PinoyWatchDog.com 27th Edition 10 November 2012 by Pinoy WatchDog

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P-Noy tells Australia and New Zealand: “government stands for integrity, transparency and accountability” ► By Melissa Salvador, Manila Business Correspondent

n President Aquino’s recent trip to Australia and New Zealand he told business leaders there that “you will find a government that stands for integrity, transparency, and accountability, and that is willing to work with you towards the success of our individual endeavours.” I, like many other Filipinos, am increasing hopeful this is true, as we are at the same time said

AQUINO

that the Philippines is still considered ‘Third World’, saddled with poverty and many of our most ca-

pable kababayans choose to leave our mother country to work and live abroad, draining one of our most cherished resources, the minds of best-equipped, the natural leaders of our family units. Many investors and the media traditionally look to the four Turn to Page 2

Umayam turned PPP members into her personal storm troopers

► By Larry Pelayo , Chief of Reporters | Editorial Ombudsman and PWD Investigative Team

ocuments secured by PinoyWatchDog.com have shown that the Press Photographers of the Philippines—USA (PPP-USA) had been operating illegally at some points in its decade-long existence, especially by having participated in collecting donations for the much-criticized search for 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the United States by the Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. headed by fundraiser Darna Umayam. The documents, secured from the California Secretary of State, have shown that PPP-USA had been in violation of California laws because it has not been

granted a 501 (C3) status by the State’s Board of Equalization. The PPP-USA, an organization of press photographers, commercial photographers, art-

ists, editors and writers, as well as amateur and hobbyist photographers, was founded by three Fil-Ams in 2003. The charter members were professional pho-

tographer Joe Cobilla, a former Philippine Department of Tourism staff photographer; Sid Guerrero, a hobbyist photographer, and Larry Pelayo, a journalist and budding photographer. PPP-USA was initially registered with the California Secretary of State on May 8, 2003, but the organization was on suspended on August 1, 2007. Sid GuerTurn to Page 5

Umayam’s claim of “I have no relation to Pinoy Insider” refuted by her own statements on video tape ► By Joel Bander and the PinoyWatchDog.com Investigative Team

ack in June 2012 when the “100 Outstanding” scandal was unfolding key organizer Darna Umayam flatly wrote to PinoyWatchDog.com that “I have no relation to Pinoy Insider.” Umayam made these statements in relation to her complaint that this newspaper treated Adrian Lecaros unfairly after his failed attempt at running for the California Assembly garnered a measly 2.4% of the vote. Here is the direct text of that interview. The actual video is on the PinoyWatchDog.com web page as well. Sheila Farrari: What are your expectations for Pinoy Insider? Darna Umayam: Pinoy Insider is a very nice magazine because it’s one of a kind. It’s… Turn to Page 12

Congressman Mandanas: Former close ally now a critic of P-Noy

► Words and photos by Dionesio C. Grava. Deputy Managing Editor

ep. Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas was a long time political ally of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee until he defied his party’s stand in the contentious impeachment case of then Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona in December, last year.

For refusing to sign the impeachment complaint against Corona, Congressman Mandanas

claimed that he was stripped of the chairmanship of ways and means as well as the vice chairmanship of

the economic affairs panel. He later resigned from the president-led Turn to Page 14

Congressman Mandanas and Marlene “Princess” Robertson.

from our Pen BUNKER SHOT

Templetown’s charming lowlifers

Page 4

PERRYSCOPE Pax Americana Page 4

EDITORIAL

MY VIEW “The Best Is Yet To Come”

Page 3

Obama win means it is time for Immigration Reform

Page 3

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

P-Noy tells Australia and New Zealand: “government stands for integrity, transparency and accountability” From Page 1

‘Asian Tigers’, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Republic of China as the fast rising economic giants in South East Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are not far behind as booming stars of economic performers due to a combination of domestic consumption, productivity growth, industrial sector expansion and tourism. Can we light the big star on top of our Christmas tree of hope for our political and business leaders to redeem us from poverty and lead us all to a collective comfortable life right here in the Philippines? The economic numbers indicate that the answer is a responding ---Yes. Times have changed and so has the Philippine economy. Department of Finance statistics show that in 2009 the Philippine economy felt the full brunt of the global financial crisis. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth declined to 1.1 percent from 3.7 percent in 2008. Now, with time to institute his programs, President Aquino’s administration has shown a robust growth of

Philippine economy this year. The Average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the first semester of 2012 has exceeded expectations at 6.1 percent. Philippine benefits from having a good economic landscape, Aquino said. The National Statistical Coordination Board has reported that Japan, one of the Philippines’ constant sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was the top investing country during the first quarter at PhP 4.9 billion as it shared 26.6 percent of the total FDI commitments. Netherlands and USA occupied the second and third posts, pledging PhP 2.3 billion and PhP 2.1 billion, respectively, which accounted for 12.6 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively, of the total FDI approved in the first quarter of 2012. Tourism is another source of opportunity and optimism in Philippines, a country endowed with natural pristine white sand beaches. (“I love these beaches!”), the perfect shape of Mayon Volcano, beyond the standard destinations of Boracay and Palawan. Philippine tourism’s slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” has also encouraged more foreigners

to visit our country. More good news is that tourism has increased by 9.08% over the previous year, based on the reporting of Department of Tourism. President Aquino and the Philippine government were in ‘action mode’ during the recent successful six-day visit to New Zealand and Australia to bring new investment contracts and more job opportunities to Philippines. Various incentives have been established for businessmen doing business in Philippines to help ignite the growth in the sectors. Atty. Miguel Varela, the President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the largest and leading voice of business organizations in the Philippines, was a member of the Philippine business delegation accompanying President Aquino on his trip. Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan were also in the entourage. PCCI President Varela said that “President Aquino was well-

accepted by prominent government officials, businessmen and fellow kababayans. The new Philippine business climate – with a level playing field, more foreign investors will be encouraged to invest in our country.” This will create jobs for jobless Filipinos. President Aquino stated that the Philippines has strong ties and trade relationship with New Zealand and Australia. We have the same culture and deep faith with our neighboring countries. Most of our milk comes from New Zealand, while Australia is the #1 source of our beef. The President eyes New Zealand and Australia to be strategic economic partners of our country, in addition to United States of America and Japan. As of 2012, there are about 35,000 Filipinos living in New Zealand and 200,000 Filipinos living in Australia. (I am targeting to make a visit there myself, too. Got business opportunities?) More good news, kabayan! Despite poverty and an unemployment rate at 7%, overall economic prospects of the Philippines seem good. The country now ranks 65th out of 144 countries in the Global Competitive-

ness Report 2012. The Philippine stock market activity shows positive results as the PSE index reaches an all-time high. “Valuations of our listed companies remain attractive in anticipation of the release of third quarter earnings results. This optimism has given us support to go against the downward trend in Asia, not to mention the extra push provided by the residual market demand left over from the recent long weekend,” PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans B. Sicat said. “I admit I, along with many Filipinos were doubters. But President Aquino has shown strong and determined political leadership. He is ready to move forward towards global competitiveness. This is what the masang Pinoy needs today,” Valera said. He believes that the Philippine President is our hope. It is not this statement that matters but how the President can improve the lives of Filipinos and how we can help each other to alleviate poverty within ourselves. We not only pray that it will be true, but can watch the action of it occurring before our eyes.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Editorial

Obama win means it is time for Immigration Reform

resident Obama’s reelection was based on a coalition of Latino and Asian Americans joining with blacks, women and young people is an important turning of the political page for Filipino Americans. The mainstream media is calling it the “New American Majority.” So fellow Filipinos, no longer feel that you are a helpless minority in a foreign land. The politicians and media consider us to be part of the Majority. So should we.

It is now time for Filipinos here in America to cast aside the view that passivity and unobtrusiveness in American affairs are the key to survival, and recognize the evolving increasing role Fil-Ams must play alongside our ethnic cousins. Now is the time to be part of the leadership of the new voice in America. And that starts with immigration reform, touted for so long, now becoming a reality in the very near future. Fil-Ams must step up and speak out for family unification among immigrant families. Family. It is spoken of by Americans as a core American value. How is this any different from Filipinos? It’s not. In fact, most Filipinos feel their family ties are generally stronger than our Caucasian friends. Being close and near to our family is the essence of being Filipino. And isn’t having families together really the essence of the need for immigration reform? We Filipinos are in fact an amalgam of different cultures and peoples, our native word, Chinese, along with Spanish and American. But now our fate, here in America, in reality lies with joining our Latin and Asian cousins being more abundant and overwhelming to the new American Electorate. Because of the winds of history our people have Spanish names, our language Spanish roots and words, and even our mestizos are still speaking Spanish back home. We must now join our cousins and not feel alone or afraid. These election results are also a wake-up call to the obstructionist Republicans that must deal with right wing xenophobic extremists. Indeed, the likes of Republican House Speaker John Boehner and even the right wing maniac Sean Hannity have publicly spoken for immigration reform. Why? Republicans must take immigration out of the political discussion for the next election cycle or face damnation for the rest of the decade as primarily Latin voters will not support the GOP that impedes an immigration bill. The bus is leaving the station and we need to help drive it, not be mere passengers. So now is our time, for the New American Majority with a compassionate president committed to our ideals and not afraid to recognize that all people are important. In a previous era Italians, Irish and Jews banded together and changed the political landscape. President Franklin Roosevelt used this coalition and changed the world. We are now part of the Majority for a new era, and it is time for Fil-Ams to be assertive, proud and hopefully, soon, joyful that an immigration bill that can unite our families will ultimately be passed. And be part of the Obama generation that can also change the world for the benefits of all families.

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“The Best Is Yet To Come”

emocracy is served. The voice of the people has, once again, prevailed, despite attempts at voters suppression. The American people went to the polls on November 6, 2012 to exercise their right to vote and reelected their sitting president to be at the helm of government for another 4 years. This is how democracy works: “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” and “Vox Dei Es Suprema Lex”. (The voice of the people is the voice of God, and the voice of God is the supreme law.) This is the way our representation in our government is expressed---through the ballot---and our right to vote is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in our constitution.

At the start of the campaign, all indications pointed to a nasty hasting. The Republican primary campaign featured President Barak Obama as the “other”, someone who is not American, not having been born in the United States, therefore unfamiliar with the American way, and worst of all, the comment of a female pundit name Ann Coulter relegated the President of the United States as retarded. Mr. Obama, too, and his surrogates, early in the campaign, defined his opponent Mr. Mitt Romney as having a flawed personality and has no core value as far as character is concerned, changing his positions on important policies every time he is in front of a different audience. In the end, it was this early portrayal of Mr. Romney which stuck and helped influence the result of the elections towards the victory of the president. However, there are other issues, like health care, fair tax for the rich, immigration and women issues, which helped the president won victory, and a resounding victory at that. But, it had been a hard fought campaign. The overall success of the Obama campaign can be pinned to a broad coalition of voters, who overwhelmingly approved of his agenda for the next four years. 93% blacks, 71% Latinos, 73% Asians and 55% women, formed this broad coalition. And there was hurricane Sandy, too, that bolstered the image of Obama as very presidential, out there in the damage areas doing his thing as president. Mr. Obama’s overwhelming victory also resulted in the Democrats victory in the senate, adding 4 seats, and in the house of representatives, adding 6 seats. Here, in California, the Democrats now have a super majority in both houses of the state legislature. And this is also true in other states like Hawaii, Illinois and New Hampshire. The success of the president and the democratic party in this election is certainly a clear mandate to govern for the next 4 years As soon as the defeated Mr. Mitt Romney had graciously delivered his concession speech and congratulating the president for his victory, Mr. Obama took to the podium to deliver his victory speech, declaring in obvious optimism: the best is yet to come and that he’s more inspired than ever, that he’s more determined to do the job expected of him and that he must make government work. Congratulations Mr. President, you have the mandate again and now do the job! By the way.....FACLA has returned to its old ways, that is idiotic and crazy. Without considering the consequences, the Board of Directors has just passed a resolution that may pave the way to a return to the battlefields of the court, and

we’ll again kiss goodbye to the coffers of the organization as they will be expended by the sitting members of the Board for legal expenses. This said resolution of September 10, 2012 expelled as members of the Board of Directors the following: Mr. Adolfino Aguayon, Dra. Norma Salvaterra, Dr. Ner Azaula, Mrs. Alice Parino, and Mr. Jesse Prado for offenses such as 3 consecutive unexcused absences, abandonment of office, willful misconduct and neglect of duties and responsibilities. All these offenses are enough grounds for suspension or removal as provided by the Bylaws, after extending the accused substantial due process, that is the accused are provided information of the charges and the right to put up a defense and be heard. No such thing ever happened before they were expelled, a penalty that is not appertaining to directors but to members in general. If you expel a director it would mean the cancellation of his membership in the organization. This very act of the ad hoc committee to recommend to the Board the penalty of expulsion can only be interpreted as to mean that the accused are being banned to perpetual disqualification from participating in elections for members of the Board of Directors. If this is so, this is the height of idiocy and madness. And these are the members of this ad hoc committee who concocted this crazy resolution: Art Garcia, chairman, Ben Basilio and Linda Nery. Another madness that members of the Board have approved in their last meeting was that the board will no longer post a copy of their quarterly financial statement in the bulletin board in the lobby of the hall where it is visible to members. May I ask: Where is the Financial Statement of FACLA from the time this de facto officers assumed their illegal position from February 21,2012 to the present? Why you cannot make the auditor, Mrs. Linda Guerchoum, who I know to be honest and upright, pass in audit your statement, makes me believe that something smells. And you’re all stinking now.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Pax Americana

or the first time since the end of World War II, the United States achieved a state of relative peace in the world. President Barack Obama’s timetable of withdrawing American combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014 would mark the end of a century of warfare that began in 1914 when World War I erupted. Yes, the elusive dream of Pax Americana – Latin for “American Peace” -- is finally coming to full realization.

The term “Pax Americana,” which was originally applied to relative peace in the Western Hemisphere in the 19th century and to the Western world in the first half of the 20th century, has evolved to encompass the entire world at the end of World War II. But regional wars continued after America dropped the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. For the ensuing 60 years, American forces were sent to the Korean War, Vietnam War, two Iraq wars, Afghanistan, and several other smaller conflicts around the world.

Pivot to Asia But the specter of another war looms in Asia where a rising China is making her neighbors nervous, notably Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. To allay fears that the United States is not concerned about an emerging – and aggressive – Chinese military power, Obama implemented a “Pivot to Asia” plan where 60% of American naval forces would be deployed to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020. American military strategists have developed a strategy – Air-Sea Battle -- to deal with China’s missile systems, which are designed to keep U.S. air and naval forces beyond what China re-

fers to as the “inner island chain.” It encompasses the East China Sea and South China Sea from the southern tip of South Korea to the western edge of Borneo, an area that is bounded by Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia. U.S. military planners say that Air-Sea Battle is “a concept for disabling those systems using long-range bombers and submarines. The concept is designed not so much to fight a war as to convince the Chinese that any conflict with U.S. forces would be long and costly. Pentagon officials say Air-Sea Battle is not solely focused on China, which they describe as the ‘pacing’ threat.” China’s land-based anti-ship missiles have a maximum range of 1,300 miles, which would reach the Western Pacific and the Philippine Sea. However, Guam – which hosts Andersen Air Base and a submarine base -- is beyond the reach of China’s missiles. As “Air-Sea Battle” envisions, “stealthy bombers and submarines could wage a ‘blinding campaign,’ destroying long-range Chinese surveillance and missile systems and opening up the denied areas to U.S. fighter jets and ships.” (Source: Strategic and Budget Assessment).

Trouble spots In my article, “Trouble spots in Western Pacific waters” (October 12, 2012), I wrote: “What was once a relatively placid body of water in the Western Pacific has become a tinderbox ready to explode. I am talking about an area that extends from the Sea of Japan down to the East China Sea through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea with a total area of about 5.8 million square kilometers (2.2 million square miles). It’s dotted with little islands, islets, atolls, shoals, and rocks. Except for a handful of islands, these outcroppings are uninhabited. But the waters are rich in oil, natural gas, and marine life. And that’s why countries in the region are interested in owning part – if not all -- of this vast body of water.” Of the three trouble spots in Western Pacific waters, China is involved in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei over the Spratly islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea); and with Taiwan and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal to the Phil-

ippines). On July 24, 2012, China established a prefecture-level government in Sansha City located in Woody Island, which will administer all of the Paracel Islands (disputed by Vietnam), Spratly Islands, and Macclesfield Bank (claimed by the Philippines). Woody Island — which was uninhabited when China forcibly took it from Vietnam 38 years ago — is now populated with more than 1,000 Chinese civilians with roads, a bank, a post office, a supermarket, and a hospital. In addition to the city government, China is also going to establish a military garrison in Sansha. Recently, China waged a word war with Japan on the territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands (Diaoyu to China), a cluster of five islets and three rocks in the East China Sea about 160 kilometers from Okinawa and about 320 kilometers from mainland China. While the uninhabited Senkakus are administered by Okinawa, China and Taiwan claim them as part of ancient China. The question is: Is China prepared to go to war over the disputed islands? At present, China wouldn’t risk going to war with Japan over the Senkakus knowing full well that the U.S. made it clear that she considers these islands as part of Japan; thus, covered by the U.S.Japan security treaty, which requires the U.S. to defend Japan in case of attack. In the case of the Spratlys, the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Commander General Duane D. Thiessen confirmed in a media interview in Manila last April that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty covers Philippine-held is-

Templetown’s charming lowlifers

VER experienced that sinking feeling when everything around you seems to appear like little formless fears in the theatre of the absurd? And then, doing online recall, your stories disappeared; gobbled up by an evil, spiteful virus in a form of a harlot sitting on a scarlet beast all covered with blasphemy.

Think! Lady Gaga does think she was in a bad romance. Lady Gagamba thinks she reigns forevermore. The Goldfinger dame thinks she will always be Lady Pussy Galore. Must tell Jimbo to stop hiring people with awfelnames. “That woman is a low lifer,” Mr. Plascer Dimayuga – pontificating and sanctimonious – swears the tramp’s name stinks all over Templetown. And how is Mr. Dimayuga? “Nothing between himself and heaven; the guy turned from hirsute to hairless by the speed of Metro Purple line,” answered his friend, who takes the train daily to Wilshire/ Normandie. Welcome to the esoteric Templetown. Wild-mild mystical, it exacts toll on the coy and the fainthearted; your immediate option is hide behind mindnumbing old movies. Then: you seriously consider jumping from atop a building with Bruce Willis to an amused crowd of kibitzers down below. Then: you forget things, this and that thing, almost everything. Like Buck Mulligan: you only (and barely) remember ideas and sensations.

Suddenly, the cd player stops working, meaning the “bang, bang, this-will-blow-your-brainsout” video has to wait for later. Tiger Woods and the Irish kid are not paired in the final twosome for the weekend play; that’s lame. Love him, hate him: Off the tee, that precocious kid launches his top flite-4 to orbit, screaming, the golf ball comes down half a minute later shimmering like it had been exposed to God’s glory at some burning bush, and with Moses standing on holy ground, his smudged sandals missing. The next thing is a Hail Mary bunker shot. Abominable bunker! It humiliates, crushes, tears down whatever pride is left in golf wannabes: The last time my errant pitch caught the damn trap the all-knowing caddie had it established that somebody put a curse on my nine-iron and my lob wedge. Sommagun! Even my lucky putter sputtered inside three feet. It is what it is – orgasm derailed. Undulating greens, like wives on p-m syndrome, can turn explosive birdie-birdie hole-outs into a nightmare on the 18th. Think! There’s got to be some

entertaining stuff somewhere: In the library? Like Finnegans Wake? Ahh, Mama, it’s like you do double on whiskey and rye sans water back. Or uncork a Cask of Amontillado and then you wake up undreaming: Chills. It’s your heart’s doing tugh-tughtugh from the all-night Fundador binge in Pasadena. Now, from the quintessential Mylah DeLeon, the purveyor of Beverly Hills social essentials: “You’ve got to be kidding me. The Ulysses author is a genius; and, I’m sure he doesn’t keep company with mediocre writers.” The “poetess who writes in prose” – according to Philippines literary legend Kerima Polotan – thought I was exposing myself to utter disgrace by taking Joyce’s polyglot puns and portmanteau words to the level of butsikik and cheche dae-kong koilah. “You need more knowledge, son. More erudition. More sensation. More extension.” The thing though: I, am, getting, connected, to, the, genre, somehow. Doveglion taught me how:He was like I, until He couldn’t die. I wanted almost He until I learned to disagree!

“Third renewal not allowed, sehr. This book is on reserve. “ “What about until tomorrow?” “Be sure it is back by 10 a.m. or it’s my arse.” Caveat: Finnegans Wake, a “farce epistol to the highbruws,” is not for everyone. To the interlopers masquerading as one dimensional B-reporters, or B-minus entertainers, don’t ever dare; it will surely blow your brains out (excuse the pun, Callahan). Dealer of purple cloth, Lydia of Thyatira, be of good cheer, stay away from unethical clubs. Didn’t I tell you that a tooth root canal is a lot more painful than circumcision of the heart? LIKE/UNLIKE (dislike???!). Esteemed Palanca winners Mrs. DeLeon and Ella Madrigal-Wagner think my venture into a new form of prose is “irresponsibly

lands in the Spratlys. Transition of power With the U.S. presidential elections just a week away and the ascension of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to the presidency coming up in December, the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections and how Xi presides over a rising China could affect the world’s balance of power. Can Xi convince China’s military leaders to stand down on their hawkish policies and maintain peace with China’s neighbors? Or would he play into the hands of warmongers? One must remember that in China, the Central Military Commission (CMC) is really the one that calls the shots. And it controls the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which reminds us of Chairman Mao Zedong’s famous quotation: “Power comes from the barrel of a gun.” It is expected that outgoing President Hu Jintao will keep the CMC chairmanship for a few years or until the Politburo is ready to hand Xi full power and authority. Meanwhile, he has to kowtow to Hu and the military brass. The U.S. has its share of warmongers – rightwing politicians -- whose hard line stand on China, Russia, Iran, and Syria could bring the United States closer to the threshold of another war. Indeed, whoever wins on Election Day would draw the chart the U.S. would take in the complex world of geopolitics. Perhaps, it’s time to give peace a chance to take a foothold and let the world enjoy a new era of Pax Americana. (PerryDiaz@gmail.com) reckless, downright destructive, but utterly charming.” Gung-ho broadcast journalist Rainlee Pacifico called up to say, “cut that ‘scream of consciousness’ I cannot follow you.” Multi-awarded journalist Lorenzo “Larry” Pelayo is ambivalent but buoyant, saying, ‘’I thought you did some goofy job, but now I can see you in a different level.’’ Mangyan global artist Matt Relox is excited: “It is like an impressionist rendering of the colorful characters of the historic Filipinotown. The strokes are irreverently delicate. Charming, indeed!” Philippine News’ Lydia V. Solis (certified cum laude) thinks my “xtreme consciousness” approach drives her crazy: “I am like riding on a rollercoaster and looking down to a topsy-turvy world down below.” You bet it is a topsy-turvy world out there, Lady Thyatira, but James Joyce is able to put the ultimate order to a reality that we cannot ignore. So then, let there be light. A curtsy to the Irish leading light: Sehr, you are forever exalted. (The author writes for L.A.based PinoyWatchDog, examiner.com and the Mabuhay News Service. He obtained his journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas and took expanded theological studies at Angelus Bible Institute. Email him at davecasuco@yahoo.com).

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Umayam turned PPP members into her personal storm troopers From Page 1

rero re-registered it on June 22, 2009 but the club was again suspended on September 4, 2012. In a recent past issue, PWD had published a story regarding some members of PPP who received e-mails ordering them to collect PWD newspapers fresh from the press and trash them. Among those whose pictures appeared with the story, PPP-USA member Ding Carreon denied any participation and said he had distanced himself from PPP for a long time and will never allow himself to be a part of this uncivilized order. Ditto with Bobby Saddul whom PWD believes will never be a puppet to Darna Umayan who had ordered the trashing of PinoyWatchDog.com copies. The PPP is a press photographers’ group, but it passed two stages of regeneration from the time it was conceived in 2003 by Cobilla. Two PPPs in terms of Visions and Leadership There were two groups that had reigned and managed PPP--USA. The first group, the original PPP, was born at Soon Fah Restaurant at the corner of Benton Way and Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. After office hours on weekdays, Joe Cobilla or JoeCob, met this writer for a cup of coffee and a plate of pansit guisado We sang on the restaurant’s Karaoke. JoeCob who sings like Sinatra and Perry Como, was with the Philippine Times then and was also a contributor to different community newspapers. I was then the Managing Editor of LA Monitor and the secretary of the Philippine Press Club of America. Our common interest with cameras and photography gave Joe the idea of forming a press photographers group, patterned after the PPP in Manila where Joe was a senior member. Joe’s interest did not end there; he thought of having a pageant for beauty queens to be picked from Filipinas in Los Angeles later to be called Miss Philippine Press Photographers or Miss PPP. Joe and I were later on joined by Sid Guerrero who then was contributing photos to Manila US Times, owned and edited by Johnny Pecayo. Few months later, the first organizational meeting was held at the Bahay Kubo Natin Restaurant on Temple Street. It was timed to coincide with the celebration of the Philippines’ 100th year of independence. The presidency of Joe Cobilla was marked by the 1st Miss PPP pageant in Los Angeles, where the winners were given the honor to ride the Philippine Float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses during the time of Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor. Critics said this was the medal of honor and recognition for Joe Cobilla’s hard work with me and Sid Guerrero. The pageant was held at Bonaventure Hotel on November 23, 1997. The board of judges were composed of lawyers and community leaders like multiawarded singer Kuh Ledesma and actress Aurora Salve. The beauty queens and contestants later on became doctors, lawyers and civic leaders. The original and chartered members of the PPP were Joe Cobilla, Larry Pelayo, Sid Guerrero, Bobby Saddul, Ding Carreon, Dan Baltazar, Andy Tecson, Gani Carubio, Ted Talag, Dr. Felix Lapuz, the late Jonathan Briones, Nelson Castillo, Janet Nepales, Bobby Crisostomo, Bert Mungcal, Gil Garin, and Jun Sillona. The chartered members were connected to different newspapers, not fly-by-night photographers and writers nor freeloaders who only wanted press IDs and freebees like tickets and meals. Their term registered a time when PPP earned the respect of the majority of community newspapers they were serving, and entertainment producers who kept on sponsoring and supporting the projects of the original PPP.

The second holding of the Miss PPP was during the presidency of Sid Guerrero, and it was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Resort in the City of Commerce on December 7, 2003. Rene Villaroman, PWD Managing Editor and co-Founder began as 2nd Vice President at this time. The Second Wave of Members Brought Havoc to PPP Villaroman succeeded Guerrero after a convincing election bid over member Dan Baltazar during which he presented himself as a viable candidate with complete platform and programs for PPP. Among those he accomplished was the holding of the first photo-exhibit by PPP held in the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. The second wave arrived with aspiring members who were just looking to get in and wait for their turns to be full-pledged members in the near future, sensing that PPP is the vehicle for them to be famous. The bulk of these applicants wanted to be known as press photographers even though they did not have any newspaper affiliation. A new member had tried to question Joe Cobilla’s free annual membership accorded to him by the charter members. The new members wanted PPP but did not like to support Joe Cobilla. To keep the group intact, Joe Cobilla resigned. In order to maintain a professional atmosphere and avoid further declining moral, Villaroman decided to conduct orderly meetings; only for him to become unpopular among the new members who openly said “We want the barkadahan system na lang.” His platforms were not properly supported as there was now a division of support by members who want to run the club the way they want to, like a gang. After the violation of a traditional practice to grant the outgoing PPP president the chairmanship of the board, Villaroman, deprived of the privilege, and sensing the growth of barkadahan, resigned. I resigned also sensing the wrong direction the club was heading to. Villaroman saw no growth among members preoccupied with bickering with each other. He refused to go back in spite of many requests for him and Cobilla to return. Thus, Sid Guerrero is the only former officer left at the helm. A group of entertainment and concert producers lamented the fact that these “pseudo-press photographers” come to every press conference, of course, uninvited and in black coat, with their wives in tow and asked for complimentary tickets including for their wives. Days later, the poor producer complained “not even a single picture is seen on the 10 or more newspapers around.” The producer of a recent fashion show asked me how she can prevent the rampage of many uninvited photographers. I told her “Just ask for an ID issued by a newspaper to prove their paper affiliation.” The next day she called to tell me those who were asked to show their newspaper IDs did not enter anymore. How and Why Did the PPP Become Beholden to Darna Umayam Years ago when Umayam invited the community for a gathering at the Philippine Consulate for a meeting which was geared toward the selection of the Kalayaan president, the PPP came with their wives and friends, and in the election that followed, voted for Darna Umayam. We believe that started the good relationship between the PPP Barkadahan and Umayam. On some occasions, we heard Ms Umayam saying she will take care of inviting the press. We witnessed the coning of the PPP whom she referred to as the press. We believe this cannot be called a press club per se. But they are good photographers. No question about that.

A member of PPP said “What is wrong in trying to help?” What is wrong is in allowing yourself to be used for a purpose for which you were not created; what was wrong was for you to operate with a suspended license or cancelled registration to the detriment of PPP; and what was wrong was your participation in an activity not within the scope of PPP. What was wrong was allowing the club to be the initial recipient of the alleged outstanding Filipinos in America’s contribution when the organization is not a holder of the necessary IRS permit. What was wrong was seeing the prototype of a check with the logo of PPP being used to donate or grant donation to a recipient.

Photographers who left after Villaroman’s resignation formed two splinter groups later on: Frontliners Media Group and Foto 7. With the controversy that the PPP Barkadahan was embroiled in and what appeared to be the lack of a specific direction, current officers or members have a long way to go to recover its lost glory and respect. Left and deserted by a former lady publicist after being ridiculed for her all-out support to this group, PPP is left on its own without the glory it used to have. Andy Tecson, Ding Carreon, Joe Cobilla and other original members are comfortable with their present newspaper affiliations. Guerrero and Saddul need to refurbish PPP—USA.

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

ntert inment & rts

The Art of

Ronilo Abayan

Introduction of a Filipino (Cebuano) Artist

ur country truly has more to be proud when it comes to Fil-Am celebrities. Let us glorify another type of artist –Filipino painters.

Here are some current famous Filipino painters – how well do you know them? Pacita Abad, Isidro Ancheta, Hernando R. Ocampo, Resurreccion Hidalgo and more.. In the past, Juan Luna, from Badoc, Ilocos Norte, is another famous painter and was known for famous masterpieces like the Death of Cleopatra. In 1881, this painting, won a gold medal. Luna studied at the Ateneo de Manila and also in Spain. Fernando Amorsolo was another famous painter and was the first Filipino who received the Philippines National Artist title after his death in 1972. Most of these artists, if not all, studied art and painting. PWD introduces Ronilo Abayan. Abayan lives in Cebu and was originally from Bukidnon. The difference about Abayan, he was self-taught. Yet his paintings reflect the touches of Amorsolo when it plays with light…his art and style mesmerized even Mr. Zobel and the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, so much so that they asked him to paint their portraits. He paints approximately 15 to 17 hours a day. There are many struggling artists and Abayan was one of them. His biggest break was when the late Sir Joey Velasco introduced him to Jobe Nkemakolam (now his manager). With Jobe’s help as a talent manager, Abayan’s first clients and biggest supporter was Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who bought most of his paintings. And like wildfire, Abayan’s art started to filter through the eyes of critics who were amazed at his work. I interviewed Mr. Abayan and here are some of his poignant responses to my questions follow: When did you first realize you were an artist? Ever since I was a little

kid my mother said I love to doodle and draw. I remember palagi ako napapalo ng aking ina dahil sa pag drawing ko sa mga ding ding namin. Napapalo ako dahil ang gamit ko ay uling lamang kasi wala kami pangbili ng krayola at wala pang crayons dati. I admire Filipino painters like Amorsolo , Luna , Sorolla and Hidalgo. Why are you an artist? I believe each of us is an artist in our own way. That’s why I love the saying “To each his own.” How did you realize that you have this gift? Its more like a blessing from God and until now I still can’t believe that a lot of people are getting more interested with my artworks.

ABAYAN Painting of First Lady Imelda

Entertainment and Arts Editor and Community Liaison Officer I’m not just doing this for are the happiest, friendliest myself , I am doing this for and smartest people in the our country. My dream is to world. However because of become the Michaelangelo the modernization, advance of our time. Just dreaming. technology, and other foreign influences we tend to forget our own traditions, good manners and the essence of being a true Filipino.

Abyan paints First Lady

You painted Mrs. Imelda Marcos –how did she treat you? Was she patient while sitting? What was she like?

The Thinker - Don Enrique Zobel

Children atSea Workers in the Rice Fields

My Way Manila Bay

What is the best and worst part of being a full time working artist?

Battle of Mactan

Why are you doing this – what does this accomplish for you? Painting is my passion, love, outlet of my emotions, frustration and ambition.

Many of your paintings reflect Filipino lifestyle and tradition – why this subject? I love our country more than anything else, Filipinos

The best part of being an artist is you can be yourself, holistically. Worst part noong nag uumpisa pa lang ako ay mahirap kumita at mahal ang mga materials. Madami din ako nagging problemang financial at naranasan ko maging Security guard pero natangal ako sa dahilan na nakatulog ako isang gabi sa trabaho dahil 18 hours yun shift hindi kinaya ng katawan ko.

I will never forget Madam Imelda Marcos because of her passion and support for the arts. She is really nice and very charismatic. She was well poised during our session. however after 3 hours of sitting patiently we decided to wrap things up. She gave me autograph pictures and one of it I decided to paint it and give it to her. What was her reaction when she saw your painting ? Her reaction was priceless when she saw the painting I made her. I am

humbled and honored that she loved it. Mr. Zobel – how long did it take you to paint him? I am not really sure how long I painted Don Enrique Zobel and Inigo Zobel but most of my paintings, it takes a month or more to be completed. Hindi pare pareho right now may ibang paintings na taon na hindi ko pa natapos. Mahirap kasi madaliin ang painting dahil it represents me and ayaw ko naman 300 years from now yun quality ng gawa ko ay iba iba. What do you feel when painting the Philippine scenes? I am very passionate about our country and I feel blessed that I am Filipino. Wala nang mas gaganda pa sa subject na bansa natin dahil ito ay naranasan na natin at mas malapit siya sa buhay ko. In time siguro kapag mag travel ako baka ma inspire din sa ibang lugar and kultura ng ibang bansa pero sa ngayon hindi sa tingin ko hindi pa sapat ang buhay ko para ipinta ang kagandahan ng Pilipinas. I love how I can almost see the sparks fly on your painting “Pandayan” – care to talk about this technique on how you made the metal glow into the orange red? I really don’t know how to explain it in words but lets just say everything is about light and dark, shadows and shade. Any advice for budding artists? Love what you do, you have to be very passionate and don’t let others put you down. We are all masters.

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, November 10, 2012

alaHB.15 Concert at the

BOOTLEG THEATRE Los Angeles, California- A CONCERT REVIEW

► By Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle, Entertainment and Arts Editor and Community Liaison Officer

efinitely not for rappers! A few days ago on October 20, our 2nd and 3rd Fil-Am Gens, who dig alternative music, rock, indie, lokal Fil Rock, flocked the Bootleg Theatre. The concept was simple – Happy Productions celebrated its 15th year of promoting and producing rock shows. So to celebrate, they gathered 15 bands - the concept of 15 years…..15 bands…15 bucks….”topped the chart.” Happy Productions known by our young Fil-Am gens in the rock, indie and alternative scene as the “lokal jolog promoter” in Southern California, (also known as North America’s Pinoy Rock importer) started in 1997 and has rocked with famous Filipino and American bands

cert/party. Bootleg boasts several stages - - one can go from room-to-room and view several bands performing at the same time. Each stage had its own bar. Bootleg also provided an outdoors lounge where our trendy hipsters mingled, drank, chatted and still be able to hear the

Rock Scene @ Bootleg Theatre (Photo by Jack Campano)

man named “Manuel” originally from Tarlac. When asked why he was there, he stated, “I love alternative mu-

He was there with his friends to enjoy the music and “not rap” to celebrate with his Filipino friends.

acoustic and alternative rock music. That evening, Sting Gaston gave a worthwhile performance with his vocals and movements. JoeKid was awesome with his guitar in that his fingers just breezed through the guitar strings. Their music is deep, earthy, and one can say – “deep in rock and roll.”

All in all, several bands were playing simultaneously and one can get a taste of most music genres. Happy Productions did a fabulous job on their 15th year celebration concert. It was refreshing to see our “twentyone to forty something’s” mix, enjoy and share what most love, music.

Guns@THE BAR’s favorite Drink (Photo: Courtesy of Guns@TheBar) Esting Gaston of Guns@TheBar (Photo by Jack Campano)

The Outdoor Lounge @Bootleg Bar (Photo by: Jack Campano)

The trendy crowd at Bootleg Theatre – one of the rooms you can see the bands. (Photo by Jack Campano)

such as the Eraserheads, Parokya Ni Edgar, Teeth, The Youth, Ely Buendia, Spiral Echo, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and more. The evening of the concert was total. The scene was hip, trendy and the Bootleg Theatre provided a seamless backdrop for this great con-

sic,” and added that he goes out of his way to watch our local Filipino rock, indie and alternative bands. Another youngster named “Tony” from Quezon City, went to high school in the Philippines and now resides here in the U.S. He shared his love of alternative rock as well.

music from the theatre. The trendy audience consisted of friends, groupies, fans and family members of the bands including their producers and peeps from Happy Productions, which gave this concert a warm, friendly family feeling. I spoke with a young

Most of the people I interviewed shared that they were tired of rap and prefer the style of indie, alternative and many of them want to bring back the sound of rock and roll in the mainstream. Fifteen bands performed that evening and each band had its own original style. One of the memorable bands however that performed was Guns@theBar. Why the name? Band members Sundance (drums), Ghost Rider (Bass), Colt (Vocals), Sting (Keyboard/Vocals), DOC (Guitar) JoeKid (Lead guitar) and CrazyHorse (Manager) liked the concept of the old west where disputes were settled by gun draws. Disputes then were settled by the courts and citizens who possessed guns going to courthouses were required to leave their guns. So, in 2010, these five alcohol-loving, bar-hopping, gun enthusiasts from Ontario decided to settle their musical disputes, not in court, but rather in a garage creating original lounge,

Entertainment Writer Benie C. Kimmerle mingling with guns@TheBar members (Photo by Jack Campano)

GUNS@THE BAR (Photo by: Jack Campano)

Guns@TheBar Groupies (Photo by: Jack Campano)

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Wanted: Filipino films at AFIFEST presented by Audi!

have been attending the ‘AFIFEST presented by Audi’ for the past15 years and I still see the lack of Filipino film entries at this prestigious festival. Although, last year’s John Sayles’ “AMIGO” made it to the festival, a lot of noteworthy Pinoy indie films I know should be entered in different film festivals. At last year’s Latino International Film Festival, a festival-goer enumerated me such films “Kinatay,” “Serbis,” “Ang Babae sa Breakwater,” among others he know titles of but was frustrated that such films were not available in L.A. or on dvd for the world to see. Where is ‘Busong,’ and other well-raved indie films we hear about? The Philippine government should pay attention and help promote these films. As of this writing, this festival is almost over -- after big days of film screenings, guest filmmakers, and Gala red carpets. Some of the highlights for the 2012 festival include the big gala premiere of ON THE ROAD where throng of fans waited on Hollywood Blvd. to catch a glimpse of Kristen Stewart. The full house screening of SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, introduced by main lead Bradley Cooper and director David O. Russell. Eva Mendes and director Leo Carax reunited at the red carpet gala of their film HOLY MOTORS. Proud dad Ken Burns introduced CENTRAL PARK FIVE. Dustin Hoffman gave valuable pointers on directing a film after the screening of his first directorial. Today, I just came from watching the Premiere of ZAYTOUN, where star of the film Stephen Dorff (another amazing performance) and film director attended the Q&A after the screening. Celebrities have been supporting their independent films like Nick Offerman for SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME, Jane Adams who co-wrote and stars in Joe Swanberg’s ALL THE LIGHT IN THE SKY, Cannes Best Actress Winner Suzanne Clément for LAURENCE ANYWAYS, and Diego Luna came out for COME OUT AND PLAY and reunited with his MOTORCYCLES DIARY director, Walter Salles, at ON THE ROAD. Over 60 international filmmakers have flown into

Hollywood for the festival, including master filmmaker Kim Ki-Duk of PIETA, Mexico’s foreign language submission AFTER LUCIA’s Michel Franco and star Tessa Ia, Romania’s foreign language submission BEYOND THE HILLS’ Christian Mungiu, SOMETHING IN THE AIR’s Olivier Assayas, as well as Tobias Lindholm who has two films at the festival: A HIJACKING and THE HUNT. Tomorrow (Thursday, November 8) will have the announcement of winners ... go to www.afifest.com or HollywoodFLIP.com for other stories regarding ‘AFIFEST presented by Audi.’ Starmagic’s 20th Anniversary sa Shrine Auditorium vs. Gawad Amerika Congratulations to KATZ Entertainment for bravely mounting the 20th anniversary of Starmagic held at the Shrine Auditorium! Hindi biro ang magdala ng labing-siyam na talent ng ABS-CBN (plus staff). Medyo hindi ko lang na-enjoy ang show dahil halos di ko marinig minsan ang dialogue ng mga performers dahil sa mga tili ng fans na nasa likuran namin. Kahit nagsasalita ang mga artista sa stage, sigaw ng sigaw ang grupo ng mga maka-Gege! Mabuti na lang at karamihan sa kantahan ng mga stars ay naka-lip synch kaya di na halata minsan kung nakaminus one ang mga ito! I could understand na kulang ang production value at hindi na ginastusan ng husto ang stage dahil hindi biro na

T ?? False rue

dalhin ang sanrekwang talent ng Starmagic, no? Pamasahe pa lang, baldado na ang producer. Kung super energized ang mga fans, hindi naman ganun ka-perfect ang performance ng mga stars. Parang wala naman na bago sa ipinakitang show. Walang energy ang ilan sa mga nagperform and they were not in their top form. Sa mga stars ng ABS CBN, si Piolo Pascual pa rin ang ang masasabi mo’ng may star quality sa personal. Iba pa rin ang dating niya. Sabihin na nila ang gusto nilang sabihin, at marami mang intrigang nakakapit at pinipilit nilang igiit sa katauhan ni Piolo, marami pa rin itong fans at pinakamaugong pa rin ang pangalan nito base sa nakita ko last Saturday. Ewan ko ba, bakit hanggang ngayon hindi mamatay-matay ang intrigang ‘bading’ si Papa PJ! Samantalang hanggang ngayon, wala man lang kahit isang tao na makapaglabas ng ebidensya (and I dare you!). Among the Starmagic talents, sina Marcelito Pomoy, Angeline Quinto, Piolo

Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and Andi Eigenmann

to mention Derek’s name in the promo and plug in the former home network of Derek. Derek’s said “I have much respect to them. I didn’t leave

show ang isang tv network sa Amerika, laging may katapat na rival network? Sinasadya kaya ito? Kasama sa binigyan ng parangal last Saturday si Cong. Manny Pacquiao pero hindi ito nakarating kahit kasalukuyang narito si Pacman at nag-eensayo sa nalalpit nitong laban. E bakit nga hindi, eh, dito rin ginanap ang press conference ng show niya ng “Manny Many Prizes” two months ago at napakalapit nito sa bahay niya.Email oliver@iatalent. com for any comments.

DEREK RAMSAY “SECRET AFFAIR”

his is no secret. Derek Ramsay’s newest picture produced by Viva Films is on its 3rd week showing in Manila and will be showing in Buena Park and Ontario this weekend here in California –“The Secret Affair.” He is playing with Andi Eigenmann and Anne Curtis in this celebrated movie . It is a box office hit, earning 100 million pesos on its 6th day and growing strong making Derek Ramsay the newest Box office King!

good friend, producer Jackie Regala and her staff (KATZ Entertainment), whom for many years, have been tirelessly trying their best to entertain our Fil-Am community in L.A. ... something to cheer us up ... kudos, Jackie! Hindi man ako nakapunta sa Celebrity Centre para sa awards event ni Charles Simbulan na GAWAD AMERIKA , nabalitaan kong dumating sina Vice Mayor Isko Moreno at Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. Bakit ba tuwing may

Star Magic 20 Live

►By Vince Concepcion

Some chismis about the promotions winded up here. According to our reporter, Derek was upset with the news that ABSCBN restricted Anne Curtis

PinoyWatchDog.Com

without telling them.” Derek’s departure from ABS CBN and entry in TV 5 might have caused this little ruckus. Derek is hosting a new show in TV5 “The Amazing Race Philippines.” He is very embarrassed about the outcome of the issue. He said “I don’t want to use this issue to promote the movie. I want the movie to speak for itself because we all worked very hard for this movie.” But the other “secret affair” of Derek that is no longer a secret is a girl outside showbiz named Alexa Amos. Who is Alexa Amos

Pascual, Khalil Ramos, Rayver Cruz (may boses ang batang ito!), Gerald Anderson, at Sam Milby ang hindi yata naka-dub ang boses habang kumakanta. Walang bago sa ipinakita ng 19 na artistang nag-perform para sa 20th Anniversary. Aniya ng ibang naka-panood, mas maganda pa raw ang manood sa tv. Medyo may edge lang ng kaunti ang mga sponsors na mga nakaupo sa harapan -- pero nabanas din sa mga fans na pilit sinisiksik ang mga sarili sa isle para makakuha ng piktyur sa harapan. Hindi mapagsabihan ng mga guwardiya ang mga fans na ang kukulit na nakikipag-gitgitan sa malapit sa stage! At naku, may tomboy pa na naki-pag-away sa isang maliit na babae! Quiet na lang ako na natatawang nanonood sa kanila ... because I am also a fan of most of these stars. I am a fan of “Ina, Kapatid, Anak,” and hindi ako puwedeng hindi manood, dahil nangako ako na kukuha ako ng picture para sa kapatid ko -- na patay na patay kay Daniel Padilla! And I was there to support a for Derek? Derek is quick to respond “She belongs to our Frisbee group- a friend”. But further probing, he revealed that whatever they are going to is still “not locked down”. He said that they are taking it slow. Affairs and break up of affairs. Now what about this affair that landed on jail. Who is this newest jailbird celebrity – ABS-CBN talent Matt Evans? For two days, Matt Evans languished in jail and celebrated his birthday when he was locked up for allegedly hitting live-in partner Johnellin Hickins. Matt is now free with a $200,000 bail. He denies hitting his live-in partner and he is willing to settle if the complainant’s family are willing to dismiss the demand. He was slapped with a case for physical injuries for violence against women and children. Matt and live-in partner Johnellin were partners for a year and they just had a baby girl. Matt Evans said that their partnership for a year was “not smooth”.

tar Magic’s 20th Year Anniversary Celebration continued in Los Angeles on November 3, 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium. Filipino-Americans were treated to the best and the brightest from network giant ABS-CBN’s roster of stars. The Star Magic 20 Live featured Piolo Pascual, Sam

Piolo Pascual sings with the audience

Gerald Anderson, Jason Abalos, Rayver Cruz and Sam Milby

Dance Number Finale from left Jason Abalos, Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Xian Lim And Julia Montes

Matt says when everything is settled down, it’s better for them not to be together again. Well enough for “alleged” domestic abuse – here in LA the stars from ABS-CB continue to roam the streets in the first week of November. Spotted in the Grove shopping are the Chinoy stars (Chinese Pinoy) Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Kim Chiu with another Chinese beauty who can pass to be a star herself- Olivia Quido Co of the famed O Skin Care. These young stars were featured in Katz Entertainment big star parade concert “Star Magic 20” at the Shrine Auditorium last weekend. Next week “Walang Hanggang” soap opera lead actor Richard Gomez will jam with Rico Puno and Patricia Javier in Pechanga Casino. After that, December will be quiet with concerts as we will be too busy with our Christmas parties. Until next issue, more chismis patrol for you coming your way here in PinoyWatchDog!

Enrique Gil and John Sacramento

Milby, John Lloyd Cruz, Gerald Anderson, Xian Lim, Rayver Cruz, Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee, Jason Abalos, Enrique Gil, Kahlil Ramos, Daniel Padilla, Chokoleit, Bea Alonzo, Kim Chui, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Maja Salvador, Angeline Quinto, Marcelito Pomoy, Zanjoe Marudo and Pokwang. KATZ Entertainment in cooperation with Berce Enterprises presented the event. By all reports the attendees had a good time.

Jason Abalos, Pokwang, Xiam Lim. Enchong Dee and Rayver Cruz after a dance number

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Lookin’ Good for the Holidays – PWD attends Open House of IBODY in San Marino, CA

► By Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle, Entertainment and Arts Editor and Community Liaison Officer

ake a Bite out of this!! The Holidays are fast approaching and the word on the street is that people are trying to “detoxify” themselves before Thanksgiving and Christmas, trying to lose weight (most probably so that we can eat more) and of course, preparing ourselves so that we look good, rejuvenated in time for the holidays. In comes the Vampire Face Lift and Detox /weight loss program offered by Dr. Roberto Tostado. If you are skeptical about injecting Botox or other poisons and fillers such as Juvederm to your skin, then the Vampire Face Lift may be for you. The cost is much less than the traditional face lift and still costs less compared to other procedures (even fillers) being offered by physicians. Indeed, the Vampire Face Lift is relatively new. So what it is exactly? It uses your own blood. The doctor takes some of your own blood then the vial containing your blood goes into a machine which separates the platelets and what you have left, is your own stem cells. The great thing about this procedure is that there is hardly any downtime and less side effects because the mixture of the selphyl compound came from your blood. The stem cells are then injected to your face (there is minimal pain.) After that, you are done and results are instantaneous. Results last for about 3 years. At the open house where PWD attended a few weeks ago, Dr. Tostado explains the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. What you eat is what you see. By removing toxins from the body, he says, you will naturally lose weight, your skin appears healthier and you have more energy. He stressed that being fat is not a disease – it is a symptom. I met one of his clients, Giovi, who lost over 20

pounds in 21 days without dieting. He merely “detoxified” his body (see picture). His skin looked great and, because of this process, he even quit smoking. Tostado claims that you will naturally lose weight by eliminating toxins from the body. His staff will do an overall review of your lifestyle- what you eat and what you drink each day. They then target the problem as to why you are gaining the unnecessary weight. They will then recommend the appropriate detox program for your body. So, if you are yearning to lose the weight and look good for the holidays – this could be one healthy alternative option instead of

dieting or taking pills to lose the weight. Dr. Tostado and his nurse practitioner wife have been practicing for over 29 years and are well-known in the Fil-am community. The Open House of Ibody was intimate and even Dr. Tostado’s mother (seen reading PWD) joined in the celebration. PWD advises however, before you receive any procedure – do your own research. Is the doctor practicing within his scope? How many patients have they worked on? Do they adhere to advisory board guidelines? Do your due diligence and have a great Thanksgiving!

Mother of Dr. Tostado reading PinoyWatchDog.com.

Dr. Tostado explaining procedures at Open House.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Client care news

The Early Sounds of Taxes WWW.TAXWORK.COM

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

iling with the “Head of Household” status instead of filing “Married Filing Jointly” creates the lowest tax rate and tax bracket for individual filers with valid dependents. Interestingly, the law supports troubled married parents who have lived life in separate abode during the last six (6) months of the year in lieu of lovingly living life together; the latter bringing punitively the higher income tax resulting to the most abhorred “married tax penalty.” How it came about to be odd this way that people dislike might be an unintended consequence in the law but a lower tax happily results from the claim of a Head of Household filing status. It is a good and digestible filing status if not the best of all. People have worked around it for the best part. Single parents default to this status that helps. Being “Single”though with no dependent unfortunately will still be registering the highest tax to pay. It is the inevitable penalty for being gifted in life “Single.”Married Filing Jointly”obviously increases the adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold from all combined income sources that becomes the starting point of losing the sweet tax benefits, such as tax credits, subsidies and tax deductions, plus other tax attributes

and then eventually the honey-tasting tax refunds. But do not give up so easily to the claim because living your life separately from your spouse for 6 months or more in order to be able to claim the Head of Household Status that makes a lot of sense to qualified taxpayers. Plan your tax life to pay the least amount of tax in them thar discretions, using this Head of Household Status Claim if you could. It is one smart way of filing direction to consider. Be sure to follow the numerous rules and do this right. The IRS examines the Head of Household Claim, as well as the State of California Franchise Tax Board that sends a tricky Questionnaire to this tax filing status that also produces the lowest tax in the State system. One needs at least one tax dependent in order to claim the Head of Household status; you must be “blood-related, or marriage-related” to your tax dependent for the State claim, but“relations”will not matter much to the Federal claim for as long as the dependent lived with the taxpayer for more than half of the year, and he provided financial support for more than half of the year. These are not all the rules. There are more. Call our office. I just gave you a taste of “tax planning drink” in this area of “plado” law. There is more to tax planning if you are even concerned at all. Two (2) more months are left until the end of 2012 and I found myself listening to a col-

league that gave us a list of income acceleration strategies into 2012 where the tax rates are expected to be lower due to the increasing rates in 2013. I will just mention one of them for lack of space to write here. The advice suggested maximizing retirement plan distributions. I thus agree particularly since its value is also predicted to collapse again sometime in 2013. I do not even suggest to my clients now to keep their money on these retirement plans that have already dropped in value by at least 30%. It has not yet recovered its supposed value and has dangerous presuppositions. The “raiders” and shenanigans in Wall Street are still not done looting. Certain protective regulations have been set aside. Heaven forbid!On a second list, seven (7) tax deductions and credit deferrals have been suggested for what some smart taxpayers should consider before the year 2012 closes. It needs serious thought. The members of Congress are still out campaigning for their favorite President so there is an element of delay and evident uncertainty as to what final income tax rates would become for 2012. The marginal rate of tax increase or tax decrease we could look at is between 3% and 4%. While this in my view is quite low, it could still mean a lot of tax dollars for some very successful clients. It will be your accountant’s job to work around tax increases. Pay him or her for this work. Every year

the government wants to collect more taxes, and it always wins even if it sends some of it back in refunds. We have learned more lessons now about economic redistribution in the political expediencies of our time and its socialist capitalism “quid pro quo.” Do not give Uncle Sam what it does not deserve. You will also

need advice every year to stay ahead in the tax game or you will pay more. Or would you rather run again to the nearest commercial tax preparer at the corner or in the Sears and Wal-Mart shopping malls? H & R Block was reported to be considering reducing its tax service locations on Sears Stores from 500 stores to just 117

across the nation. The lawsuit-beleaguered firm will concentrate in the tax software production and sales and compete with Turbo Tax. Angel Y. Dayan, CPA, EA, ABA, ATA wrote this article for his Tax Column, his clients and friends. Call him at (213)-365-1040 if you need any help.

You Must Be Able to Control Your Criminal Record --Avoid Adverse Immigration Consequences

► By Joel Bander, Attorney at Law

he intersection of criminal law and immigration consequences is complex, vibrant and fascinating to any attorney seeking challenges in the legal profession. However, the non-citizen or their loved ones faced with criminal sanction and possible removal from the United States are usually unconcerned with the academic challenge of their counsel, they just want to know if they will not be deported. But many feel

helpless because the system is too vast and complicated, ‘someone like me’ cannot fight the State of California and the U.S. Government. Not true. Read on. Immigration consequences of criminal convictions must always start with the conviction itself. A noncitizen’s rap’ sheet (official record of criminal convictions) is reviewed by any immigration officer when you are seeking admission to the U.S., seeking an immigration or naturalization benefit, or are incarcerated. So you want to have con-

trol over your ‘rap’ sheet. How can you do it? A guilty plea in criminal court is the result of negotiations. No different than any other legal matter, the subject matter is just different. The regular issues are usually which crimes are to be pled and the sentence, and sometimes with a financial loss to a victim, payment of money. But similar to any negotiation there is give and take. In criminal court plea negotiations a criminal accused’s lawyer is then in a position to be able to control, or influence, the charges and sentence that an immigra-

tion officer will eventually consider when you are seeking admission, another immigration benefit, or even before you are allowed to leave the jail. The beauty of these negotiations is that a prosecutor knows little and cares less about the immigration consequences. This is based on standard policies of not doing anything more or less for non-citizens than for citizens. So in this environment the criminal defense lawyer can mold or steer the playing field so that when any immigration officer reads that ‘rap’ sheet it is either not trigger-

ing removal or at least set up to have available waiver defenses in immigration court. Consider deportability for a conviction for the ‘crime of domestic violence.’ An immigration judge can only remove for a ‘crime of violence’ when the victim was in a ‘domestic relationship’. So the attorney’s task is to plead the accused to a non-violent crime, or have the victim be someone else, or property, or crafting the victim to not be in a ‘domestic relationship.’ For instance, a false imprisonment is not a crime of violence, And you really want to stay away from

any sentence imposed of 365 days or more. And there can be life even after a guilty plea. Attorney Bander has been a litigator and immigration attorney for over 25 years. He can be contacted at 213 873 4333, 801 S. Grand Avenue, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. info@banderlaw. com Attorney Bander has been a litigator and immigration attorney for over 25 years. He can be contacted at 213 873 4333, 801 S. Grand Avenue, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. info@banderlaw. com

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Community

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A repository of FilAm heritage at Echo Park Library

► Words and photos by Dionesio C. Grava, Deputy Managing Editor

Community personalities and Filipino American authors team up to launch the Philippine Heritage Collection at the Echo Park public library in Temple St., Historic Filipinotown.

rchitect Greg Villanueva is an old timer who had vivid memories of what it was like generations ago. Ditto with book author Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier who, like Villanueva, is also a long time habitué of what is now Historic Filipinotown. The two were among community leaders who spearheaded the establishment of the Philippine Heritage Collection at the Echo Park public library in Temple St., Los Angeles. Cathy Serafica Deleon, branch manager of the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library of the Orange County Public Libraries, had high praises about the event in the context of the library system. “It is exciting,” she said, “because we now have a place to bring kids to, this being the only Filipino American collection of its kind in Southern California.” She added that the situation today is a huge contrast of the days when she was growing up. Back then one could count the number of Filipino books around in one hand. Ms. Deleon and Mr. Villanueva were keynote speakers during the October 27 open house event. Villanueva is credited with coming up with the idea of establishing the Filipiniana prompted by memories of his kid days when, he said, he was virtually lost to his lonesome self and with no way of connecting to his roots and culture. No culture, no books, no dance, no music, he mused. Michelle Magalong of the MyHiFi group came up with a media presentation entitled a FilipinoAmerican Historical Perspective. The proposed repository is reportedly anchored by a donation of about 100 books coming from Reme Grefalda’s personal collection. Grefalda, according to a website, is the founder of Our Own Voice and resident playwright of

QBd Ink, a repertory company in Washington, D.C. And, of course, there’s Linda Nietes, owner of Philippine Expressions Bookshop, who also pledged a sizable donation of books by Filipino authors. The Philippine Heritage Collection will be the foundation of the literary, historical, and cultural documentation of FilAms and Philippine experience, it was said. Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, president of the Echo Park Library Community Group (EPLCoG), was quoted

Linda Nietez (right) of Philippine Expressions Bookshop and a friend shows off the anthology “Magnificat.”

saying that the donated books will immediately go into general circulation. PnoyWatchDog revisited the

library nearly two weeks after the event but could not locate the said collection. The lady tending the information desk said that the collection will be available shortly. Others on the EPLCoG board are Lisa Baca-Sigala, treasurer; Ms. Bonnivier, secretary; Dr. Marc Caratao, Cora Marte, Isa Meksin, Ramona Souza, Caroline Lorenzo and Jose Sigala. The latter two cochaired the event. About 20 Filipino American authors were in attendance. According to Ms. Nietes, trailblazer in promoting Filipino books in U.S.A., among those invited to talk about or read from their works included Ruben Nepales, Noel Alumit, Giovanni Ortega, Lorna Dumapias, Sumi Sevilla Haru, Lorenzo Paran III, Leslie V. Ryan, Juanita Santos Nacu, Zosimo Quibilan, Percival Campoamor Cruz, Nenita Pambid Domingo, Marc Lawrence, Albert

Some of the authors, from left: Ruben Nepales, Zosimo Quiblan, Percival Cruz and Leslie V. Ryan.

Some more authors, from left: Lorenzo Paran III, Noel Alumit and Albert Mortiz.

From left: EPLCoG President Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, author Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier, Michelle Magalong of MyHiFi, and keynote speakers Cathy Serafica Deleon and Greg Villanueva.

Mortiz, Frank Tinio Lopez, Carina Monica Montoya and Eliseo Art Silva. Ms. Nietes herself signed copies of the anthology, The Magnificat: Mama Mary’s Pilgrim Sites, edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

who was out of town. Nietes is one of over twenty contributors who have shared their personal experiences of healing of mind, body and spirit after their pilgrimages to sites all over the world dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

Umayam’s claim of “I have no relation to Pinoy Insider” refuted by her own statements on video tape From Page 1

It’s like a celebrity magazine. You read all the tsismis from the Philippines, you know. And I love Pinoy Insider because Pinoy Insider is one of my major sponsors in our big event coming on July 28 which is the Outstanding…100 Outstanding Filipino Americans. S: Can you tell us a little more about the 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans project? D: Okay. The Outstanding Filipino Americans is a conclave and conglomeration of different outstanding RNs, doctors, business entrepreneurs and all fields, coming from all over USA. With their

outstanding accomplishments. Missing from Umayam’s then explanation of her event was her often repeated criteria that awardees were being selected based upon philanthropic giving alone. “I do not understand the reason Darna would try to hide her close association with Pinoy Insider” an event organizer told PinoyWatchDog.com. “She is always calling Mildred Deang ‘her daughter’” this knowledgeable source told PWD, asking not to have their named mentioned as they all work in the same circles. The unearthed video actually concludes with Umayam calling Deang ‘my daughter.’ Pinoy Insider is now sponsor-

ing a grandmother’s beauty contest called Queen Lola Pageant, organized by Deang, This event currently enjoys the sponsorship of ABS CBN Foundation that withdrew from Umayam’s “100 Outstanding” event after she made anti-Semitic remarks and there was widespread allegations of improper activity. The Philippine Consulate also did not send a representative to the event, even though Deputy Consul General Dan Espiritu’s name was in the formal printed dinner program. “ABS CBN and the consul general both shunning the event is huge” the event insider told PinoyWatchDog.com’s investigative team. ABS CBN International President Mr. Robbie Fabian had

earlier announced that the network was withdrawing and he would not be attending. However, Fabian’s name remained in the dinner program despite a blistering email from Umayam to Fabian calling the latter’s decision to withdraw from the event “shallow” and Umayam’s contention in that email that she had to reprint the dinner programs because of the network’s late cancellation. A few days prior to Fabrian’s announcement, ABS-CBN newscaster Tina Palma announced she had decided to not attend Umayam’s controversial dinner. The Philippine Consulate made no formal announcement regarding their non-attendance at the

event. Calls to their press office went unanswered. PinoyWatchDog.com has a report of ‘uneasiness’ at ABS CBN over the close relationship between Umayam and Pinoy Insider. We consider this a developing story. If anyone in the community has information regarding Umayam’s role in the upcoming Pinoy Insider Queen Lola Pageant please contact PinoyWatchDog. com at tellus@pinoywatchdog. com. Watch the actual Darna Umayam interview at www. pinoywatchdog.com/darnaumayam-claim-of-i-have-norelation-to-pinoy-insider/

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Community

Our heroic ‘Manongs’ largely forgotten

Photo of Larry Itliong’s son Johnny who is leading efforts to achieve the honors due his father.

► Words and photos by Dionesio C. Grava, Deputy Managing Editor

nother Filipino American Heritage Month drew to a close. May we take a look back on the 425 years of recorded history of our people in the U.S. and their contributions to the economic, cultural and social enhancement of this country.

It is easy enough to romanticize the fact that our ancestors had carved the first Asian imprints here long time ago. The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has even a specific date, Oct. 18, 1587, the day that some of our people landed in Morro Bay near San Francisco. They were part of the crew that accompanied a landing party of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Buena Esperanza. Eight years later Filipino sailors were also aboard the San Agustin when it was shipwrecked near Point Reyes in San Francisco Bay. “El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles,” today’s City of Los Angeles, was established at a time when California was under Spain in 1781 by 44 “pobladores” or settlers sent from Mexico. Among those enlisted to be an original settler was Antonio Miranda who, according to historians William and Roberta Mason, was a native of Manila. However, Miranda’s daughter was stricken with smallpox when the expedition reached the Port of Loreto in Baja, California, forcing him to remain behind. Not until two years later was Miranda able to proceed with his journey but being a creditable gunsmith, he was instead sent by authorities to Santa Barbara -- now a resort city about 95 miles northwest of Los Angeles -- as a soldier and armorer. A research by Thelma Buchholdt indicates that the earliest ac-

counts of “Manila men” reaching Alaska’s shores were crew members of the merchant ships Iphigenia, Eleanora, Fair American and the Gustavus III which bartered for sea otter furs in 1788. Later in 1791 Filipino seamen were aboard the Spanish ships Descubierta and the Atrevida seeking the Northwest Passage. Less than a century later, American

A Rizal Park in Sylmar, Los Angeles.

whaling ships also brought Filipinos to the Alaskan Arctic. In the early 1900s Filipino cannery workers (the “Alaskeros”) began to live permanently in Alaska. Sometime in 1793 an article in the national magazine, Harper’s Weekly, detailed the story of the

UMAC Forwarders Express, progeny of industry leader Forex

etting up a business is hard. Making money is often harder. So how can these Balikbayan Box companies charge $50 -70 to take a big heavy box from your doorstep across the ocean blue and deliver it to your relatives’ doorstep in a timely and safe fashion, charge only $50 -70, and still have money to pay the rent and hopefully send the kids to college?

Ronald ‘Ron’ Gatchalian, owner of UMAC Forwarders Express, Inc. recently shared some of his insights regarding business development. Ron advises that if you are starting a balikbayan box company the first steps must be taken back in the Philippines, arranging for the unloading and delivery of the boxes. Ron admits he was not involved in that part of UMAC’s creation, so we moved right to getting the business started here in the United States. First, UMAC has the benefit of an experienced team growing out of Forex, an unquestioned leader of the balikbayan box company. UMAC is actually is named as such to honor the legacy and memory of the late Chairman of Forex, Teodoro (Uncle Mac) M. Cariño, Jr., UMAC stemmed out from the Forex trunk, keeping its roots in the same address at 130 Ipil St. cor. Ipil Ext., Marikina Heights, Marikina City, with the same professional managers, staff and delivery crew. It is also in the same place where UMAC maintains its big customized warehouse. Ron advises that Uncle Mac is credited with expanding and bringing back the integrity of the balik-

“Manila Men” and their 50-yearold village named St. Malo on the outskirts of New Orleans, Louisiana. The majority of early Filipino Americans were part of the crew of Spanish galleons that regularly plowed the seas between Manila and Acapulco at a time when the Philippines was a colony of Spain. The difficulties of long sea travel

L to R. Mark Bautista, Ron Gatchalian, Sarah G.

bayan box business in California, the largest market in the industry. I had the pleasure of also knowing Uncle Mac, representing Forex and him personally in legal matters. A sweeter, more decent gentleman did not exist. One business analyst told me that “leaving a company on such good terms that the name of the new company is honoring the head of the other company – a competitor --- is a grand reflection on the manner this company does business.” Ron advises all starting entrepreneurs that “integrity is critical when running a business. Like Forex and Uncle Mac before us, the public knows when they are being treated honestly and fairly.” Turn to Page 14

back to Manila prompted many of them to jump ship and in the process became immigrants many, many years before other nationals started arriving in this country. Rizal in the age of racism In a letter to Mariano Ponce dated July 27, 1888 Jose Rizal complained that Customs officials were excessively strict with passengers of a boat he was in that arrived in San Francisco. He was en route from Japan to his second visit in Europe at that time. Rizal wrote that they were quarantined “in spite of the clearance given by the American Consul, of not having had a single case of illness aboard, and of the telegram of the governor of Hong Kong declaring that port free from epidemic.” Our future national hero noted that on the same day of their arrival, “they unloaded 700 bales of silk without fumigating them; the ship’s doctor went ashore; many customs employees and an American doctor from the hospital for cholera victims came on board... Afterwards, passengers of the first class were allowed to land; the Japanese and Chinese in the 2nd and 3rd classes remained in quarantine for an indefinite period.” Rizal was in the U.S. from April 28 to May 16, 1888 and had stopovers in New York and Chicago. He had opportunity to observe the state of racism in the U.S. then. “Undoubtedly,” he said, “America is a great country, but it still has many defects. There is no real civil liberty. In some states, the Negro cannot marry a white woman, nor a Negress a white man. Because of their hatred for the Chinese, other Asiatics, like the Japanese, being confused with them, are likewise disliked by the ignorant Americans. That was the state of affairs in those times when governmentsponsored students (“pensionados” 1903-1924) arrived to seek educa-

tion in the U.S. shortly after Spain ceded its former colony under the Treaty of Paris. The Filipinos had become U.S. citizens but that didn’t spare them from racial discrimination. Belinda A. Aquino and Federico V. Magdalena traced the Filipino roots in Hawaii starting with the arrival of 15 contract laborers or “sakadas” of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association in 1906. More came until 1934, men and women doing backbreaking, cheap labor in the plantations. They could not break their contracts, had harsh living and working conditions, unfair labor practices, social rejection, educational neglect, political disenfranchisement, violence in the workplace and overworked. The “Manongs” A great influx of Filipino farm workers also occurred in the mainland in the 1920’s after anti-Asian immigration laws had barred the continued importation of Japanese laborers then working the California fields, according to an article in the New York Times. Part of the story of these “Manongs” (Pilipino for elder brothers) was also narrated by the office of California Assembly member Luis A. Alejo (DSalinas) in a resolution (ACR 74) dated Aug. 22, 2011 apologizing for the nearly 100 years of discrimination toward Filipinos and Filipino Americans. The resolution was passed unanimously by the state’s Senate and Congress. Assembly member Alejo wrote: “During this period, school segregation and anti-miscegenation laws were the norm, as were tight quotas on Filipino immigration, even though the Philippines was under the sovereignty of the United States until the end of World War II. Locally, tensions boiled over and led to the ‘Watsonville anti-Filipino riots’ of 1930, which resulted in the death of Filipino laborer Fermin Tobera. The riots soon spread to other cities including Salinas, San Jose, San Francisco, and Stockton... Filipino Americans have a proud history of hard work and perseverance. California, however, does not have as proud a history regarding its treatment of Filipino Americans.” On October 8, President Obama was in Delano, California, to unveil the three-acre Cesar Chavez national monument site that includes a visitor’s center, Chavez’s preserved office, a memorial garden and Chavez’s gravesite. The grounds also include the house where Chavez lived for the last 22 years of his life. Already his legacy is memorialized in books, paintings, public facilities, streets and edifices. A Lewis and Clark ship of the U.S. Navy is named after him and a Chavez biopic is in the making. There is even a state holiday in his name and now this museum. Chavez, a Mexican-American, is primarily honored for his participation in the historical labor

action called the Delano Grape Strike, something that was actually initiated and steadfastly pursued by some 1,500 Filipino farm workers who protested their deplorable living conditions and low wages at that time. From Wikipedia: “The strike began when the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, mostly Filipino farm workers in Delano, California, led by Philip Vera Cruz, Larry Itliong, Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco, walked off the farms of area table-grape growers, demanding wages equal to the federal minimum wage. As a result of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee’s decision to strike against Delano grape growers on September 8, 1965, Chavez held a conference in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, on September 16 which is the Mexican Independence Day, in order to allow the National Farm Workers Association to decide for themselves whether or not to join the struggle at Delano.” The name of another Filipino leader is not mentioned above: Andy Imutan. Posting in the website of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), Mr. Imutan said, “The whole movement began in Coachella that same summer [of 1965]. That’s when a group of Filipino workers went on strike demanding that their wages be increased from $1.10 an hour as well as better living conditions. Finally, after 10 days of picketing we finally accomplished what we had set out to do.” As a result of that initial protest the workers’ wages were increased by 30 cents an hour. But more than the victory, there was great joy among them in having won over the powerful growers at a time when unfair labor practices and discrimination against minorities were the rules. The Filipino workers continued their activism in the farms of Delano. Eventually the Filipino and Mexican groups merged forming the UFW in August 1966 and the Delano Grape Strike is now a part of American history It is ironic that while Chavez has attained legendary status throughout the U.S. at the back of the ground-breaking role of the Filipino workers, only a few groups such as FANHS and the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) care enough to celebrate anniversaries of that historic event. For example, Filipinos in Carson, California, with the support of city officials decided to give a tribute to Itliong in connection with Filipino American Heritage Month that just ended but according to a report, not even 50 attended. Other than the above-cited resolution by legislators of California last year and another resolution of the Los Angeles City Council dated Sept. 8, 2010 bearing an identical topic, to a large extent our heroic “Manongs” are not known by the rest of Americans.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Congressman Mandanas: Former close ally now a critic of P-Noy From Page 1

is that such portion is being used for national projects. That amounts to misappropriation of funds, said Mandanas. Mandanas informed that when he was still Governor, he sued in the Supreme Court the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and won P60 Billion for the provinces, barangays and cities. The amount was used to improve education, health and local projects. When he became chair of ways and means, Mandanas reportedly found out that the irregularity is still prevalent in the Noynoy government. Worse, there were accumulated amounts that goes back to the administrations of Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and MacapagalArroyo. Instead, the current administration told him to get used to it already. One month after he was replaced in the Ways and Means Committee he sued the Aquino administration for P150 billion. The case is pending in the Supreme Court, he said. Mandanas also criticized President Aquino’s “Matuwid na daan” concept of government saying that governance is not only a matter of fighting graft and corruption. The president should have development programs and the six “Cs:” That means Aquino should not only be clean but competent, committed, compassionate and have courage and character as well.

the other hand, he conceded that it is really difficult to register and vote Liberal Party. in our election system compared to The three-term representative that of the U.S. Additionally, elecof the 2nd District of Batangas (he tion day here is not a holiday unlike was also a three-term governor of in the Philippines where it’s almost the same province) narrated his the whole week. He also mentioned version of that incident when he that even those already registered guested a dinner-press conference to vote here has very low turnout in on Tuesday, October 30, at the Maythe actual voting. flower Restaurant in Chinatown, Mandanas said that he will not Los Angeles. The evening event was be running for any office when his hosted by the newly organized Filiterm ends next year. He is now the pino American Press Club of Calinational treasurer of the United fornia headed by Thelma Calabio. Nationalist Alliance composed of Also in attendance were members the PDP-Laban headed by Vice of the Karilagan and the Skyline LiPresident Jejomar Binay and the ons Club. party headed by former President Mandanas traced his memberEstrada and Senate President Juan ship in the Liberal Party to year Ponce Enrile, the Partido ng Ma2004 when there were only 16 of sang Pilipino. them including then CongressThere is the prospect of bringman Noynoy Aquino. Their group ing to the U.S. Filipino candidates figured in an unsuccessful attempt “to excite the Filipinos here,” Manto impeach then President Glodanas said. There is also a suggesria Macapagal Arroyo. When the tion that Filipinos here should 2007 election came he was the only invest like fifty dollars each for member of the Liberal Party in the candidates’ expenses. “We’re Batangas province and was the only considering to have attraction like one who campaigned for Aquino in Congressman Pacquiao who is with his bid for a seat in Senate. UNA incidentally,” he said. Decem“Of course in 2010 there were ber 1 was mentioned as possible already many who joined the Libdate for the candidates to come. eral Party when Noynoy ran for On the cybercrime issue Rep. President and won... especially after Mandanas said: “Yeah this cyberwe won, ha. So that’s why I became crime, this is the cyberlaw. The mesChairman of the Ways and Means sage on the Internet is considered Committee. I chose that because like media, wherein everything you I’m an investment banker and a post, I mean it has to be, you know, CPA by profession,” said Mandanas. the truth. And you cannot make an Regarding the conflict with Consulate meeting allegation, which is false there, and his fellow party members later on, It may be noted that the previ- it could be challenged in court. So Congressman Mandanas alleged ous issue of PinoyWatchDog car- really essentially that’s it, I mean the that he did not sign the impeach- ried a story about a community concept from the point of view of ment complaint those who are in favor, well against Corona as a there should be responsimatter of principle bility. Because the Internet and because it is a is a medium, it’s a medium violation of procejust like TV, radio, or print dure for him to sign media. Well, those who a document without are against are mentioning, being able to read it well these are their own first. He explained From left: Romy Borje, Thelma Calabyo, Congressman Man- personal opinions. Well, that what was prethose who are in favor of sented to them was danas, Marlene Robertson and Mylah De Leon. the cyberlaw, well okay you only the signature are free but you should also page that includes the space where forum at the Philippine Consu- be responsible. So that is the debate to sign the oath. By signing “you late General where Congressman going on right now. The Supreme swear to God that they are true, and Mandanas joined Deputy Consul Court incidentally suspended, they that you have already appreciated General Daniel R. Espiritu and Vice have a TRO, a temporary restrainthe evidence,” he said. Consul John G. Reyes in a discus- ing order, as regards the implemenOf course, he didn’t sign, he sion about voter registration and tation of the cyberlaw.” said, and subsequently was told by dual citizenship with community Question: “So if a media practithe Majority Leader that “hey…if leaders and members of the press. tioner gets sued for libel, then again you sign kasama ka ni PNoy, pag di He brought up the topics again for being a cybercriminal then that ka pumirma kalaban ka ni PNoy.” during the Chinatown gathering. would be double jeopardy.” (Hey... if you sign you are with He said, “When I arrived on the Rep. Mandanas: “No, not really PNoy otherwise you will be con- 18th, I went to the Consulate here because the crime would be in the sidered an enemy of PNoy.) Like in Los Angeles. Well, primarily allegation. What I’m saying…we’re Mandanas the former chief justice because of the House Resolution saying is whether you did it on air, is from the same province of Batan- which I filed, encouraging…urg- or on waves or on print and now gas. ing the Filipinos to be able to vote, online, you could be sued. In other Speaker Feliciano Belmonte those who can vote in the Philip- words, the online is just included Jr. denied that Mandanas’ removal pines to vote in the Philippines but but what is criminal is not the mehad something to do with the lat- not only those who are registered dium that you used but really your ter’s refusal to support the move here but also those Filipinos who allegation. That is the one that is against Corona. “That was a deci- are Americans here to vote in the subject to a case. Because right now, sion made before the impeach- coming November 6 election that if you post things on Facebook, on ment,” Belmonte was quoted in you have here because it is very im- your blog, you could say anything published reports. Majority Leader portant also for the Philippines that there, you could accuse somebody. Neptali Gonzales II also said that the Filipino community, the Fili- I myself have been in blogs.” Mandanas had been advocating is- pino American community is really Question: “If you notice the law sues contrary to the position of the recognized. In terms of number I it is very high, compared to that in party, such as his call that local gov- think the Filipinos represent quite a the United States which is not even ernment units should have a share substantial percentage.” criminal, it’s only a civil crime.” in the Internal Revenue Allotment However, in terms of the numRep. Mandanas: “Yes, yes, that (IRA) from earnings collected by ber of voters, we still are not a fac- is a sound issue that is being disthe Bureau of Customs. tor in California because of the low cussed right now. On the IRA issue, Mandanas percentage of our voters, Mandanas Mandanas said that a politihad this to say: “I saw that there is a said. “Here in California even if you cian is a different matter because portion of the collection of national include the ones in Washington or he has already given up the right taxes which according to the Con- Arizona all the way out to Texas, you to privacy. A politician cannot sue stitution and to law should go to the just have about 50,000 registered.” you even if you call him a crook. He local governments, the barangays, That’s what he was told by the per- also touched on the issue of plagiato the municipalities, cities, and sonnel of the Consulate in LA and rism; that in the Philippines is not a the provinces.” What’s happening also in San Francisco, he said. On crime, only a civil liability.

Rep. Hermilando Mandanas (2nd from left, front) with some members of LA’s FilAm media, from left: Thelma Calabyo, Mylah de Leon, Andy Edralin and D. Grava. Back, from left: Andy Tecson, Benny Uy, Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle and Giovi Zamora.

Members of the Karilagan Lions Club headed by Boy Lizaso (2nd from left) have a photo op with the Batangas Rep. Mandanas (3rd from left).

UMAC Forwarders Express, progeny of industry leader Forex Turn to Page 13

The UMAC owner says to get a box company started after government registration you will need a warehouse, some trucks and vans, agents to pick up boxes and obtain business, and advertising.

said, “is knowing the dependable container companies and then having an online tracking system so everyone can know when their box will be delivered. UMAC generally loads their containers on Tuesdays, putting up to 400 boxes in a container, and in the end, the source of the profit. The company’s promotional materials state: UMAC’S workforce in the Philippines has over 24 years of experience in the processing, handling, and delivering of balikbayan boxes from all over the world, and its pioneer delivery force has taken part in the handling of MILLIONS

WANT TO BE A UMAC AGENT? Box companies are always looking for agents to market the company, pick up the boxes and deliver them to the warehouse. UMAC has three essential standards before they will hire an agent. They must be honest, personable and hardworking. “It also helps if they have a client base already,” Ron stated with a smile. Usually an agent has their own van and a heavy duty dolly. “UMAC and its agents are really an extended family,” Ron explains. “We all look out for one another, along with the clients and the boxes.” And I can also attest that after big storm about five months aso, UMAC was one of the L to R. Ron Gatchalian, Sarah Geronimo, Mark Bautista,Viboy Dumlao few box companies willing to ship relief boxes for free. Others were shipping at a of balikbayan boxes nationwide discounted rate only. in the Philippines since the late It is always good business to 80’s. UMAC maintains closely its provide free disaster relief in your worldwide connection to Filipinos core business and help those need- in Asia and in the Pacific region, ing it most. And this group was not USA, Canada, Europe and the out seeking community accolades Middle East. UMAC is nationwide. for doing so. Worldwide. UMAC agents are supported UMAC’S commitment to its by television and print ads, but also client is no different from an overfind themselves at parties, as soci- seas Filipino’s love for his or her ologists have found that Filipinos family back home – it is undying! like to go to parties, make connec- By providing its services with full tions and talk business. UMAC dedication and quality, UMAC alagents also introduce the company lows the Filipino family members to various clubs, organizations and to be continuously within reach churches and seek to ingratiate of each other. It is no wonder that themselves with their leadership. UMAC has always been considered by Filipinos, here and abroad, as DEPENDABILITY – ACCOUNT- part of their families. ABILITY FILIPINO FAMILY. DEDICAThe bottom line is getting the TION. SERVICE. LOVE. UMAC job done. Ron said that one of the lives by these words. advantages of UMAC is that the For always!!! WE LOVE TO same company that is picking up DELIVER your box is delivering it to your From experience, old fashioned family in the Philippines. The theo- hard work, integrity and quietly ry is that accountability for the box helping the community combined throughout the company insures with a philosophy of dependable service means that UMAC should dependable performance. “Part of that equation,” Ron be in business for a long time.

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, November 10, 2012