Us Asian Post January 6, 2017

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Why Enchong never courted his crush Maja WWW.USASIANPOST.COM

Vol. 5 No. 59 LOS ANGELES

See Page 6

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Duterte vows to give coup plotters a good fight

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday promised to give his coup plotters a good fight, including former United States ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg whom he accused of undermining government.

“You may be able to oust me but I will give you a good fight, I’ll give you a bloody nose,” President Duterte said in two separate one-on-one interviews with CNN Philippines and ABS-CBN News Channel.

Russia interested in having military relationship with PHL, says defense chief

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) – Russia is very much interested in having a military-to-military relationship with the Philippines, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzanasaid on the sidelines of Friday’s Rizal Day commemorations.

“They (Russians) are very aggressive in wanting a military-to-military relationship with us,” he said in Filipino.

Lorenzana said this was made apparent during his recent visit to See RUSSIA, page 12

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte bows to the people as gesture of respect shortly after he alighted from his car for the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 120th death anniversary at the Luneta Park Friday (Dec. 30, 2016). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Last Tuesday, Manila-based newspaper Manila Times reported that Goldberg has allegedly left a “blueprint” or a recommendation to the US State Department to remove President Duterte from Malacanang.

“In the matter of the credible news, kind of maybe, you may have some an inkling of how this guy operates, because most of the ambassadors of the United States,

but not all, are not really professional ambassadors,” President Duterte said.

“Those career at the same time, they do spying. They are really connected with the CIA. That’s how it is. The ambassador of a country is the number one spy, but there are ambassadors of the United States, their forte is really to undermine government,” he added.

See GOOD FIGHT, page 12

Organizers of Black Nazarene feast mulls use of Facebook Live to reach devotees abroad

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The organizers of the 2017 Traslacion are looking to use the power of social media to be able to reach millions of Filipinos across the globe particularly devotees of the Black Nazarene.

According to Msgr. Hernando Coronel, rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, more popularly known as Quiapo Church for the weeklong celebration of the feast on Jan. 9, they would like to use Facebook Live (FB Live), for Filipinos who are living or working in countries around the world to witness the celebration online.

“Susubukan po namin kasi unang pagkakataon ito...kung pwede i-FB live namin. Kahit ‘yung replica procession at novena procession kung maari...lahat naman ngayon kasi FB live na...” he said in a press briefing on Monday for the preparation of the 2017 Traslacion.

Though, the Quiapo priest admitted that they have imperfections they will try to show the procession on FB live.

“Susubukan naming (FB live ba prusisyon), upang pagkakataon namin. Marami kami imperfection, pagkukulang. We will try our best, sa tulong ninyo gusto ng kapwa Pilipino na maging kabahagi sila,” added.

Coronel noted that the idea of using social media for this year’s celebration was based on what they have experienced when they allowed live streaming of simbang gabi masses last month, where they got millions of comments.

“Milyon milyon…’yung misa namin simbang gabi milyon tao karamihan mga Filipinos all over the world. ‘Yan ang kapangyarihan ni Poong Nazareno. Marami in miracle kahit nasa malayo sila… nagsasabi, nagpapasalamat sa Nazareno,” the Quiapo Church

See FACEBOOK, page 12

Military gearing up to secure Black Nazarene Procession MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) – With the New Year holidays almost over, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said its units are now gearing up to secure the Black Nazarene Procession on Jan. 9 next year.

AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, however clarified that this does not mean that security threats were detected against the annual procession.

This is despite improvised explosive device attacks in Leyte and North Cotabato early this week.

“So far, we are still to detect any threat for the Black Nazarene Procession but we are urging all devotees to report anything suspicious to authorities,” he said in Filipino.

The AFP chief added a vigilant public is a great help in preventing security incidents.

DOH reports significant drop in fireworks-related injuries in 2016

By Leilani Junio

Manila, just like many other cities across the world let off firework to welcome 2017.

In photo shows the fireworks display during the GMA New Year countdown held at SM Mall of Asia Seaside Blvd. in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Avito C.Dalan)

MANILA, Jan. 1 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said that for the first time in the last 10 years of their continuous surveillance of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) as of New Year’s Eve (December 31) revelries, more Filipino lives were spared from the deadly and injurious firecrackers this time around.

In a press briefing held at DOH media relations unit (MRU) in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said that as of 6 a.m. of Jan. 1, 2017, a total of 350 fireworks-related injuries were recorded by DOH sentinel sites.

“This is 520 cases or 60 percent lower than the five-year (20112015) average and 524 or 60 percent lower compared to the same time period last year,” said Ubial.

See FIREWORKS, page 12

“Our country did not need more than 6,000 people to die in order to see drug abuse as a public health issue. The government’s supposed shift to a public health approach in its anti-drugs campaign should have come first in a comprehensive response. – Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Hontiveros: We didn’t need 6,000 people dead to implement a public health policy on drug abuse Asserting that the country’s drug problem has always been a public health concern, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said that the government should have implemented a public health policy on drug abuse from the very start, instead of encouraging a climate of killing in its war on drugs.

“Our country did not need more than 6,000 people to die in order to see drug abuse as a public health issue. The government’s supposed shift to a public health approach in its anti-drugs campaign should have come first in a comprehensive response. At this point, I am afraid that this is an attempt to appro-

priate the public health advocacy without stopping and exacting accountability for the extrajudicial killings. Malacañang is painting a picture of victory and is using the public health discourse to provide a humane face to its deadly war on drugs and evade accountability for the patent abuses,” Hontiveros said.

It was reported that on Tuesday, Malacañang announced that the country’s drug problem has now become a “public health issue” after it claimed “victory” in its war on drugs. This is despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s failure to make See HONTIVEROS, page 12

PHL to host Asian Junior Boxing Championship in Aug MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) – The Philippines will host the Asian Junior Boxing Championship in August next year.

This was announced on Thursday by Association of Boxing Alliance in the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson after the ASBC Asian Boxing Confederation awarded the hosting to the Philippines during its executive committee meeting recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

According to Picson, ABAP president Ricky Vargas told officials during the meeting that the Philippines is ready to host the tournament on Aug. 3-8, with Davao City as the possible venue.

It will be the second time that the ABAP under the leadership is hosting an ASBC-sanctioned tournament since the 2013 Asian Youth Championship in Subic.

The hosting of the Asian Juniors next year is part of ABAP’s program to intensify its talent recruitment and training to boost the medal chances of young Filipino boxers in local and international tournaments.

2

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

Duterte’s independent PHL foreign policy taking off

By Sammy F. Martin

Pres. Duterte welcomed by locals officials of Pili, Camarines Sur: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is welcomed by locals officials of Pili, Camarines Sur during his visit to the Typhoon Nina-stricken communities in the same town on Dec. 27, 2016.(Photo by Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo/PNA)

Xi extends condolences to Duterte over typhoon BEIJING, Jan. 2 (PNA/ Xinhua) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended condolences to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over casualties and damage caused by Typhoon Nock-ten.

In a message, Xi sent condolences to the Philippine president, and through him, to the people affected by the

disaster.

China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors, and the Chinese government and people are deeply worried about the Philippine people who have been hit and become homeless in the disaster, Xi said, adding China is ready to provide emergency assistance.

Xi expressed the belief

that the Philippine people, under the leadership of Duterte and his government, will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.

Nock-ten, which battered the northern part of the Philippines on Christmas Day, has left six people dead and 19 others missing, and incurred damage worth USD80 million.

Palace welcomes SWS survey showing 95% of Filipinos to welcome 2017 with hope MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) – Malacañang on Thursday welcomed a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing 95 percent of the Filipinos are entering year 2017 with hope rather than with fear.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the SWS survey could be indicator that the Filipino people are satisfied with the performance of President Rodrigo Duterte in the first six months of his administration.

“I suppose it’s part of the whole package, you know.

Based on results, apparently the public is quite satisfied

with the performance of the administration,” Duterte said in a Palace press briefing. The SWS fourth quarter survey conducted from December 3 to 6 found that 95 percent of adult Filipinos has said they are entering 2017 with hope.

The number is up from 92 percent last year under the previous administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. Based on face-to-face interviews with about 1,5000 adults, the survey showed that the attitude of hope is widespread in all areas with 97 percent in Luzon, 95 percent in National Capital

Region, 95 percent in Mindanao and 92 percent in the Visayas.

The same survey also found out that 50 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the government institutions; 17 percent were dissatisfied and 30 percent undecided on the performance of the Cabinet of President Duterte.

“It yielded a good +32 percent net satisfaction score,” Abella said.

Last December 24, the SWS also released a survey which showed that 81 percent of the Filipinos have “much trust” in President Duterte.

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte is introducing a significant foreign policy shift, particularly with China and the United States.

In his almost six months in office, the President has repeatedly said that he will work on an independent foreign policy for the country as he continues to blaze the trail in forging closer bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and partnership with China and Russia, and enhancing further the country’s relations with his ASEAN and Asia neighbors.

Even when he was still campaigning for the presidency, Duterte has already emphasized his preference for a more “independent” foreign policy, which means less reliance on America.

And, shortly after his victory in the May polls, he declared: “I will be chartering a new course for the Philippines on its own and will not be dependent on the United States.”

It is quite clear the Duterte administration’s thrust is for the Philippines to rekindle and redefine its links in Asia, a region where its peoples share a historic legacy of peace, harmony and friendship.

Thus, for its part as the government’s frontliner on foreign relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the leadership of Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., said an independent foreign policy is “hardly new.”

“It is prescribed in our constitution (Section 2, Article II) – the fundamental law of the land on matters

of state policies. Like any nation, the Philippines intends to pursue an independent foreign policy. It is a policy based on national interest, where decisions are made solely on the determination of what is in the best interest of the country and its people.

It is also a policy that fosters respectful friendships and facilitates meaningful cooperation,” the DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a message sent to PNA. Jose further said that an independent foreign policy is “respect for each country’s independence and the recognition of the principle of sovereign equality provide the underpinnings for stability and security in international relations.”

He cited that the United Nations (UN) was built on these principles and the Philippines, as one of the founding members of the UN, “firmly advocated for the principle of self-determination of peoples.”

“The Philippines can only benefit from a stable and secure international environment in every aspect of national existence – political, economic, social and cultural – particularly at this time when we seek to hasten economic growth and development to uplift a large part of our population from poverty. Maintaining an independent foreign policy will serve that purpose,” Jose further said.

As such, the President ventured into state and official visits to neighbors in ASEAN and Asia.

In his state visit to China, he was able to secure USD4 billion in investments and soft loans, which political

analysts said is no small measure for rebuilding relations with Beijing aside from similar commitments including military equipment in the country’s revitalized ties with Russia.

Also, President Duterte’s initial bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Peru is in harmony with Moscow’s new foreign policy initiative – “Turn to the East.”

As to the future of the Philippines-US relations, Jose stressed that the country continues to engage the US in productive collaboration on various areas of cooperation, from enhancing law enforcement to supporting sustainable goals.

“We have continued to affirm to the US that our alliance with them will remain strong and relevant,” he said.

Jose further said that the President has enunciated in his State of the Nation Address last July that the Philippines will honor and abide by all treaty commitments and obligations.

“Both Philippine and US officials have remained positive about the future of PHL-US relations and are committed towards continuing the productive areas of cooperation,” he said.

Jose also said the election of Donald Trump as US President offers an opportunity for a reset or restart in the Philippines’ relations with the US. “President Duterte said that we will rebuild our relationship with the US. The President’s pronouncements regarding pursuing an independent foreign policy means re-orienting or recalibrating the focus

PROJECT ASSISTANT WANTED

Los Angeles based Advertising agency is looking for a very presentable assistant to help manage our Filipino clients advertising portfolio. Should be available to attend community events, take photos and answer client questions intelligently.

Our successful applicant will also be able to assemble and present advertising quotations and follow up as the project liaison between client and the various production departments here at the agency. Some exposure in social media marketing advantage.

Must be well dressed applicant, have a clean driving record, and be articulate in English and Tagalog. Prior experience in customer service, sales, or P/R an advantage.

For immediate response, please email your resume to:

losangelesjob@outlook.com We would like to hear from you.

Firecracker injuries at Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City: A young boy cries while being treated at the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City (left photo) early on Sunday (Jan. 1, 2017) while two women were brought by hospital staff at the hospital’s observation room due to firecracker-related injuries.

(PNA photos by Joey O. Razon)

PNP: 23 incidents of indiscriminate firing, 19 arrested on New Year’s revelry

By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that there were 23 incidents of indiscriminate firing while 19 suspects were arrested during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

“We have been informing the public. We have been reminding gun holders to strictly follow the rules,” PNP deputy chief for operations Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

“Generally, the New Year’s Eve celebration was very peaceful,” Apolinario added.

He said that 23 persons

are still being pursued for indiscriminate firing.

Apolinario noted that the strict campaign against firecrackers had impact on New Year’s Eve celebration.

A police officer was arrested for illegal discharge of firearms. He was on duty on New Year’s Eve and was under the influence of liquor.

“Talagang bumaba ang number of firecracker-related injuries compared with 2015 data,” Apolinario said.

It was noted that though there was a 300-percent increase in illegal discharge of firearms for 2016, only four stray bullet incidents were reported as compared to last years’ 38, more or less 89.47-percent decrease.

Also, all the suspects were

arrested within the period, such that 5 out of 4 incidents or a 100-percent solution efficiency. Apolinario noted that the victims of firecrackers and stray bullets went down in 2016 compared to 2015. The period of comparison is from 5:00 p.m. of Dec. 31, 2015 to 5:00 p.m. of Jan. 2, 2016.

“That is what the Chief PNP (Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa) wishes to convey to all with the maximum deployment of PNP during the New Year’s revelry,” Apolinario said.

Apolinario said that the PNP has recorded 12 incidents of stray bullets, with one killed and eight wounded from Dec. 16, 2016 to Jan. 2, 2017.

Cebu City officials give Duterte high passing mark for first six months CEBU CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) – Cebu City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella led other local officials in giving a passing mark to President Rodrigo Duterte for his first six months in office.

Labella, who joined Duterte’s party PDP-Laban a few months after he won as the city’s vice mayor in the May 9, 2016 elections, said the President deserves a passing mark.

He assumed as acting mayor after Cebu City May-

or Tomas Osmena went on vacation abroad.

“In peace and order, he is very effective and very encouraging. In the fight against illegal drugs, in the fight against criminality, in the fight against lawlessness, I give him a very high passing mark. Hope it will continue,” Labella said.

Labella said he considers the fight against illegal drugs and criminality and maintaining peace and order as Duterte’s greatest

achievements.

“The very basic thing of fighting against illegal drugs has been successfully undertaken by the president,” he said.

Labella said he believes the President must strengthen the country’s foreign policies and programs that would create more jobs.

He also said the President must solve the traffic congestion in the urban areas of the entire country.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday,

January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

3

Cops form task group to probe Leyte explosion

By Jazmin Bonifacio

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here formed a special investigation task group to ensure speedy investigation and case resolution of the Dec. 28 town plaza bombing that injured 32 boxing match spectators in Hilongos, Leyte.

The team is composed of PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar as supervisor, deputy regional director Sr. Supt Allan

Cuevillas as commander, Leyte provincial director Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio as assistant commander, Chief Insp. Ma. Bella Rentuaya as spokesperson, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group officer-in-charge Supt. Jojie Tabios as head of investigation team.

The PNP picked eight other key police officers as evidence custodian. The police also asked the help of National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Jerry Abiera, and Army 802nd brigade commander

Capt. Jay Dayap to assist in the probe.

Beltejar said the group was created to spearhead and coordinate the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of the police regional office for the speedy resolution and successful prosecution on the explosion incident. “It is the responsibility of the team to properly manage the case and ensure its resolution by applying the best investigative techniques and practices and utilizing all its available resources,” he said.

PNP conducts 40,371 anti-drug operations from July 1-Dec. 31

By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP), being the kead agency in the government’s all-out war against illegal drugs, has conducted a total of 40,371 operations from July 1 to Dec. 31 this year.

In its data released on Saturday, the PNP said that under the “Project: Double Barrel Alpha”, a total of 2,167 drug personalities were killed and 43,114

others were arrested in the same period.

Under the “Project Tokhang”, a total of 5,911,306 houses were visited wherein a total of 1,007,153 illegal drug suspects have surrendered such that 74,916 were pushers and 932,237 were users.

In the Project Tokhang (Knock/Request), the houses of drug suspects are visited by police authorities and they are asked to turn back

from their illegal activity, surrender or undergo rehabilitation.

However, 21 policemen were killed and 61 others were wounded during operations.

On the other hand, three members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were killed in action and eight others were wounded.

The data were collated from all the Police Regional Offices (PROs) nationwide.

War on drugs neutralizes 366 drug suspects in Central Visayas in 2nd half of 2016

By Eddie Barrita

CEBU CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The relentless war against illegal drugs launched by President Rodrigo Duterte has “neutralized” a total of 366 drug suspects in Central Visayas in the second half of 2016 or the first six months of Duterte’s presidency, an official said. Chief Superintendent Noli Talino, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, said that from July 1 to December 8, a total of 149 drug suspects were killed in legitimate police operations,

while 217 were killed by unidentified assailants.

The 217 were considered as DUIs or deaths under investigation, Talino said.

A record number of 91,856 drug pushers and users surrendered to the police under “Oplan Tokhang” and 4,306 drug suspects were arrested during the same period, he said. But even before Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, implemented the war against drugs, several suspected big-time drug

dealers and drug lords have been killed by the police in the region.

Notable among them were the deaths of suspected drug lord Rowen Secretaria, also known as “Yawa,” and his two accomplices and Jeffrey Otom Diaz, also known as “Jaguar” and one of his accomplices.

Yawa (Cebuano for devil) and his two accomplices were killed after they allegedly engaged in a shootout with the police during an anti-drug operation in Banacon Island, Getafe, Bohol, last May 28.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (center) destroys the prohibited firecrackers during inspection of firecracker stores and establishments in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Thursday (December 29, 2016). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dilan)

Duterte’s war on drugs leaves 3 deaths, 5,889 surrendered addicts, dealers in Ilocos Norte LAOAG CITY, Dec. 31 (PNA) — Police records show around 5,882 people were killed across the country since President Rodrigo Duterte took office on June 30.

Of that number, only three (3) got killed in Ilocos Norte while 151 pushers and 15 users were arrested in six months.

For the Ilocos Norte police, it will take some time before all the 557 villages of Ilocos Norte’s 21 towns and two cities will be free from drugs.

“In time, we will get there,” said Police Chief Inspector Dexter Diovic Corpuz, Chief Provincial Public Information Officer of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO).

In the middle of the anti-drug campaign, the Phil-

ippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa visited members of the Ilocos Norte Police urging local police here to pray harder while they are on mission to clear the country of drugs no matter what it takes.

For residents here, the series of operations of the “Oplan Tokhang”, a nationwide campaign of the PNP to eradicate drugs, has been a welcome development under the Duterte administration who won the hearts of many for his promise of change.

“That promise of change is just starting. Clearly, local authorities are doing their best but as a community, we should do more,” said a village peace-keeping officer or tanod Wilma Viernes from Barangay Santa Angela, Laoag City.

Viernes, along with fellow tanods, are often seen in the village streets even on late nights to check on the community.

Since July 1, 2016, the INPPO has reported a total of 153 raids conducted, mostly through buy bust and search warrant operations.

The Ilocos Norte police also visited 68,509 houses which yielded to a total of 5,889 surrendered drug addicts, 460 of them identified pushers.

Under the priority list of the Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, around 603 drug pushers and users were on the target lists.

Records show, however, that there are more drug-affected barangays which the police hope to clear with the onset of the New Year.

4

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Duterte’s roadmap to peace marks hope, trust, confidence

By Cris Diaz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has drawn a road map to peace that offered road signs of confidence, hope, and trust of the Filipino people in general and for the people in Mindanao in particular.

Duterte was elected as the country’s 16th Philippine president during the May 2016 national and local elections with a vote of over 16 million and a majority vote of over six million over his closest rivals.

The first elected Philippine president from Mindanao, the largest island of over 20 million people 800 miles south of Manila, Duterte’s election eclipsed all major events in a country where bombings, carnage, and street killings is part of the daily grind.

Six months into office since he assumed the presidency in July 2016, Duterte carved a niche in the war against the illegal drug trade, criminality, and corruption in a country of 100 million people.

Duterte said that about three million Filipinos in the country had been reported hooked into the illegal drug with more than 990,000 users/addicts turning themselves to the law enforcers at the height of “Oplan Tokhang” (Knock and Plead), a nationwide anti-illegal drug campaign, as of December 29, 2016.

In Northern Mindanao, the regional police command reported that over 81,000 self-confessed drug addicts and users voluntarily turned themselves in various police and military camps in the region.

P/Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, erstwhile regional police director in Northern Mindanao, has reported that the criminal activities had gone down by almost 50 percent - credited to the no-nonsense drive against the illegal drug activities in the region since July 2016 compared to the crime index recorded in 2015 during the same period.

Ernesto Dancalan, a 48-year-old father, said that he is now confident that his teenage children could now walk around the city streets without fear of being waylaid or molested by muggers high on drugs.

Julie Radut, 17, a sophomore student of a local university here, said she was happy that the government has adopted an iron-fist approach in the fight against illegal drugs in the country.

“Unlike before where I had to call my dad or elder brother to fetch me, I now feel safe going home alone after my night classes. Thanks to Pres. Duterte’s serious campaign against the drug addicts, the streets, once lorded over by bystanders seemed empty now,” she said.

Aside from the fight against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminalities, the Duterte administration has offered a roadmap to peace among the communist rebels in the country and in the strife-torn Moro land in Mindanao.

Ombra Gandamra, the regional director of the National Commissions on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in Northern Mindanao, said that the NCMF fully supports Duterte’s peace initiatives in Moslem-dominated areas in Mindanao where the terror groups, claiming to be sympathizers of the terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), reportedly operate.

“It is very disheartening that what the terror groups were doing were against our Koran. The peace-loving Moslems condemn the terroristic activities and hope that the terror groups would be enlightened and give peace a chance,” Gandamra said.

He said that Duterte’s thrusts to prioritize peace, unity, reconciliation, and development through the peace process have gained the trust and hope among the Filipino people, particularly the Moslem community in the country.

A member of the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel has also expressed the optimism that the peace process being hammered by both the government and the NDF would end the country’s almost 50-year insurgency, Southeast Asia’s longest armed insurgency.

Alfredo Mapano, also known as “Paris,” one of the Northern Mindanao-based NDF consultants, said that the NDF has trust President Duterte’s obsession to reach a peace agreement with the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

During the regional observance of the 48th founding anniversary of the NPA last Dec. 26 in a remote village in Misamis Oriental, Mapano told the media here that the NDF-CPP-NPA believes that lasting peace could be attained in the country before Duterte ends his term.

Mapano described the “unilateral ceasefire” declared by the Philippine government in August 2016 as the “longest ceasefire” since the government and the NDF entered into various peace agreements in the past in a bid to forge a viable formula that could lead to the cessation of hostilities.

Next year, in mid-January 2017, the NDF and government panel would hopefully nail the peace process in a scheduled meeting in Rome, Mapano said.

“The discussion in Rome would focus on the social and political issues like the comprehensive agrarian reform and the political justice involving the rich and the poor,” he said.

Actually, the discussion in Rome is the last phase of the peace process since the NDF and the government declared a “unilateral ceasefire” in August this year, Mapano said.

The NDF trusts that the government and the NDF-CPP-NPA could attain a lasting peace agreement that could provide confidence among the Filipinos in the future, he said.

THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

Martial law will lead to downfall of the country – Pres. Duterte MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte assured on Thursday the Filipino people that he will never declare martial, saying it will lead to the downfall of the country. ”It will lead to the downfall of the country. I will not declare it. I don’t need it,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in an exclusive interview with GMA News.

President Duterte made this assurance amid concerns expressed by some sectors and individuals including Vice President Leni Robredo that President Duterte wanted to declare martial law. ”Why I should do it? I’m already okay with lawless violence,” the President said, referring to the state of lawless violence he declared after the Davao City bombing that killed 14 people last September.

President said that he even advised the military to develop their loyalty only to the Philippine Constitution. ”I said to the military, do not develop your loyalty to me, develop your loyalty to the Constitution,”

Duterte said.

In his speech in Pampanga last Dec. 22, President Duterte talked about martial law. ”If I declare martial law and there is an invasion or war, I cannot proceed on and on, especially if there is trouble.

I have to go to Congress, I have to go to the Supreme Court if anybody would file a complaint to look into the factual [basis of the declaration],” the President said.

“But what if the world is in chaos? That’s why there is martial law, so that only one person would be giving directions. That’s why I want to change that. But there is a safety measure there. I’ll tell you later,” he added.

The President’s statement drew flak with Robredo saying “this is a battle we will not take sitting down.”

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella has said the Vice President was merely “amplifying” concerns to make it appear as if President Duterte was actively planning to declare martial law.

Duterte on Rizal Day: Unite for development MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to work together towards national progress as he led the 120th anniversary celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom at the Rizal Park on Friday.

The President arrived at Rizal Park around 7 a.m. Friday, December 30 and was given arrival honors. After that he led the flag-raising as well as the wreath laying rites for the national hero.

In his Rizal Day message, the President said the country is a fortunate recipient of Rizal’s sacrifices, the freedom that he fought for and the self-identity and the honor that he strongly believed Filipinos ought to defend.

“Beyond his prodigious and various talents, Rizal is best honored when we regard him as a beacon and moral compass in these challenging and perilous times,” the President said.

In Rizal’s time, the country was fighting for independence, but today, Filipinos are fighting

for freedom from poverty, crime, illegal drugs and corruption, he said.

Those are the country’s present enemies, he stressed, noting that the government needs the active involvement of all sectors to win the current war and bring about genuine change in society.

As the country transforms and develops, there must be national unity, the President said, adding every Filipino should manifest the same fervor and dedication that motivated Rizal to action.

“Let us therefore emulate the traits of Rizal; let us be willing heroes -- patriotic, faithful and loyal to our Motherland,” he said.

The President hoped that Friday’s commemoration of the martyrdom of Rizal awaken the sense of heroism in every Filipino, committing to advocate good governance, rule of law, and end criminality and all forms of corruption.

He also urged the people to express compassion towards the poor and the less privileged.

Dagupan mayor: Rizal a hero, icon and perfect Filipino

By Leonardo V. Micua

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) – Rizal Day is a day of appreciating the national hero Jose Rizal “as a hero, an icon and a perfect example on how to be a Filipino”.

This was the message of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to the people of Dagupan City on the 120th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, delivered at the foot of the national hero’s monument at the city plaza.

“We are always gathered here the same day every year because we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are all his heirs to a freedom that we enjoy today”.

History and Filipiniana sections in libraries lay bare all information about who he Rizal is. Rizal is extremely and diversely talented, well-travelled, an expert in 22 languages, and nothing less of a genius, said Fernandez in a speech read for her by City Administrator Atty. Fatah Decano in a program in front of Rizal’s monument.

She said Rizal led the Philippine revolution through his writings mainly the Noli Me Tangere, published in Berlin; and El Filibusterismo, novel satires exposing and criticizing Spanish clergy.

“I stand here today fancying the thought that not only does the entire country honor him at the precise moment that I speak today, but this honor is replicated all over the world -- in the United States, in Berlin, in Riyadh, in Geneva, in Japan, in Mexico,” the mayor said.

With the might of his ideas and writings, she said, Rizal awakened and moved the Filipinos’ ancestors towards reclaiming freedom and dignity. It is heartwarming to note that Rizal also inspired nationalist ideas even in Mexico.

All these show how he is respected and admired by so many people around the world, she added.

“If by his ideas and patriotic writings he was able to inspire and unite people from other nations, let this day always remind us Filipinos of the values that tie us together, and of the work that needs to be done to continue our nation’s progress,” Fernandez said.

Here in Dagupan, she said, the local government is laying the cornerstones for new school buildings and classrooms and special facilities in many public schools throughout the city.

“We have built school buildings, classrooms, multi-purpose gymasiums in Carael, Bonuan, Dagupan City National High School, East Central Elementary School and the list goes on. We have built a new library hub, special school for the arts and a new Youth Center is currently in the pipelines,” Fernandez said.

“For me, this is one way to perpetuate and honor Rizal by providing our children the means, the methods and the venue to improve themselves and to usher social transformation through education. When we honor our children through education, we honor Rizal because he values the impact of knowledge on social transformation,” she added.

Other speakers in the Rizal Day rites were retired SPO4 Dionisio Bolor, past Grand Knight 6303, who said Rizal was known not only for his character but also for his intelligence, as he was able to read the bible age of five and was a physician, writer, poet, painter, sportsman, chemist, educator, economist, traveler, linguist who spoke 22 different languages.

Apart from these, he was also courageous and patient, Bolor said.

Dr. Lourdes Servito, assistant city schools superintendent, said that although already a genius, Rizal has not stopped searching for more knowledge locally and abroad.

The celebration was capped by the flying of balloons and the singing of patriotic songs.

Palace lauds DOH, PNP for peaceful New Year’s Day revelries

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – Malacañang congratulated on Monday the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for ‘generally peaceful’ New Year’s Day revelries.

“We congratulate the DOH for its successful ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign and the PNP, together with the local executives, for a ‘generally peaceful’ celebration of Christmas and New Year,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message to the Palace media.

According to the reports, the DOH and PNP’s ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign reportedly brought down the number of injuries to lowest figure in the last 10 years.

DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the number of injuries due to firecrackers and fireworks was cut to only 350 people from an average of 1,000 for the last 10 years.

“We have yet to see a signed Executive Order for the firecracker ban,” Andanar said.

According to the DOH, a draft of the E.O. has already been submitted in Malacanang.

“Although we are very much aware that the President is a strong advocate of the total firecrackers ban, there are industries and laborers also that would be affected by this move,” the PCO chief said.

“The President weighs/considers the welfare that would be for the greater good of all,” he added.

Relentless war on drugs, crime, corruption to continue – Aguirre MANILA, Jan. 1 (PNA) – Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Sunday vowed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue to pursue its anti-drug, anti-crime and anti-corruption mandate under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“To the Filipino people, you have my solemn reassurance that under my watch we will pursue our reform oriented initiatives in the DOJ with determination and we will serve the people with new found dedication and vigor,” Aguirre said in his New Year message.

“As we usher in the New Year, I join everyone in their collective hope and prayer for a better Philip-

pines in 2017. May all our dreams and aspirations for ourselves and for our love ones be realized,” his messaged read.

Aguirre vowed to implement a zero tolerance policy for corrupt employees of the DOJ and its attached agencies.

“To all the employees and officials of all the agencies and bureaus of the DOJ Family, I reiterate my invitation to all of you to join us in all our efforts to realize a corruption-free DOJ,” he noted.

“With full faith in the Almighty’s guidance and providence, and trust in each other’s competence and integrity, I truly believe that all things are possible.”

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday,

January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

5

‘Nina’ damage to agri, infra in 3 regions reaches PHP5.1-B

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – Damage wrought to infrastructure and agriculture by Typhoon “Nina” in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Region V has so far reached PHP5,143,251,894.10.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad

said agriculture incurred PHP4,121,697,999.10 damage while for infrastructure so far, is pegged at PHP1,021,553,895.

In this case, infrastructure includes roads, river control and school facilities, the NDRRMC chief added.

And due to the severe impact of “Nina,” the province of Batangas, Mulanay,

BOI 2016 investment approvals second highest since 2000 at PHP442-B

Duterte upbeat on PHL economy with coming of Chinese investors

By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Jan 2 (PNA) – The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved a total of 377 projects in 2016 with investments amounting to PHP441.8 billion, the second highest investment pledges in the agency since 2000.

Investment approvals in 2016 grew by 20.4 percent from PHP366.7 billion pledges in 2015.

It also surpassed the agency’s target growth for the previous year at 7.0 percent.

Last year’s figure was the second largest value of registered projects in BOI, next to 2013’s investment pledges at PHP466 billion.

These projects are expected to generate 67,615 new jobs once they are fully operational. Most of these jobs are in the sectors of real estate, eyeing 32,055 new personnel, and manufacturing, creating 17,607 new jobs.

Bulk of the registered investments are in the power sector with projects amounting to PHP209.9 billion.

Investment pledges in sectors of real estate activities reached PHP65.8 billion; construction, PHP62.3 billion; manufacturing, PHP49 billion; and transportation and storage, PHP23.4 billion.

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte has good reason to be positive about the Philippine economy as more Chinese investors have expressed intention to invest in the Philippines.

“Yes, I’m upbeat to our economy because China is coming in,” President Duterte said in an exclusive interview with GMA News’ Jessica Soho last Thursday night.

The Board of Investments (BOI) has reportedly said 40 Chinese investors are eyeing the Philippines as area for investment opportunities particularly in Mindanao.

“Before we are limited because when was the last time China paid attention on us. It was until my last trip to China to talk to them,” the President said.

Last October, President Duterte visited China and brought home USD15 billion worth of investment projects and USD9 billion financing agreements from the world’s second largest economy.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has said the investment agreements would create at least 2 million jobs over the next five years.

China is reportedly the Philippines’ second largest

Quezon; Naujan, Oriental Mindoro; City of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera, also in Oriental Mindoro; Gasan, Mogpog, Boac, Torrijos, all in Marinduque; the provinces of Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and the municipalities of Jipapad, Maslog, Oras, Dolores, Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, Arteche and San Policarpio,

partner with USD17 billion in total trade between the two economies in 2015.

Aside from trade and investment, China is also helping President Duterte in his strong campaign against illegal drugs.

With regards to territorial dispute West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, President Duterte said he told the Chinese leaders that the time will come within his six-year term that he has to tackle the issue with China.

“I told the Chinese (leaders) when I was there, there will be time during my term that we will have to talk about the arbitral,” he said.

President Duterte was referring to the arbitration case that the Philippines filed and won against China during the previous administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. Based on the last July’s decision of the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the WPS and that China’s ‘nine-dash line’ is invalid.

The President said he will only discuss the WPS issue if China will start extracting the seabed of the resources-rich WPS which is also partly claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei.

all in Region VIII were all placed under a state-of-calamity.

And as of Monday, “Nina” affected families were placed at 424,223 or around 1,893,404 individuals in 1,698 barangays in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Regions V and VIII. Three persons were also confirmed dead and 21 still missing in CALABARZON,

“When you begin to extract the oil, you begin to extract the mineral there, what about me? You are the owner, I’m also the owner so what’s going to happen to us?” President Duterte said.

President Duterte, however, clarified that war should not be an option in stressing the country’s claim over the disputed territory.

“Even if I’m in fantasy, do you think we will win a war.

I will not (declare war) but I will make a noise certainly because I claim to be the owner,” he said.

The President said he prefers to use diplomacy in solving the dispute with China.

“What I’m playing is really with diplomacy because China is ignoring us. So we have no tourists. I don’t have the capacity to declare war.

I have to talk about trade,” President Duterte said.

After the tempest of Typhoon “Nina”, a female sea turtle measuring 32 inches long and 16 inches wide was spotted by Jordan Menoza and JR Contantinopla at Ligtong 4 Village, Rosario, Cavite as they were about to go fishing. Engr. Marconi Austria, chief, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, found no wounds on the sea turtle. She must have been laying her eggs in the sand and was returned back to sea at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2016). (PNA photo courtesy by Rogelio Limpin)

Infra investment to boost GDP growth to 7% in 2017 – BPI economist

By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The delivery of key infrastructure projects and programs can lift the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) to around 7 percent in 2017, an economist said.

“Probably (GDP can increase by) 7 percent once again especially if the promised infrastructure programs are delivered,” Emilio Neri, chief economist at the Bank of Philippine Islands, said in an interview.

He expects public spending mainly boosting this year’s economic growth.

The government is ramping up public infrastructure spending to a record high Php890.9 billion this year, or 5.2 percent of the country’s GDP. It targets to raise infrastructure spending as a share of GDP to 7 percent by 2022.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) projects the Philippine economy to grow 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year; and 7 percent to 8 percent in 2018.

Neri emphasized that growth is not an issue with the Duterte administration.

“I think the bigger issue is managing the fiscal accounts because so far, the numbers that BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) show seems to imply that the collections are trailing the growth of the economy,” he added.

Neri said the Department of Finance-proposed tax reforms can enhance the existing administrative efficiency of the BIR.

Customs bureau plans to build world-class port facilities

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is looking to build world-class port facilities in Manila to be at par with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of trade facilitation, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has said.

“Right now, we are working with some engineers and developers to come up with a conceptual framework or concept on how to build world-class port facilities, both at the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port,” Faeldon said. “This is around 300

hectares, malaki po ito. (This is huge.) These facilities will include everything that we need.”

Citing an example, he said the country’s port has to have its own rendering facility so that destroying such products as meat need not take more than a year, as what happens at present since this is done in facilities outside the port.

Faeldon further said that the country has to take advantage of its geographical position -- which is better than Singapore’s -- since the Philippines is situated between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean,

enabling it to cater to the Asian region, as well as the Pacific, including Australia.

“Singapore is a trading hub of the world as far as movement of imports and exports is concerned. It caters to the entire Asia-Pacific region. It’s their port that is really contributing the biggest to their economy.

And Singapore is just a few nautical miles away from the Philippines,” he said.

“So we will be building world-class port facilities here where commodities from all over the world can be traded. Can you imagine the impact of that in our economy?” Faeldon said.

Piñol seeks 10-20 year National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries

By Leonardo V. Micua

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) – Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol admitted here Thursday he wants to leave a legacy that would ensure the continuity of programs and projects in agriculture and fisheries so that whoever will be the next leaders, these programs and projects seeking to ensure food security will remain.

Speaking to agriculture and fishery officials during his visit to the National Integrated Fisheries Technology and Development Center (NIFTDC) here, Piñol said he is pushing for the putting up of a 10 to 20-year National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries which shall be put into the law and implemented by whoever will become presidents of the country.

The national road map, he said, will be drawn from the provincial road maps to be submitted by each governor of the country that whoever will be governor, the programs in agriculture and

fisheries will be implemented in his or her province.

The sad thing is, whenever a new President comes, a new direction in agriculture and fisheries is set and the officials in agriculture and fisheries cannot say no, he said.

“But if we are able to put up a National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries that will span from 10 to 20 years, the programs we had in mind will continue,” he pointed out.

He said even the United States has a 10-year National Road Map in Agriculture that was enacted into law and President Barack Obama cannot alter or amend it.

Piñol, who is himself a farmer, said the real problem in agriculture and fisheries in the Philippines is politics.

He said with the National Agricultural Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries, “we can remove the influence of politics into the industry”.

“The national agricultur-

al road map can be improved with the infusion of additional funds but never to alter or amend it,” he said.

Piñol and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Ed Gogona came from Sual, Pangasinan where they distributed bancas and fishing implements to marginal fishermen from 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan.

On his way to Baguio, Piñol was invited by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia to drop by at NIFTDC, a 25-hectare research facility of the BFAR headed

by Dr. Westly Rosario.

While at NIFTDC, Piñol asked Rosario to focus on three essential commodities like tilapia, milkfish, vannamae or white shrimps, sea cucumber and sea weeds which can immediately help the country attain food sufficiency.

STEM CELL THERAPY The New Technology

Stem Cell Therapy is a breakthrough Non-Invasive, Non-Surgical option for people suffering from a multitude of conditions such as: • Erectile • Diabetes Type II Dysfunction • Alzheimer’s • Auto-Immune Disease Disorders • Orthopedic • Rheumatoid Conditions Arthritis

Non-Invasive, Non-surgical Option for a Multitude of Conditions

www.RefreshLA.com 818-956-1141

6

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

ENTERT

THE US ASIAN POST

INMENT

Why Enchong never courted his crush Maja

Enchong Dee revealed that he used to have a crush on Maja Salvador, who is now one of his very good friends in the industry.

“Yung totoo, naging crush ko talaga si Maja. No dull moment, papasayahin ka niya, papakain ka niya.

Kahit bumabagyo noon, pinuntahan ako ni Maj kasi may swimming competition ako,” he shared.

Asked if she ever felt the same for Dee, Salva-

dor said: “Hindi naman sa walang [attraction] pero parang siguro sa sobrang bait ni Enchong, ayaw mo siyang mawala sa buhay mo kaya mas pipiliin mo siyang maging kaibigan mo na lang.”

Salvador said she feels fortunate to have Dee in her life because he always looks after his friends.

“Parang kahit hindi na kami artista, nandiyan talaga siya. Ang maganda

kay Enchong talaga, iniisip niya hindi lang ‘yung future niya kundi pati ‘yung future pati ng mga kaibigan niya. Kapag usapang pera, si Enchong ang pinakamagandang kausapin,” she said. Despite his attraction to Salvador, Dee said he decided not to court the actress.

“Nung time na ‘yun, siyempre baguhan pa lang kami. Wala pa naman kaming napapatunayan sa

trabahong ito tapos inuuna namin ‘yung mga ganung bagay,” he said.

Dee also explained why people should not misinterpret his closeness with Salvador.

“Kung ano man ang pakikitungo ko kay Maja, it’s just the same thing kung paano ako makitungo kay Bea (Alonzo), kay Kim (Chiu), sa mga kaibigan kong babae. Ganito lang talaga ako,” he said. (MNS)

Enchong Dee

‘Oro’ under investigation over slaughter scene

Gerald Anderson

Gerald Anderson’s foundation to train therapy dogs Actor Gerald Anderson shared that his own foundation, which aims to save lives by training dogs for search and rescue operations, has branched out to training therapy dogs as well.

In an interview, the actor announced that the Gerald Anderson Foundation Inc., which was launched last March, has a new The Angel Dog Program.

“Lumaki na po yung foundation,” he said. “We are training dogs ng basic obedience, tricks, tapos dadalhin namin sa hospital para bisitahin ang mga bata, mga cancer patient.”

Anderson created the foundation after his experi-

ence during typhoon Ondoy in 2009, when he braved the floods to save people in need.

As for his love life, Gerald walked down the red carpet together with Bea Alonzo during the Star Magic Ball.

Asked if they are back as a couple, Anderson replied that they are dating. “Nakaka-labas kami and of course, hindi naman namin gagawin ito kung hindi kami [special sa isa’t-isa].”

In an earlier interview, Alonzo already admitted that she and the actor have been going out and spending more time together, after working together in the Star Cinema film, “How To Be Yours.” (MNS)

“Oro,” an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is facing an investigation into whether a live dog was slaughtered for use in the Alvin Yapan-directed drama.

The film, about a barangay captain’s attempt to defend a small mining community from bandits, was said to have shown a dog being gutted as it was being prepared to be cooked.

The law prohibits the use of animals killed for the purpose of film production, as animal welfare group Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) pointed out in their complaint over the film addressed to Tim Orbos, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief and chairman of the MMFF. Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Liza Dino has released a statement on

Irma Adlawan

Facebook, saying they have summoned the team of “Oro” after being made aware of the complaint.

She added, however, that she has seen the scene, which she described as “very disturbing” and “very graphic,” in question and said that

she acted in good faith when the representatives of “Oro” told her that a “goat was used and some prosthetics to make it look real.”

“Since the movie opened, I’ve been receiving calls and texts from various groups about the ‘dog scene’ but

Melai, Jason expecting baby girl Celebrity couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco are expecting another baby girl.

Cantiveros, who is expected to give birth early this year, revealed the gender of their baby Monday.

“Papang, mayroon na tayong Elsa and Anna,” Cantiveros said, referring to the sisters in the movie “Frozen.”

Cantiveros admitted that she was expecting to have a baby boy this time. Her first child, Amelia Lucille or Mela, will turn three in April.

‘Super Parental Guardians’ now PHL’s highest grossing local film Vice Ganda’s “The Super Parental Guardians” has become the country’s highest grossing local film of all time, according to Star Cinema executive Roxy Liquigan.

The comedy blockbuster overtook another Vice Ganda flick, 2015’s “Beauty and the Bestie,” on its fifth week in cinemas.

The announcement, which did not include an exact ticket sales figure, was made Vice Ganda three days after it was revealed that the movie has grossed more than P500 million, the only Filipino film to do so this year.

It is still showing in more than 70 provincial theaters.

“Beauty and the Bestie” now sits in second place after ending its run with a P526 million worldwide gross. An entry to last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), much of its earnings were from the the two weeks when Metro Manila cinemas were required by law to screen only local films.

The success of “The Super Parental Guardians” caps off a banner year for Star Cinema, which saw the production outfit churn out box office hit one after another.

Eight movies from Star Cinema this year have crossed the P100 million mark.

“Barcelona: A Love Untold,” which starred Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, was the studio’s second highest grosser with a P320-million take.

Also featuring Coco Martin, “The Super Parental Guardians” made headlines after it was excluded from this year’s MMFF, forcing Star Cinema to release it last November 30, three weeks before the start of the film festival. It was directed by Joyce Bernal and also stars child actors Awra Briguela and Simon “Onyok” Pineda, who have enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame following their stints on the hit primetime show “Ang Probinsyano” with Coco Martin.

Responding to the news that his movie is now the most successful local film of all time in the Philippines, Vice Ganda wrote on Twitter: “Nag-Vatican kang ako kahapon. Tapos natulog. Pag gising ko may ganito na.

Iba din talaga to si Lord e. Ginagalingan din talaga!”

The comedian is currently in Europe with his family for a short vacation. (MNS)

I keep on saying ‘it’s not real’ because that was the information given to me,” Diño wrote.

“To be clear, the MMFF executive committee does not condone such acts nor allow the festival to be the vehicle for such actions; We acted in good faith when the producers stated that there were no such incidents of animal cruelty during the filming of the movie. We take these matters seriously and take action if necessary,” she furthered.

A meeting with the production team of “Oro” has been scheduled on Monday.

As of writing, “Oro” has yet to release a public statement on the matter.

“Oro” is one of the eight entries to this year’s filmfest. Irma Adlawan, its lead actress, won the top acting honor at the recently concluded MMFF awards night.

(MNS)

Melai, Amelia and Jason

Career first for Yassi It will be all work and no play for Yassi Pressman in 2017.

“Yes, walang personal na bagay muna akong gagawin.

Magpu-focus ako sa aking showbiz career,” Yassi said.

In past years, friends attest, Yassi divided her attention between her career and love. Sadly, both did not flourish.

“Mabuti, nabigyan siya ng second chance,” her friends said. “Today, nobody can argue that she has never had it so good. As Coco Martin’s current partner in the top series, ‘FPJ: Ang Probinsyano,’ ang galing galing niya.”

Yassi plays a reporter who follows the every move of Coco, who is police officer

Cardo Dalisay. “And, no doubt, she’s effective in it,” added her friends.

She’s back in a guest role in “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB).” “Actually, napansin lang talagang muli si Yassi, when she became part of PBB in Vietnam,” Yassi’s friends related. “Iba ang naging dating niya, compared sa iba pang housemates ni Big Brother. And it is obvious na gumanda siya at sumeksi.”

Yassi just finished a movie, the three episode El Shaddai’s “Book of Miracles, Miracles Are Forever,” where she is paired with Mark Neumman in the episode, “To Love and To Live.”

(MNS)

Yassi Pressman

JC de Vera on love life: ‘Happy’

JC de Vera

Actor JC de Vera kept it short and sweet when asked if he is already in a relationship.

“Sabihin natin na ang love life ko ngayon ay happy dahil mayroon akong mundo sa labas ng show business (Let’s just describe my love life as happy because I have a world outside of show business),” he said.

Without giving details, De Vera said he is glad that there is a clear line between his career and personal life.

“Kailangang outside work, mayroon kang sariling identity. Iba ang napapanood nila sa TV, iba ang identity mo sa outside world.

Hindi pwedeng same ang ugali mo sa labas ng trabaho (You have to have your own

identity, one that’s separate from your job. People see you on TV, and that should be different from who you are in real life. Those two can’t be the same),” he explained.

De Vera was previously linked to actress Jessy Mendiola, who is now dating Luis Manzano. The actor also used to date actress LJ Reyes. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday,

January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

7

OFW family reunites on Christmas time after 7 years (Part 1)

By Abner Galino

Here’s a merry Christmas story.

On a rundown sofa inside a two-bedroom apartment in Buena Park sits Lester, 41, his wife Rudilyn, 38, son Lance Daniel, 11, and daughter Leah Anne, 8.

Beside them is an amply decorated five-foot Christmas tree.

It is the first time, says Lester, that his family has made a Christmas tree and, more so – a Christmas tree fashioned out of a freshly cut pine tree.

Surreal, specially for Lester who has not spent Christmas time with his family the last seven years – during which he was on his own, living the challenging life of a so-called “TNT” or an overstaying alien in the United States.

In October 2009, Lester and eight other Filipinos, after paying huge sums of money to their recruiters, arrived in the US with big hopes that they would get good jobs and that their H2-B visas would be adjusted months later after they started working.

They ended up cramped in a dilapidated house in

a remote town in Alabama and were obliged to work in a fastfood restaurant where they earned a measly $450 a month.

For a couple of months, under the punishing Alabama winter, Lester and his fellow workers, walked two miles every day to report for work.

They layered themselves with whatever clothes they had because they didn’t have winter jackets yet.

Well, that was just snippets of Lester’s story of survival in the US of A. We will tell you all about that later on.

Lester kept himself connected to his family through the Internet as he moved from Alabama to Illinois and eventually to California where his fortune slowly turned for the better.

When Rudilyn was told about the possibility of Lester being able to get US visas for her and their children, she thought it was too good to be true.

“Hindi nanga ako umaasa noon. Maski ‘yung mga kakilala namin ‘di naniniwala.

Paano daw kami makukuha nga sa wari ko eh wala naman siyang papel?” recalls the wife, Rudilyn Rudilyn kept it low (to

avoid getting into the rumor mill) when she and their kids went to the US embassy to process their visas. It was quick, she recalls.

She and her kids were recipients of T visas as a positive consequence of a human trafficking case that Lester filed against his recruiters two years ago.

“Wala naman po silang tinanong,” Rudilyn narrates.

But the fast-paced progression almost hit a snag just as Rudilyn and her children were about to fly out from the Philippine airport.

For whatever reason, an immigration officer supposedly held them at the line.

“Kung anu-ano po ang hinahanap. Kinabahan talaga ako. Kasi kung hindi kami nakaalis. Pagtatawanan kami tiyak ng mga tao,” Rudilyn recalls.

Fortunately, a call prompted the said immigration officer to leave his post. During the lull, an immigrant rights advocate from Migrante switched the Ramos family into another line.

Rudilyn and her kids arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on November 14.

Lester’s lawyer was able to get the Salvation Army

PAL completes 1st international flight at Clark CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The Philippine Airlines (PAL) completed its first international flight at the Clark International Airport on Monday upon the arrival of its Airbus A321 from Incheon, South Korea at 1:55 a.m.

The flag carrier launched the new Clark-Incheon route on January 1, 2017.

The daily service departs Clark at 4:45 p.m. and ar-

rives in Incheon 9:40 p.m.

The return flight leaves Incheon at 10:50 p.m., and touches down in Clark at 1:55 a.m. the following day.

The airline said international flights out of Kalibo will also be launched within the first quarter of 2017.

We will operate more flights outside of Manila not just to decongest the NAIA [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] but mainly to offer convenience

to passengers who need not travel to Manila for their desired flights,” PAL president Jaime Bautista said in a statement.

to put the Ramos family in a transitional housing. The charity group also provided them with some pieces of furniture, beddings and kitchen utensils (including the Christmas tree and the decorations on it) – mostly hand-me-downs but still useful.

But Lester is not bothered.

“Ok lang. Hindi ko nga akalain na mangyayari ito.

I am so happy,” says Lester, adding that he believes that they would be able to be solely on their own in a short time.

“Hinihintay lang ni misis ‘yung work authorization niya para makapag-trabaho,” adds Lester.

“May swimming pool po ba ang mga school dito?” asks the eight-year-old Leah Anne when she has the chance to butt in. Her action draws laughs from her parents who consequently reveal that the girl has been quite “bored.”

“Hindi pa kasi sanay. Sa atin kasi puwede siyang basta na lang lumabas at maglaro. Sabi ko kanya, dito hindi niya puwedeng gawin ‘yun. Sabi ko makukulong ako kapag ginawa niya ‘yun,” Lester narrates, giggling.

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) victim of human trafficking in the US reunites with family after seven years.

Lester admits life is not going to be easy despite the reunification of his family.

“Lahat naninibago pati ako. I used to be by myself

here,” he adds.

Bright lights around the Christmas tree, and just as a new year is onset, hope springs for one family.

CAAP: More airports being readied for night operations MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said more airports are being prepared for night operations for 2017.

CAAP noted that night operations are vital to solve air traffic congestion, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Last year, 19 airports were made capable of night operations: NAIA, Clark, Mactan, Subic, Davao, Laoag, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Kalibo,

Zamboanga, General Santos, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Tacloban, Butuan, Legazpi, Dumaguete, Roxas and Caticlan. The agency also cited that improving the air traffic system will significantly reduce fuel burns and carbon emissions.

CNS/ATM system Meanwhile, CAAP said that by mid-2017, the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system will be operational

in the country. ”CNS/ATM is a computer-based flight data processing system that will enable aircraft operators to meet their planned schedule of departures and arrivals, as well as to adhere to their preferred flight profiles with minimum constraints and without compromising safety,” CAAP explained.

Furthermore, the CNS/ ATM will enable the country to monitor 80 percent of the Manila Flight Information Region, the agency added.

8

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

THE US ASIAN POST

UTREACH Chef Charleen Caabay- First Fil-Am woman chef to win Food Network’s ‘Chopped’

CNA represents more than 95,000 RNs in California and is affiliated with National Nurses United (NNU), which represents over 150,000 nurses coast to coast and is one of the fastest growing unions in the U.S.

Nurses at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale approve new contract Includes significant gains that will improve patient care

Registered nurses have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new contract covering 200 RNs in the bargaining unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, Ca. The RNs, affiliated with the California Nurses Association (CNA), say the contract includes significant improvements and workplace protections that will enhance their ability to provide quality patient care.

“Everyone will benefit from the provisions in the new contract- our patients, visitors, healthcare workers, and the community,” said Lisa Ryken, RN. “This new contract will allow USC Verdugo to recruit and retain the best registered nurses in the LA area.

We are thrilled to

recommend ratification in voting sessions next week,” said, Bernie Ebeo, RN. “Nurses throughout the hospital worked very hard to achieve these goals - safe patient care, a safe and healing hospital environment for our patients and for workers, and wages and benefits that will recruit and retain RNs,” said LeasaSugimura, RN. Key features in the pact include economic and retirement benefit improvements to promote retention of experienced RNs and recruitment of new nurses, maintenance of health benefits and free USC tuition for RNs and their children.

Highlights of the contract include: Economic gains to improve retention of experienced RNs and recruitment of new RNs, including a

revised step system that enhances recognition of former nursing experience and raises ranging from at least 12 percent up to 31percent over the 38-month term of the agreement.

Improved retirement plan benefits.

Maintenance of all health insurance benefit plans, without reduction in coverage or greater cost to employees.

Stepped up health and safety provisions to improve safe patient handling.

Free USC tuition for RNs and their children.

Increased rest periods to prevent fatigue and assure alert care.

CNA represents more than 95,000 RNs in California and is affiliated with National Nurses United (NNU), which represents over 150,000 nurses coast to coast and is one of the fastest growing unions in the U.S.

Oakland based Chef Charleen Caabay, owner of Kainbigan restaurant wins the “New Year’s Bash” episode of the reality-based cooking television game show Chopped on Food Network. Chef Charleen is the first Filipino-American Female Chef to win Food Network’s Chopped.

It was the first time that Chopped hosted a New Year’s party and the four chef competitors got to prepare a festive three-course meal with traditional and extravagant holiday ingredients. The show is divided into three rounds, each chef is given a basket of several unrelated ingredients and the prepared dish must contain all of them. At the end of each round the panel of rotating culinary judges decides which chef gets “chopped” based upon presentation, taste and creativity. The featured judges for this episode were: Alex Guarnaschelli, Aarón Sánchez and Scott Conant. The comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine and Chef Charleen’s heritage served as an inspiration throughout the competition.

Chef Charleen proclaimed, “We’re gonna celebrate, We’re gonna cook good food, and we’re gonna party!”She got the celebration started with an appetizer dish of Crab Torta with Collard Green Laing and Champagne Butter

Sauce. Alex Guarnaschelli commented, “Your sensibility really comes through and I respect that.” Chef Charleen added her own twist on laing made with collard greens, which is typically stewed taro leaves in -coconut milk. Scott Conant really loved the richness from the coconut milk. She also used the blinis as a binder mixed with the king crab legs made into torta, a Spanish inspired Filipino omelet dish that she loved to eat while growing up. Aarón Sánchez appreciated the big chunks of crab that were welcoming and brought a sense of comfort when he ate the torta.

Moving into the second round, Chef Charleen shined through with her special entrée dish of Martini Steamed Lobster Tail with Barbecue Strip Loin and Curried Black-Eyed Peas. She wanted to create a party on the plate for the New Year’s theme, and that she did! Chef Charleen always finds a way to bring people together through the food that she makes. She said, “In my culture- barbecue stick is popular, so my first instinct is to marinate it with all the yummy seasonings.” Growing up in a Filipino household, she was always surrounded by amazing food shared with family and friends. It’s no wonder she ended up opening her own Filipino comfort food

restaurant, it’s like a family party everyday! Aarón Sánchez commented to the other judges, “Charleen’s going to show us a window into Filipino cuisine, she’s doing it her way, I really appreciate that!” Then Alex Guarnaschelli chimed in by complimenting Chef Charleen, “There’s some really great cooking here!” I love the meat, it’s deee-licious, when I pull the lobster out of the shell and I get the marinade on it, it’s delicious!”

Then Scott Conant said it simply, “It’s good eating!”

Chef Charleen topped the party off with a Funnel Cake with Pomegranate Grape Compote. The dessert round can be a challenge at times, and kept us at the edge of our seat, but she made it! Chef Charleen commented, “I looked at Matt’s plate and see this fluffy white stuff… Oh-Oh! He used some kind of technique that I don’t even know…” She transformed the featured ingredients into a playful twist of a festive holiday funnel cake with a last minute sprinkle of toasted coconut, but it was a tad too sweet and needed more balance.

Scott Conant said, “Your instincts are great, but those are the nuances that you learn as time goes on.” Chef Charleen’s own recipe of true passion for food, pride in her Filipino heritage, determination and creativity won the judges over!

TH WEEKEND BALITA.

CAN’T GO WRONG WI OU ...Y RE MO D AN , MS FIR LAW , RS CA , OD TYLE, POP CULTURE, FO

NEWS, INFORMATION, LIFES

Northern erican communities in Southern and Am o pin Fili for n atio rm info and s of new sing or editorial a periodical that provides main source your smart phone or tablet. For adverti ng usi , ine onl AP Under Balita Media, Inc., Weekend is US ess acc can you A since 1992. For your convenience, 06.

California as well as other parts of US lson Ave. Suite 110 Glendale CA 912 Wi E. 520 at us t visi or , 503 2.4 .55 placement, you can contact 818

HHNHQG : .

TA LI A B D EN K EE W F O N IO IT ED L A IT IG D CATCH THE %$/,7$ : : : % $ / , 7 $ & 2 0

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday,

January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

9

KITCHENOMICS PREPPING THE PERFECT HAM

classifieds

A baked ham is the perfect centerpiece to any holiday celebration. Follow these tips to ensure your seasonal meal’s main course is a sensation with your guests: „ Never thaw meat on the kitchen counter as the external temperature can rise above 40 F while the inside remains frozen. Thaw in either the refrigerator or in cold water. „ Plan ahead to clean up; line your pan with aluminum foil. „ To avoid dried out ham, cook at 325 F, allowing 20-30 minutes per pound. „ Place fat side up. The melting fat will baste your ham. Turn over halfway through baking to avoid uneven salting. „ Do not use sharp utensils when turning the ham. Valuable juices may escape if the ham is pierced. „ Use proper cooking times and temperatures.

Cooking to at least 145 F will result in juicy, tender meat. „ Let ham stand for 15 minutes after roasting before slicing. „ Completely cook ham until done. Avoid partial cooking and storing in refrigerator for later use, which can contaminate the meat.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Kid-Favorite Holiday Cookies ,W LVQ¶W KDUG WR FRQYLQFH NLGV WR MRLQ LQ WKH IXQ RI PDNLQJ KROLGD\ FRRNLHV 7KHVH FRRNLHV SDFN D JUHDW FKRFRODWH ÀDYRU WKDQNV WR D VXUSULVH LQJUHGLHQW ± &RFRD 3HEEOHV )RU PRUH NLG IDYRULWH UHFLSH LGHDV YLVLW 3RVW)RRGV FRP

Hot Chocolate Crunch Cookies 3UHS WLPH PLQXWHV 7RWDO WLPH KRXUV 6HUYLQJV FRRNLHV 1 cup Cocoa Pebbles, divided

FXSV DOO SXUSRVH ÀRXU 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

+HDW RYHQ WR ) In food processor, crush cereal WR \LHOG FXS ,Q PHGLXP ERZO FRP ELQH FXS JURXQG FHUHDO ÀRXU FRFRD SRZGHU FUHDP RI WDUWDU EDNLQJ soda and salt. ,Q ODUJH ERZO XVLQJ HOHFWULF PL[HU FUHDP EXWWHU DQG FXSV VXJDU RQ PHGLXP VSHHG XQWLO OLJKW DQG ÀX൵\ 6FUDSH GRZQ VLGH RI ERZO $GG HJJV DQG YDQLOOD %HDW WR FRPELQH :LWK PL[HU RQ ORZ JUDGXDOO\ DGG ÀRXU PL[WXUH EHDWLQJ XQWLO FRPELQHG &KLOO GRXJK KRXUV ,Q VPDOO ERZO FRPELQH UHPDLQLQJ FXS JURXQG FHUHDO UHPDLQLQJ FXS VXJDU FLQQDPRQ DQG FKLOL SRZGHU RSWLRQDO ± IRU D GHOLFLRXV VSLF\ WZLVW

Using a tablespoon, form balls RI GRXJK 5ROO LQ FLQQDPRQ VXJDU FHUHDO PL[WXUH 3ODFH EDOOV LQFKHV DSDUW RQ SDUFKPHQW OLQHG EDNLQJ VKHHWV 3UHVV GRZQ OLJKWO\ ZLWK D JODVV %DNH PLQXWHV

)$0,/< )($785(6

)

URP VDYRU\ FHQWHUSLHFHV WR ULFK Ã&#x20AC;DYRUIXO VLGHV WR FRRNLHV DQG FDQGLHV DSOHQW\ WKH KROLGD\ VHDVRQ LV D WLPH WR DSSUH FLDWH D ERXQW\ RI JRRG IRRG ZKLOH VXUURXQGHG E\ \RXU ORYHG RQHV 0DNH WKLV \HDU¶V FHOHEUDWLRQ H[WUD VSHFLDO ZLWK FRRNLQJ WLSV DQG UHFLSHV WKDW PDNH D IHVWLYH IHDVW WR UHPHPEHU DV HDV\ DV FDQ EH 6WDUW ZLWK D PDLQ GLVK FDUYHG MXVW ULJKW DGG DQ H[FLWLQJ WZLVW RQ WUDGLWLRQDO VWDSOHV DQG OHDUQ KRZ XQH[SHFWHG LQJUHGLHQWV PDNH GHOLFLRXV VHDVRQDO VZHHWV

Holiday Side with a Twist Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get caught up in the same holiday recipes year after year. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re classics for a reason, right? Add D GL൵HUHQW WZLVW WR D KROLGD\ PHQX PDLQVWD\ ± PDVKHG SRWDWRHV ± WKLV \HDU ZLWK H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO JDUOLF DQG SDUVQLSV 9LVLW $ERXW2OLYH2LO RUJ WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW WKH EHQH¿WV RI ROLYH RLO DQG WR ¿QG PRUH KROLGD\ UHFLSHV

Garlic EVOO Smashed Potatoes and Parsnips 6HUYHV 3 medium to large russet potatoes, peeled and large diced 3 large parsnips, peeled and large diced garlic olive oil, to taste (see recipe) 3 tablespoons parsley, thinly shredded salt and pepper &RPELQH SRWDWRHV DQG SDUVQLSV LQ ZDWHU ERLO XQWLO WHQGHU 'UDLQ ZHOO In large roasting pan, smash drained potatoes and parsnips ZLWK IRUN 6HDVRQ KRW SRWDWRHV DQG SDUVQLSV ZLWK JDUOLF ROLYH RLO SDUVOH\ VDOW DQG SHSSHU 6HUYH LPPHGLDWHO\

Garlic Olive Oil for Potatoes and Parsnips 1 head of garlic, washed, dried and halved 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ,Q VPDOO ORDI SDQ FRYHU JDUOLF ZLWK H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO 3ODFH IRLO RYHU SDQ SODFH LQ ) RYHQ XQWLO JDUOLF LV IXOO\ FRRNHG DQG VRIW 5HPRYH JDUOLF DQG SRS RXW FORYHV 6WUDLQ H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO WR UHPRYH DQ\ VNLQV 3XUHH FRRNHG FORYHV ZLWK VWUDLQHG RLO

Celebrate with a Sweetly Salty Snack 6ZHHW WUHDWV DUH D VWDSOH RI HYHU\ KROLGD\ SDUW\ DQG \RX FDQ DGG \RXU RZQ FURZG SOHDVLQJ UHFLSH ZLWK D IDYRULWH IURP \RXU RZQ SDQWU\ SHDQXW EXWWHU ,W SDLUV SHUIHFWO\ ZLWK RWKHU VZHHW DQG VDOW\ Ã&#x20AC;DYRUV LQ WKLV HDV\ FDQG\ UHFLSH )LQG PRUH LGHDV IRU FRRNLQJ ZLWK SHDQXW EXWWHU WKLV KROLGD\ VHDVRQ DW SHDQXWEXWWHUORYHUV FRP

Peanut Butter Saltine Brittle 0DNHV SLHFHV

%XWWHU Ã&#x20AC;DYRUHG QRQVWLFN FRRNLQJ VSUD\ 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 sleeve (4 ounces) regular saltine crackers 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter chips 1/2 cup roughly chopped, dry-roasted, salted peanuts

+HDW RYHQ WR ) /LQH D E\ E\ LQFK SDQ ZLWK DOXPLQXP IRLO 6SUD\ IRLO ZLWK EXWWHU Ã&#x20AC;DYRUHG QRQVWLFN FRRNLQJ VSUD\ VHW DVLGH ,Q KHDY\ GXW\ TXDUW VDXFHSDQ KHDW EXWWHU SHDQXW EXWWHU DQG VXJDU RYHU PHGLXP KHDW 6WLU FRQVWDQWO\ XQWLO EXWWHU DQG VXJDU DUH PHOWHG %ULQJ LQJUHGLHQWV WR ERLO VWLU IUHTXHQWO\ IRU PLQXWHV :KLOH PL[WXUH FRRNV OD\ VDOWLQHV Ã&#x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in airtight container.

10

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

J

THE US ASIAN POST

B MARKET

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

CAREGIVERS

â&#x20AC;˘

Fax (818) 550-7635

â&#x20AC;˘

email: advertising@balita.com

&$5(*,9(56 /,9( ,1 ŽƾĆ&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; ^Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; ÍŹ &ƾůů dĹ?ĹľÄ&#x17E;

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

DĆľĆ?Ć&#x161; Ç Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹ Ç Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x161;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ&#x161;ŽůĹ?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Ć?Í&#x2DC; DĆľĆ?Ć&#x161; Ć?Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹŹ Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ç Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ĹśĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ć?Ĺ&#x161;Í&#x2DC; DĆľĆ?Ć&#x161; Ä?Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x;Ä?Í&#x2022; Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2030;Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2DC; >Ĺ?ĹŹÄ&#x17E; Ç Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Í&#x2DC; ŽŽŏÍ&#x2022; Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ĺś Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; /Ĺś >Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2DC; ΨϭϏÍ&#x2DC;ĎŹĎŹ Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ĺ&#x161;ŽƾĆ&#x152;Í&#x2DC; EĹ˝Ć&#x161; Ä&#x201A;Ĺś Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2DC;

Balita GET RESULTS! ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY!

Now Hiring for: -RN/LVN/Psych Techs -Massage Therapist (part-time) -DSP/ Caregiver/ CNA 2á&#x201A;&#x2C6;FH DVVLVWDQW -CCF (ARF/ RCFE) $GPLQLVWUDWRU

LAX Airport Area, North Hills Area, West Covina Area, San Diego Area Please call 626-926-7186 or 714-519-8997 for inquiries.

Or email resume to: gandres2@aol.com

PUENTE HILLS MAZDA

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE

HIRING

Filipino Sales Consultant - Good income opportunity -

Please call (626) 964-4900 or email nlazarevic@rhmazda.com

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans Mag

Tayo!

www.usasianpost.com

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

Balita The leading source of News and Information for the Filipino American Community

FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT PRQWK &\SUHVV $YH %XUbank towards the mountain.

With own room, bathroom & SDUNLQJ VSDFH 3UHIHUDEO\ DORQH Call Rene: 818-517-1053.

new fix....

Discover the

finger tips! right at your

â&#x20AC;˘

Fax: (818) 550-7635

â&#x20AC;˘

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

PRAYERS PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

2K PRVW EHDXWLIXO Ă&#x20AC;RZHU RI 0W &DUPHO IUXLW ZLQH VSOHQGRU RI +HDYHQ %OHVVHG Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh 6WDU RI WKH 6HD +HOS PH DQG VKRZ PH KHUH \RX DUH P\ 0RWKHU 2K +RO\ 0DU\ 0RWKHU RI *RG 4XHHQ RI +HDYHQ DQG (DUWK , KXPEO\ EHVHHFK \RX IURP WKH bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are QRQH WKDW FDQ ZLWKVWDQG \RXU SRZHU 2K 0DU\ FRQFHLYHG ZLWKRXW VLQ SUD\ IRU XV ZKR KDYH UHFRXUVH WR 7KHH WLPHV +RO\ 0DU\ , SODFH WKLV SUD\HU LQ \RXU KDQGV WLPHV 6D\ WKLV SUD\HU IRU WKUHH FRQVHFXWLYH GD\V DQG WKHQ \RX PXVW SXEOLVK DQG LW ZLOO EH JUDQWHG WR \RX Grateful Thanks.- ELVIE M.

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

Sty

Ent erta inm ent

PRAYERS PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN

le s ic m no he tc Ki

N ew s

(Never known to fail)

T H E

Outr

s es sin Bu

Culture

ng ivi nL r de Mo

each

.com

2K PRVW EHDXWLIXO Ă&#x20AC;RZHU RI 0W &DUPHO IUXLW ZLQH VSOHQGRU RI +HDYHQ %OHVVHG Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh 6WDU RI WKH 6HD +HOS PH DQG VKRZ PH KHUH \RX DUH P\ 0RWKHU 2K +RO\ 0DU\ 0RWKHU RI *RG 4XHHQ RI +HDYHQ DQG (DUWK , KXPEO\ EHVHHFK \RX IURP WKH bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are QRQH WKDW FDQ ZLWKVWDQG \RXU SRZHU 2K 0DU\ FRQFHLYHG ZLWKRXW VLQ SUD\ IRU XV ZKR KDYH UHFRXUVH WR 7KHH WLPHV +RO\ 0DU\ , SODFH WKLV SUD\HU LQ \RXU KDQGV WLPHV 6D\ WKLV SUD\HU IRU WKUHH FRQVHFXWLYH GD\V DQG WKHQ \RX PXVW SXEOLVK DQG LW ZLOO EH JUDQWHG WR \RX Grateful Thanks.- ALFONSO

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOJOURNALISM STYLE PHOTO COVERAGE. BLACK AND WHITE AND COLOR. Â&#x2021; WHGGLQJV Â&#x2021; &RPPXQLW\ (YHQWV Â&#x2021; %LUWKGD\ 3DUWLHV Â&#x2021; 5HXQLRQ Â&#x2021; $QQLYHUVDULHV Â&#x2021; 'HEXW Â&#x2021; $VVRFLDWLRQ 3DUWLHV Â&#x2021; %DSWLVPDO Â&#x2021; )XQHUDO Â&#x2021; 6OLGHVKRZV Â&#x2021; 3KRWR 5HVWRUDWLRQ

GROUPONE PHOTOGRAPHY 909.610.5847

www.USAsianPost.com for Asian Americans Follow us on:

Brought to you by BALITA MEDIA INC

GURXSRQH #JPDLO FRP

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday,

January 6 - 12, 2017

Visit www.usasianpost.com

11

MOTORING Southern California customers take delivery of new 2017 Honda clarity fuel cell sedan TORRANCE, Calif., Dec 19, 2016 – Customer deliveries of Honda’s third-generation fuel cell vehicle, the 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, began today at select Honda dealerships across Southern California. Honda customers leasing the new Clarity Fuel Cell will enjoy all the benefits of driving the most advanced zero-emissions vehicle on the road today, including its ultra-low carbon footprint, comfortable seating for five, and $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel. In addition, the Clarity Fuel Cell has the highest EPA driving range rating of any zero-emission vehicle in America, including fuel cell and battery electric vehicles, with a 366 mile range and fuel economy rating of 68 combined MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent)1.

“The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell has arrived as the next big leap forward in electric drive mobility, with next-generation style, funto-drive performance and customer comfort,” said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “In the year ahead, we will continue the rollout of the new Clarity series of electrified vehicles, to include battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models.”

Retail leasing of the Clarity Fuel Cell is now available through Honda’s expanded

network of 12 approved dealerships located in select California markets, including six dealerships in Southern California, five in the Bay Area, and one in Sacramento. Honda will further develop its fuel cell vehicle dealer network as the network of public hydrogen fueling stations expands across the state.

The Clarity Fuel Cell is available for the competitive introductory lease price of $369 a month for 36 months with $2,868 due at signing2.

The lease terms include an attractive mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per year, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, up to 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California, 24/7 roadside assistance, and eligibility for California “White Sticker” single occupant HOV access.

The first deliveries of the Clarity Fuel Cell were celebrated on the Torrance, Calif., campus of American Honda Motor Co, Inc., where six Clarity Fuel Cell customers participated in a ceremonial delivery event after leasing their car from one of Honda’s six fuel cell vehicle dealerships in Southern California. The participating dealerships are Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance, Culver City Honda, Keyes Woodland Hills Honda, Honda of Pasadena, Norm Reeves Honda in Cerritos, and Norm Reeves Honda in Irvine.

The first six customers

of the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell are previous owners of Honda’s second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the Clarity FCX. These customers have grown with the development and deployment of Honda’s fuel cell vehicles, and have provided feedback of their real-world use of the FCX to influence today’s customer experience of the Clarity Fuel Cell. The customers are: Jon Spallino, private securities investor and world’s first fuel cell vehicle individual customer with the 2005 FCX, whose new Clarity Fuel Cell becomes his third Honda fuel cell vehicle Jack Cusick, assistant principal of Newport Harbor High School Jackie Keller, founder of NutriFit, LLC™ healthy meal services Jim Salomon, president at Questar Construction Karen Thorp, deputy district attorney for the County of Los Angeles Terry Tamminen, CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Customers interested in the Clarity Fuel Cell are encouraged to visit http://automobiles.honda.com/clarity, where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a Clarity Fuel Cell customer.

Mag

Tayo!

2016 Honda Civic

Honda calls it early: American car buyers make Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey tops in sales in 2016 Dec 20, 2016 - Torrance, Calif. – With just more than a week remaining in 2016, Honda is assured of having the #1 and #2 best-selling cars, the #1 SUV and #1 minivan in America with individual car buyers, the company announced today.

American Honda, including the Honda and Acura brands, is the fastest growing automaker1 in the U.S. in retail sales, according to data from Automotive News.

Highlights of Honda’s projected year-end retail-sales achievements: Civic will post the all-time best sales performance in its 44-year history, making Civic America’s best-selling car with individual car buyers.

Accord will post a fourth straight year of retail sales leadership among midsize

cars.

CR-V will post a seventh straight year of sales gains and further cement its position as America’s best-selling SUV over the past 21 years. Odyssey will be the best-selling minivan with retail buyers for a seventh straight year.

Civic, CR-V and Accord will be the three highest retail-selling vehicles in the auto industry after full-size pickups and will combine for sales of more than 1 million units for the fifth straight year in 2016.

“We want to thank our customers for the trust they’ve placed in Honda, which is the basis for everything we do,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “Re-

tail sales are the results of customers voting with their wallets and pocketbooks, and we think that’s the only true measure of customer demand and product appeal.”

Total Honda Division sales are up 4.5 percent through the end of November to 1,333,253 Honda cars and light trucks, as the brand prepares to post a third straight year of record sales. Honda will continue its momentum into the new year as the strong cadence of new models continues in 2017 with the launch of a redesigned Odyssey; the Si Coupe, Si Sedan and Type R variants of the tenth-generation Civic; and the introduction of the Clarity Battery Electric and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and more.

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans

Mag-

tayo!

www.usasianpost.com

12

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Friday - Thursday, January 6 - 12, 2017

LOS ANGELES

THE US ASIAN POST

PHP2,000 SSS pension hike being studied by Duterte

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to study first the proposal to increase the pension of the Social Security Service (SSS) pensioners by PHP2,000 upon the recommendation of his economic managers, Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Monday.

“The President is looking for a win-win solution where he can give pensioners the increase they have been asking for while that SSS will remain solvent at all times,” Andanar said in a text message.

“As the President said, he does not want to use

taxpayers’ money, especially money of non-SSS members, should funding problem arises because of the increase,” he added.

According to the reports, the economic managers have advised the President that the SSS might go bankrupt if the PHP2,000 pension hike will be granted to SSS retirees.

President Duterte’s close ally Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III welcomed the President’s decision to study first the pension hike.

“We should always be cautious and be extra careful in spending money raised or collected under

mandate of the law (like taxes and SSS premiums).

Hence, if President Duterte needs time to study the matter then let us give him the study time he needs,” Pimentel said as quoted by Philstar.com report.

According to SSS chairman Amado Valdez, the SSS’s current fund life would be shortened from 2042 to 2031 if half of the PHP2,000 will be given beginning January this year based on the SSS Board’s proposal.

Andanar said President Duterte will again confer and meet with his economic managers to solve the impasse.

DND chief: It is very possible Maute Group, BIFF behind Leyte IED attack

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) – It is highly possible that the Maute Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which is now the object of focused military operations in Mindanao, could have conducted the improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Hilongos town, Leyte as means to ease the pressure against them.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the sidelights of Friday’s

Rizal Day celebrations.

The IED attack in Hilongos town wounded 32 persons, 16 of them severely. “(It’s possible that the IED attack was) done as a diversionary tactic to ease the pressure against them,” said Lorenzana in Filipino.

Lorenzana said that they have been suspecting for a long-time that the Maute Group and BIFF have formed a tactical alliance of sort to facilitate the transfer of IED technology.

The DND chief added that they are looking into this angle as fragments of

MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – Former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez passed away Sunday. He was 81. News of Lopez’s death was confirmed by his wife Concepcion Lopez. Lopez was mayor of Manila from 1986 to 1987, and from 1988 to 1992. He also served as assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986. (MNS)

the period of December 21, 2016 to 6 a.m. of January 1, 2017.

Though, she said that counting will continue and stop by January 5, still, there can still be some changes in the figures after.

“This is the lowest figure, but only as of January 1.

The number of injuries will continue to be tallied until January 5,” she added.

Eighty-four percent of the cases are males. The youngest is two years old while the oldest is 71.

“Large majority of the cases are below 15 years old or 58 percent,” she said.

Blast without amputation was recorded at 83 percent.

She added eye injuries were high comprising about 18 percent.

The blast with amputation cases totaled to five among males.

Two of them were passive users -- three and eight years old. While the other three were active users, ages six, 23, and 33.

“What is very sad is the case number 3, three years old from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on December 30… The case was passive meaning the child was just watching or a bystander and not using,” she said.

She added that it was so saddening that such child, very young, will live a disability for the rest of his life.

Total of passive users are 35 percent or 121 while active users is 65 percent.

She added that legal fireworks also caused injuries comprising 40 percent; unknown is 5 percent.

Some of the legal fireworks are kwitis, luces and fountains. Illegal fireworks is still the highest cause of injuries.

may karamdaman ka pero nandoon ‘yung kagustuhan mo makiisa alam na ng Diyos ‘yun…ito ay opportunity na pinaparating natin.

‘Yung Filipino gusto makiisa maging kabahagi kahit malayo man siya…” Coronel explained. The Jan. 9 grand procession will start at the

Quirico Grandstand and will end at the Basilica along Quezon Boulevard, Manila.

Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to attend the grand procession.

Last year, some 15 million people took part in the weeklong celebration.

Philippines.

“We will look into their hardware one of these days for testing, once samples become available for testing,” he added, stressing that these talks are only at the initial phase.

Russia is offering the

Philippines drones and submarines, which Lorenzana said the country could not afford at the moment due to the massive investments needed for acquisition, training of crew, and creation of support facilities for the undersea craft.

elections with 16 million votes or six million margin over his closest rival.

“This is my message to the United States and to everybody, to those out there on the streets, and for those who are demanding my resignation: you know, I feel that I have to honor the contract with the people,” the President said.

President Duterte said he does not need presidency

“at this time of my life” but he promised to work hard to fulfill his campaign promises particularly his fight against illegal drugs, criminal and corruption.

“If the people would say I am eagerly happy, I said I don’t need it at this time of my life. But since I ran for the position and I won, so I have to honor the contract,” the 72-year-old Filipino leader said.

an 81mm mortar round was recovered in the blast scene.

Former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez dies at age 81

FIREWORKS

From page 1

Ubial said the “remarkable decline” seen in the last 10 years can be attributed to the collective campaign through the help of the media, officials from Philippine National Police (PNP) and cooperation of local government units on conduct of community fireworks display.

She also said that the perception and public knowledge that President Rodrigo R. Duterte is against the firecrackers has somehow affected the reception of the people on the use of firecrackers wherein some of them even became afraid to use them.

“There is this impression that those who will use firecrackers will be caught and punished by the President,” said Ubial.

The 60 percent reduction in the number of firecracker-related injuries covered

Chinese New Year is still on Jan. 28, 2017 but vendors at Carriedo St. in Quiapo, Manila this early have reported brisk sales of rooster lucky charms. According to Chinese astrology, the Rooster years are known to be filled with integrity and efficiency. Hard work is the key to achieving success in this Chinese New Year.(MNS photo)

HONTIVEROS

From page 1

good on his electoral promise to end the drug problem in six months.

“Add rehab centers and stir” Hontiveros said that the Duterte government can’t just use an “add rehab centers and stir” approach in its belated attempt to add a health angle to its deadly war on drugs.

“It would be mechanical and tokenistic. The government might think that by simply building a mega-drug rehabilitation center and putting all the drug addicts there, it has sufficiently addressed the health needs of the drug users. Yet, what the majority of the drug users actually need are not inpatient care but outpatient healthcare interventions,” Hontiveros explained.

Hontiveros, who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Heath, said that only 9% of suspected drugs us-

ers who have surrendered under Oplan Tokhang were committed in rehabilitation facilities. The 91% who do not need institutionalized support went back to their communities. She said that the progress in modern drug rehabilitation and comprehensive out-patient healthcare programs guarantee that only those who are extremely addicted to illegal drugs are admitted to a drug rehabilitation facility.

“The government should have heeded our appeal at the outset and mobilized resources in the funding of out-patient rehabilitation programs and community drop-in centers, as well as harm reduction capacity-building sessions for local governments, health agencies and non-government organizations. Now, much harm, which could have been prevented, has

been inflicted on thousands of dead, drug dependents further cut off from health services and poor people deprived of public funds used for Tokhang instead of for social and economic programs,” Hontiveros said.

End the killings, best public health approach The senator said that the best public health approach now appropriate for the situation is for the government to put a stop to the extrajudicial killings. “Ending the killings and holding all those responsible for these atrocities must be done alongside the implementation of a public health agenda on the anti-drugs campaign. Failure to do so will fuel further speculations that the government not only condones the EJKs, but sanctions them, to the detriment of the people’s health,” Hontiveros concluded.

FACEBOOK

From page 1

official said.

He added that using the social media is not only for Filipinos abroad but also to those who are in the country but will not be able to attend the activities for some reason.

“Syempre iba ‘yung nandoon ka. Pero kung kunwari

RUSSIA

From page 1

Russia, along with Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay. He however clarified that this is not a prelude to an alliance but merely student-to-student exchanges, sending of observers in exercises and selling of some military hardware to the

GOOD FIGHT

From page 1

NO

U.S. CASIN ST O BE

NG

A

CH

A

SI

PE

President Duterte said Goldberg was expelled as ambassador of Bolivia “because he was undermining the native President there.”

“And Goldberg started to dig under, to erode the foundation of the presidency and he was expelled persona non grata,” the President said.

President Duterte, however, said he is ready to defend the presidency which he won in the last May 9

& AR ES O RT

C