Usap10232013 by Balita Media Inc

Celebrating

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Anne had girl admirers in grade school See ENTERTAINMENT 11

Vol. 3. No. 6

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Over P100M needed for 4 damaged Bohol churches MANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) – More than P100 million is needed to restore or rebuild four churches in Bohol that were heavily damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the province and other parts of central Visayas last week. Atty. Trixie Angeles, the legal counsel of the National Com-

mission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the agency’s vice chairwoman for the national committee on monuments and sites, said a lot of money is needed to address the structures of the St. Peter’s Church in Loboc, the Baclayon Church and two small churches in Tawis and Luay. See OVER 100M, page 6 Team Albay-OCD5 assisting in the aerial delivery of relief goods to far-flung towns of Bohol. (MNS photo)

Damage caused quake nears P900-M

Residents walk past a destroyed church belfry in Tubigon, Bohol , a day after an earthquake hit central Philippines October 16, 2013. (MNS photo)

Filipino ‘sultan’ who launched Sabah incursion dies MANILA, October 20, 2013 (AFP) – A self-proclaimed Philippine sultan whose followers launched a bloody incursion into the Malaysian state of Sabah earlier this year died of organ failure in a Manila hospital on Sunday, his wife said. Jamalul Kiram III, 75 – who described himself as the “Sultan

of Sulu” after a group of islands in the southern Philippines – died at a government hospital but remained defiant to the end, his wife, Fatima Kiram said. “The sultan died a poor but honourable man,” she told AFP, adding that his fight to reclaim Sabah as part of the sultanate’s See SULTAN DIES page 6

13 Vietnamese arrested in PHL over sea turtles PUERTO PRINCESA, October 21, 2013 (AFP) – Thirteen Vietnamese fishermen were arrested after being found in Philippine waters with a haul of protected sea turtles, police said Monday. The fishermen were caught on Friday off the western Philippine island of Palawan, in waters near the South China Sea where authorities say foreign poaching of endangered or protected species

has become a major problem. “Upon initial inspection, it was found out that the said foreign fishing vessel is loaded with undetermined (number of) pieces of dead sea turtles,” said Benigno Caabay, a station officer at the Palawan police provincial headquarters, quoting an official report. The 13 are being held at a poSee VIETNAMESE, page 6

MANILA, Oct. 21 (Mabuhay) – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday announced that damage caused by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Central Visayas has hit the P867.244 million mark. This includes damage to critical infrastructure like roads, bridges and flood control facilities. This is concentrated in Cebu and Bohol, two areas hit hardest

Senators expect explosive pork inquiry with Napoles’ presence MANILA, Oct. 21 (Mabuhay) – Now that the Senate has finally subpoenaed Janet Lim Napoles, some senators see explosive showdown between the alleged pork barrel scam queen and whistleblowers led by Benhur Luy in the next Senate inquiry set on November 7. ”It could be explosive but we don’t know if it is the equivalent of a political nuclear bomb or minor firework,” Senator Sonny Angara said. On Monday, Senate President

damaged. Five roads were not passable while one was hardly passable in Bohol and Cebu. It also said power in 47 municipalities in Bohol had been restored. The NDRRMC earlier said the death toll rose to 186, with 583 injured and 11 still missing all in Bohol The breakdown of the death toll was at 173 in Bohol, 12 in Cebu and 1 in Siquijor. (MNS)

Pope Francis says Filipinos close to his heart MANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) – Pope Francis on Sunday urged pilgrims to pray for the people of the Philippines after a series of natural disasters hit the Asian nation in recent months. In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis spoke about the need to “pray always, without growing weary.” He also expressed his closeness to the people of the Philippines, especially the victims of the recent earthquake. “I want to express my closeness to the people of the Philippines who have been struck by a strong earthquake, and I invite you to pray for that dear Nation, which in recent days has suffered differSee POPE FRANCIS, page 6

Students cover their heads with textbooks during an earthquake drill at an elementary school in Parañaque city, Metro Manila October 17, 2013. Nearly 3 million people were affected by the 7.2 magnitude quake on October 15. (MNS photo)

19 people Aquino reports successful confirmed killed in state visit to South Korea Quezon province MANILA, Oct 19 (Mabuhay) – ang tumatamasa na ng kahangaPresident Benigno S. Aquino III hangang kaunlaran. Ang matibay road accident reported a fruitful visit to South ko pong paniniwala: Kung kaya

MANILA, Oct 19 (Mabuhay) – The death toll from a predawn multi-vehicle smashup in Quezon province rose to 19 Saturday morning, as some of the injured died while being treated at hospitals. One of the latest fatalities was a four-year-old boy who died while being treated in a hospital in Gumaca town. At least one girl was also reported missing, even as it was not immediately clear if she was CELEBRATING THE SENATE’S 97th ANNIVERSARY. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon addresses Senate officials and employees during the Senate’s flag raising ceremony Monday, October 21. Drilon took the opportunity to thank everyone for what he calls a “selfless act” in deciding to forego plans to celebrate the annual Christmas Party in favor of donating the funds to the victims of recent calamities that struck Visayas and Mindanao. The Senate, which is also celebrating its 97th Anniversary, has also decided to allocate the budget for the anniversary to the victims of the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu. (MNS photo)

by the quake. Of the amount, Bohol sustained P763.480 million in damage, while Cebu sustained P96.16 million in damage in Negros Oriental has P250,000 and Siquijor has P7.3 million The NDRRMC said a total of 39 bridges were affected of which 34 are passable and five not passable in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental. It added 45,641 houses were destroyed while 10,020 were

See ROAD ACCIDENT, page 6

Korea saying the Philippines could learn from that country to be progressive. In his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday evening, the President said he went home from South Korea with strong determination to continue pursuing national transformation that his administration has been spearheading. “Nakita po natin ang isang bansang dumaan din sa napakatinding pinsala, at ngayo’y talag-

nilang maabot iyon, tiyak ko po, kaya rin itong maabot ng Pilipino,” the President said in his message. The President likewise asked the support of every Filipino to join the collective effort to transform the country into a more progressive nation. “Nakakataba po talaga ng puso ang pagkakataong maging kinatawan ng aking mga Boss sa ating mga karatig-bansa – dahil talaga nga pong ibang-iba na See AQUINO REPORTS, page 6

Palace: Obama visit may push through now that US shutdown has ended

Franklin Drilon signed the subpoena ordering Napoles as well as the whistleblowers to appear and testify before the Senate blue ribbon committee on Nov. 7. ”Only Janet Lim Napoles and her lawyer would know beforehand what she will say or not say,” Angara said. For his part, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV believed that Napoles would not tell to the Senate panel everything about the fake non-government organizations

MANILA, Oct 19 (Mabuhay) -- Now that the partial shutdown of the United States government is over, Malacañang said the visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines may now push through. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while there has been no sign for now on when the visit will take place, saying it could be at a “mutually convenient” time for both countries. “(Obama) also committed to push through with his visit at a

See NAPOLES, page 6

See SHUTDOWN, page 6

SEOUL, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes National Pension Service (NPS) of Korea chairman and chief executive officer Kwang Choi during a meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here during his State Visit on Friday (October 18). NPS has gained over 20 million contributors, 3.3 million beneficiaries and emerged as the third largest pension fund in the world with over 400 trillion won in assets. Also in photo are Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (MNS photo)

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

PJA president: I don’t know ‘Ma’am Arlene’ MANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) – The president of the Philippine Judges Association on Monday denied knowing a certain “Ma’am Arlene”, an alleged court-fixer that has been likened to pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. Quezon City regional trial court branch 83 judge Ralph Lee said allegations linking him to Arlene may be related to his position as PJA president. The rumors said it was Arlene who allegedly bribed judges to vote for Lee in the PJA elections. “Sa aming palagay ay isa etong smear campaign laban sa akin ng aking mga katunggali na huwes,” he said. Lee denied knowing Arlene or even an Arlene Angeles Lerma who allegedly left the country on October 16. “Siya raw ang sumagot ng kwarto, parang vote-buying. Hinihikayat ang mag huwes na bumoto matapos bigyan ng kuwarto sa Manila Peninsula. Wala akong kilalang Ma’am Arlene. Wala po akong kilala na kahit pangalan niya ay hindi na umiikot. Ang masasabi ko lang po sa ating lungsod sa RTC ng Quezon City wala pong taong ganung umiikot at hindi ho ganon ang husgado,” he said. Lee noted that rumors about Ma’am Ar-

lene circulated about 2 weeks before the PJA elections. He said the rumors were an attempt to malign him and also sullied the reputation of the PJA. He said the rumors could be a way to malign the judiciary. The PJA president denied being approached to favor a litigant in exchange for money. He denied that retired judges can unduly influence the outcome of a case. The high court has already started an investigation on the actuations of “Ma’am Arlene,” tagged as the Janet Lim Napoles of the judiciary. SC spokesperson Theodore Te stressed the work of the committee led by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen is to verify if there really is such a person and whether she participated in influence peddling. “Hence, its mandate and work continues. The committee is at the organizational stage and further announcements will be made this week,” Te said. The Office of the Court Administrator was the first to announce an investigation on the matter. The Court of Appeals followed suit. The influence of “Ma’am Arlene” allegedly also covers the Department of Justice and Office of the Ombudsman. (MNS)

Bayan Muna to Palace: Don’t use Visayas quake to justify DAP MANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) –minority party-list lawmaker on Monday cautioned the Palace against using the sad plight of those affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu to justify the realignment of funds under the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares also hit the Aquino administration for the supposed depletion of the executive’s contingency and calamity funds. “The people of Bohol need all the help the government can provide and President Aquino should deliver government aid in the most efficient and equitable manner. It’s not right for Malacañang to say that it cannot deliver aid without the DAP and other pork barrel when they have billions in the 2013 budget,” Colmenares said. Earlier, Rep. Martin Romualdez, leader of the independent bloc in the House, said his group will not block the use of government savings to help those in quake-hit areas in Bohol and Cebu.

But Colmenares noted that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website reports that it has only spent P1.404 billion of their P7.5 billion calamity fund, not including the P3.4 billion in Quick Response Fund in various agencies, and the P14 billion school building fund of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to rebuild schools. This prompted the lawmaker to say that any use of the DAP would be “palusot” or a measly excuse for the administration to access the funds. “The Aquino administration should stop making ‘palusot’ and should not use the sad plight of the people of Bohol and Cebu in its obsession for the DAP and presidential pork,” Colmenares said.The DAP became controversial after a privilege speech by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada insinuated that the funds were used as “incentives” for senators who voted to convict impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona. The Supreme Court has set oral arguments questioning the legality of the DAP for October 22. (MNS)

TOO MANY DEBTS? NO WAY OUT?

STOP

• Foreclosure • Repossessions • Wage Garnishments • Creditor Harassment • Lawsuits • IRS Levies

THE LAW OFFICES OF

PAUL M. ALLEN Personal Attention. Honest Answers. Real Solutions Affordable rates. Easy payment plans. Free consultation. Evening and Saturday appointments available.

Glendale:

Cerritos:

520 E. Wilson Ave. Ste. 110. Glendale, CA 91206

17215 Studebaker Rd. Ste 380. Cerritos CA 90703

818.334.5445 818.552.4500

562.356.9931 562.865.4480

We are a federally designated debt relief agency. We help people file for Bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy code. All attorneys are members of the California State Bar and all services are supervised by an attorney. This is a legal advertisement. Nothing contained in this advertisement implies any guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter or the result of any legal representation.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Palace: Quake, disaster preparedness should start at home MANILA, Oct 19 (Mabuhay) – After the deadly magnitude-7.2 quake that devastated Central Visayas, Malacañang on Saturday pushed for quake preparedness measures at the community and family levels. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said families should draw up and review their own measures, saying disaster preparedness starts at home. “We highly encourage everybody to review your family’s disaster preparedness measures. Kung lahat tayo maihanda ang pamilya natin, malaking bagay ‘yan,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. Her call came amid reports that the West Valley Fault Line could move every 200 to 400 years, with the last major movement occurring 200 years ago. So far, she said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has been distributing geo-hazard maps to local governments. “Ang pinakamagandang panangga rito, ihanda natin ang ating pamilya,” she said. In the meantime, she urged the public to make sure their homes are structurally sound. She also said government preparedness measures “will be for naught if citizens do not cooperate.” “If we can take care of our families and contribute to the preparedness of communities, malaking bagay ‘yan (it will go a long way) to make sure there will be less relief and rehabilitation necessary in times of calamities,” she said. The Phivolcs in also constant communication with institutions near the West Valley Fault Line, she added. “When institutions are given information, it’s their responsibility to make sure their structures are sound,” she said. (MNS)

Miriam wants to end President’s pork MANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Monday filed a resolution that seeks to end the President’s alleged offbudget or “pork barrel” funds including the funds from the Malampaya gas project, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Santiago, chairwoman of the committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, said all off-budget funds, particularly the funds from Malampaya, PCSO, and PAGCOR should be included in the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) submitted annually by the President to Congress. She said so-called “off-budget funds” are unconstitutional, because such funds violate the constitutional provision which states: “No money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.” (Constitution, Art. 6, Sec. 29, para.1) The senator said that these off-budget funds were created during martial law and excluded from the national treasury, violating the “one-fund” concept, which she called a “sound concept that should not admit of any exception.” “At present, these off-budget funds are under the complete control of the President, without an appropriation made by Congress. The practice of off-budget funds is an evil that should be struck down on its face for violating the Constitution,” she said. Santiago said it is Congress that possesses the sole power to appropriate the revenues earned by government. She noted that the BESF report from Malacañang is supposed to contain the sources of government revenues and their corresponding amounts, and a proposal on how these funds shall be spent for the next fiscal year. She said the BESF report does not include the off-budget sources of revenues, such as the Malampaya Fund, the PCSO Charity Fund, and the PAGCOR Social Fund. “These three major sources of national revenues are used, distributed, and disbursed, outside the budget process. The Constitution reserves the budget process for Congress, which consist of elected public officials. But under the off-budget process, it is non-elected public officials, principally the budget secretary, who decide, on instructions by the President, how these public funds should be spent,” she said. Santiago said the Malampaya Fund, consisting of royalties collected by the government from the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, has reportedly earned P170 billion. The senator said that while P.D. No. 910 provides that the Malampaya Fund is intended for energy development projects, the Fund can also be spent “for such other purposes as the President may deem necessary.” “This allows the President to use the Malampaya Fund to finance projects not related to energy, by merely issuing an executive order without consulting Congress,” she said. Santiago said the second example is the PCSO Charity Fund under R.A. No. 1169 as amended. Santiago gave as a third example the PAGCOR Social Fund under P.D. No. 1067-A, which is intended to finance infrastructure and sociocivic projects. “All three funds – Malampaya Fund, PCSO Charity Fund, and PAGCOR Social Fund – are not included in the annual budget and therefore, are not deliberated upon by the Congress. Such funds do not go through the national treasury, contrary to the clear mandate of the Constitution,” Santiago said. (MNS)

w w w. u s a s i a n p o s t . c o m 520 E. Wilson Ave, Suite 210 Glendale CA 91206

Tel. • 818.552.4503 Fax • 818.550.7635 5030 Paradise Road Suite A-108 Las Vegas, NV 89119 • 702.382.0914 (Las Vegas)

415.957.0696 (San Francisco) Publisher

BMI Marketing Director

Alex Llorente

Editor Vice David President for Operations Casuco

Executive

Editor

Rhony Laigo

Alan Michael

Advertising Coordinator

Automotive Advertising Manager

Myra Portez

Liza Rafallo Office Manager/Classified Advertising

Lyn Mendoza

Vice President for Operations Photographer

Circulation Manager

Alan Michael

Ronnie Villo

Phillip Ner

For editorial: Have a story tip, letter to the editor or suggestion? Email info@usasianpost.com or Mail your letter to: Editorial Department, USAsian Post - BMI., 520 East Wilson Ave., Glendale, CA, 91206. Submissions must include full name, mailing address, and contact numbers. All contributions are subject to the paper’s editorial standards. For advertising: Email info@balita.com. USAsian Post is a publication of Balita Media Inc., the leading source of news and information for the Filipino American community, which also publishes the Weekend Balita. Please note that the views and opinion expressed by contributing writers and syndication partners are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect that of the publishers. All advertising materials are subject to the paper’s editorial standards and discretion. They do not necessarily reflect the view of the publishers. All rights reserved. Reprints of materials published in the newspaper should have the explicit permission of USAsian Post.

THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

Most Pinoys believe half of lawmakers’ budget goes to corruption – surMANILA, Oct 21 (Mabuhay) – Majority or three of four Filipinos believe half of the budget for lawmakers’ projects is wasted on corruption, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey. The survey also showed that at least half of the Filipino population is not aware of any projects implemented in their areas by members of Congress in the last six years. According to Pulse Asia, 54 percent of the 1,200 surveyed adults said they “(do) not know of any project or program in their place” implemented by senators or members of the House of Representatives from the 14th and 15th Congress. “Lack of awareness is reported by majorities in almost all geographic areas (54% to 64%) and socio-economic classes (52% to 55%),” the survey, released on Monday, said. Meanwhile, 77 percent said at least half of the budget goes to corruption. “In particular, 30 percent say half of a program’s budget is lost to corruption, 27 percent think more than half of the budget goes to corruption and 20 percent are of the view that nearly the entire budget of a lawmaker’s program goes to waste,” the survey said. At least 17 percent said less than half of the budget is pocketed, while only 6 percent said none of the funds goes to corruption. The survey was conducted from September 14 to 27, 2013, around the same time plunder and malversation complaints were filed against Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile,

Jinggoy Estrada, and two former members of the House of Representatives in connection with the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam. Also named respondent in the complaint was controversial businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the scam. They were accused of diverting some P10 billion in government money to questionable non-government organizations and ghost projects. The alleged misuse resulted in several public protest actions – including the largest one under the Aquino administration last August 26 – calling for the abolition of the pork barrel system. According to the survey, the number of Filipinos saying almost all of the budget is pocketed increased by nine percentage points from October 2004 to September 2013. Meanwhile, the percentage of Filipinos who believe half goes to corruption declined by seven percent points. The survey added that more Filipinos or 42 percent said lawmakers should prioritize implementing their projects in their areas of constituency. Meanwhile, 32 percent said lawmakers should prioritize their legislative work, 14 percent said they should focus on investigating scandals and other matters, while 12 percent said the priority should be on the review and passage of the budget. An earlier Pulse Asia survey showed three out of five Filipinos believe the alleged misuse of pork barrel funds remains a reality even during President Benigno Aquino III’s term. (MNS)

SC rules retiring Judiciary employees need not secure clearance from CSC MANILA, Oct. 21 (Mabuhay) – The Supreme Court has ruled retiring Judiciary employees need not secure clearance from the Civil Service Commission. In an en banc decision, the SC declared inapplicable “the requirement of seeking a Clearance of Pendency/Non-Pendency of Administrative Case from the [CSC] embodied in Section 7, Rule III of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10154 to retiring employees of the Judiciary.” The decision arose from the a memorandum made by Atty. Eden Candelaria, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Administrative Services of the SC, requesting guidance/ clarification on the applicability to the Judiciary of the rule requiring that retiring employee shall seek Clearance of Pendency/Non-Pendency of Administrative Case from his/her employer agency, CSC, Office of the Ombudsman, or in case of presidential appointees, from the Office of the President. Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution exclusively vests in the SC administrative supervision over all courts and court personnel. As such, the SC oversees the court personnel’s compliance with all laws and takes the proper administrative action against them for any violations. Thus, the SC keeps in its custody records pertain-

ing to the administrative cases of retiring court personnel. In its decision, the SC said “the subject provision – which requires retiring government employees to secure a prior clearance of pendency/non-pendency of administrative case/s from, among others, the CSC – should not be made to apply to employees of the Judiciary.” “To deem it otherwise would disregard the Court’s constitutionally-enshrined power of administrative supervision over its personnel. Besides, retiring court personnel are already required to secure a prior clearance of the pendency/non-pendency of administrative case/s from the Court which makes the CSC clearance a superfluous and non-expeditious requirement contrary to the declared state policy of RA 10154,” the decision said. “It must, however, be noted that since the Constitution only accords the Judiciary administrative supervision over its personnel, a different treatment of the clearance requirement obtains with respect to criminal cases. As such, a clearance requirement which pertains to criminal cases may be imposed by the appropriate government agency, i.e., the Office of the Ombudsman, on retiring court personnel as it is a matter beyond the ambit of the Judiciary’s power of administrative supervision,” it added. (MNS)

Obama defends health law despite chaotic debut BY STEPHEN COLLINSON

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2013 (AFP) – President Barack Obama said Monday there was “no sugarcoating” the problems clouding the online launch of his health care law, but mounted a firm defense of a system that will help define his legacy. Obama struggled to assert control over a mounting political storm over the rollout of Obamacare websites, which gleeful Republicans are using to argue the system is fatally flawed and will never work. “There’s no sugarcoating it. The website has been too slow, people are getting stuck during the application process,” Obama said in a Pres. Barack Obama speech in the White House Rose Garden. “I think it’s fair to say that nobody is more frustrated by that than I am.” Obama spent much of his first-term political capital on a system which is the closest America has ever come to universal health care. And he was adamant that many people are getting insurance for the first time in years and that Obamacare functions well as a whole. “Let me remind everybody that the Affordable Care Act is not just a website,” Obama said. “It’s much more. “The point is, the essence of the law, the health insurance that’s available to people, is working just fine. “In some cases, actually, it’s exceeding expectations,” he said, describing malfunctions and delays on the Healthcare.gov website as “kinks.” Obama promised that his administration was doing everything it could to fix website glitches, and had called on some of the country’s best computing experts to fix it in a tech “surge.” “Precisely because the product is good. I want the cash registers to work. I want the checkout lines to be smooth,” he said. The president read out a free phone line number for people to register with the site, and argued that

the website had been visited 20 million times already. The White House however refused to give out figures on the number of people who have completed the registration process and bought health care plans in the newly established insurance market places, designed to increase the risk pool of people seeking insurance. Republicans have pounced on the problems with Obamacare’s rollout, arguing that it is a disastrous sign of what happens when the government gets involved in the private insurance market. While the White House highlights cases of people who have been able to buy insurance for the first time and popular aspects of the law, Obama’s foes offer stories of those who have seen existing plans cancelled in the disruption in the health care market caused by Obamacare. “Obamacare is the nation’s biggest job killer and stands in the way of our country’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Ted Cruz, the Republican Senator who campaigned to make a raising of the US government’s borrowing authority contingent on defunding Obamacare in a political showdown that ended last week. “It should be defunded and repealed,” Cruz said in a statement. House of Representatives Republican leader Eric Cantor said that Obamacare’s problems were larger than a malfunctioning website and would take more than a “tech surge” to fix. “The website does serve as stark evidence that the federal government is ill-equipped to centrally manage our nation’s health care,” Cantor said. The program, which opened for business on October 1, aims to provide access to medical care for millions of Americans who often are priced out of other health care options. The federal website serves 36 states, with the 14 other US states managing the system locally with their own websites. But the websites have struggled with overloads, glitches and crashes, in a big embarrassment for the program and for the president.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

UTREACH 2013-14 Edison Scholars Program seeks student applicants ROSEMEAD, Calif., Oct. 8, 2013 – Are you a high school senior planning to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields in college? If so, you may be eligible for one of several $40,000 scholarships being offered by Edison International (EIX), parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE), which has announced the application period for its 2013-14 Edison Scholars Programs, running now through Jan. 10, 2014. The $1.2 million program, which offers 30 scholarships valued at $40,000 each paid over four years, is for Southern California high school seniors who either live in or attend public or private high schools in SCE’s service area and will be pursuing college studies in the STEM fields. Students from low-income families are especially encouraged to apply. “The Edison Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity for any high school student in our service area who has a 2.8 GPA or better and wants to pursue higher education in the STEM fields,” said Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Investment for SCE. “If you know high school seniors who qualify and would benefit from the fouryear scholarship, please pass the word along and encourage them to apply.” Since 2006, EIX has awarded almost $4 million in scholarships to 460 students. “At Edison International, we realize that higher education is a transformative tool that fuels the future,” Tumbling said. “As

an energy company, we recognize the skills needed for our future workforce and to help advance our country.” To apply and to get additional eligibility information, students are encouraged to go to: www. scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2014 and recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. For more information about SCE, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About Edison International Edison International (NYSE:EIX), through its subsidiaries, is a generator and distributor of electric power and an investor in infrastructure and energy assets, including renewable energy. Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison. Edison International’s support of charitable causes is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. The company’s community donations are part of its commitment as a leading corporate citizen. Southern California Edison (SCE) customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.

Fashion Designer Lou Razon dresses celebrant: Bim, who recently celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary with husband DJ (Oct. 13, 2013), poses with her dress designer, Lou Razon, (left photo) at Trump National Golf Club. The wedding anniversary was also attended by Kelvin And Cielo Mate, Emma Baguio, Elmer Banez, Mr & Mrs German Bautista, Mama Etiquia & Emilyn Bañez.

Bands to play at Tribute Two The Beatles at Josephine’s in Cerritos November 24 Several bands, most of which are composed of Filipino-American rock artists, will play Beatles songs on November 24 during the Tribute Two The Beatles event at Josephine’s Bistro Restaurant in Cerritos, California. Organizers said performing bands will include RockingChair Band, No Dice Classic Rock, the so-called “Beatles of Pinas” the Rubbersounds, the “young Beatles” the Shave Fish, The Deltas and the Bits n Pieces of the old Manila music circuit. Other bands slated to play are local talents the Pasadena Klassics, Housewines Blues Band, Cocobola Club, Horse Exchange and Nervous Gender Project, some players of whom belonged to the biggest rock bands in the U.S. The bands will perform beginning at 4 p.m. in what is deemed to be the biggest rock jams of the year to hit Southern California. It was the Rocking Chair Band,

who became a byword in the Fil-Am community after the First Battle of the Filipino Bands in 1994 in Cabrillo Beach, and who produced the First Fil-Am Tribute to The Beatles Concert in Los Angeles, according to Rommel Torres, one of the event organizers. Torres said the featured bands, guest musicians and other entertainers will all pay tribute to the greatest rock band on earth the Beatles, and will play only Beatles song cover.

Torres said the first First Fil-Am Tribute to the Beatles was held last January 13, also in Josephine’s Bistro. “It was a blast,” Torres said, “and most musicians in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas , etc... cameto gather and see the show and meet with other musicians.”

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com foundations have been compromised, and so on,” Angeles said. Angeles added that they also have to “consider the feelings of the stakeholders,” saying that they do not want to end up putting the heritage structures “in a glass case.” “The best heritage structures are the ones that are being used because they are appreciated. We don’t want to put heritage in a glass case or a bottle and say, ‘look.’ We want people to use them, to appreciate them,” she explained.

OVER 100M From page 1

She stressed, however, that they still have to collate the opinions of other experts to come up with a final budget. “We have something in the back of our heads but this is not a final amount… We know it is going to be more than a hundred million to address four structures because they need to be retrofitted. They need to be shored up. There have to be tests done on the structure itself to see if any of the

SULTAN DIES From page 1

territory would continue. “His last words to all his brothers and followers were, ‘It has already begun. Let us continue it for the good of our people. Do not abandon our people,’” she quoted him as saying. She said, however, this did not mean renewed violence, adding that the family was willing to enter into negotiations with Malaysia. Her husband had been undergoing twice-weekly dialysis sessions for kidney disease before his death. Reacting to the death, President Benigno Aquino’s spokeswoman Abigail Valte said, “we offer our condolences to the bereaved family and to his loved

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Labor Certification (PERM) Nurse and P.T. Petitions Specialty Workers (H1B) Treaty Traders & Investors (E) Adjustment of Status (I485) Family Petitions (I130) Employment Petitions (I140) Intercompany Transfer (L1) Extraordinary Ability (O1) Investor Visa ($1M. $500K) Artists & Athletes (P1, P3) Religious Workers (R1) AAO Appeals & MTR

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Request for Evidence (RFE) Notice of Intent to Deny/Revoke Fiancé & Spouse (K1/K3) Student Visas (F1/M1) J1 Waiver (212e) Visitors (B1, B2) Crewman & Transits (C1, D1) Battered Spouse/Child (VAWA) Child Status Protection (CSPA) Removal of Conditions (I751) Citizenship and Naturalization All other Related Matters

D’Andrea Law Corporation 510 South Grand Ave. Suite 203 Glendora, CA 91741

(626) 852-8600 FREE CONSULTATION

ones”. In February, at least 100 armed followers of Kiram, who claimed to be the hereditary chief of the “Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo,” entered Sabah to press his claim on the Malaysian state. After the group refused to lay down their arms Malaysian security forces moved against them, resulting in deadly clashes that left dozens dead and sent the invaders fleeing. The Sultan of Sulu once ruled over islands that are now parts of the southern Philippines, as well as Sabah. However the sultanate lost control of Sabah to European colonial powers in the 18th Century. The former British colony became part of the federation of Malaysia when it was formed in 1963.

NAPOLES

THE US ASIAN POST

filed with the Office of the Ombudsman by the Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation in connection with the pork scam. Despite an advice from Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales not to summon Napoles, the senators unanimously agreed in a caucus to subpoena the alleged controversial businesswoman in the next Senate inquiry. Aside from Benhur Luy, other

whistleblowers required to attend the November 7 hearing include: Gertrudes Luy, Merlina Suñas, Marina Sula, Mary Arlene Baltazar, and Simonette Briones. Senate blue ribbon chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III said it would be “very convenient” to require Napoles and the whistleblowers to attend in one hearing to have “a system of cross and checks and balances.” (MNS)

Vatican were touched by the Pope’s message. Last Friday, Pope Francis also encouraged Catholics in the Philippines and the rest of Asia to “love the Church more and that you would share the Gospel to all people with humility and joy.” He ended his message with

the words: “Mabuhay ang Pilipínas! Mabuhay ang Asia! Pagpaláin kayó ng Dios!” The Pope issued the message during the three-day Philippine Conference on the New Evangelization held at University of Santo Tomas. (MNS)

quest for stability in AQUINO REPORTS country’s its disputed territory.

There was fruitful discussion on the issues of defense, disaster response, trade, maritime dispute and sports, the President said. President Park committed South Korea’s assistance to Zamboanga City, which was devastated by recent violence as well as

to the Visayas region affected by a strong earthquake this week. South Korean companies like Hanjin have committed to intensify its investment in the country, he reported. The Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), which contributes to around 10 percent of power generated in the country, wanted to widen its operations in the Philippines.

namese were caught, the Philippine navy rescued more than 100 sea turtles from poachers. But the fishermen, whom authorities believed to be Chinese, escaped. Twelve Chinese fishermen were also arrested in April after their boat, which ran aground on a protected reef, was found to be carrying hundreds of dead pango-

lins, or scaley anteaters, another protected species. Their case is still pending in court. The issue of foreigners poaching endangered species has become sensitive in the Philippines, with environmentalists calling for stronger action against the perpetrators.

SHUTDOWN

to Malaysia, which saw the last US president landig in the peninsula more than 40 years ago by the late President Lyndon Johnson. The partial shutdown had been caused by a deadlocked Congress, but ended after a budget deal was passed. President Benigno Aquino earlier said he understands why Obama canceled his visit to the Philippines amid the partial government shutdown. “(W)e perfectly understand the situation. Stability in their economy promotes stability for the rest of the world’s economy and that is something we need if we are to make a better life for all of our people,” he said. (MNS)

From page 1

(NGOs) she used to siphon billions of priority development assistance fund (PDAF) of the lawmakers. ”I don’t expect her to speak at all. But, in case she does, I don’t expect her to tell the truth,” Trillanes said. Trillanes said the presence of Napoles in the Senate probe has no bearing to the case already

POPE FRANCIS From page 1

ent calamities,” he said. Aside from last week’s earthquake, the country has also been hit by two destructive typhoons. Filipino pilgrims visiting the

From page 1

ang mukhang maihaharap natin sa mundo ngayon. Hindi po ako magsasawang sabihin: Talagang napakasarap maging Pilipino sa mga panahong ito,” he said. Also in his message, the President said he got the support of President Park Geun-Hye for the

VIETNAMESE From page 1

lice camp in Palawan while officers look into filing a case against them, Caabay added. Sea turtles are protected under Philippine law and catching them is punishable by at least 12 years in jail. In recent years, Philippine authorities have frequently caught foreigners, often Chinese, catching or buying sea turtles in the waters off Palawan. In November last year, in the same area where the Viet-

Pasadena Koll Center 1055 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500, Pasadena, CA 91106

www.dandrealaw.com • info@dandrealaw.com

Washington D.C. Bar • American Bar Association • American Immigration Lawyers Association • Federal Bar Association • Orange County Bar • Los Angeles County Bar

ROAD ACCIDENT From page 1

among the fatalities, the report said. The affected part of Maharlika Road in Atimonan town, near where the smashup happened at 1 a.m., was passable only to light vehicles, it added. Most of the fatalities died on the spot according to a report from the provincial police.

From page 1

mutually convenient time for both countries. Kakatapos lang ng domestic issues doon,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. But when asked if there has been any immediate indication of when the visit will be, she said, “Wala pa naman (None as of now).” Earlier, the US announced Obama may not push through with his visit to the Philippines due to the partial shutdown of the government in the US. Not only did Obama cancel his trip to the Philippines, he also didn’t attend the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and also cancelled what could’ve been a historic visit

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Study Now Pay Later Program pushed MANILA, Oct. 21 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has moved to strengthen the Study Now Pay Later Program (SNPLP) pioneered by President Aquino’s late father, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., to enable the government to reach out to more poor but deserving students. Rep. Eric Olivarez (1st District, Parañaque City) filed House Bill 265, to be known as the Reformed Study Now Pay Later Act of 2013, which provides for a reinforced financial assistance program for qualified individuals. The bill mandates that seventy percent allocated for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) annually through their various financial assistance programs shall go to the SNPLP’s Loan Trust Fund. Likewise, the amount derived from loan repayments of borrowers, including the principal and interests, shall accrue to the Loan Trust Fund. Olivarez said the SNPLP is a big help not only for students but also for parents who are willing to give and do all just to provide for the education of their children. However, Olivarez said, providing for children’s education is not the sole obligation of parents. “Education as a service program is not only the parents’ obligation but the government’s as well, which is mandated to give education to their citizenry so that in

FDA eyes requiring licenses from candle makers, importers

MANILA, Oct 19 (Mabuhay) – Manufacturers and importers of candles may soon be required to get a license from the Food and Drug Administration, which vowed to make sure such products will not be sources of hazards at home. In FDA Advisory 2013041, the FDA last week said candles are considered as health products under the FDA Act of 2009. Candles, both scented and unscented, are expected to be in demand in the coming weeks since All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days are just around the corner, it noted. “The FDA will make sure that candles are not sources of hazards at home. The FDA will eventually inform all candle manufacturers, importers and distributors to secure a License to Operate and apply for market authorization of their products from FDA,” FDA head Kenneth HartiganGo said. It said Republic Act No. 9711, the FDA Act of 2009, considers candles as health products, and categorizes them as household hazardous substances or articles. So far, Hartigan-Go said there is one scented candle registered with the FDA. Focus Hartigan-Go said the FDA will focus on the safety of the wicks, wax and scents and colors of the candles. According to him, cotton and hemp wicks, as well as metal-free wicks, burn cleanly and safely. Candles made from beeswax, palm or other vegetable wax, and paraffin are also considered safe, he added. “Scented candles that use essential oil are not known to have any negative health effects. Smokes or scents emitted by candles are not known to trigger allergies in hypersensitive persons,” he added. But he said that while a well-made candle does not emit smoke when burning properly, “it is always good and safe to remember to burn candles in a well-ventilated area.” Precautions Meanwhile, HartiganGo reminded the public to take precautions in burning candles, including: Burning candles should never be left unattended, and they should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. Never burn candles near articles that easily catch fire. Do not burn candles all the way to the bottom. Keep burning candles wide apart to ensure proper combustion and to prevent formation of soot.

the end they will become effective partners of the government in nation building as future leaders and good citizens,” Olivarez said. Olivarez said a significant number of students have availed of the SNPLP, a core legislation of the late Sen. Aquino. “However, under our present dispensation, in order to carry a more social and widespread coverage of the said law, there is a need to amend the program,” Olivarez said. The bill covers any Filipino citizen who is not more than 30 years of age and whose parents or guardians have gross annual income not exceeding P180,000. He or she must be enrolled or intend to enroll in a priority course to be determined by CHED and TESDA; must have passed the National Secondary Achievement Test with at least 75 percent and, if previously enrolled in any post-secondary course, must have a weighted average of 2.5 or higher. As for the repayment scheme, the bill provides that “any loan granted shall be paid by the student-debtor after he has finished the course or profession for which the proceeds of the loan were expanded, but only after a period of two years from the time he has acquired employment.” Should the student debtor fail to find a job, “the government shall endeavor to provide ample assistance to students under the program in obtaining possible employment,” the bill said.

PAUNAWA NG MGA IMINUNGKAHI PARA SA PAMPUBLIKONG KATUNGKULAN ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang mga sumusunod na tao ay iminungkahi para sa mga katungkulan na nakatakdang punuan sa Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal na gaganapin sa Lungsod ng Artesia sa Martes, 5 Nobyembre , 2013: Para sa Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod

Bumoto nang hindi hihigit sa tatlo

Ali Taj Sally Flowers Victor Manalo Melissa Ramoso Manu Patel John P. Lyon Gloria Considine Klerk ng Lungsod

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Housework shouldn’t count as exercise, study finds (Relaxnews) – If you count housework as exercise, you may need to rethink this, experts suggest. A new British study published October 18 in the BMC Public Health journal finds that gardening, DIY, vacuuming, and cleaning shouldn’t count toward your 150-minute weekly totals of moderate to vigorous exercise. Prior studies have suggested that housework can certainly make you break a sweat, but the new study suggests that people tend to overestimate how active they actually are when doing domestic chores. University of Ulster researchers interviewed 4,563 adults on their workout habits. While nearly 43 percent of the population reported activity levels that met UK standards of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, domestic chores accounted for nearly 36 percent of reported exercise. Those who counted housework in their weekly exercise tally were heavier than people who chose other forms of exercise. Perhaps not surprisingly, women tended to report more time spent doing housework as part of their physical activity. When researchers excluded housework as a physical activity, only 20 percent of women met the physical activity guidelines. While vacuuming or sweep-

ing floors can get your heart pumping, your calorie burn pales in comparison to activities such as cycling or running. Thirty minutes of vacuuming

THE US ASIAN POST

Learning new skills can boost brainpower as you age: study

burns 130 calories; 30 minutes of cycling on a stationary bike burns 400 calories, according to the Compendium of Physical Activities Tracking Guide.

(Relaxnews) – A new study finds that taking up new activities in your golden years can help keep your brain sharp. Earlier this month, new research from Concordia University in Montreal had similar findings, showing that hobbies such as reading, socializing, and traveling can keep your mind engaged and boost mental health as your grow older. The new study, from the University of Texas at Dallas, supports this ethos, but takes it further in finding that learning new skills, such as taking photography classes, can improve cognitive functioning. Findings, announced Monday, are set to published in the journal Psychological Science. Head researcher Denise Park enlisted 221 adults, ages 60 to 90, to engage in a particular type of activity for 15 hours a week over the course of three months. Some participants were assigned to learn a new skill—digital photography, quilting, or both – “which required active engagement and tapped working memory, long-term memory, and other high-level cognitive processes,” the researchers said. Other subjects engaged in other less-demanding activities at home, such as listening to classical music and completing word puzzles. To account for the possible influence of social contact, some participants were assigned to a social group that included field trips and group entertainment. At the end of three months, Park and colleagues found that the subjects who were engaged in learning new skills showed improvements in memory compared

to those who engaged in social activities or non-demanding mental activities at home. “It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something – it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially,” said Park. “When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.” “People built relationships and learned new skills – we hope these are gifts that keep on giving, and continue to be a source of engagement and stimulation even after they finished the study,” she

A new US study shows that learning a new skill later in life, such as digital photography, can help keep your brain sharp. Photo: spotmatik/shutterstock.com

added.

We’ll help you fulfill your American Dream •FAMILY PETITION •FIANCÉ VISA •U.S. CITIZENSHIP •H-1B WORK VISA •DEFERRED ACTION PROCESS

THE LAW OFFICES OF

PAUL M. ALLEN

•SPOUSAL PETITION •GREEN CARD •EMPLOYER PETITION •STUDENT VISA

Personal Attention. Honest Answers. Real Solutions CALL US FOR FREE CONSULTATION. Saturday and evening appointments available.

Glendale:

Cerritos:

520 E. Wilson Ave. Ste. 110. Glendale, CA 91206

17215 Studebaker Rd. Ste 380. Cerritos CA 90703

818.334.5445 818.552.4500

562.356.9931 562.865.4480

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

B MARKET

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

CAREGIVERS WANTED! Now hiring full-time facility caregivers in Simi Valley, CA. With or without experience, willing to undergo training. Call 1-888-237-5945 or 805-582-2188

•

Fax (818) 550-7635

•

email: advertising@balita.com

FEMALE CAREGIVER

VISAYAN INTERPRETER

Live-in for the elderly care home in Arizona. Sponsorship available (must be in the US to qualify). No experience needed.

Live-in

GOT CARS?

CAREGIVER

Fax your resume: (Call first)

Call (480) 766-1786

TIPS, GUIDES AND MORE...

CHECK OUT OUR

MOTORING

323-661-6875

SECTION

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

•

Fax: (818) 550-7635

WANTED AUTOMOTIVE SALESPEOPLE EAGLE ROCK UNIT Back house nice area bet. Pasadena, Glendale & DTLA. Like new w/ sep. entry. 1 BR 1 BA, kitchen. 1 Female only, non smoking, no pets. $700/mo. Util. incl. 323-340-8135.

GREAT PAY

EXCELLENT GROWTH OPPORTUNITY IF INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO:

HARUTK@HONDAOFHOLLYWOOD.COM

•

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

COMPUTER REPAIR Got virus? Is your computer so sloooowww; has a blue screen; the videos are not playing; or your internet's not working? Is there something wrong with your computer?

HP, Toshiba, Dell, Sony, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Samsung and other PCs

I WILL Fix IT

For a flat fee of

I will make your computer working again, fast and virus-free, install of new parts or even upgrade your computer software (if applicable). Desktop or laptop, I'll find out why your computer is malfunctioning and fix it right away!

LA Desktop & Laptop Services

Call us at (818) 823-8388•(213) 598-0704 • Email us: LAComputerShop@yahoo.com

(* Drop Off Only. Labor only per unit, hardware and other parts are charged separately. Additional charges may apply.)

NOW AVAILABLE! Balita Digital Copy

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

MOTORING GM to launch dual-fuel car in 2014

(NEW YORK CITY-AFP) – General Motors said Wednesday it will launch a car next year with the ability to operate on both gasoline and compressed natural gas, taking advantage of abundant US gas supplies. GM chairman and chief executive Dan Akerson unveiled the new dual-fuel Chevrolet Impala at an energy summit in Washington marking the 40th anniversary of the OPEC oil embargo. The 2015 model year sedan will be offered to customers beginning in mid-2014. GM says it will be the only manufacturer-produced full-size bi-fuel sedan in North America. Akerson said the bi-fuel Impala would use “affordable technology” to reduce oil consumption and save consumers money at the pump The powertrain will switch “seamlessly” from compressed natural gas to gasoline at the touch of a dashboard button. The car will have a range of up to 500 miles (800 kilometers), and

its ability to use both fuels will reduce user fears over replenishing the tank in a natural gas-only vehicle. GM, the largest US automaker, pointed to natural gas as a cleaner-burning transportation fuel compared with petroleum products and its significantly lower cost than gasoline at current prices. The conference—OPEC Oil Embargo + 40: A National Summit on Energy Security—was focused on the 1973 OPEC oil embargo that crippled the economy and assessing the country’s dependence on oil imports. “We know that US energy security won’t come from a one-off moonshot,” Akerson said. “It will flow from our systematic investment in technology and innovation,” including a drive to get more from existing energy sources and renewables and a commitment to conservation. “And it will be assured by fully and safely exploiting our shale gas reserves,” he said.

Hevo Power Green Loading Zone: The charging plates are disguised to look like manhole covers. Photo: Hevo Power

New York to test EV chargers embedded in roads (Relaxnews) – A pilot project scheduled for 2014 will enable electric vehicles to wirelessly top up their battery packs every time they pass over a manhole cover. From the outside, at least, they will resemble manhole covers, but in actual fact they will be resonance wireless charging plates in disguise, able to transmit 220 volts and up to 10 kilowatts of en-

ergy to a vehicle, as long as it has a charge receiver and the driver’s smartphone is running the right app. The brainchild of Hevo Power, the project will see its first charging points deployed in New York’s Washington Square Park, to be used exclusively for charging the batteries of two Smart Cars belonging to New York University.

General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson unveils the 2015 Chevrolet CNG-Capable, Bi-Fuel Impala Wednesday, October 16, 2013 in Washington, DC. Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt for Chevrolet

However, according to Wired, which first reported on the project, Hevo Power has also been approached by Pepsi and Walgreens, among others, with a view to building larger charging networks for delivery vehicles. Allowing electric cars to charge wirelessly as they drive along inner city roads will not only drastically reduce pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases, it will also address battery-powered vehicles’ biggest drawback – range. Even the Tesla Model S, the poster child for green motoring, is only capable of traveling 500km on a single charge and it is a special case. Most pure electric cars are only capable of one-fifth that range before everything comes to a standstill. New York is by no means the first city to invest in or examine the benefit of wireless charging.In Italy on the streets of Turin and Genoa, wirelessly charged electric buses have long been a common sight. Charging coils are located at road junctions, bus stops and the bus terminal, all of which is enough to keep bus batteries topped up throughout their 125mile (or 200 kilometers) daily routes.

Dandelions are being grown on a massive scale at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, where researchers hope to turn the plants into rubber tires. Photo: Fraunhofer IME

In the near future tires could be made from dandelions

(Relaxnews) – Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany are working with tire maker Continental to develop a technique for producing tires from the tenacious and prolific weed. According to the two partners, dandelion juice can actually be transformed into rubber, providing an ecologically friendly source for tire production. The research and development phase is expected to last five years, after which Continen-

tal hopes to move towards adopting the technique for its tire production in Europe. Currently, researchers are experimenting with a variety of dandelion native to Russia – the only species currently capable of producing enough rubber to serve the purposes of the project. Researchers plan to present their first prototypes for dandelion-made tires five years from now. Producing tires from dandelions – which thrive across the Northern hemisphere – is particularly of interest to European manufacturers such as Continental. Unlike rubber trees, which must be imported from areas with tropical climates, dandelions can be grown at or near European tire production sites, meaning that the costs and CO2 emissions related to the transport of the raw material are greatly reduced.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

ENTERT

INMENT

Anne Curtis had female admirers in grade school Anne Curtis thinks it is about time that the lesbian community also gets its own pageants, just like gays. This comes after the actress was asked for her reaction on their new segment on “It’s Showtime” called “That’s My Tomboy” which made it to the local Twitter trending topics for two consecutive days. “I think it’s about time that they get to have their own pageant. Ang po-pogi nila. But then you get to know the deeper side of them because you get to see that they are still in touch with their feminine side,” she said. “Nandoon pa rin naman ang pagkababae nila. It’s just that they are attracted to the same sex,” she added. According to Curtis, having lesbian friends is nothing new to her since she went to an all-girls school when she was in grade school. Asked if she also had female

Anne Curtis

admirers, Curtis admitted: “Yes, when I was in grade 7, kasi allgirls [school] ako. Hindi naman [ako niligawan], grade 7 lang so puro padala ng letter. You’re all friends eh. Wala pang malice.” New endorsement

Meanwhile, Curtis said she is happy to have another company which trusted her to be their endorser. Curtis was recently launched as the face of a videoke microphone due to her fondness for singing. “I didn’t know what to say when I was informed that I’m going to be the endorser. All I can say was ‘Are you serious? Me? Why not!’ Being a singer by choice, it’s suitable,” she said. Despite criticism from some people, Curtis said she still loves to sing even if she does not have a great voice. “I want to be a singer regardless. I believe it is part of the culture of Filipinos because it’s everywhere. It’s part of our lifestyle and our culture already,” she said. Earlier this year, Curtis toured the country to stage her show, “No Other Concert,” which materialized following the success of her “Annebisyosa” concert at the Araneta Coliseum last year. (MNS)

Tintin Bersola-Babao says she was Amy Perez’s choice to replace her on ‘Face The People’ When Tintin Bersola-Babao was asked by TV5 to be the cohost of Gelli de Belen on “Face The People” after Amy Perez had decided to leave the network for “personal reasons”, she was at first hesitant to accept the offer. “Ayaw ko talagang tanggapin nung una kasi baka masaktan si Amy,” Tintin admitted during the recent press launch of TV5’s newest reality talk show. “It was only when she gave me her blessing

and told me na ‘ikaw talaga ang pinili ko diyan’, saka ko lang siya tinanggap”. Having worked with the former “Face To Face” host on TV5’s “Good Morning Club” where they comprised the popular triumvirate Kumare Club with Chiqui Roa-Puno, it’s no surprise that Tintin and Amy have developed a close friendship that continues even now that they are no longer with the same network. With Amy’s blessings, Tintin

did not at all feel that she has big shoes to fill, especially since she has had her share of hosting gigs and “Face The People” has a format that is radically different from “Face To Face”. Although the new show still focuses on resolving personal problems, it particularly centers on individuals with personal dilemmas seeking public advice and the intervention of a diverse group of opinionated people.

Angelica Panganiban and bf John Lloyd

During quake, Angelica called John Lloyd to say goodbye Actress Angelica Panganiban thought she was going to die when she felt the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol last Tuesday. Panganiban said she got scared when she saw people outside their bus running around and screaming. “Talagang tinatapon kami sa loob ng bus. Pagbaba namin, parecover pa lang kami tapos biglang may lalaking tumatakbo sa likod namin galing ng beach tapos sabi niya nawala ‘yung tubig,” she related. Panganiban said she immediately sent her mom and boyfriend, actor John Lloyd Cruz, messages telling them what’s happening. “Nung nagkakatakbuhan na, tumawag ako kay Lloydie tapos parang nagpapaalam na ako, sabi ko ‘Mamamatay na kami, mamamatay na ako. Luminlindol dito mamamatay na kami.’ Akala mo talaga katapusan mo na. Nagpapasalamat lang ako na sa pinag-

daanan namin, kumpleto kaming nakauwi,” she said. Panganiban was in Bohol at the time along with the cast and crew of “Banana Split” for a scheduled out-of-town taping. According to comedian Pooh, they were all rattled when they saw the walls of their hotel cracking. TV host Alex Gonzaga, for her part, said she tried to keep her composure during the earthquake. “Kalmado naman ako the whole time kasi nagpe-pray naman ako. Dapat may presence of mind ka muna,” she said. The team stayed in an open area in front of the Tagbilaran City Hall until they were allowed to fly back to Cebu and then to Manila. Following the incident, the cast and crew of “Banana Split” have undergone stress debriefing. They have also resumed taping for the gag show last Thursday. (MNS)

Wednesday - Tuesday, October 23-29, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

EVERYONE IS SWITCHING TO DIRECTV, EVEN THE CABLE GUYS.

Mag-sign up na sa DIRECTV ngayon. 98*

MONTH

For 12 months

3 Pinoy Channels ®

PinoyDirect package

+ Over 125 Digital Channels

FREE

GENIE™ Upgrade^

FREE

for 3 Months

Connect up to 4 rooms with one HD DVR. Additional equipment required. Additional & Advanced receiver fees apply. Minimum 2-room set-up required for free Genie upgrade.

Over 45 Premium Channels

PREFERRED CHOICE™ package

DIRECTV also offers bundle packages: TV, High Speed Internet and Home Phone. A separate agreement for High Speed Internet may be required.^^ Additional Telco equipment and service fees apply. High Speed Internet and Phone services not included in advertised price. Eligibility based on service address.

ALL DIRECTV OFFERS REQUIRE 24-MONTH AGREEMENT.**

It’s time for you to switch and save over $700. Upgrade to FilipinoDirect™ package at $34.99/mo to enjoy the full Pinoy channel line up. WorldDirect packages require activation of a qualifying base package.

Dateline Philippines, ANC

TFC

GMA Pinoy TV

GMA Life TV

Anderson Cooper 360, CNN

EXCLUSIVE*

*Among cable and satellite providers

Offers end 1/2/14. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation. Programming, pricing and offers are subject to change and may vary in certain markets. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas.

Limited time offers. Call today!

1.888.913-7772

*BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for three months, a value of $141. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Featured package/service names and current prices: PREFERRED CHOICE $43.99/mo., PinoyDirect $24.99/mo., FilipinoDirect $34.99/mo. Advanced Receiver fee $25/mo. PREFERRED CHOICE package requires a qualifying WorldDirect international a la carte service. Price includes a $24 instant bill credits for 12 months for PREFERRED CHOICE Package. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. **24-MONTH AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or any qualifying international service bundle. Advanced Receiver-DVR fee ($10/mo.) required for DVR lease. Advanced Receiver-HD fee ($10/mo.) required for HD Receiver lease. Advanced Receiver fee ($25/mo.) required for Genie HD DVR, HD DVR and TiVo HD DVR from DIRECTV lease. TiVo service fee ($5/mo.) required for TiVo HD DVR from DIRECTV lease. If you have 2 Receivers and/or one Receiver and a Genie Mini Client /Enabled TV/Device, the fee is $6/mo. For the 3rd and each additional Receiver and/or Genie Mini Client/Enabled TV/Device on your account, you are charged an additional fee of $6/mo. per Receiver, Genie Mini Client and/or Enabled TV/Device. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT (EXCLUDING GENIEGO DEVICE) IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com/legal OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. ^GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE OFFER: Includes instant rebates on one Genie HD DVR and up to 3 Genie Minis (excluding model C41W) with activation of the ENTERTAINMENT Package or above; ÓPTIMO MÁS Package or above; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package. Free upgrade offer requires a Genie HD DVR and at least one Genie Mini. $99 fee applies for single-room set-up. Whole-Home HD DVR functionality requires a Genie HD DVR connected to the primary television and a Genie Mini, H25 HD Receiver(s) or an RVU-capable TV/Device in each additional room. Limit of three remote viewings per Genie HD DVR at a time. Visit directv.com/genie for complete details.INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation in up to four rooms only. Custom installation extra. †BUNDLE SERVICES: DIRECTV customers must activate (or currently subscribe to) a qualifying television package, the ENTERTAINMENT Package or above, OPTIMO MÁS Package or above, or any qualifying international service bundle which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE Package and add qualifying service(s) from a preferred provider. ^^HIGH-SPEED INTERNET: HighSpeed Internet subject to availability and may require a separate commitment. Service not available in all areas. Eligibility based on service address and phone line. Internet service provided by a preferred DIRECTV provider and may be billed separately. Prices vary depending on provider and are subject to change. Separate appointment for Internet installation may be required. Equipment may be required and sold separately. Start-up costs, taxes and other fees may apply. Computer system requirements vary by provider. Terms and conditions for selected Internet service provider apply. A separate DIRECTV television service commitment required. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in order conﬁrmation. ©2013 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, GENIE, PREFERRED CHOICE and all WorldDirect service marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.