Philippine News SF Issue 07.24.15

COVERAGE IN PH?

Inside

Class of 2015

Unlikely, says Medicare community educator

Hunger in PH lowest since 2005

See CLASS, A7

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Vilma getting feelers from Aquino on 2016

By Cherie M. Querol Moreno rappler

DALY CITY, Calif. – Filipino Americans will be riding the crest of the “silver tsunami” or the wave of aging population hurtling across the United States by 2020, according to Census Bureau figures.

Five years from now, over 55 million Americans will be over 65 years old and eligible for federal health benefits. Filipino Americans make up the fastest growing Asian community in this country and last week, Baby Boomers among them got a jump start at preparing to access a major entitlement.

Current and prospective beneficiaries of Medicare got a comprehensive overview at a community presentation organized by the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center, the nonprofit helping newcomers settle in

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Health hazards from computer A14 Lauren Ramos Walson Shyla Ramos Walson Global Studies BSBA, Haas School UCLA of Business at UC Berkeley

KJ Estudillo Integrative Biology UC Berkeley

Caitlin Estudillo World Arts and Cultures UCLA

See UNLIKELY, A6

Geneva Cruz & TFC Sama Saya at the Pistahan

www.philippinenews.com NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION • July 24 - 30, 2015 • Year 54 • Issue 51

South China Sea

Support growing for PH’s claim MANILA -- The Philippines on Sunday hailed what it termed growing international support for its efforts to counter China’s claims to most of the South China Sea. The comments from a presidential spokesman came as the US Pacific Fleet released photographs of its commander in a surveillance flight over the sea, where tension is rising between Manila and Beijing.

Herminio Coloma, spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III, said that “there are additional voices supporting our move for a peaceful resolution to the debate over... the

Many nations agreed that the dispute ‘must go through legal process as signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.’

South China Sea.” He said many nations agreed that the dispute “must go through legal process as signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” “We welcome the growing support for the position of our country,” Coloma told reporters, citing the European Union, Australia, Japan and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Coloma also cited recent remarks by leading US senators such as John McCain, praising the Philippine efforts to resolve the See SUPPORT, A12

$0.50

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Binay sues 13 ‘enemies’ Vice president in panic mode -- Trillanes

By Beting Laygo Dolor

NEVER TOO OLD TO FIGHT Rodel Rodis

EDITOR

FILIPINO WW II veterans rally against China’s invasion and occupation of Philippine shoals in the West Philippine Sea and what the protesters charge as their conversion into man-made islands with airstrips and port facilities. This photo was taken on July 24, 2013 at the global protest rally in front of the China Consulate in San Francisco. The veterans will be back again on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 12 noon in front of the China Consulate on Geary Blvd. and Laguna Street in San Francisco to mark the 3rd anniversary of China’s creation of the Sansha Prefecture to oversee the occupation of all islands, islets and shoals in the 3.2 million square kilometers of the South China Sea which China claims to own. The Philippines filed a petition with the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) disputing China’s territorial claims and oral arguments about the territorial claims were heard last week in The Hague, Netherlands.

MANILA – Call them Binay’s 13 most hated.

The wisdom – or folly – of the P200-million (about $4.44 million) lawsuit that Vice President Jejomar Binay filed at the start of the week against two senators and a congressman; the Ombudsman; the governor of the country’s central bank; the Philippines’ largest newspaper, and several other personalities whom he has accused of ganging up on him will be known soon enough.

Through lawyer Claro Certeza, Binay on Monday, July 20, filed a damage suit against Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice; Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amado Tetangco; the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and eight others for conspiring to malign him, thereby derailing

Lawsuit against two senators and a congressman; the Ombudsman; the governor of the country’s central bank; the Philippines’ largest newspaper, and several other personalities

See BINAY, A12

The China problem:

Still no cohesive long-term strategy

back on track for a world title SHOT

Donaire stops Settoul in 2 rounds NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is back on track for a world title shot as he destroyed former European champion Anthony Settoul in just two rounds at the Venetian Resort in Macau, China, on July 18.

Donaire, who is a four-time divisional champion, overpowered Settoul, knocking him down three times during the match ( Twice in the first round, and once the last round), earning himself his second KO victory in a row after his untimely defeat to Nicholas Walters last year.

The 32 year-old San Leandro, Calif., native was able to showcases his many talents in the ring during the fight with French boxing contender.

In the first round, the patient and calculated Donaire used his laser-focused jabs, counter attacks, and powerful right hands to hold his opponent at bay.

See DONAIRE, A12

Donaire, who is a four-time divisional champion, overpowered Settoul, knocking him down three times during the match, earning himself his second KO victory in a row.

for hiding fugitive boyfriend

New Jersey judge pleads ‘not guilty’ NEW JERSEY -- Suspended New Jersey Judge Carlia Magpantay Brady pleaded not guilty for harboring her fugitive boyfriend who was wanted in an armed robbery in 2013.

Brady faces a possible jail time of five to 10 years for a charge Gov. Chris Christie has called “deplorable and frankly, stupid.”

The plea was entered on July 15 at Brady’s arraignment before Judge Kimarie Rahill in Somerset County Superior Court.

Brady did not attend the arraignment because of a medical issue.

According to reports, an outstanding arrest warrant was issued in 2013 against

Carlia Magpantay Brady pleaded not guilty for harboring her fugitive boyfriend who was wanted in an armed robbery in 2013.

Jason Prontnicki, who was Brady’s boyfriend at the time. He was wanted in the armed robbery of a pharmacy in Old Bridge. Reports quoting law enforcement authorities say he “threatened the owner with a crowbar and demanded drugs.”

Brady was indicted by a grand jury on May 15 on two counts for hindering the apprehension of a fugitive and one count for official misconduct.

She stands accused of “allegedly harboring her then-live-in boyfriend Jason Prontnicki, 43, in her Woodbridge home for See NEW, A12

Editor’s Note: This is the conclusion of a two-part series on President Benigno Aquino III and China

MANILA – A few days before the standoff with China on Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales in 2012, Philippine defense and security officials were discussing the rules of engagement in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

China had been harassing Filipino exploration vessels in Recto (Reed) Bank, an area 80 nautical miles off Palawan that is believed to be rich in oil.

How can the government protect them?

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the Navy can send warships to escort the vessels, but President Benigno Aquino III balked at the idea.

“Wait, are we going to war?” the President said, according to an official present during the discussions.

At the time, Malacañang had issued a policy demilitarizing the South China Sea issue to make “international diplomacy” its “first line of external defense.”

This meant deploying civilian vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard, which has little capability and even less experience beyond territorial waters.

See STILL, A12

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

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Medical cannabis bill passes historic hurdle SACRAMENTO, CA This week the Senate Committees on Governance and Finance and Health passed AB 266, a measure that for the first time in the history of California creates a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state’s billion dollar medical cannabis industry. AB 266 is authored by Assemblymembers Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), Reginald Byron JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale).

The bill made history when it passed the Assembly last month on a vote of 62-8, marking the first time that a substantive medical cannabis bill has passed off the Assembly floor with strong bipartisan support.

“California was the first state in the nation to allow for the medical use of cannabis, leading the charge ahead of 22 other states and the District of Columbia. It has been nearly two decades since the passage of the trailblazing Proposition 215 by the people of California, and California remains the only state that lacks a comprehensive framework for the medical cannabis industry. AB 266 will fulfill the will of the voters by creating a regulatory framework to ensure patient access, as well as to protect the environment, public safety, and public health,” said Assemblymember Bonta.

“Communities across California have been in need of clear, responsible guidelines for medical cannabis for nearly two decades,” said Assemblymember Lackey, a 28 year veteran of the California Highway Patrol. “This bipartisan solution will help us meet that elusive goal. It will also begin to put the tools in place

AB 266 Passes Two Key Senate Policy Committees, 4-0 and 8-1

continues us on that path and sends a strong message that California is trying to solve problems in a collaborative, effective, and accountable manner.”

Bonta concluded, “AB 266 is the result of an unprecedented stakeholder process in which my colleagues and I brought everyone to the table, from medical cannabis businesses to law enforcement. I am honored to be a part of this bipartisan legislative collaboration making California once again a leader for our patients.”

AB 266 will now be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee, convening in August.

Assemblymember Bonta represents the 18th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. Bonta Chairs the Assembly Health Committee; the Public Employees, Retirement, and Social Security Committee; and the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color. In the second Extraordinary Session, Bonta Chairs the Public Health and Developmental Services Committee. He is also a member of the following committees: Appropriations, Budget, Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services, Joint Legislative Budget, and Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management.

for law enforcement to better identify and get cannabisimpaired drivers off the road.”

Assemblymember JonesSawyer stated, “In 1996, California became the first state in the nation to allow the use of medical cannabis after voters approved Proposition 215.

This unprecedented collaborative effort will finally, after 19 years, regulate the medical marijuana industry. AB 266 creates a regulatory system that respects the interests of local government while still providing a consistent statewide structure.”

AB 266 creates a regulatory framework for the medical cannabis industry that would require state and local licenses for medical cannabis businesses. A new Governor’s Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation would oversee this multiagency licensing and regulatory effort, relying on expertise from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Public Health, and the Board of Equalization.

“With the passage of AB 266 out of two Senate committees this week, the momentum to finally resolve the issue of medical marijuana regulation For more information, continues to build,” explained please visit our website: Assemblymember Cooley. http://asmdc.org/bonta “Throughout this process, my colleagues and I have worked to find consensus on issues of local control, public safety, and patient access. The support from our Senate colleagues

Hunger in PH lowest since 2005 MANILA -- Some 2.8 million families or 12.7 percent of Philippine households claimed to have experienced hunger at least once in the second quarter of 2015, the lowest hunger numbers since May 2005’s 12 percent, a new Social Weather Stations poll found.

Second quarter hunger was down .8 of a point from the first quarter’s 13.5 percent (about three million families), was the third straight quarter in which hunger numbers dropped since 2014’s third quarter.

The poll also found that 10.8 percent or about 2.4 million families experienced “moderate hunger” (experienced hunger “only once” or “a few times”), and 1.9 percent (431,000 families) said they experienced “severe hunger” (experienced hunger “often” or “always”).

“Moderate” and “severe” hunger had eased only slightly from the first quarter, the SWS pointed out.

GEOGRAPHICALLY Self-rated hunger in Metro Manila in the second quarter was the highest in three quarters at 18.3 percent (about 553,000 families), and up by 5.6 points from the first quarter’s 12.7 percent (about 382,000 families).

In Balance Luzon, hunger dipped to 10.7 percent (estimated 1.1 million families) from 14.3 percent (about 1.4 million families) in the first quarter. Balance Luzon hunger was its lowest level since the

9.7 percent in 2011’s second quarter.

Hunger in the Visayas was up at 11.7 percent (about 499,000 families) from 11 percent (470,000 families) in March.

In Mindanao, hunger was at 14.3 percent, the same as in March. This was the lowest since 13 percent in September 2011.

Annual average hunger under the Aquino administration was at 19.1 percent in 2010, at 19.9 percent in 2011 and 2012, dipped to 19.5 percent in 2013, and was down to 18.3 percent in 2014.

The self-rated hunger poll was taken from June 5 to 8 among 1,200 respondents.

The poll had sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages, and ±6 points each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and

Mindanao.

The poll results were posted on the Business World website.

PALACE WELCOMES FIGURES In a statement on Monday, deputy presidential spokesperson Usec. Abigail Valte welcomed the lower hunger figures.

Va l t e a t t r i b u t e d t h e “downward trend” in self-rated hunger to the government’s anti-poverty initiative, particularly the conditional cash transfer program.

“The program is an example of the government’s commitment to the Filipino people, as it embodies concrete investments in human development, empowering beneficiaries and their families to better care for themselves,” Valte said.

The Palace official said the administration would sustain its gains in lowering hunger, unemployment, poverty figures, with less than a year before Aquino relinquishes the presidency.

— GMA News

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LEGAL & IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Obtaining proof of U.S. citizenship for USC’s foreign born child THE generally accepted documents to establish a person’s U.S. citizenship are: (1) Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. State for persons born in the U.S., (2) Naturalization Certificate issued by USCIS to a lawful permanent resident who became a U.S. citizen through naturalization proceedings, (3) Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS for children born outside the U.S. who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen (USC) parent, (4) Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by a Consulate for children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, and (5) U.S. Passport issued by the Department of State to U.S. citizens. See http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/ A4en.pdf Here is a case showing what happens when a person does not hire an excellent and experienced attorney to obtain proof of citizenship.

Ashton, a USC, worked abroad during which he fathered a son, Robert. Ashton is named the father in Robert’s birth certificate. Ashton lived with Robert and his mother. In 2001, Robert entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa.

Ashton retained an attorney to file paperwork to have Robert declared a U.S. citizen. Ashton completed and submitted to his attorney, Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. The attorney instead filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. It was denied for failure to submit further documentation. The attorney filed an appeal of the denial but never filed a brief or any further materials. The BIA denied the appeal in 2007. The attorney assured them that the matter was moving forward.

In 2011, Ashton contacted a second attorney to check the status of Robert’s citizenship.

The second attorney, after contacting the first attorney, told Ashton that everything was being handled properly.

Ashton hired a third attorney who quickly uncovered the first attorney’s deficient performance and moved to reopen the I-130 denial on the ground of ineffective assistance of counsel. The BIA denied the motion to reopen, concluding that Ashton failed to show due diligence after contacting the second attorney in 2011, and that Ashton failed to make a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel against his second attorney.

The Court of Appeals held that it had no jurisdiction over Ashton’s petition for review of the denial of the motion to reopen his visa petition because its jurisdiction is limited under 8 USC §1252(a)(1) to reviewing “a final order of removal” which is an order in which the Attorney General concludes that the alien is deportable or orders deportation. 8 USC § 1101(a)(47)(A). Robert had never been in deportation proceedings.

The court pointed out that relief from an adverse BIA action on an I-130 petition may lie in the district court under the Administrative Procedures Act, which provides a right of action for an individual “suffering legal wrong because of agency action.” 5 USC § 702.

Jurisdiction for such claims exists in the district court, 28 USC § 1331, and they must be brought within six years. 28 USC § 2401(a).

28 USC § 1631 provides that when an appeal “including a petition for review” is filed in a court that lacks jurisdiction, the court shall, if it is in the interest of justice, transfer such action to any other such court in which the action could have been brought at the time it was filed or noticed. The court said that the “interests of justice” did not require transfer. While Ashton was acting in good faith, pursuing the denial of the motion to reopen the I-130 proceedings in the district court is fruitless. An I-130 petition does not and cannot lead to the result desired by Ashton which

is to help his son gain U.S. citizenship. No factfinder has ever reviewed Robert’s claim of citizenship because Ashton has never filed the appropriate forms. LeBlanc v Holder, No. 13-2474, 04/21/2015 (CA4).

RECOMMENDATION: One procedure to obtain recognition of a claim of citizenship for a foreign born child of a U.S. citizen is to file Form N-600 with USCIS and comply with the requirements of the law, particularly 8 USC §§ 1431, 1432, and 1452. For forms and instructions, go to http://www.uscis.gov/n-600.

USC parents of a child born abroad may apply at a U.S. Consulate for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) on Form FS-240. The parents may also apply for a U.S. passport for the child.

For forms and procedure, go to http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/abroad/ events-and-records/birth.html

Atty. Tipon has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School where he specialized in Constitutional Law. He has also a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines.

His current practice focuses on immigration law and criminal defense. Office: 900 Fort Street, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Websites: www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw. com. He is from Laoag City and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an Immigration Officer. He is co-author of “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.,” an 8-volume practice guide for immigration officers and lawyers. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed and is not intended as legal advice. No warranty is made by the writer or publisher as to its completeness or correctness at the time of publication.

No attorney-client relationship is established between the writer and readers relying upon and/or acting pursuant to the contents of this article.

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Vilma getting feelers from Aquino on 2016 BATANGAS – Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto on Monday, July 20, admitted there are feelers from President Benigno Aquino III for her to run for a higher position in 2016.

Although Recto said she is not entertaining the possibility, she expressed gratitude to Aquino for “considering” her.

“Mga bali-balita...may mga pasabi. Thank you for considering me, pero hindi ko ine-entertain,” Recto told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration of the e-Passport System in Malvar, Batangas. (There are news...there are feelers. Thank you for considering me, but I am not entertaining the idea.)

When asked what feelers she was getting from the President, Recto was quick to downplay the matter.

“Umm, ‘wag na natin pagusapan. Wala talaga ‘yung formal invitation or usapan. Wala.

Wala,” Recto said. (Umm, let’s not talk about it. There is no formal invitation or talk [about 2016]. None. None.”

There are talks that Recto, a Liberal Party member, is one of those being eyed as the running mate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. Roxas is the ruling party’s presumed standard-bearer.

Roxas, for his part, is open to the idea of running with the governor.

“Well, bakit naman hindi?

It’s not for me to say. Pero tingnan na lang natin ang re-

Camille Elemia/Rappler

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto admits there are feelers from President Benigno Aquino III regarding the 2016 elections.

cord,” he told reporters in an interview on July 10. (Well, why not? It’s not for me to say.

Let’s just look at the [track] record) Recto, a 3-term governor, said she has no definite political plans for 2016 yet.

“Wala pa, kasi ang konsentrasyon ko ngayon, ang binibigyan ko ng time ngayon, ay to make sure maayos ‘yung last term being governor of Batangas. Secondly, matapos ‘yung movie ko with Angel Locsin. So sa ngayon ‘yun lang ang focus ko,”Recto said.

(None yet, because my focus right now, what I’m spending my time on, is ensuring

that my last term as governor would end well. Secondly, I want to finish [shooting] the movie with Angel Locsin.

Right now, I’m only focusing on those.)

The President is still undecided on his top candidates for the 2016 presidential elections.

The administration is still in negotiation with senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe. Poe is leading in national presidential preference surveys while Roxas is lagging in surveys. Escudero is second to Poe among preferred vicepresidential bets. – Rappler. coma

Protect elders If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report to your state adult protective service in the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.

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EDITORIAL

(Norcal/Nat’l/SC/LV) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Founded in 1961

Editorial

One friendship restored, another remains dormant THE UNITED States and Cuba officially restored full diplomatic ties with the opening of the Cuban embassy in Washington at the start of this week.

This was welcome news for most of the American and Cuban people, for whom normal ties made perfect sense considering that Cuba is so near the U.S. mainland. Beyond the proximity, there are still those who remember a time when the two nations had long and friendly ties.

It may be said that those ties were a victim of the long ended Cold War. In simplest historical terms, Cuba in the 1950s was headed by corrupt dictator Fulgencio Batista, who happened to be pro-U.S. The majority of the Cuban people supported a revolutionary named Fidel Castro, who was a believer in the communist system.

After Castro toppled Batista, Cuba could have maintained some form of diplomatic relations with the United States but for the perception that Castro was a tool of the USSR. From the Bay of Pigs invasion to the Cuban missile crisis, the two sides became hopelessly mired in mutual distrust for some five decades. Or at least their political leaderships were.

That ended late last year when US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro jointly announced that they had agreed to restore full diplomatic relations.

No major roadblocks are expected in the renewed ties, despite some Republicans earlier stating that they would block the restoration. The thaw may not happen overnight, but there is no reason why the U.S. and the American people cannot treat a country that was once considered its enemy as a friend.

Just look at Japan-U.S. ties after World War II, and Vietnam-U.S. ties at the end of the Vietnam War. In due time, Cuba will be seen as a neighboring country which the average American can visit for business or pleasure anytime, and vice versa. The Caribbean nation should be no different than, say, Canada or Mexico.

Sadly, however, the renewed friendship between Cuba and the United States is not likely to be repeated in the case of Iran.

Although Iran and the U.S. severed diplomatic ties more recently compared with the U.S. cutting all relations with Cuba in 1959, any thought of the Islamic republic willingly normalizing relations with Washington appears farfetched.

This is sad, even tragic, but the situation between the U.S. and Cuba is far different than what exists at the present time between the U.S. and Iran.

A similar albeit non-communist revolution that occurred in Iran saw the toppling of the U.S.-friendly Shah Reza Pahlavi by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979.

In the decades that followed, the Iranian religious and political leaderships have taken the most unfriendly approach possible where the U.S. is concerned.

Such an attitude remains to this day, making it all but impossible for the two countries to maintain any kind of ties, diplomatic or otherwise.

Even after the U.S. and its allies were able to convince Iran to sign an agreement regulating its nuclear program, Iran’s supreme religious leader still referred to the United States as “arrogant,” ending speculation that relations between the two states could be normalized soon.

This, despite the fact that Iran maintains regular diplomatic ties with all the other parties to the nuclear pact.

Today, U.S.-Cuba relations are where they should be. But it will take years, if not decades, before the same can be said of U.S.-Iran relations.

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Much ado about less than nothing

Trivia Nights at the Luneta PROBABLY, most of you won’t be able to relate with me, and what I refer to as my Manila experience. I’ve been here all my life. I experienced my first acupuncture at age four in Binondo when my grandmother panicked after she gave me something to eat that I was allergic to and which antihistamines could not tame two hours after I took them.

After my session, the inflammation went down and we rode a calesa. For some reason, the horse got mad or excited and accidentally hit my leg with his tail. So aside from roaches, I am also scared of horses.

The best perks I get living here is the free entry to the National Museum every May and yes, seeing the Luneta park evolve from one administration to another. In Manila, this is the best cultural exposure one can experience. Never mind the pick pockets. Whitney Houston will serenade you while the fountains are on every night.

My friends from my underground hangout tagged me along over the weekend and they said I was in for a surprise. I thought I could do better things in Manila than to hang around with a bunch of old gentlemen near the chess area on a Saturday evening.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I attended an activity that park denizens call Trivia Night.

We arrived and I witnessed a group of seniors asking a wild variety of questions such as “What is the first Beatles song?” to “What

is NaCl?”; whoever answers correctly gets one peso from the one who asks the question.

So just imagine a bunch of grumpy old men testing each other’s IQ and giving one peso to the wiser ones. They even shout at each other when they feel like it. Not debating, mind you, but shouting.

The best perks I get living here is the free entry to the National Museum every May and yes, seeing the Luneta park evolve from one administration to another.

Trivia Night started in the 1990’s spearheaded by a certain Atty. Boquiren. No one seems to remember his first name. Only the old, regular guys are allowed to participate.

The ones who are doing it

now were just spectators and as time passed by, the original set of old men passed away and they became the next batch to continue the two decade old tradition. Expect to hear such out of this world questions such as, “Is da Vinci gay?” or “What alloy is formed when you mix silver and brass?”

Before, Trivia Night lasted from dusk Saturdaytill dawn Sunday. This lasted until May 31 this year, when park guards started driving the group away saying that they can stay only up to midnight. There was no memo from the National Parks and Development Council; no public announcement was issued. The group sought Sen. Pia Cayetano’s help to lift the curfew but so far no public consultation has happened.

Art educators and cultural workers are exerting efforts to propagate our lost heritage but it looks like our own government is the first to kill all their hard work. The Trivia Night group is now encouraging new participants so the new breed will be encouraged to continue what Atty. Boquiren set-up, that at least even the poorest of the “tambays” can learn a thing or two from the old men who keep on quarrelling. Only now, they can no longer enjoy the dusk till dawn Q&A and all the pesos they can earn by simply answering correctly.

I left after earning three pesos. That and the glory of no one being able to answer my question, “How did Alexander the Great tame the horse Bucephalus?”

Privileges, costs of membership in that other Asian development bank

by CURTIS S. CHIN

THE American comedian Groucho Marx once famously declared, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.” The Philippines may well have taken that to heart when it comes to China’s latest economic initiative.

And that’s no laughing matter, but a critical choice to make, given the state of ChinaPhilippines relations.

When 50 of 57 prospective founding members of the new Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed on in Beijing to the new international financial institution’s Articles of Agreement the end of last month, the Philippines was conspicuous among the 7 nations that held back.

Denmark, Kuwait, Malaysia, Poland, South Africa and Thailand were the other nations that did not sign the accord, though all have until the end of the year to do so. Reasons vary. Officially, the Philippines continues to “study” whether or not to join.

Said President Benigno Aquino III at a Nikkei event in Tokyo on June 3, “I think it behooves our sense of fiscal responsibility to look at how the governance structure of the AIIB will be, so that the economic help that is supposed to be afforded will not be subject to vagaries of politics between our countries and the lead proponent.”

More simply? The context and the “cost of membership” are clear.

The Philippines has brought its territorial dispute

with Beijing over islands in the West Philippines Sea – aka the South China Sea – to a United Nations arbitral tribunal. In such times, some ask, why give China another “easy win” and a communications victory.

The AIIB may well prove to be a rival to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank and a route to further strengthened Chinese economic engagement and political involvement across the region.

The Philippines has brought its territorial dispute with Beijing over islands in the West Philippines Sea – aka the South China Sea – to a United Nations arbitral tribunal.

Yet, with or without the Philippines – and the nation’s shareholding and voice at the new AIIB would be well below those of largest shareholders China, India and Russia – the new international institution still has some important questions to answer.

For those who have joined the AIIB club, now comes the challenge of translating what is on paper into a world-class financial institution that will help meet Asia’s infrastructure financing needs while also safeguarding the environ-

ment and the livelihoods of impacted people.

China has made clear its plans for an institution that will act more quickly than bureaucracy-bound rivals. That’s music to the ears of borrowing nations – including some in the Philippines who might benefit from funds that the country could access by joining the new development bank.

EXECUTION MATTERS Here are three important questions for this new Asian development bank.

First, can China and other AIIB shareholders go from rhetoric to reality in building a “lean, clean and green” international financial institution? Execution matters. Clear metrics, strong safeguards and a strategy for implementation are essential.

This will not be easy if shareholders are caught up in the battle for procurement and personnel appointments that has at times plagued other multilateral organizations, including the World Bank and ADB. One clear indicator of the unwritten influence of China will be what percentage of AIIB staff and leadership will go to Chinese citizens, as well as what share of future procurement on AIIB-financed projects goes to Chinese stateowned enterprises. Transparency and accountability will be true tests of the AIIB once it is up and running.

Second, can China act as consensus builder and respect all AIIB shareholders even as it continues to pursue its national See PRIVELEGES, A5

WHEN a six-year-old girl plays around, she is likely to do all sorts of things, from the silly to the ridiculous to the seemingly insane.

Any such lass will be forgiven if she does something that most people would find offensive, and her actions quickly forgotten. In some cases, her elders will simply tell her “don’t do that again,” and if she should ask why, she will very likely get an ‘adult’ answer such as “because it’s bad,” or better yet, “because I said so.”

Many decades ago, I had an odd admiration for a close friend of my late father because the guy was a true eccentric.

One of the things he did was to teach his grandchild, who must have been three or four at the time, to sing a non-song that went, “putang ina, putang ina, putang ina, putang ina…”

Naturally, the little tyke did as her rich grandpa taught her, and since me and my cousins were in our mid-teens, we all got a big laugh out of that one. We even sang along, much to the consternation of our folks.

Very recently, there has been much ado about a sixyear-old girl giving the Nazi salute. We all know that one.

The right arm is raised straight forward diagonally to the body with the palm of the hand facing down. It was the salute that was the mark of Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party AKA Nazis.

The big fuss was or is because the little lady happens to be today’s Queen Elizabeth II of England.

The big fuss was or is because the little lady happens to be today’s Queen Elizabeth II of England. The video and picture were taken before World War II, at a time when no one could know just how evil Hitler was.

As far as the little girl in the picture was concerned, she was just emulating what one of her elders taught her, presumably her uncle who was then king of England, but who would soon abdicate the crown.

Making a big deal out of a picture that is eight decades old must be the height of stupidity on the part of the British press.

Unfortunately, the rest of the world’s media picked up on the non-story, giving credence where none was due.

Anybody remember the late comedian Ramon Zamora?

He became famous for doing an impression or impersonation of Hitler. He would mouth German-sounding gibberish, and became known as Mr. Sprakenheinz.

I do not speak German, but I must presume that there is no such word as ‘sprakenheinz.’

Ramon Zamora might have maintained that Hitler schtick as his most defining character in Philippine comedy.

But luckily or unluckily for him, Zamora had a passing resemblance to the one and only Bruce Lee, such that he made a handful of movies imitating the persona of the Chinese martial arts legend.

Zamora even called himself ‘Dragon’ Zamora as some sort of homage to Bruce Lee films Enter the Dragon and The Way of the Dragon.

His martial arts movies were semi-serious, but as a parody of Hitler, everyone knew he was trying to make everyone laugh with his gibberish, goose step, and yes, Nazi salute. And he succeeded.

It’s best to ignore that Nazi salute of the little girl who eventually became queen of England, don’t you think?

Indeed, it is much ado about less than nothing.

(Norcal/Nat’l/SC/LV) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

OPINION The Third Force

Tipping at restaurants OWING to the anticipated moves toward a higher minimum wage all over the country, the debate over restaurant tipping has come up.

It stands to reason: some localities have brought up a ‘differential’ between the minimum for ‘tipped,’ and ‘non-tipped’ workers.

At notice: how some cities not inclined to advocate a higher minimum, claim it would ‘moderate the strain on their bottom lines.’

The federal minimum wage is nominally: $7.25 per hour; but it’s only $2.13 an hour in tips.

In California where the minimum wage is expected to be raised to $10 an hour come January 2016, it will only be $2.13 for workers who receive tips. In the same state, where the minimum wage is scheduled to rise, no employer discount for tips is expected.

Some literature made emphatic how confusion exists in America’s tipping.

Sarah Bartlett’s “I Don’t Feel Guilty for Not Tipping You,” decried what restaurant wait staff presented when they felt ‘entitled’ to complain about ‘poor tips.’

“We don’t owe you anything but decency, respect, and the listed prices we’ve agreed to pay.”

The above commentary was said to have drawn immediate counter-fire from a blog: from C.A. Pinkham at Gawker Media’s Kitchenette.

“Part of the social contract as currently constructed is that you are expected to tip, because by not doing so, the only person you are punishing is your server. You’re not some brave warrior fighting against injustice. You are serving your own interests, and the least you could do is to be honest about it.”

What is believed to be the heart of the matter both the two pieces represent, is that tipping is an ‘unfair mess.’

As what has been practiced in this country, tipping is not comprehended the way it should. It causes displeasure, even opposition among recipients and their employers.

At has been pointed out, the practice has been subject to ‘gender and racial distortions.

What has been regarded as ‘fundamental components of workers’ wages, tips are exploitative.’

As what has been practiced in this country, tipping is not comprehended the way it should. It causes displeasure, even opposition among recipients and their employers.

A statement advanced by the National Employment Law Project referencing tips: they’re ‘notoriously erratic, varying from shift to shift, and by season, and shrinking during economic downturns.’

Although most people still have the contention that the tip represents a reward for ‘good service,’ (although there has not been anything established at all about such a reward), a book on the topic was published in 2003 by Michael Lynn of Cornell University.

The Lynn focus on service quality “explained an average of less than two percent of the variation in a restaurant’s tip percentages.”

In other words, there is virtually no correlation at all.

The best ways to increase tips, per the same author, involved psychology.

“Servers got higher tips when they introduced them-

A5

selves by name, smiled at customers, touched customers ‘briefly on the hand or shoulder,’ and wrote ‘Thank you,’ or (for waitresses) drew a happy face on the check.”

Has it become such a custom for most people to pay a tip automatically that many restaurants do the math for patrons, and list 10 percent; 15 percent; and 20 percent options on the bill?

Tipping has become such a matter-of-fact practice on dining in this country. It is not likely to disappear.

As observers on the tipping scenario say, tipping gives customers an opportunity for on-the-spot expenseadjustment.

A few higher-end restaurants have advocated ending the tip option entirely, although some are preserving the fiction of a separate charge for “service.”

There are some eating venues that have folded service charges into the bill, though patrons have the options to supplement the charge at their pleasure.

It is uncommon to see that bills inform customers that ‘gratuities are not accepted.’

The restaurant management’s explanation: they have raised staff salaries and benefits and menu prices, to reflect the change At least, when the aforementioned is announced, there is no guesswork on the part of Ms./Mr.Customer.

When that happens, it will encourage the survival of tipping rather than its disappearance because it will be up to the customer to decide when and how much to tip.

Whether the minimum wage movement has zeroed in on the economic struggle of the low-wage restaurant employee, may assist customers in understanding how tipping perpetuates how unstable income is for the important, but often invisible worker, remains to be decided.

The next year and beyond will view how metropolitan centers around the U.S. will respond to the call for increasing the minimum wage.

By PHILIP LUSTRE

I JUST want to advance some observations re the ongoing dynamics on Mar-GraceChiz. As a political journalist for more than 30 years, I have learned the following: First, the so-called Third Force in Philippine politics hardly comes first. It always end up third.

Claro Recto and Lorenzo Tanada offered their ticket in the 1957 presidential elections but they lost miserably.

Raul Manglapus and Manuel Manahan did theirs in the 1965 presidential polls, but they lost too.

The leftwing Partido ng Bayan fielded a senatorial ticket under the “new politics” slogan that offered an alternative to traditional politicians but not one won in the 1987 elections.

As independents or third

force candidates, Renato de Villa lost in 1998, Raul Roco in 2004, and Erap Estrada in 2010.

The Third Force candidates are just another condemned political specie in Philippine politics. Just like the independents, who are so used to losing.

Second, it is unthinkable - or even politically naive for the President to anoint an untested newcomer, who is not even a Liberal Party member.

It is also stupid to assume that Mar Roxas would to give way to somebody like Grace, who was a virtual free loader in the 2013 midterm elections, or work with another opportunist like Chiz, who stabbed him at the back in 2010.

The Grace-Chiz tandem could be popular. But they have chips on their shoulders.

Grace appears indecisive as shown by her dependence on Chiz, who has become her virtual Rasputin.

All those dinners and meetings are part of the political dynamics. It is part of determining the political cards of the major players. From those meetings evolve the appropriate strategy in 2016.

The LP is still the party to beat. It knows it politics. It has resources and machinery to keep itself in power.

Third Force politics has always been a failure in Philippine politics. History is unkind to third forces.

Philip Lustre

Dispatches: Escaping prosecution, Philippines-style WHEN Andal Ampatuan Sr. died of liver cancer in a Manila hospital on July 17, he deprived the Philippine justice system of his ever having to answer for his alleged role in the murder of 58 people – most of them journalists – in the 2009 “Maguindanao Massacre.”

Ampatuan was a former provincial governor on the southern island of Mindanao whose longtime rule was enabled by his close relationships to political power brokers, including former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was also the prime suspect in the planning of the killings.

Other suspects included seven of Ampatuan’s close relatives, three of them his sons. According to a longtime employee of the Ampatuan clan, Ampatuan and his co-conspirators allegedly hatched the murder plot over dinner a few days before

the killings.

The crime was horrific.

Esmael Mangudadatu, a local politician, was poised to challenge the gubernatorial seat of Maguindanao province then occupied by Ampatuan’s son Andal Jr. On November 23, 2009, members of the Ampatuan family’s “private army” blocked a convoy of Mangudadatu supporters, including his wife, who were going to register his candidacy. The gunmen herded the group, including 32 journalists and media workers, to a nearby hilltop where they shot and buried them in graves dug earlier using government equipment.

More than five years since the massacre, the case is in judicial limbo, bogged down by numerous procedural challenges filed by the Ampatuans’ lawyers and by the sheer number of accused and witnesses.

Indeed, the case, technically

speaking, is not yet hearing testimony on the killings themselves because the court is still tackling the bail petitions of many of the accused. While the special court has taken steps to expedite the process, such as assigning another judge to handle administrative matters, these have proven to be insufficient. Even worse, several witnesses have been killed or harassed.

The death of Andal Ampatuan Sr. deprives forever the families of the victims the full measure of justice for their loss. But many defendants remain, including other Ampatuan family members linked to the planning of the crime.

Ampatuan’s death should send a strong message to the Philippine government that justice demands a judicial process that is both fair and tolerates no unnecessary delays.

interests. This is of particular import to the Philippines and others locked in disputes with China. Indeed, China’s increasingly assertive stance has brought it into conflict with Vietnam, Indonesia and India among other potential borrowers from the AIIB. Here, China’s past actions at the Asian Development Bank underscore why there is legitimate concern over China’s future behavior at this newest of international financial institutions. During my time on the ADB Board of Directors, I saw first-hand how China’s domestic and international political agenda forced the ADB at times to change course.

In one case, China refused to grant permission to ADB staff to visit the city of Fuzhou to investigate an alleged case of non-compliance with the bank’s safeguard policies. In another case, efforts to provide assistance in one of the poorest parts of India, known as Arunachal Pradesh but claimed in part by the Chinese, also were stymied by China.

Third, to what degree will China and all other AIIB shareholders focus not simply on lending more money faster, but also on results by addressing the “little bric” – the bureaucracy, regulation, interventionism and corruption – that

holds back much of Asia’s sustainable development. This will include encouraging a rule of law and a system of good governance essential to the private-sector led growth.

The Philippines should also take this to heart. The long-term solution to filling Asia’s infrastructure financing gap including in the Philippines will not be found at any international financial institution – no matter how big the AIIB, or ADB for that might matter, might eventually become. Change and reform must begin at home to attract investment.

Ultimately, the AIIB may well force other multilateral organizations to be more efficient and more effective.

The challenge is to ensure that competition driven by the AIIB over projects and programs does not result in a race to the bottom when it comes to social, environmental and other safeguards.

In the run-up to the recent signing ceremony, numerous western nations were won over to join the AIIB as founding members despite the reported objections of the United States and Japan, the only two major global economies who declined to join the AIIB. The challenge to western shareholders in particular will be to show now that their own

commitment to shaping from the inside the AIIB into a better bank is more than words alone.

Sceptics who maintain that founding members were driven primarily by hopes for future personnel placements and procurement awards will need to be proven wrong. Results will matter more than anything else in silencing critics.

Going forward, the Philippines by year’s end must make its decision to sign on or not to the AIIB. That decision to “join the club” must go beyond factoring in the costs of capital committed or the “privilege” of loans the country might hope to receive in return.

All major international financial institutions are ultimately political creations of their lead proponents – despite any soaring language to the contrary. That too is what the Philippines will be signing up for at the AIIB. – Rappler.com Curtis S. Chin, a former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank, is managing director of advisory firm RiverPeak Group, LLC. Follow him on Twitter at @ CurtisSChin

topic.

The High Tribunal also invited 3 members of the amici curiae (friends of the court) for the hearing: an expert on the National Building Code designated by the Department of Public Works and Highways; architect Emmanuel Cuntapay of the DPWH; and a representative from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

Among other issues, the

court will determine whether the constitutional mandate to conserve and protect cultural heritage and resources – such as the historic Rizal Monument – also extends to the preservation of its “prominence, dominance, vista points, vista corridors, sight lines and setting.”

Magistrates will also determine the effect of its ruling on shrines and monuments that currently have towers in

their line of sight, as well as the damage to be sustained by DMCI, its workers, investors, and buyers of the project in case the building is demolished.

The SC has put up a microsite containing the case pleadings and audio stream for the oral arguments. – Rappler.com

Malacañang Photo Bureau

PRIVELEGES from A4

‘NATIONAL PHOTOBOMBER.’ The Torre de Manila is seen behind the Rizal Shrine during the commemoration of Rizal Day in December 2014.

Oral arguments on Torre de Manila to proceed

MANILA – Oral arguments on the controversial Torre de Manila condominium project will push through on Tuesday, July 21, with the Supreme Court (SC) yet to decide on the Solicitor General’s request to reset the hearing.

In a post on its official Twitter account on Monday, July 20, the SC public information office said the magistrates are set to meet on Tuesday, and “will most likely act” on the motion of Solicitor General Florin Hilbay only then.

Hilbay earlier asked the court to reschedule the July 21oral arguments, citing his work with the Philippines’ case against China before an international tribunal in The Hague.

The Solicitor General represents government re-

spondents National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Museum, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in the petition filed by the Knights of Rizal, a group created in honor of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.

In its September 2014 petition, the group said the high-rise residential project should be demolished because it threatens the “visual dominance” of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park.

The petitioners also said that Torre de Manila was built in bad faith and violated local zoning laws.

But DMCI Homes has defended its project, saying they obtained the proper documents and clearances to begin work

on the condominium.

DMCI also reiterated that they did not violate heritage laws, and was even issued clearance by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2012.

In June 2015, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order, stopping construction on the project.

A FIRST FOR SC For the July 21 oral arguments, the SC will allow “non-interested parties” to comment on the issue through post-argument briefs.

It will be the first time the court invites representatives from the sectors of real estate, tourism, construction, architecture, engineering, and heritage conservation to “provide advice” on the controversial

Curtis Chin

COMMUNITY

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(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

UNLIKELY from A1

Rebecca Ayson listens to HICAP counselor Clarke Wells

the San Francisco Bay Area.

They got the good news: Everyone who is 65, a citizen or lawful resident who has worked fulltime at least 10 years and contributed to FICA, (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), or under 65 with certain disabilities, or any age with end-stage renal disease, can be entitled to Medicare benefits.

Those planning to retire outside the United States got a dose of reality: Medicare is not portable and chances are unlikely for legislation mandating coverage beyond U.S. borders and territories in the foreseeable future, despite clamor from individuals and organizations in the U.S. and the Philippines.

“If I were a betting person I would not bet on it,” cautioned presenter Diane Caradeuc, a counselor and community educator with HICAP or Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program of San Mateo County, “at least in the near future. As you plan your retirement, you should plan that Medicare will not cover you outside the U.S.” HICAP is the local nonprofit funded by the state and federal governments to provide free, unbiased and accurate information to Medicare beneficiaries.

Every county in all 50 states has its own HICAP program; beyond California, the program is called SHIP, or State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

The program is strongly supported by trained volunteers required to earn registration as Medicare counselors with the State.

HICAP does not endorse or sell health insurance.

Caradeuc, one of 31 volunteers on HICAP of San Mateo’s roster, gained expertise on Medicare from 30 years of employment with Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a program of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Social Services (CMS). Since 2010 she has also worked for the Senior Medicare Patrol in California, which includes a team of 5,600 volunteers highly trained to detect, deter and protect against Medicare fraud.

“There are groups advocating for legislation to make Medicare portable,” Caradeuc addressed an issue gaining attention in the Filipino American community as more dual citizens enter eligibility age.

“They have the right to lobby for portability. But many of the reasons raised to support coverage of Medicare in the Philippines could be applied to most other countries.

Therefore, legislation for portability of Medicare would have far more impact than just one country.”

She added: “It should be noted that while Medicare cannot be used outside the U.S. or its territories, an individual who travels between countries can access their Medicare when they return to the U.S.” Health advocates attribute the longevity of Americans today to Medicare, which will be a half-century old on July 30.

“By ensuring access to care, Medicare has contributed to a five-year increase in life expectancy at age 65,” according to a report from The Commonwealth Fund.

“For 50 years, Medicare has accomplished two goals: ensure access to health care for its elderly and disabled beneficiaries, and protect them

against the financial hardship of health care costs.”

While those who plan to retire in the 50 states and U.S. territories said they were grateful for the program signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, they empathized with their contemporaries who hope to spend their winter years with family in the Philippines.

“We’re lucky to have this entitlement,” fiftyish Daly City employee Rebecca Ayson told Rappler. She attended the presentation to assist her soon-to-be-eligible husband Allan Ayson.

Ayson referred to the four parts of Medicare including Parts A and B, that cover a broad spectrum of services from hospitalization , home health and hospice care to physician’s and outpatient care, diagnostic tests and mental health services.

She appreciates having the option to enroll in Part C or Medicare Advantage, a plan in conjunction with private insurance plans as an alternative way to receive benefits.

And she may decide to sign up for Part D, the plan signed in 2003 to provide drug coverage. She learned that timing is crucial to the amount of premiums for the plans.

“It’s understandable if U.S. citizens want to be covered should they decide to retire in the Philippines or elsewhere,“ Ayson said. “But those who are counting on Medicare portability should familiarize themselves with the legislative process first.

Accessing Medicare is complicated as it is because every individual has unique needs and concerns. With our country having just overcome a recession, the incredible

Medicare community educator Diane Caradeuc educates FilAms about the federal health insurance program

Everyone who is 65, a citizen or lawful resident who has worked fulltime at least 10 years and contributed to FICA, (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), or under 65 with certain disabilities, or any age with end-stage renal disease, can be entitled to Medicare benefits.

In time for the 50th anniversary of Medicare, PBRC board chair Perla Ibarrientos and president Erlinda Galeon (second and fifth from left), board officers Dorie Paniza, Monica Abella, Arsenio del Rosario and Rebecca Ayson and office administrator Lisa Reburtura host education on the federal health insurance benefits and boundaries.

“There’s always something new to learn at these presentations,” said the retired gerontologist who leads many volunteer organicost of transporting Medicare zations. “We can empower ourselves to make decisions is just one barrier to making if we have a clear underit reality.”

The presentation covered standing of our situation and the options available to us. an issue often brought up but has never been discussed Getting accurate facts and figures help make informed among Filipino Americans by an authority on Medicare, choices ideal for ourselves.”

For more information, emphasized PBRC president visit www.medicare.gov, a Erlinda Galeon.

Federal government website Galeon, who said she has been a “happy” Medicare managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Serbeneficiary for many years, vices. For no-cost Medicare said events and workshops counseling, call HICAP of on the subject would help San Mateo County (650) not just newcomers but also 627-9350 or 1-800-434-022 long-timers who have little elsewhere in California. Or or no access to information visit https://shipnpr.acl.gov about their benefits.

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Class of 2015 Caitlin Joy Estudillo Caitlin Joy Estudillo is a recent UCLA graduate with a dual degree in World Arts and Cultures with a Concentration in Dance and Sociology. During her undergraduate time, she was executive director of UCLA’s premiere hip-hop team NSU Modern, co-coordinator for the Maria Clara suite in Pilipino Cultural Night, and student choreographer for both WACsmash’D 2015 and Senior Honors Project under the World Arts and Cultures/ Dance Department.

In theFall, Caitlin will be working as a Sales and Business Development Representative at Oracle and hopes to continue to intersect her passion for dance and serving the community for years to come.

Caitlin is the daughter of Ken and Joy Bagnol-Estudillo of San Francisco.

KJ Estudillo KJ Estudillo is a recent graduate of UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology. He was actively part of the Pilipino Association for Health Careers (PAHC) during his time at Cal where he was able to put together a “Minorities in Health Conference” during his sophomore year.

This past January, he

went on his second medical mission trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol and went to Tarlac the previous year where he served the people of the Philippines. He assisted with giving out medications and vitamins during outpatient clinics, assisting and observing multiple major and minor surgeries in the local hospital, and educated the local community on health issues.

KJ has also been very passionate about dance and this Summer, he has started a dance program for teaching sick children hip hop dancing at a local Oakland studio.

He currently dances for the competitive Bay Area team, The Company. He hopes to become a pediatrician in the future and plans to apply to medical school within the next few years.

KJ is the son of Ken and Joy Bagnol-Estudillo of San Francisco.

Shyla Ramos Walson Shyla recently received her undergraduate B.S. degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley in May. She was an active member in the Partnership for Pre-Professional Pilipinos (P4) where she and her fellow board members hosted career development panels and workshops for the

COMMUNITY

Filipino American student community.

As an upperclass student, Shyla joined the Berkeley Consulting club where she managed projects for technology firms and retail clients in the Bay Area.

When she isn’t studying and working on club projects, she plays intramural soccer and volleyball with her friends.

After a great summer traveling throughout Japan, Shyla is excited to begin her career as a consultant at a management consulting firm San Francisco this Fall.

Lauren Ramos Walson Lauren Ramos Walson is a recent UCLA graduate with a degree in Global Studies and a minor in Geography.

Throughout her undergraduate career, she pursued her studies abroad in Spain, competed on the UCLA Dragon Boat Club Team, and helped lead her university’s Cultural Affairs Commission in educating fellow Bruins through cultural shows and events.

Last summer she studied in New York, learning about the United Nations and blogging about her experience as a travel correspondent for the UCLA International Education Office. She has also acted as a Global Sibling, helping international students adjust to their new campus environment, as well as tutoring university employees English.

Lauren is excited to work for Oracle in the Fall as a Sales and Business Development Representative, hoping to one day incorporate her zest for travel with her fulfilling career.

Truth Esguerra/PNEWS

ANNUAL PISTAHAN IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Annual FAAE Pistahan Parade and Festival, which will be held on Aug 8-9 2015 in San Francisco, is expected to be bigger than last year. The parade will begin at 11 am at the San Francisco Civic Center at the Grove Street and Larkin Street and ends at the Yerba Buena Gardens. There will also be two performance stages and seven pavilions that will include dance, food, and heritage workshops. From left: Nick Laureano, Alex Walker, Al Perez, Gerard Talampas, Olivia Finina De Jesus.

City of Daly City Hosts “National Night Out” Event on Tues., August 4th 5:00-8:00 pm at Serramonte Center DALY CITY, CA – Please join the City of Daly City to celebrate National Night Out, America’s “Night Out Against Crime” on Tues., August 4, from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Serramonte Center. The event will be located on the northeast corner near the digital billboard sign.

National Night Out is a national effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities and communitypolice partnerships. With over 37 million people across the country joining forces with law enforcement and city officials on this night, it sends a message to criminals letting them know that communities are organized and fighting back.

“National Night Out gives police officers and City staff an opportunity to meet directly with the residents who we serve,” said Chief of Police Manuel Martinez Jr. “This event provides a chance for all of us to partner together to make our communities more safe.”

This free family event includes fun activities and small giveaways. In addition, this is an opportunity to meet fellow neighbors and City staff. Several City departments including Police, Fire, and Water & Wastewater Resources will be on hand with equipment and demonstrations.

The Library and Recreation Department will be promoting summer reading with free children’s books. In addition, the popular Off the Grid Food Trucks will be onsite (fees for food and beverages apply).

The City appreciates the generous support of Macy’s, MADD, Republic Services, San Mateo County Animal Control & Licensing, San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District, San Mateo County Serramonte Center, and Sonitrol Security Systems. Their sponsorship and support has helped to make this free event possible.

Twins Lauren and Shyla Ramos Walson celebrate with their family led by maternal grandfather Mario Ramos.

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TOP NEWS

A8

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Pinoy kids bring home awards from HK math tilt

to select standard-bearer

Aquino asked to call for LP convention

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III should call for a convention of the Liberal Party (LP) to choose a “strong” administration standard-bearer for the 2016 elections, his party mate Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said Monday.

“Tama naman ang presidente na kausapin niya (sina Senators Grace Poe at Francis Escudero), the idea is to preserve the coalition. But if I had my way, there must be a process just like in the US,” Recto told reporters.

He said the process must be done even if it is only Interior Secretary Mar Roxas who has expressed readiness to run for president.

“There must be a nomination process, maganda sana yung ganun,” he said In the US, the Democrats and Republicans have primaries to pick their respective candidates and the Philippines should have a similar process.

“Noong araw may convention eh, now wala na. So dapat meron sana. Sa US, may convention, may primaries between the Democrats and the Republicans,” he said.

“Siguro in the past puro congressman tinatanong... I

think in the US it goes all the way down to the card-bearing members and there’s a voting in just selecting the candidate of the party,” he added.

“But I understand where the president is coming from, he’s trying to preserve the coalition,” Recto said.

He said that in the past there were some candidates who failed to get the vote of the party but still pushed through with their candidacy.

“We’ve had those experiences also and that’s because we have a multi-party system today but I think we are still better off with a convention,” he said.

Recto said the convention would strengthen the party and rally them to support their candidate.

“If you really want to build party politics, there must be a process for everyone to participate dahil yung mga magdadala sa iyo ‘yung mga local officials mo rin eh, yung mga mayors mo, councilors mo. If they’re part of the process in selecting a candidate, then you have more people working for that candidate,” he explained.

He said it would translate to a better chance of the candi-

date winning in the elections.

“It improves the chance.

There’ll be more stakeholders campaigning. You’ll be forced to campaign with all the local leaders,” he said.

FIVE-WAY FIGHT IN 2016 Meanwhile, Recto believes that it will be a five-way fight in the 2016 polls with Roxas, Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “If your next question is sa tingin ko ba tatakbo si Mar, si Grace? Sa tingin ko tatakbo yung dalawa. Pareho for president. Sa tingin ko walang aatras dyan. Tingin ko posible its a four-way fight, pwede pang maging five-way fight,” he said.

“I think si Mayor Duterte is interested especially if there will be two administration candidates, one opposition, someone has gotta come out to be an alternative candidate,” he added.

Recto added it is “possible that Bongbong Marcos might be interested. We don’t know, I’ve not spoken to him but I read a lot in social media, may mga supporters din yan.

Posible.” — GMA News

HONG KONG -- Young Filipino students hauled eight awards from a five-day math competition in Hong Kong last week.

Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG), said the young Filipinos won two silver and six bronze awards in the 18th Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics Contest held from July 13 to 17.

A total of 160 elementary students from the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Macau, Malaysia and the Philippines joined the contest.

Albriz Moore Bagsic of

Lilyrose School and Naomi Anne King of St. Jude Catholic School bagged the silver awards for the Philippines.

The bronze medalists are Maria Monica Manlises of St. Stephen’s High School, Annika Angela Mei Tamayo of Ateneo de Iloilo-Sta. Maria Catholic School, Dominic Lawrence Bermudez of Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Sted Micah Cheng of Hope Christian High School, Gregory Charles Tiong of St. Jude Catholic School and Aiman Andrei Kue of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School.

The other members of the Philippine delegation are Vanessa Ryanne Julio of St. Jude Catholic School, Al Patrick Castro of Pasig Catholic College, Hiraya

Marcos of Philippine Cultural College-Manila, Justin Teng Soon Khoo of Learning Circle, John Angelo Oringo of Guinobatan West Central School, Erika Emmanuelle Pantaleon of Small World Christian School Foundation, Jan Cedrick Quintin of Mothergoose Special School System and Allyana Coleen Reyes of Falcon School.

Team leaders who accompanied the delegation were Dr. Luz Almeda, regional director of the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR); Dr. Eduardo dela Cruz, Arellano University assistant vice president for Basic Education; Rechilda Villame, MTG executive vice president; and Dr. Chua. — GMA News

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

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COMMUNITY

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West Covina official reaches out to FilAm community

By Lydia V. Solis CHIEF Correspondent, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

WEST COVINA – FilAms were surprised when they heard from Abraham L. Lim, Esq. that Mayor Pro Tem James Toma of the city council here has requested to meet with Filipinos – both residents of the city and those who are doing business in West Covina.

“Perhaps, he wants our support for an election,” was a sentiment echoed by a few.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Toma was the top vote getter when he was first elected to the West Covina City Council on Nov. 5, 2013.

His term ends in four years.

Council member Toma is only the second Asian in the city council; the other is former West Covina mayor and council member Ben Wong, who left in 2005, after serving for more than a decade but was recently appointed to fill a vacancy.

“I’d like to meet with Filipinos,” clarified Toma, “to find out how I can assist them with whatever concerns they

may have, and to inform them of our services.” He talked about how the city supports active and healthy lifestyle by offering a range of recreational activities and facilities. The council man has also invited his new friends to community focus groups that the city conducts to discuss goals.

“Our goal,” he added, “is to enhance the value of fitness and celebrate healthy living; improve existing condition of public open spaces and facilities to encourage use; and acquire, develop, and maintain quality of public open spaces and trails.”

Toma is a deputy attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General, California Dept. of Justice, where he works on consumer protection issues. He graduated from Yale with a bachelor’s degree in Ethics, Politics, and Economics (the first college graduate in his family, he says). He earned his law degree and his master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

The young deputy has certainly endeared himself to his constituents as they learned

more about him.

He and his wife Minerva have chosen to raise their two young children Cruz and Paz in West Covina, for the promise of safe neighborhoods and good schools. He attended public schools and did not plan to go to college until late in high school and despite his late start, his academic achievements led him to ultimately be accepted to Yale University. According to Toma, to make ends meet he “worked as a dishwasher, newspaper deliverer, custodian and dining hall worker.”

His parents, he said, taught him the importance of contributing to the community.

“I believe that working to improve the lives of others is the most important work that can be done,” he stated. He has worked with poor, immigrant families in Los Angeles Skid Row, volunteered as a Big Brother, and recruited students of color from urban high schools for his alma mater, among others. He has volunteered at food bank, toy drives, and raised money for Alzheimer’s research and the Asian Pacific American Legal

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Mayor Pro Tem James Toma, standing 5th from left, engages Filipino Americans.

Center. He is a member of the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, the Japanese American Bar Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to name a few.

And, he holds a black belt in taekwondo and a brown belt in karate.

NEW CHAMBER Among those who met with Toma, are members of the newly-established Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County (Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside): Grace Ordiales-Vaughn, president; Merwynn Montenegro, vice president; Ricky Villacisneros and Ian Ejan, secretaries; Mila Castaneda, auditor; and new member Josephine Basilio, marketing

director of Pasalubong.com.

(Treasurer Naomi Concepcion was out of town.)

The recent dialogue with the West Covina official was organized by Abraham L. Lim, Esq., who specializes in US Immigration Law as well as cases in criminal defense, personal injury, family law and California franchise law.

A Filipino-Chinese American, Lim is bi-lingual but conversational in Mandarin, Fukien and Spanish. He serves as the legal counsel for the newlyformed chamber of commerce.

Because of their experience orga-

nizing the Filipino American Chamber of CommerceGreater Los Angeles, Noel Omega and his wife Mary Ann, both president emeritus of the FACC-GLA, were also invited and they have since become advisers of the new chamber of commerce.

Also in attendance are prospective chamber affiliates doing business in West Covina: Aldwin Jose and Charlotte Jose, president of the Divine Faith Homecare; and Yolly Trinidad, president of US operations of Pasalubong.com, who came with associates Brian So, COO; Cheryl Elumba, Finance/CFO; and Ej Ocampo, Business Development.

RETREAT To help plan ‘purpose’ of the new chamber, husband and wife team of Noel and Mary Ann Omega moderated a ‘mandatory chamber retreat’ on June 27, at the office of businessman Larry Tiamzon at West Covina’s Amar/Azusa hub of FilAm businesses.

Attendees included members of FACC, Tri-County, Daniel Santos, Elen Yuhico and Wilma Orendain.

The Omegas helped the new chamber formulate its mission and vision; and asked about commitment level, obligations and roles of officers and board directors. With the help of Atty. Lim, who attended with his wife Annie Cuevas-Lim, former DOT director in Los Angeles, work has begun to create Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, Tri County is looking forward to installation of officers early next year.

REO BROTHERS ARE BACK IN CONCERT AFTER a well-received performance in their debut concert in New York and Los Angeles early last year, the REO Brothers – now wiser and more musically honed -- are back for a one-night concert on August 2 (Sunday), 7:30 p.m. at the Aratani Theater on 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles.

The four young lads from Tacloban, Leyte who specialized in Beatles music, is the second generation Philippine Beatles Tribute band after the Dyna Souls and Moonstrucks of the 1970s. The musical group who continues to rock their audience in Manila, also perform pop songs of the 1970s and 1980s.

Other performers who

will precede the REO Brothers are special guests Miss Gloria Papin, Tia Enroth, Michael Keith and APOGLA’s impersonators of HAGIBIS in its tribute to the show group’s signature record KATAWAN. New York-based Gloria Papin, with three Gold Records under her belt on her records Kitang Kita Kita, and Pa-

glingkuran and Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, is the sister of Philippine Jukebox Queen and Hall of Famer Imelda Papin.

Produced by Zumo Entertainment in collaboration with Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (APOGLA) and other FilAm community organizations, the proceeds of this concert are earmarked for the Tacloban Street Children and scholarships program of APOGLA. Tickets costs at $30, $50 and $65.

For ticket reservation, interested parties can call Dan E. Nino, president of APOGLA at 562-921-5116 or 562-5088099 or Marissa Luces at 818799-1775 or 323-561-5374.

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COMMUNITY

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’

A11

In Loving Memnory

Anselmo Caballero Revelo October 23, 1932 - June 25, 2015

Jojo Clemente of Rajah Tours Philippines, PDOT-LA OIC Manny Ilagan, PAL Los Angeles Area Manager Marie Jemma Saranillo and AAVAN Vacations Director of Sales Lloyd Coleman with ASTA trade show participants.

Manny V. Ilagan, Officer-in-Charge at the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles conducts the Philippine tourism product presentation before at least 300 participants composed of travel agents, tourism industry vendors and buyers at the ASTA Trade Show in Scottsdale, Arizona on July 11, 2015.

PDOT at Arizona travel agents’ trade show LOS ANGELES – Abundant islands and beaches.

Endless thrills and adventures.

Great shopping destinations.

Haven for relaxation. Exotic food. Friendly, kind and hospitable people. These are just few of the many reasons why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” which the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlighted at the recent travel agents’ trade show in Arizona.

PDOT was one of the featured presenters in the recently concluded “Fiesta in the Desert XII” trade show organized by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Travel

Agents at the Doubletree Resort-Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, Arizona.

In his presentation, Manny Ilagan, Officer-in-Charge of Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles showcased and highlighted popular destinations in the Philippines, especially Boracay and Palawan, including Cebu and Bohol and the endless choices of beaches and island destinations that are in abundance in the country.

DOT’s presentation also emphasized the diversity that the country can offer to the tourists – from adventure, shopping, history and cultural

immersion, dining and entertainment, to conventions, meetings, exhibitions and other special events. The engaging video presentations on why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “15 Ways to Have More Fun in the Philippines” were enthusiastically received by the participants.

An travel agent from Colorado described the presentations are “very effective.”

PDOT in partnership with Philippines Airlines, Rajah Tours and AAVan Vacations also participated in the roundrobin table consultations with mainstream American travels agents, vendors and buyers,

On June 25th, Anselmo C. Revelo was called by his maker peacefully in his sleep at the age of 82. Anselmo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather brother, and friend. Born in Misamiz Occidental, Phillipines, Anselmo made his way to the United States in 1959 and began a long and illustrious career as a business man, political leader, and civil servant for the city and county of San Francisco.

As a business man, he owned and operated ACR Sales, an import business of Philippine goods which later evolved into the renowned Bahay Kubo Bar and Restaurant. Famed for his pioneering method of the authentic, Cebuano-style roasted suckling pig (lechon), Anselmo provided a genuine taste of the Islands that the Bay Area Filipino community was thirsting for. With the restaurant and lechon business as

a platform, Anselmo was able to build relationships with the community and became a soundboard and political leader for his countrymen here and abroad. A few of his political accolades include his efforts that allowed Philippine professionals to practice their

where they exchanged information, ideas and identified the needs of the travel sector, as well as promote Philippine destinations to international travelers.

Further promoting Philippine destinations, Lloyd Coleman, Director of Sales of AAVan Vacations, presented and shared his very enjoyable personal experiences when he toured and visited Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and Palawan last year. Philippine Airlines’ Los Angeles Area Manager Marie Jemma Saranillo provided a very informative presentation of PAL’s routes to Manila from different gateways in the

United States via its new fleet of B777-300 ERs. For a more exciting participation, DOT hosted breakfast for the trade show attendees, while one round-trip ticket to the Philippines was raffled off courtesy of Philippines Airlines, and a two nights/three days FOC accommodation in Boracay courtesy of Rajah Tours.

With participants and attendees totaling at least 300 travel agents, vendors and buyers of tourism products of which 91 represents international destinations, ASTA’s Arizona Chapter trade show reaffirmed its role as a major

professions in California without having to retake respective courses. He was the liaison between the Filipino community and Mayor Alioto’s cabinet and was also part of the initiation and implementation of the ESL (English as a Second Language) Program with the San Francisco Unified School District to name a few.

As a civil servant of the City and County of San Francisco, Anselmo retired in 1993 as the Assistant Chief Investigator of the District Attorney’s Family Support Bureau. He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred; their four sons Joseph, Anthony, Anselmo Jr., and Matthew; his six grandchildren Kayla, Kyle, Kaden, Amaya, Lucas, and Milan; his in-laws Annelyn, Cristina, and Lailanie; his brother Manuelito and sister-in-law Joy Revelo; his sisters Flocerfida and Paz; and many nieces and nephews.

business platform for the tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism’s participation at the Arizona Chapter of ASTA’s travel show is in line with DOT’s continuing campaign to increase inbound tourists to the Philippines from North America, specifically targeting Asian-American and mainstream American market.

Manny Ilagan of PDOTLos Angeles was joined was Jemma Saranillo and Ricky Panis of Philippine Airlines, Lloyd Coleman of AAVan Vacations, and Jojo Clemente of Rajah Tours Philippines.

(Norcal/Nat’l/SC/LV) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

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BINAY from A1

STILL from A1 The Navy, which has traditionally operated in the high seas, vigorously opposed it.

That a Navy warship was eventually sent to Scarborough after a heated discussion in Malacañang prompted suspicions that the military meant to show off the capabilities of a newly acquired warship from the US Coast Guard, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

But then Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the warship was merely on its way to Poro Point in La Union to monitor North Korea’s nuclear missile test launch when it was diverted to arrest the Chinese poachers.

Chinese Coast Guard ships came to stop the arrests and occupied the rocky sandbar off the coast of Zambales province.

WHERE’S LONG-TERM STRATEGY? Beyond the power struggle between the Navy and the Coast Guard, the incident shows that the Philippines lacks a cohesive long-term strategy to handle a rising China.

This, in spite of sporadic tensions that have erupted in the area in the past decades, foremost of which was China’s seizure of Mischief Reef in 1995.

Former defense secretary Orlando Mercado said the problem is that the Philippines seems to always shift its foreign policy whenever a new president is elected. (READ: Why China prefers Arroyo over Aquino) “You are dealing with a country that has a millenia of history and looks at problems and its role as being part of a very long interminable continuum. We should have a larger and longer view of public policy,” Mercado said.

Aquino ushered in a shift from former President Gloria Arroyo’s policy of joint exploration while the country enjoyed the inflow of Chinese loans.

Arroyo’s policy was opposed for allowing China access to areas within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It didn’t help that the loans that were supposed to fund government infrastructure projects were also embroiled in a massive corruption controversy – the botched national broadband deal and the Northrail project, among others.

When he became president, Aquino discontinued Arroyo’s Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking. China’s harassment in the South China Sea began.

The occupation of Scarborough, two years into his presidency, marks the first time since 1995 that China sought to change the status quo in the disputed seas.

This would be followed by the aggressive reclamation of shoals to create artificial islands that are feared to become military bases.

GROUNDING WARSHIPS The administration of Joseph Estrada already feared a “creeping invasion”, following the Chinese occupation of Mischief Reef, recalled Mercado, the defense chief then.

The Philippines purposely grounded a warship on a shoal that the government believed was China’s next target – Ayungin Shoal. It has since served as the country’s naval outpost.

“I was even saying we should breach more LSTs (landing ship tanks). Under the circumstances, we have no means by which we can set up structures the way the Chinese are doing it,” Mercado told Rappler.

But Aquino is not satisfied with just stopping China. He wants Scar-

borough back.

So when China declared in November 2012 that its ships won’t leave the shoal, the Philippines thought it had no choice but to go file an arbitration case.

The Philippines adopted a hardline stance against China. The word war was led by the President himself.

But there is a sense among some government officials that the Philippines has gotten itself in the middle of a proxy war between the US and China.

Former defense secretary Orlando Mercado said the problem is that the Philippines seems to always shift its foreign policy whenever a new president is elected.

WEST PH SEA SENATE HEARING Some attributed the country’s response – filing a case – to the character of the President. “Palaban talaga siya (He’s really a fighter),” said one top official.

It is a black and white issue as far as the President is concerned. He likened China to “Nazi Germany”, recalling how World War II started because of the international community’s failure to contain Adolf Hitler.

Although back-channel negotiator Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was isolated in July 2012 when he voted in favor of continuously engaging China – instead of immediately raising the Scarborough standoff before ASEAN – he received some quiet support. Officials knew that in spite of their opinions, the government has to speak with “one voice.”

Trillanes played a role in deescalating tension with China during the standoff, said a Palace source. But those interviewed by Rappler did not support the senator’s track of going for bilateral talks. They were hoping for a possible middle ground.

Years later, in a Senate hearing, Trillanes called in May 2015, Aquino’s China policy was put on the spotlight and for the first time provided a venue for the critics – academics and former security officers – to warn againt the repercussions of the Philippines’ actions against China.

“I know a lot of people in DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs).

There are a lot of good people there but you get this feeling that they’re also frustrated that not all of the inputs are being considered,” said maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal in an interview after the hearing.

The need to open communication lines with China was stressed.

THE SPLIT The split is largely defined by different long views of the future.

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio represents the hardline position of those who see the clear and present danger of China taking more territories and pushing its borders toward the country’s shores.

The other side that is uneasy about – if not categorically opposed to – the arbitration case is not so afraid of the rise of China and believes that the Philippines should instead adapt to its growing influence in the region.

“They’re not going away. These

are the realities that you have to take.

How do you cope and how do you deal with this? This is the challenge of our leadership,” said Mercado.

A retired military officer said talks with China may not have been exhausted during the standoff in a way that could have enforced a “status quo ante order (the way things were)” – to get Scarborough back without turning it into a big international dispute.

Others argue that dealings with China should be done the “Asian way,” which means talking. Chinese declarations that it won’t leave Scarborough Shoal should not have been taken as non-negotiable position, but a starting point that may be softened when the two countries sit down and talk.

A fellow officer disagreed, however. “Sa tingin mo, maaawa sa atin ang China at ibabalik ang Scarborough?” (You think China will take pity on us and return Scarborough?)

They lamented how the country is now suffering the consequences of its position against China.

They believe that China’s aggressive reclamation in the Spratly Islands was prompted by the country’s case, meant to preempt any ruling by the arbitration court.

They also noted how the country has been out of the loop in China’s development plans in the region.

This group doesn’t share Carpio’s confidence that China will be forced to follow the tribunal ruling.

Another said: “Mas malaking problema (It’s a bigger problem) if we win.” He’s afraid of what China will do to show its defiance of the ruling.

AQUINO’S GAMBIT This is all water under bridge.

Batongbacal said there’s no value debating whether or not the Philippines should have filed the case.

He said the government should instead focus its energy on contingency measures for incidents that may rise because of the tension caused by the case.

The region has grown militarized as maritime disputes escalated and neighbors beefed up security by acquiring fighter jets and submarines.

Philippine security officials are encouraged by a stronger US position against China’s reclamation activities in the South China Sea. The Philippines also strengthened its alliance with Japan, seeking to give it access to its military bases.

China miscalculated, said former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana.

Will it come down to a gun battle? Malacañang officials said the risk is low because both camps realize it is not to anyone’s interest to blow up the situation into a war.

Rules of engagement are in place to make sure the Philippines doesn’t start any tension, said a senior security officer. The Navy and the Coast Guard are also learning to work together.

Still, the risk of miscalculations at sea is prompting calls for the Philippines to establish a sort of a red button to be able to talk to China in case of misunderstandings at sea.

“When a gun battle erupts, it’s a slippery slope,” warned a former Navy officer.

Malacañang said it will talk to China, but only when the Tribunal has issued a ruling. A favorable decision, the Palace argued, will put the Philippines in a stronger position to negotiate.

History will judge Aquino’s stand on this matter. The next generation will benefit or suffer from it. – Rappler.com

his campaign for the presidency next year.

Lawyer Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesperson for political affairs, singled out Trillanes for “bullying” the vice president.

The legal action taken by Binay “is a legitimate redress of grievance.

This also shows that the rule of law is non-negotiable,” Quicho said in a statement, “It is about time that Senator Trillanes’ bullying and clear arrogance of power be reviewed and stopped by a court of competent jurisdiction after a fair and impartial administration of justice.”

Replying in the vernacular, Trillanes said that Binay was “panicking,” and that the vice president was now attempting to instil fear on those whom he considered his enemies.

In a 41-page complaint-affidavit filed before the Makati Regional Trial Court, the vice president accused the 13 of “orchestrated persecution” to “malign and discredit” him with their accusations of the Binay family having amassed ill-gotten wealth during his term as mayor of Makati City. Binay asked the respondents for P100 million ($2.2 million) in moral damages and P100 million in exemplary damages.

Certeza said Binay filed the complaint because he could no longer take the baseless accusations against him.

“This damage suit will allow the Vice President to prove what he has been saying all long—that the charges made against him are solely intended to malign his character and destroy his chances of being elected President,” the lawyer said.

In November, last year, Trillanes initiated the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee inquiry which found Binay had illegally enriched himself while he was mayor of Makati City.

Cayetano served as co-chairman of the body, while Erice raised the same issues against Binay before the House of Representatives.

A third senator, Koko Pimentel, was also with the Blue Ribbon subcommittee and took an active role in its investigation, but he was excluded from the lawsuit.

BSP Gov. Tetangco was included by virtue of his heading the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which provided the Senate body with incriminating documents.

The vice president and his son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, were eventually charged with graft and corruption over alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II (AKA the parking building) and the Makati Science High School building.

The younger Binay is currently on 6-month preventive suspension while the Ombudsman is investigating the charges against him.

Binay’s complaint said Cayetano, Trillanes and Erice were the designated “attack dogs” against him.

The others charged were former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, former city general services department chief Mario Hechanova, ex-barangay captain Renato Bondal, and AMLC Deputy Director Julia Bacay-Abad.

Binay accused Mercado, Hechanova, Bondal and Nicolas Enciso of being “paid witnesses” during the Senate inquiry.

Tetangco, Abad, Emmanuel Dooc and Teresita Herbosa, he said, were behind the AMLC decision approved by the Court of Appeals to freeze Binay’s bank accounts totaling P600 million, on suspicion that the money was tainted with corruption.

The Inquirer allegedly published defamatory news and frequent screaming headlines against Binay.

The broadsheet also published the contents of the AMLC report, which revealed, among others, that the deposits of Binay and his dummies reached P11 billion.

The Inquirer issued a statement on the lawsuit saying, “We are at a loss why the Vice President has singled out the Philippine Daily Inquirer even as the Complaint itself mentions some defendants getting ‘maximum media mileage’ from several media outfits (thePhilippine Daily Inquirer was not among those mentioned).

The Philippine Daily Inquirer was also not the first to report the ‘freeze’ order of the Court of Appeals.

“We value integrity and editorial independence in carrying out our duty to inform and serve the public interest. The role and mission we have taken requires us to uphold freedom of the press enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. We shall continue to discharge this mission with neither fear nor favor.”

- with additional reports from GMA News

SUPPORT from A1 matter peacefully and calling on the United States to continue to maintain peace in the region.

The Philippines earlier this month argued its case before a UNbacked tribunal in the Hague, challenging China’s claim over most of the resource-rich sea.

China has refused to take part in the proceedings and called on the Philippines to agree to bilateral talks instead.

The Philippines and other countries have also recently raised alarm at China’s reclamation of outcrops in the Sea to create islands that could house military facilities.

China claims most of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of its neighbors.

The Philippines, as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have their own claims.

The Philippines, which has one of the region’s weakest militaries, has been improving defense ties with its close ally, the United States.

In an apparent sign of the continued alliance, the US Pacific Fleet released photographs on its web-

site on Sunday of its commander, Admiral Scott Swift, aboard a US P-8A Poseidon aircraft, flying a “seven-hour maritime surveillance mission” over the South China Sea on Saturday as part of his recent visit to the Philippines.

It was not stated which parts of the sea the US commander flew over.

The Philippines said last week it would reopen a US naval base that was closed more than 20 years ago, stationing its own military hardware at Subic Bay facing the South China Sea. China recently called the Philippines a “real troublemaker in the region” after reports came out that Philippine naval officials were reinforcing the hull and deck of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, which is being claimed by China.

The Department of National Defense on the other hand said the reparing of the vessel did not violate the Philippines’ diplomatic track to resolve territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. — GMA News

NEW from A1 DONAIRE from A1 It was not until the later portion of the round where Donaire was able to unload his signature punches in the fight.

Donaire was able to unleash a powerful left uppercut which downed Settoul the first time, and a left bodyshot combination which dropped him the second.

“That was our game plan, to counter and to look for a good opening and it worked,” said Nonito Donaire Sr., who is the father/trainer of the Filipino Flash.

During the second round, the Filipino boxing star continued to showcase his speed and power as he aggressively pursued the weakened Settoul.

Donaire was able to land several of his devastating blows to the body and vicious jabs almost at will throughout the round.

At the halfway point of the second round, Donaire was finally able to finishes off his rugged opponent.

The tactical Donaire was able

to land a violent overhand right which floored Settoul and forced his corner to throw in the towel and end the match.

“His power was always there, we’re working on his speed back,” Donaire Sr. said in regards to his son’s knockout performance. “I am so happy for his victory tonight. It is very important, because this is the road for him for another title shot.”

With Donaire’s victory over the tough Settoul, the Filipino boxing star is now poised to fight WBA super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg, an undefeated 26 year-old from the United Kingdom.

The undefeated Quigg, who has record of 31 wins and 2 draws, is also coming off an impressive second round knock out victory over Kiko Martinez.

In his fight with the veteran Martinez, Quigg got off to a slow start and struggled against the Spanish boxer in the first round.

The offense-minded Martinez

was able to rush Quigg and tag him with several shots as Quigg patiently waited to find the right opening.

In the second round, an impatient Martinez was suddenly stopped as Quigg caught him with sneak uppercut and a barrage punches that forced the referee to halt the fight.

“I looked a little bit wild be I kept as calm as possible but we got the job done and finished it,” Quigg said after dispatching the Spanish boxing contender.

Quigg’s victory against Martinez was his sixth time defending his world championship belt.

“It would be a good matched up,” Donaire Sr. said about the possible upcoming fight between his son and the champion from the United Kingdom. “Quigg is a strong fighter undefeated and young. But I think Nonito will beat him by knockout.”

Donaire’s record improves to 35 wins (23 KOs), 3 losses (1 KO).

Settoul’s record falls to 20 wins (8 KOs), 4 losses ( 2 KOs).

approximately an hour on June 11, 2013 and ‘never making any attempt to contact law enforcement,’ according to the complaint filed against her,” says a report in NJ.com. The prosecutor’s office states she was aware of the arrest warrant against Prontnicki “yet still offered to help him get money and transportation to avoid arrest.”

At her arraignment, Brady’s lawyer sought to have the case dismissed, and said his client should be reinstated to the bench.

Said Attorney Tim Smith, “The indictment is based upon two completely unsound legal theories. First, that it’s a crime to not help police capture a fugitive. Second, that there exists a judicial duty to participate in the arrest of a fugitive.

“Thus, we are extremely anxious to immediately move to dismiss it and when this case has concluded, we’ll then move to have Ms. Brady deservedly reinstated to the bench.”

Gov. Christie has weighed on the controversial case and said through a spokesman, “If the accusations about a sitting Superior Court judge are

true, then the conduct is deplorable and frankly, stupid.”

Brady, 43, is the first Philippineborn judge on the Vicinage 8 Superior Court in New Jersey covering Middlesex County. The county has jurisdiction over the townships of Perth Amboy, Piscataway and Woodbridge, which are considered high-income and very middle class.

She was appointed in 2013 and her term is expected to end in 2020.

She is the only Filipino American on the State’s Superior Court bench.

Brady has an undergraduate degree from Rutgers College and received her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. She started her career as a law clerk for New Jersey Vicinage 8. She is an accomplished lawyer having worked as a civil defense attorney with Picillo Caruso & O’Toole and a construction management attorney with Peckar & Abramson.

She remains suspended from her $165,000-a-year position as a Superior Court judge.

-Cristina DC Pastor, The FilAm

(Norcal/Nat’l/SC/LV) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

A13

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NEW LUXURY HOMES IN EXCEPTIONAL PITTSBURG SETTING PITTSBURG, CA (July 16, 2015) — Victory

by William Lyon Homes offers brand new luxury residences in a breathtaking setting atop the foothills at Vista Del Mar in Pittsburg.

The neighborhood’s recent new home release highlights desirable Residence Three and Residence Four designs in exceptional cul-de-sac settings. These beautiful singlefamily detached homes boast California Rooms for casual indoor/outdoor living, spacious guest suites and dens, cozy fireplaces, window door sliders, large yards with no rear neighbors and much more.

For a complete list of features and to tour the models, visit the sales gallery today. Interested buyers are also encouraged to visit www.LyonVictory.com to join the interest list.

“The recent phase release offers buyers an excellent opportunity for homeownership in an exceptional location,” said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. “Interested buyers should visit the sales gallery to explore the spacious Residence Three and Residence Four designs and experience the elegant interiors and sought-after features these homes have to offer.”

Victory’s single-level and two-story floorplans range from approximately 2,535 to 3,810 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4.5 baths and 2 to 3-car garages. Residence Three ranges from approximately

3,217 to 3,285 square feet, with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. This two-story floorplan has an impressive great room, open kitchen with a generous center island and an optional den. Residence Four spans approximately 3,810 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a versatile bonus room, optional den and guest suite.

These luxurious homes are set on homesites averaging approximately 6,500 square feet with select locations enjoying distant Delta views. Prices start from the high $500,000s.

Victory’s setting near Highway 4 and BART eases commutes to San Francisco, Daly City and Oakland, as well as to the San Francisco and Oakland airports. Shopping, dining, and entertainment, medical buildings and hospitals are all nearby.

The neighborhood is located within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, which includes Delta View Elementary, Riverview Middle School and Mt. Diablo High School.

It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956.

The company continues to

expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado.

William Lyon Homes’ shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com.

Brokers will receive a 3% referral fee per closing.

Brokers must bring client on first visit to register for broker referral fee. Buyers cannot be registered online prior to first visit. Broker referral fee to be paid at the close of escrow.

To visit Victory, take Highway 4 east toward Stockton/Pittsburg, exit on San Marco Boulevard and make a right. Turn left onto W. Leland Road, and right onto Alves Ranch Road. The Sales Gallery will be up the street and on the right. From Highway 4 west toward Concord, exit on San Marco Boulevard and turn left. Turn left onto W. Leland Road, right on Alves Ranch Road and follow the signs.

The Sales Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 925.458.7633.

Prices are effective as of the date of publication.

Pricing is approximate and is subject to change without prior notice. CalBRE Officer License: 00982816.

7% PHL growth target ‘a big challenge’ – NEDA MANILA -- For the government to hit its economic growth projection for this year means a lot of catching up in the second half, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“It’s quite a challenge – a big challenge – to get the 7 percent,” NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of the signing of a joint memorandum circular on evaluation with the Department of Budget and Management last week.

The government expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 7 percent to 8 percent this year.

In the first quarter, Philippine output grew by 5.2 percent. This means the economy must expand by over 7 percent in the subsequent quarters for the government to meet its growth goal.

“The second half hopefully will pick up because the third quarter specifically is a low base. We’re not giving up. We have to work harder especially on government spending,” Balisacan said.

GOV’T UNDERSPENDING Banks, credit rating agencies and the International Mon-

etary Fund have revised their respective growth forecasts for the Philippines this year, partly due to the slowdown in government spending.

In the first quarter, Philippine output grew by 5.2 percent. This means the economy must expand by over 7 percent in the subsequent quarters for the government to meet its growth goal.

In the first quarter, public spending totaling P504 billion was 13 percent short of the P582 billion budget while deficit amounting to P33.5 billion also missed the government’s P98.1 billion target.

Problems in procurement planning partly caused the “high level” of underspending during the first quarter, said DBM Secretary Florencio Abad during the signing of the

joint memorandum circular.

“Those agencies that have not managed to clearly define the specifications of their projects or arrive at reasonable costings for their projects... are those agencies that suffered serious delay in the budget execution,” he added.

NATIONAL EVALUATION The National Evaluation Policy Framework outlined under the joint memorandum circular of the NEDA and DBM would supposedly improve the budget process including the timely executions.

“It’s key for the resource allocation for the next round; it’s key for determining whether reforms that were implemented are in fact worthy,” said Abad.

The policy framework requires the systematic collection of information and the independent assessment of development interventions before, during and after their implementation.

The evaluation covers all programs and projects of all government agencies, including state universities and colleges, government-owned and/ or controlled corporations and government financial institutions. – GMA News

From this question, I take you are still paying your credit cards on time and have good credit since you are still getting offers from credit card companies. There are more items to take into account before arriving at an answer.

We also need to know the major objective in becoming debt free.

With this question here are two answers for the two objectives that may be prospected by the client.

1) If you would like to be able to payoff all your debts without paying as much interest possible and maintain a good credit at the same time, then you may want to take advantage of zero % interest introductory credit card offers.

By doing these balance transfers to a zero % 1st year offers, you can continue paying your credit card debts without accruing any interests for a whole year provided you stop using the credit card for purchases. Depending on the size of the balance, you may have to do this a few times in order to rid yourself of the whole balance. Remember, the objective is to become debt free. To keep using the credit cards for purchases defeats that purpose.

2) If the objective is to become debt free at the shortest period of time with the least amount of money out, then debt settlement may be the best route. Bankruptcy will ruin you from 7 to 10 years so stay away from it. Doing settlement whether by enrolling in a company who offers these services or doing it yourself will save money in as much as half of what you owe. The down side being your credit standing will be negatively affected can be recycled within a couple of years after all the debts have been settled. There are also no more purchases to be added to the credit cards since those will be terminated by the creditor.

So, depending on what the obljectives are, then these answers may assist

you in making the right decision. Remember, there are no overnight solutions to debt problems.

If you need help in getting out of credit card debts, call Debt Aid Consulting. We have free Credit Repair after your program.

We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that keeps collectors away.

You need not even have to bother with them. We take Federal Credit Unions, Military Debts and Payday loans in our program too. This is the concept of our newest program where collectors are restraint from contacting you. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. No one else has this program in the market. You are well protected.

We also provide “Free Credit Repair” to all our current and future clients. Go with the best. Go with Debt Aid Consulting!

Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware!

Ben Lou at your service! I have over 30 years of real financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting.

We do not use call centers like Financial Rescue. Say no to LLC corporations in Canada! Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt restructuring company incorporated in the US and Canada.

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Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo.

Itama po natin ang mali!

Tawag na sa Debt Aid Consulting

888-341-5234 Itama po natin ang mali!

The opinion and information expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Philippine News.

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(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

Health hazards from computer Is computer use safe?

Yes, computing, just like other human activities, is safe unless abused. Computers are indispensable. In this age of technology revolution, everybody, if possible, should learn how to use computers in order to keep up with these exciting times of the shrinking world, to be competitive.

Anyone with a computer and internet access can obtain practically any information desired, from movie trivia, to travel guides, health matters, shopping, banking, investing online, to history and sociocultural information, etc., to name a few. The computers have really leveled the playing field for all of us in this fantastic informational age.

What injuries are associated with computing?

A condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has been linked to extensive computer (or typing) job.

Any prolonged, repetitive flexion and extension of the wrists (typing on keyboards) could result in compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, hence the name. This is especially true when the typist rests his/her wrist against the edge of the computer or typewriter. It

is best to type with the rest “floating in the air” rather than resting (pressing) on a hard surface. Even cushioned wrist “pads” do not help much. Simply allowing your wrists to “float” while you type on the keyboard while minimizing extreme flexion and extension of the wrist will help prevent CTS. Give your wrists (and your whole body) rest and relaxation regularly at frequent intervals to minimize computer-related stresses.

Any prolonged, repetitive flexion and extension of the wrists (typing on keyboards) could result in compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, hence the name.

What are the symptoms of CTS? Numbness and tingling

of the palmar side of the thumb, index and middle finger and the radial (outer) half of the ring finger are classic.

It could even involve the entire hand in more severe cases. Some people wake up at night with burning or aching pain with numbness and tingling of the hand, and shake the hand to obtain relief and return or normal sensation.

body also needs a healthy digestive system. When your intestines function optimally, your body can better rid itself of wastes.

If you love yourself and your family, you’ve got to take the right steps towards healthier food habits.

How do you clean up your act? Start by eating more fiber.

According to the Philippines Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Filipino adults are recommended to consume 20 to 25 grams of dietary fiber daily.

Fiber is naturally found in grains, fruits, and vegetables, and work to improve digestion.

In the long run, it can also contribute to reducing your risk against the above-mentioned diseases. However, most busy adults’ intakes are way less than this amount. If you find it challenging to include whole grains and vegetables into your daily diet, you can consider taking a dietary fiber supplement to help up your intake.

CHOOSE THE FIBER SUPPLEMENT YOU NEED Contrary to popular belief, the benefit of fiber doesn’t end with just encouraging regular

healthier for children.

Does computing lead to truancy and absenteeism?

There is no doubt that this is happening because of unguided, unsupervised use of computers among undisciplined young children and teenagers. Hardcore sex on the internet is also a major problem we now face.

That is why laws should be passed in the country (or in each city and town) to restrict the proximity to schools and churches of internet cafes, and legislations on how to deal with pornography on the internet. But the best guide and “law enforcers” are the parents or guardians, who must be precise and firm in their “house or family rules” for the children. Compassion, understanding and discipline are the keys to good parenting in general. And they apply to the proper use of computers are home, in school or at internet cafes as well.

relax, if for nothing at all, because computer related stress is real. Too loud audio in computer games, and looking at a bright computer monitor screen for prolonged period day in and day out, can lead to hearing and visual impairment, respectively.

How about the effect on the psyche?

This computer age has tremendous advantages not Does computing lead to only for businesses but for back pains? everybody, especially for the Ergonomics in computer children. They learn more use is important to prevent and faster. They become back pains and CTS. The more self-reliant, resourceful, eyesight should be at the Are computer games independent, confident and level of the upper part of the good for children? more positive in their outlook monitor, the arm in horizontal It depends as to what the of their future. The feel emlevel with the keyboard, the nature and goal of the games powered by having available chair (height) properly adare. If they are about “vioto them limitless information, justed and comfortably suplence and killing people,” facilities for domestic and porting the lower back, and even if they are the designatinternational communication the feet flat on the floor in a ed “enemies,” the threshold (voicemail, email, chat, surf) relax manner. A cushioned for restraint to kill among and games and recreation, support for the base of both these children (chronic) etc. This empowerment has hands, while typing, helps re- viewers is lowered. Studcreated hundreds of young duce the risk for CTS. Taking ies have shown that some multimillionaires and billiona break and walking around children (and even adults) aires, led by Bill Gates. Our every thirty minutes or so is exposed to much violence Can chronic exposure to youngsters of today feel more also healthy and ambulation on the television, movies or computers lead to cancer? confident than ever before also reduce the risk for blood computer games, have higher No evidence supports that they too someday could clots in the legs. tendencies to violence and this. The radiation is minimal reach their star. senseless killing themselves. and safe, as far as present Is computing addictive? The games involving role legal guidelines are conFor a gift of health, visit Addictive is not the right models like James Bond, Bat- cerned. Nonetheless, breaks philipSchua.com word. It is more habituative man and Robin, and Superand rests should punctuate Email: scalpelpen@ or habit-forming, where an man, Spiderman, etc. are computer use, simply to gmail.com

‘Too busy’ to stay healthy?

Read this

MANILA – Today, many Filipino adults have demanding schedules and juggle multiple roles, leaving very little time for rest, proper exercise, or even the simple act of preparing and eating healthier meals.

For example, when you’re rushing to work or scrambling to meet a deadline, it’s easier to go for whatever is available for take-out, regardless of its nutritional value.

Some combat long hours and late nights by bingeing on doughnuts, soft drinks, or other snacks that have high sugar content. Then, when you get some free time for a nightout, Filipinos tend to equate “celebration” with oily, highfat fare like sisig and crispy pata – and don’t forget the extra rice and occasional beer.

Cycles of “no time to eat / eat to celebrate” can take a toll on your health. Poor diet choices can lead to problems such as irregular bowel movements, higher glucose and cholesterol levels, and feelings of lethargy and heaviness. These can put you at risk of diabetes, obesity, and other heart-related health ailments.

If you love yourself and your family, you’ve got to take the right steps towards healthier food habits.

CLEANER INSIDES – THE FIRST STEP Aside from regular exercise and eating right, a healthy

individual, who is extremely interested in computer games or internet surfing, emailing, chatting, etc., has developed a strong and regular compulsion and a habit of “bonding” with the computer. This is especially the case among those who are “loners” or “alone.” And the condition could be so severe as to be abnormal and unhealthy.

There was a student who was reported missing from his classes for days, only to be found “holdup” in one room in an uninterrupted marathon of computing.

bowel movement. Fiber, keeps your insides cleaner and more primed to stay healthy.

Among different “kinds” of supplements, psyllium is a great soluble fiber source from the husk of the seeds of the plant Plantago Ovata. Adding psyllium husk to your daily routine has more benefits than insoluble fiber alone, such as: • Helps promote digestive health – fiber adds bulk to digested food to help it pass easier through the digestive tract; • H e l p s m a i n t a i n healthy cholesterol levels – psyllium has been scientifically proven to help trap some unwanted wastes like excess bile acids and some cholesterol; • H e l p s m a i n t a i n healthy blood sugar levels as part of a healthy diet – soluble fiber, such as psyllium, forms into a gel-like substance that helps trap sugars; • Helps you feel less hungry between meals – psyllium forms a gel in the to slow down digestion and absorption, contributing a sensation of fullness and allowing you to feel fuller between meals.

Take note that having enough fiber is not your free pass to eating whatever you want, whenever you want. But if you squeeze it into your busy routine, it can help you start a healthier lifestyle.

– Rappler.com

PH dengue cases up 1.61% MANILA -- The number of dengue cases nationwide reached 36,284 from Jan. 1, 2015 to July 4, 2015, up 1.61 percent from 35,708 cases during the same period last year.

Department of Health (DOH) National Epidemiology Center’s (NEC) dengue surveillance report shows most of the cases were from the Regions IV-A (15.6 percent); NCR (12.2 percent); Region 3 (12 percent); and Region 12 (7.3 percent).

Some of the common signs and symptoms of dengue include sudden onset

of high fever which may last from 2 to 7 days;joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nosebleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; darkcolored stools; and difficulty of breathing.

Dengue is caused by the infected day-biting female Aedes mosquito, which transmits the viral disease to humans.

As a prevention and control, the DOH keeps on advising and educating the public to search and destroy

the dengue mosquito through participation in keeping their environment clean.

These can be done by covering water drums and pails, replace water in flower vase once a week, clean gutters of leaves and debris, collect and dispose all unused cans, bottles, jars and other materials that can store water which may become breeding sites, etc.

The agency also advises the public to wear long pajamas or pants and long sleeve shirts so that they can be protected from mosquito bites. -- PNA

Call 650-552-9775 ext 3114 for Advertising Rates

(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015

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Pistahan Parade & Festival on August 8-9 TFC Sama Saya gets hot, hot, hotter!!!

Kapamilya hunk Matteo Guidicelli and Morissette Amon of The Voice of the Philippines fly from London to San Francisco to join sultry Geneva Cruz, Adobo Nation’s Michi Salta and Barangay USA’s Gelo for the 22nd Pistahan Parade & Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens on August 8-9. For more info, visit http://www. pistahan.net

TFC Sama Saya returns to San Francisco

By Cristina DC Pastor

WHOEVER said, ‘People don’t want to flaunt their money,’ have not met the women who buy capricious designer bags. We mean over-the-top totes that scream heavy color, faux leather, tassel trims, braid handles, and metals that shine from a mile away.

These buyers are mostly Asians – some in America and some in their home countries — and they have been Jessy Daing’s repeat customers for years.

Jessy is the proprietor of Jessy Couture, an online store known for its luxury designer bags and jewelry on lay-away.

She has met practically all kinds of buyers: those who start with entry-level labels like Coach and Michael Kors and those who, as their affluence rises, upgrade to Hermes Birkin, Jessy’s “mecca of all bags.”

“I’ve been in this business for about five years,” said Jessy in an interview. “I know these women. When they want something, they go for it.”

Jessy takes exception to a Washington Post article that says women have been discreet-shopping and looking for purses that are more subtle and do not look ‘designer.’

It could be understated bags where logos are not as prominent, colors not as flashy, and sizes not as hefty. More importantly, with price tags that do not break up a marriage.

“Low-key, logo-free pieces,” according to the Post feature, are preferred by a “growing number of wealthy shoppers…instead of highly recognizable handbags from big-name brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada.”

“Maybe,” beamed Jessy followed by a shrug of the shoulders. “I have not seen that trend in my customers.”

Some Asian women, according to Jessy, like people to know what they have on their arms matching the shade of their Chanel pumps. Some Middle Eastern women, or the so-called Dubai Elite, who are usually dressed in their traditional garments, assert their social status through their handbags and sunglasses.

“They like the flashy and

Bag Lady Jessy Daing with the Hermes Birkin 40 cm Togo in tan leather. Bracelet by Hermes Clic-Clac

Young Filipinas big buyers of Birkins, fancy designer bags

the screaming,” she said. Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Louis Vuitton are their upgrade labels after Coach, Michael Kors and Tory Burch, she said.

“Some would come to me and say, Jessy, I think I’m ready,” she shared. What that means is that the buyer has enough cash to spare and was willing to trend up, and does Jessy Couture have new stocks?

Jessy makes sure to educate her buyers, especially the so-called ‘beginners.’

“Sometimes, they want to buy the expensive labels right away; I tell them to wait, start simple,” she said. “Then they come back to me and say I’m right.”

Heading straight for the Birkin may sound like the buyer has made it and is rewarding herself for her hard work or maybe closing a big business deal. But the price of a pre-owned Birkin can be upward of $12,500, and Jessy is the first to caution against splurging.

“I should know because I’m a collector myself,” she said.

Jessy knows the feeling of women coveting the bag of their dreams. She is on the waitlist of a Birkin bag at a Hermes store in Short Hills, New Jersey, and has been waiting three years now. She was able to purchase two through connections, as she tries to

resist the lure of Hermes’ prestige positioning strategy. The company makes items in limited numbers and those who do not make that batch can order from its France-based flagship store. Some, by Jessy’s tale, are willing to pay the price of a ticket to Paris and buy from an Hermes store there.

“Ang galing ng marketing nila; they do not massproduce,” said Jessy of Hermes Birkin whose clientele are mostly socialites and affluent celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian. Designer brands that are sold in outlet stores, she said, tend to lessen the value of their label.

Some young Filipinos in the Philippines are big buyers of Hermes Birkin also, said Jessy. She has sold to some young executives and politicians’ daughters in their early 20s. “They pay cash, and I ship the bags,” she said.

There’s something to be said about a woman wearing an expensive bag, she said.

“Whatever dress or shoes you’re wearing, it’s not a complete look without a must-have designer bag.”

Some women resort to reselling their old bags to get the latest must-have styles.

“Bags are an investment nowadays,” said Jessy. “You can even pawn them. Certain brands, like Chanel and Birkin, can bring in more cash than real jewelry.”

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(Norcal) Week of July 24 - 30, 2015