PinoyWatchDog.com 26th Issude 20 October 2012

“The Bladed Hand: The Global Impact of FMA”

VOL. 2 NO. 2 • 16 PAGES •

26.5K CIRCULATED IN LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTIES AND INLAND EMPIRE

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President Aquino: “I believe in the mark of a truly revitalized society”

► By Melissa Salvador

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ANILA -- I felt the promise of the future of the Philippines when I heard President Aquino’s keynote speech to the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBCE) last October 11 where he stated “I believe in the mark of a truly revitalized society, and true public services, and demand nothing less from their future leaders.”

P-Noy said, “In this way, we can be certain that the Philippines will continue to notch achievement after achievement, towards the realization of our aspirations of shared success.”

The conference last October 9-11 was organized by my dearest and closest friend Atty. Miguel Varela, President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the largest and leading voice of business organizations in the Philippines. The conference was held at the home of high so-

ciety and political intrigue, Manila Hotel, with the theme, “One. Global. Filipino. Investments and Governance, Pillars of Economic Growth.” I left this action-packed conference feeling it could have been, in President Aquino’s words “the results of our commitment to balance prudent spending, and reforms to increase competitiveness.”

Varela said that “the theme of this year’s 38th PBCE, highlights the crucial roles investments and Turn to Page 2

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@PinoyWatchDog • LIKE US

PinoyWatchDog • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, iSynerji President Melissa Salvador and Island Living Chairman Radjie Caram share a laugh at the 38th Phil Business Conference.

Photo Credit: Radjie Caram

UMAYAM TO PPP-USA MEMBERS: STEAL PWD COPIES; TRASH THEM An E-mail obtained by PWD details Umayam’s order to trash copies of PinoyWatchDog.com

► By the PinoyWatchDog.com Investigative Team arna Umayam, 100 Outstanding Filipino Amerithe beleaguered chair- cans in the USA (100 OFAUSA), person of Philippine ordered members of the Press Children’s Charities, Photographers of the PhilippinesInc. (PCCI) and or- USA (PPP-USA) to steal copies ganizer of the much-maligned of PinoyWatchDog.com newspa-

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The Philippine islands: A paradise rediscovered

► By David Casuco | PWD Contributing Writer

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OS ANGELES – Pristine landscape, unique culture, and a warm, welcoming and English-speaking Photo Credit: Department of Tourism PHDOT

people – these and more summed up the fascinating picture of the Philippines at the ASTA Travel and Trade show recently at the L.A. Convention Center.

Easily the most ubiquitous exhibitor in the Asian group, the Turn to Page 10

pers on June 21 in anticipation of PWD’s publication of irregularities related to the conduct of the 100 OFAUSA dinner event held in July. Some officers and members of PPP-USA have long been

PinoyWatchDog. com names Robbie Fabian of ABS-CBN Foundation the first ‘Dog of the Year’ Award recipient ► By Rene Villaroman | Managing Editor

perceived by PWD as avowed sympathizers of Ms. Umayam’s.

This revelation surfaced last week when PWD finally was able to obtain the e-mail dated Turn to Page 6

Fabian acceptance statement

I will be forever grateful to the PinoyWatchDog family for your generosity in choosing me as your awardee. I accept this award on behalf of the staff, donors, volunteers, advisers and community liaisons of ABS CBN Foundation International whose dedication and commitment to the cause of helping less fortunate Filipinos around the world inspire me every day. This is also for my colleagues at The Filipino Channel for making me feel welcome in Redwood City and for always making ABS CBN Global feel like a family. Through them I learned the true meaning of kapamilya. And to Raffy Lopez, COO of ABS CBN and Board Chairman of ABS CBN Foundation International, for his fairness, compassion, and trust in the foundation’s work. From him, I saw true leadership in action. Lastly, I accept this award on behalf of the children and poor families the Foundation is privileged to serve. From them I learned that strength is measured not just in our ability to fight life’s vicissitudes but in our unwavering capacity to keep hope alive even in the darkest hours. For me, they will always be “top dog”.

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OS ANGELES— PinoyWatchDog. com has named Robbie Fabian of ABS-CBN Foundation International as the first ‘Dog of the Year’ winner for exemplary acts of courage, integrity and transparency as a civic leader, it was announced by Atty Joel Bander and Rene Villaroman, founders of this fortnightly newspaper.

Bander and Villaroman were inspired by the selfless and courageous decision made by Mr. Fabian and the board of directors of the ABS-CBN Foundation International when they pulled out from participating in the 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the United States (100 OFAUSA), a dinner award event organized by Ms. Darna Umayam, the beleaguered chairperson of Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. Mr. Fabian’s last minute decision to pull out from the Turn to Page 6

Joel Bander, Attorney at Law, P.C. Criminal/ Civil /Wage and Hour

25 Years of Litigation Success | Call 213 873 4333 | Downtown L.A.

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

President Aquino: “I believe in the mark of a truly revitalized society” From Page 1

governance play in promoting the growth of commerce and industry and in creating the conditions to attain sustainable and inclusive economic development, where all decision makers, industry stakeholders, business chambers, industry associations and foreign delegations, distinguished government officials and high-profile businessmen from all over the country, contributed to the creation of a more competitive business and investment environment to further propel the country into becoming a key player in the regional and global investment arena,” The level of excitement was high at this high-level event among the Philippine’s government and business elite to promote collaboration between public and private entities to address critical issues about business and economy; and to foster camaraderie and networking opportunities for government officials, business leaders, along with meeting so many fellow Ateneans from all over the country with excellencies and members of the diplomatic corps and foreign delegations.

Meeting and seeing so many important and energetic figures in our country’s government and business sectors at one time was overwhelming, as if it were the Academy Awards of Filipino Governance and Business. Most of those leaders were very approachable. President Benigno Aquino is humble, modest and has a sense of humour.

(Did you see the picture of us on the front page?) Vice-President Jejomar Binay is not snobbish at all

and joked freely with me (He is running for President, too!). DILG Secretary Mar Roxas is guapo. (See the picture of us together -- but alas, he is recently married.) Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu is sociable. Lots of movers and shakers and they remain humble. Quite reassuring for all Filipinos depending on the leadership of our government and business community.

Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker President Benigno S. Aquino III received a warm welcome and concluded the session of the conference. In President Aquino’s speech, he stated that the growth of Philippine economy this year has been robust. He stated that the Average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the first semester of 2012 has exceeded expectations at 6.1 percent. He believes that the country will be able to achieve this year’s projected GDP growth of 5.0 – 6.0 percent. The President also noted that the 2011 debt-to-GDP ratio was marked at 50.9 percent which is lower than the 52.4 percent recorded in 2010.

I felt the strong spirit among these visionaries who still believe that they can design and create a better future. Everyone aims to find realities and sustainable solutions to the most pressing business and economic issues. How good is the dream that one does not need to go abroad to feed his family! Business and government leaders will work hand-in-hand towards building a better future for Philippines.

This conference made me proud that I have decided to stay home with my family and use the fruit of my M.B.A education at At-

Leading contenders for Philippine President DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay join with iSynerji President Melissa Salvador to enjoy PinoyWatchDog.com eneo de Manila to prosper in my own country.

I learned how local government units are really reforming their bureaucracies to become friendly and compete for investments. PCCI is activating its agreements with the chambers around the world to help the government in promoting investments in Philippines.

Our business leaders undertook a significant strategic government roadmap planning to reframe some measures ranging from anti-smug-

gling, rice production, energy sufficiency, housing, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic integration are some of the measures to sustain the economy. The approved eleven (11) point resolutions which contain the government’s roadmaps of programs and its corresponding completion dates were given to President Aquino for proper government action.

Indeed, the Philippines is the world BPO market leader and the world’s best country in business

English. I am able to thrive here in the Philippines with my own company, iSynerji Global, providing a multitude of outsourcing services.

It is the PBCE’s goal to inspire unity under the flag of accountability, integrity and transparency among all stakeholders and attain a globally competitive Philippines.

And hence, PinoyWatchDog.com was also well received there as demonstrating the new Philippines, and the new Filipino concerned Turn to Page 5

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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Editorial

A robust Philippine economy helps empower Filipino consumers

little over two years into his administration, President Benigno Aquino III is reveling in the limelight of a rosy economic future for the Philippines, helped in no small measure by the nation’s steady economic performance this year. In a speech before a conference of the country’s business organizations and chambers of commerce on October 11, the President declared that these robust economic gains have been the product of a winning strategy by his administration. Aquino said that these gains were the result of his administration’s commitment to balance proactive fiscal management, prudent spending, and reforms to encourage competitiveness.

The President told the business leaders and captains of industries that one of the hallmarks of his economic strategy is accelerated infrastructure development to fully realize the status of the Philippines as a viable investment destination. These infrastructures are the improved roads and bridges and the newly created transportation hubs in various regions of the country. On top of increased infrastructure development, Aquino said that the Philippines’ greatest advantage as a nation is the people. “Ultimately,” Aquino said, “we want a capable and empowered citizenry who can fill job openings and contribute to our agenda of inclusive growth.”

“A virtuous cycle has been ignited in the Philippines,” he told the business conference. He said that through reforms founded in good governance, integrity, and accountability, government has been able to level the playing field, giving rise to increased investor confidence.

The Philippines’ economic growth for the first semester of 2012 reached 6.1 per cent, exceeding expectations, and giving the government hope that it could easily achieve its target growth rate of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent GDP at the end of this year.

This accelerated economic growth has even caught the eyes of business analysts abroad, and has labeled the Philippines a “new tiger” both in the Southeast Asian region and globally.

It is our hope that these captains of industries and their businesses would pour back more of their earnings into the economy to give the government more revenues to spend on projects that benefit all 95 million Filipinos, like infrastructure development, health, education, and social services. These revenues would enable the Filipino people to become empowered consumers, skilled workers and future participants in what the President termed “inclusive growth.”

fortnightly by is published

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

Alfonso Gaerlan Aquino Rene Villaroman Dionesio C. Grava

Executive Editor Managing Editor Chief of Reporters

Joel Bander Francis Johann Verdote

Senior Columnist Correspondent

Lotis Kai Rosario , David Casuco & Vics Magsaysay

Contributing Writers

mailing address at Arturo Cariaga, Winston A. Marbella Manila Correspondents 1247 Arapahoe Street, # 7, Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle Arts and Entertainment Editor Los Angeles, CA 90006,

Larry Pelayo Editorial Ombudsman Telephone Number (213) 261-7467

and e-mail address at

editor@pinoywatchdog.com Web & SEO Strategist | Graphic Designer Lay-out and Graphics

The Greatest Filipino Who Ever Lived

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am writing this issue of my column as a member of the Order Of The Knights Of Rizal, and, as such,I would like to reply to the challenge of an esteemed colleague from the staff of PinoyWatchDog.com, Atty. Alma Luna-Reyes, as to why she considers Supremo Andres Bonifacio of the Katipunan, who led the armed revolt against Spain in August of 1896, her National Hero. You see, I joined the Order Of The Knights Of Rizal out of love and admiration for my hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, who I consider to be the greatest Filipino who ever walked the surface of this Earth, and, therefore, I cannot let passed unanswered any challenge against the level of patriotism and heroism Rizal nurtured for his beloved country, for which he suffered martyrdom at the hands of his Spanish tormentors, with his execution on the cold morning of December 30, 1896. The accusations against him, for which he met his fate, were even connected with the revolution, of which he only approved as a last resort, and openly predicted as doomed to fail in its present state. It is in the context of this situation- a violent revolution versus a peaceful resistance- that gives us insight about the heroism of these two men. However, I subscribe to the truth of the maxim: The Pen is mightier than the Sword.

It must be remembered that the revolution against Spain failed because the Katipunan broke into two factions and that, as Rizal saw it, the struggle did not have the support of the rich and the “Illustrados” of Philippine society. Earlier, even before the “cry of Balintawak”of August 24, 1896, Bonifacio had been sending emissaries to Dapitan, where Rizal had been exiled, like Emilio Jacinto, Macario Sakay, and Dr. Pio Valenzuela, to solicit his support for an armed revolt, but he was adamant in his stand for a peaceful struggle, and instead cautioned them that the Filipino is not yet ready for a national uprising.

Ensuing events saw the execution of Rizal and the following year in 1897, the Bonifacio brothers were executed for treason by their rivals, headed

by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo of the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan. Later in the year, the insurrectos capitulated to their Spanish rulers, and Aguinaldo and his generals went on exile to Hongkong after getting paid the amount of 400,000.00 pesos as settlement. Then when the Filipino exiles thought they can restart the revolution with the aid of the Americans who was at war with Spain at this time, the Spaniards had another thing in their sleeve. They ceded the Philippines to the United States by way of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and got paid the amount of 20 million dollars. And the United States got the Philippines, lock, stock and barrel.

The revolution against Spain claimed the lives of these two heroic personalities under different circumstances. Rizal was accused of rebellion, among others, in connection with the revolution and

was perceived to have inspired the struggle for freedom through his writings, particularly his two novels: the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Bonifacio was a tragic figure, although stubborn and hotheaded. He never won a battle, because he lacked military training. When his leadership was questioned by his rivals from the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan in that fateful Tejeros Convention, his temper immediately hit the roof and denounced all his rivals and insisted that they defer to him being the Supremo. That was his undoing, which later led to his execution as a traitor. The historian, Rafael Palma, contends that the revolution of Bonifacio is a consequence wrought about by the writings of Rizal, and that although the armed uprising produced an immediate outcome, the pen of Rizal generated a more lasting achievement.

The struggle for Philippine independence during the American colonization of the islands started with the enactment of the Philippine Organic Act of 1902 by the Congress of the United States, and its passage may be attributed to the poem of Dr. Jose P. Rizal--MI ULTIMO ADIOS. When the bill was being discussed in the House of Representatives, one of its sponsors, Representative Henry Cooper, a Democrat from Wisconsin, recited the English translation of the poem and interjected about the poet: “Under what clime or what skies has tyranny claimed a nobler victim?”

This clearly referred to the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The said law created the Philippine LegislaTurn to Page 11

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Election Fever is Here; Send in the Clowns

fter the deadline of candidates’ registration set by the Commission on Election in the Philippines, Filipinos back home were not surprised to see the same usual smorgasbord of candidates that made our election, national or local, the most coveted event. For a while it gives the common tao something to talk, discuss and most of all, watch with gusto because it gives them the happiest moments in their lives, the most humorous “fiesta” in our government affairs, starring children or families of those in office already, criminals trying to cover-up their crimes through running for elective positions, comedians, movie actors and actresses, and any Tom, Dick and Harry who thinks he can be the messiah our people are waiting for to uplift their livelihood and give antidote for poverty and hunger.

We can say now that barber shops and pondahans in the barrios and remote barangays will be alive again. Years ago, I was amused listening to our folks in the barrio during their discussions. Most often than not this, led to fistfights and misunderstanding in defending their candidates or “manoks.” A candidate’s visit to the barrio was a most awaited event during which the folks can wear their old ramie or khaki pants to shake hands with the politicos trying to court them for their votes. At times, there was instant baptism in order to make the candidate a compadre, or a kasalan.

Ka Juan always said “Pag halalan tayo ang hari, kanya kailan-

gan samantalahin na natin. Pag naupo na ang mga iyan, adios patawarin hindi na tayo makikilala.”

In the Philippines we have no shortage of candidates. What we do not have is a pool of thinkers or qualified ones. Iyong mga nag-aral para magsilbi hindi para mangurakot o magnakaw sa kabang-yaman ng ating bayan.

Years ago, during the time of then Senators Claro M. Recto or Eulogio Rodriguez, candidates running for offices were well respected; not only for their demeanors but also in having reliable degrees making them perfect candidates for office. Lawyers have the most appeal to the voters; followed by engineers, professors

and holders of related professions which can be used in their search for elective positions.

We seldom heard about dynasties; families running for all the available elective positions in their towns; no bold stars or actors and actresses; no children who cannot even interpret the Constitution; nor bold stars wanting to be called.”consejala, chairman or mayor.”

Recently we read the names of candidates forced by their parents in the government to run for office; the “kabits” or paramours of government officials; the wives, sons or mothers-in-law of some candidates. Even bold stars and beauticians. May panaderong nanalo dahil ang ibinabato sa

mga tao habang nangangampanya ay pan de sal, hopia, ensaymada at empanada.

And that is what makes election back home a comedy. Kahit na sino gusting humabol. Isang senador na hindi maka-pag English para makipag-usap sa mga sugo ng ibang karatig na bansa ang nagsabing kakanta na lamang daw, o kaya si bold star ay kekembot na lang daw sa ballroom habang naruruon ang mga panauhin.

Senator Miriam Santiago made an expose of the fat allowances and community or development funds of our politicians; from senators, representatives, congressmen, governors, mayors down to barangay chairmen.

No wonder the Philippines is a poor country and could hardly move forward. The coffers of the government are emptied already the moment the elected officials asked for their allowances and budgets, sans liquidations or paperwork. And that’s the reason why every time there is a calamity in the Philippines, government officials immediately make SOS overseas calls to Filipinos abroad for assistance.

It’s a shame, but in the real world, one among the causes of our poor economic developments for lack of budget is the government money siphoned to the officials in the forms of funds and al-

lowances which literally become their pocket money.

This situation will continue to exist unless the Filipinos gather their acts together and refrain from being victims of these clowns. Do not vote for abnormal individuals, whose only qualifications to be elected are their parents’ influence and their wealth.

This coming election, we have enough of the clowns to choose from. And in order to pick the best, simply shout and say “Send in the clowns.”

More on Pampanga’s Wonder Woman, Gov “Nanay” Baby Pineda A reader from Pampanga called to say that Wonder Woman had devoted also her time on endorsing sampaguita culture, bamboo planting, carabao raising, goats distribution in the barrios and a focus in improving tourism projects for Pampanga.

We heard that Among Panlilio had filed his candidacy against Gov Lilia Pineda. From the grapevine, this last act of Among Panlilio totally banned his return to priesthood.

We remember Among Panlilio did not even endorse PDCC during his short-lived term as governor of Pampanga. I cannot address him as governor because he lost the recount of the government position.

Batangas Rep. Mandanas in LA for OAV, dual citizenship talks ► Words and photos by Dionesio G. Grava

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irst the good news: There has been a steep climb in the number of registrants for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) within the jurisdictional area of the Los Angeles-based Consulate General of the Philippines.

When the registration process was started in 2003 the registrants reached a total of 402. The current registration period from Oct. 31, 2011 has seen that number rise to 29,639. At the rate registration is growing and if sustained, in 5-15 years we may have 100,000 registrants, said the consulate officerin-charge, Deputy Consul General Daniel R. Espiritu. Registration ends in the last day of this month.

Unfortunately, however, the eagerness of countrymen to participate in Philippine elections through OAV registration has not been matched with identical attitude in the voting itself. Only a very few actually voted, OIC Espiritu said.

That in essence is the justification for House Resolution No. 2807 filed by Batangas Representative Hermilando I. Mandanas. It urges the Philippine Commission on Elections, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and other national line agencies, civil societies and political parties to undertake activities to encourage all qualified Filipino voters to register and vote during the 2012 National Elections.

Congressman Mandanas was

at a scheduled meeting with community leaders and members of the press held at the Conference Room, Philippine Consulate General, evening of October 18. He arrived in Los Angeles the previous day and will be going next to San Francisco and other places for the same objective: To get the Filipinos overseas active in the voter registration process especially that there is only a short time left to do so.

“I have filed a bill regarding this (voter registration) that’s why I’m gathering information in aid of legislation,” the congressman said. Overseas Filipinos are not expected to go to the Philippines for the purpose of attending congressional hearings that’s why he has to come here instead, he said.

Apathy OIC Espiritu agreed that there is still a need to encourage countrymen to come to the consulate and register in order to be able to vote in the coming Philippine election. He said: “We still want that more will register. We want to maximize the number of registrants. It is their sacred right, their sacred duty. The only way they can influence the events in the Philippines is by participating in elections. At least they have a voice to select the kind of leaders they want. We are continuously exploring how to expand the opportunity for our people to participate. We are already doing the outreach. Hopefully we can also do more outreach.”

Espiritu also voiced out the need to involve community lead-

ers to disseminate the information and educate the people about OAV. But most of all, he said, there is a need to break the apathy of our people regarding elections although he clarified that it is not only in Philippine elections that our people don’t participate.

“Even when they are already American citizens, they still don’t participate in elections here. We really have to break this negative attitude because without voting, we won’t acquire the voice necessary in the fight for our advocacies that would benefit our countrymen,” he said and adding that American officials know that while there are many of us, many don’t register/vote and that fact translates into a tiny voice in community affairs.

There was also a discussion about the possibility of voting online. It would be a great development if realized. However, there are still technological and legal barriers to overcome. It’s okay as far as the U.S system is concerned because the government is interconnected. Your biometric data here, for exaple, is shared by the DMV, Homeland Security, Pentagon, FBI, civil registry and other major agencies of the government. We don’t have that kind of infrastructure in the Philippines.

Some discussants noted that some factors discourage prospective registrants. One of them is the requirement for registrants to signify intent to return to the Philippines. It would be best if such a requirement is eliminated.

However, it was noted that no

Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas (middle), joins Daniel R. Espiritu (left), OIC of Philippine Consulate-LA, and Vice Consul John G. Reyes in a discussion about voter registration and other issues with community leaders and members of the press. registrant has so far been cited for violating that constitutional mandate. Vice Consul John G. Reyes also informed that the requirement is only for immigrants.

It does not apply to dual citizens, he said.

Dual Citizenship Espiritu bared that the consulate has a list of 31,000 dual citizens. There is a misconception, he said, that it is illegal to have dual citizenship. “The truth is that under U.S. laws, you will only lose your American citizenship if you execute an affidavit explicitly renouncing it. It is okay to acquire foreign citizenship like the Philippines provided you don’t renounce your American citizenship. Taking the oath to reacquire one’s Filipino citizenship does not require a denunciation of U.S. citizenship.”

There are decided cases relevant to the issue of dual citizenship, among them: Schneider v. Rusk, 377 U.S. 163 (1964);

Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967); and Action and Deltamar v. Rich, 951 F.2d 504 (2nd Cir. 1991).

Rep. Mandanas said that it is important to find ways to improve the dual citizenship law; how to educate the Filipinos to make them appreciate that voting is a right; and to inculcate the idea that involvement in the voting process is a way of participating in good governance in the Philippines.

The legislator said that citizenship allows one to own properties without restrictions in the homeland. Many have gone back to the Philippines for that purpose and because of the financial downtrend in the U.S. OIC Espiritu chimed in: “Malaki-laki rin ang marating ng sahod mo o kaya SSI duon sa Pinas (your pay or SSI would go a long way in the Philippines). He also informed that there is an agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. to prevent double taxation on incomes.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

A matter of character ► By Dionesio C. Grava n one of her responses regarding allegations of wrongdoings, Darna Umayam made much of the fact that PinoyWatchDog used to have good words for her. In an email blast, for example, she said: “Mr.Al aquino wrote once that I was a pillar in the community and Mr Larry Pelayo wrote ‘Comes now Darna, a different breed who works and help people…’”

In another Ms. Umayam said: “In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the help and support you have extended to the 114th Philippine Independence Day and also to the 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA. Your presence and support is highly appreciated. Thanks.”

That was addressed to this writer.

It is my conviction as a Christian to presume good faith on fellowmen. Having heard of her supposed selfless services for charitable causes, I saw no reason not to give her that presumption. Then there was that kilometric biography she disseminated when she pursued an elective post in the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), which unfortunately she lost. I thought then that she’s one amazing Filipina-American worth emulating. There’s no reason to believe anyone of her stature would purposely lie on a personal sheet no one requires of her in the first place.

In some of her other messages Ms. Umayam wrote that her children are used to reading good things about her in the newspapers. As Filipinos, “Let us not put each other down, but instead let’s help each other.” Ms. Umayam contradicted herself when she later alleged that PinoyWatchDog had always been against her.

As journalists, it is our duty at PinoyWatchDog to diligently seek out subjects of news stories. It is what journalism is about. On her part as a public personality, it is her duty to be transparent and provide ready access to official documents so that the people may know. Regarding her fundraising, the IRS requires that documents be widely available for public inspection. Unfortunately she had not been forthcoming in our discussions regarding the ‘Outstanding’ event as well as of another fundraising in 2009.

She might have considered them cute but her responses to legitimate questions were pockmarked with ambiguity, contradictions, untruthfulness and other fallacies. Presumption of good faith withdrawn.

I wrote her initially that I am a community reporter who had to solicit her side of the developing controversy about the 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA, of which she was the project director, spokesperson and one-woman everything. “Like you,” I said, “I have

I

a role to perform. Unlike you, I have no other option in this assignment if I have to remain loyal to my calling.”

The second part was a dig on her claim of privacy. There’s no law forcing anyone to render voluntary fundraising service to the community. She could have opted out from our inquiries anytime by reverting to being an ordinary person. I reminded her then: “Regarding your claim of privacy, I believe your event 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA is a matter of public interest/concern.

Additionally, ‘A person may, by his own activities or by the force of circumstances, become a public personage and thereby relinquish a part of his right of privacy to the extent that the public has a legitimate interest in his activities. (Gertz v.

Robert Welch, Inc., supra, 418 U.S. 323, 351 [41 L.Ed.2d 789, 812].)”‘ The following is from an old Supreme Court dictum: “the interest of society and the maintenance of good government demand a full discussion of public affairs. Complete liberty to comment on the conduct of public men is a scalpel in the case of free speech. The sharp incision of its probe relieves the abscesses of officialdom. Men in public life may suffer under a hostile and unjust accusation; the wound can be assuaged by the balm of clear conscience. A public officer should not be too thinnedskinned with reference to his official acts. Only thus the intelligence and dignity of the individual be exalted.’

Ms. Umayam and her awards I recalled being invited to her house the first time — per IRS, the house being the declared site of her non-profit organization is a public place — in connection with another story I was following up which reportedly was settled out of court.

The first thing she did was show me her trophy room, the wall of which was covered with plaques. Indeed it was impressive. However, given the above-cited uncertainties in her statements as well as her refusal to clarify columnist Bander’s finding that the UST Cum Laude claim in her bio is allegedly not supported with fact, I had come to doubt whether all those awards were real.

Integrity, moral uprightness, character. Without them nothing matters, according to one saying.

Certainly there are other traits essential for one to achieve success such as belief in oneself, perseverance, determination and intelligence. But man has also a soul that has a conscience. Success and titles gained through deceptive means are things that your conscience would rather do without. As the scriptures say, “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and loses his own soul?”

I beg indulgence for sounding sanctimonious if only to vent regarding some critical postings in a Facebook forum about this ‘Outstanding’ thing. That includes someone masquerading as Diego Silang who reportedly posted my photo with the caption “Scammer”.

Scammer? Where and when did this supposed scam happened?

Who are the supposed victims?

That’s what’s wrong with some people: they are ‘courageous’ denouncing someone or something but only behind the cloak of anonymity.

More recently Ms. Umayam sent the following: “My husband and I are not afraid of you. Who do you think you are, what kind of life are you leading. You use your pen for something really bad and negative. That is the work of a person with manic depression psychosis. I researched on this.”

As I said, it is my obligation as a journalist to help ferret out the truth of a reported money-generating scheme that has been going on for several years. We have to persist on this issue because, according to Thomas Paine, “A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.”

Here is one lady who singlehandedly started a so-called national search for outstanding FilAms with zero funds, no public announcement or press releases, no committee of jurors and because the organization she was affiliated with — the Philippine Press Photographers-USA — has no 501 c(3) status, she allegedly hijacked the Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. to do the fundraising without the authority of its owners. She said awardees were not required to pay but we got hold of documents showing that they had to cough up at least $1,100 each. And a FilAm she used to work with in a previous organization alleged that there were also irregularities there.

In a short time more than 80 “Distinguished Honorees” were gathered and presented to the public in the OFAUSA event last March. She claimed that “There were 285 recommendations to this project however, we chose 100 best of the best.” Supposedly the 100 best of the best in the USA but lo and behold! Most of them were from the Los Angeles area and nearby vicinities. More troubling, many were personal friends of the organizer and reportedly included even two of Ms. Umayam’s teenage children. What a character?

Ms. Umayam said that the awardees deserve to be called outstanding because they will be donating to a charitable cause. Then why not call them Distinguished Donors or whatever title appropriate with that situation? The fictitious Diego Silang (some suspected he could be Adrian Lecaros, one of the awardees) justified the name because in the Philippines, he said, beauty competitions are given nice-

President Aquino: “I believe in the mark of a truly revitalized society” From Page 2

about accountability, integrity and transparency!

PHILIPPINES is the RIGHT place. FILIPINOS are the RIGHT people. Now, it is the BEST TIME to INVEST in the Philippines.

“This is the most bullish conference because businessmen are more inspired now than ever because of the assurance of the President. We can move on now and

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

compete,” PCCI President Varela said.

I commend the leaders and members of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by its President Atty. Miguel Varela, Chairman Antonio Lopa, Chairman Alfredo Yao, Honorary Chairman Edgardo Lacson, Honorary Chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr, Honorary Chairman Donald Dee, Dr. Jose “Titoy” Pardo, Dr. Francis Chua, its

distinguished members and officers of PCCI, on the occasion of the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition. MABUHAY! Melissa Salvador earned Master in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University. She is the President of iSynerji Global (www.iSynerji.com) and Digital Strategist of PinoyWatchDog.com.

sounding irrelevant titles even if in truth they are just money schemes.

Going by that assertion, was the 100 Best of the Best Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA no different from Filipina beauties vying titles for a price?

As already mentioned in a previous article, ABS-CBN International’s Bantay Bata was reported saying that Ms. Umayam committed to donate $7,000 only out of the expected huge proceeds. In good sense ABS-CBN later turned down the offered, if insulting, amount of donation. A substitute

charity whose local head, Tony Olaes, was among the ‘awardees’ reportedly accepted the donation and even promised a counterpart amount from his own pocket to be donated to Bantay Bata. Until now organizers refused to provide proof of delivery of the publicized donation. ABS-CBN reportedly has not received the supposed counterpart money for Bantay Bata. Additionally organizers have not released the names of awardees to the public supposedly for their own protection. Protection from what?

Business Leader Miguel Varela Atty. Miguel Varela, the renowned corporate lawyer and management practitioner in the Philippines, is the President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). PCCI hosted the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition last October 9 – 11 at posh Manila hotel.

About Miguel Varela

M

iguel Varela is an Ateneo de Manila Law School graduate and the renowned corporate lawyer and management practitioner in the Philippines, holds noteworthy positions in various public and private institutions. Mr. Varela is the President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest business organization in the country, and the Chairman of Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the largest association of employers in the country.

Varela has been a member of Megaworld Corporation‘s Board of Directors since 2006. He is a Director of Manila Bulletin and an erstwhile President, Director of Ausphil Tollways Corporation, Director of NPC Alliance Corporation, Vice Chairman of Richmonde Hotel, Trustee of Philippines Trade Foundation, Chairman of Pribadong Institusyon Laban sa Kahirapan (PILAK), Chairman for International and Trade Affairs of the PCCI, Chairman of the Philippine Association of Voluntary Arbitration Foundation (PAVAF), Vice Chairman of Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI), Vice President of the International Labor Organization Foundation, Commissioner and Corporate Secretary of the Streetwatch Commission and Foundation for Crime Prevention, Vice President of Ateneo Law Alumni Foundation, Director of the Makati Rotary Club, an accredited international arbitrator of the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration, member of the Philippine Bar Association, Commissioner of the Consultative Commission on Constitutional Reform and a Lifetime Member of the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA).

Varela is the recipient of various awards and citations such as San Beda College’s Outstanding Alumni Award for Business Leadership, and San Beda Hall of Fame Awardee, Presidential Medal of Merit for Outstanding Service to the Republic of the Philippines, Tamaraw Leadership Award, Katipunan Leadership Award and Leadership Award from ECOP, PCCI and ASEAN Productivity Organization. He was also conferred by the Central Luzon State University with the degree of Doctor of Humanities

(honoris causa), with Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presiding at the Conferment rites, and by the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez University of Science and Technology with a Doctorate in Business Technology (honoris causa).

Varela is an active member of the ASEAN Confederation of Employers, and the Management Association of the Philippines.

Varela served as Member (representing Employer and Industry Sector) of the Board of Directors of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Member (representing Management) of the National Manpower and Youth Council; Commissioner (representing the Business Sector) of the National Labor Relations Commission; Commissioner (representing employers) of the Social Security System; Commissioner (representing employers) of the Employees’ Compensation Commission; Commissioner (representing employers) of the Occupational Safety and Health Board; and Director of the National Economic Council (now National Economic and Development Authority) from 1967 to 1972.

Varela was a Philippine Delegate (representing employers) to the International Labor Conference; head delegate, member, and participant in various international activities, such as the Philippine Business Delegation on the Presidential Visits to Malaysia, China, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, USA, New Zealand, and Hong Kong; the ASEAN Conference of Employers’ Top Management; Top Management Forum on Role of New Ventures; Free Trade and Social Responsibility; and ASEAN Employers Symposium. He is also the Philippine Representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council; and the East Asia Business Advisory Council (EABC).

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

Umayam To PPP-USA members: Steal PWD copies; Trash them

Saturday, October 20, 2012

PPP Members Directed by Darna to Steal

From Page 1

June 21, 2012, which Ms. Umayan sent to officers of PPP-USA, which stated, “Dear fellow PPP-USA: I have emailed all awardees, because PinoyWatchDog is writing an article about the event, They asked me several questions and I answered them. Dionisio Grava is writing it. I warned Grava just to write on positive note.

Just watch for the article to come out. If there is something negative, we collect newspaper and thrown it in garbage. Let us help each other and do it”

Darna Umayam

Vilma Hernandez

Irwin Jazmines

Bobby Crisostomo

Bobby Sadul

Sid Guerrero

Ding Carreon

mittedly,” Bander said, “there are worse crimes out there, so we will be patient while the LAPD moves ahead with its investigation.”

Previous PWD investigations of Umayam revealed that she even stole the 501(c) (3) charity, Philippine Children’s Charities, from the Philippine Consulate’s 2009 Kalayaan Organizing Committee. http://www.pinoywatchdog.com/ umayam-hijacked-pcci-non-profitfrom-independence-day-committee/ There are also reports that Umayam has issued a financial

statement to some of her ‘awardees’ but preliminary, unsubstantiated reports indicate bloated expenses.

However, at press time PWD does not have a copy of this report.

“This email well demonstrates Umayam’s criminal mind” PWD Executive Editor Al Aquino said.

“How can a community leader put in writing to steal a community paper because the articles are not positive about them? And th e PPP, why didn’t those characters speak up when she announced her theft plans?”

Anthony Castillo

Ding Carreon and Anthony Castillo. PWD received numerous reports of Crisostomo boasting of stealing the newspapers, as well as reports that Hernandez, Jazmines and Anthony Castillo were involved in the internet smear campaign against PWD after the exposes first appeared.

All of these PPP members were sent emails from the PWD Investigative Team seeking comment on their roles in stealing PWD newspapers. However, none of them have responded to these emails.

In PinoyWatchDog.com’s September 8, 2012, print edition

numerous witnesses discussed personally observing Umayam stealing the newspapers. See http://www.pinoywatchdog.com/ This email was forwarded darna-umayam-caught-stealing/. to then active members of the While that article discussed that the PWD Investigative Team had PPP, some of whose members seen the email, it had not, until have long been suspected by the recently, actually obtained a copy PinoyWatchDog.com investigaof the email that is now being tive team of also being active shared with our readers. in the theft of the newspapers.

On July 22, 2012, Umayam Among those directed by Umaysent an email to PWD Sr. Colam to steal the newspapers and umnist Joel Bander stating “I throw them away were long term will not make an appeal to the Umayam supporters, including community to stop stealing your Vilma Hernandez, Irwin and Nita Pinoywatchdog. I was about to Jazmines, Bobby Crisostomo, do it to put a stop on all this. But Bobby Saddul, Sid Guerrero, you still continue to hit me below the belt. I will just do what I think is right.” In that same email exchange, Umayam stated “I won’t stop at nothing. The war has just begun.”

See related story at http:// www.pinoywatchdog.com/ anti-semitic-rants-and-support-for-newspaper-thievery-from-darna-umayam/ Bander said that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has assigned two detectives to investigate further, and that he is contact with them. California Penal Code Section 490.7 makes it a crime to take more than 25 free newspapers if the purpose is to deprive others Darna to the PPP: “If there is something negative, we collect newspaper and the opportunity to read or enjoy the newspaper. “Adthrow it in garbage.”

PinoyWatchDog.com names Robbie Fabian of ABS-CBN Foundation the first ‘Dog of the Year’ Award recipient From Page 1

awards event on July 26, and the Foundation board’s decision to decline a donation to the Foundation’s Bantay Bata project came to the fore after Ms. Umayam anti-Semitic statement against PWD Senior columnist and founder and that proved to be the last straw in the Foundation’s decision to pull out from the awards event and to decline PCCI’s planned donation to Bantay Bata.

The ‘Dog of the Year’ award stemmed from the newspaper’s avowed commitment to total and unbridled press freedom, and its advocacy for transparency, truthful-

ness and courageous community service. PWD’s editorial board, which consists of President and Executive Editor Al Aquino, Founder and Senior Columnist Joel Bander, co-founder and Managing Editor Rene Villaroman, Editorial Ombudsman Larry Pelayo and Chief of Reporters Diony C. Grava are unanimous in their vote for choosing Mr. Fabian as the first ‘Dog of the Year’ Award recipient.

Joel Jacinto, Director of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), said, “Robbie Fabian’s act of turning down the funds was an extraordinary act of principle, and I applaud him for looking through the lens of was giving the money. As a fundraiser, it is

never easy to turn down money.

Hats off to Robbie Fabian. PinoyWatchDog.com has made a good choice.”

“He did not hesitate to make a judgment,” opined Mutch Carino, another community leader. “He was not inhibited to be a whistle blower; not afraid to use integrity and transparency as his standard operating procedure. If I were voting, Fabian would get my vote.”

Arnel Dino, a concerned citizen and community advocate said: “Interesting choice. As I think about it, I cannot think of anyone else more appropriate to receive the award.” Producer-director Vic Perez said, “He is truly a man of virtues, and I respect the

guy.”

The low-key corporate executive Fabian, who was informed about his selection of PWD’s first ‘Dog of the Year’ recipient this week, played down the announcement, saying, “I have been cautioned in the past about accepting awards. However being named PinoyWatchDog.com’s ‘Dog of the Year’ is a great honor.

I am very pleased to be the first recipient.”

Fabian, has served as President of ABS-CBN Foundation International since 2009. He is a candidate for a Master’s Certificate in Business Administration, Marketing and Economics from Boston University’s School of Management. In 1992, he was

Director of Development of the Shanti Project in San Francisco, the first AIDS education and direct services organization in the US. He has also served, from 1992 until 1996, as Director of Development at KQED, Inc., a San Francisco Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. He served as Vice President for Resource Development of the Galef Institute, an education think tank, then he organized his own consulting business named J. Robbie Fabian Development Consulting, and began his presidency at ABSCBN Foundation International in 2009.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

Community

LA schools embark on anti-obesity, healthy food program

Typical treats

► Words and photos by Dionesio G. Grava

P

ressed for an answer, the young Filipino American conceded that the food was okay as far as he was concerned. However, in a talk with PinoyWatchdog later, Karl Pascasio reiterated his reservations. He wished there were more choices such as, for example, Filipino food.

The teenager came to the U.S. with his parents in 1999 and had visited his birthplace, Quezon City, four years ago. He still speaks the mother tongue and “comfortable with the food of my country.” “My country” being the Philippines. More than 100 Filipinos attend the Bravo Middle Magnet High School in Los Angeles, he said. He and another Bravo student, Kristina Galstyan, were in the panel that morning to offer the youth’s perspective about the school district’s new program to improve the eating habits of students.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) takes on child nutrition be-

out the day. The motto being better eating, greater learning. That would do well for the academic standing for the school -- in addition to the fact that greater attendance means more revenues for it.

Then there is the matter of overweight and obese students. Kidsdata.org gives an alarming information regarding the rate of the problem on school children. It says that the impact extends beyond the individual’s social and physical health problems to being a burden to medical care costs. It is also being carried to adulthood. In today’s news, for example, Reuters says that “Between 2000 and 2010,

A couple of trucks used to deliver more than 1,100 packed lunch to 500,000 kids dail the option of meat or meat alternate, fruit, vegetable, green bread and dairy.

A media briefing was held recently at the Newman Nutrition Center in Los Angeles under the auspices of the New America Media

From left: Filipino American Karl Pascasio, student; Victor Carranza, food service supervisor; Kristina Galstyan, student; Sandy Close, NAM executive director; David Brinkle, interim director of FSD; and Normandie Nigh, CEO of WFK. yond lip service and goes the extra length to make food not only good for the health but acceptable to the palate of kids. The second largest school district in the U.S. is making improvements to school lunches in ways that students consume familiarlooking food without knowing that it had been modified to carry extra nutrients.

It is a wellness program intended to achieve a win-win goal on both the kids’ well being and for the school. The district is banking on a study that well-fed students are less likely to dropout; and that they are more focused in their studies and perform better through-

the proportion of Americans who were severely obese - at least 100 pounds overweight - rose from 4 percent to almost 7 percent.”

There is a study indicating that many factors may contribute to the growth in childhood obesity such as “junk” food, large portions, soda consumption and less exercise. LAUSD takes pride in the fact that in 2005 it pioneered the banning of soda and chips in the school vending machines. The district also has done away with MSG, palm oils, trans fats — and introduced whole wheat, brown rice and vegetarian entrées. In the current food program students are offered

(NAM) to familiarize members of the press of the district’s Nutrition in Schools program. Participants also had the opportunity to observe the processes involved in the lunch preparation. The event was supported by The California Endowment.

David Binkle, interim director of LAUSD Food Services Division (FSD), bared that the school program designed to increase awareness of childhood obesity and encourage healthy eating habits is immense in scope.

The FSD provides approximately 650,000 meals every day served to 80 percent of the student populace who qualify for the free food. It

Rick Zalenwski, food production manager, Food handlers make the commitment to delivshows off the packaging facility. er healthy and delicious food to their wards.

is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and, according the Binkle, the system is such that the more kids are served, the more is the program funded.

A fact sheet indicates that currently the Newman Nutrition Center, the FSD’s packaging facility, prepares 220,000 of the meals every day and distribute them to satellite kitchens. Overall, it says that 500,000 kids are served daily in more than 1,100 different schools.

Normandie Nigh, CEO of A World Fit for Kids (WFK), expressed excitement about the progress of

the program, which she described as remarkable and a model for the other schools in the country. She added that a healthy student will be able to focus more in her\his studies and excel academically in school. She urged teachers and parents to provide healthy food to the kids instead of candy or doughnuts and other junk food.

Victor Carranza, a supervisor of FSD, said that it is crucial that everyone get involved because the job of encouraging kids to eat is very challenging and requires collaborative efforts from everyone. He was re-

sponding to information that some teachers object to food being served in classrooms because it would cut into the teaching time.

The Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act of 2010 (HHFK) is intended to help transform school food environment in order to promote better nutrition and reduce obesity. The law constitutes the first major changes in the food program in over 15 years and considered important to the 32 million students who eat a school lunch and 12 million who eat a school breakfast each school day.

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, October 20, 2012

End of a remarkable space saga

► Words and photos by Dionesio C Grava

I

n mid-September the space shuttle Endeavour piggybacked on a specially modified 747 jet as it left the Kennedy Space Center on a cross-country flight to Los Angeles. It made

low flyovers past NASA centers in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, the White Sands Test Facility near Las Cruces, New Mexico, NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California, NASA’s

An object of allure, the Endeavour. Here a pair of uniformed cops could not a allow an awesome photo opportunity to go unexploited.

Photo shows Endeavour in front of Airpark Hotel in Manchester Av., Inglewood.

The five-story high spaceship towers over a gas station on the side of a busy street.

Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California, and various landmarks in

and around San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

It marked the end of an era of 25 missions over 20 years, totaling 299 days in space that had seen, among others, a space walk to rescue a stranded communications satellite, building and outfitting the International Space Station and a repair mis-

sion to the Hubble Space Telescope.

After a few days stay inside a hangar at the Los Angeles International Airport the shuttle literally inched its way through busy streets past enthusiastic crowds and businesses and public buildings at a stop-and-go 2 mph.

Along the way yearsold trees had to be cut down and light posts and

other hindrances moved momentarily where it became obstacles to the immense wingspan.

The historic tour made a scheduled stopover at The Forum before starting the final stretch of its plodding journey.

Finally it reached its destination to start a grand new role -- the centerpiece at the California Science Center.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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PinoyWatchDog.Com

A

ntert inment & rts

9

Movie:

“The Bladed Hand: The Global Impact of FMA”

► A film review By Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle

T

he Bladed Hand, a documentary had its first screening on October 12, 2012 at the Aratani Theatre at Tokyo Town, Los Angeles. The filming of this documentary took three years in the making according to its producer – Jay Philip Ignacio. He wrote, directed and produced this inspiring documentary about a lost art - Eskrima/Kali/Arnis (known as Filipino Martial Arts-FMA), resurrected by masters. Mr. Ignacio spoke before the screening and told us his story of why and how he was inspired into making this documentary, the financial challenges he encountered (since he was pretty much on his own) and how he now cherishes the fruits of his labor, along with his co-producer, Sonny Sison.

Ignacio admitted he had no background in filmmaking.

However, this film was wonderfully edited and can be claimed as a true documentary. It takes us back to how and when FMA started then it flashes to masters training their students to shots of historians talking about FMA as it blazes into fight scenes- be it movies or masters fighting with students.

The Bladed Hand was filmed around Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, Batangas, Hongkong, Moscow, Oakland, San Diego, Honolulu and Los Angeles. This film attempts to reveal and educate audiences the impact of our native art and that this is one of the Philippines’ greatest export but not much is known about it.

Thus, comes this documentary.

And, it was a success.

The Aratani theater was packed with Masters, martial art students and teachers and those who are avid in the martial arts. A sprinkling of martial art celebrities such as Cynthia Rothrock, one of the best martial arts/action film star in the world who also holds 5 Black Belts in various martial disciplines attended. Gracing the red carpet as well was Jeff Imada (friend Here are the next screenings:

Ignacio & Hamada on the Red Carpet (Photo by Bernie C. Kimmerle) of Brandon Lee –he also choreographed the fights in Lee’s final film – The Crow). Imada, a well known fight choreographer who uses FMA for fight scenes trained under Dan Inosanto whom Bruce Lee trained and lived with.

The Bladed Hand, shows how Bruce Lee’s 1973 movie “Enter the Dragon” paved the way and opened the doors for FMA. Ignacio interviewed many masters, and we learn, in the film, that after Lee trained with Dan Inosanto, FMA techniques Jeff Imada and Sylvester Stallone

(courtesy of Jeff Imada Pictures)

were the choice of fight choreographers for use in Hollywood Films because of its graceful movements. FMA’s techniques are used in many movies worldwide including Hollywood, in the military and law enforcement agencies in the US, Moscow. In 2009, the Philippine Government finally passed the law that FMA now is the national sport through the lobbying of masters and celebrities. This fact is not even known by our 1st to 3rd Fil-Am generations.

The documentary – The Bladed Hand, has a raw, jagged edge to it – much like a blade.

In-depth interviews of the original Arnis masters were shown and their rivalries amongst each other was portrayed. Most of the filming took place on location – we can see how simple the Filipino Masters lived, how they trained their students and provided insight to the art of Arnis and Eskrima. We learn in this film that Arnis is an indigeneous martial art –originally a blade fighting art but popularly accepted as a stick fighting system.

However, the FMA system is known worldwide as

The Bladed Hand - USA screening schedule for 2012 October 18 - San Diego, CA - Ultra Star Cinemas Mission Valley Hazard Center

7510 Hazard Center Dr #100, San Diego

8 PM - call 6195748684 October 28 - Minneapolis, MN - Pepitos PArkway Theater - 6 PM November 3 - New York, NY - Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy

11 AM Anthology Film Archives - Court Theater 32 Second Avenue NY November 11 - Washington DC - Cinema Arts Theatre - 9 AM 9650 Main Street, Fairfax,

VA 22031- Contact Jhun_Occidental@yahoo.com November 14 - New York, NY - International Film Festival Manhattan

1 PM Quad Cinemas 34 West 13th St, New York

“Kali.”

The Bladed Hand is a success on its own because the audience cheered, clapped at certain scenes and when it was revealed that one of the original masters died poor in the Philippines, in an unmarked grave, one

– our own. In one part of the movie, a foreigner was training defense techniques to policemen in Manila and even the police had no idea that they were being trained an art that is their own – Filipino Martial Arts.

This film featured FMA

Cynthia Rothrock –Martial Arts Actress (Photo by Bernie C. Kimmerle)

Jay Ignacio – Writer, Director, Producer of The Bladed Hand

can feel the stunned silence of the audience. The audience was also educated as to the genesis of FMA , its global impact and that FMA is one of the Philippines’ greatest cultural export.

The Bladed Hand showed the importance of recognizing that FMA has been used for 30 years.

More importantly, it shows that this art is from the Philippines

luminaries such as SGM Diony Canete, SGM Cacoy Canete, Guro Dan & Diane Inosanto, Guro Ron Balicki, GMs Ising Atillo, Nick Elizar, Remy Presas and many more.

For those devoted to the martial arts, this is a movie to see.

Mr. Ignacio deserves a standing ovation of this endeavor.

(Photo by Bernie C. Kimmerle)

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Saturday, October 20, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Entertainment & Arts

T ??

False rue

OR

►By Vince Concepcion

? Racial Discrimination Rules the

day with Pinoy Former Beauty Queen Dindi Gallardo, Lucy Liu!

W

hat the crap is going on here? Have you heard of what happened to New York based former beauty queen Dindi Gallardo in her former workplace? Here’s the rub. Dindi Gallardo (now Joanna Gallardo-Mills)worked as an executive coordinator for Frank Miller, the writer of the comics Sin City and The Dark Knight Returns. She reported that she was put into a very hostile working environment by Frank Miller and by his girlfriend Kimberly Cox. Kimberly was reported to throw the phone at Dindi, destroyed her printer with a hammer, and smeared feces in her work station. In other words she was put to hell by the Batman writer’s girlfriend. She is seeking damages for discrimination and anguish.

Dindi Gallardo Now, following its discrimination tracks is Lucy Liu’s reported racial slurs(?) with Filipinos. In a TV interview at “Late Show with David Letterman” promot-

ing the film “Elementary”, she said she exercises indoors because she gets really dark and she would look “a little Filipino” and it doesn’t match. She got a lot

of negative feedback online with Filipinos saying she just slipped a discriminatory remark against Filipinos. I heard she apologized for this statement but a lot of Pinoys got very disturbed.

Anyways, while all of these are going here in the US, our chismoso reporters told me that they spotted in LA Martin Nievera at Disneyland in Anaheim and AiAi de las Alas in Americana in Glendale.They are here to support ABS-CBN Foundation International‘s Bantay Bata and Sagip Kapamilya in a show –The King and AiAi. More power for you great guys for helping a

Lucy Liu

good cause.

Back home in the Philippine Islands, good news for Pinoy movies. Box Office hits are movies “This Guy’s in Love with U Mare” starring Vice Ganda, Toni Gonzaga and Luis Manzano.

What I heard is it’s raking beaucoup bucks – hundred million already in its 5th day? Wow. And with GMA Films, the Dingdong Dantes and Lovi starrer movie thriller “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles” raked in 10 million in its first day! Another wow!

More Chismis next issue as we continue to enjoy showbiz newsbreaks!

Vice Ganda

The Philippine islands: A paradise rediscovered From Page 1

Department of Philippine Tourism flaunted picture-perfect natural attractions of the islands emblazoned by the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” catch phrase. The six-man PDoT-LA staff spearheaded by PDoT Director Mary Anne Cuevas-Lim and Emmanuel Ilagan, deserve all the glory, honor, and power. They had to walk the extra miles to promote the Philippines

(more fun spells paradise over there). PDoT-LA staff responded splendidly to the exceptionally frenetic weekend. They were shuffling from the ASTA event to the local Phil-Am Expo at nearby West K Hall, where another tourism booth had to be populated.

But it was the mainstream ASTA expo where the DoT was more fixated.

“The Philippine DoTLos Angeles certainly is doing a wonderful job in

North America and beyond,” observes a Fil-Am who saw a big Boracay billboard along Las Vegas Blvd. “These guys should be lauded and recognized for their great effort of promoting Philippine tourism.”

Meanwhile, there is no gainsaying that DoT’s ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ drive in Los Angeles got an excellent traction.

On any given day one goes around L.A., chances

are one will be reminded of the sun, the sea, and the sand of the unspoiled beaches of the Philippine islands. On moving buses and light trains, a picture of people leisurely canoeing over the shallow reefs of Palawan is just as gorgeous as it is inviting. On that advertisement, the DoT’s punch line read: “Commuting. It Is More Fun in the Philippines.”

Inside the Metro trains, Philippine tourism ads are a common sight. “More Fun” billboards by the freeways and byways are as ubiquitous as the Dodger blues. And on television, “More Fun” ads appear in Mandarin, Korean, and English. Over in Santa Clarita, a county 30 miles north of L.A., a group of Fil-Am golfers were waiting to tee off for the APO monthly golf tournament.

And guess what the guys are looking forward to: A golf safari in the Philippines, because playing golf is a lot more fun in the Philippines,” says Fil-Am amateur golfer Lino E.B. Pangilinan, parroting the DoT’s very popular catch phrase. “Over there you play with caddies and um-

brella girls. Now, tell me why golf can’t be more fun in the Philippines.”

“It is an inspired move to vigorously push the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” promo in the Southland using L.A. as the focal point of the campaign,” says FilAm travel/tourism writer Justin Orola. “As a journalist, I believe that where L.A. goes, so goes Southern California.”

Launched early this year, the new Philippine tourism campaign is designed to lure tourists seeking for a perfect tropical escape. In a recent interview with the Oxford Business Group, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that the campaign is “the most competitive campaign that the Philippines has ever utilized. It focuses on the strengths of the Philippines as a destination. I believe that the Philippines is not just a place that has to be seen, it is a place to be experienced, because the Filipinos complete the experience.”

Jimenez added that “Filipinos are known worldwide for their capacity for caring and comfort

– one need only look at the proportion of Filipinos operating in the global nursing and hospitality industries. By connecting this positive image of the Filipino to the country, we are hoping to reform the image of the Philippines abroad and to give the country’s people more of a direct connection to the success of the industry.’’

“We have set the ambitious target of 10 million visitors by 2016, which we feel is meaningful to the country’s economy,” Jimenez said.

Now that everybody seems to be jumping into the “It is more fun in the Philippines” bandwagon, it looks like the DoT has it made for this year, and that makes the job of attaining the 10 million visitors arrival target in 2016 well, a lot more fun.

(The author writes travel-tourism, sports, and spirituality for the Pinoy WatchDog, examiner.com, and Mabuhay News Service. Email him at davecasuco@ gmail.com)

Saturday, October 20 , 2012

Client care news

Troubling Tax Forms 1099 From Lenders WWW.TAXWORK.COM

► By Angel Y. Dayan | CPA, EA, ABA, ATA

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ho knows if you could be in trouble with this?

The Lenders realize its effects and thus throws you a “curse,” like a devil on the tail. But it is the tax accountant who could really analyze this best on a troubled real estate. But how much of it could be taxed depends upon your tax bracket and some available options of escape in the law. These forms1099-A, S, and C,the lenders may issue cannot be ignored. You will need some help. The IRS has all the information from these reports captured in their computer system. In an appropriate time and manner later, usually rather late, the IRS writes a letter proposing taxes from these forms you received from your Mortgage Lenders. A Property in trouble such as a Foreclosure, Abandonment, Normal Sale, Short-Sale, even Bankruptcy all result to these special forms 1099. It may come to you in a series if you have several mortgage debts and real estate, and/or some unsatisfied private credit obligations. When people receive these forms, their tax consequences are real and need to be addressed. Waiting for time to deal with it causes more problems. If you will ask me, it should have been the first thing to have been looked at before any real estate decision was

made. But then as always it appears we accountants would be the last one to be consulted with. Unfortunately, we CPAs are not treated an important resource prior to any critical real estate transaction decisions until tax time trouble comes. It is the realtor who gets the first trust, paid real commissions but who knows nothing about tax consequences and does not even care. Only a few clients would have that prudence or care to preconsult a CPA. When these troubling 1099 form come, it could be tax “payback time,” according to tax law if you have made some bad decisions you thought were right.

Yes, it is understandable you had to make some tough choices but not checking the rules is irresponsible and it breeds tax consequences that are financially harmful. In most cases, it is too late to unwind. Good lessons are learned.

During the good days of real estate, refinancing the loan and cashing out from this transaction offered a lot of fancy enjoyment. Those were the real property glory days. I have seen the proceeds of the refinanced loans used for the casinos, travel or vacation, paying off the car, getting remarried, paying children’s school tuition, invested in another real estate purchase, other than to improve, repair, or maintain the refinanced property that the

government expected. The last one listed here in most cases never got done at all.

This is one problem. There are tax consequences that may hang on your head for up to 10 years if you do not avail of some available options in the law to solve this problem.

The critical question asked of the Mortgage Lender by the IRS is: Is the borrower “personally liable” on the loan? The response to this question affects the tax computations for the troubling tax form. You will find the answer to this question in a separate box of the 1099 form. It is a tax question more than anything else when the money on real estate has failed. The other surprising consequential question is: Is a real estate abandonment or foreclosure considered “a deemed sale” of the property with potential capital gains tax? The answer is, yes, and it truly surprises people.There are tax troubles from the tax Forms-1099 the Lenders give.

Please call me at (213)365-1040 if you have any question or need an appointment to solve this problem. My name is Angel Y. Dayan, CPA, EA, ABA, ATA, a Professional Tax Remedy Consultant on Real Estate transactions. I focus on taxes and problem resolution.

You can find my background on my website at www.taxwork.com

My View

From Page 3

The Greatest Filipino Who Ever Lived

ture and appointed two delegates to the U.S. Congress, extended the U.S. Bill of Rights to Filipinos, and laid the foundation for an autonomous government ran

by Filipinos and eventual independence. The Jones Law of 1916, the Hare-HawesCutting Law of 1933 and the Tydings-Macduffie Law of 1934 became the enabling acts that assured the Filipinos of independence and sovereignty. Finally, on July 4, 1946, under the Treaty of Manila, the United States finally granted, or shall we say restored, independence and sovereignty to this “Pearl of the orient seas” of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

The political philosophy of Rizal for a peaceful resistance was the primary reason

the Taft Commission chose and recommended him as the national hero of the Philippines, which prompted the historian Renato Constantino to comment that Rizal was a U.S. sponsored hero.

That singular honor and recognition by the U.S. Insular Government during the colonial period was perhaps the most helpful act that kept alive the topic of freedom and sovereignty. And after 1946, there were these two Republic Acts of the Philippine Government which bestowed recognition to the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, namely: RA 646(1951) providing a charter to the Order of the Knights of Rizal, as a public law corporation of the Republic of the Philippines and constituted to uphold the teachings and

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ideals of Dr.Jose Protacio Rizal to the end that Filipinos may emulate and follow his examples; RA 1425 (1956), requiring all high school and college curricula a course in the study of the life, teachings and writings of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. This act was popularly known as the Noli-Fili law during my college days.

However, despite the lack of any official declaration from the Philippine government explicitly proclaiming them as national heroes, Rizal, along with Bonifacio, remain admired and revered for their role in Philippine history. Heroes, according to historians, should not be legislated. Their appreciation should be better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes, they felt, would be recognition enough.

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Echo Park Library to Launch the Philippine Heritage Collection

os Angeles, Oct. 11, 2012 -- October has been designated as Filipino American History Month.

In celebration of this event, the Echo Park Community Group (EPCoG) in collaboration with the Los Angeles City Public Library is launching the Philippine Heritage Collection at the Echo Park Public Library. This collection will be the foundation of the literary, historical, and cultural documentation of the Filipino-American and Philippine experience.

The “story” or “experience” will also highlight the contributions and sacrifices made by Filipino Americans as immigrants to this land and will showcase literary works of local Filipino authors especially those writing about their Filipino American

experiences and the development of Historic Filipino Town. Future programs will include book talks and signings, lectures and cultural presentations.

An open house open to the public will be held from 11 AM to 3PM on October 27, 2012. The program will feature two Keynote speakers – Cathy Serafica Deleon and Greg Villanueva.

Cathy Serafica Deleon is the Branch Manager of the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library of the Orange County Public Libraries.

She will speak about the importance of libraries to our community and what a historic phenomenal event this is – the establishment of Philippine Heritage Collection in the Los Angeles Public Library. Greg Villanueva is an Echo Park native and successful architect, and who brought up the idea of a Philippine Heritage Collection as part of the Echo Park Library.

He will share the reasons that sparked the creation

of the collection. Michelle Magalong of the MyHiFi group will present a Filipino-American Historical Perspective. A number of local Filipino American authors will also be attending. Linda Nietes of Philippine Expressions Bookshop, a mail order bookshop in Palos Verdes, http:// philippineexpressionsbookshop@wordpress. com (310) 5149139 will be on hand with books for purchase or donation to the collection. The Echo Park Library is located at 1410 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, 90026.

Co-chairs of this event are EPLCoG Board members Caroline Lorenzo and Jose Sigala.

Also on the EPLCoG Board are Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, President; Lisa Baca-Sigala, Treasurer; Carlene Bonnivier, Secretary; Dr. Marc Caratao; Cora Marte; Isa Meksin and Ramona Souza.

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Saturday, Octobe 20, 2012

Unsung Heroes of Dentistry

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e n tist r y is not an easy profession. I believe I have earned the right to make that statement.

All day long you deal with disgruntled insurance companies, patients who expect to leave your office looking Hollywood-ish and the depressing effects of a struggling economy. All these juggled while your backs are arched and your eyes squinted. It is nonetheless a rewarding profession and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

Fresh out of college I came to the land of milk and honey in the early 90s. Since I didn’t have the license to practice yet, I did what most foreign dentists were doing, work as a dental assistant.

This gives you a foot-in-thedoor so to speak… establish connections, learn the tricks of the trade and most of all, prepare for four board exams that menacingly stared me in the eyes. Then there of course was the promise of a bi-monthly check in my pocket.

To be an assistant is not a walk in the park. You need to please three entities: the dentists, the patients and your co-workers. Have you been in a dental office where a procedure is performed with little or no words exchanged between the dentist and the assistant? That and to be able

► By Dr. Fernando de la Pena to deliver health care while being a few steps ahead of the dentist takes remarkable experience and know-how. A dental assistant has the artistic skills of a craftsman, the charm of a musician and the patience of a contestant in front of Simon Cowell. They have contributed immensely to the dental profession but have never really basked in its glory since the spotlight is almost always focused on the guy with the DDS after his name. For this reason, nobody would argue with me that dental assistants are the unsung heroes of dentistry.

In our desire to impart knowledge and contribute to the profession by producing more of these healthcare workers, we established the Los Angeles School of Dental Assisting. As a DA for about four years and currently as a general dentist in Los Angeles, I have unique perspectives of the profession from two avenues. I know what dentists expect and I know how assistants feel. This gives me the chance to address both issues in our classroom and clinic.

Further, we believe that with dedication and commitment to a two-evening per week class, the course could be completed in just three months at a fraction of the cost that other schools charge. Not a lot of facilities expose students to hands-

on clinical experience in an actual dental office setting, another item we place in the student’s bag.

Dental Assistants are here to stay. It is not a deadend job. I have had dental assistants who are now college teachers, office managers and hygienists enjoying fruitful careers. In Orange County alone, the projected job growth up to the year 2016 is 33.5%, the 11th fastest-growing occupation from 2006 through 2016, according to the EDD. As dentists become more and more dependent on their invaluable services, the position only gets more and more etched into the work force. I have always admired people who would work hard and earn an honest buck. DAs are a classic example of this breed. So, the next time you visit your dentist, please show your appreciation to the dental assistant. You can never thank these people enough. Besides, they’re the ones who put the toothbrush in your goody bag!

Dr. Fernando de la Pena is the director of the Los Angeles School of Dental Assisting and the administrator of the De La Pena Dental Group located at 2701 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90057. Their contact info: (213) 389-6211 www.losangelesdentalassistant.com and www.lasersandbraces. com.

Joel Bander is enjoying twin careers in litigation and advocacy journalism

► Rene Villaroman | Managing Editor

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tto r n e y Joel Bander greets someone at an event.

He humbly introduces himself as “Joel” without any fanfare of being an attorney or his association with this newspaper. And now, working with him over a year on our PinoyWatchDog.com inevitably someone chimes in and says “this is Attorney Bander.” The person just meeting Bander says “oh, I have heard so much about you, now I finally get to meet you.” Bander meekly smiles, understanding but perhaps not fully appreciating the high regard Filipinos have for ‘personalities.’

While Attorney Bander has been a litigator for over 25 years he has only been a journalist for about a year. I have wondered, how is he able to deal with both the legal and journalism worlds at the same time. An important part of the answer lies in Bander’s life before law school being a well paid political consultant right out of college.

“I went to school in Washington, D. C.,” Bander said, “because I wanted to be involved in politics.” In

1974, when Bander started college, was the end of a vibrant era in America. The Vietnam War had waned down and Richard Nixon just resigned the U.S. Presidency.

Bander went on to become a American University College Democrat during the 1976 election campaign and graduated in 1977 with degrees in both political science and economics.

“How did you graduate with two degrees in three years?” I asked. Similar to my experiences with Bander, he was a man on the move, taking classes over two summers to be able to graduate a year early.

After graduation, Bander was a political consultant for the AFL-CIO, helping to defeat an anti-labor ballot referendum in Missouri.

He was then immediately hired as legislative analyst by the United Mine Workers of America’s Legislative Department (1978-1981), being quickly promoted as a lobbyist because he was easily able to understand energy and environmental legislation. He also coordinated political events throughout the coal producing regions of America.

“If you want to learn pol-

itics in the life of rough and tumble,” Bander said, “then work for a labor union.”

Because Bander understood public policy development so well and made good verbal presentation he was often called upon to be a press spokesperson for the union when the union’s chief press officer was on the road.

Bander recalls that once at a Labor/Energy conference he had organized the president of the union was fast asleep from drinking heavily the night before when he was supposed to be giving the keynote address that Bander had drafted. “Getting him out for the speech was a part of politics they cannot teach in school,” Bander laughed.

“So handling issues of Filipino politics and media are not all that different.”

In 1985 Bander received his law degree from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon (1985) where he won his school’s National Wagner Labor Law Moot Court Competition and represented the law school in the national competition in New York City. He passed the bar examination on his first take in 1985 and started his own law firm in 1987.

“I saw the law as a way to make some money and have

more stability,” Bander said.

But not before another political stint working against Proposition 51, an insurance initiative, in 1987. Although hired as a fundraiser, Bander quickly was being used as a radio spokesperson and in training elected officials how to debate the issues.

In 1997-1998 Bander came out of his ‘political retirement’ to organize the 300 day occupation of “Equity Villlage’ for Filipino World War II veterans. Bander Bander greets Antonio Villaraigosa at Equity Village 1997 was then called the ‘Mastermind of Equity Village’ present the sharpest, cleanest to ‘difficult’ cases. “At this advising veterans to chain argument with fewest com- stage in life and my experithemselves to the MacAr- plications to convince either ence I want to be challenged. thur statue, wrap themselves of your adversary, the judge, For instance, an immigrant in the American Flag and the jury or the public, that accused of a crime. That is pronounce they would not your cause is virtuous.” much different than doing leave until Congress passed In his 25 years of prac- a standard Labor Certificaan Equity Bill. The Equity ticing law Bander has di- tion.”

Cause was immediately on rected numerous class action The wage and hour litiCNN and other networks af- lawsuits in the area of wage gation cases bring Bander to ter never being on the main- and hour litigation, and han- his working roots, representstream before. Bander also dled litigation as diverse as ing working people. But he organized the Equity Cara- personal injury, legal mal- states, “I can litigate almost van, where hundreds of vet- practice, criminal defense, anything. It is really a materans descended on the U.S. employment, civil rights and ter if it is worth it to litigate.”

Capitol. home mortgages. He has Bander also enjoys defend“We obtained about 120 successfully handled numer- ing criminals, particularly sponsors in a week or so, if I ous cases before Federal, immigrants. “After handling remember correctly,” Bander State, Civil, and Criminal so many immigration cases I remarked.

Judges and has participated know that area of law pretty Bander says there are in hundreds of arbitrations darn well.” many parallels between law and trials. Bander has also Bander is married for 28 and public relations/politics. handled thousands of immi- years and his only son is an “You want to get as many gration cases, but now lim- electrical engineering stufacts as you can, and then its his practice in that area dent at U.C.L.A.

America is in the heart

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oments before I swore to the Stars and Stripes and everything for which it stands, court workers punched a hole on my greencard; then after the ceremony they kept it in exchange of a certificate that certainly says I am no longer a Pinoy. An awkward move, but it has to be taken. That’s the price we immigrants pay if we were to live in America free from that mortifying alien tag that hangs like a Damocles sword over our heads.

Huh? How did it happen? I am no longer a Filipino? “And that’s irrevocable,” a smart aleck behind me butted in. “That is, if you understand what irrevocable means.”

“I’m not sure, sehr, the last time I look, that darn word has taken a new form.”

I saw some people cry during the oath-taking; but the obvious and dominant feeling of the naturalization applicants that morning was pride, and understandably so.

To be a citizen of this great nation is, undoubtedly, an utmost privilege. I was trying to figure out why some people get teary-

eyed; maybe they had a difficult journey, maybe the passage was blissful, or maybe they were just overwhelmed by the thought that, now, America dwells in the heart.

There I was in the middle of a huge hall stoic, solemn, sacrosanct – doing the motions of naturalization. But when the judge mentioned something like human beings are essentially the same; they value freedom, first and foremost, and that is why they come to America. That hit me real hard. I instantly felt a lump in my throat. Sure, the Philippines is also into this great experiment called democracy, but over there

real freedom belongs only to the oligarchs and the moneyed few.

The Philippine bureaucracy is seriously flawed; it is still of the few, by the few, and for the few.

And, as a journalist, that makes me a “dead-man-walking” each time I write the truth that upsets the high and mighty. You bet every Filipino who recognizes this sad truism is entitled to cry.

Indeed, we can’t blame them if

Filipino Americans celebrate 425 years of history ► By Nimfa U. Rueda | Photo credit by Benny Uy LOS ANGELES – Most Americans know that on Oct. 12, 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus landed in the West Indies, marking what history books describe as his discovery of the Americas.

But it remains an obscure fact to many that nearly a century later, on Oct. 18, 1587, the first Filipinos in America landed in Morro Bay, California.

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Saturday, October 20, 2012

“Thirty three years before the pilgrims arrived in New England and 20 years before the founding of Jamestown in Virginia, Filipinos marked the beginning of 425 years of their rich history in America,” said acting Consul General Daniel Espiritu at a Los Angeles City Hall event celebrating Filipino American History Month on Oct. 12 (Saturday in Manila).

“It’s important that we promote awareness of this rich history and the many contributions of Filipinos to American society.”

Espiritu received the City of LA’s proclamation of October as Filipino American History Month and attended day-long festivities sponsored by the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFace). The event highlight was the first

they seek to live some place else where the rule of law applies to everyone.

The Filipinos came in second in number, next only to the Mexicans, who composed the majority of the 4,437 applicants. The Vietnamese and the Chinese were third and fourth respectively; then follow the rest of the world.

Looking at the mosaic of faces from different parts of the globe, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Pinoys will be able to keep second spot “when the roll will call up yonder.”

On my way out, a lady behind me was hollering unashamedly: “Now I can petition my mother, my sister, my dog!” I was at a different dimension. I was “speaking in tongue” as extreme hunger consumed me. No, I’m sure I was singing a funeral dirge to a departed Numeral Alien. “Bayankopatawarin mo ako…”

The aroma of roasted onion and hotdog coming from Figueroa Street whip up my hunger

Fil-Am Heritage Achievement Awards program honoring those whose exceptional contributions have helped shape Fil-Am history.

“We’d like to keep alive our Filipino heritage and show how it has enhanced the American experience and contributed to this nation’s legacy of diversity,” said Turn to Page 16

even more. The usually desolate grounds of the L.A. Convention Center suddenly came alive with enterprising hawkers selling citizenship certificate jackets, pins, U.S. flags, t-shirts, Americana mementos, and anything patriotic.

I was looking for a good spot around the L.A. Live and ready to take my lunch — two packets of choco pie and a bottle of chilledturned-lukewarm water — when my son, who works in nearby downtown L.A, called to say he is buying lunch for me. That was my first meal as an American – a generous serving of chicken tortilla soup and harvest green salad.

Starting that day, I became a citizen and a human being, and no longer a numeral alien; I buried that old self in the deep crevices of the L.A. Convention Center.

Now, I can browse, without trepidation, at those supermarket tabloids with photoshop-rendered images of aliens talking to Bill Clinton or the “resurrected Elvis.” (davecasuco@gmail.com)

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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Lecaros Still Misrepresents His Chamber Relations Despite Leaving Under a Cloud

► By Atty. Joel Bander | Senior Columnist

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drian Lecaros, who recently lost his bid for a California Assemblyman position in the 46th district, has continued to misrepresent his terminated membership with the FilipinoAmerican Chamber of Commerce – Los Angeles. He has also continued to use the name of the FACC-LA in a supporting role to the candidacy of Edith Fuentes, who is running for a Councilmember position in the Glendale.

His alleged unauthorized usage of the Chamber’s name has forced its President, Vic Mercado, and a past Executive Director, Joe Arciaga, to issue disclaimers in connection with his non-membership in the chamber.

On October 9, Mercado found himself forced to issue the following advisory: We regret to advise all our associates and friends that Mr A. Lecaros who is claiming to be an authorized representative of Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce, LA is not currently an officer of the chamber club nor authorized to represent the club.

We hereby advised A. Lecaros to refrain from claiming such falsehood so that further misconceptionor embarrassment could be avoided.

We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

Vtruly yours, Vick Daza Mercado Chamber Prez

Mercado advised that the Chamber felt compelled to issue this statement after Edith Fuentes, a candidate for the Glendale City Council issued a widely released email informing ‘Friends and Kababayans’ about a September 2012, initial meeting of a new association ‘Fil-Am Coalition’ and an upcoming meeting in October 2012, followed by a list of attendees and their associations.

The Chamber’s concern arose because apparently Adrian Lecaros designated the ‘Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce LA’ as the organization he represented.

“What is this guy’s problem?” one board member wishing not to be identified by name said to me. “Adrian has not even been to a Chamber meeting since 2011 since he refused to answer the investigative charges.” The board member was referring to ten separate detailed charges against Lecaros, including allegedly performing actions not within the scope of board membership, such as using the Chamber for his own personal

gain, negotiating sponsorships without board approval, disruptive actions regarding the administration of the Miss Beauty of the Philippines 2011 Pageant, causing loss of revenue and goodwill to the Chamber, and seeking to monopolize the obtaining of sponsors for Chamber events.

Lecaros failed to appear at the Chamber’s Investigative Committee after two opportunities to discuss the charges without any response. “He never came around anymore and that was the end of it,” said Chamber Investigative Chairman James Dullas.

Indeed, as part of that ordeal Lecaros’ went so far as to state in an August 13, 2011 email to board members that “I too am an original founder of the chamber!

The fact remains that when we started almost ten years ago I was the first secretary!!!” Chamber President Emeritus Noel Omega stated that Mr. Lecaros was not the first secretary of the Chamber.

PinoyWatchDog.com has previously reported that in December 2011 Lecaros stated under oath that he had been in the United States for ten years with the commentary of one observer “that would have meant that as a new immigrant Adrian went straight to creating a Chamber of Commerce. How could that happen?” See http://www.pinoywatchdog.com/former-fil-am-chamber-investi-

gative-committee-chairman-speaks-outabout-adrian-lecaros/ Out of this newest Lecaros-Chamber incident a number of community members contacted me, feeling concerned about Edith Fuentes’ association with Lecaros and questioning her judgment in the upcoming city council election campaign. In an email to me, Ms. Fuentes said “Mr. Lecaros is not a part of my campaign for Glendale City Council core group. He is not in any shape or form giving me advice. I first met Mr. Lecaros just before my endorsement party at NoyPitz Restaurant last June. That makes him a 4-month acquaintance.”

However, Fuentes continued “Not in any of our 2 Coalition meetings, did Mr. Lecaros mention that he is a Fil-Am Chamber of LA Board or Director or Officer or that he is there representing the Chamber or making a decision for the Chamber.” I then asked in a return email if “that If that is true, how is it the designation of being the Chamber’s representative appears in your email? He had to tell someone at some time. Each person in attendance has designations.

There must be some genesis.”

At the time this story went to press Ms. Fuentes did not respond directly to the question, preferring to meet in person to discuss these issues.

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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Filipino Americans celebrate 425 years of history

From Page 13

Cora Aragon Soriano, LAFace president.

Similar proclamations have also been passed in other cities with a large Fil-Am population, including New York and Carson, California, where month-long festivities, exhibits and programs are being held to promote awareness of Fil-Am history, culture and heritage.

“It is imperative for Filipino-American youth to have positive role models to instill in them the importance of education, complemented with the richness of their ethnicity and the value of their legacy;” the City of Carson proclamation said.

In Alaska, Fil-Ams kicked off their celebration recently at the Alaska State Museum, where a special exhibit featured Filipino history and culture and a reception dinner showcased Filipino cuisine.

In Los Angeles, a dozen of Southern California’s top Fil-Am artists are featuring some of their best creations at the LA City Hall’s Bridge Gallery in an exhibit titled, “UGAT: Filipino American Roots.”

Eliseo Art Silva, one of the artists and exhibit curators, said the show “represents a wealth of creative endeavors that reflect the rich diversity of the Filipino American community.”

The other artists featured in the exhibit,

which runs through Oct. 26, are Jun Aquino, Vics Magsaysay, Rafael Maniago, Maryrose C. Mendoza, Mat Relox, Manila Ryce, Rodolfo Samonte, Joseph Santarromana, Bienvenido “Boi” Sibug, Magoo Valencia and Reynaldo Zipagan.

Among the Fil-Am Heritage Achievement awardees from Los Angeles are Silva, publisher Cora Oriel, TV host Jannelle So and actor Bernardo Bernardo.