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january 4-10, 2013
Volume 6 – Issue 6 • 16 Pages
UN allocates $10M fund for Pablo victims Pres. Obama and Vice Pres. Biden announce the passage of the fiscal cliff bill last Jan. 1. AP photo
MANILA—A $10-million (P408.6-million) allocation from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will be given as lifesaving assistance to thousands of families affected by typhoon “Pablo.” It will target seven key sectors that the government has identified as immediate priorities, including emergency shelter, debris clearing, water and sanitation, nutrition, protection and health. David Carden, head of the Office for the Coordi-
nation of Humanitarian Affairs in the Philippines, said: “The CERF’s timely and significant support will play a critical role to take early action and response to reduce the loss of life.” The international community is seeking $65 million to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs in Davao and Caraga regions. To date, donors have given or pledged $38 million to support the humanitarian efforts in eastern Mindanao.
United Nations agencies, the International Organization for Migration and their humanitarian partners will step up relief efforts and life-saving activities in Davao and Caraga regions most affected by the disaster. Pablo crossed Mindanao on Dec. 4 and 5. It affected six million people, partially or totally destroyed more than 200,000 houses and displaced over 970,000 people. More than a thousand peoPAGE A2
Despite fiscal cliff deal
House sets vote for Sandy aid after criticism
Taxes to rise for most Americans
WASHINGTON—While the tax package that Congress passed New Year’s Day will protect 99 percent of Americans from an income tax increase, most of them will still end up paying more federal taxes in 2013. That’s because the legislation did nothing to prevent a temporary reduction in the Social Security payroll tax from expiring. In 2012, that 2-percentagepoint cut in the payroll tax was worth about $1,000 to a worker making $50,000 a year. The Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan Washington research group, estimates that 77 percent of American households will face higher federal taxes in 2013 under the agreement negotiated between PresiPAGE A2
DATELINE
USA
A man walks past a small commercial strip that burned down during Superstorm Sandy in the Rockaways section of New York, last Jan. 2. Inset photo shows (L-R) Reps. Peter King, Jerrold Nadler, Joseph Crowley, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Md., Reps. Gregory Meeks and Eliot Engel. The NY lawmakers were outraged after learning the House Republican leadership decided to allow the current term of Congress to end without holding a vote on aid for the storm’s victims. AP photos
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
FBI arrests Filipino car-dealer in LA for fraud
Donaire named Automated voting planned for ‘Fighter of the Year’ Filipino overseas voters
LOS ANGELES—A Filipino car dealer, who allegedly bilked investors of tens of millions and defrauded banks of hundreds of millions of dollars before fleeing the country in the late 1980s, is in US custody. Eminiano “Jun” Reodica, the former president of Grand Chevrolet in Glendora, was arrested by FBI agents on November 27 at 9pm somewhere in California, according to his court appointed attorney Moriah Radin. “There were no issues in his arrest,” said Radin, a deputy federal public defender, to the Asian Journal. “He provided his true identity. He’s been very cooperative with law enforcement officials.” PAGE A2
Fil-Am chosen HI senate president HAWAII – FilipinoAmerican Hawaii State Senator Donna Mercado Kim (D-Moanalua, Aiea, Kalihi Valley) has been selected as the new senate president of the Hawaii legislature. The state’s upper house reorganizes, after the death of long-time Filipino champion and US senator Daniel InSen. Donna Mercado Kim ouye. Kim, the former vice president of the senate, will now preside during the 27th Hawaii State Legislature in January, replacing Senator Shan PAGE A3
WASHINGTON — The House is headed for a vote on aid for Superstorm Sandy victims after House Speaker John Boehner mollified Republicans from New York and New Jersey upset with his decision to cancel action on the bill. Facing intense pressure, Boehner agreed to schedule a vote on $9 billion for the national flood insurance program and another vote Jan. 15 for a remaining $51 billion in the package, said Rep. Peter King of NY. King left a meeting with Boehner and other Republicans without the anger that had led him to rip into the speaker on the House floor, calling Boehner’s attitude “dismissive” and “cavalier.” “It was a very positive meeting,” King said afterward. King told NBC’s “Today” last Jan. 3 that Boehner had ultimately come through for New York and New JerPAGE A2
by Joseph
Pimentel AJPress
AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal
LOS ANGEL ES — ES P N , the Worldwide Leader in Sports, has chosen World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion Filipino Nonito Donaire Jr. as the 2012 Boxer of the Year and Juan Manuel Marquez’s crushing knockout of Manny Pac-
quiao as its KO of the Year. The 30-year-old “Filipino Flash” (30–1 20 KOs) from San Leandro via General Santos City, Philippines, had an extremely busy and dominating year, defeating four quality opponents despite fighting in a new weight division. Donaire, “easily handled the move up in weight, winning all four of his fights in dominant fashion. He dropped each of his foes (scoring seven knockdowns in all) won twice by knockout and collected two world titles,” wrote ESPN Boxing columnist Dan Rafael. Rafael also commended Donaire’s innovative approach towards drug testing, a controversial issue that has clouded the sport and many of its top fighters in recent years. Donaire, whose diet and nutrition is being overseen by former BALCO boss and performance enPAGE A2
MANILA—More Filipino overseas voters may soon be able to choose their candidates through automated machines as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeks to increase the number of countries where automated voting in the coming midterm elections will be implemented. Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, chairman of the committee on overseas absen-
tee voting (OAV), previously filed a recommendation to the Comelec en banc that the number of places where automated elections will be implemented be expanded to seven from last year’s two. Hong Kong and Singapore are the two countries where automated elections took place in 2010. Tagle wants to add Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Kuwait, Dubai,
and Riyadh for the 2013 elections. “In the May 10, 2010, Presidential Elections (Automated Elections System) was implemented in Hong Kong and Singapore garnering positive feedbacks,” Tagle said in his recommendation. “As a matter of fact, these two posts were among the top three PAGE A2
More pay tribute to ‘honorary Filipino’ Fr. James Reuter
Fr. James Reuters, SJ wrote in his last column for The Philippine Star: “This is definitely not goodbye … Wherever I am, whatever I do, you are always in my mind, heart, and in my prayers. All of you!”
5 Penn Plaza, Ste. 1932 New York, NY 10001 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (212) 655-9241 • 2500 Plaza Five, Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (201) 484-7249 • Fax: (201) 484-7201
MANILA—He was one “great Filipino,” a brother and an inspiration. The late American Jesuit priest, Fr. James Reuter, SJ, indeed touched many lives in his seven decades in the Philippines that his legacy—in communication, in activism, in the arts—may well live on as a legend. Vice President Jejomar Binay recalled how Reuter, a Jesuit broadcast pioneer in the country, made use of his mastery of communication to reach out to Filipinos through an underground radio station during the martial law years. “Father James Reuter harnessed the tools of media and communications in promoting the Catholic faith and in the defense of freedom and democracy, especially during the days of martial law and the glorious 1986 Edsa Revolution,” said Binay, a human rights lawyer during the fight against the dictatorship. “In life, Father Reuter was a man of faith and a defender of the rights that we hold sacred. PAGE A3
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
A January 4-10, 2013 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
UN allocates $10M fund...
out,” she said. Pablo’s impact has been devastating for the poor and PAGE A1 disaster she was shocked at the marginalized people of eastern Mindanao, an area suffering ple have died and hundreds re- scale of the destruction. “Cities and villages have been from food insecurity and limited main missing. Luiza Carvalho, UN Resident completely devastated, with infrastructure and public serand Humanitarian Coordinator, only a few roofless buildings vices. In the coming months, survisaid when she visited the af- and walls still standing, and enfected areas a few days after the tire plantations have been wiped vors, many displaced from their
House sets vote for Sandy... PAGE A1
sey and said he expected Boehner to be reelected as speaker. King said he would vote for Boehner. Boehner,, assured the lawmakers that the money from the two House votes would roughly equal the $60 billion package of aid that passed the Senate, King said. Since the votes will be taken in the new Congress, the Senate also will have to approve the legislation. If the House, as expected, approves the $9 billion flood insurance proposal, the Senate plans to move quickly in hopes of approving the aid on a voice vote Friday. The flood insurance money will help pay for claims by home and business owners with coverage. Sandy was the most costly natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and one of the worst storms ever in the Northeast. Boehner’s decision on Tuesday night to cancel a vote on Sandy aid before Congress ended its current session provoked a firestorm of criticism from New York, New Jersey and adjacent states where the money will go. According to King, Boehner explained that after the contentious vote to avoid major tax increases and spending cuts called the “fiscal cliff,” the House speaker didn’t think it was the right time to schedule the vote before the current Congress ended. “What’s done is done,” King said. “The end result will be New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will receive the funding they deserve.” The Senate approved a $60.4 billion measure last Friday to help with recovery from the October storm. The House Appropriations Committee has drafted a smaller, $27 billion measure for immediate recovery needs and a second amendment for $33 billion to meet longer-term needs. The $9 billion in flood insurance money to be voted on Friday was originally in the $27 billion measure. The votes on Jan. 15 will be for $18 billion in immediate assistance and $33 billion for longer-term
Donaire named ‘Fighter... PAGE A1 hancing drug dealer Victor Conte, is the only fighter in the world who undergoes voluntary Olympic style drug testing (urine and blood) year-round. “This in an era when every great performance unfortunately comes under the suspicion of possible performance-enhancing drug use -except, of course, Donaire’s,” said Rafael. In 2011, Donaire was a 118-pound three division titlist looking for new challenges and ready to breakout as a superstar. Already highly regarded, Donaire continued to add to his legacy in 2012. He started off the year claiming the vacant 122-pound WBO super bantamweight title defeating Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. The 5’5” Filipino captured the division’s IBF title when he bested his tallest opponent 5’11” Jeffrey Mathebula. Donaire then knocked out former No. 1 division world champion Toshiaki Nishioka in October. While most fighters would rest on their laurels after three bouts in a year, the Filipino quickly turned around and with less than two months preparation knocked out highly accomplished Mexican warrior Jorge Arce in Houston to cap off the year. Donaire who has always played second fiddle to Manny Pacquiao in Filipino boxing, may have leaped the Sarangani congressman inside the ring rankings. Fil-Am Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria (32-3, 19 KOs) also received consideration for 2012 Boxer of the Year. Viloria defended his flyweight title by knocking out Omar Nino in May and stopping Hernan “Tyson” Marquez in November. Donaire becomes the second Filipino fighter to win the award.
homes, will face critical challenges to cover their families’ basic protection, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation needs. Recurring rains add to their misery, as many families seek shelter under assembled debris and tarpaulins. (Pia Lee-Brago/ Philstar.com)
projects, including projects to protect against future storms, King said. Much of the money in the proposals is for immediate help for victims and other recovery and rebuilding efforts. Some $5.4 million is for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund; $5.4 billion is to help transit agencies in New York and New Jersey rebuild; and $3.9 billion is for the Housing and Urban Development Department’s development fund to repair hospitals, utilities and small businesses. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, was among those sharply criticizing Boehner before the speaker changed course, complaining about the “toxic internal politics” of the House majority. King was part of an angry chorus of New York and New Jersey lawmakers from both parties who blasted Boehner, with some saying his move was a betrayal. He told Fox News on Wednesday: “These Republicans have no problem finding New York when they’re out raising millions of dollars. ... I’m saying, right now, anyone from New York or New Jersey who contributes one penny to congressional Republicans is out of their minds,” he said. In considering the Sandy aid package, the speaker was caught between conservative lawmakers who want to offset any increase in spending and Northeast and mid-Atlantic lawmakers determined to help their states. More than $2 billion in federal money has been spent so far on relief efforts for 11 states and the District of Columbia struck by the storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund still has about $4.3 billion, enough to pay for recovery efforts into early spring, according to officials. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia are receiving FEMA aid. Sandy was blamed for at least 120 deaths and battered coastline areas from North Carolina to Maine. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were the hardest hit states and suffered high winds, flooding and storm surges. (AP)
ESPN chose Pacquiao as its Fighter of the Year in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Marquez KOs Pacquiao Believing judges had spurned him in three different bouts against arch nemesis Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez wanted to exact revenge in the worst way. Over the past eight years, Marquez and Pacquiao have had three close fights – one ending in a draw while the other two in a split, and majority decision for the Filipino. Each close fight, Marquez believed he had bettered the Filipino boxing superstar. So coming into their fourth fight, the 39-year-old Marquez sensing his time inside the ring may be coming to an end, trained like there was no tomorrow. Both men had said the goal was to make sure this fight would not be left in the judge’s scorecard. Showing off a new cut-up physique, all the training and hard work paid off in a big way on December 8 for Marquez. After knocking down Pacquiao in the third round, Marquez threw a devastating overhand counter right that landed flush on the Filipino’s face knocking him out cold. “Pacquiao and Marquez lived up to their promise and put on the best fight of their epic series, which delivered as definitive an outcome as possible: Marquez landing a picture-perfect right hand that knocked Pacquiao out cold with one second left in the sixth round,” wrote Rafael. “The knockout was as aesthetically pleasing as it was shocking and historically significant. Obviously, it’s the 2012 ESPN.com knockout of the year,” he added. Though clouded with steroid or performance enhancing drug allegations, Marquez passed the post-fight drug test erasing some doubts against him. n
Automated voting planned... PAGE A1 that had the most number of voters who cast their votes,” he said. Hong Kong has 101,483 registered voters while Singapore had 36,323, Tagle said. “We suggest that AES be adopted in [places] with more than 20,000 registered voters, have compact territories and that has implemented personal voting in 2010,” he said. The five places that could be added to the list based on that criteria are: Abu Dhabi with 21,418 registered voters, Jeddah with 42,454 voters, Kuwait with 28,458 voters, Dubai with 30,513 voters, and Riyadh with 62,509 voters. Hong Kong and Singapore are also likely to implement AES again in 2013. The implementation of AES in more places abroad will also require more Precint Count
Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, Tagle said. “Depending on the availability of resources, we can either install one unit for every 5,000 registered voters for a total of 69 machines, or one unit for every 10,000 registered voters for a total of 37 machines,” he said. When asked if the AES for these areas will be conducted on the same day as the elections in the country, Tagle said that it will likely be on the same day but they will still take into consideration that Filipinos working abroad might not be able to get off from their respective jobs. He said that the transmission of the election returns in the area should be on the same day. He said they were able to do it in 2010 in Hong Kong and Singapore. Tagle also called on all Filipinos abroad who want to vote to
manifest their intent to vote before the deadline on January 11. “They might have a legitimate reason why they failed to vote twice,” he said. Some 230,000 overseas absentee voters have failed to vote twice disqualifying them from voting again. They are required to file a manifestation to be allowed to vote again. “Whereas, to ensure that the 238,557 Overseas Absentee Voters who failed to vote twice are given sufficient time and opportunity to file their manifestation of intent to vote and thereby be able to exercise their right of suffrage in the May 13, 2013, national and local elections, there is a need to extend the deadline of filing of the manifestation of intent to vote;” the Comelec said in a resolution that extended the deadline to Jan. 11. (Matikas Santos/Inquirer.net)
FIRST TRADING DAY. Philippine Stock Exchange President and CEO Hans Sicat, second from right, gestures as PSE treasurer Ma. Vivian Yuchengco rings the bell to signal the start of the first day of trading at Philippine Stock Exchange in Makati City last Jan. 2, 2013. Stock markets in Asia registered relief over the US congressional vote to stop hundreds of billions of dollars in automatic tax increases and spending cuts that risked plunging the world’s biggest economy into recession. AP photo
Taxes to rise for most... PAGE A1 dent Barack Obama and Senate Republicans. High-income families will feel the biggest tax increases, but many middle- and low-income families will pay higher taxes too. Households making between $40,000 and $50,000 will face an average tax increase of $579 in 2013, according to the Tax Policy Center’s analysis. Households making between $50,000 and $75,000 will face an average tax increase of $822. “For most people, it’s just the payroll tax,” said Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center. The tax increases could be a lot higher. A huge package of tax cuts first enacted under President George W. Bush was scheduled to expire Tuesday as part of the “fiscal cliff.” The Bush-era tax cuts lowered taxes for families at every income level, reduced investment taxes and the estate tax, and enhanced a number of tax credits, including a $1,000-per-child credit. The package passed Tuesday by the Senate and House extends most the Bush-era tax cuts for individuals making less than $400,000 and married couples making less than $450,000. Obama said the deal “protects 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small business owners from a middle-class tax hike. While neither Democrats nor Republicans got everything they wanted, this agreement is the right thing to do for our country.” The income threshold covers more than 99 percent of all households, exceeding Obama’s claim, according to the Tax Policy Center. However, the increase in payroll taxes will hit nearly every wage earner.
Social Security is financed by a 12.4 percent tax on wages up to $113,700, with employers paying half and workers paying the other half. Obama and Congress reduced the share paid by workers from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent for 2011 and 2012, saving a typical family about $1,000 a year. Obama pushed hard to enact the payroll tax cut for 2011 and to extend it through 2012. But it was never fully embraced by either party, and this time around, there was general agreement to let it expire. The new tax package would increase the income tax rate from 35 percent to 39.6 percent on income above $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for married couples. Investment taxes would increase for people who fall in the new top tax bracket. High-income families will also pay higher taxes this year as part of Obama’s 2010 health care law. As part of that law, a new 3.8 percent tax is being imposed on investment income for individuals making more than $200,000 a year and couples making more than $250,000. Together, the new tax package and Obama’s health care law will produce significant tax increases for many high-income families. For 2013, households making between $500,000 and $1 million would get an average tax increase of $14,812, according to the Tax Policy Center analysis. Households making more than $1 million would get an average tax increase of $170,341. “If you’re rich, you’re almost certain to get a big tax increase,” Williams said. (AP)
FBI arrests Filipino car-dealer... PAGE A1 The 68-year-old former president of Grand Chevrolet faces several felony counts of fraud, including scheming to defraud banks and savings and loans; creating false credit statements; and aiding and abetting. It is estimated that before Reodica fled and declared bankruptcy, his companies (Grand Chevrolet, Grand Wilshire Leasing, Grand Wilshire Finance Corp., and Grand Rizal Finance) racked up as much as $200 million in debt, with $43 million owed to individual investors, many of whom are members of the Filipino-American community. Tens of millions of dollars remain unaccounted for. Radin said her client is cooperating with officials but could not delve into the specifics of the case. “The evidence is still forthcoming in the case,” she said. “That’s the only thing I can tell you. I can’t go into the details of the case.” “He is aware of the alleged losses by investors and creditors,” she added. “He is eager to resolve this case.” Fall from grace Reodica’s arrest came after more than two decades of being on the run. Once regarded as the model Filipino immigrant success story, Reodica’s life took a sudden fall from grace when investigators from multiple state agencies and banks began investigating his company’s financial operation. Originally from Laguna province in the Philippines and a summa cum laude graduate of the University of the East, Reodica arrived to the US in the mid-1970s and worked his way up -- from being a busboy, to vice president of a car dealership in Encino. He purchased his own car dealership, Grand Chevrolet, in 1978 and employed an immigrant workforce that heavily targeted Filipino, Asian and minority customers. By the mid-1980s, Grand Chevrolet grew to over 600 employees and ranked as high as third in the nation in total sales volume. The business and the man behind it were seen as a success. Magazines as TIME, Fortune 500, Young Entrepreneurs and several newspapers across the country featured the Filipino. General Electric Credit Corp. extended a $250 million line of credit to Reodica’s companies. Then California Governor George Deukmejian appointed Reodica to the state’s New Motor Vehicle Board, the board that oversees the DMV. But something was amiss DMV investigators opened a Pandora’s box, revealing several patterns of fraud when dealing with Grand Chevrolet. According to a Los Angeles Times exposé in 1988, The DMV began investigating Reodica’s car dealerships in 1985, when they found out that his companies were overcharging customers and selling them accessories, which they neither re-
quested nor received. The Times investigation also found several allegations of fraud, and deceit including: - Customers were made to sign paperwork they did not understand, the Department of Motor Vehicles said. - Selling cars to people with bad credit and collecting a commission, then quickly repossessing the cars and selling them again. - Bilking more than 1,000 investors, whose investments ranged from tens of thousands to $1.3 million. Reodica promised returns of 13 to 20 percent. - Defrauding major banks and savings and loans millions of dollars through forged car loan records, and reselling old/duplicate loans. - DMV cited Grand Chevrolet with 1,500 violations resulting in a $100,000 fine. As his car empire began to collapse, and as he was being pursued by angry creditors and investors, his companies went into bankruptcy and Reodica disappeared in 1988. Many believed he stayed in the Philippines under an assumed name, and there were also sightings of him in Chicago, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Since his disappearance, eight of Reodica’s employees were charged with criminal fraud for tampering with credit reports and other schemes, the Times reported. Reodica was officially indicted in 1994, six years before he fled, on felony criminal charges and an arrest warrant was issued a year later by Judge Carolyn Turchin. According to court records, Reodica fled to the Philippines before settling in Australia. He left behind his wife, Hilda and their four children. His younger brother, Emanuel, and sister, Maria Corazon, who worked at Grand Chevrolet were also left behind. Fearing for their lives, his wife Hilda and their four children moved from their home in Glendora to Seattle, where she filed for divorce and changed her last name. Court records reveal Reodica settled and worked in Cairns, a city in Queensland, Australia as early as 1990 and became a citizen of the country in 1992. He later re-married in July 1993. It is not clear whether Reodica came back to the US 24 years later or if the FBI and US Marshalls tracked him down in Australia and extradited him back to the US. Asian Journal messages to the FBI about Reodica’s arrest were not returned as of press time. In a recent detention hearing on December 12, Reodica’s wife Leticia Coscoluella, ex-wife Hilda Hilao and Jun Reodica’s brother and sister issued a declaration asking the court to grant him pretrial release until his court date. The court sided with government prosecutors that he remain in detention until trial citing the nature of the crimes and his “serious risk to flee.” Reodica’s trial is scheduled for January 28, 2013. (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress)
Dateline USA
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • january 4-10, 2013
A
Memorial fund set up for Daly City kid killed in SoCal crash on Christmas Day by Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe
way home from an ice-skating rink when their minivan was struck by SAN BRUNO—Two families— a Dodge Durango driven by Darone from Daly City and another rell Lee Williams, 22 with Brittany one in Southern California—now Michelle Washington, 21, in the see Christmas as a sad day when passenger seat. Williams and Washington were a tragic accident took the lives of their children and injured the rest fleeing from police at high speed at the time of the crash, at an onof their family. Kendrick Ng, 11 of Daly City ramp to I-210 at Marengo Avenue, and his cousin Tracey Noelle Ong according to the Pasadena police. Tan, 25 of Glendale (who was Two counts of Murder were filed driving the vehicle) was killed in a on both last December 28, as well crash in Pasadena last December as three counts of assault with a 25. The crash also seriously in- deadly weapon, one count each of being a felon in possession of a jured Ng’s parents and sister. The Ngs were in Los Angeles firearm, and gang allegations acfor the holidays and were on their cording to the District Attorney’s AJPress
Kendrick Ng
Fil-Am chosen HI senate... PAGE A1 Tsutsui, who was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercombrie chose former lieutenant governor Brian Schatz as Inouye’s successor to the US Senate. “We are solidified in dealing with the pressing issues facing our State. The Senate continues to be organized in a cooperative and focused manner. I’m humbled to receive the confidence and support of my colleagues,” said Senate President Kim, who was first elected to the senate in 2000. Kim becomes the first Fil-Am to head Hawaii’s senate. Ronald Kouchi takes over Kim’s old post as the new Senate vice president. Brickwood Galuteria is the majority leader. Kim has long been active in the state political scene having served as a former representative of the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 1982 to 1985 and as a Honolulu City Councilwoman from 1985 to 2000. In 2000, she was elected to the state’s senate. Kim is one of three Filipino-Americans in the state senate. Others include Will Espero (19th District); and Donovan Dela Cruz (22nd District). (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress)
and I haven’t seen them for a few years. But I cried when I found out about Kendrick because they are a good, kindhearted family. Seeing that the Ng family will need the support of the community, the OLM school and community has set up an online memorial fund for Kendrick and his family. It is with hope that this will help to ease the financial burden on the Ng family, as well as make them feel that the love, prayers and support of the community are with them. To donate to the Kendrick Ng Memorial Fund, log on to www. gofundme.com/lovekendrick.
Fil-Am doctor released after being convicted for illegal prescription by Mico Letargo AJPress
LOS ANGELES—Dr. Carlos Estiandan is a Filipino-American physician who was recently the subject of a Los Angeles Times special report. Estiandan was described in the report as a ‘diminutive man with a cheerful demeanor’ whose medicine general practice was ‘thriving.’ He was a real family man, and a retired colonel from the US Air Force Reserve. However, the kindly-mannered doctor would be embroiled in a case so huge, that it involved four government agencies: the Medical Board of California, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, the US Drug Enforcement Agency, and Medi-Cal. In the four-year span of the medical board’s investigation into Estiandan’s case, PAGE A1 eight of his patients had already died from In death, he will be remembered as a great Filipino,” said the Vice drug overdose and related causes, based on the Times’ probe into the coroners’ files and President. Long frail due to age, Reuter, 96, passed away last Dec. 31 due to court records. lung and heart failure at the Our Lady of Peace hospital in Parañaque City, where he had been under the constant watch of private nurses for three years. Reuter’s remains will be at the St. Paul University in Manila until Jan. 2, and will be moved to the Church of the Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, where public viewing will be open until Jan. 4. Reuter will be laid to rest on Saturday at the Jesuit cemetery at the Sacred heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City. The funeral mass will be held at the Gesu at 8:30am. The New Jersey native, officially proclaimed by Congress as an honorary Filipino in 1996, had many times professed his love for the Philippines and its people, even saying at one time that “Filipinos brought God to me.” Former Ateneo de Manila University president and prominent Jesuit priest, Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, said many of his fellow priests considered Reuter, a long-time Ateneo educator, as their big brother. “For myself and Jesuits of my generation, Fr. Jim was an older brother we looked up to and admired for his deep faith, his love for the Church and the Philippines, for the Society of Jesus and the Ateneo,” Nebres said. He said Reuter often shared this in his talks and writing. “I am deeply grateful for the gift of having lived and worked with him as an older brother and friend,” said Nebres. The activist priest, Fr. Robert Reyes, meanwhile took time off his “silence” break to honor Reuter, the “great communicator” he considered his mentor. “Fr. James insisted that knowing how to use and relate with media is one thing. However, his life was both medium and message as he spoke both in word, action and silence about Jesus, the word made flesh,” said Reyes. He sent the statement from the Juan de Plasencia Franciscan Novitiate in Liliw, Laguna, where he has been residing after deciding to take a break from public life in 2011. Reyes, an activist priest often seen in media while advocating various causes, credited Reuter for helping him understand the culture of the press in the Philippines. He offered a prayer run for Reuter. “It will be different now without the voice, the pen, the face of the priest in the white Jesuit cassock. Not really, for this communicator did not die in vain. He has taught hundreds to speak well and effectively about Jesus through the means of social communication. But more than skill and art, he passed on a spirituality,” said Reyes. (Tarra Quismundo/Inquirer.net)
More pay tribute...
office spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons. A young boy’s life cut short Kendrick, a 6th grader at Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City, was a star student. Joy Pasamonte Henry, whose daughter was once a schoolmate of Kendrick, fondly remembers the Ng family. “His parents fondly call him ‘Isaiah,’ because his father’s name is Kenric, which, (you can imagine) would get a bit confusing at home,” she said. “I was one of the room parents and I remember the Ng family at graduation – always smiling, always together. My daughter is 11 now
By the time that he was stopped from giving prescriptions, it was already too late for the ill-fated patients. Medi-Cal also suspected him of fraudulent billing. Investigations on Estiandan began in October 2004, when an anonymous tip was received by medical board investigator Robin Hollins. According to the tipster, Estiandan, then 62, was raking in $3,000 a day for drug prescriptions. According to Hollins’ report, the employee said that Estiandan gives the patients ‘anything they want.’ The employee also noted how Estiandan’s clinic in downtown LA, one of three the doctor owned, was packed with ‘drug-addicted patients’ Because the government agencies were sharing information on the Estiandan case, numerous evidences were gathered in a small amount of time. In Los Angeles, alleged drug dealers were arrested. Court records showed that bottles of drugs prescribed by Estiandan were found
in their possession. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the drug enforcement agents stopped a man on the street who carried about 1,800 pills and several bottles of narcotic cough syrup, the labels of which showed Estiandan as the prescribing doctor. In the summer of 2005, Leo Martinez consulted with Estiandan in his Reseda clinic. Martinez was billed $120 for the visit and left the clinic with drug prescriptions. Martinez was an undercover sheriff’s agent who investigated narcotics cases. He walked out of Estiandan’s clinic with a prescription for painkiller Vicodin, muscle relaxant Soma, anti-anxiety drug Valium, and a 16-ounce bottle of narcotic cough syrup. Estiandan’s reckless prescription was linked to numerous deaths that the Times looked into. In the overdose deaths that was investigated, most of the drugs found in the victims’ bodies were anti-anxiety drugs, PAGE A5
A January 4-10, 2013 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Dr. Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo, Multi-awarded Poet and Presidential Awardee
Promoting Filipino as a Global Language
by Joseph
Pimentel / AJPress
CONSIDERED as one of the leading female Filipino poets of our time, Dr. Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo’s success did not come easy. If you read her biography, it seems as awards Galing Pinoy showcases the triumph though and recognition of the Filipino spirit – the Filipino’s sprinkle her like tiny drops of innate perseverance to rise above. A rain. For the past 30 double entendre, Galing Pinoy literally years, Mabantranslates to both coming from (or glo has racked awards from brought to you by) the Filipino and up being the first woman to reFilipino ingenuity. ceive the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Fame, “Makata ng Taon” Poet of the Year by the Commission on Filipino Language, to earning the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award for Poetry for her book, Mga Liham ni Pinay (The Letters of Pinay). Most recently, President Benigno Aquino III awarded University of Hawaii professor Mabanglo the 2012 Presidential Awardee for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, in the “Pamana ng Pilipino” category. The Presidential award is given to Filipino individuals and overseas groups, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national de-
velopment efforts, or their outstanding achievements in their field of profession. In the Pamana ng Pilipino category, Mabanglo exemplified the talent and industry of the Filipino, and brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. For Mabanglo, a professor and coordinator of Filipino and Philippine Literature Program at the University of Hawaii, it’s been a difficult but worthwhile journey. Rough beginnings Born in Manila, Mabanglo’s mother passed away at an early age, leaving young Ruth “abandoned, penniless and maltreated,” said Pia Arboleda, the author of Swimming the Darkness: Subversion in Elynia Mabanglo’s in the Kyoto Journal 2006. Mabanglo persevered and in 1969 received a BA degree in Filipino from the University of the East. She earned a masters degree in Education from Philippine Normal College in 1980 before receiving a doctorate in Filipino and Literature from Manuel L. Quezon University. But it was tough as a female poet and writer to break into the a male-dominated writing world in 1970s Philippines. Aside from her gender, there were also acceptance issues when it came to the themes of her work, which explored female sexuality, abortion,
Ruth Elynia Mabanglo of the University of Hawaii (right) received a plaque of recognition from President Aquino, with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and CFO chair Imelda Nicolas looking on. Malacañang Photo
menstruation, etc. “The male-centered literary circle did not really accept her as a writer, and pushed her back into the margins,” wrote Arboleda. Arboleda explained that in Philippine literature, women are often portrayed as “as flat and stereotypical characters-either as evil women who ‘steal’ husbands from their wives, or as misguided women with golden hearts who meet a tragic end.” Some writers (mostly male) would be sympathetic towards women or sex workers but “their tone is somewhat condescending, expressing merely pity and hopelessness.” “Only Elynia Mabanglo uses the first-person point-of-view to express the sex worker’s pains, fears and aspirations,” wrote Arboleda. “She paints a more realistic and a more complete picture that begins with a description of the puta’s workplace-‘the dark, hidden corners that are filthy and rank with the smell of beer and ciga-
rette ash;’ or the street corner, ‘the other side.’” It wasn’t until the late 1980s and 1990s when her work began to surface and catch the eyes of critics. Global Filipino Now a multi-awarded poet and writer with several books of poetry, plays and other work under her belt, professor Mabanglo crusades for another passion: the spread of Filipino language around the world. “My ultimate dream is for Filipino, the national language, to be used as the medium of instruction in higher education in all the universities in the country,” Mabanglo said to Manila Mail in 2011. She reiterated that sentiment in earlier this year to the Inquirer. It is a tough sell especially in the Philippines, a country where some members of Congress are looking to phase out the Filipino language. When former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pushed for Spanish to be taught in high schools and for prioritizing English so Filipinos could better serve global business, Ruth mobilized a protest petition, according to the Inquirer. “I encouraged my students all over the United States tosign a petition to fight the killing of Filipino in high school and college, which was part of the Gullas Bill that Arroyo favored. Later on, I organized the ‘Filipino as a Global Language’ conference as a professor of Filipino language and Philippine literature at the University of Hawaii,” she said. She has made it her mission to create a global network of Filipino language teachers and promote the national language to students around the world. It is a difficult task but one she aims on succeeding. Language is tied to our culture, she said. “What I want to point out is that Filipino or the national language should be given the same importance as medium of instruction side-by-side with the English language in our educational system,” said Mabanglo to Manila Mail. “Nakatanim sa lengwahe and kultura nito (Culture is embedded in the language),” she added. n
Election gun ban to begin on Jan. 13 A SIXmonth election gun ban will be enforced starting Jan. 13. Commission on Elections Resolution 9385 provides that bearing, carrying and transporting firearms and other deadly weapons are prohibited unless authorized in writing by the Comelec. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the PNP has long prepared for the Comelec-imposed election gun ban.
Cerbo said checkpoints would be set up in strategic areas to ensure the strict implementation of the gun ban. He said the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are in close coordination with the Comelec. With the gun ban, Cerbo said all permits to carry firearms outside residence issued by the PNP to civilian gun holders are suspended. Only law enforcers on duty and in full uniform are allowed to carry firearms outside residence, he added. Meanwhile, the Comelec said suspension of elective local officials is also banned during the election period. Transfer or movement of government officials and the use of security personnel and bodyguards by candidates are also prohibited under the Comelec resolution. (Sheila Crisostomo with Cecille Suerte Felipe/Philstar.com)
Comelec to hold mock polls THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold mock elections this month to ensure that the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines would function properly on the second nationwide automated polls in May. Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that the commission en banc has yet to finalize details of the mock polls such as the date, venues and number of voters to be involved. “There are areas that were suggested in Luzon,Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila but they are not yet final,” said Sarmiento, while naming Maguindanao, Naga City and Camarines Sur as among the possible host areas. He explained that they want to find out the possible flaws that need to be addressed. He said that one possible result of the mock elections is the identification of areas with weak telecommunication signals. Telecommunication signals are crucial in transmitting the poll results from precincts to the canvassing centers. The conduct of mock polls is mandatory under Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law. The law states that there is a need for a “successful conduct of a field testing process followed by a mock election event in one or more cities/municipalities.” (Johanna M. Sampan/ManilaTimes.net)
9\kj Xi\ flk# gfc`k`ZXc YXkkc\ c`e\j [iXne `e 9X^l`f BAGUIO CITY—After the December 21, 2012 deadline for withdrawals and replacements, the Commission on Election now has a final list of candidates, which will be in contention for the different elective positions for this city. Among those who filed their candidacies for the representative of the lone district of Baguio: Nicasio Aliping, Independent; Miguel Arvisu, Independent; Marquez Go, Liberal Party (LP); Roly Manuel, Independent; Bernardo Vergara, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA); and Richard Zarate, Independent. For the mayoralty post: Mauricio Domogan, UNA; Guillermo Hernan-dez, Independent; Ramon Labo Jr., Independent; Junior Mina Jr.; Independent; Jose Molintas, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); and Peter Puzon, Independent. For vice-mayorship: Dwight Nicolas Bello 3rd, Independent; Van Oliver Dicang, NPC; Daniel Fariñas, Nationalista Party (NP); Francis Padawil, Independent; and Jeffrey Pinic, Independent. Those who filed their certificates of candidacies for the position of city councilor are: Joel Alangsab, NP; Arthur Allad-iw, LP; Gerardo Antolin, independent; Anthony Araos, NPC; Fred Bagbagen, NP; Evelyn Pit-og, Independent; Rocky Balisong, NP; Rizalino Banta, Independent; Anna May Baquirin, Independent; Paul Batnag, Independent; Joderek Bautista, NP; Edison Bilog, LP; Emmanuel Carantes, Independent; Richard Cariño, NP; Isabelo Cosalan Jr., LP; Robin Coteng, Independent; Elmer Datuin, UNA; Mario de Guzman, Independent; Jeffrey Dimas, Independent; Frisco Domalsin, LDP-Laban; Rebecca Dulawan, LDP; George Dumawing Jr., UNA; Laliane Estolas, Independent; Peter Fianza, Independent; Basilio Fongayao, NPC; John Glenn Gaerlan, Independent; Zandro Ico, Independent; Perfecto Itliong Jr., Independent; Richard
Asked about politicians who may seek gun ban exemption, Comelec said their request may be considered but tapping police personnel to protect them could also be an option. Philstar.com photo
Jimenez, Independent; Orlando Lardizabal Jr., Independent; Bruce Limmayog, LP; Federico Mandapat Jr., UNA; Mabini Maskay, UNA; Roberto Ocampo, NPC; Faustino Olowan, LP; Roberto Ortega, UNA; Ambrosio Palafox Jr., Independent; Rudolfo Paraan, LP; Ronald Perez, NP; Ramon Ramos Sr., Independent; Loida Soriano, Independent; Elaine Sembrano, NP; Betty Lourdes Tabanda, NUP; Edilberto Tenefrancia, Independent; Romeo Umali, Independent; Michael Uy, Independent; Peter Wasing, LP; Wegan-Allan Philian Louise, NP; Leandro Yangot, LP; and Lilia Yaranon, LP. Two candidates of the Liberal Party withdrew their certificates of candidacies (CoCs) and were substituted by party members. The Liberal Party is now in coalition with the National Peoples Coalition. Without any candidate for the mayoralty and vice-mayoral post, LP Baguio chairman and coalition spokesman Marquez Go announced the formal coalition between the Liberal Party and the Nationalist People’s Coalition earlier. Go is the coalition’s candidate for the lone congressional district seat. The NPC, on the other hand, is bannered by lawyer Jose “Jomol” Molintas, who himself is a former member of the Liberal Party. Go, announced earlier that the coalition will banner the President’s battle cry of matuwid na daan as its campaign advocacy. Aside from Go and Molintas, Van Dicang is the coalition’s official candidate for the vice mayoral post. Also, the coalition’s candidates for councilors include, incumbent councilors Edison Bilog and Isabelo Cosalan, with former councilors Faustino Olowan and Lilia Yaranon, also included in the line up are: Art Allad-iw, Bruce Limayog, Rudy Paraan and Peter Wasing from the Liberal Party and Anthony Araos, Basilio Fongayao and Roberto Ocampo who filed their COCs under the NPC.|
The LP-NPC coalition will be facing mostly incumbents from the Timpuyog ti Baguio Coalition. (Manilatimes.net)
CG Y\kj c`b\cp n`ee\ij `e 9XkXXe Æ >XiZ`X BALANGA City, Bataan—A landslide victory for the administration’s senatorial bets is seen in Bataan despite major political hopefuls in the province clashing against each other, Gov. Enrique Garcia said . The governor said opposing candidates for congressman, governor, vice-governor, provincial board members and majority of the municipal contenders are one in supporting the senatorial bets of the Liberal Party. Garcia said his faction and that of Chairman Felicito Payumo of the Bases Conversion Development Authority are in full support of the administration candidates. Under the group of Garcia are second district Rep. Albert Garcia for governor, Vice Gov. Efren Pascual for reelection, first district Rep. Herminia Roman also seeking reelection and the elder Garcia to replace his son Albert as congressman. The Garcias are under the National Unification Party while Pascual and Rep. Roman belong to the LP. At the opposite political fence are Felicito Payumo who resigned as BCDA chair for congressman in the first district, Dinalupihan Mayor Joel Jaime Payumo for governor, Jay Consunji for vice governor and former governor Leonardo Roman for congressman in the second district. The two Payumos are LP stalwarts in Bataan but filed their certificates of candidacy last December 20 and 21 under the Nationalist People’s Coalition that Roman chairs in the province. Consunji, a lawyer, is also from the NPC. (Ernie Esconde/ManilaTimes.net)
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A
Dateline Philippines
PH population expected to hit 97.7 million this year
MANILA—The country’s population is expected to reach 97.7 million this year due to the 1.7 to 1.8 million Filipino babies born every year, the Commission on Population (PopCom) said. “This is just an unofficial estimate made by PopCom. Our population in 2010 was 92.3 million in absolute number. So based on that, we may estimate that by May 2013, our population will be 97.7 million,” said PopCom executive director Tomas Osias. The National Statistical Coordination Board is
the agency mandated to make an estimate of the Philippine population but it has not released a projection so far. According to Osias, PopCom made the computation based on the annual population growth rate of 1.9 percent. This translates to some 1.7 million to 1.8 million babies being born every year. Asked if the passage of Republic Act No. 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 will slow down the country’s population growth, Osias refused to make the connection. “The law does not have demographic targets,” he said. Instead, the legislation will only empower couples, especially the women, to make an “informed choice about their reproductive health.” Osias added that the law would just provide couples with access to services and information about family planning and their reproductive health. “They will know that birth spacing will be good for the mother’s and the baby’s health. Because of that, they will evaluate their capability (to raise a family). So in the process, the number of the children will be based on the health and future of the family,” he said. Osias maintained that there is no provision in the law that will mandate couples to limit the size of their family. “You will not be told not to have a child anymore after two kids or something like that. There are no demographic or family size targets. What we are saying is, they will be the ones to determine what is good for the family in terms of health and the capacity to give the children a better future,” he added. (Philstar.com)
Complaint vs RH premature – Lagman
MANILA—The complaint against the Reproductive Health (RH) law filed with the Supreme Court (SC) is premature, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said . Malacañang, for its part, declared the government is ready to defend the constitutionality of Republic Act 10354. “The Imbong petition is premature because it seeks to prevent the implementation of a law which is not yet effective,” he said, referring to the petition for a temporary restraining order on RA 10354 filed by James Imbong and his wife Lovely Ann last Wednesday. Imbong is a son of a legal counsel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, which is strongly opposed to the measure. He identified himself as Catholic taxpayer and educator in the petition. The law takes effect on Jan. 17 after publication in two major dailies. Lagman said he is confident that RA 10354 “will surmount any attack or test on its constitutionality.” surpass the five- to six-percent vember, expenditures climbed “The RH law has not defiled range partly because of the im- to P1.535 trillion, 14.1 percent any constitutional principles on above the P1.346 trillion dis- proscription of abortion, protecprovement in state spending. In the third quarter of last bursed a year ago and against tion of the unborn, religious freeyear, the Philippine economy the full-year program of P1.839 grew 7.1 percent, surpassing trillion. Abad also said the Novemexpectations and beating the 3.2 percent recorded in the ber spending of P166.9 billion, same period in 2011. The 7.1- which is 10.7 percent more percent growth brought the than the P150.7-billion spent in January to September average November 2011, was the highest-spending month so far last to 6.5 percent. Meanwhile, as of end-No- year. (Philstar.com)
Gov’t spending, polls seen to drive economy MANILA—The Philippine economy is poised to sustain its strong performance this year with the help of government spending and the national elections, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said. He said state spending is expected to accelerate as government agencies continue to boost their absorptive capacities. The different agencies have been putting in place reforms to improve their ability to implement their spending programs. “The momentum in government spending will combine with the upcoming 2013 elections to spur growth,” Abad said. Local and national elections will be held in May. An election year traditionally translates to an economic growth of at least seven percent. The Aquino administration is eyeing growth of six to seven percent in 2013. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 For 2012, the government expects economic growth to
SALUTE TO RIZAL. President Benigno S. Aquiono III leads the observance of the 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal last Dec. 30 at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila. The commemoration of Rizal’s martyrdom is also being held simultaneously at the Calamba Rizal Shrine in Laguna and at the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Noerte. Malacañang photo
Fil-Am doctor released after being convicted... PAGE A3 muscle relaxants, and cough syrup formulations, all prescribed by Estiandan. Looking into the patients’ records, it was found that people from as far as Bakersfield, Antelope Valley, Victorville, and San Bernardino would travel all the way to downtown LA to consult with Estiandian. They described similar symptoms, and left the office with prescriptions for similar drugs. On Sept. 12, 2007, Hollins summoned Estiandan to a medical board office in Glendale. She told Estiandan that there was now a patient death and that it was an ‘inevitable result’ of his prescriptions. Later on, Hollins received a report from an expert physician that concluded Estiandan’s treatment of a patient as one that deviated from accepted standards and had contributed to the patient’s death. On the morning July 23, 2008, Estiandan was arrested in his home when DEA agents and sheriff’s deputies appeared at his doorstep, said the Times report. Estiandan was polite and cooperative when he was handcuffed and led to a squad car. He was charged with “13 felony counts of illegally prescribing controlled substances.” He was not charged
for the deaths of his patients. In February 2009, Estiandan was barred by court from prescribing painkillers and other addictive drugs. In September that year, he was stripped of his medical license. In 2010, Estiandan was tried, found guilty, and was convicted on the criminal charges filed against him. He was sentenced to a five-year jail term. In September 2012, the doctor was released after serving about half of his prison time. A few days after he was released, he told Times reporters in his home in Burbank that he was ‘unfairly targeted’ by prosecutors for ‘simply doing his job.’ He said that his wife Gloria, a nurse, had warned her before that he was ‘headed for trouble.’ Looking back on his experience, he warned patients of the dangers of addiction to prescription drugs. Estiandan told the Times that he was not motivated with greed, and never intended to harm his patients. Rather, he admitted poor judgment in prescribing the drugs. “Instead of helping them, I might have harmed them,” Estiandan told the Times as he talked about his patients, “I made a mistake.” (With reports from the LA Times)
dom, family life, marriage and responsible parenthood,” he said. He stressed that all relevant provisions of the Constitution have been considered in the legislation upon the insistence of anti-RH House members. Imbong and his wife said the RH law violates several provisions of the Constitution, including Article II Section 12 which stipulates that the state “recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution.” The constitutional provision also directs the state to “equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception,” they said. “As regards the value of human life and its sustainance, the Constitution upholds the ideal of an unconditional respect for life and aspires for the establishment of policies that create opportunities to harness the economic potential of every Filipino,” the petitioners said. They added that the Constitution provides for an “inviolable marriage” and ensures the “right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of
responsible parenthood.” Lagman said the intention of the framers of the Constitution in protecting the life of the unborn “is to prevent the Congress and the Supreme Court from legalizing abortion, which criminal act the RH law does not tolerate and in fact prohibits.” “The Constitution mandates the protection of the life of the unborn from conception. In other words, no less than the Constitution acknowledges that life begins when conception sets in, and it is upon conception that there is an ‘unborn,’ which is entitled to protection,” he said. “The RH law subscribes to a commendable fealty to the constitutional prohibition of abortion. It does not legalize abortion. In fact, it is anti-abortion as evidenced by the following clear provisions: it ‘recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law’ and one of the elements of reproductive health care is the ‘proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications,”’ he said. He added that the law respects the rights of spouses to raise a family in accordance with their religious beliefs. (Jess Diaz/Philstar.com)
A January 4-10, 2013 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Opinion
Features
Subsistence
2012 was generally a good year for Filipinos. Triumphs were made, losses were faced, and lessons were learned. Filipinos are starting the year right, looking forward to 2013 with hope. In its recent survey, Social Weather Station (SWS) revealed that nine out of ten Pinoys are hopeful rather that fearful in the new year. This was the predominant sentiment among respondents in Luzon (96 percent), Metro Manila (93 percent), and the Visayas (93 percent). “At home and around the world, the Philippines has become recognized as a bastion of stability and good governance. Through hard work, deft decision-making, and intense political will, the President has laid down the foundations of justice and inclusive growth. Through it all, he continues to clean house, eliminate waste, and put primacy on restoring public trust in our institutions,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. Lacierda said 2013 can be a banner year with ““more reason for Filipinos to travel on the straight path under the leadership of President Aquino and the adherents to his noble cause.” “In 2012, we turned the corner, fixed the damage wrought by the crooked ways of the past, and established further that the straight path is the only way forward. Despite the tragedies that have visited the country in 2012—from natural disasters
to the untimely demise of a beloved reformist—the Filipino people have shown that their spirit cannot be broken. As the administration embarks on 2013, there is all the more reason for Filipinos to travel on the straight path under the leadership of President Aquino and the adherents to his noble cause,” he added. The past year witnessed the Philippines posting an economic growth as high as 7.1 percent in the third quarter. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised the country’s economic growth forecast to 4.9 percent in 2013. The country’s growth path IMF says, backed by sound policy management, enjoys a “solid momentum.” Likewise, the government assured Pinoys that the growth will soon be felt by everyone through job generation and pro-poor programs. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also expressed optimism that the country will finally reduce its poverty level with the expansion of government’s investments in social services, alongside respectable economic growth and stable inflation. However, the impact of such growth has not been the same for everyone. While some Pinoys have fared well, the poor
Editorial
seem to lack behind and have not been able to capitalize on the potential created by the economy. Economic growth should jobs and industries, people will benefit from. A 7.1 percent growth should lead to millions of new jobs, and higher wages for those already employed. Our situation is far from dire. Yes, we can do
ManilaTimes.net photo
better in terms of inclusive economic performance, but since most of the problems are self-inflicted, the solutions are not too far. To start the year right, everyone is held responsible to address priorities that not only ensure a solution to the current crisis, but also to prevent its recurrence. (AJPress)
Arming good guys: Solution to gun violence? WITH several mass killings in the past years, finally, the demand and push for solutions to solve gun violence in America has reached a tipping point. More than two weeks ago, twenty young innocent first graders and six school personnel were brutally slaughtered by a lone young gun man in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The gunman was 20-year old Adam Lanza, who used his mother’s two pistols and a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle -- a civilian version of the military’s M-16 that is legal to own in many states. After killing 26 victims and his own mother at their house, Lanza committed suicide. Adam reportedly learned how to shoot from his gun-collecting mom. President Barack Obama pledged to “use all the powers of this office” to identify and promote new policies to address the scourge of gun violence. He tapped Vice President Joe Biden to head a task force composed of Cabinet members, members of Congress and outside organizations, which would submit a “very specific” set of proposals to Congress in January. In the wake of the Newtown massacre, more Americans now favor stricter gun control laws. Gallup Poll conducted a survey from December
Commentary
Roger Mitton Embarrassing stumbles happen even to big guys. At last year’s London Olympics, a sloppy baton change by the favored Brits caused their relay team to be disqualified. At previous Games in Beijing and Athens, America’s top-rated sprinters dropped the baton and ruled themselves out of the medals. So perhaps we should cut Cambodia some slack for repeatedly dropping the baton during its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations over the past year. At key meetings and summits, Phnom Penh’s kowtowing to Beijing and its failure to back fellow members in their positions on the South China Sea territorial disputes led to a rare open discord tarnishing Asean’s once-sacrosanct consensus. So it was at the November summit when Cambodia falsely declared that Asean leaders had agreed not to “internationalize” the conflicting maritime claims. Half the group’s members rebutted that assertion, and when Cambodia fought to keep the communiqué language favored by its Chinese patrons, its Asean colleagues resisted and expunged such wording from the final declaration.
19-22, 2012 which found that 58 percent of Americans are in The Fil-Am favor of strengthening the laws covering the sale of firearms -- Perspective up from 43 percent in 2011. Several state and federal lawmakers have already announced that they will seek to ban both Gel Santos-Relos semi-automatic rifle and highcapacity ammunition magazines from the commercial market. However, the same poll by Gallup also revealed that Americans’ views on the sale of assault rifles are unchanged. The slight majority (51 percent) still opposed the idea of making assault rifles illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess. One of the many groups who demanded that President Obama and Congress come up with a plan to end gun violence is Demand A Plan. As Balitang America reported, this is a group which is composed of more than 800 mayors and 800,000 grassroots supporters. Organizers of Demand a Plan say that “they cannot bring back the people lost in Newtown, nor the 33 people murdered with guns everyday in America,” but together, they say America can prevent future tragedies “by passing common sense legislation that will require a criminal background check for every gun sold in America, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines
and make gun trafficking a federal crime, including real penalties for ‘straw purchasers.’” Organizers say more than 300,000 Americans have signed the petition on their website, www.demandaplan.org. Balitang America further reported that popular personalities (like Ellen Degeneres, Julianne Moore, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Palthrow, Brooke Shields, Conan O’Brien and many more) have used their celebrity status to help the organization in furthering the cause. They took turns saying the lines: “How many more? How many more? Enough. Enough. Enough. Demand a plan. Right now… as a mom, as a dad, as a friend, as a husband, as a wife. As an American. As a human being. For the children of Sandy Hook.” Despite the broad public outcry favoring the passing of stricter gun-control laws, President Obama faces formidable forces from Congress and pro-gun groups that may still keep the legislation process dormant. Republicans still hold majority in the House for the next two years. While Democrats rule the Senate, there are still enough gun-rights votes to stall a bill. It may still be a big challenge for President Obama to win the support of lawmak-
ers from both parties (Yes, not just Republicans). As TIME Magazine reported, there are still those who are “beholden to the gun lobby or at least lack the will to challenge it.” One such pro-gun lobby group is the National Rifle Association (NRA). As Balitang America reported, instead of the public clamor for less guns, the NRA has put forward a solution that is asking for more guns. In fact, NRA Executive Director Wayne LaPierre recently said: “The thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” To achieve this, his plan is to hire armed guards for every school in America. Others propose that teachers and other school personnel should be trained and allowed to carry guns in school, in order to be equipped to protect school children from bad guys with guns. Where will this renewed passion and mission to end gun violence in America take us? What should President Obama do to attain this goal, while still protecting the “right to bear arms,” as mandated by the US Constitution? Will arming good guys be the solution to gun violence? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Happy New Year: Time for change in Asean Globalization in retreat The episode was so shameful that the group’s Secretary-General Surin Pitsuan admitted that it had caused Asean to suffer a crisis of confidence. After all, unity is key to its regional clout. Only as a united grouping spanning vast lands and waters from Myanmar to Mindanao, Laos to Papua, with 600 million people generating a combined economic output in excess of $1.8 trillion, tenth-largest in the world, can Asean stand tall in Asia. Recently, the International Crisis Group’s regional director Jim Della-Giacoma said events of 2012 have laid bare the deep fault lines running through Asean’s diverse membership. Well, at least the annus horribilus is almost over. And to the relief of all, the baton passed from Cambodia to Brunei this year. Although tiny, Brunei has more experience of Asean affairs and a wiser understanding of the group’s consensual credo than Cambodia, having joined the grouping in 1984, fully 15 years before the latter’s entry. And in Foreign Minister Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Second Minister Lim Jock Seng, Brunei has a veteran duo who are actually liked by other members. Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong is also experienced, but at 77 and after 14 years in the job, many believe he is past his sell-by date as an effective diplomat. Plus the reality that Phnom Penh’s dependence
on Beijing’s largesse constrains its actions even in the company of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Those things cannot be said of the quiet but warm Mohamed, the avuncular Lim, or oil-rich Brunei. It is alleged that Mohamed has the job only because he is the Sultan’s brother, and that Lim is the brains behind the twosome. But true or not, few dispute they form a competent and likable team, so there is less chance of internal squabbling or the non-issuance of communiqués under Brunei’s chairmanship. That is something to welcome. Yes, there is a trade-off in that little Brunei will not actively push for any major initiatives, but that is all well and good: what Asean needs now is a year of quietly restoring group amity and solidarity. That process will be aided when the talented but rather excitable Surin was officially replaced yesterday by Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh, a grey and cautious apparatchik. Typically, Surin has urged that Minh be given a greater mandate to act on behalf of the entire group, but there is little chance of that happening— doubtless much to Minh’s relief. During his five-year term, Minh has said that talks on a code of conduct for the South China Sea and the implementation of a regional nuclear-weapons-free zone will be his top priorities.
Good luck to him on both counts. There is no way the United States, China or India will agree to the latter goal. All three have atomic weapons on a good number of their naval vessels and would never say which ships and subs carry nuclear warheads just to comply with a no-nukes policy. Nor would China accept limits on its military moves in the South China Sea, not only because it claims nearly all of it, but also due to the increased deployment of US naval and air forces in the Philippines, within striking distance of Chinese trade traversing the South China Sea, including 80 percent of the country’s oil imports. Still, as long as such talks are even-handed and do not descend to the depths of rancor encountered in Phnom Penh over the past year, most people will be happy. One more thing: Given their friendly ties with the Americans, Brunei and Vietnam should avoid doing for the US the summit tricks Cambodia tried to do for China this year. Let Asean also have a respite from big-power meddling by proxy. Said Della-Giacoma: “As the new secretary-general settles in, Asean watchers are not expecting as much public reflection in the coming year, especially with taciturn Brunei taking over the rotating chairmanship.” Let’s hope he is right. (ManilaTimes.net)
ONE fateful question for 2013 is this: What happens to globalization? For decades, growing volumes of cross-border trade and money flows have fueled strong economic growth. But something remarkable is happening; trade Robert J. Samuelson and international money flows are slowing and, in some cases, declining. David Smick, the perceptive editor of The International Economy magazine, calls the retreat “deglobalization.” What’s unclear is whether this heralds prolonged economic stagnation and rising nationalism or, optimistically, makes the world economy more stable and politically acceptable. To Americans, some aspects of deglobalization will seem delicious. Take manufacturing. Globalization has sucked factory jobs from the United States. Now, the tide may be turning. Just recently, Apple announced a $100 million investment to return some Mac computer production home. Though tiny, the decision reflects a trend. General Electric’s sprawling Appliance Park in Louisville, Ky., once symbolized America’s post-World War II manufacturing prowess, with employment peaking at 23,000 in 1973. Since then, jobs have shifted abroad or succumbed to automation. But now GE is moving production of water heaters, refrigerators and other appliances back to Appliance Park from China and Mexico. Year-end employment is reckoned at 3,600, up 90 percent from a year earlier, writes Charles Fishman in an excellent article in December’s Atlantic. Nor is GE alone, Fishman notes. Otis is moving some elevator production from Mexico to South Carolina. Wham-O is shifting Frisbee molding from China to California. The changes are harbingers, contends the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which predicts a manufacturing revival. China’s labor cost advantage has eroded, it argues. In 2000, Chinese factory wages averaged 52 cents an hour; but annual double-digit percentage increases will bring that to $6 an hour in high-skilled industries by 2015. Although wages of US production workers average $19 an hour, BCG argues that other non-wage factors favor the United States. American workers are more productive; automation has reduced labor’s share of expenses; and cheap natural gas further reduces costs. Finally, higher oil prices have boosted freight rates for PAGE A8
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DTI: foreign investors confident toward PH by Rosalie
C. Periabras Manilatimes.net
The unparalleled record of inbound business missions to the Philippines this year manifests the strong confidence of foreign investors on the country’s business environment. “Consistent with positive reviews of international rating agencies on the Philippines, this influx of business missions is a strong affirmation of the Aquino administration’s economic reforms that have resonated prominently to foreign investors worldwide,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio. The Board of Investments (BOI) recorded a total of 487 inbound business corporation visits from January to October last year. These missions are composed of 147 individual company visits and 34 multi-company delegation missions, where each mission was composed of at least five corporation executives. Year-on-year, inbound business missions for 2012 year increased by 56.6 percent from the 311 inbound missions of 2011. There was also an increase in multicompany delegations by 112.5 percent from a total of 18 in 2011 to 34 in 2012. Panlilio said that the increase in inbound business missions can be attributed to the revival of in-
terest of countries such as United Kingdom, France and Canada, and the growing interest coming from non-traditional markets like Russia, Europe (particularly Turkey), Middle East (namely Oman, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi), and Africa (particularly Nigeria). “Traditional markets such as Japan, US, Taiwan, and Korea remained a major source of foreign investor visits,” Panlilio added. The inbound mission’s sectors of interest were information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO), power including green energy, infrastructure or publicprivate partnership projects, tourism, agribusiness and aquaculture, and manufacturing of aerospace parts, electronics, garments and textiles, steel, machineries, automotive, shipbuilding, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Presidential visits The BOI also recorded a total of 13 outbound missions and four Presidential state visits this year. President Benigno Aquino 3rd led three of these state visits, which include the UK and US, that brought back at least $2.5 billion in investments in June; New Zealand and Australia that pitched investment opportunities in the Philippines in October; and Cambodia to attend the Asean Business Advisory Council meeting during the Asean Summit last November. Asean is the Associa-
tion of Southeast Asian Nations. For the fourth and recent state visit to India to keynote the Asean-India Business Fair and Forum, and meet with executives of Indian companies and leaders of a trade organization in the Indian software industry during the Asean-India Commemorative Summit, Vice President Jejomar Binay represented Aquino. Last year, there were 18 outbound mission conducted. Out of this number, 13 were BOI-led missions and five were Presidential state visits. Last year’s 13 outbound missions were in Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Australia and Cambodia. The areas of interests are maintenance, repair and overhaul services, electricity generation and transmission, hydropower power, tourism, energy, e-vehicle, agribusiness, shipbuilding, business process outsourcing, duty free shops and investments in economic zones and in Mindanao. “In 2013, we expect this trend to continue with numerous investor queries and requests for assistance in the conduct of our due diligence activities. We are also anticipating a considerable increase in realized investment projects with value propositions from the industry roadmaps developed this year,” Panlilio said.
IMF team sets PH visit
MANILA—A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to conduct its annual evaluation of the country’s economy starting next week, the organization’s representative to the Philippines said. “The Article IV mission is tentatively planned from January 10th to 23rd,” IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris told The STAR in an e-mail. According to the IMF website, Article IV consultations are annually undertaken by membercountries and involve visitation by a staff team that “collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies.” Data collated then serve as basis for a staff report of the country that is released months after. The report also “forms the basis for discussion by the Ex-
ecutive Board” of the IMF, the organization’s policy-making body. Department of Finance assistant secretary Ma. Teresa Habitan said the recommendations would also be provided by the IMF after discussions with key officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the government’s economic cluster led by the DOF. Details of the latest Article IV discussions remained unavailable as of press time. Though the Philippines is no longer required to adopt all IMF recommendations, Habitan said Article IV consultations serve as a “venue where we can seek technical advice for the more technical aspects of our work.” She cited the ongoing technical assistance extended by the IMF to improve the government’s fiscal reporting and make it more up-to-date and ac-
curate. Aside from this, studies were also conducted by the IMF on the Philippine excise tax system and fiscal incentives. The Philippines, having paid all its IMF loans in 2005, just taps the organization for training and policy advice. For instance, IMF recommendations were considered in the crafting of the “sin” tax bill — which aimed to increase tobacco and liquor taxes — passed into law last month. “These consultations allow us economic managers and technical staff to step back and take a long look at the kind of policies we are implementing. It’s a chance to more deeply scrutinize our policy fundamentals,” Habitan said in an e-mail. “What we can take from these visits is an objective analysis and recommendations on how to further improve on our jobs,” she added. (Philstar.com) FOR LUCK. A Filipino vendor cuts a piece of grapes for buyers to sample in downtown Manila. Many Filipinos believe that having 12 round fruits of d i ffe re n t kinds on the family table will bring good luck during the New Year. AP photo
Aquino abusing power – GMA Detained former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo was in a fighting mood on New Year’s Day as she fired accusations that President Benigno Aquino is abusing his power through a well-publicized anti-corruption campaign. Arroyo made the scathing remarks in a series of posts in her Twitter account. “We are concerned that the slogan of anti-corruption still remains to be validated by measurable progress and continues to be mocked by the abuse of
political power to favor those on the inside while persecuting those on the other side,” Arroyo said. “We pray that true justice be administered to all without bias and prejudice,” she added. The former president is under hospital detention because of a P366-million plunder complaint. She recently asked for a Christmas furlough, but the Sandiganbayan denied her request. Aside from plunder, the former president is also facing other charges such as electoral sabo-
Globalization in... PAGE A6
imports. By 2015, China’s overall cost advantage will shrivel to 7 percent, BCG forecasts. As important, it says, the United States will maintain significant cost advantages over other developed-country manufacturers: 15 percent over France and Germany; 21 percent over Japan; and 8 percent over Great Britain. The United States will be a more attractive production platform. Imports will weaken; exports will strengthen. BCG predicts between 2.5 million and 5 million new factory jobs by 2020. (For perspective: 5.7 million manufacturing jobs disappeared from 2000 to 2010.) Because the United States is the world’s largest importer, this shift would dampen trade. Similarly, cross-border money flows (“capital flows”) have abated. Banks, especially in Europe, have reduced foreign loans to “deleverage” and strengthen their balance sheets. From 2011 to 2012, bank loans to 30 “emerging market” countries fell by one-third, says the Institute of International Finance, an industry group. “It’s the most decisive case of ‘home bias’ [in lending] being reestablished,” says economist Philip Suttle of the IIF. Government regulators encourage the shift, he says, suggesting that “if you’re going to cut lending, cut there and not here.” Of course, globalization won’t vanish. It’s too big and too entwined with national economies. In 2011, total world exports amounted to nearly $18 trillion. The same is true of capital flows. Despite banks’ pullbacks, those same 30 emerg-
tage in connection with the 2007 midterm elections and graft over the $329-million botched NBNZTE broadband deal. Arroyo said that the Aquino administration’s anti-corruption campaign is yet to take off, considering that the Public-PrivatePartnership (PPP) initiative continues to move at a snail’s pace. The Pampanga lawmaker urged the current administration to respect contracts, understand how free markets operate and use genuine economic data. (ManilaTimes.net)
ing market countries in 2012 received an estimated $1 trillion worth of investment from multinational companies, private investors, pensions, insurance companies and other lenders—a still-huge total, though down from its peak. But globalization’s character may change. For years, the world economy has been wildly lopsided: China and some other countries ran big trade surpluses; the United States was perennially in massive deficit. Similar imbalances existed in Europe. Now, slumps have dampened the American and European appetite for imports. The upshot is that “China and others are recalibrating their export-led economic strategies” to focus more on domestic demand, argues economist Fred Bergsten of the Peterson Institute. That’s good, he says; the world economy will be more balanced. Likewise, erratic capital flows have triggered past financial crises. Slower flows may promote stability. Not everyone is so optimistic. Smick of The International Economy sees globalization as “the proverbial goose that laid the golden eggs.” The search for larger markets and lower costs drove investment, trade, economic growth and job creation around the world. That’s weakened, and there’s “no new model to replace it.” Domestic demand will prove an inadequate substitute. Central banks (the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan) have tried to fill the void with hyper-easy money policies. Smick fears damaging outcomes: currency wars as countries strive to capture greater shares of stagnant export markets; and burst “asset bubbles” caused by easy money. These visions clash. In 2013, we may learn which is right. (ManilaTimes.net)
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • january 4-10, 2013
A
A January 4-10, 2013 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
JANUARY 4-10, 2013
Ajpress Cover photo by Robert Macabagdal
people events arts culture entertainment
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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY January 4, 20 1 3
Janine Tugonon: by Mico Letargo / AJPress
The Philippines and its bevy of beautiful ladies is now on a 3-year streak of making it to the Top Five of the most prestigious beauty pageant in the universe. On Dec. 19, 2012, Miss Philippines (and Binibining PilipinasUniverse) Janine Mari Tugonon, a 23-year old Pharmacy graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), finished 1st runner-up in the 2012 iteration of the Miss Universe Pageant. Held at the Planet Hollywood hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada, the competition this year was so close, that Filipinos all over the world held their breath up to the very last moment. Suspense eventually gave way to shock, as Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned as the new Miss Universe, leaving Janine as first runner-up. Culpo succeeded the 2011 Miss Universe Leila Lopes of Angola. Gracious in defeat Despite the heartbreaking loss, Janine was very gracious about her defeat. Though she was a crowd favorite, Janine also acknowledged in a press conference that Miss USA had also made a strong bid for the crown in the pre-pageant activities. “Alam ko talaga si USA, malakas siya nung [pre-pageant] process pa lang. Kasi kung ako, lagi niyo nakikita sa shoots and interviews, mas parati siya, siya ‘yung mas busy sa ‘kin,” Janine said in an ABS-CBN News report. She revealed that in the climactic moment of the pageant, when she was holding hands with Culpo waiting for the results, the Filipina knew that it could go either way. She felt that there was a “50-50” chance that she would be able to bring home the crown to Manila. “Pero inisip ko rin na pwede ring hindi talaga,” Janine told ABS-CBNNews.com when asked about what went through her head during those moments. “Hindi naman pangit ‘yung sagot ni USA, and very spontaneous,” Janine said of Culpo’s response in the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion. “Maganda pa siya,” the Filipina said of the American. The long road Following the strong finishes of Venus Raj (4th runner-up, 2010) and Shamcey Supsup (3rd runner-up, 2011) in previous Miss Universe competitions, Janine knew that she had big shoes to fill. This didn’t seem to faze her though as the Bataan native
clearly fared well in the competition. After all, Janine is no stranger to beauty pagents. Before she headed off to Las Vegas to compete against the most beautiful women in the universe, Janine was on a blazing trail of pageantry success. In 2009, Janine was hailed as UST’s Ms. Pharmacy, which was followed by the Ms. Ideal Thomasian Personality (TSITP) crown in 2010. The TSITP, a universitywide competition in UST, proved to be her launch pad, as it was there that she was recommended to test her mettle in Binibining Pilipinas. In 2011, Janine finished as runner-up to Shamcey Supsup. In 2012, on her second try, she finally won it all. “Sobrang saya ko kasi joining again the Binibining Pilipinas is a big discussion in our family. Maraming may ayaw, pero meron ding may gusto. Talagang dito napatunayan ko na when God really plans something for you, it really happens,” She said in an interview with ABS-CBN. Her journey to the Miss Universe pageant was a long one. Admittedly pressured, Janine pushed on and soldiered through rigorous preparations that included extensive weight training, personality development, catwalk training, and make-up application techniques among others. Many saw this as Janine’s response to detractors who said that she didn’t have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Shamcey and Venus. No matter how hard how the training got, Janine was thankful for her the guidance of fellow beauty queens Shamcey and Venus, filling her in on what to expect during the actual competition. In an interview with former beauty queen Charlene Gonzales – Muhlach on ABS-CBN, Janine admitted that she valued the tips and advice that she got from her two Binibining Pilipinas predecessors. “Sa akin kasi, sila ‘yung mga tao na may pinakatamang payong masasabi kasi sila galing na dun. Si Shamcey inisa-isa niya from day one kung ano ang gagawin niyo dun,” Janine said of Shamcey and Venus on The Buzz. Although her two colleagues Shamcey and Venus, as well as her family cheered her on in Las Vegas, Janine however missed the presence of her boyfriend at competition, after he was denied of a US visa. That relationship though, proves to be a testament to her determination in pursuing her craft. In an interview on The Buzz, Janine revealed that she would choose the crown over love, if it came to that. She said that she did not want to look back in regret. “Alam naman niya ‘to eh. [Sabi ko sa kanya] ‘This is my mission in life. I’m doing this because this is what I am called to do and I want to do it. So for now, if I win and you are not gonna agree with it or you’re not gonna go with it, sorry I’d choose the crown,’” the Filipina explained. ‘It’s you, it’s you’ In a report on Rappler.com, Janine revealed that her fellow contestants had said that that it should have been her on the pedestal.
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
“It’s you, we know it’s you.” These were reportedly some of the words that they had for Janine after she finished as runner up to Olivia Culpo. Miss Indonesia, according to Janine, even cried when the Filipina didn’t win the title. Despite the loss, Janine is obviously the Miss Universe in our hearts. Personalities in UST, where she earned her degree in Pharmacy, expressed their support for the Filipina, regardless of the result. UST student publication The Varsitarian quoted UST officials calling Janine as the “real Miss Universe in the hearts of Thomasians.” “She makes us proud as Thomasians and as Filipinos” said secretary general Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. in an interview with The Varsitarian. “She showed to the world how a Thomasian is truly elegant. She is my Miss Universe,” said UST Public Affairs chief Giovanna Fontanilla in the school paper. Homecoming When the Asian Journal caught up with Janine at the McCarran International Airport before her flight to the Philippines, she said that she was happy with the kind of support she received from the Fil-Am community in Las Vegas. With Filipino fans attending even the preliminary events, Janine said that it felt like she never left home. Janine eagerly looks forward to taking a vacation in Palawan. However, the beauty queen said that she wasn’t sure if she can make the trip because of the engagements that are already lined up for her. She also expressed her openness to entering the showbiz industry, indicating that she intends to sign with ABSCBN. Though Janine may not have won the crown – what would have been the third for the Philippines after Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margie Moran (1973) – she came home to a warm and supportive welcome from the Filipinos in Manila. Because of her stellar performance at the global pageant, many little girls and young teens are sure to aspire becoming the next Janine Tugonon. “You have to believe in yourself,” she said to these young dreamers at a press conference at the Araneta Center. She also said that she would happily teach her signature Cobra Walk to anyone who asked (With reports from Rappler.com, The Varsitarian, and ABS-CBNNews.com)
Fil-Am community in US Northeast commemorate 116th Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
New York—The Philippine Consulate General and the Order of the Knights of Rizal-New York Chapter with the participation of the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York held a Commemorative Program marking the 116th Death Anniversary of the Philippines’ National Hero with the theme “Rizal 2012: Ehemplo ng Sambayanan sa Tuwid na Daan” on 28 December 2012 at the LobbyGallery of the Philippine Center in New York. The program opened with a floral offering by Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in New York H.E. Libran Cabactulan, Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr., Deputy Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega and Knights of Rizal-NY Chapter Commander Jose Ramos. Following the floral offering, a special invocation by Fr. Erno Diaz called on the Fil-Am Community to continue to honor the legacy of Dr. Rizal while Msgr. Oscar Aquino gave a special blessing to all those present. Special Messages on the occasion of the 116th Death Anniversary of Rizal were delivered by Amb. Cabactulan and Consul General de Leon. Amb. Cabactulan spoke of the relevance of Dr. Rizal’s philosophy and worldviews to the international community while Consul General De Leon pointed out the parallels in Rizal’s thinking and the need for greater and more lasting empowerment among the Filipino diaspora.
Other segments of the event included a reading by Deputy Consul General Dizon-de Vega of selected letters of Dr. Rizal to various members of his family in the months leading to his execution in 1896. Renowned Filipino-American guitarist and Artistic Director of the Children’s Orchestra Society Michael Dadap performed an instrumental version of Rizal’s own work “Dulces Las Horas”, more popularly known as the “Song of Maria Clara” while Filipino tenor, Rogelio Peñaverde, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, sang the moving “Anak Dalita” by Francisco Santiago. Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Eduardo de Vega recited Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Spanish. The evening’s program was capped by the singing of “Si Gat Jose Rizal” by the members of the Knights of Rizal and a Community Singing of “Bayan Ko”. Mr. Jose Ramos, NY Chapter Commander, pledged in his Closing Message to intensify the recruitment of more members for the Knights of Rizal including a concerted effort to reach out to the emerging generation of FilipinoAmericans. The program was emceed by Atty. Dean Suba, a member of the New York Chapter of the Knights of Rizal. Among those present at the event were past NY Chapter Commanders, current Deputy
Erno Diaz delivers the invocation; Consul General Mario de Leon,Jr. speaks of Rizal’s legacy; Community members listen to reflections on Rizal
L-R Amb. Libran Cabactulan delivers a special message; NY Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal Jose Ramos; Msgr. Oscar Aquino gives a special blessing for the occasion
L-R Dep Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega reads excerpts from Rizal’s letters; The Knights of Rizal perform “Si Gat Jose Rizal” accompanied by Michael Dadap and conducted by Dr. Roy Guinto of the UP Medical Alumni Society of America and the Knights of Rizal-NY Chapter; The Knights join Consul General de Leon and other guests beside the bust of Dr. Rizal
Regional Commander for the US, Mr. Francis Sison, members of
Photos by Mr. Ernesto Pamolarco, Jr. and Tess Dizon-de Vega
the Ladies for Rizal-New Jersey, representatives of the Association
of Filipino Teachers of America (AFTA) and the Handang Tumulong
Foundation, Inc., and other Filipino Community members.
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY jan uary 4, 2013
Ate’s expedited request dooms brother’s Cspa eligibility
priority date is current (or visa is available). How old is the “child” when the priority date becomes Recently, an Ate (older current? You then subtract from sister) came to my office for a the child’s age the length of time consultation, asking if her younger it took the USCIS to process and brother was eligible for age – out approve the petition. Therefore, benefits under the Child Status the longer it takes USCIS to Protection Act (CSPA). In that case, approve a petition, the more time you can subtract from the their immigrant parent had just child’s age when the priority filed a petition for her younger date becomes current. On the brother in the F – 2A category (single minor child of immigrant other hand, the faster the USCIS parent). Right now, the waiting approves a petition, the less time time for a green card in the F you can subtract from the child’s – 2A category is about two years. age. For example, if it took USCIS However, her brother was turning three months to approve the 21 in a few months. petition, you can only subtract three months from the child’s The sister decided to contact the USCIS and request that they age. If it took USCIS two years expedite the approval of her to approve the petition, you brother’s petition. She called the can subtract two years from the 800 number, sent e-mails, and child’s age. Therefore it is always wrote letters. Finally the USCIS better, for CSPA purposes, for the “granted” her expedite request, USCIS to take longer to approve and immediately approved the the petition. In this particular case, the petition. The problem is that by Ate was makulit, and requested her rushing the USCIS to approve that petition, she effectively USCIS to “expedite” the approval destroyed her younger brother’s of the petition, which they did. chances for benefits under the However, as soon as the petition was approved, no more time CSPA. could thereafter be subtracted The reason is that eligibility from the child’s age. But the for benefits under the CSPA is based on a mathematical formula, problem is that the waiting time for a visa in the F – 2A category whereby you take the date a petition is filed, and the date it was is about two years. Therefore, a approved. How long did it take person would want to have the petition be pending as long as USCIS to approve the petition? Three months? Six months? One possible. This is so that you can year? subtract more time from the child’s age when the priority date Next, you sit around and finally becomes current. But she wait for a few years, until the Atty. Michael Gurfinkel
did just the opposite, she rushed the approval of the petition. My point is that the CSPA can sometimes be a confusing and complex law. What may seem to make sense (such as rushing the approval of a petition) can actually be harmful to a case. Before you start acting as your own attorney, giving yourself advice, and making up your own laws and rules, you should, instead, consult with an attorney to make sure you’re doing it correctly and are properly strategizing the case. In this particular situation, by the Ate rushing the approval of the petition, her brother will not benefit from the CSPA. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
RACE AGAINST TIME AS THE LUCEROS FAMILY SCRAMBLED TO GET THEIR YOUNGEST TO COME TO AMERICA BEFORE HE “AGED OUT.” Time was fast escaping JR (2nd from left) who was about to turn 21, which meant that he would “age out”. The fastest way to get JR was for Mommy Zeny (left) to immigrate first through her daughter Lanie’s (2nd from right) petition. But it was truly painful for Mommy Zeny to leave the family’s “baby” behind. Lanie decided to consult with leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) to beat the clock against all odds. Watch another success story on an encore episode of your most popular immigration program on television—’Citizen Pinoy’—this Sunday 5:45pm (PST) on TFC.
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ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s ‘One More Try’ wins Best Picture at 38th Metro Manila Film Festival Lead actor Dingdong Dantes wins Best Actor; ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s ‘Sisterakas’ is runaway box office champ and MMFF 3rd Best Picture MANILA—One More Try was proclaimed Best Picture and one of its lead actors, Dingdong Dantes, won Best Actor during the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards night held at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig City on Thursday, December 27. Starring Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo, and directed by award-wnning ABS-CBN Creative Head and Director and TV Production Business Unit Head Ruel S. Bayani of No Other Woman and Budoy fame, among others, One More Try will be shown in 22 theaters in the US starting January 11, 2013. The Star Cinema movie bested the film Thy Womb, which was originally predicted to win several major awards. Overall, One More Try won six awards, including the inaugural Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence. El Presidente was named 2nd Best Picture while Sisterakas, won 3rd Best Picture. Thy Womb, meanwhile, was awarded the Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award. The complete list of winners: Youth Choice Award: El Presidente Best Festival Float: El Presidente Best Sound: El Presidente Best Musical Score: El Presidente Best Theme Song: El Presidente Best Make Up: El Presidente Best Child Performer: Miguel Vergara for One More Try Full Length New Wave Best Actor: Allan Paule for Dayak Full length New Wave Best Actress: Liza Dino for In Nomine Matris New Wave Best Picture: The Grave Bandits New Wave Special Jury Prize: Ad Ignoratiam New Wave Best Director: Tyrone Acierto for The Grave Bandits Best Visual Effects: Shake, Rattle and Roll 14: The Invasion Best Production Design: Thy Womb Best Editing: Vito Cahilig for One More Try Best Cinematographer: Odyssey Flores for Thy Womb Most Gender Sensitive Award (Mainstream): Thy Womb FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence: One More Try
Still ranking no. 2 in the list of nationwide topgrossers as of Wednesday, Si Agimat has turned in P47.4 million in earnings from Metro Manila and provincial theaters after two days. Starring Judy Ann Santos, Vic Sotto and Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., the movie’s first-day gross nationwide was P29.4 million. The drama movie, One More Try, starring Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, and Zanjoe Marudo, managed to turn in more than P10 million on top of its first-day earnings
Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano for El Presidente Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesnt for Sisterakas Best Original Story: Henry Burgos for Thy Womb Best Screenplay: One More Try Best Director: Brillante Mendoza for Thy Womb Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award: Thy Womb 3rd Best Picture: Sisterakas 2nd Best Picture: El Presidente Best Picture: One More Try Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes for One More Try Best Actress: Nora Aunor for Thy Womb (Source: ph.omg.yahoo.com by Chuck Smith, with reports from Karen Valeza) ‘Sisterakas’ widens lead in the box office After two days in the theaters, the Wenn V. Deramas-directed film Sisterakas, starring Kris Aquino, Ai Ai de las Alas and Vice Ganda, continues to rank first in the list of the highest-earning film entries to the yearly film festival, two days since all eight participating movies opened Christmas Day in theaters nationwide. At the close of screening in Metro Manila and provincial theaters last Wednesday, Sisterakas has turned in a nationwide two-day gross of P71.2 million, according to data from the film fest organizer Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The figure is almost double the comedy flick’s total first-day earnings of P39.2 million. From an approximate lead of P10 million over the fantasy-comedy film Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako after their first day in theaters nationwide, the Star Cinema film is now leading by P23.8 million.
Fiestas make it even more fun in the Philippines MANILA—The past year has been a great one for Philippine tourism, with many of the
Sinulog in Cebu
country’s destinations topping international travelers’ lists. More than the pristine white
beaches and the awe-inspiring landscapes, though, what makes it truly “more fun in the Philippines” is its people. This is no more evident than in the colorful festivals wherein one can witness a sea of people gamely donning costumes, dancing to infectious beats, and regaling both local and foreign tourists alike. The Ati-Atihan in Kalibo “ushers” the start of the festivities in the Philippines each year as it is celebrated on the third week of January. Revelers painting their face and body in soot and wearing colorful costumes shouting “Hala Bira!” have become familiar images by now. Continued on Page 6
of P13.1 million nationwide. The Ruel Bayani-directed film, which is also a Star Cinema entry, has grossed P24.3 million in Metro Manila as well as provincial theaters as of Wednesday. Now on its 14th installment -- its eighth consecutive entry to the annual MMFF -- Shake, Rattle & Roll ranks fourth in the list of second-day top-grossers nationwide. It has so far garnered P16.7 million. (Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com) (Advertising Supplement)
An Asian Journal
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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY january 4, 20 1 3
Health@ Heart
Last month, the world happily Philip S. Chua, welcomed the MD, FACS, FPCS lucky date 1212-12. Never again will this triple 12 occur within a thousand years. Also, as our iPhone 5 non-Mayan calendar had predicted, the world did not come to an end on 12-21-12. And since we, including the perplexed survivalists, are all still here and were able to witness the year 2012 coming to a close and the new year beginning, let us review some of the top health issues of the past year of challenges. Soft drinks: very harmful Those who consume any type of soft drinks (cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeine-free or not), especially children, are prone to develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions (obesity, diabetes, with a hangover. That’s why high blood pressure, heart attack). As I have father kicked me out of the emphasized in my health book, Let’s Stop “Killing” family home, which made me Our Children, soft drinks, which I call “liquid candies,” truly believe that things happen are most unhealthy for everyone, especially for the for a reason. God has a plan kids. A study at the University of Miami/Columbia for me and from that time on, I University showed that “the risk of heart attack and found the true meaning of hard stroke was 43 percent greater among those who work and perseverance. drank diet soda at least once a day.” Even the nonIt was another life lesson diet soft drinks, as we stated above, are harmful. learned. I became independent Lately, a study showed that drinking soft drinks and resilient. I learned how to increases the risk for, and aggravates, osteoarthritis, work hard to prove to myself especially of the knees. and my parents that I can be West Nile Virus Infection successful on my own. There were more than 235 deaths among At 22, I was able to put up the total of 5,207 West Nile Virus infection, as of four salons in the Philippines. November 20, 2012, in the entire United States. Fifty When the opportunity came one percent of them were neuroinvasive (meningitis to relocate to Los Angeles, and encephalitis). Other countries, like the California when I was 26 years Philippines, also had their share of this viral infection. old, I took it because I wanted Meningitis outbreak from steroid shots to challenge myself. I worked Fungal meningitis that killed two dozen persons, as busboy, flipped burgers at who had steroid shots, was determined to be caused McDonald’s, worked as a salon by contaminated injectable steroid prepared by the assistant and now, I’m a beauty Massachusetts pharmacy compounder, the New entrepreneur. England Compounding Center (NECC) near Boston. Life was great but I was The company and its principal are facing criminal drowned by partying, fame charges and multiple law suits from families of those and success. I made some bad victims, who got the shot for back pains and other decisions because of selfnon-serious illnesses. seeking, insecurity and pride, E. Coli in Organic Spinach which led me to failure. I forgot E. Coli, germs found in human feces, were to put God in the center of my detected in Organic Spinach and Spring Mix life. blend salad produced by State Garden of Chelsea, After years of hardships and Massachusetts, which caused multiple outbreaks in pain, I finally surrendered and the USA. This was confirmed by DNA “fingerprinting” realized that I am powerless and of E. Coli bacteria by the US Food and Drug need help to reconnect with my Administration in the period between October God. 18th to November 3rd. Of the 24 victims, two had He saved me and gave me hemolytic uremic kidney failure. No deaths reported. back what I lost and more -- a August-September 2012 also witnessed the alarming mentor and a group of people cantaloupe contamination in the USA, which led who understand me. to Listeriosis that sickened 55 and killed eight They helped me identify my people in 14 States, who developed encephalitis faults and character defects, and meningitis. The contaminated cantaloupes Continued on Page 5 were traced to the Jensen Farm’s Rocky Ford brand
2013: A new beginning By Monet
Lu
2013 is here and this time I want to share wonderful things that I’ve rediscovered by renewing ties with my faith, my family and meeting new friends. This is a tribute to them and to where I came from. I have found new and real appreciation through a program that helped me redesign my way of life. Everyone who belongs to a family knows that any drama within a clan can be very complicated. Sometimes, we act out on our differences through miscommunication, arguments and resentment. But after all that’s said and done, in time of crisis and needs, our families are there to support us -- whether we are down on our knees or experiencing a triumphant moment. In life and in every relationship like marriage and friendship, we will all experience these differences and problems. Within my own family, we naturally have issues with each other. We have arguments and different opinions. There are times that we don’t talk to each other for weeks. Last Christmas, we had a family reunion where we reminisced about our childhood, growing up in Philippines. A brother and some of my sisters are based in the Philippines, Hawaii, Canada and Seattle. Through modern technology we recall our early days in a household of 13 members, headed by a strict but understanding Chinese father. Everything was going great for us financially, until that fateful day, when our grocery store (the family’s sole livelihood) and our house
EMPLOYMENT
burned to the ground. I can still remember feeling so helpless, as I watched the raging flames devour the family property. It was heartbreaking for us and for my father, who worked hard to build our business. He was never the same after that devastating loss. It will be forever etched in my memory. My parents had to start from scratch, while taking care of 11 children, with me being the 7th child. My mother became the breadwinner. It’s interesting how a crisis can bring people closer together. At the tender age of 12 , I had to help my mother sell chickens at the market. I quit high school to pursue dressmaking and fashion design. Me and my mom kept it from my father for a while. I was 17 years old when I started sewing prom dresses, bridal gowns and costumes for my classmates. Through dressmaking, I discovered my passion for hairstyling and beauty. I would practice different hairstyles on market vendors, neighbors and nieces, as well as my sisters. I would sometimes charge a fee, but most of the time, my service was free. I learned the craft by doing as much as I could. Being a precocious 17year-old, I had moments when I behaved badly. I had lots of alcohol, drugs and stayed up late -- sleeping in the morning
Top health issues of 2012
FOR SALE
from a Denver area store and from equipment and cantaloupes at the Jensen packing plant. Green coffee? Or, tea? Now competing with the popular health drink, Green Tea, is Green Coffee, which, the manufacturers claim, has Chlorogenic Acid, supposedly good for weight and blood sugar control. This acid is reduced greatly when coffee beans are roasted, according to these companies. I cannot find genuine scientific studies to confirm any of these claims. In the meantime, I will stick to my black coffee and green or red raspberry teas. And my Bluetooth. Carbs/Sugar and Brain Damage A Mayo Clinic study showed that “seniors who consume lots of carbohydrates and sugars are at increased risk (1.5 to 1.9 times higher) for mild cognitive impairment, which includes problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment,” early signs of Alzheimer’s, compared to those with the lowest intake of carbs and sugars. A new experimental drug, bapineuzumab (Pfizer and J&J), is unable to cure Alzheimer’s but shows promise in slowing down the amyloid plaque formation among these patients, “before the brain is actually damaged and memory loss has occurred.” Lily has a similar drug, called solanezumab. More clinical investigations are ongoing. Orchid Award for RP The prestigious international Orchid Award was bestowed upon the Philippines, “for excluding the National Tobacco Administration from the official delegation to the 5th Conference of Parties (COPS) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which opened in Korea last month. Prior to this, the Philippines had been perceived to be staunch supporter of the tobacco industry. It’s about time for us to start being a healthier nation and help stop the senseless deaths from tobacco-related illnesses. Coconut oil is saturated fat! The Mayo Clinic listed coconut oil, along with red meats, palm oil, and dairy products as “major sources of saturated fats.” The following are some of the items loaded with killer trans-fats: deepfried fast foods, bakery product s, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-salt, mainly fish, occasional lean meat, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, a diet good for the cardiovascular system to lessen the risk for heart attack and stroke. And cancer too! Diabetes can be reversed Great news: diabetes can be reversed! The recommendations for everyone and especially for those with borderline blood sugar level (prediabetics) are a low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol diet of low glycemic index foods, high-fiber, plantbased, vegetables, beans, some whole grains, nuts, some fruits, and fish and chicken breasts, instead of red meat. Daily exercise that makes you sweat, like brisk walking, biking, swimming, for half an hour, 7 days a week, is essential. And so with weight control. This strategy has effectively reversed countless Continued on Page 5
SERVICES
An Asian Journal
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY jan uary 4 , 2 0 1 3
A New Year, A fresh start with the Gapasins’ 40th wedding anniversary
On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
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Bobby T. Yalong The New Year ushers limitless possibilities and enormous amounts of positivity that are made even prosperous by the advent of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival on Sunday, February 10. Based on the Chinese Astrological Calendar, people whose lucky element is water will obtain fortune and good life since this year falls in the Year of the Water Snake which begins on February 4, a very rare occurrence that happens only once every 60 years. The last time was in 1953. The Year of the Water Snake, according to Hollywood Feng Shui Master Jennifer Bonetto, will bring extremes in weather patterns in the country and Southeast Asia could experience a lot of tumultuous natural calamities like typhoons, hurricanes, and earthquakes. There could also have a possible rise in fire-related incidents and disasters such as a nuclear explosion. The global economy, she adds, will continue to improve and more creative businesses will be at the forefront. The Chinese are very particular with colors and they always regard red as a “Yang” chi or male, the extrovert energy as oppose to black which is considered a “Yin” chi or female, the introvert energy. The red, aside from the fact it represents beauty, vibrancy, energetic life and passionate love, it is the most attractive of all colors and the symbol of blood and life in many languages and culture. 2013 will be difficult for people born in the Year of the Pig since they directly clash with each other. But for many, these predictions are mere guidelines and reminders but it will still be God’s will that will rule and prevail over what He has created. And speaking of colors, during the recently celebrated renewal of vows to seal their forty years of married life at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, NJ Rogelio and Ramona Gapasin made the right choice when they picked red for their color motif. The hotel’s Crystal Ballroom was glistening in hues of red with dashes of white and gold. The aisle, complete with bouquets of red and white roses on both sides, was made possible with a mosaic-patterned red runner that led to a make-shift altar. A white floral arch festooned with thousand lights and twigs of hollies with red cardinal birds and white pigeons perched all over congruously served as the ceremony’s focal point. Abundantly laden buffet tables were strategically set
Mr. World 2012 winner Francisco Escobar of Columbia and Andrew Wolff of the Philippines, 1st. Runner-up.
The Gapasins (Rogelio and Ramona) posed for a souvenir shot after their renewal of vows.
The Gapasins with their children and grangkids.
Gapasin (operations manager of CEC Entertainment in Rhode Island) followed with fiancee Sharon Lakatos, while their third child Patrick S. Gapasin (senior windows system administrator at Datapipe in Exchange Place) tread the center carpet with wife Anna and their three-year old daughter Kalia. Rogelio and Ramona’s youngest son Gregory (BSN, RN at the Kessler Rehab. Center of NJ in Saddlebrook), meanwhile, walked with wife Patricia Roxas Gapasin and their six-month old baby, Emma Sofia. A dinner break and an hour-long dancing slot broke the sentimental first part of the occasion where Ramona and Rogelio took the opportunity to The ceremonial waltz change outfits. Ramona re-entered in a body-hugging Grecianon both ends of the hall that inspired champagne red gown left a huge space for dancing finished with a voluminous train and ceremonial activities. At a and flowing sleeve while Rogelio glance, the garden ambiance was dashing in his magenta overwhelmingly prevailed with barong Tagalog with front and guests absorbing the vibrantly back appliqués that matched his festive energy that the interior bride. decor purposely served. After the traditional cake and Rev. Fr. Paciano Alex Barbieto wine ceremonies, the groom’s best celebrated the 6:30 mass in a buddy, Anthony Bartido, proposed specially designated private room a wedding toast which he after which they were ushered started with a vivid and eloquent into the main venue where the reflection of the couple’s inspiring couple received their guests married life. and well-wishers while Rev. Fr. The couple gamely Donato Cabardo, Jr. delivered the entertained their guests with invocation and the Grace before a choreographed production meal prayer. number of a medley of dances A very moving renewal they were familiar with through of vows ensued after a grand the years, starting with the processional participated in by romantic sweet steps that segued Ramona’s mother Mrs. Feliza Nillo Zampaga vda. de Sansait who was to a graceful waltz and shifted to the bouncy cha-cha, then changed escorted by grandson Emmanuel the mood to the dramatic tango Joseph Sansait and the parents of Rogelio Mr. and Mrs. Gregorio and and airy swing. Just when the crowd thought that it was almost Enriqueta Gapasin. The couple’s first born, Rebecca over, the couple suddenly finished it off with the phenomenal dance G. Pagan, (a BSN graduate and craze, Gangnam Style, that earned works at the Hoboken University for them thunderous applause. Medical Center) walked the But there was still more than aisle with hubby Angel Pagan what they expected. In the middle and sons Bryan and Jayden. The of Psy’s infectious music, sevencouple’s eldest son Jeffrey S.
Photos by Monico Rabara
Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot American Idol Season XI Runner-up Jessica Sanchez
year old Jayden, the couple’s grandson from Rebecca and Angel, joined them in synchronized movement and literally stole the show from them. The crowd went even wilder with applause and stomping. If only for Jayden’s well-applauded participation, that culminating portion was, indeed, worth all the efforts and preparations. Aptly dubbed as “a romance to last a lifetime,” Rogelio and Ramona’s blissful wedded life is truly one for the books. It is a rare love story. “We’re still looking forward for another ten years to celebrate our Golden Anniversary, God willing,” Ramona said as hugged Rogelio and gave a playful wink. Definitely a long and lasting love this couple has had shared in forty years which made me wonder what secret keeps their relationship last. “There’s no secret, not even a formula.” Ramona explained. “Since we’re two different individuals with different upbringing and orientation and merely attracted to each other, so, we made it a point to fully understand and learn from each other in every way and tried to adjust to each other every single day!” To Rogelio and Ramona, maybe French pilot-writer Antoine
Scholarship grants offered to New York City high school seniors Deadline is on Jan. 11 New York, NY—Five scholarship grants of $5,000 each are being offered to New York City high school seniors through an essay contest on the life of Reginald F. Lewis, the late CEO and Chairman of TLC Beatrice International with the deadline for submission on January 11. Students in their senior year at a New York City public school who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and an interest in business can submit an essay of approximately 1,000 words. Details can be found at http://ww.nycgrads.org/
rflfoundationscholarship. The essay contest is being funded through a grant from The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation and is being administered through the New York City Fund for Public Schools. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on January 18. As CEO of TLC Beatrice International, Reginald Lewis presided over a business empire that included 64 companies in 31 countries. His remarkable career was cut short when he passed away at the age of 50 on January 19, 1993. Today, his name
2013: A new...
From Page 4 and taught me how to live one day at a time. I have now reached the present, practicing daily gratitude and being of service to another fellow. I have learned to accept life on life’s terms. Prayer and daily meditation help me reconnect to a higher power. He guides me to this journey called life. It’s progress, not perfection. Through it all, the biggest factor that drove me to always get up when I fall were: my faith and belief, my loved ones, my family and true friends.
Top health issues... From Page 4 diabetes and has saved millions around the globe. All without medications. Just discipline and resolve. Alzheimer’s: Type 3 diabetes? As most people know, there are two types of diabetes, 1 and 2. But researchers are beginning to think Alzheimer’s could be Type 3 diabetes, since it is “marked by brain insulin resistance and corresponding inflammation,”
according to a study at Rhode Island Hospital published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The insulin resistance prevents proper lipid metabolism, which results in lipid build-up in the brain, leading brain cell damage and dementia. Red Meats and Cancer Studies have shown that eating red meats (pork, beef, etc) and processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, hamburgers, etc) increases the risk for colorectal cancer, and
graces the International Law Building at Harvard Law School, a building at Virginia State University and the Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of Reginald Lewis’ acquisition of the international division of Beatrice Foods, a special commemorative edition of Mr. Lewis’ biography, “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? How Reginald Lewis Created A Billion-Dollar Business Empire,” is being reissued by Black Classic Press.
For these, I thank God for a blessed 2012 and I look forward to a new beginning. Happy New Year to you and may the grace and the true spirit of the holiday be with you always. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
barbequed red meats, especially with charcoal-burned parts of it, the risk for pancreatic cancer. The saturated fats in these meats raised blood cholesterol and the risk for heart attack and stroke. Even the death rate from all other diseases in general is higher among those who eat red meats regularly, compared to those who eat fish, vegetables, nuts, and fruits. May my “prediction” that your new year will be filled with love, good health, peace, and prosperity come true! ***
June Macasaet
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com. Please visit www.xlibris.com and search for the book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children which contains a compilation of articles from this column.
Rizzini Alexis Gomez, Miss Tourism International 2012
de Saint-Exupery’s quotation from his book, The Airman’s Odyssey, is a fitting dedication: “Love does not consist of gazing at each other alone but in looking outward together in the same direction!” Here’s to a more solid and lasting marital togetherness to the both of you! Erratum et addendum: In my column last issue, the latest WBO Super Bantamweight Title holder Nonito Donaire was inadvertently tagged “The Hawaiian Punch” instead of “The Filipino Flash.” The former tag was supposedly intended for another Filipino pride and achiever in the Sports Arena, Brian Villoria, having had unified the WBO & WBA Flyweight titles. Incidentally, ESPN, Ring Magazine, and Sports Illustrated unanimously honored Donaire as 2012 “Boxer of the Year” while the Pacquiao-Marquez 4 was named “Fight of the Year.” Bothered by my own guilty conscience for failure to include significant personalities in my 2012 Newsmakers and Headliners, I stand apologetic for my glaring “sin of omission.” So here are some more worth-praising figures that contributed and brought honor to the Philippines last year: June Mendoza Macasaet of Batangas for winning the 2012 Mr. Manhunt International in Bangkok and transgender Kevin
Brian Viloria
Balot of Tarlac for bagging the Miss International Queen in Pattaya, Thailand, two elusive titles won by the Philippines for the first time; actor-model and Philippine Volcanoes rugby player Andrew James P. Wolff for bringing home the 1st. Runner-up title in the recently concluded Mr. World 2012 competition in Kent, England; Mutya ng Pilipinas bet Rizzini Alexis Gomez of Cebu for bagging the Miss Tourism International 2012 crown in Malaysia; and how could I possibly miss international singing sensation and Season XI American Idol runner-up FilipinaMexican Jessica Sanchez? Mea culpa! For comments and suggestions, please email: gemini0646@yahoo. com
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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY january 4, 20 1 3
FUNFARE Mga halu-halong hula-hula 2013 By RICARDO F. LO Philstar.com
Vic Sotto
If somebody tells you that he’s a “trustworthy” friend, crossing his heart and swearing that he hopes to die (if he’s lying), think 10 times because he might actually be stabbing you at the back and secretly putting you down. Yes, it’s the Year of the (Water) Snake that begins during the Chinese New Year next month. There are snakes not only in the grass but in the asphalt jungle as well. They often bite the hands that feed them. With that gentle New Year reminder/warning done, allow Funfare’s “resident psychic” to dish out his annual halu-halong hula-hula without, unlike most manghuhula, consulting Tarot Cards or a Crystal Ball (but only reviewing his stack of tabs and
Sarah Geronimo
movie magazines, and recordings of showbiz talk shows…see, easy does it!). Wide-awake items • Just to beat the boredom (ho-hum!) in her barren love life, Kris Aquino will pretend to have a new (younger) love but she will soon get tired of him. (Her ex-husband James Yap will remain discreet about his, uhm, sexcapades.) • Sarah Geronimo will defy parental control and finally enjoy her often rudely-interrupted love life. • The network war will be waged even more fiercely, with the Top Two (Kapuso and Kapamilya) holding on to their hot properties so they won’t jump ober da bakod (which was the favorite sport of TV stars in 2012). • Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna will not get married (yet). What if they do? Then, due to the slight age difference, Pauleen’s dad will have to address Vic as “kuya.” Maybe for convenience, the two men should call each other Bossing (unless Pauleen’s dad prefers to call Vic “Daddy”). • If plans are pushed through and Willie Revillame’s Wil Time Bigtime (to be retitled Wowowillie) is pitted with Eat, Bulaga! in the noontime slot, guess which one will suffer in the ratings game… what!?!, neither of them two, so which one? • Spoiler alert: Only 30 percent (or even less) of the actors running in the May elections will win. • Ormoc Rep. Lucy Torres and husband, Ormoc City Mayorable Richard Gomez will start their joint venture after the elections — that is,
Kris Aquino
giving their only child Juliana (who’s turning 14 in September) either a brother or a sister. • With the bright trail paved by the likes of Brillante “Dante” Mendoza, more indie Filipino directors will win awards in international filmfests. • 2012 was packed full with foreign acts. Expect more of them this year. (Will Madonna finally come?) • And last but definitely not the least, PNoy will make an overnight star out of a lady (lucky you!) on whom he will take a fancy — fleeting as usual! *** • A controversial couple will “go through troubled waters” and the girl will, as is her wont, tell all against the guy, including what “little else” he keeps. • More couples will break up, especially those notorious for brazen PDA (Public Display of Affection) and for promising the whole world that they will love each other forever and ever, amen? • The feuding sisters will not kiss and make up; instead they will resume their word war still on national television. • A balikbayan actress will admit (at last, at last!) that she and her non-showbiz husband have actually long called it quits. No need to continue hiding in a wonderland if it’s as blatantly fake as that of the fairy-tale Alice is beautifully real. • Several prodigal stars who have changed channels will try
Willie Revillame
to return to their old “homes” but so sorry, management won’t be taking them back (serves them right, ‘no?). • An actress will be deluded into falling for a foreigner, only to discover that she has been duped (ouch!!!). • A major shake-up will rock a network and heads will roll. • A young actress will get pregnant out of wedlock and her career will hit a snag. But she might make a successful rebound like other actresses who have committed the same indiscretion. • As one beauty queen seriously thinks of settling down, another one seriously thinks of junking her boyfriend (as usually happens when one rises in social status and moves in more colorful circles). • More stars will get entangled in senseless controversies due to their addiction to social networking. (Warning: No inquiries about the names of those in the “blind items” will be entertained. Funfare’s “resident psychic” himself is clueless. Kaya nga hulahula, eh, kasi ‘yon na nga — hula lang.)
Regine is at home, connected and complete MANILA-Regine Velasquez got sick at a most inopportune time early this month and it broke her heart how she couldn’t give her best to her audience after undergoing arduous preparations for her silver anniversary concert. Regine is one artist who gives her heart and soul when she performs and the dedication she gives to her audience is quite unparalleled. Regine Velasquez: A diva connected can That’s why all eyes are on her as celebrate the beautiful life. she mounts the repeat of her Silver concert on Jan. 5 at the SM Arena, where it all began, for free! Regine has always relied on her golden voice to achieve and maintain the life that she has dreamed for herself and her loved ones. Dubbed as the Cinderella of local music business, her rags-to-riches story has proven that one can aim for the moon and reach it with determination and perseverance, just like the way she is able to hit those impossibly high notes in her songs. The big houses, the fancy cars, the branded clothes, shoes and bags, travels abroad and her own businesses — name it, Regine has had it for many years now. With the country’s top diva raising her own family — Baby Nate, husband, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and his children with Michelle Van Eimeren-Morrow, Regine’s outlook has broadened to not just living it up, but, more importantly, having a quality of life in which she and those dear to her have the strongest of connections at all times. Regine knows it starts with herself. At home, she doesn’t act like the superstar that she is but joyfully assumes the role of dutiful and loving wife and mother. She bonds with Baby Nate by playing computer and online games with him, posting pictures of themselves on Instagram which brings a smile on the tot’s face whenever she shows it to him, and they even watch videos on YouTube together. She also researches via Internet on ways to take better care of Nate whether these are tips from mothers like herself or expert advice. “When I got pregnant with Nate, I did all my research on the Internet. I love reading about anything and everything that could make me learn about pregnancy and babies. Parang nanganak nga rin ako ng Ipad nung ipinanganak ko si Nate,” she said laughing at the metaphor. For Ogie, the diva prepares food that he simply can’t resist. Knowing that Ogie gets to eat at the finest restaurants on regular basis, she offers him delightful and homey alternatives by discovering how to give old favorites new twists; interesting recipes that are out there in cyberspace that can be accessed with a few typewritten words and several clicks. Regine also researches on possible vacation destinations that she knows Ogie would want to visit if and when they would have that downtime. Sometimes, Regine would purchase items that are only available online to give as surprise gifts to her hubby since they both don’t have much time to go to malls. Regine extends her love for Ogie to his daughters Leila and Sarah in Australia by Skype-ing with the girls regularly to update them on their father’s goings-on and vice-versa. She loves corresponding with Michelle whom the former considers one of her dearest friends. At times, Ogie, Regine and Baby Nate have an animated conversation with Michelle, Leila and Sarah regardless of differing time zones. Such a happy, modern family, indeed. But, of course, Regine’s fans remain on her list. So they feel connected with their idol at all times, Regine tweets about her activities and sentiments from time to time. To give them the best with her every performance, Regine researches for new songs to sing and new concepts for her concerts. She also answers their queries online or even just to exchange pleasantries with them and express her gratitude for their unending support and loyalty. Ask Regine and she’ll tell you: A diva connected can celebrate the beautiful life. (Philstar.com)
Fiestas make it even more fun... From Page 3 One needs to be in the thick of the parade, though, dancing along with the participants to feel the spirit of what some say is the “Mother of Philippine Fiestas.” Likewise colorful and highly creative are the costumes donned by the revelers in the Sinulog festival of Cebu. Just like the Ati-Atihan, this fiesta is held in honor of the feast of the Holy Infant Jesus. The festival actually lasts for nine days and includes, among others, a fluvial parade with a statue of the Santo Niño, a solemn procession, and the grand parade. The Dinagyang festival is held on the fourth Sunday of January and has been named by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines as the Queen Festival of the Philippines in 2011. According to the event’s official homepage, a Pamukaw (drum call) was already held last December 14, 2012 to officially usher in the start of the festivities. The Panagbenga is our answer to Pasadena’s Rose Parade with its myriad floats decorated in flowers and dancers in flower-inspired costumes. According to panagbenga.org,
Dinagyang in Iloilo
Panagbenga in Baguio
the “Panagbenga: A Kankanaey (dialect widely used by Cordillerans in the Northern Philippine boondocks, specifically people from the Mountain Province and people from the Northern part of the Benguet Province) term meaning ‘a season for blossoming; a time for blooming.’” The Pahiyas in Lucban is held in every May honor of San Isidro Labrador. It is a thanksgiving feast that sees houses bedecked in the most colorful
decorations using agricultural products such as flowers and fruits and, most popularly, the kiping or rice wafer and leaves. Just like the Pahiyas, the Kadayawan is a thanksgiving feast. It traces its origins to the harvest rituals of the various ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mount Apo and is celebrated every August. According to kadayawan.com, the term “Kadayawan” comes from “madayaw”, “a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.” The MassKara festival emerged out of the tragic events that besieged Bacolod in the 1980s. To bring back the “smile” in the “City of Smiles”, local government officials and concerned citizens came together to come up with a festival that highlighted the province’s rich cultural heritage. The word “MassKara” is a combination of the word “mass” (many) and “kara” (face). (Ruth Sindico/Philstar.com)
An Asian Journal
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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY jan uary 4 , 2 0 1 3
America
O c to b e r 2 0 1 2 – Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 3
Through My Father’s Eyes: The Filipino American Photographs of Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado Through My Father’s Eyes: The Filipino American Photographs of Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado (1914 – 1976) is a collection of 50 photographs chosen from more than 3,000 discovered by his daughter, Janet Alvarado after his death. This exhibit offers a rare view into the daily life of the Filipino-American community in the post-World War II era in the Bay Area. Alvarado’s photography was more than a hobby. He photographed weddings, funerals, baptisms, and parties. His ‘view camera,’ a Speed Graphic, documented street scenes, beauty pageants, cock fights, agricultural workers tending crops, and entrepreneurs on the job. The exhibit is at the Gallery in the Pacific Hotel at History Park in Kelley Park. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11am to 5pm; the Museum Store and O’Brien’s Café are 11am to 4pm. Gallery admission: Tuesday through Friday is free; Saturday and Sunday: Free for HSJ members, Adults $8, Seniors and Students $5, Children under 6 are free. For more information visit www.historysanjose.org or www.thealvaradoproject.com
2013
Pangasinan Normal School class of ‘63 Golden Reunion
USA House and Lot Winner Raquel A. Abulencia and Spouse with Hugo N. Bonilla (far left) President LBC North America, Fernando G. Araneta President LBC Express and Javier Mantecon OCRO LBC Express.
LBC awards two winners of House and Lot packages
SAN FRANCISCO—One winner said it was an answered prayer that will benefit their church in the Philippines, while another was initially skeptical when she first learned the news. Both winners, however, share the same sentiments that they are happy and satisfied with the reliability of LBC’s services. Both Raquel G. Abulencia of Madera, Calif. and Edna A. Divinagracia of Edmonton, AB in Canada each won a brand-new house and lot package from LBC in November 2012. They were picked during a special electronic raffle draw at the LBC Corporate Office in South San Francisco, Calif. from thousands Canada House and Lot Winner Edna Divinagracia from Edmonton, AB with Rafael Policarpio, LBC Country of LBC customers who were Head for Canada. automatically entered into the company’s 2012 holiday “Lupa, Bahay, Cash” raffle the one-of-a-kind church in her hometown. promotion. The Luminous Cross of Grace Sanctuary in the The house and lot packages are located inside town of Agdangan, in Quezon province, is the only the fully-developed Avida Village Santa Cecilia in Catholic Church in the world that is shaped like Dasmariñas, Cavite. a chalice. The remarkable aspect of this unique US winner 120-feet tall building is that it was built after the In the case of Ms. Abulencia, she has been townspeople pooled their resources together. a regular customer of LBC since immigrating to Thus, Ms. Divinagracia believes that the housethe US in 2006. “I use the LBC money remittance and-lot package she won from LBC was “a wonderful service at least once a month. I also try to ship a Christmas gift from the Almighty God.” balikbayan box once or twice a year,” Ms. Abulencia When she won the LBC raffle in November shared in an interview. 2012, it was only the third month that her family in A staunch supporter of Filipino-owned Edmonton, Alberta province has been using LBC’s companies in the U.S., Ms. Abulencia prefers to use services. “We just started using LBC cargo services LBC services because of the company’s “reliability three months ago. We found out that their doorand its friendly staff.” to-door cargo service is so fast. They also deliver Thinking that it is a scam, Ms. Abulencia was our boxes on time and safe. The box is also bigger initially skeptical when LBC contacted her to compared with other door-to-door services,” she said. inform her of the good news. Her skepticism, In Canada, LBC’s customers of cargo services are however, turned into joy. “I was so happy and provided with 21”x21”x25” boxes to fill with their excited when I found out I won. I have never won gifts to their loved ones in the Philippines. anything big before,” explained Ms. Abulencia, In the case of Ms. Divinagracia’s family, they who works as a pharmacist at a Fresno-branch of regularly send six cargo boxes to Agdangan, Quezon Walmart. once a month. She said they will now depend on Ms. Abulencia said she intends to rent out her LBC’s cargo services to send supplies to their various new property in Cavite since she and her husband businesses in Quezon. Their family operates a grocery will not be staying in the Philippines long enough and clothing store, a resort, a boarding house and an to live in their new house. alkaline water filling station in their hometown. Canada winner LBC raffle Ms. Divinagracia, for her part, plans to convert Two more winners will be selected in another the property she won into cash. special electronic draw on January 4, 2013. LBC LBC’s raffle mechanics, however, does not allow customers from both the US and Canada who availed for the house-and-lot package to be converted of LBC services from September 1, 2012 to December into cash. Ms. Divinagracia will instead consider 1, 2012 will be automatically entered into the raffle. selling the property and use the proceeds to In addition to the four winners of house-and-lot donate to a cause close to her heart. packages, 17 winners from the US and 17 winners “I would like to donate the money to our parish from Canada have won $1,000 in cash during the church. This was my pledge to the Almighty God. weekly raffle draw. The last raffle draw for the He answered my prayers,” she explained in an cash prizes were held last December 28 at the interview. She further shared that the money will LBC Corporate Office in South San Francisco, Calif. be earmarked for the construction of an elevator at (Advertising Supplement)
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Strategic Communications is a comprehensive marketing and public relations agency founded in 2005 by Alex Pastor, a seasoned veteran of the PR and media industry, concurrently a
regular lifestyle columnist for Business Mirror and contributor for some glossy magazines as well. Besides doing PR consultancy, we also do Professional Media
Training; Complete Corporate AVP and Viral Video Production; Professional Writing services; and Conceptualization and Production of Below-the-Line Events. (Advertising Supplement)
Calling all graduates of Pangasinan Normal School of Bayambang Pangasinan Class of ’63. A small group of alums is planning a Golden Reunion in 2013, and would like all other graduates to join in planning and, of course, attending the celebrations in the Philippines. We are excited to get in touch with as many of our cohorts as possible or if you may of some who is a graduate of the class of ’63, please pass this information along to them. If you’re interested and would like to join the thus-far small committee, please contact Engr. Ernie Llanes at (323) 459-4869 (cell) or (323) 661-7745 / email:erniellanespe@pacbell.net. Or call Mina Casipit Valenzuela at (847) 678-4261/email: minav43@gmail.com. We all look forward to getting together after 50 years with everyone and catching up! And please remember that we would like to gather as many graduates as possible, so please pass the information along to anyone you may know.
Ja n ua ry 1 0, 2 0 1
Fundraising Reception for Assemblymember Rob Bonta Please Join the Los Angeles Filipino Community and Hildy Aguinaldo, Jun Jao, Menard Leelin, James Santa Maria, Ben Nate, Honorable Mark Pulido, Judith Sethna and Levin Sy for a reception supporting Assemblyman Rob Bonta on Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 6 to 8pm at the The Santa Maria Group on 550 S. Hope Street, Suite 1910 - Los Angeles, CA 90071. The ticket prices are as follows: Ticket - $100, Friend - $250, Sponsor - $500, Chair - $1,000. RSVP to (916) 551-1430, or via email at rsvp@bertolina.com. Please make checks payable to Rob Bonta for State Assembly 2012, ID# 1339722, 1005 – 12th Street, Suite H, Sacramento, CA 95814. Online Contributions: https://m.actblue.com/entity/fundraiser/27423
Ja n ua ry 1 2 , 2 0 1 3
‘On the Level’ a Masonic Information Night The Los Angeles community is invited to “On The Level,” a masonic information program and open house at the Atwater Larchmont Tila Pass Masonic Lodge at 2927 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles CA 90039 on Jan. 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm. The event is open to men and their families who would like to know more about Masonry or who are interested in membership. Guest speaker is Dr. Ron Koretz, an alumnus of Caltech and the UCLA School of Medicine and an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center with a specialty in Gastroenterology. WB Ron Koretz is a Past Master and authority in Masonic History and will gladly answer your questions related to Freemasonry. A sumptuous dinner will be served after the presentation. For reservations please call any of the following: Jonathan Asis WM at (818) 929-2224, George dela Cruz SW at (562) 644-9511, Jimmy Gonzales JW at (310) 408-3377, Gilbert Cabrera PM, Lodge Secretary at (626) 715-8047. General information about the Masons of California is available at www.freemason.org, or you may go to our lodge web site at www. altp614.org
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Bambanense Town Fiesta Everyone is invited to join the Bambanense Town Fiesta on January 26, 2013, from 12pm to 4pm at the Hilltop Community Park on 9711 Oviedo Way, San Diego, CA 92129. This event will be an annual celebration of our hometown of Bamban, Tarlac. There will be a mass celebration as well as a potluck feast. The fiesta is hosted by the 2012-2013 San Diego Chapter Bambanense Officers. For more information, please get in touch with Arlene Arcilla at (858) 780-0890 or Hazel Esguerra at (805) 822-4095.
45th Year High School Reunion of Holy Angel College Class of 1968 To all members of HAC High School Class 1968 (the “Victors”): Come join us in celebrating our 45th High School Reunion and be a part of Batch ‘68’s history. Let’s prove that after 45 years we remained united and we never forget to look back and pay tribute to our alma mater. Our reunion will be on January 26, 2013, from 1pm - 11pm at the Holy Angel University Main Bldg. Quadrangle in Angeles City, Philippines. For Batch ‘68 members overseas, please contact any of the following to confirm your attendance: Cynthia Ocampo (cynergy1028@yahoo.com, (702) 361-2846, (702) 353-3233; Yolanda Garcia (ybuan.yolanda@gmail. com); Renato Franco (rdpfranco@gmail.com); Albilio Lansangan, Jr. (jun.lansangan@gmail. com).
F e b r ua ry 1 , 2 0 1 3
Filipino American Educators Association Conference The Filipino American Educators Association of California (FAEAC) will be holding a statewide conference in Sacramento, CA. The theme is BUILDING SHARED KNOWLEDGE TO INSPIRE & EMPOWER: Sharing the Filipino-American Experience. The conference will be held from February 1 to 3, at The Citizen Hotel on 926 J Street, Sacramento, CA.
f e b r ua ry 1 0, 2 0 1 3
Cayetano Arellano (Manila North) High School 68th Grand Alumni Homecoming Tayo na sa Arellano! Rekindle the fire of long-lost friendships and re-connect with high school classmates. And create new, exciting memories! GREEN means GO! The Cayetano Arellano High School Class of 1963 (Golden Jubilee) and Class of 1988 (Silver Jubilee) invites the entire Cayetano Arellano High School alumni community to the 68th Grand Alumni Homecoming on February 10, 2013, to be held in Manila, Philippines. Jubilee tickets are now available for USA and Canada residents! Please contact the 2013 Arellano Homecoming Team via email at Arellano63@yahoo.com or Heartzone@aol.com or via telephone at (818) 281-8105.
f e b r ua ry 1 6 -23, 2 0 1 3
General Roxas Elementary / Manuel Roxas High School Reunion Members of the alumni communities of General Roxas Elementary School and Manuel Roxas High School are all invited to the upcoming reunion on February 16 – 23 2013 at the Gen. Roxas Elementary School in Roxas District, Quezon City. For more information, you may contact Rene Aquino (based in Florida, USA) at araquino@cfl.rr.com or +1(407) 699-9522, or Ruby Ferniz (based in the Philippines) at rubyferniz@yahoo.com or +(632)345-2464.
A p r i l 27, 2 0 1 3
Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Reunion – Las Vegas, 2013 The Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Association of Nevada invites you to the 9th Biennial Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Reunion in Las Vegas. The event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 6pm until 12mn at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino on 255 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169. For more information, contact Alex Pena at (702) 373-9522 or adpena@ cox.net.
M ay 24 – 26 , 2 0 1 3
Ledesma Clan Family Reunion in Bacolod, Victorias, and Silay, Philippines Calling all Ledesmas! Come join and meet relatives at our first-ever grand family reunion to be held next year in Bacolod, Victorias and Silay, Philippines. Reunion dates are May 24 – 26, 2013. All Ledesma branches are invited to attend. You are one of 6K descendants so come and meet the rest of your relatives. For more details, contact the media committee at 09178843349, 09173607234, gowhenever@yahoo.com or dodo_flores@yahoo.com. Facebook page is Familia Ledesma of Jaro, Iloilo. Continuous updates are posted.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
An Asian Journal
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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY Jan uary 4, 20 1 3
GLUTASOME: The Glutathione formulation that helps prevent Skin Aging, and protects cells from Radiation damage Glutathione (GSH), a substance that scientists are now calling the ‘master antioxidant,’ is now showing up in many cuttingedge skin and beauty products in today’s market. Though not necessarily a top-of-mind household word that can also be tricky to pronounce, Glutathione, a naturally occurring compound in our body that is produced in the liver, holds great promise in the process of cell regeneration. While high GSH concentrations in the body have always been associated with healthy cell regeneration and protection from free radicals, it should be noted that Glutathione plays a key role in the prevention of skin aging, cellular protection from radiation damage. Glutathione’s benefits are maximized when combined with Vitamin C and Phospholipids in a liposome-based delivery system. Each ingredient brings special neutraceutical power to a pioneer formulation technology found in Glutasome. Currently, only Glutasome combines these three ingredients in an ingestible, synergistic form delivered through a nanotechnologyengineered gel. The Prevention of Skin Aging In plant and animal tissue, there is an enzyme called Tyrosinase that is responsible for the production of Melanin. Melanin in turn gives the skin its color, and an overabundance of melanin causes a darker skin
tone. High levels of Glutathione has been found to be a retardant to the proliferation of Tyrosinase in the skin, thus allowing for less production of Melanin. With less Melanin, the skin is allowed to achieve a lighter tone. This property has caused Glutathione to become a popular ingredient in skinwhitening products, especially in the Philippines, where it is available in the form of soap, health drinks, capsules, and injectables. Because of a wide range of antioxidant qualities it possesses, some consider GSH as a Fountain-of-Youth nutritional supplement. Though this may seem like an unbelievable claim, comparing scientifically observable phenomena to a mythological fountain, it is undeniable that Glutathione’s rejuvenating qualities are gaining widespread renown. While scientific studies continue to pursue more measurable and tangible results on Glutathione, presentday data remain impressive on their own. Research suggests that the process of aging itself involves, at least in part, increased oxidation. It is commonly witnessed that metals rust away due to the stresses of age and constant use. Human cells undergo a process that can be compared to this “rusting” or pro-oxidation, but cannot be solely isolated as the main cause of the progression of
aging. While the body does produce its own supply of GSH in the liver, multiple factors can decrease its optimal production including illness, exposure to environmental toxins and radiation, and the simple process of aging. While trees grow a new ring for each year of life, human cells respond to aging with impaired duplication, resulting in little, yet cumulative, glitches in cell replication. For example, the cells of a human in his or her prime will generally duplicate and repair themselves with greater accuracy than those of an octogenarian. Oxidation contributes to the wrinkling of the skin and abnormal pigmentation. Skin complexion looks worn and tired. Age spots or blotches accumulate, perhaps due to exposure to UV rays. Although a combination of dry and oily skin is also possible, aging skin commonly tends to be dehydrated with thinning areas and perhaps the overall complexion taking on a parchment-like texture. A breakdown in collagen eventually leads to sagging, examples of which are droopy eyelids and flaccid jowls. Disturbances in Glutathione metabolism may be a key element in understanding why and how we age. Antioxidant “alliances” created heightened results in skin care. In particular, GSH and Vitamin C form a bond to make the skin look more youthful in appearance. Dr. Karen E. Burke, from the Department of Dermatology of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine,
has suggested taking in 1,000 to 3,000 miligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) daily for optimal skin care. These dosages may actually help reduce the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles. Vitamin C holds an important function in synthesis of collagen, the compound primarily responsible for keeping the skin firm and full of dexterity. Aging affects the levels of Vitamin C and Glutathione within the dermis and epidermis. Ingested Vitamin C may also aid in woundhealing, ease dry skin, and decrease skin inflammation. Phosphatidylcoline, delivered as ingested phospholipids, complete a synergy with Glutathione and Vitamin C, enabling them to play a key role in overall skin rejuvination. Phospholipids represent a type of skin or covering for every cell. Think of a layer of plastic wrap holding the contents of a cell in place. These lipid-protein complexes maintain the cells’ integrity, aiding in biological ordering. Phospholipids are necessary for the health of all cells. As with Glutathione and Vitamin C, the body’s production of phospholipids decrease with age, making supplementation a wise choice. Only Glutasome can provide all three vital ingredients for this synthesis in one dosage, namely Glutathione, Vitamin C, and Phospholipids. Thus regular intake of Glutasome can prove to be extremely beneficial in this pursuit of maintaining a good level of cell regeneration.