for its theme: “Building a Better Future.” (MNS photo)

Indonesia won’t allow Veloso to testify in PHL – report MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – Mary Jane Veloso will not be allowed by the Indonesian government to come to the Philippines for the preliminary investigation of the human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and estafa complaints against her alleged recruiter, an Indonesia-based newspaper reported Thursday. Indonesia Attorney General’s Office (AGO) spokesman Tony Spontana was quoted by The Jakarta Post as saying that the AGO will instead facilitate a video conference or written testimony of Veloso for the purposes of the court proceeding in the Philippines.

Rome, Italy (AFP) Wednesday 4/29/2015 – A Gambian girl has penned a letter begging migrants not to attempt the dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossing that she survived, but which killed her family and hundreds of others in a recent string of tragedies. “Many people have died, my best friends and my sisters and my brothers have died in the wave to come to Italy,” wrote the 12-year-old girl in a letter released Wednesday. See SHIPWRECK, page 6

See VELOSO, page 6

Young shipwreck survivor to migrants: ‘Don’t come’

See INDONESIA, page 6

Palace: Veloso recruiter to undergo legal proceedings in PHL first MANILA, May 2 (Mabuhay) – Maria Kristina Sergio, the alleged recruiter blamed for the death sentence imposed on Filipina Mary Jane Veloso, will have to undergo legal proceedings in the Philippines first. This was Malacañang’s reply to proposals that Sergio, who turned herself in to authorities last Tuesday, be brought to Indonesia to face justice for allegedly setting up Veloso. “The proceedings will have to necessarily be instituted here.... we adhere to the principle of territoriality,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. Veloso turned herself in to authorities, citing threats to her life, after Veloso’s camp claimed Mary

See NURSING, page 6

“[The Philippine government] has asked Veloso [to come to the Philippines] to testify before the court, but we consider it impossible. Today we will respond to their letter and offer solutions,” Spontana told The Jakarta Post. According to the report, the letter from the Philippine government was dated April 28, the day Veloso was supposed to be executed by firing squad – along with eight other drug convicts. Veloso was given a reprieve after her alleged recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio turned herself in to authorities in Nueva Ecija province in the Philippines.

Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane Veloso, raises her fist before answering questions at a briefing at the Migrante headquarters on Friday. She blames the Philippine government for her daughter’s conviction and death sentence for trafficking illegal drugs in Indonesia. (MNS photo)

1-877-35-NOPAY 818-334-5445 818-552-4500 (1-877-356-6729)

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Disappointed Filipinos cry foul as Pacquiao loses By Mynardo MACARAIG

Manila, Philippines (AFP) Sunday 5/3/2015 – Boxing fans in the Philippines cried foul and groaned in bitter disappointment on Sunday as national hero Manny Pacquiao lost to American rival Floyd Mayweather in the “fight of the century”. Filipinos filled gymnasiums, cinemas and bars as the Southeast Asian nation of 100 million people stopped for Pacquiao’s battle with Mayweather in Las Vegas, which he lost in a unanimous points decision. A devastated Pacquiao said immediately afterwards that he thought he had won, and many at home agreed with him as they lashed out at the judges while heaping praise on their inspiration. “Pacquiao was cheated. Mayweather didn’t land a single solid punch,” cable television technician Romeo Rivera, 41, told AFP. Rivera was among thousands of mostly poor people who had gathered in the main public square of Manila’s Marikina suburb to watch the battle on a giant screen mounted on the back of a flat-bed

truck. In the southern port city of Zamboanga, loud boos echoed inside an army gymnasium where thousands of soldiers and their relatives watched Pacquiao given just the sixth defeat of his career. “The decision was unfair. From the start, the commentators were for Manny. Everyone is disappointed,” Lieutenant Colonel Noel Precioso said as others nearby expressed similar sentiments. Even the nation’s military chief, General Gregorio Catapang, weighed in with emotional comments immediately afterwards. “I think the decision was not fair. Like Manny said, he thought he was ahead with points. Both fought carefully but Manny was more aggressive. He was hitting Floyd,” Catapang said. On social media, popular television host and swimsuit model Georgina Wilson expressed outrage to her 2.76 million Twitter followers: “Mayweather did nothing !!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!”. Enduring hero Pacquiao, 36, is a unifying figure in a country beset by grinding poverty, natural calamities and

corruption. His rags-to-riches story, from high school dropout to millionaire world boxing champion in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, is a huge source of hope and pride in the Philippines. His fights throughout his career have caused the nation to grind to a halt, with nearly everyone stopping to watch them. Famously, even crime has dropped to nearly nothing during Pacquiao fights. President Benigno Aquino said before the Mayweather clash that Pacquiao, who has recorded 57 victories and two draws in his career, was an “inspiration for every Filipino”. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said immediately after the loss that it had not diminished Pacquiao’s standing. “Pacquiao is truly the People’s Champ. He fought for respect, not points. He won the hearts of the world,” Lacierda said in a statement. Echoing the sentiments of many, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Pacquiao would still return home a hero. “Manny’s life story lifts the

spirit of every Filipino who struggle daily to rise from adversity. His humility and faith is an inspiration to all of us,” he said. Pacquiao leveraged his boxing popularity to get elected in parliament in 2010 and he has said he may run for president in the future. Pacquiao is also a coveted endorser of international and local brands, making him currently the highest taxpayer in the Philippines. And with the fight against Mayweather widely believed to be the most lucrative in boxing history with revenues of $400 million, Pacquiao is set to return home with far deeper pockets despite having been vanquished.

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans

THE US ASIAN POST

‘I take my hat off to Manny’ says Mayweather MANILA, May 3 (Mabuhay) – With the undisputed best fighter of their generation decided, Floyd Mayweather Jr. had to acknowledge his felled opponent. “He’s a hell of a fighter, I take my hat off to Manny,” Mayweather said after he defeated Pacquiao and unified the WBO, WBC, and WBA Welterweight titles Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mayweather won via unanimous decision 118-110, 116-112, 116-112, in the matchup of the best boxers of their generation. “Now I see why he’s one of the guys at the pinnacle of the sport.” Pacquiao was the aggressor of the fight but Mayweather had him with his setups and counters. “I outboxed him,” Mayweather said. “He’s a tough competitor.” (MNS)

Mayweather beats Pacquiao www.usasianpost.com to join greats Mag

Tayo!

By Greg Heakes / Rebecca BRYAN

Las Vegas, United States | AFP | Sunday 5/3/2015 – Floyd Mayweather’s emphatic win over Manny Pacquiao sealed his status as a boxing great, but triggered an outcry in the Philippines and divided opinion amongst the sports legends. Feinting and dancing his way to a unanimous decision, Mayweather comfortably picked off Pacquiao over 12 rounds to extend his 19-year unbeaten record to 48-0. But the lucrative bout hyped as the “Fight of the Century” failed to pack the visceral punch seen in some of boxing’s most celebrated confrontations, and Mayweather’s win was booed by sections of a 16,507 crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Yet the jeers could not obscure a clear win for the skilful Mayweather, with judges awarding him the decision by margins of 118-110 and 116112. Mayweather, who retained his World Boxing Association welterweight titles and seized Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization crown, faced down his detractors immediately after the fight, clambering on the ring ropes and yelling: “I told you!” “Everyone said this guy could beat Floyd, that Floyd is a chicken,” Mayweather said. “The non-believers, well Floyd turned them into believers.” Not everyone was converted, however, with former world champion Oscar de la Hoya, who lost a split decision to Mayweather in 2007, bemoaning his “running style.” “Sorry boxing fans,” De La Hoya wrote on Twitter. “Call me old school but I like the fans getting their money’s worth by watching an action-packed fight.” Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who had picked Pacquiao to win, wrote on Twitter: “We waited five years for that ... #underwhelmed.” Former world champion Barry McGuigan called the fight “boringly one-sided.” Fans in the Philippines echoed the disappointment of those in the ring, crying foul over the judges’ decision and claiming their man was robbed of victory. Filipino politicians and public figures ranging from the head of the army to swimsuit models weighed in on the decision, lining up to cry foul in a land where Pacquiao, 36, is revered as a national hero. Pacquiao, who said after the fight a shoulder injury had hindered his performance, insisted he had done enough to win the bout.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Palace: Manny remains our champion, inspiration MANILA, May 3 (Mabuhay) – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao may have lost in the ring, but he still managed to win the hearts of many for showing sportsmanship and staying humble. In a radio interview, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the country remains proud of its boxing champion because of the inspiration he has brought to everyone. “Taas-noo pa rin ang bansang Pilipinas sa kahanga-hangang paglaban ng ating pambansang kamao, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, na isa sa pinakamahusay na boksingero sa buong daigdig,” Coloma said. Vice President Jejomar Binay said in a separate statement: “Sa araw na ito, ipinakita ni Manny na tayong mga Pilipino ay handang humarap at bumangon sa anumang pagsubok. Mabuhay ka Manny. Lagi kang ipagmamalaki ng bawat Pilipino.” He said Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches life story, which the boxing icon had bannered before his bout with American Floyd Mayweather Jr., lifted the spirits of all Filipinos who are struggling against adversity. “His humility and faith is an inspiration to all of us,” Binay said. Coloma said Pacquiao represents Filipinos who are fighting in the world stage and bannering the name of Filipinos. He added that Malacañang can only now hope that Pacquiao will be able to focus on his family, as he wished for Pacquiao’s physical recovery in order that he may face head on whatever plans he has in the future. (MNS)

Senator reiterates call to end age discrimination in work MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – A senator on Friday reiterated her call for an end to age discrimination in the workplace. “Job fairs organized by government agencies and private firms have become staple activities every year on Labor Day. But how many jobseekers above 30 years old actually get hired in these fairs?” Senator Pia Cayetano said in a press statement. Cayetano said the practice of some employers favoring younger applicants or setting preferred age limits for jobs that can generally be performed by any qualified employee, regardless of age, has unduly deprived ‘older’ workers of employment opportunities. “We see age discrimination openly being flaunted in job fairs and classified ads, where companies or employment agencies set specific age requirements for job seekers, such as between 20 to 30 years old. It is also in the employment policies of some industries, although sometimes discreetly,” she said. She added that the Constitution guarantees equal employment opportunities for all, and yet there is no law that prohibits age discrimination at work, not even an aggressive campaign by the labor department to seriously address this unfair practice. Cayetano is pushing for the passage of her proposal, Senate Bill No.29, or the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act (SBN 29). The bill is pending on second reading in the Senate. She said among those backing the passage of the bill are the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a support group for migrant workers; and the ‘Abilidad, Hindi Edad’ (‘Skills, Not Age’) Coalition composed of workers and labor groups. She said age discrimination is also a common concern among overseas Filipino workers as many of them are skilled and highly experienced and would be assets in any company or enterprise, but experience has shown them that turning 30 has been a serious obstacle to being hired locally. “Thus, many of our OFWs are forced to stay abroad or return there, sometimes as illegal workers, or even risk their own life and safety as migrant workers in countries torn by conflict or war,” Cayetano said. Under the proposed measure, employers are prohibited from publishing or posting ads indicating age preferences, requiring applicants to declare their age, and declining application or laying off employees because of age. Violators face a fine of between P50,000 and P500,000, or imprisonment ranging from three months to two years. “The Philippine economy is widely acknowledged as one of the fastest moving in the region, and yet our workers remain stuck in backward practices and conditions. Passing the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act would be a fitting legacy of the 16th Congress for our workforce,” said Cayetano. (MNS)

Visit www.usasianpost.com

OPINION

Aquino says employees, employers in ‘harmony’ under his watch MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – On Labor Day, President Benigno Aquino III said the relationship between employees and their employers are more “harmonious” under his administration. In his Labor Day speech in Cebu, Aquino said the number of labor strikes is significantly lower since he assumed the presidency in 2010. He said only 12 labor strikes were recorded under his watch by the Department of the Labor of Employment (DOLE), compared to the 259 strikes dur-

ing the past administration. In a separate interview after his speech, Aquino credited DOLE chief Rosalinda Baldoz for settling labor disputes. “Parang nanay siyang talagang inaasikaso ang lahat, parang titingnan niyo, sektor ng manggagawa, sektor ng management... lahat anak niya,” he said. “Talagang pinipilit niyang gawin para nga magkaroon tayo nitong harmony,” Aquino added. (MNS)

Aquino: Closure agreement between gov’t, rebels in process

BACOLOD CITY, May 1 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said the closure agreement between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/ RPA-ABB) is now in process. He said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), that represents the government interest, is giving dividends through infrastructure projects for the protection of 100 barangays directly affected by the armed conflict, which is the major component of the closure agreement. The RPM-P/RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) is now called Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan in line with the government’s goal to transform the RPM-P/RPA-ABB TPG into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization as outlined by the proposed closure agreement towards the disposition of arms and forces.

Aquino also mentioned the reintegration to the government of 727 profiled members of the RPAABB. The closure agreement with the RPA-ABB has been submitted to the Office of the President and is awaiting his signature. The peace agreement was entered into by the RPM-P/RPA-ABB TPG during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada. The Nilo de la Cruz wing opted not to continue talking peace with the Aquino government. OPPAP records show that the RPA-ABB TPG has 727 members. Of the profiled members, 607 are in Negros Occidental, 58 in Negros Oriental, and the rest scattered in Panay and some areas of Mindanao and Luzon. The OPPAP has proposed a P279.16-million budget for livelihood and development programs for conflict-affected communities identified by the RPAABB TPG.(MNS)

Drilon: Senate to give special attention to BBL when session resumes MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – Once Congress resumes sessions on Monday, the Senate will give “special legislative attention” to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to make sure that it will be constitutional, fair, and inclusive, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Friday. “It will receive a special legislative attention in the coming weeks,” Drilon said in a statement. “We will devote extra time and effort to ensure the passage of a BBL that is constitutional, fair and inclusive – one that will help end the decades of strife in Mindanao.” He said once the committee on local government, chaired by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., submits its report on the BBL, they will immediately calendar it for discussion. “We expect strong debates on the floor over the passage of this bill. We all acknowledge the necessity of this piece of legislation to ensure genuine peace and growth for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” he said. Marcos earlier said that he expects to conduct two to three more hearings on the BBL before reporting it out to the plenary. He said the amendments to the draft bill will be introduced during the plenary deliberations. Malacañnang is pushing for the passage and implementation of the BBL before the term of President Benigno Aquino III ends in 2016. The hearings on the BBL was suspended in January after the Mamasapano clash that left 44 Special Action Force commandos, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, and five civilians dead. The incident also caused lawmakers to question the sincerity of the MILF in the peace agreement with the government. The BBL is the embodiment of the agreements signed between the the Philippine government and MILF. It is intended to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Other bills Drilon said the Senate will also work for the passage of legislations that would boost the country’s

competitiveness amidst the emerging opportunities and challenges brought about by the ASEAN economic integration. To be taken up are the proposed Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) and the creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). He said the Senate will also work for the passage of the proposed Customs and Tariff Modernization Act (CTMA), which aims to reduce smuggling and make customs procedure and operations more simple and transparent. “We intend to advance the discussions on the CTMA to address the most pressing problems of the Bureau of Customs,” he said. Apart from helping end the P200 billion annual dent to state revenues caused by smuggling and illegal transactions, Drilon said “automating the BOC’s systems and lessening human intervention would make customs procedures faster and more credible.” He said the Senate is also expected to pass on third and final reading on Monday Senate Bill No. 2280, which seeks to amend the Probation Law of 1976; SBN 2518, which aims to remove the conditions for the condonation of all unpaid taxes due from local water districts; and House Bill No. 945, which seeks to declare the last full week of August as Armed Forces of the Filipino People Week. He said the Senate will work on the amendments to the Revised Penal Code; the proposed Unified Student Financial Assistance Act (UNIFAST) bill; the establishment of Public Employment and Services Office bill; the PAGASA Modernization Act; the amendments to the AFP Modernization Act; the amendments to the prescriptive period for graft and corrupt practices; and the enactment of a national identification system. “We will work hard and do all we can to make the remaining time in our 2nd regular session productive and meaningful by finishing the priority measures pending on the floor and advancing other key reform measures that are still at the committee level,” Drilon said. (MNS)

Mayweather ignores jeers in moment of triumph By Rebecca Bryan

Las Vegas, United States (AFP) Sunday 5/3/2015 – Floyd Mayweather shrugged off the jeers which greeted his victory over Manny Pacquiao and wasted no time in taunting his detractors. After hugging his father and trainer Floyd Sr, the unbeaten welterweight king clambered onto the ropes of the ring, banged his fist on his chest and declared to the crowd: “I told you! I told you!” It was a swift return to the brash persona Mayweather has perfected over the years, and which had been mostly hidden during the the build up to the bout, prompting some observers to wonder about his state of mind. In fact, Mayweather was intent on giving a star-studded audience packed with sports and entertainment giants a masterclass of defensive skill and pinpoint accuracy as he extended his record to 48-0. NBA legends Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, actor-director Clint Eastwood, music icon Sting and power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z were just a few of the superstars packed into the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where precious ringside tickets sold for $10,000. By the time the fighters reached the arena floor – some 45 minutes

late as some US cable operators struggled to meet the demand for pay-per-view orders – the atmosphere was electric. Filipino icon Pacquiao was bouncing and beaming as he made his way from his dressing room to the floor of the arena, cheers of “Manny, Manny” ringing out. He paused to take a selfie with trainer Freddie Roach then began the walk through the crowd in the darkened arena. Mayweather followed, his eyes largely shielded by the bill of his “Mayweather Promotions” cap, his visage serious as he climbed through the ropes. Both fighters had already received the good wishes, via Twitter, of ring great Muhammad Ali. “Rumble young men rumble,” Ali tweeted. “Good luck to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.” All day the MGM Grand hotel and casino pulsed with an energy that shifted to the adjacent arena as the celebrities poured in and the long-awaited bout drew near. Jetting in For superstar tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf the fight was just a night out on the town, they live in Agassi’s hometown of Las Vegas. But many more had jetted in for the event – evidenced by the

pictures tweeted of the crush of private aircraft jamming the Las Vegas airport. That included a bevy of Hollywood stars that included Denzel Washington, Bradley Cooper and Jon Voight. Actor Mark Wahlberg was in attendance, no departure for a man who is a regular at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood, run by Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach. NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who guided the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl title in February, looked cool as ever as he entered the arena in a slick suit and sunshades. Earlier Saturday Brady and team-mate Rob Gronkowski were across the country at the Kentucky Derby, the event that usually dominates the US sports landscape on the first Saturday in May. But even the first jewel in US flat racing’s Triple Crown paled in comparison to the welterweight world title showdown dubbed “The Fight of the Century.”

Mag

Tayo!

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

UTREACH SCE Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month ROSEMEAD, Calif., May 1, 2015 — Southern California Edison (SCE) today celebrates its business and community partnerships in the Asian community at its 10th annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration at SCE’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale. Ted Craver, chairman, president and CEO of Edison International, the parent company of SCE, will speak at the event, which brings together Asian businesses and community partners, recognizes AAPI energy-efficient champions and highlights SCE’s partners with its mission to give back to the communities it serves. This year’s award recipients are Foreign Exchange, RePET Inc., Asian Pacific Community Fund and Chinese American Construction Professionals. Ted Nguyen, a national award-winning social media, public relations and marketing communications professional, is the keynote speaker. “Celebrating Business & Community Partnerships,” with a special focus on giving back, is this year’s theme. “Our Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage event celebrates our cultural diversity and the achievements of Asian-American business and communities partners,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, vice president of SCE’s Business Customer Division and Customer Service Safety. “It’s also an opportunity for Southern California Edison to show our appreciation to the communities we serve.” Receiving SCE’s 2015 Energy Efficiency Participation Award are: Foreign Exchange, a new clothing company with more than 30 stores in California, including nine in SCE’s service territory. Foreign Exchange has played a proactive role in energy savings and its participation in SCE’ Energy Efficiency Express Solutions

program has led to reduced electricity usage and incentives. RePET, Inc., a recycling center, that has maintained corporate values in reducing costs by saving energy and improving safety. Through its partnership with SCE via its Energy Efficiency/Demand Response programs, RePET has installed more efficient lighting and is currently enrolled in SCE’s Real Time Pricing program. SCE’s Community Partnership Award goes to the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF), which is focused on transforming lives and meeting the diverse needs of the AAPI community. To date, APCF has awarded $3 million to its affiliate agencies and other community organizations, enabling culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services to enhance the lives of 225,000 people annually in 27 Asian and Pacific Islander languages, in addition to English and Spanish. SCE’s Diverse Business Enterprise Award will be given to the Chinese American Construction Professionals, which enhances members’ competitiveness in local and global markets, facilitates professional and business networking opportunities and serves the community while nurturing the future of construction professionals. Jestin Ma, a freshman at Stanford University, will share his experiences as a 2014 Edison Scholar and the recipient of a $40,000 scholarship. He is studying computer science and engineering and is a graduate of San Gabriel High School. NBC4 Southern California reporter Hetty Chang will serve as emcee. A native of Southern California, Chang is an Emmy Awardnominated journalist who covers the Long Beach and South Bay communities. About Southern California Edison

“This victory is a testament of the people’s hard work and sacrifice to educate and galvanize the broader public in contributing to the over 185,000 signatures of international support, initiating dialogue with the Indonesian Consulate, an internet campaign that earned top ten tweeted stories, and holding rallies and vigils all the way up to the final hours of Mary Jane’s scheduled execution,” explains Angelica Cabande, NAFCON Northern California Regional Coordinator.

Fil-Ams hail community victory, vow to continue fight for traffic victim Mary Jane Veloso San Francisco, CA. - Filipino leaders and supporters from across the Bay Area gathered in Bayanihan Center to celebrate halting the scheduled execution of trafficked victim Mary Jane Veloso by the Indonesian government on April 28. Organized by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and Migrante Northern California, the event was attended by community members who hailed the people power that ultimately convinced Indonesian President Widodo to delay Mary Jane’s execution. “This victory is a testament of the people’s hard work and sacrifice to educate and galvanize the broader public in contributing to the over 185,000 signatures of international support, initiating dialogue with the Indonesian Consulate, an internet campaign that earned top ten tweeted stories, and holding rallies and vigils

all the way up to the final hours of Mary Jane’s scheduled execution,” explains Angelica Cabande, NAFCON Northern California Regional Coordinator. Filipinos from all walks of life expressed their thoughts and emotions as a community that looked beyond themselves to save their kababayan or fellow Filipino. Attendees narrated how they were constantly monitoring the news of any update that give them a glimmer of hope. Individuals lay sleepless in bed worried of waking up to the bad news of her execution. Others took time away from work and family in planning meetings, outreaching to churches and community organizations, attending multiple rallies, and other behind the scenes work. Bernadette Herrera of Migrante Northern California reminded the group that the fight is far from over, “This celebration is bittersweet. The ex-

ecution of Mary Jane Veloso was delayed but she remains in prison still seeking justice as a trafficked victim. The reprieve from the Indonesian government is just temporary. We must continue to support this campaign until Mary Jane is free and is home in the Philippines with her family. Until she attains justice.” The discussions focused on what community members can do to prevent another injustice like this from happening again, a topic that led to the role of the Philippine government and President Aquino’s inaction particularly on Mary Jane’s case and his administration’s negligence to Filipino migrants worldwide in the past five years. “The Aquino government was slow in appealing for a judicial review of Mary Jane’s case, reflective of the Philippine government’s longtime neglect of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Consulate hosts presentation on innovators of e-Jeepney and social products Los Angeles, 27 April 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General hosted a presentation on “The Future of the Philippines” featuring innovators behind the startups of e-Jeepney and Social Products (black and red rice cultivated in Cotabato) on 23 April 2015. Mr. Justin Garrido of Social Project.PH, a non-profit organization pushing social entrepreneurship as a sustainable means to alleviate poverty, jumpstarted the EVENT with the introduction of Mindanao Black Rice, reckoned to be one of the new super foods that have been introduced into the US organic food market. The Mindanao Black Rice from Cotabato is one of the best colored grains and

A young girl shows GET pass tap payment system on the earth-friendly Comet eJeepney (left).

delivers delicious flavor as well as tremendous health benefits. For his part, Mr. Tony Olaes, businessman and philanthropist, introduced the City Optimized Managed Electric Transport (COMET) E-Jeepney with its exclusive distributor Global Electric Transportation (GET). The COMET harnesses cutting-edge technology to ADDRESS the transport and pollu-

tion challenges of Metro Manila. The dimensions, functionalities and safety features of the COMET took into consideration road conditions and weather in the city. It also brought in an innovation.

www.usasianpost.com

Mag

Tayo!

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Lucky winners picked to see Lani Misalucha live at Pechanga Two lucky raffle winners will see Lani Misalucha perform live at Pechanga Resort & Casino on May 22, 2015. The winners – Lourdes Q. Garcia and Avelino Ang, whose names were chosen from several raffle participants, are among the latest of lucky participants who have seen live concerts of Filipino artists in the prestigious resort located just south of Los Angeles. The raffle contest begun last April 11 and ended on April 29. Entry forms were submitted via email at advertising@balita.com where all the participants did was to put “LANI” as subject and with their complete name, age and phone number in order for their name to be included in the raffle drawing. In the raffle, contestants were asked to answer the two trivia questions about Lani Misalucha. The questions were: What was Lani Misalucha called since she arrived in Las Vegas in 2004? What is the name of the Hawaiian troupe performing with Lani Misalucha in Las Vegas? Filipino recording artists Lani Misalucha and a special guest performer are coming to the Pechanga Resort & Casino Theater on May 22, 2015. Both well-known stars, Lani Misalucha is known as the “Siren of the Las Vegas Strip” after a long time headlining residency. Lani Misalucha is a Filipino singer now based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dubbed “Asia’s Nightingale,” she is a multi-faceted artist, from pop, rock, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues and operatic arias. Having moved to Las Vegas in 2004, Misalucha became the first Asian to headline a main showroom of the Las Vegas strip performing with Hawaii’s Society of Seven at the Jubilee Theater of Bally’s. Since then, Misalucha has been called “New Siren of the Strip.” In March 2008, Misalucha was voted “Best Singer” in the “27th Annual Best of Las Vegas” poll by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Misalucha recently returned to the Philippines to great fanfare to release her seventh studio album, The Nightingale Returns: Lani Misalucha Sings the Greatest Filipino Songbook. Recently, this special performer together with Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera headlined the very successful New Year’s Eve Countdown for Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila. Other upcoming events at Pechanga Resort & Casino include:

● May 15 - Bellator MMA ● May 22 - Lani Misalucha with Special Guest ● June 5 - Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick ● June 6 - 7th Annual Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival ● August 23 - Diana Krall About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experience anywhere in the country. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-877-7112946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook. com/Pechanga and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

Carson, ex-HP CEO Fiorina bring diversity to 2016 race By Michael Mathes

Washington, United States (AFP) Monday 5/4/2015 – The 2016 presidential field expanded by two Monday with the addition of former Hewlett Packard boss Carly Fiorina and conservative neurosurgeon Ben Carson, adding diversity to the race for the Republican nomination. They join three conservative US senators already on the campaign trail – Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio. A sixth Republican contender, former Arkansas governor and television host Mike Huckabee, is expected to throw his hat in the ring Tuesday. Former Florida governor Jeb

Bush and current Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, the current top Republican prospects, are likely to join the presidential fray in the coming months, making the GOP nomination race the most wide open in decades. Democrats by comparison have had a sluggish start, with just Hillary Clinton and liberal Senator Bernie Sanders as announced candidates. As the only woman so far in the crowded Republican field, Fiorina is confident her candidacy could be a counterweight to Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner who is also aiming to be the nation’s first female commander-in-chief.

SHIPWRECK From page 1

“What I can say is only to tell you people who want to come don’t come please, my brothers and sisters, because (it) is hard to say goodbye,” added the girl, who asked for the letter be made public. The child arrived April 14 in Reggio de Calabre in southern Italy with the 150 survivors of a shipwreck which is thought to have killed 400 migrants. She speaks very little and has just begun taking walks with volunteer workers, but the child has been writing in a notebook. “I come from Gambia. I cross the sea to come to Italy,” she wrote in her letter. “Please, please and please. Because of saying this word I know what I saw and I say many things that I cannot say.” The Gambian girl is being housed by the humanitarian group Pope John XXIII Community, which made the letter public. The girl and her parents, who she has not talked about for the moment, set out from Libya with her brother in the hold of a boat,

according to preliminary findings. But the family paid extra money for the girl and her older sister to travel on the deck on the boat. The boat capsized on April 12, likely due to a rush of passengers to one side of the vessel after the arrival of a rescue boat. The girl survived thanks to her older sister, who died in the process. One week later at least 700 immigrants were killed on April 19 when their rickety trawler sank between Libya and southern Italy, sparking global outrage and demands for a solution to the string of deadly migrant shipwrecks. Some 1,750 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe this year, 30 times more than during the same period in 2014. “Our first goal is to help people stay in their home countries,” Pope John XXIII Community President Giovanni Ramonda told AFP. The group works in several African countries and houses over 800 migrants at its centers in Italy.

“Our founders never intended us to have a professional political class,” Fiorina said in her campaign launch video, in which she turns away from an image of Clinton. “We know the only way to reimagine our government is to reimagine who is leading it.” Fiorina sought to paint Clinton, who was secretary of state after serving as a first lady and then US senator, as “the personification” of Washington’s political elite, who will do anything to perpetuate her family’s power following her husband Bill Clinton’s presidency. “She and her husband have been in politics their entire lives,” she said on a long conference call with reporters Monday. Fiorina was a former advisor to defeated Republican presidential nominee John McCain in 2008. McCain tweeted that he is glad his friend Fiorina is running and “appreciate(s) her willingness to serve.” The 60-year-old executive headed Hewlett Packard for six years until 2005, when she was

forced to resign after the company’s share price plummeted. In 2010, she ran an unsuccessful bid to unseat California’s long-serving US Senator Barbara Boxer. The Democratic Party swiftly blasted Fiorina Monday as a “job outsourcer” who was “one of the worst American CEOs of all time.” But the conservative-leaning Independent Women’s Forum said Fiorina “brings business experience, a commitment to individual liberty and free market policies, and a confidence in all Americans that is a stark contrast to Hillary Clinton’s identity policies.” ‘Not a politician’ Carson, who entered the nation’s political consciousness two years ago with a speech criticizing President Barack Obama’s policies in front of Obama himself, is aiming to become the first African-American to win the Republican nomination. The calm-demeanored Carson, who despite a childhood of “dire poverty” in Detroit, emerged as

one of the nation’s most respected medical professionals, has sought political “healing” and a renewed sense of compassion in America. But his positions, including opposition to gay marriage, a “tough-love” approach to people receiving welfare, and his 2013 description of Obama’s health care law as “the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery,” have brought arguments that he would be too extreme a commander-in-chief. “If God ordains that we end up in the White House... we are going to change the government into something that looks like a wellrun business (more) than a behemoth of inefficiency,” Carson, 63, said in his announcement speech in Detroit. But he insisted it was a “blatant lie” that he would shutter vital programs. “I have no desire to get rid of safety nets for those who need them. I have a strong desire to get rid of programs that create dependency in able-bodied people,” he said.

the heroin in her luggage until she was arrested. In the meantime, Valte said the legal proceedings against Ve-

loso’s alleged recruiter should be allowed to push through. “Pero dito muna yan sa Manila,” she said. (MNS)

Sergio and her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao are now under the protective custody of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame. Sergio and Lacanilao have been summoned to a preliminary probe, which was set by the Department of Justice on May 8 and 14 at 2 p.m.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the preliminary investigation will take 60 days to complete. Veloso claimed Lacanilao introduced her to Sergio and a certain “Ike.” In defending her case in Indonesia, Veloso claimed that an international trafficking gang tricked her into bringing 2.6 ki-

lograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin to Indonesia from Malaysia in 2010. She was sentenced to death in the same year. The Philippines had sought for clemency in 2010, and again in April 2015, shortly before Veloso’s scheduled execution. But the Indonesian government rejected the plea. (MNS)

FANS SUE

quiao. I see now why he’s one of the guys that’s at the pinnacle of boxing.” The “Fight of the Century,” that was over five years in the making, eventually played out like a typical Floyd Mayweather bout, as the American neutralized Pacquiao with his shoulder-roll defense and footwork, keeping the “Pacman” at bay for most of the bout. Pacquiao, who was in high spirits all throughout the lead-up to the event, was not convinced of Mayweather’s victory. “It’s a good fight. I thought I won the fight,” he said, sounding somewhat frustrated, after the scores were announced. “He didn’t do anything. He was always moving outside.” Round-by-round The first round was a feeling out process for both boxers, but it was Mayweather who landed the stronger blows with straight right hands down the middle that Pacquiao was unable to avoid. The “Pacman” did try to unload a flurry at the end of the round, only to be tied up by Maywether. Action picked up in the second and third round, with the final 10 seconds of the third being particularly eventful. Pacquiao landed a combination to the head of Mayweather, only for the American to come back with a flurry of his own just as the bell rang. Pacquiao shone in the fourth round, backing up Mayweather with a stiff left straight that sent Mayweather careening back against the ropes. Pacquiao then unloaded with a flurry of punches, but Mayweather was able to avoid much damage by covering up. Mayweather regained control in the fifth round, and clearly hurt Pacquiao with a left straight that landed flush on the Filipino’s chest, and was then able to circle away from Pacquiao’s range. In the sixth round, Mayweather was again backed up against the ropes, and Pacquiao landed a flurry of punches, only to see the American shake his head as though saying that he was not get-

ting hurt. In the corner after the sixth round, Mayweather’s father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was heard exhorting his son, saying: “I don’t know what’s wrong with you, man.” By the seventh round, Mayweather started bleeding from the mouth, and Pacquiao was able to land a left jab that hit the American flush on the face. Mayweather was able to regain control in the eighth round, using his jab to measure Pacquiao and landing two good left hands that the Filipino shook off. Mayweather controlled the next rounds, using his jab to keep Pacquiao at bay while pot-shotting with counter rights and lefts every time the “Pacman” tried to move forward. Pacquiao tried his best to corner Mayweather, but this time around, the American was able to roll away from his punches. The two boxers hugged at the start of the 12th round, and again Mayweather kept Pacquiao at bay though the Filipino landed a few clean shots. Fight of the Century It was a fight that took over half a decade to put together, and many in boxing circles have given up hope that it will ever take place after several rounds of negotiations over the years fell apart and bad blood built up on both sides. The Pacquiao and Mayweather camps finally came to terms earlier this year - with Pacquiao acceding to most of Mayweather’s demands - for a fight that likely broke most if not all of the sport’s box office records. Boxing pundits, including trainers and boxers, tabbed Mayweather as the favorite, believing that his sublime defensive skills will be enough to neutralize Pacquiao’s offensive prowess – and the American proved them right. Pacquiao had his moments, particularly in the fourth round, but for the most part it was Mayweather who controlled the pace of the fight and forced the Filipino to chase him around the ring in a futile effort to land power punches. Pacquiao, who was expected to be the more active puncher, landed only 81 punches out of 429, while Mayweather landed 148 punches of 435.

VELOSO From page 1

Jane was set up to bring drugs to Indonesia. Relatives of Veloso quoted her as saying she did not know about

INDONESIA From page 1

From page 1

NURSING From page 1

one-half for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek for time workers spent conferring during shift changes or in educational meetings. The employer also paid overtime after 80 hours in a two week period, instead of paying overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek, as required by law. Resolution: Investigators from the Wage and Hour Division’s Sacramento District Office established that 34 employees working at three different locations for the same employer were owed $13,784 in unpaid overtime wages and an additional $13,784 in damages, which Bonavente Corporation has agreed to pay. The employer has also signed an enhanced compliance agreement requiring them to imple-

ment an improved record-keeping program and to notify workers of their rights under the FLSA. Quote: “It is our mission to ensure that all employees are paid correctly and for all time worked, including time spent attending meetings and time spent working before and after their regular schedules,” said Nora Pedraza, the division’s assistant district director in Sacramento. “We urge all workers to contact the department’s Wage and Hour Division if they believe that their basic rights have been violated.” Information: For more information about federal wage laws administered by the Wage and Hour Division, call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4USWAGE (487-9243). Information also is available at http://www. dol.gov/whd.

fight night, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission ultimately denied him. Mayweather Jr. backed up his claim of being “The Best Ever” as he out-pointed Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao to win the muchhyped “Fight of the Century” in front of a packed crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). Facing a hostile, mostly proPacquiao crowd at the MGM Grand, Mayweather lived up to his status as the odds-on favorite entering the fight, and flashed the form that made him the top pound-for-pound boxer in the world. The judges scored the bout 118110, 116-112, and 116-112, giving Mayweather his 49th straight victory. The American became the unified welterweight champion of the world as he retained the WBC and the WBA welterweight championships, while also annexing Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title. Pacquiao made a good account of himself and gave a strong effort, but it was not enough as he suffered the sixth loss of his career against 57 wins and two draws. Mayweather was gracious in victory, as he said after the fight: “He’s a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to Manny Pac-

MUSLIM From page 1

as well as from its faction, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and private armed groups pinned down the police commandos as they withdrew from the area where they had killed Marwan, sparking a 12-hour battle.

Between them, Marwan and Usman had been blamed for killing dozens of Filipinos in several missions in a decade-long career. Both terrorists had warrants of arrest for these bombing capers. (Mabuhay News Service)

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

ENTERT

INMENT

A happy Heart Actress Heart Evangelista is enjoying life as wife of Senator Chiz Escudero. She gladly wakes up “extra early in the morning” to do household chores, including preparing breakfast for her husband who needs to roll out of bed by 4:30 a.m. for work. Apart from that, Heart tries her utmost to fulfill her role as stepmother to his twins, citing how she has started a scrapbook project with them so they would have something to bond over. The 30-year-old actress shares, “Masaya ’yung feeling kasi I could really feel na as a woman, ang laki ng ni-mature ko at ang laki na ng patience ko. (I learned) to be more multi-faceted in a way na you have to make time for everybody and everything in your life and not forget yourself at the same time.” Heart takes inspiration from Chiz, whom she describes as the “perfect husband.” “(His perfection) pushes me to be better and to learn more kasi siyempre he’s older, he’s advanced. So parang 10 steps ahead na siya sa akin pero gusto ko siyang maunahan para ma-surprise naman siya,” she says. Asked if Chiz imposes rules on her, she says, “I’m very lucky na hindi siya ’yung tao na pipilitin

Heart Evangelista

ka to be a certain way or dress a certain way. I don’t have to really tailor fit my life to anything. He always tells me to be myself and nothing has to change.” Meanwhile, their plans to have a baby has to wait until after 2016, when Chiz makes a decision about his future in public office. Still, Heart says, “My priority is to become a mom. I want to be a mom already kasi 30 na ako so this is my time to decide if I want to have baby.” Her relationship with her parents, on the other hand, seems to be improving anew. Recall that

Heart’s mom and dad did not attend her wedding. “We’re very good,” Heart says now, adding she recently accompanied her father to his checkup. Her mom, she says, has flown to the US for an urgent matter. They communicate constantly now, she shares, albeit by phone. “Siyempre, hindi naman puwedeng biglain. But what’s important is nag-u-usap kami and I’m not angry, I’m not nagtatampo. Okay na ako so madali na lang siguro ’yan.” As for Angelica Panganiban, who supposedly felt bad about not receiving an invitation to her wedding, Heart says, “Ang tanda na namin para (magkasamaan ng loob).” Heart maintains she invited Angelica to the wedding but the latter turned her down, supposedly because she was to leave for Japan with boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz. “Sinabi ni Angelica na hindi ko raw siya kinulit. Hindi ko rin naman personality ’yung mangulit na go go go. You know, I had other issues, too… like my parents. So I hope she won’t take it to heart that I didn’t keep calling her. We have a whole lifetime pa, my binyag pa, may ninang-ninangan pa,” Heart says. (MNS)

Why Rica Peralejo left showbiz Former actress Rica Peralejo said she is enjoying her life now as a mother and a blogger. Peralejo explained that she made it a point to temporarily leave show business to focus on her family. She married Christian pastor Joseph Bonifacio in 2010 and gave birth to Philip Nathaniel in 2014. “Nag-isip-isip lang ako na parang if I want a quality life, family life muna at least for the first few years. Dapat hindi muna ako mag-showbiz,” she said. “Pwede naman pagsabayin kaya lang it has to be clear to me na that’s what I really want.” Peralejo stressed, however, that she is not closing her doors on showbiz for good. “My life is guided by the principles of the Bible, but those decisions naman are very personal. I ask God, nasaang season ba ako in my life right now? Kasi if he wants me to go back [to showbiz], why not?” she said. Before getting married, Peralejo starred in a number of movies and TV shows, the most popular being the teen-oriented programs “Ang TV” and “Gimik,” and the soap “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.” She also became a host of the ABS-CBN morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda.” (MNS)

Sarah G wants to return to school Despite her success in showbiz, Sarah Geronimo admitted that she still wants to return to school. Geronimo was only 14 years old when she won the TV singing contest “Star for a Night,” which paved the way for her phenomenal rise in the entertainment industry. According to her Wikipedia entry, she finished high school at Angelicum College and holds an Associate in Arts degree from the University of the Philippines Open University. “Alam naman po ‘yan ng VIVA at parents ko at gustong gusto nila ‘yan gawin para sa akin,” she said about finishing her studies. “Pero baka next year po kasi ngayon punong puno na (ang schedule),” she told reporters in an interview on Tuesday. Geronimo admitted that she still hasn’t decided what course to take if ever she does enroll again. “Kasi nandito naman po ako sa linya ng pagiging singer, gusto ko po sana ay ‘yung mas makakatulong pa lalo sa akin,” said Geronimo, who admitted that she still has a lot of things to do in her career.

Vicki Belo, Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho

Katrina Halili reconciles with Hayden Kho, Vicki Belo

Six years after the sex video scandal that even merited a Senate probe, actress Katrina Halili, Hayden Kho, both subjects of the controversy, and celebrity doctor Vicki Belo, have proven that time heals all wounds. Belo took to image-sharing application Instagram to share a photo with Halili, Kho and talent manager Lolit Solis. The picture was taken 10 days ago. “I always believe in forgiving but I have to admit that it’s not easy. But, if God can forgive us for all our sins, who are we not to do the same. Being bitter and unforgiving enslaves you and not the other person. To God be all the glory,” Belo said. Kho confirmed the reconciliation. “After seven years of enmity,

Katrina, Vicki, and myself are now reconciled. And I want to say that just like the restoration of my medical license, the restoration of my relationship with Vicki, Katrina, and many others happened because I first sought to restore my relationship with God,” he said. It was reported early this week that it was Halili who wanted to make peace with Belo. And through the help of Solis, the meeting happened. The sexy actress filed legal complaints against Kho, who lost his medical license for years before regaining it in 2014. Still active in showbiz, Halili is now a single mother while Kho and Belo remain a couple. Kho is also hosting a medical show on TV5. (MNS)

Jolina making waves again

Rica Peralejo

Jolina Magdangal’s career no doubt became more rosy when she returned to her original alma mater, ABS-CBN. Better known before as a teen singer who excelled in romantic comedies, she is now carving a new career as a drama actress in the afternoon soap “Flor de Liza”, where she is reunited with perennial ka-love team Marvin Agustin but is also finding new romance in Carlo Aquino. And not only that, she’s now making waves as one of the eight celebrity contestants in the hit reality show “Your Face Sounds Familiar”. Her previous takes on Lady Gaga and Sampaguita were not that successful as she’s one of the cellar dwellers, but her

recent impersonation of Cher in the show’s third edition was a hit and she won as the topnotcher that Sunday. She even lowered her voice to sound like Cher while singing the tune “Believe” and she did nail it. For this, she won P100,000, half of which went to her chosen charity organization, Kythe Foundation for kids afflicted with the big C. She admits she initially felt pressured when she joined “Your Face Sounds Familiar” but she’s glad she accepted the offer to do it as she has found new friends in her rivals: Karla Estrada, Nyoy Volante, Melai Cantiveros, Tutti Caringal, Jay-R, Maxene Magalona and Edgar Allan Guzman.

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

MOTORING

Singer Vehicle Design, the California king of Porsche customization (Relaxnews) – For the first time ever, a US client-owned Singer Vehicle Design (SVD) re-imagined Porsche 911 will be on display to the public, at this year’s Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance. Typically, announcing that a 1990 Porsche 911 will be one of the stars of an upcoming classic car show wouldn’t be enough to get anyone excited – even huge Porsche 911 fanatics. However, this isn’t just any 25-year-old 964-model Porsche 911. California-based Singer Vehicle Design has been rebuilding Porsches to a very specific formula that blends tradition with modernity since 2009. Founded

by British 911-lover Rob Dickinson, who actually started out as the lead singer in 1990s indie rock band Catherine Wheel, the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance car, ‘Virginia,’ is a totally unique car that took the best part of a year to realize and is one of very few cars Singer has built for a US client. “Each machine we work with has its own special touches,” said Dickinson. “As an example, ‘Virginia’ is the first of the cars we’ve restored that wears the full ‘Touring’ trim on the bumpers and rockers and is the only vehicle to date where a customer has chosen to align an exterior of metallic Fish Silver paint with Sand-Beige

interior leather weave.” While every Singer re-imagined Porsche is unique, all share some elements, the most notable of which is a 964-model chassis— the platform that purists believe is the best. The exterior design brings in lines and forms from the original 1960s-era Porsche. Under the body the powerplant and suspension set up are brought right up to date but in a way that retains the original car’s handling characteristics. The result is a sort of Porsche 911 greatest hits compilation album where every track is just as good as the next. And despite the fact that building something like the Virginia

takes 10 months and typically costs upwards of $395,000, the company is currently streamlining its services and expanding its facilities in order to keep up with growing demand. The 2015 Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will be held on the golf course of the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina on May 2 and 300 rare and classic cars and motorcycles will be on display.

“Virginia” - a 1990, 911 Carrera 2 re-imagined by Singer Vehicle Design. ©Singer Vehicle Design

Could 2015 be the year of greener motoring in Europe? Over the whole of 2014, plug-in electric cars accounted for just 0.3% of new car sales across the EU. However, over the first three months of this year, sales have seen a 117.9% year-on-year increase. But it’s not just electric cars: sales of hybrids and of natural gas powered vehicles are also up significantly. Hybrids, which mate a small diesel or petrol engine with a battery-powered motor for increased economy and reduced emissions saw sales of 56,704 between January and March – a 21.4% increase on 2014’s Q1 figures – while 63,087 natural gas cars have been snapped up over the same period. As for individual countries, the UK saw the biggest jump in demand for alternatively fueled vehicles (+64.2%), followed by France (up 33.9%) and Italy (an 18.1% increase). The new figures, published on Thursday by the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (EAMA), will be greatest as a positive sign within the industry as well as among consumers even if in total, the sales represent roughly 4% of all new car registrations for the year so far. And that’s because the figures also show that interest in greener motoring is gaining momentum, and not before time. As a result of progressively tighter Europe-wide legislation combined with a greater commitment from carmakers, new vehicle CO2 emissions have dropped significantly over the past 20 years to an average of 123.4g CO2/km. “Thanks to huge efforts by European automobile manufacturers and billions of euros worth of investment in R&D, Europe’s cars currently meet the highest environmental standards in the world,” stated the ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert. However, tweaks to petrol and diesel engines can only accomplish so much and as legalization becomes more challenging in 2020 and beyond, without a greater number of alternative fuel vehicles, particular all-electric cars, continuing to meet emissions rules could prove impossible. According to Jonnaert, plug-in electric vehicles only accounted for 0.3% of new car registrations in 2014 and called on the state to to make them attractive to European consumers.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

From Natalie Portman to Karlie Kloss: The biggest fashion icons expected in Cannes As is the case every spring, a veritable whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who of celebrities will meet for the annual celebration of the seventh art in Cannes, taking place this year from May 13-24. Besides international cinema icons, dozens of fashionistas, the instantly recognizable faces of the most luxurious of brands, will also be walking the red carpet in haute couture gowns designed by the most celebrated houses. For two weeks, the Riviera will be brimming with actresses there to represent their films, be they in competition or not. Whether ambassadors for luxury fashion houses or not, every year French and Hollywood stars up the ante in originality and elegance to be the focus of attention as they perform the traditional march up the steps of the Palais des Festivals. Marion Cotillard, a fixture at this annual celebration of cinema, will be on hand to defend Justin Kurzelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Macbeth.â&#x20AC;? She will most

likely once again walk the red carpet wearing Dior, as will Natalie Portman, another muse for the French brand, who will present (out of competition) her directorial debut, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Tale of Love and Darkness.â&#x20AC;? Chanel is expected to dress Diane Kruger, one of its most recognizable faces, who has the lead female role in Alice Winocourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maryland.â&#x20AC;? Phenomenal designs should also highlight the forms of Sophie Marceau, Sienna Miller, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Emma Stone and Charlize Theron, all eagerly awaited on the Riviera. Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal Paris it-girls and muses Kendall Jenner, who since her appearance in Cannes last year has become an unstoppable force in the fashion world, could make a return this year. The newest darling of the designers will inevitably be the center of attention, the choice of her dress comment-

ed on and analyzed ad infinitum. Though we can expect her to be dressed in Chanel, since she has already posed for Karl Lagerfeld, Kendall can always surprise. Cara Delevingne and Rihanna are also expected in Cannes to partake in some of the infamously wild parties. Like every year, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal Paris will give its greatest ambassadors a chance to walk the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals. No fewer than 33 muses will be present in Cannes, including the formidable Eva Longoria (May 17 & 18), who will be celebrating her tenth anniversary with the brand, Jane Fonda (May 16 & 17), Julianne Moore (May 13 & 14), InĂ¨s de la Fressange (May 14 & 15), Liya Kebede (May 13 & 14) and Leila Bekhti (May 13). Some of them will be present for the first time, as is the case for Luma Grothe and Soo-Joo Park, two of the cosmetic giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest muses.

Holiday beauty: Carry-on sized essentials (Relaxnews) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We love nothing more than jetting off for a summer holiday, but packing a carryon can be problematic for beauty lovers. Here we take a look at a few products you can throw into your toiletries bag to keep you looking fresh both on the flight and after landing. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) in the US states that liquids, creams and gels brought onboard the aircraft must be 100 ml or smaller -- thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3.4 ounces. The rules are the same when flying in the European Union. Thankfully, there are still lots of options for on-board beauty essentials: Cartier Baiser VolĂŠ Travel Spray French fashion and perfume house Cartierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baiser VolĂŠ fragrance now comes in a handy travel size of 0.3oz, meaning you can stay sweet smelling on the go. The floral scent features notes of lily petals and green lily leaves. $29 fromSephora. Fake Bake Flawless Travel Kit Every holiday outfit looks better with a tan, but those bottles of

lotion can weigh your suitcase down. Fake Bakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel selection includes a body scrub, a mini bottle of fake tan and moisturizer, all under 100ml. ÂŁ14.95 (approximately $22) from Fake Bake. Diptyque Facial Skincare Travel Set Cover all bases when it comes to skincare with this kit, comprising â&#x20AC;&#x153;Infused Facial Water,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nourishing Cleansing Balm,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Multi-Use Exfoliating Clayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Protective Moisturizing Lotionâ&#x20AC;? from luxury brand Diptyque. $75 from Diptyque. Murad Acne Spot Treatment Flying can cause havoc with your skin. Make sure you have something at hand in case of an un-

expected breakout, such as this Murad Acne Spot Treatment, which reduces the appearance of zits. $16 from Murad. Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Palette A combo palette is a great idea for bringing a variety of makeup shades on vacation. This Smashbox palette features eight colors based on neutrals and metallic bronzes that will look lovely on summer skin. $24 from Smashbox. Redken Travel Size Frizz Dismiss Mask Say no to humidity hair with this new Frizz Dismiss Mask from Redken, which uses pracaxi oil to keep locks smooth and manageable. $6.50 from Ulta.

An apple before shopping keeps junk food on the shelf (Relaxnews) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Eating an apple upon entering the grocery store led to shoppers buying 25 percent more fruits and vegetables than those who did not in a new study from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What this teaches us,â&#x20AC;? says Aner Tal, PhD of Cornell, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is that having a small healthy snack before shopping can put us in a healthier mindset and steer us towards making better food choices.â&#x20AC;? Tal and co-author Brian Wansink conducted three experiments to make their case, the first of which involved 120 shoppers. They were given at random an apple, a cookie or nothing at all as they arrived at the grocery store. Tracking their purchases, the researchers concluded that those who had eaten an apple bought 28 percent more fruits and vegetables than those who had consumed a cookie and 25 percent more fruits and vegetables than those who were not given a snack. In the second experiment, 56 participants who were given either a real cookie or a real apple to eat and then shown 20 images containing two products each. They were asked to select which one they would purchase and each image featured one healthy item and one unhealthy item, calorie count being the distinguishing factor. Results were similar to the first experiment, with the cookie eaters opting for a disproportionate amount of unhealthy items. At this point, the researchers wanted to see whether framing a food item as healthy or not could influence shopping choices. Dividing 59 participants randomly into three groups, they tested the controversial practice of promoting foods as healthy when, in fact, the healthiness of

Snacking on an apple before grocery shopping could lead to healthier food choices, according to a new study. ÂŠLucky Business/Polyvore

that food is either offset by high sugar or absent entirely. The first group was given a chocolate milk labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthy, wholesome chocolate milk,â&#x20AC;? the second was given the same beverage labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;rich, indulgent chocolate milkâ&#x20AC;? and the third received no chocolate milk. All participants were asked to perform a virtual shopping task, choosing between healthy and unhealthy foods. Ironically, those who were given the chocolate milk labeled healthy and wholesome made healthier selections during the virtual grocery shopping exercise. What influences shoppers,

Mag

according to the study, is the perceived healthfulness, rather than the actual healthfulness. The researchers recommend shoppers to eat a small, healthy snack before going to the grocery store in order to reduce hunger and point you in the right direction when it comes to making healthy choices. The study was published Wednesday in the journal Psychology and Marketing along with another by Dr. Wansink that says getting hooked on health foods depends on their being convenient, wellpresented and seeming like the natural choice.

Tayo!

For more news & information, VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.usasianpost.com

Actress Natalie Portman will be in Cannes to present her directorial debut. ÂŠAFP PHOTO DDP/JOHANNES EISELE

Summer 2015 makeup: the dazzling and flamboyant colors of Dolce & Gabbana (Relaxnews) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; As they did for spring, the Italian fashion house is once again playing up the intensity factor with its 2015 makeup collection. Dolce & Gabbanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest palette is inspired by the Mediterranean, the blue flowers painted on the white ceramic tiles that decorate Capri and the nude The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Shineâ&#x20AC;? collection by Dolce & Gabbana. ÂŠDolof the bronzed skin on ce & Gabbana display, but also by the color of one of the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer fragrances, Light Blue. Generally, cosmetic brands opt for more vibrant shades in summer, accentuating bright tones before giving way to an accent on the mouth or eyes, depending on the desired look. This new season is no exception. Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent have chosen to draw inspiration from the Riviera and Morocco, respectively, while Dolce & Gabbana sails us to Capri and its painted ceramics. A radiant sun-kissed color Dolce & Gabbanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Shine collection was created to provide women with bold yet elegant colors and a look of sun-kissed skin. To achieve this look, the Italian brand proposes â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Illuminatorâ&#x20AC;? powder in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lunaâ&#x20AC;? shade ($53) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blushâ&#x20AC;? in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apricotâ&#x20AC;? ($45). Around the eyes, women will rely on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eyeshadow Duoâ&#x20AC;? for a daytime look with the sky blue â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Hueâ&#x20AC;? and matte fuchsia ($44), and on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eyeshadow Quadâ&#x20AC;? and its rose, nude and brown shades for a much more natural day to night makeup ($55). Lips this summer will be coated by a new color, an iridescent semi-transparent light blue. Totally fitting the theme of this new collection, D&Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shine Lipstickâ&#x20AC;? has appropriated the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light Blueâ&#x20AC;? tint, though the less bold can opt for more classic colors like the light orange â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shine Onâ&#x20AC;? and the red â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheerâ&#x20AC;? ($37). Obviously, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light Blueâ&#x20AC;? shade extends to the tip of your fingers thanks to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nail Lacquerâ&#x20AC;? line, offering color options such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nude Lilac,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheerâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peachyâ&#x20AC;? ($26). The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Shineâ&#x20AC;? collection is available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

KITCHENOMICS Spicy Sorghum Chicken Breasts Contributed by Joy Gray Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes 4 chicken breasts 1/2 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons sorghum syrup 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 jalapeno peppers, minced Juice of 1 lemon Salt Pepper Put chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper and gently pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Pierce both sides several times with fork and set aside. In large resealable bag, combine canola oil, sorghum syrup, garlic, jalapenos and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken breasts to bag, seal and refrigerate 2–10 hours. Heat grill to high. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and cook for 6 minutes. Turn to other side and cook for another 6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Grilled Sorghum Tabbouleh Salad Contributed by Brady Shadid Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 1 cup sorghum grain 3 cups water 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and quartered 1 red bell pepper, cored and quartered 1 white onion, cut into wedges 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon 3 bunches parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/3 cup lemon juice Salt Pepper Add sorghum to water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 50 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside and let cool. Sorghum can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight. Brush bell peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil and grill over medium heat for 4 minutes. Turn to other side and grill for another 4 minutes. Remove and let cool. Chop grilled peppers and onion and add to cooled sorghum. Add parsley, mint, lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil to sorghum and toss lightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

FAMILY FEATURES

f your outdoor grilling menu calls for easy, gluten-free dishes to accompany your favorite flame-kissed foods, sorghum may be your secret to success. Sorghum, an ancient cereal grain, is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of preparations, such as leavened and unleavened breads, fermented and unfermented beverages, and a host of flour-based foods such as pizza dough, pastas and cereals. It can also be consumed in place of whole grain in countless recipes and as a syrup. Because it is naturally gluten free, sorghum is a terrific option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who don’t want to sacrifice the texture and taste of grain-based foods. What’s more, the nutrient-rich grain is a good source of iron, calcium, potassium as well as polycosinol, which research has shown to lower serum cholesterol and may improve heart health. For those who monitor glycemic index, sorghum also offers good news. Research indicates sorghum offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means you feel fuller longer, aiding with weight management. Enjoy grilled fare with a new twist. From sweet, savory marinades to crisp, crunchy salads to refreshingly tangy beverages, sorghum is the ingredient that makes these recipes shine. For more recipes and tips for cooking with sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Cooking with Sorghum A wide variety of recipes use sorghum, which can be found in whole grain, flour or syrup form. Learn which type of sorghum is best for your recipe: Use whole grain sorghum for great tasting and healthful dishes just like you would use rice. Whole grain sorghum can be used as an addition to vegetable salads or in cooked dishes like tabbouleh. It resembles bulgar or wheat berries and is a hearty, chewy solution for meeting the daily goal of two to three servings of whole grain. White sorghum flour is made from white food grade sorghum, which has the hull removed and milled like traditional flours. This flour can be used in a variety of baking applications in conjunction with other flours. Whole grain sorghum flour is milled with the entire grain without the hull removed. Whole grain flours contain all of the nutrition found in the outer casing of the grain. Sorghum syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from juice squeezed from the stalks of sweet sorghum. It has a rich, dark color and consistency similar to molasses but with a milder taste.

Southern Sweet Sorghum Tea Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes 6 cups water 4 black tea bags 3/4 cup sorghum syrup 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup bourbon (optional) Juice of 1 orange 1 orange, washed and sliced Mint to garnish

Boil water. Remove from heat, add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sorghum syrup and sugar. Pour into pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Stir in bourbon and orange juice. Add sliced oranges to pitcher. Serve over ice with mint to garnish.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

B MARKET For advertising, call (818) 552-4503 ext 402

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED Full-time. Downtown L.A. Must have experienced in Microsoft, Excel, Words and QuickBooks. Email your resume: LovelyKasingsing@yahoo. com

CAREGIVERS Caregivers needed right away. Irvine Cottages / Memory Care. Assisted Living or Board& Care experienced reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Full-time & part-time live-in female & male. 949-633-1595 or 949-533-1136.

â&#x20AC;˘

Fax (818) 550-7635

LIVE IN/OUT CAREGIVERS Experience needed. Wkdays / wkends. One on one. Good English. Driving / non driving. Bring CA ID, CPR aid card, TB test, Âżnger print results. LA/ SFV residents welcome to apply. Call 818-207-7839.

â&#x20AC;˘

email: advertising@balita.com

CAREGIVERS WANTED Board and Care facility in Moorpark is seeking caregivers who are warm and kind. To apply, please contact Mirvat at 805990-1299.

CAREGIVER Live-in caregiver for board and care. Call Doug (562) 688-6820.

SAVE THE PLANET

CAREGIVER WANTED Live-in. Immediate hire. RCFE. Call (310) 956-5254 ask for Cory.

CLASSIFIEDS TEL.: (818) 552-4503 ext 402

â&#x20AC;˘

Fax: (818) 550-7635

â&#x20AC;˘

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

ANNOUNCEMENTS ROOMS FOR RENT Available now. Nice area in LAFilipino town. Near bus stop, & Filipino restaurant., hospital. Female only. Please call 626-9918336 Salamat po.

Mag

Tayo!

For more news & information, VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.usasianpost.com

reduce. reuse. recycle.

" " #

$ % "

advertising@balita.com

PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE

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

(Never known to fail)

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

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

Oh most beautiful Ă&#x20AC;ower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed

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

Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh

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 ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A

Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary,

mention your request) Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for

I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 6 - 12, 2015

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

Better anti-trafficking laws, higher paying jobs to prevent another Mary Jane – senators MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – As the country celebrates Labor Day, at least two senators on Friday pushed for policies that they believe would prevent another Filipino migrant worker from being placed on another country’s death row like Mary Jane Veloso. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. called for a review of the country’s law on anti-trafficking in persons and the performance of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). “The case of Mary Jane Veloso serves as a rude awakening for all of us that despite our efforts much remains to be done to combat all forms of human trafficking,” Marcos said in a press statement. He said there is a need to revisit the anti-trafficking in persons law to find out if we need to improve its provisions and review the performance of the IACAT to determine if it’s in the side of implementation where our effort is lacking. He said that based on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report released on June 2014, the Philippine remains on Tier 2 classification or

countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000) minimum standards but are making significant efforts to comply. “Tier 1” countries are those whose governments fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking while “Tier 3” countries are those whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so. In the TIP Report the US Department of State places each country into one of three tiers based on their government’s efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking as found in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). Marcos said while the TIP recognized the Philippine government’s efforts to prosecute sex and labor trafficking offenses and to impose stringent sentences on convicted sex traffickers “it did not make progress in convicting labor traffickers and its overall number of convictions remained

low compared to the size of the problem.” Higher-paying jobs Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, on the other hand, urged the government to provide local employment programs and higher-paying jobs in the country to encourage Filipinos to stay and work in the Philippines. “The cost of Filipinos working overseas is higher than we think. Yes, we can talk about their remittances that spur our economy but do we really want to become the world’s employment agency? If we ask most of our countrymen, I think they would definitely still prefer to stay at home but with higher-paying jobs,” said Angara, acting chairman of the committee on labor, employment and human resources development. He said the labor force grows an addition of almost one million every year, and the number cannot be absorbed by available jobs here in the country, forcing Filipinos to seek better-paying jobs abroad to support their families even with the risk of facing abuse and exploitation. A total of 1,135 person have

been victims of human trafficking in 2013 while the number of OFWs facing death penalty cases, most of which are drug-related, has reached a total of 88 as of March this year, based on Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) records. Angara said that what would really make migration a matter of choice and not a necessity is by providing higher-paying jobs in the country. “We are pushing for the expansion of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) to serve as job placement agencies in provinces and municipalities to help people find work amidst reports that it takes up to two years for new graduates to get work,” he said. He is also pushing for the passage of the Apprenticeship Training Act to provide young Filipinos with skills and access to employment, noting that a majority of apprentices are hired by the companies where they have their apprenticeship. “Aside from job-generating programs, one way of ensuring higher wages is by amending our outdated tax system that overbur-

dens our middle-income workers and make it more progressive and equitable—one that promotes upward mobility and a just society,” said Angara. With the current system, which remained unchanged since 1997, an upper middle-income earner who makes around P60,000 a month is already at the top tax bracket and is paying the same tax rate as the millionaires and billionaires in the Philippines. The ways and means committee chairman stressed that tax brackets should be adjusted to keep up with inflation and to make them more sensitive to current salaries of Filipinos. Convicted for bringing in over two kilos of heroin in Indonesia, Veloso was due for execution along with eight other foreigners Tuesday but got a last-minute reprieve to allow her to testify against her alleged illegal recruiter. The reprieve came after Ma. Cristina Sergio, the woman who allegedly recruited her to work as domestic helper abroad and tricked her into carrying the illegal drugs in Indonesia, turned herself in to the police. (MNS)

De Lima told to resign if DOJ too busy to file more pork barrel scam cases MANILA, May 1 (Mabuhay) – A party-list lawmaker has advised Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to resign if she was already too busy with other matters to attend to the filing of another batch of cases against the officials reportedly involved in the pork barrel scam and the Malampaya fund scam. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said it’s best for De Lima to turn over the reins of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to someone with more time on their hands to focus on filing the pork and Malampaya cases, especially since she is rumored to be eyeing a Senate seat in 2016. “If the reason [for the delay of filing the cases] is she’s busy, it’s best for her to resign at ibigay ang posisyon sa gustong i-prosecute

ang third batch ng mga officials sa pork scam,” he told reporters. While stressing that De Lima has the right to run for office, Colmenares said her duties as Justice Secretary shouldn’t suffer because of her political plans. The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), however, slammed De Lima’s purported lukewarmness in filing the cases as he hit what appears to be the Aquino administration’s selective brand of justice. “Noong 2013, nagmamadali sila noon sa pag-file ng first at second batches ng PDAF cases, as well as the first batch of the Malampaya fund, tapos ngayon sasabihin nilang hindi priority ang third batch ng PDAF at second batch ng Malampaya?,” UNA

interim president and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said in a statement. “Nakapagtataka naman yatang bigla na lang tumamlay ang pagtingin ng pamahalaan laban sa mga taong sinasabi nilang nang-abuso ng pondo ng bayan,” he added. 97 mayors excluded Tiangco noted that De Lima isn’t apparently keen on sending Liberal Party members to jail even as the UNA claims knowledge that some of them received allotments from the Malampaya Fund, Priority Development Assistance Fund and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). He recalled that the DOJ had excluded 97 mayors who supposedly benefited from the P900-mil-

lion Malampaya fund scam from the list of officials it charged before the Office of the Ombudsman. Earlier this week, De Lima said she is uncertain if she can concentrate on filing of the third batch of pork barrel scam cases and the Malampaya scam case because there are other more “urgent” cases she had to personally attend to. The DOJ lodged the first PDAF-related complaint against 38 persons, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr, and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as alleged mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, in September 2013. In November 2013, the DOJ filed the second set of charges against 34 individuals, which included former congressman Ruffy Biazon.

The DOJ also filed a plunder case in the Ombudsman against former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Napoles and 22 others in October 2013. Based on reports that came out last year, among those who would be facing cases in connection with the pork barrel scam are Sen. Gregorio Honasan and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva. De Lima, however, refused to confirm if these reports were true. For his part, LP vice chair for political affairs and Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice dismissed Tiangco’s allegation as proof that the opposition is “playing politics” again.