NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Fil ip ino AmericAn communiTy newspAper

w w w. a s i a n . c o mVolume 15 - No. 19 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages MAY 6-12, 2016

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DATELINEUSAfrom the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

ALL READY. Members of the Philippine Air Force arrive at the Manila Police District headquarters along United Nations Avenue last Monday, May 2 ahead of their deployment for the May 9 polls. A total of 18,000 police and military personnel will be deployed in 729 polling centers in Metro Manila to ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 9.

mANILA — Less than a week before filipinos elect a new chief executive, President Aquino reminded people that nobody is indispensable in govern-ment.

“sometimes there are still those who tell me, ‘you should have sought reelec-tion.’ I said, ‘that’s not in the Constitu-

tion.’ ‘You should have extended even just for three years.’ I said: ‘that seems difficult,’” Aquino said in a meeting with local leaders and residents in tu-guegarao City on monday, may 2.

“Isn’t it that no matter how great (an official is), that will not be good for us? What’s happening in the country is im-portant. Let’s continue it. Whoever is sitting here,” the President added, re-ferring to his administration’s “straight path” policy and democratic processes.

Without naming names, Aquino cited the case of the late strongman ferdi-nand marcos, who had two terms and extended his stint in malacañang for 13 years by declaring martial law, staying in power for a total of 21 years.

Aquino reminded people that during martial law, marcos confined the pow-ers of the state to himself.

the President also took a swipe at opposition presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay, whose three

children were also in different posi-tions.

Binay’s only son and namesake was a dismissed makati City mayor, his daughter Nancy is senator and his daughter Abigail is the representative of makati City.

Abigail is seeking to replace Binay Jr. while her husband is gunning for her position in Congress.

the Vice President also served as

Aquino: No one is indispensable in government

the primary suspect of the heinous mur-der of 23-year-old Karie Ces “Aika” mojica in olongapo City, Zambales in July last year was extradited by the Us back to the Philippines on sunday, may 1.

filipino-American Jonathan Dewayne Vi-ane, 29, was turned over by agents of the fed-eral Bureau of Investigation (fBI) after getting arrested in Iowa september 3 of last year. Vi-ane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 4 am sunday morning.

Viane allegedly murdered mojica, a store supervisor and his wife’s best friend last July 25. the murder went viral on social media after mojica’s body was found burned, stran-gled and shot before being disposed in a dike in san felipe, Zambales.

reports say that mojica had a conversation with Viane the night before her murder. she was convincing him to allow his wife to bring their 4-year-old son back to the Us.

US extradites Fil-Am suspect in Olongapo murder

LUCeNA City, Quezon — senator Grace Poe’s determination to win the presidential race remains strong despite the huge lead of Davao City mayor ro-drigo Duterte in a recent pre-election survey.

“Hindi ako sumusuko sa gitna ng lahat ng mga pag-subok, at higit sa lahat, hindi ko kinakalimutan bakit ako tumatakbo. Kailangan natin ng makataong pag-babago [I’m not giving up amid the challenges but most of all I will not forget the reason why I am run-ning. We need a civilized change],” Poe said.

she reiterated that she respects the surveys because it gives her the energy and resolve to work harder and match the machinery of her rivals.

What is important, the senator said, is that she is running her campaign without defaming or discredit-ing the other presidential aspirants.

“I have never been involved in black propaganda against my opponents and just focused my energy in reaching out to the people,” she added.

Poe, however, said surveys do not necessarily re-

I’m not giving up, says Poe

sAN frANCIsCo — the Philippine Con-sulate General in san francisco would like to inform all filipino voters of the following:

On Return to Sender mailthe ballot packets of some voters have been

returned to the Consulate General due to in-complete addresses or change of address.

the list of returned ballots has been posted on the Consulate’s website www.philippines-sanfrancisco.org.

the list is constantly being updated. Given the proximity of the end of the vot-

ing period on may 9, 2:00 a.m. (local time), voters are advised to immediately contact the Consulate General to either have their ballots mailed to their new addresses or personally pick up the said ballots from the Consulate General’s special Ballot reception and Cus-tody Group (sBrCG) at the Voting Center, 2f Philippine Center Building, 447 sutter street,

Return to Sender mails and immediate return of ballots

ADmINIstrAtIoN standard-bearer mar roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay on monday, may 2, signed a “covenant for truth” manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal tagle and his diocese put together for candidates in the may 9 elections.

“It is not enough to seek blessing without respon-sibility,” tagle said in his homily during the mass to mark the signing of the trUth (truthful, respon-

Roxas, Binay ink TRUTH covenant

BREATHING SPACE. Presidential candidates Mar Roxas (left) and Jejomar Binay are seats apart at Manila Cathedral during Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Monday, May 2. Roxas came with wife Korina and Binay, with daughter Senator Nancy. Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

mANILA — Casino junket op-erator Kim Wong has completed the turnover to the Anti-money Laundering Council for safekeep-ing an amount believed to be part of the $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh central bank.

Lawyer Kristoffer James Puri-sima, one of the legal counsels of Wong, delivered another P250 million to the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) complex in ma-nila last Wednesday, may 4.

the money was placed in nine large plastic bags comprised of P230 million in P1,000 bills and P20 million in P500 bills.

In all, Wong has turned over to the AmLC P488.28 million and $4.63 million that casino junket agent Gao shuhua had aban-doned in eastern hawaii Leisure Co. Ltd. and midas Casino.

Wong’s lawyers turned over $4.63 million last April 1 and an-other P38.28 million last April 4

Wong completes turnover of stolen Bangladesh bank money

Kristoffer James Purisima, one of the lawyers of casino junket operator Kim Wong, delivers another P250 million, believed to be part of the $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh central bank, to the AMLC at the BSP complex in Manila on Wednesday, May 4.

mALACAÑANG is mourning the death of former foreign Af-fairs secretary Domingo siazon.

“We pause in tribute to Domin-go siazon, former secretary of foreign affairs (1995-2001) and

Palace mourns passing of ex-Foreign Secretary Siazon

Philippine ambassador to Japan (1993-1995 and 2001-2010),” presidential spokesperson edwin Lacierda said in a statement on Wednesday, may 4.

“respected by his colleagues in the foreign service, his peers abroad, and by presidents and

President Benigno Aquino III

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MAY 6-12, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A�

From the Front Page

mayor of Makati City for a long time and was replaced only by his wife when his third consecu-tive term ended. His son then took over when he became old enough to replace his parents as mayor.

In jest, the President said if Bi-nay and his family stay in office for 21 years each just like Mar-cos, that would be 84 years of a single family leading the coun-try.

Aquino noted that it would be painful for the people to com-mit a mistake because what had been achieved under a democ-racy might be reversed.

“They might take us to turn, left, right. The worst: bring us back to the past, U-turn. We don’t want a left turn… a right turn, most especially we don’t want a U-turn. Is that right?” he said.

The President called on the people to think and choose care-fully because nobody would want to end up regretting the outcome of the elections.

“Why the need to weep by making a mistake? Molding the future is in our hands. My vote is only one… the majority decides for everyone. We must keep on multiplying until the last day of the campaign. Let us not stop,” Aquino said, referring to the supporters of the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid led by presiden-tial candidate Manuel Roxas II and his runningmate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

“If we do that, the next genera-tion will look at us with a smile. They will tell us: thank you,” Aquino said.

In 2010, Aquino said his po-litical opponents vowed to derail his victory by all means, but the people’s will prevailed despite the “anybody but me” mantra against him.

The President was in Cagay-an to inaugurate the Pamplona Bridge and campaign for admin-istration candidates.

Aquino highlighted the posi-tive results of good governance or the straight path. He said over

the past six years, the national government allocated P17.04 billion for infrastructure projects throughout Cagayan province, a steep gain in comparison to the P3.79 billion between 2005 to 2010.

The P639.8-million Pamplona Bridge has been under construc-tion since February 2013 and re-placed the 50-year-old highway bridge connecting Cagayan Val-ley to the Ilocos region and Cor-dillera Administrative Region.

The new 489.9-linear meter bridge is expected to provide better transport facility between regions.

Aquino said he would not re-lax as election day nears and that he was happy to read about Fili-pinos becoming hopeful about the country compared to their past apathy. He had been saying that indifference, instead of just anger, was a result of hopeless-ness.

More than programs and proj-ects, Aquino reiterated the Filipi-

Aquino: No one is indispensable in…PAGE A1 t

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GOING HOME. Workers unbolt the San Pedro bell from its base outside the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel in West Point, New York. A grand festival is being prepared in Bauang, La Union for the return of the San Pedro bell that used to ring out from the belfry of the 166-year-old St. Peter and Paul Church here until it was shipped to the United States as a war souvenir of the Filipino-American War in 1901. Inquirer.net photo by Jon Melegrito

Roxas, Binay ink TRUTH…sible, Upright, Transparent and Honest) covenant for the up-coming elections initiated by the Archdiocese of Manila, through its radio network Radio Veritas.

Tagle reminded candidates vy-ing for various government posts that public trust was a blessing that came with serious responsi-bilities and obligations.

He said that while elected offi-cials of the land had the freedom to act and think, they had the duty to listen to the people.

Radio Veritas invited all the candidates for national elective positions for the signing of the covenant, but only Roxas and Binay showed up among the five

presidential candidates.Sen. Grace Poe said schedul-

ing problems prevented her from attending the event. She said she had requested a meeting with the organizers so she could sign the covenant.

“From the very beginning, I’m for unity, I’m for peace, especial-ly when it comes to our elections, it has to be peaceful,” she said.

Vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo could not attend the event but she sent a repre-sentative, her niece Dr. Gaile Ro-bredo-Vitas.

Senatorial betsFifteen senatorial candidates

from various political parties were also in attendance, includ-

ing Martin Romualdez.“I praise their (Catholic Church)

compassion for the Filipinos and I believe that the Comelec will not compromise the future of this country by ensuring just, honest, clean, and peaceful elections,” Romualdez said.

He said that voters themselves should remain vigilant and sup-port the Commission on Elec-tions in its efforts to prevent cheating.

In his sermon, Tagle said the candidates had the obligation to make it clear to themselves what human dignity and human rights meant to them and what they thought the common good

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(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 6-12, 2016 A�From the Front Page

EXTENDED. The Supreme Court (SC) extended up to June 20, 2016 its order stopping the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the plunder trial of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the alleged misuse of P366-million in funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from 2008 to 2010. In a resolution released Wednesday, May 4, the high court granted the request for extension filed by Arroyo’s counsel. Inquirer.net file photo

flect results of elections.She cited the 2004 balloting

wherein exit polls conducted on the day of the elections showed that her father, Fernando Poe Jr., lost in the National Capital Re-gion (NCR or Metro Manila) but after the votes were counted, it turned out that he won by a huge margin against his opponent, then-President Gloria Macapa-gal-Arroyo.

In the 2010 national elections, the senator noted that then-Makati City (Metro Manila) May-or Jejomar Binay was 10 points behind then-Sen. Manuel Roxas

2nd in the vice presidential sur-vey several days before the polls but, in the end, Roxas was de-feated by Binay.

“This only shows that we can’t say who will win until the day of the elections,” Poe said.

The senator admitted that she has been receiving information about the efforts of one of her opponents to manipulate the surveys to condition the minds of voters and make it appear that he has a big chance of win-ning.

She said the candidate even commissioned a survey showing that he is leading. n

I’m not giving up, says…PAGE A1 t

to AMLC executive director Julia Bacay-Abad.

Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes witnessed the turnover.

Through his lawyers, Wong turned over another P200 million to the AMLC last April 18 and the remaining P250 million yes-terday. The entire P450 million represents a debt paid by Gao to Wong.

Last April 5, Wong commit-ted to return the entire amount, which he said was money sto-len from the Bangladesh central bank.

He asked the Senate Blue Rib-bon committee for 15 to 30 days to raise the money.

“May 5 is the last day of the 30 days that I had requested from the Senate Blue Ribbon commit-tee to return the P450 million,” he said in a statement in Filipi-no.

“So now one day before the deadline, I am returning the shortage of P250 million.”

Wong said he borrowed P200 million from Solaire Resort and Casino, while the rest was bor-rowed from “well-meaning” friends.

“It was not easy to come up with this amount,” he said in Fili-pino.

“Many friends helped me raise the money. They saw that I have been pinned down so they vol-unteered. The first P200 million that was returned came from So-laire. It was used to pay my debt, which they loaned me again.”

Wong said he is returning the “dirty funds” because his con-science is clear.

“I would like to show that my conscience is clear,” he said in Filipino. “I have one word and I know how to keep my promise.”

Doing business has been dif-ficult since most of his personal and corporate accounts have been frozen by the Court of Ap-peals, he added.

Wong said his reputation as a casino junket operator has re-

mained intact and that his pa-trons have remained loyal.

He vowed to concentrate on growing his business despite the slew of cases that the AMLC had filed against him.

Wong also vowed to clear his name and that he was unaware of the source of the money since junket operators like him do not ask players about the origin of their funds.

AMLC has started the ball roll-ing for the return of the money to the Bangladesh central bank after it filed a petition for civil for-feiture case before the regional trial court in the National Capital Region.

AMLC has filed criminal

Wong completes turnover of stolen…

the public alike, he belonged to the second generation of career diplomats who served with pro-fessionalism and who rose ac-cording to merit,” he added.

Lacierda called Siazon, who served under former President Joseph Estrada’s Cabinet, “a cul-tured, urbane man.”

He said the secretary left be-hind a record of “distinguished service” to the country and that he had brought honor to the Phil-ippine flag wherever he served.

“We extend deepest sympa-thies to his family at this time of profound loss,” Lacierda said.

Siazon’s son Dan posted on Facebook early Wednesday that his 77-year-old father had passed away. He said his father was a “statesman, career dip-

lomat, but more importantly, a loving husband, father and grandfather.” n

Palace mourns passing of…PAGE A1 t

Domingo Siazon

entailed.“If voters need to study [their

candidates], candidates must also study… the needs of the people who trust them and this already transcends party politics in the interest of the common good,” he said.

“To all the candidates present here, being a candidate is in it-self a blessing. But if the nation puts its trust on you and you get elected, you represent its dreams and the common good. You are blessed but you have a great re-sponsibility,” he added.

‘Don’t waste vote’In the same breath, Tagle also

exhorted the Filipino people—rich or poor, literate or illiterate, es-teemed or not—not to waste their right to vote and the opportunity to participate in forging the country’s destiny, which in other parts of the world remained a dream.

But he said “participatory vot-ing” should also be exercised with “great responsibility” by also carefully scrutinizing the candidates. “Let go of selfishness and think about what is for the common good,” Tagle said.

It was in recognition of this freedom to participate that Catholic bishops do not impose voting for particular candidates, Tagle said.

“We don’t want to preach par-ticipation at the same time curtail

the people’s capacity to partici-pate intellectually, rationally and with conscience,” he said.

But he underscored the im-portance of being well informed before participating in the col-lective effort of building a good future for the country.

“How can we participate if we don’t study or scrutinize? How can we participate if the values that should set our standard are unclear?” he asked.

Answerable to peopleAfter the elections next week,

Filipinos should still continue to participate in the democratic process by making the elected officials answerable to the peo-ple, and should their response be found wanting, the people could make their voices be heard again by not voting for them in the next elections, he said.

“A democracy is a project of never-ending participation and in between elections, it takes the form of making our representa-tives answerable to the people,” Tagle said.

“Whether our choice won in the elections, our responsibility to participate does not end after we cast our ballots … participa-tion in a democratic process is a daily event [so] make your voice heard and make our representa-tives accountable to the common good,” he added. (With a report from Gil C. Cabacungan)

Roxas, Binay ink TRUTH…PAGE A2 t

nos’ change in attitude would be his biggest legacy.

In his speech in Cagayan, Aqui-no said he himself would only re-tire peacefully once he is sure that the country is in good hands.

Asked about his message to the people after meeting with Manalo in Quezon City on Mon-day morning, Aquino said “for us, you saw the proof, the so-called straight path, it is up to you if you are going to continue this and fortify it further.”

“So in the end, we always say, the people are our bosses, we will wait for the judgment of the nation, what our bosses want,” he added.

The President said changing the people’s attitude was really a big challenge for his admin-istration and asked “everybody (to) look at the stories before we stepped into office.”

He noted stories about the number of Filipinos leaving the country would regularly come out in dailies.

“Now one of the dailies (yes-terday), I really was very pleased to see people are looking for jobs here as opposed to preferring to look for work abroad, so there is a belief that there are jobs available, there are good jobs,” Aquino said, referring to a story in The Star on the job fairs on La-bor Day. n

Aquino: No one is indispensable…PAGE A2 t

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Viane fled outside the country after the crime while the second suspect, Niño Dela Cruz, also a Fil-Am, was arrested by the Phil-ippine National Police’s Special Action Force in Tondo, Manila, last August 12.

Aika’s father Josar Mojica was in deep sorrow because of his daughter’s murder. Viane’s re-turn in the country gave hope to

the Mojica family that the case would push ahead.

“It’s a good development that he has been brought here but his face is a painful reminder of my daughter’s death,” Josar Mojica said.

Aika Mojica’s murder was linked to the custody battle be-tween Viane and his estranged wife back in the United States. Viane left the US and took their

US extradites Fil-Am suspect in Olongapo…son to the Philippines which led to Mojica intervening in the is-sue.

Viane is temporarily detained at the National Bureau of Inves-tigation (NBI) office, as of this writing, while Dela Cruz has al-ready been charged before the Zambales RTC Branch 71, and is now locked up at the Zambales Provincial Jail. (Ian Jamotillo / AJPress)

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San Francisco, CA 94108. Other contact details :Email : vote@philippinessan-

francisco.porgPhone : (415) 433-6666 ext.

888Fax : (415) 421-2641 On accomplishment and im-

mediate return of ballots Voters who have received their

ballots are reminded to mail back their accomplished ballots as soon as possible in order for USPS to be able to deliver them to the Consulate General on or before May 7 (Saturday) in time for the May 9 (Monday) 2am deadline for the receipt of ballots.

Please be informed that USPS does not deliver mails on Sun-days. Voters who want to make

Return to Sender mails and immediate…sure their ballots are received by the Consulate General before 2am of May 9, 2016 may wish to personally deliver their accom-plished ballots at the Consulate’s Voting Center, which is open daily (including Saturdays and Sundays) from 9am to 6pm.

On Sunday, May 8, the Voting Center will be open from 9am to 2am of May 9. n

Senator Grace Poe

MAY 6-12, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A� Dateline USa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mem-bers of the government, pri-vate sector, and the academe gathered at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) for a symposium entitled “Philippines 2016: Gov-ernance, Growth, Development and Security” on Thursday, April 28.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, in his keynote address, described

DC symposium reflects on PH growth and relations with the US

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. delivers his welcome address at the symposium entitled “Philippines 2016: Governance, Growth, Development and Security,” held at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) last Thursday, April 28.

charges for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act against Wong, Weikang Xu, Philrem, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito, as well as Mi-chael Francis Cruz, Jessie Chris-topher Lagrosas, Alfred Santos Vergara and Enrico Teodoro Vasquez.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi-nas, AMLC and the Senate Blue Ribbon committee are conduct-ing separate investigations after the money stolen from the Ban-gladesh central bank’s account at

Wong completes turnover of stolen…the Federal Reserve Bank of New York entered the Philippines through fictitious bank accounts at RCBC.

Ambassador Gomes sought yesterday the help of President Aquino in the recovery $81 mil-lion stolen from the Bangladesh central bank.

Speaking at a media forum in Greenhills, San Juan, Gomes said the administration must resolve the problem before Aquino’s term ends in June 2016.

“We don’t have too much mon-ey... this $81 million is a huge amount of money for a country

like Bangladesh,” he said.“I’m quite confident that even-

tually this money will be returned to Bangladesh. I’m very optimis-tic that in one day or another this money will be returned,” he added. “I wish that within this administration by June it could be resolved. That is my view.”

Gomes is hoping that the casi-nos would return the money still in their possession.

“I have been told that they’ve already made a profit [from it], so they can easily return the money,” he said. (With Non Alquitran)

the Philippines’ path towards good governance, growth, and development as challenging, ful-filling, and dynamic, crediting the country’s economic transfor-mation to the good governance program of the Aquino Admin-istration and economic policies centered on inclusive growth.

Ambassador Cuisia also cited the deepening Philippines-US relations along the defense and security, people-to-people and

economic tracks as an avenue of continued cooperation for the next administration.

“The Philippines is commit-ted to be a proactive, reliable and responsible ally of the US, but more importantly, a strong Phil-ippines is critical to the stability of South East Asia, and I do look forward to the Philippines con-tinuing along its current path,” he said.

During the first panel on gov-ernance, growth and develop-ment, Motoo Konishi, former World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, emphasized the importance of addressing corrup-tion and improving governance, protecting the population from climate change and environmen-tal disasters and having peace in eliminating extreme poverty.

“Fighting poverty and elimi-nating poverty means that you have to know each poor, who they are and where they live, and your investments need to be targeted to those people. Fast growth doesn’t eliminate pover-ty, you have to choose your poli-cies carefully,” Konishi said.

The Aquino Administration has actively pursued these three objectives, according to Konishi.

“The Aquino Administration focused on pro-poor policies,” Konishi further added, stating that the Philippine experience will be a highlight of the World Bank’s flagship World Develop-ment Report this year.

Gloria Steele of USAID high-lighted the accomplishments of the Aquino administration in competitiveness, transparency, corruption, infrastructure, edu-cation and health.

“The Filipino people are look-ing forward to more changes and to the continuation of reforms that the Aquino Administration started,” she said.

However, Steele added that more needs to be done by the next administration, such as im-provements in airport infrastruc-ture and quality energy regula-tions.

Matthew Bohn of the Mil-lennium Challenge Corporation lauded the first compact with the Philippines, which support-ed poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and elimination of cor-ruption, as being one of MCC’s best compacts. He also ex-pressed confidence that despite the challenges ahead, the Philip-pines will be able to sustain its

growth and development largely because of the ground work that the Aquino administration has set in place.

“The Aquino Administration has successfully put down deep and important roots for creating the conditions for (sustained) economic growth,” Bohn said.

The second panel discussion on security and peace focused mainly on internal and external security challenges.

Professor Zachary Abuza of the National War College de-scribed the modernization of the Philippine air force, military and marine forces, the deepening de-fense relations with the United States through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and Balikatan exercises

as some of the major accom-plishments of the Aquino Admin-istration.

However, peace and security challenges remain in Mindanao, one of which is the coercive ca-pacities of political dynasties and political families through the use of private armies.

“For any lasting peace to hap-pen in Mindanao, you have to eliminate the private armies,” Professor Patricio Abinales of the University of Hawaii at Manoa said.

Professor Abinales also linked the private armies with the per-vasive presence of the illicit sec-tor, stating that the presence of illicit trade in Mindanao cannot be weakened without first elimi-nating the private armies.

“Unilateral naming doesn’t change the status of a territory, sea or land,” Professor Ruth Wedgwood of Johns Hopkins SAIS said, switching the discus-sion from internal to external se-curity challenges.

Referring to the impending decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, Professor Wedgwood further stated that “China will be put in a very difficult position to defy it” considering the interest of ASEAN member countries in the case.

The last part of the symposium was a keynote address delivered by Senator Richard Lugar, speak-ing on the hallmarks of the Aqui-no Administration and the strong ties between the Philippines and the United States. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Personnel from the Public Attorney’s Office accompany Salvacion Cortabista, 75, to a preliminary hearing at the Department of Justice on the charge of illegal possession of ammunition on Monday, May 2. Cortabista and her husband, Esteban, 78, were barred from leaving for Los Angeles on April 19 after a .38 caliber bullet was found in one of their hand-carried bags at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. They denied owning the bullet and insisted that NAIA personnel planted it in their bag. Philstar.com photo

MANILA—Two agents of the Office for Transportation Secu-rity (OTS) and an airport wheel-chair attendant at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were charged by the Pasay City prosecutor’s office in connection with the alleged tanim-bala or bullet-planting scheme that recently victimized an elderly couple.

OTS agents Ferdinand Morales and Fatti Dame Go and attendant Niño Namba were charged for planting evidence under Article V, Section 38 of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law, robbery with intimidation and un-just vexation.

Salvacion Cortabista,75, and husband Esteban,78, filed the complaints.

The couple claimed that they were victimized by the OTS per-sonnel who found a live .38 cali-ber bullet in the hand carry bag of Salvacion at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 1 on April 19. The couple denied owning the bullet.

The bullet was found in a pock-et inside Salvacion’s brown hand-bag at the final X-ray counter of the departure area.

The couple was supposed to fly to Los Angeles to visit their daughter and for Salvacion’s medical checkup for arthritis.

In their joint sworn statement, the Cortabistas alleged that Mo-rales, Go and Namba might have conspired to execute the alleged tanim-bala scheme.

They also stressed that Namba was the only one who got near their baggage.

The statement also said two personnel in uniform, later identi-fied as Morales and Go, prevent-ed them from undergoing final inspection of their baggage as something suspicious was found inside Salvacion’s handbag.

Morales later found the bul-let, saying it was found in the handbag pocket during the final check.

He also said “mahina ang sing-kwenta mil (P50,000 is peanuts),” which the couple believed was an attempt at extortion.

The couple also said Morales was gesturing at Go and this was captured by a security camera,

3 airport men charged over ‘tanim-bala’by Ghio onG

Philstar.com

dresses, registration details such as precinct numbers and voter identification numbers were made public on the net. Also, individual information such as height, weight and passport number, fingerprint and topog-raphy were also included.

Aguto’s team recently arrested three young men who reportedly confessed to hacking the Com-elec data base, defacing the poll body’s website and uploading the voters data.

But the NBI cybercrime head backed the Comelec view that despite the data breach, the au-tomated election system remains secure.

He said it would be “nearly impossible” to hack and tamper with the transmission of election results because of the speed of transmission and the fact that each voting machine had its own unique encrypted codes. There were also counter checking

mechanisms.“Transmission through the

precinct count optical scanner (PCOS) occurs in seconds, and the results are encrypted with the use of a virtual private network (VPN), which further protects sensitive data, he explained.

He said that assuming a sophis-ticated hacker could intercept the transmittal, he or she could only do this one at a time. With thousands of PCOS machines transmitting in seconds, “there’s no time to rig the results,” Aguto reasoned.

He added that the data would also be encrypted and it would again take time to decode the individual series of numbers and codes. Every machine would have a different encryption key.

“These are numbers that have specific meaning so it’s really nearly impossible to rig the elec-tion results through hacking,” Aguto further argued.

NBI: Impossible for hackers to alter poll resultsby nancy c. carvajal

Inquirer.net

NEARLY impossible.This was how the head of the

National Bureau of Investigation cybercrime division replied to the question of whether or not it was possible for hackers to alter the results of the May 9 national elections.

“It’s really difficult and nearly impossible to influence the re-sults of the elections through hacking,” NBI head agent Ron-ald Aguto told the Inquirer in an interview on Tuesday, May 3.

Several sectors have expressed concerns about the integrity of the election results after hackers successfully broke into the Com-mission on Elections’ (Comelec) voters database. The hackers then uploaded at least 55 million voter’s personal details on the Internet.

Personal details such as vot-ers’ full names, birth dates, ad-

Senatorial candidate and former councilor Greco Belgica is asking the Commission on Elections to conduct a probe against the alleged vote buying of presidential candidates Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Grace Poe.

MANILA—Senatorial candi-date Greco Belgica on Tuesday, May 3 filed a petition before the Commission on Elections for an investigation into alleged vote buying by the Liberal Party led by its standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and by presiden-tial bet Sen. Grace Poe.

“Wherefore it is respectfully prayed to this Honorable Com-mission to create a body to conduct an investigation on the above-stated vote-buying scheme by the Liberal Party,” Belgica, a former Manila councilor, said in his petition.

Belgica said there are videos to prove his claims that the two presidential candidates tried to buy votes.

The senatorial aspirant also said he is filing the petition through his own initiative as a registered voter and a taxpayer of the Philippines saying “it is the right of every citizen, vot-ing or not, to report incidents in violation of any laws particu-larly those pertaining to election laws.”

He asked the commission “to conduct a cautious investiga-

Comelec asked to probe Poe, Roxas for vote buyingby rosette adel

Philstar.com

tion on an untoward vote-buying scheme spearheaded by the Lib-eral Party to assuage the votes in favor of their standard-bearer Mar Roxas.”

Belgica said the investigation may lead to the disqualification of Poe and Roxas.

“Ito ay para himukin ang im-bestigasyon sa vote buying na nakita sa hinagawa sa kampo ni Secretary Roxas at Senator Grace Poe. Hopefully, imbestigahan ng Comelec for potential disqualifi-

cation,” Belgica told reporters.Belgica, the lead petitioner

at the Supreme Court against the pork barrel system and the Disbursement Acceleration Pro-gram, is a known supporter of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He is also the chairman of Reform Coalition Philippines, a political watchdog calling for the restora-tion of security features in vote counting machines to be used in the May 9 elections.

according to the couple’s state-ment.

Salvacion also said in the state-ment she was treated as just another prisoner “without con-sideration for my old age and condition” when she underwent booking procedure by police.

The incident, the couple said, traumatized them and forced them to cancel their US trip.

The Public Attorney’s Office, counsel for the Cortabistas, in-cluded in an affidavit 46 resolu-tions recommending dismissal of previous tanim-bala cases due to lack of evidence.

Meanwhile, a Bureau of Immi-

gration officer at NAIA Terminal 1 praised the Office of the Om-budsman that found two former BI commissioners and another employee guilty of grave miscon-duct for the illegal suspension of a bureau officer.

The ombudsman’s order, signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Blesilda Ouano last Jan. 26, but released only last April 4, ordered the dis-missal from the service with all the necessary penalties of former im-migration commissioners Ricardo David Jr. and Siegfred Mison and BI head executive assistant Grace Lara.

May 6-12, 2016 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A�

ManilaTimes.net photo

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With Roxas and Robredo surging in polls, can Duterte’s lead be overtaken?

Gel SantoS-ReloS

The Fil-Am Perspective

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte may have had the most challenging week of his campaign, just a week before the all-important presidential election in the Philippines, following allegations made by VP candidate Sen. Antonio Trillanes. Trillanes alleged that the Philippine pres-idential front-runner has multiple bank accounts with millions of pesos not de-clared in his Statement of Assets and Li-abilities and Net Worth (SALN).

This allegation of corruption and many other attacks on Duterte’s character have been branded as black propaganda by the Duterte camp and his followers, al-leging that his opponents are so desper-

ate to pull him down af-ter his dominance in the recent polls all over the country.

But as some say, all is fair game in politics, especially when a can-didate has given his detractors ammunitions to fire back at him. Duterte has been criticized over many issues like his rape statement wen he said he, the mayor, should have been the first one to rape the murdered Australian.

Then there were more among many others: his own words admitting he has

killed people and is willing to kill more to get things done as his approach to governance; his curs-ing the popular Pope Francis; his blatant unapologetic and even bragging state-

ment that he is a womanizer; the alle-gations that he has ghost employees; his reported statements that if elected, he will release former Pres. Gloria Ar-royo; that he will allow deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos be buried in Libin-gan ng mga Bayani; and that he will let

Bongbong Marcos take over if he fails to resolve crimes in the first three months of his presidency.

Just this past week, something has been happening in the polls. From plac-ing fourth below Duterte, Poe and Binay, we see the rise of DILG Sec. Mar Roxas in surveys, especially following the last debate hosted by ABS-CBN.

In the Pulse Asia survey for the period April 26-29, Duterte may have stayed at top place at 33 percent, unchanged from the April 19-24 survey, but Roxas has climbed up to second place with 22 percent, a 2 percent rise from the previ-ous poll.

The D’ Strafford Research and Strate-gies Poll for the period April 25-29 could be more problematic for Duterte. It showed Roxas on top with 27.8 percent, followed by Duterte with 25.4 percent.

If this trend continues, could Roxas pull an upset on May 9, and be elected president?

ABANGAN!* * *

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

For Filipino voters, this mo-ment is a chance for them to rel-ish the power they have and take this exercise with tenacity and good cheer.

The Filipinos’ support is essential to any leader. They are after all, the ones who get someone into office, and whom lead-ers are representing. On the other hand, an elected leader plays a central role in every Filipino’s life. He or she shapes the system, make crucial decisions, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino.

On Monday, May 2, Cardinal Luis Anto-nio Tagle gathered candidates for national positions during a Mass at the Manila Ca-thedral where he also made them sign the covenant for Truthful, Responsible, Up-right, Transparent & Honest (TRUTH) elec-tions.

In his homily, Tagle urged the political aspirants to evaluate what the real needs of the people are and to do everything in their powers to foster better and safer communi-ties in the country.

“In being candidates, you need to know that it is a blessing that comes with a re-sponsibility. If you win, it means you must represent the people’s dreams and common good,” Tagle said.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo on Tuesday, May 3, reminded Filipino vot-

ers to “not to be mes-merized” by promises of “change” by candidates seeking the country’s top post. He said that

what the country needs is a “radical” and “profound” change in mind, behavior and values.

Quevedo urged voters to throw their support for the candidates who have an option for the poor and those with moral integrity or someone “that is not tainted by corruption, unexplained wealth, and properties, and enrichment in office.” He encouraged them to choose a leader who is competent to govern 100 million Filipi-nos and lead them to a better life.

Filipinos have signaled an inclination for a progressive, ideal government—a that system is committed to the common good, shared and personal responsibility, and one that finds opportunity for everyone. Next week, we will see if election results will usher in a new presidency that would mark a significant change in the country’s political landscape.

Until then, may voters ruminate on who they think will be a good leader before casting their votes. May they choose an in-spiring leader who will stand for the high-est values and ideals of every Filipino—all 100 million of them. (AJPress)

THESE last few days leading up to May 9—the Philippine national elections—are critical. This moment is intense as aspiring leaders are rushing to mount campaigns that will boost in public support, which in turn, they hope will manifest in actual votes.

THe last failure of the eco-nomic elite—and their sur-rogates in the media and civil society—was the one involv-ing Mrs. Arroyo. They wanted her out of power right after the 2004 elections through means fair or foul, and preferably via the Nicaraguan version of crip-pling the capital with massive protest actions. There were constraints, though.

One was protest fatigue. After eDSA Uno and eDSA Dos—and the short-lived eDSA Tres—the middle class and the urban poor were no longer predisposed to mass at eDSA and cripple the main trans-port route of the metropolis to topple down the Arroyo ad-ministration. The middle class just wanted to vent their ire in the 2010 elections and hu-miliate Mrs. Arroyo’s chosen through their votes. The urban poor had been calmed down by former First Quarter Storm activists then working in Mrs. Arroyo’s camp to rein in their anti-Arroyo angst.

With the middle class bone weary and tired of political protests and the anger of the urban poor reined in, the eco-nomic elite and their surro-gates fought their war through the major media outlets they controlled and still control. The last few years of Mrs. Arroyo in power saw the explosion of corruption stories that was un-

MaRlen V. Ronquillo

Commentary The elite’s desperate push for the hopeless Mr. Roxasparalleled in the country’s po-litical and media history.

The Arroyo administration also saw to it that the other vi-tal institutions of government, the Congress and the judiciary, stayed out of the fray and did not go along with the grand agenda of the elite. The leading lights of the legislative and the judiciary also shared the gen-eral view of the tired middle class—the 2010 elections, not the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo, was the preferred option on leader-ship change. Congress and the LGUs—and the military—were most opposed to the elite’s wish for an extra-constitutional option to oust Mrs. Arroyo.

The glory of Gloria Arroyo came to pass and in the 2010 elections, the elite’s anointed, Mr. Aquino, was unanimously elected president. The demon-ized image of Mrs. Arroyo was enough to sink her candidate, actually the most qualified can-didate in that election cycle. Mr. Aquino, to show his fealty to the elite, truly fulfilled the eco-nomic elite’s grandest hope, an “all-business president” who measures his accomplishments on growth rates and credit up-grades, and how much wealth has been transferred to the al-ready-awesome wealth of the economic elite.

Six years of unprecedented upward redistribution. Through six years, not a single one was a down year for the elite. Steve Forbes, the failed US presi-dential candidate whose family owns the magazine that mea-sures the wealth of the global

elite, was so caught up with the elite’s gushing over Mr. Aquino that he wanted a clone of Mr. Aquino to be president of the US. In his country, bridging inequality is primordial in the political debates. Here, we are stuck up in the ‘80s mania for growth, balanced budgets and credit upgrades.

As if this Catholic country has never heard of a pope named Francis who has debunked trick-le-down economics and the kind of reckless, unfettered capital-ism bannered by Mr. Aquino.

In the current election cy-cle, the elite is in yet another state of despondency and frus-tration. The chosen one, Mr. Roxas, has been lagging in the polls and is now in third place – more than 10 percent behind the polling leader, Mr. Duterte. After six years of cruel capital-ism that tilted 100 percent into their direction, the elite can’t let go. The problem is they have a weak and near-to-hope-less candidate who has failed to catch up despite the sky-is-the-limit support extended to him by the influential institutions the elite controls or owns.

Mr. Roxas is supported by all sectors with a national mega-phone, from Big Business to Big Media. The Aquino admin-istration precisely crafted the BUB in the national budget to help Mr. Roxas’ candidacy and that is throwing money into the LGUs to get votes for Mr. Roxas. even the cash transfer program has been political-ized. (That sounds more cor-rect than “politicized.”) In the

blighted rural areas, the Aqui-no government campaigns with the threat that the conditional cash transfer will be gone with Mr. Roxas defeat. Despite all these, he has been mocked by Mr. Duterte as a “ loser.”

After Big Media was done sliming Mr. Binay, the early leader in the presidential poll who has slid down to 4th place from his commanding lead, the new target is Digong Duterte. Duterte is now facing questions about a banking history that

involved alleged more than P2 billion in recent transactions. It is now the big story, supplant-ing the Makati City tales of alleged big-time construction-related corruption.

It involves the same narra-tive, the leading presidential candidate enmeshed in a mo-rass of corruption and unsuc-cessfully wiggling away from the charges. Only the name has changed. It is now Duterte instead of Binay. The current charge is “ bank accounts” the

one that successfully led to the ouster of erap in 2000.

As the Makati-centric stories on alleged corruption faded from the national discussion, it is Davao City and its arriviste mayor that are now hogging the headlines. The problem is the timeline. It is just a few days from May 9 and the hard-core devotion of many voters to the arriviste mayor is for real.

There is doubt that the elite can deliver a Hail Mary pass for Mr. Roxas. (ManilaTimes.net)

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 6-12, 2016 A�

CAVITE—Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe hit the admin-istration anew on Tuesday, May 3 saying that people are already fed up and “disillusioned” with its “daang matuwid” (straight path) policy.

“Ang mga tao ay sawang-sawa na, ang mga tao ay disillusioned dahil palaging idinidiin ‘daang matuwid, daang matuwid’ saman-talang nakikita naman natin ang serbisyo ay palpak sa maraming ahensya ng gobyerno. (The Fili-pino people are fed up, they are disillusioned with the “straight path” policy while we see that the services in many government agencies are inefficient),” Poe said in an interview after holding a mo-torcade in this vote-rich province for more than six hours.

“Matagal ko nang pinupuna rin ‘yan. Nakikita natin na hindi nagig-ing prayoridad ang pangangailan-gan ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya para sa ating mga kababayan, iniisip nila: ‘bakit niyo sinasabi na napakabuti ninyo kung kinakalimu-tan niyo naman kami? (I have been criticizing this. We can see that the necessities of our countrymen are not prioritized. That’s why, for our our countrymen, they think, “why are you claiming that you are great when you are neglecting us?)”

“Hindi ko naman sinasabing nakadirekta sa isang tao, kundi na-kadirekta sa pamamalakad na pa-rang, yun bang parang wala nang

mabait kundi ‘yung iilan. (I am not referring directly to a single person but to the governance that it seems like there are only a few good people),” she said.

Poe made the remark when sought for comment on presi-dential frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s reported statement that many people have embraced him because they hate the government’s purported inac-tions.

At a campaign rally in Nueva Ecija on Monday, May 2, the sena-tor also warned voters against electing a government that will promote violence, saying the poor will suffer from it.

While she also dreams of quick solutions to long-time problems, Poe said she does not believe that

killing would bring the peace and order people want.

“Merong isa kasing kandidato na ang sinasabi tatapusin niya ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan ang droga. Kahit naman ako, pangarap ko rin ‘yon. Walang masama doon kung talagang magagawa. Kaya lamang ito: Ang pamamaraan ay mali. (There is a candidate who says he would end illegal drugs in three to six months. I also have the same dream. There is nothing wrong with that if it could really be done. However, the way of doing that is wrong),” she said.

Poe was apparently referring to Duterte, who earlier promised to solve criminality in his first six months in office should he get elected President.

Dateline PhiliPPines

PAGE A8

MANILA—Former Rizal Com-mercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito denied the money laun-dering charges filed against her in connection with the $80.9 mil-lion stolen by hackers from the Bangladesh Bank and laundered to the country.

In a 15-page counter-affidavit, Deguito asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the complaint for violation of Section 4 of the Anti-Money Launder-ing Act filed against her by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) last March.

Deguito’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the complaint should be dismissed for lack of probable cause. She refused to grant journalists’ request for an interview.

Deguito denies money laundering rapsby Edu Punay

Philstar.comIn her affidavit, Dequito denied

facilitating the laundering of the stolen money, insisting that it was former RCBC president Lorenzo Tan who ordered her to open the four fictitious accounts where the $80.1 million was deposited.

She said all transactions at her branch had the approval of Tan, and the bank officials are using her as a scapegoat to avoid crim-inal liability.

Topacio asked for another extension for the filing of their reply to the charges, citing the recent complaint filed by the AMLC against the executives of remittance firm Philrem Ser-vice, where part of the laundered money reportedly went.

The AMLC lawyers opposed the move, calling it a dilatory tactic.

Assistant state prosecutor Gilmarie Fe Pacamarra denied

Topacio’s request, saying the re-spondent was given enough time when she was granted an exten-sion during a hearing on April 12.

Topacio questioned the motive of the AMLC in rushing the pre-liminary investigation of the case at the DOJ.

“We are puzzled why the money laundering council is rushing to end the hearing at the DOJ without first filing charges against the RCBC officials. When will they run after those who are really behind the laundering?” he said.

Meanwhile, the camp of casino junket operator Kim Wong did not file an answer to the charges, and instead appealed the deci-sion of the prosecutor.

Casino operator Weikang Xu did not appear or send a repre-sentative.

Poe: Filipinos fed up with ‘straight path’ policyby Maila agEr

Inquirer.net

Sen. Grace Poe Inquirer.net photo

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May 6-12, 2016 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A� Dateline PhiliPPines

ELECTION PREPARATION. Workers rush to package vote counting machines (VCMs) at the COMELEC warehouse in at Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where a transmission of mock elections results is also held duing the weekend in preparation for the May 9 elections. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

The senator said it was not right to give any group blanket power to just kill or kidnap suspected criminals without going through due process. Under this culture of impunity, she said, the poor are in a disadvantaged position.

“Ang problema ang palag-ing napapagkamalan ay mahihi-rap. Pansinin ninyo, meron bang pinatay na mayaman doon sa lugar nila na nasuspetsahan ng droga, smuggling, o anupaman? Kaya kahit gusto natin ng mabi-lis na solusyon, gagawin ko pa ring mabilis ang solusyon pero naaayon sa proseso. (The problem is the poor are always blamed. If you would notice, has there been a rich person killed in their place for suspected engagement in drugs, smuggling or similar activi-ties? That’s why although we want quick solutions, I would make quick solutions according to due process),” she said.

If she wins in the May 9 elec-tions, Poe said she would push for the creation of a drug court to try only drug-related cases. This, she said, will declog the country’s criminal courts, which are saddled with thousands of unresolved cas-es.

She said she would also strengthen the Public Attorney’s Office so that the poor can have access to free and competent legal

Filipinos fed up with ‘straight path’...PAGE A7 services.

“Bibigyan ko ang mga mahihi-rap ng magagaling na abogado. Magtatalaga ako ng magaling na pulis sa bawat rehiyon. At ‘pag hindi bumaba ang datos ng kri-men at droga, hindi ako maghihin-tay ng dalawang araw, ako mismo tatanggalin ko ‘yung provincial po-lice para mapalitan ng gumagawa ng trabaho. (I will provide compe-tent lawyers to the poor. I will as-sign efficient police to each region. And if crime and drug rates don’t go down, I won’t wait for two days, I will fire the provincial police so he could be replaced immediate-ly),” she said.

Poe said the appointment of lo-cal police chiefs must not be politi-cized to ensure that the Philippine National Police (PNP) force across the country will be impartial.

“Hindi pwedeng political ang appointment ng pulis. Kailangan ang pulis ay nagtatrabaho para sa inyo dahil naniniwala ako na ang tao ay hindi dapat matakot sa gobyerno. Ang gobyerno ang dapat matakot sa inyo ‘pag hindi namin ginagawa ang aming tra-baho. (The appointment of police chiefs should not be politicized. The police should be working for the people because I believe that the citizens should not be afraid of the government. The government should be afraid of the people if we don’t do our job),” she further said.

SAYING he could not say no to his daughter, detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada appealed to the Sandiganbayan to allow him to attend his daughter’s final cam-paign rally and to cast his vote in San Juan City.

Estrada, who has been de-tained for nearly two years for his pork barrel scam plunder trial, requested a four-hour fur-lough on the evening of May 7 to attend the miting de advance of his daughter Janella Ejercito at the Pinaglabanan Shrine.

His daughter is running for vice mayor in San Juan City where he once served as mayor.

Estrada “hope(s) that the court and the prosecution will under-stand the need for a father to do all the pleas and court motions to

Jinggoy Estrada again seeks furloughby Dona Z. PaZZibugan

Inquirer.net

be part of his daughter’s desire to be a public servant,” his lawyers said in a petition filed on Monday before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.

Last week, he asked the court to allow him to cast his vote in his precinct at the Xavier School in

San Juan City on May 9 between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

His fellow detainee and co-ac-cused, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Re-villa Jr. has also petitioned the Sandiganbayan First Division to allow him to cast his vote in Ba-coor, Cavite.

THERE’S a spot reserved for Filipino ring idol Manny Pac-quiao in the Philippine boxing team.

“It’s really up to him if he’s willing to join us,” boxing coach Boy Velasco said in Fili-pino during Tuesday’s Philip-pine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey’s Malate.

The International Boxing As-sociation (Aiba) has proposed allowing professional boxers in the Olympics, a move that the world governing body will tackle and possibly ratify in a Manny Pacquiao

Inquirer.net photo by Rem Zamora

Slot reserved for Pacquiao in PH boxing teamby June navarro

Inquirer.net meeting next month.The eight-time world cham-

pion has shown interest but the representative from Saranggani has been busy in his senatorial campaign lately.

“In my opinion, he doesn’t need it. To become an eight-time champion is an achieve-ment far bigger than the Olym-pics,” said Velasco in the weekly forum backed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming

Corporation, Accel and San Miguel Corporation.

Just the same, the Associa-tion of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (Abap) has reserved

a slot for Pacquiao, who can compete in the 64kg division.

Once he bites the bait, Pac-quiao will take over the spot of light welterweight Dennis Gal-van.

Velasco, who coached his siblings Onyok and Roel to Olympic medal-winning perfor-mances, said Pacquiao would be forced to adjust to the am-ateur style of fighting which gives premium on points and speed.

“But of course, he’s Manny Pacquiao. His mere presence could intimidate his oppo-nents,” said Velasco.

REELECTIONIST Sen. Vicente Sotto III and vice presidential aspirant Gregorio Honasan have submitted themselves to a drug test in Cebu City and both were found negative for illegal sub-stances.

In statement, Sotto said he chose to have the drug test taken in Cebu City since he is from the province. His grandfather and namesake, Vi-cente Yap Sotto Sr., was a promi-nent Cebuano who, like him, was also a senator. Aside from being a legislator, the late Senator Sotto is also acknowledged as the “father of Cebuano literature.’’

Sotto and Honasan took the test during their visit to the regional police office of Region 7 in Cebu City. The drug test was adminis-tered by the chemists of the Phil-ippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region VII.

The two senators were accom-panied by actor Vic Sotto, the senator’s younger brother, and basketball star Mark Pingris. They were welcomed to the regional police headquarters by Chief Supt. Sheldon Jacaban, deputy regional director for administration.

Aside from barnstorming in Cebu City, the two senators were also there for Vic’s birthday.

The two senators said they de-cided to undergo drug testing to show the electorate that they are drug free and hope that the other candidates in the May 9 election would follow their example.

A drug test used to be a require-ment under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for all those seeking elective positions. How-ever, it was declared unconstitu-tional by the Supreme Court. (In-quirer.net)

Sotto, Honasan take drug test

A HUMAN rights advocate on Monday, May 2 filed a criminal complaint against supporters of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for ha-rassing and bullying her online.

Renee Karunungan, a member of Dakila Philippine for Modern Heroism, filed a case for violation of the Revised Penal Code, Cyber-crime Prevention Act and the Om-nibus Election Code against up to 20 individuals.

Last March 22, Karunungan posted an anti-Duterte meme de-scribing him as the “lazy choice” after the second presidential de-bate.

Her original post went viral, earning over 13,000 reactions and more than 4,000 shares, before it was taken down by Facebook over complaints from supporters of the presidential frontrunner.

“Obviously, the supporters were offended by it. A lot of them reported it and it was taken down. I was also blocked by Facebook for four days,” Karunungan re-called.

After that, she said she received over 200 messages in her Face-book inbox, most of which con-tain threats.

She said the messages con-tains insults from “bobo ka,” “baboy ka,” “tanga,” to more se-rious ones such as actual threats of grave harm like “mamatay ka sana,” “ma-rape ka sana,” “ma-

Criminal complaint filed vs Duterte supporters for harassing, bullying

by TeTch Torres-TuPasInquirer.net

massacre sana pamilya mo.”She documented the threats by

screen grabbing them and com-piling them in an album.

“My rights offline are the same as my rights online. There is a difference between freedom of speech and speech that incites vi-olence. It is time that people know the difference. We should not condone violence especially on the basis of political views. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and is a threat to our democracy and violates our basic rights,” Ka-runungan said.

“We need to start relearning civility in public discourse and respect for the opinion of others,” she added.

Her counsel, Atty. Jose Jesus Disini Jr., said the Facebook us-ers who threatened Karunungan should be held criminally liable for their actions.

“Under the Revised Penal Code, it is considered grave threat when you threat somebody of physical harm. In this case, there’s threat of rape, threat of physical injury. And because it’s done online, it’s also cybercrime under section 6 of the law,” he said.

Some of the Facebook users, Disini said have already been identified.

He said they sought the help of the National Bureau of Investiga-tion (NBI) to identify the other users who threatened Karunun-gan.

The complaints have been filed with the Comelec and the DOJ.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada Inquirer.net photo

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COMMUNITYJ o u r n a l

AngelA K. HoAnd nAncy Miller

Your ImmigrationSolution

US Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services (USCIS) has released long-awaited policy guidance for adjudicating O nonimmigrant pe-titions in cases where comparable evidence is introduced as an alter-native standard. The government grants O-1A and O-1B visas to those individuals of objectively “ex-traordinary ability” in the fields of science, education, business, ath-letics or the arts. Ballet dancers and choreographers, Olympic cham-pions, movie and TV production crew, pioneering researchers and professors, innovative artists and designers, fine dining chefs and Nobel Prize laureates are just a few examples of individuals who can be eligible for an O visa. For many, the challenge of a successful O petition is convincing the government that the body of achievement submitted rises to the level of “extraordinary ability” and relates to the requested period in the United States.

Normally, the beneficiary can demonstrate “extraordinary ability” by submitting evidence listed in the regulations—such as awards, pub-lications, and other widely recog-nized distinctions—that prove that the individual is operating at the highest level in their field. In some cases, demonstrating extraordinary ability in particular fields does not neatly comport with the list of ac-ceptable evidence. For those indi-viduals, the “comparable evidence” provision exists as a catch-all um-brella for USCIS to accept equiva-lent forms of evidence not enumer-ated in the regulations. However, in order to even use this provision, petitioners have had to first estab-lish that the majority of the listed criteria do not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation. Once that case is made, only then will USCIS consider the comparable evidence provided.

USCIS’ new guidance firmly does away with this numerically driven requirement. USCIS will now consider equivalent, compa-

O Visa: New guidance for individuals of Extraordinary Abilityrable evidence in support of the beneficiary’s claim of extraordinary ability instead of disregarding it if they believe other means listed in the regulations would suffice. By interpreting the regulations in a more open manner, the govern-ment acknowledges that extraordi-nary ability in an occupation can fit more than one conventional mea-sure of achievement. Comparable evidence can now be considered on equal footing with the other listed evidence in the regulations rather than a last resort alternative after other avenues have been ex-hausted. By allowing comparable evidence to be more readily con-sidered in adjudications, the gov-ernment has expanded the scope of O visa eligibility to be more fair and inclusive. In this day and age, innovative or unconventional oc-cupations that nonetheless entail extraordinary ability should be eligible for O visas and the govern-ment’s new guidance concurs with this new reality.

In the policy memo, USCIS lays out how officers should now adjudicate O visas when a ben-eficiary wishes to use comparable evidence. If a particular criterion in the regulations does not apply to the beneficiary’s occupation, the comparable evidence provision can then be used to provide additional relevant evidence even if other listed means are available. Before, USCIS officers would deny O visas on the grounds that the other listed evidentiary means were not ex-hausted. Now, the guidance states that summary denial should not re-sult in those grounds.

Some guidelines apply for em-ploying comparable evidence. First, the petitioner must explain why a particular evidentiary criterion is not easily applicable to the bene-ficiary’s occupation. Second, the petitioner must give an argument for why the submitted comparable evidence is equivalently significant. Third, even with the revised accep-

tance of comparable evidence in O visa adjudications, petitioners must still take care to satisfy O eligibil-ity requirements under the regu-lations. Additionally, the standard of review for establishing eligibil-ity requirements of the O-1A and O-1B remains a preponderance of the evidence—the petitioner must show that what it claims is “more likely true” or “probably” true.

Nevertheless, this is undoubt-edly good news for those individu-als of extraordinary ability who may have less recognizable accolades of excellence. Although we will have now have new considerations on how to approach O-1A and O-1B petitions, USCIS’ guidance shows that the government is willing to take a less rigid position on these nonimmigrant visas. Overall, US-CIS asserts that it will assess the petition on both the quality and quantity of evidence offered. Arbi-trary dismissal of good, probative evidence, which aggrieved past O-1 hopefuls, should hopefully be an uncommon occurrence. A final version of the policy memorandum should be released by the end of this year.

Applications for a visa for one with extraordinary ability are best done by an attorney with extraor-dinary ability. For that reason, be sure that the lawyer you hire is one who is an experienced and knowl-edgeable immigration lawyer.

***Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.

***The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

THE Philippines is poised to be the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia this year and the next, the International Mon-etary Fund (IMF) said in a new regional report.

In its “Regional Economic Out-look for Asia and the Pacific,” the multilateral institution forecasts higher 2016-2017 gross domes-tic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines compared to the rest of Association of Southeast Asian

Strong demand to drive GDP at fastest pace among Asean-5

MANILA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has stressed the need for the beneficia-ries of cash remittances from overseas Filipi-nos to invest more, amid the increasing access to financial services of migrant workers and their families.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said investments by overseas Filipino households has only increased to 6.5 percent in the first quarter of the year from 2.3 percent in 2007, while savings surged to 43.4 percent from 7.2 percent.

Results of the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey showed the percentage of beneficiaries

OFW families should invest more, says BSP

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said investments by overseas Filipino households has only increased to 6.5 percent in the first quarter of the year from 2.3 percent in 2007, while savings surged to 43.4 percent from 7.2 percent. Philstar.com file Photo

Nations (Asean)-5.The IMF said Philippine real

GDP growth is likely to hit 6 per-cent this year and 6.2 percent in 2017, higher than Indonesia’s 4.9 and 5.3 percent; Malaysia’s 4.4 and 4.8 percent; Thailand’s 3 percent and 3.2 percent; and Singapore 1.8 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.

Domestic demand“The modest uptick in growth

is expected to be driven by the continued strength of domestic demand, which will more than offset the drag from net exports.

The latter will remain subdued, but spillovers from China are and will continue to be smaller [in the Philippines] than in other parts of the region,” it said.

The IMF added that domes-tic demand would benefit from higher public consumption and investment growth, but private demand was also expected to re-main buoyant, helped by low un-employment, low oil prices, and higher workers’ remittances.

“Private investment growth is expected to remain robust owing

uPAGE CJ2

uPAGE CJ3

by Lawrence agcaoiLiPhilstar.com

by MayveLin U. carabaLLoManilaTimes.net

MAY 6-12, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ� Community Journal

The CTVFiles

Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq.MonetteAdevA MAglAyA

ImmigrantLiving: 101 and Beyond

BECAUSE times have been so tough for an extended length of time, many are looking for ways to cope financially. Job growth in many US industries has ground to a halt. Yet in good and bad times, there are many offers of opportunities to make money in multilevel marketing and direct sales organizations that depend on a network of people (bodies) to push their products or ser-vices.

Properly and ethically done, multilevel marketing can work for some. One caveat: If you don’t like selling or dealing with people and all that it entails, you would do well to look elsewhere. Here’s an article that may shed some light on this practice should you decide to go this route.

For some reason, multilevel marketing organizations find ethnic communities fertile ground for their recruitment campaigns. The promise of riches to the unsuspecting immi-grant is a bait that works nearly all the time. Know that there are legitimate companies who oper-ate this way and may be worth your while and a host of others on the pyramid scheme that op-erate bordering on the illegal and/or unethical.

Here is how it works. A com-pany sells different products ranging from such mundane products as household cleaners; vanity products such as cosmet-ics or health and diet formulas as well as financial products such as travel, insurance or se-curities.

There are supposedly two ways to make money. You gen-erate revenue as a direct retailer and salesperson of the product yourself buying products from the company and reselling them to your own customer base ini-tially consisting of a circle of relatives and friends. As you run out of family and friends to sell to, you eventually expand to oth-er prospects, including strang-ers by using cold calling and other prospecting techniques.

Note that the company will stress that the more lucrative way to make money is to recruit people as your downline into the company. You earn override commissions from the sales of

What you need to know“The darkest hour of any man’s life is when he sits down to plan how to get money without earning it.” — Horace Greeley

those you have recruited who in turn, can recruit others for their downline. On and on it goes with recruitment providing the lifeblood of the multilevel mar-keting organization that suffers eventually from the natural law of attrition as members often lose interest or bail out.

The one who recruited you, your upline, earns a commis-sion off of you. The company’s structure resembles a pyramid of hundreds or thousands of other pyramids. This concept feeds on the dream of most im-migrants that with a minimum of investment on their part and a consuming desire to succeed, the organization can help them become rich quickly.

Multilevel marketing compa-nies spend tons of money to produce slick and smooth pre-sentations replete with testimo-nials—very often emotional—of people within the organization claiming that being in the com-pany, doing everything the com-pany does, has done a tremen-dous difference in their lives with tremendous wealth and a quality of life beyond imagining. The websites of successful mul-tilevel marketing organizations gush in florid, emotional lan-guage claiming individual suc-cess. A few of these stories may be true; others however, may have been spun by spin doctors. Recruits: BEWARE!

Before you give up your regu-lar job or sign up to do this on a part time basis, ask yourself this question: Do you like to sell? This is a nonstop selling job and for you to realize your dreams of wealth, you have to sell pro-digiously and tirelessly because no product, no matter how ex-cellent and necessary, ever sells itself.

Do you believe in the prod-uct? Does it have value and merit and is it fairly priced? Is this something that is really up along your alley, something you can do for long periods of time and from which you can re-ally make a good living and be happy with what you do? How reputable is the outfit? Are there

pending lawsuits and of what nature? Has it been around for a considerable length of time or is it a company that is merely rid-ing high on current hype—here today and gone tomorrow? How many of your friends and rela-tives are already part of it and how are they faring with their sales efforts?

Here is a caveat for those em-barking on a multilevel market-ing career. To be good at selling something, you must believe in it with passion. And because you want to succeed so much, you then have a tendency to talk about nothing else but the prod-uct you are selling. If you are not careful, you will transform yourself to a boring, predictable person to your friends and rela-tives who will tend to scamper in all directions when they see you, thinking up all sorts of excuses to avoid being sold to. Keep your balance even as you try to succeed in a multilevel sales ca-reer.

An early warning flag that the organization may not be what it claims to be is if you are asked to pay an up-front fee just to get in on the ground floor—in ex-change for a starter kit consist-ing of some brochures, a video and sample products. You might as well kiss that money good-bye. Organizations with good solid reputations in existence for some years with no major lawsuits might be your best bet.

Regard with deep suspicion any group that pushes recruit-ment with very little emphasis on the product or service it is selling. It could be an outright scam. On the other hand, if the product, just by word of mouth, gets great reviews from ordinary people who have nothing to gain by pushing it, it is likely that the company is a good one worth looking into if you are truly a salesperson at heart and you feel strongly that a sales career is where your talents lie.

* * *Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

MANILA — The Philippines remained among the most profit-able automotive markets in the re-gion as it recorded the third fast-est growth in motor vehicle sales among seven countries in South-east Asia in the first quarter.

Data from the Asean Automo-tive Federation showed vehicle sales in the region from Janu-ary to March fell 3.8 percent to 741,392 units from 770,566 units in the same period last year.

Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines were the only mar-kets that saw an uptick in sales during the period.

Philippine vehicle sales ac-celerated 21.6 percent to 76,479 units in the first three months of the year from 62,882 units dur-ing the same period in 2015.

Singapore emerged as the region’s fastest-growing automo-tive market during the quarter with an 80.4 percent year-on-year sales growth followed by Vietnam with a 37.4 percent jump.

Meanwhile, vehicle sales in Brunei posted the largest year-on-year drop at 28.9 percent followed by Malaysia with a 22

to improvements in public infra-structure and implementation of public-private partnership proj-ects,” it said.

The IMF forecasts were lower than the government’s 6.8 per-cent to 7.8 percent target for 2016 as well as the 6.6 percent to 7.6 percent range set for 2017.

GDP growth eased to 5.8 per-cent last year from 6.1 percent in 2014 on the back of a slowdown in exports and other factors.

Asia growth engineMeanwhile, the IMF said

growth in Asia and the Pacific is expected to remain strong at 5.3 percent this year and next, ac-counting for almost two-thirds of global growth.

Despite a slight moderation, it said Asia remains the engine of global growth.

While external demand re-mains sluggish, domestic de-mand continues to show resil-ience across most of the region, driven by low unemployment, growth in disposable income, lower commodities prices, and

macroeconomic stimulus, it add-ed.

“Of course, Asia is impacted by the still weak global recovery, and by the ongoing and neces-sary rebalancing in China,” said Changyong Rhee, director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the IMF.

“But domestic demand has remained remarkably resilient throughout most of the region, supported by rising real in-comes, especially in commodity importers, and supportive mac-roeconomic policies in many countries,” he added.

Facing risksHowever, IMF stressed that

the region faces a number of ex-ternal challenges, including slow growth in advanced economies, a broad slowdown across emerg-ing markets, weak global trade, persistently low commodity prices, and increasingly volatile global financial markets.

These risks compound domes-tic vulnerabilities, such as high debt incurred in recent years. In the short term, China’s transi-

tion to a new growth model will disrupt its regional partners, es-pecially those heavily exposed to the region’s biggest economy.

Geopolitical tensions and do-mestic policy uncertainty add risks of potential trade disrup-tions or lower domestic demand, it also said.

Natural disasters, too, can re-verse economic gains, particu-larly in lower-income countries and small states, including many Pacific islands. Small states also face the challenge of reduced fi-nancial services by global banks or “de-risking” which could hold back financial inclusion and growth.

The report also recognizes, however, that the outcome could turn out more positive than fore-cast.

Low commodity prices could be a bigger boost to the region’s economies than expected; and regional and multilateral trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, could benefit Asia-Pacific even before they are ratified, it said. n

IMF: PH growth to lead Asean in…

Philippines is 3rd fastest growing auto market in Asean in Q1

percent decline.Indonesia and Thailand – the

two biggest automotive markets in the region – likewise saw auto-motive sales slipped 5.4 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively.

Volume-wise, the Philippines sold the fourth most number of motor vehicles in the region within the three-month period.

Indonesia sold 267,227 units while Thailand and Malaysia sold 181,560 units and 131,267 units, respectively.

Aside from the country’s boom-ing vehicle sales, Philippine mo-tor vehicle production has also been the rise, the Asean Automo-

tive Federation report showed.A total 25,209 units were as-

sembled in the country in the first quarter, 18.4 percent higher from 21,285 units produced in the same period last year.

Aside from the Philippines, only Vietnam recorded higher year-on-year production among the five Asean Automotive Fed-eration members that have local assembly operations.

Philippine vehicle production, however, still has a lot of catch-ing up to do to be at par with production in Thailand (506,874 units), Indonesia (285,093 units), and Malaysia (129,591 units). n

PAGE CJ1 t

by Richmond S. meRcuRioPhilstar.com

WHEN a legal permanent resi-dent files for citizenship, one of the questions being asked of the appli-cant is whether the applicant has ever been convicted or charged with a crime. Depending on the nature of the crime committed, a criminal conviction may result in a permanent bar to an applicant for citizenship.

If an applicant has committed the crime of murder or an aggra-vated felony, the applicant will never be granted US citizenship. An aggravated felony may include the following crimes: rape; sexual abuse of a minor; drug trafficking; firearm trafficking; child pornogra-phy; laundering of monetary instru-ments where the amount exceeds $10,000. Aside from having the citizenship application denied, the applicant will most likely be put in removal proceedings once the US Citizenship and Immigration Ser-vices (USCIS) finds out that the ap-plicant has been convicted of one of these crimes.

There are some criminal con-

Crimes that may affect your citizenship application victions that may temporarily bar applicants from obtaining US citizenship. This means that if an applicant has been convicted of a crime, the applicant would have to wait for a certain period of time within which to apply for citizen-ship. In some cases, the applicant would have to wait for five years from the commission of the crime to apply for citizenship. Some of these crimes that will temporarily bar an applicant for citizenship are as follows: (1) participation in ille-gal vice activities such as prostitu-tion; (2) conviction or admission of a crime involving moral turpitude; (3) spending 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime; (4) con-viction of two or more crimes, the combination of which the applicant got a total prison sentence of five years or more. These crimes would prevent an applicant from showing good moral character during the required period of time.

However, there are some crimes which would temporarily bar an ap-plicant from obtaining US citizen-ship if the applicant is still undergo-ing probation. An example would be a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). An applicant

with a DUI conviction will have his or her application denied if the pro-bation is still ongoing. The proba-tion period for a DUI conviction is usually for three years. Applicants with DUI convictions may have the option of having their probation ter-minated earlier thus making them eligible to apply for citizenship.

If an applicant has been con-victed of a crime, it is best that the applicant seek legal advice from an attorney to determine eligibility in filing for citizenship and more im-portantly the consequences of the criminal conviction on the appli-cant’s immigration status.

***Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law

Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full ser-vice law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-cli-ent relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV At-torneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic. (Advertising Supplement)

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 6-12, 2016 CJ�Community Journal

Atty. MichAelGurfinkel, eSQ

ImmigrationCorner

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global ReunionAttention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philip-

pine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertain-ment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or loiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or Monette_san-tillan@yahoo.com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818-281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or rmaghari@gmail.com; Sally Mendoza at323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 or honey@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

MAY 7

Disco InfernoJoin the AM-FM Band for a night of dance classic hits from the ‘70s – disco, swing,

boogie, cha cha, soul and disco funk! Be there for a night of great food, live dance music, a chance to party with LA’s beautiful people and network with the best! Tickets are $25 with dinner. The event will take place at 7pm at the Republiq Dance Studio at 3756 W Avenue 40, Suite E, Los Angeles, CA 90065. For tickets, call (818) 521-6009 or (323) 497-3492.

Piyesta Pinoy BolingbrookPlease join us on Saturday, June 4 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy

sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchan-dise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertain-ment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.

JUNE 4

Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-DanceThe Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June

4th, 6pm, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941). Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year. This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated mis-sionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.

using remittances to invest only almost tripled over the nine-year period, while those using remit-tances to save booked a six-fold increase.

“The challenge and the op-portunity is to encourage more investments by overseas Filipino households,” he said.

Tetangco said the survey showed that 97.3 percent of overseas Filipino households use remittances to purchase food and other household needs.

Cash remittances went up 4.6 percent to a record $25.8 billion last year, while personal remit-tances inched up 4.4 percent to $28.5 billion.

Remittances accounted for 9.8 percent of the country’s domestic output as measured by the gross

domestic product.Personal and cash remittances

have been a dependable source of strength for the Philippine economy, amounting to $228 bil-lion between 2005 and 2015.

“The importance of remit-tances for enhancing the finan-cial stability of overseas Filipinos and the economic growth of our country cannot be overempha-sized,” Tetangco said.

The World Bank has ranked the Philippines as the third larg-est remittance-receiving country after India and China.

The BSP chief said banks and fi-nancial institutions should develop and promote products suited for the needs of overseas Filipinos.

“Financial education is essen-tial for overseas Filipinos to re-alize the opportunities – as well

as possible pitfalls – in invest-ments. Equally important, finan-cial institutions should consider it their responsibility to inform overseas Filipinos of their rights and protection as financial con-sumers,” he added.

According to Tetangco, the BSP has put in place policies and programs to enable the develop-ment of a wide range of products that could cater to the needs of overseas Filipinos and their ben-eficiaries through a nationwide Economic and Financial Learn-ing Program.

Through the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, the BSP together with 12 other govern-ment agencies, would provide a financial system that is acces-sible and responsive in greater financial inclusion. n

OFW families should invest more, says…PAGE CJ1 t

I HAD a wonderful time ex-changing notes with the par-ticipants of my Family Business Talk last Friday, April 29, at the Holiday Inn in Makati. It was a sold out event with whole families coming in droves and occupying several tables armed with loads of questions related to governance.

To those who attended, many thanks! It is my sincere desire that the key learning highlighted in the talk can translate into actual appli-cation and pocket wins leading to harmony and growth in your re-spective family businesses.

Family feuds in the Philippines, and elsewhere in the world, have always been about money, lots of money. However, although estate fights are commonly per-ceived to be just about money, there is almost always more to a family war than just the money. Many estate disputes are sewn by the seeds of jealousy, greed, thirst for control, bitterness, ha-tred, and hurt feelings resulting from real or perceived preferen-tial treatment by a parent.

The infighting becomes more intense if the patriarch or matri-arch had another family on the side or children from previous marital relationships. A signifi-cant number of inheritance dis-putes also involve testators and

Prof. enriQue M. SoriAno

The KiteRunner

Family feuds and shattered families

beneficiaries who come from dysfunctional families, are men-tally ill or addicted.

According to lawyer P. Mark Accettura, author of the book “Blood & Money: Why Families Fight Over Inheritance and What To Do About It,” the combatants can always trace their problems back several years, if not all the way back to childhood. It is clear that inheritance conflict doesn’t come out of nowhere; it is a con-tinuation of long-term relationship problems that resurface upon the illness or death of a loved one. And they aren’t just about money or greed; they are about more, much more. But what is it that so often drives people to wage war against their own flesh and blood over a loved one’s estate?

There are five basic reasons why families fight in matters of in-heritance. Author Mark Accettura accurately points to the following:

1. First, humans are geneti-cally predisposed to competition and conflict;

2. Our psychological sense of self is intertwined with the ap-proval that an inheritance repre-sents, especially when the dece-dent is a parent,

3. We are genetically hard-wired to be on the lookout for exclusion, sometimes finding it when it doesn’t exist;

4. Families fight because the death of a loved one activates the death anxieties of those left be-

hind; and finally,5. In some cases, one or more

members of a family has a partial or full-blown personality disorder that causes them to distort and escalate natural family rivalries into personal and legal battles.

Accettura cites that these sources of family conflict are not mutually exclusive; in most cases, some combination of the five elements present themselves in a combustible cocktail of fam-ily rivalry and conflict. Case in point: The bitter family squabble over the estate left by Lawyer and businessman Potenciano “Nanoy” Ilusorio, which included shares in Philippine Communica-tions Satellite Corp. (Philcomsat) and the Baguio Country Club, valued at between one and two billion pesos at the time of his death in 2001.

Pitting one set of siblings against another, the Ilusorio fam-ily feud has dragged on for more than 15 years now, clogged the court system with more than 300 legal suits and counter-suits, and entertained the idly curious as it played out in the media over the years. To quote media covering the conflict:

“It’s not the first ‘prominent/wealthy family’ inheritance bat-tle waged nor will it certainly be the last, but the on-going estate litigation of Potenciano ‘Nanoy’ Ilusorio’s heirs has emerged as

WHO doesn’t love a little sun-shine? Not only does it feel fan-tastic, but it also has numerous health benefits. Sunshine im-proves our mood, our immune functions, and catalyzes vitamin D production in our bodies.

Vitamin D is important to our healthy smiles

Vitamin D supports oral health in two ways:

1. It helps our bodies absorb and utilize calcium. One of vita-min D’s major functions is mod-erating other vitamins and miner-als—including calcium. Calcium fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. That’s why we fortify milk (a great source of calcium) with vitamin D.

This is referenced in numerous

Dr. VAlerie De leon

Dr. Val’s Dental Views

studies that have shown greater cavity risk for people living in re-gions with little sunlight… Some-times as much as double the risk.

2. It may help fight periodontal disease. Vitamin D also functions as an anti-inflammatory. Peri-odontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults, and it’s a re-sult of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria.

Several studies have found that people who have high lev-els of vitamin D are less likely to experience bleeding gums and gum detachment.

It doesn’t take long to get the vitamin D your body needs from the sun. But for those times when you can’t get daily sunlight, you can also obtain vitamin D from these foods:

• egg yolks or fatty fish• fortified milk, soy milk, or-

ange juice and cereals• vitamin D supplementsGrab a little sunshine today!Of course, we need to be care-

ful about how much sun expo-sure we’re getting. You don’t need to sunbathe all day to get the vitamin D your body needs! Take this blog post as an excuse to go outside today and drink up a few rays.

Thanks for being a part of our practice family. We appre-ciate you!

***If you have questions, pls call Dr. Val-

erie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation. (Advertising Supplement)

How a little sunshine helps our teeth

uPAGE CJ4

FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – new time of 2:50pm (PST) and 5:50pm (EST) only this Sunday, May 8 – to give way to the Halalan 2016 coverage on TFC.

ANNA LYN was left behind in the Philippines after her family migrated to the US. When she attempted to enter the US with a fraudulent passport and assumed name visa in 1995, she was caught at the airport, charged with fraud, and sent immediately back to the Philippines. A series of other misfortunes fell on Anna Lyn’s lap, including a marriage to a US citizen who abandoned her; denial of a fraud waiver, and

MANY people were ordered removed/deported “in absentia” (in their absence) because they did not appear at their removal hearing. However, if they were not properly notified of the hear-ing date, there could be hope to have the case reopened and have the removal/deportation order canceled.

By law, an alien must provide the government with their cur-rent address and let the govern-ment know if they move or have a change of address. But, if the government then sends the hear-ing notice to an old or incorrect address, this could be a basis to have the case reopened. There was a recent court case, where an alien was picked up and provided the immigration officer with her current address. The immigra-tion officer issued a Notice to Appear (NTA), listing her previ-ous address, and then later sent a notice of the date and time of the hearing to that same old address. Naturally, the alien failed to ap-pear at the hearing, because she never received the notice. The court held that because the gov-ernment sent the hearing notice to the old address after the alien had notified the government of her current address, it was im-proper to have her ordered re-

Relief from removal/deportation because notice sent to old addressmoved in absentia.

If you have been ordered re-moved, but did not receive prop-er notice, you should consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action. However, be aware of the following:

• If you received a hearing no-tice sent to your current address, but were just too afraid to go to the hearing, this ruling would not necessarily apply to you, as it deals with situations where the person did not receive notice.

• The government would want written proof you notified them of your current or new address (i.e. certified letter, AR-11, etc.), versus your mere “verbal” testi-mony, such as “I made a phone call and told the person I moved. But I did not get their name and there is nothing in writing to prove my story.” (However, in the above case, the alien verbally provided the immigration officer of her new address. But written proof is better and stronger).

• If you will seek to reopen your case, it would be a good idea that you already have a “form of relief” available to you, or an immediate way to get a green card, such as you may have married a US citizen, your U.S. born child is now over 21, etc. It may not do any good to have a case reopened if you do

not have a way to get a green card at that time. This is because the judge may reopen the case, due to your lack of notice, and just re – order you removed.

• It is also important to evalu-ate the reasons you were origi-nally placed in removal/deporta-tion, such as did you overstay, or did you commit a serious crime?

That is why it is best to first have an attorney evaluate your case, gather and package the ap-propriate proof and documenta-tion, and represent you in court.

* * *Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an

active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.comCall Toll free to schedule a consultation

for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKELFour offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES

· SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Fraudulent visa, fraud denial, broken marriage, and other misfortunes for this desperate daughter – on Citizen Pinoy

another relationship that did not work out.

The family heard of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, but later engaged the services of an-other lawyer who was “cheaper”, but could not deliver results. Anna Lyn’s parents finally decid-ed that Atty. Gurfinkel could be their only hope.

And true enough, despite a pre-vious denial of her fraud waiver, leading US immigration attorney

Michael Gurfinkel put together a well-prepared fraud waiver pack-age, which was quickly approved, paving the way for a tearful, but joyous reunion for the family.

A first Christmas together af-ter 40 years for this family, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY–new time of 2:50 pm (PST) and 5:50 pm (EST) only this Sunday, May 8 – to give way to the Halalan 2016 coverage on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

JUNE 1 1

7K Fun RunLife Steps Foundation presents its 1st Annual Social Dynamics 7K Fun Run to be held

in San Francisco, A on June 11, 2016. The start line will be located between Lake Merced Blvd. and Sunset Blvd. Parking will be available. Registration fee is $40; there is an optional pledge of $10 per mile. The registration fee includes snacks, water, a medal and a fun run t-shirt. Proceeds from the fun run will benefit adults with development disabilities and be-havioral challenges who require assistance and supervision. Interested participants may to sign up by visiting the website: www.LifeStepsFoundation.org. Donations and pledges are also accepted via their website. For more information, contact Stephen Victoriano at (650) 259-1808.

MAY 6-12, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ� Business news

one of the longest, nastiest, most public, no-holds-barred litigious family feuds in Philippine his-tory or in the annals of jurispru-dence.”

Far from easing tensions, the death last Feb. 17, 2016 of Poten-ciano’s widow, Erlinda “Nena” Kalaw-Ilusorio, in New York City, seems to have raised the sim-mering bad blood between the rival family factions back to boil-ing point.

In a newspaper article that came out two months ago, the rival factions are now said to be fighting over the ashes of the dearly departed, a weird echo of the tug-of-war they played over the custody of their aged and non compos mentis father just before his death in 2001, and quite pos-sibly, a prelude to renewed fight-ing on the legal front over her es-tate, on top of the pending tussle over other Ilusorio assets. (To be continued)

* * *Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory. He is slated to deliver a series of talks in the US this May. Grab Prof Soriano’s book as he shares his insights and offer solutions to Family Businesses through his second book entitled “Ensuring The Family Business Legacy”. For those interested, please call Marianne at +639255224713 or email her at mrevilla@wongadvisory.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness.com.

Family feuds and shattered…PAGE CJ3 t

The thought of flying halfway across the world for more 12 hours is sometimes too daunting for many people. Understand-ably, long haul flights do not hold any appeal even to the most seasoned travelers. Long haul flights are intimidating if you travel infrequently. The journey could be very exhausting. Not only does it wreak havoc to your body but affects your sleeping pattern as well.

And for us Asians who had made America our home, taking long haul flights had been the norm rather than the rule if we are to maintain our close relation-ship with our families and friends back home. When travelling half-way across the globe to see fam-ily and friends or attend some important business engagement, the last thing you want is to ar-rive at your destination dragging yourself due to exhaustion.

Surely there are ways to ad-dress this. Fortunately, airlines are constantly upgrading their services to address and meet the needs of their passengers – es-pecially their loyal customers. And the good news is that some flights are certainly better than others because some airlines have fine-tuned the long-haul ex-perience to make it as comfort-able and pleasant to the passen-gers as possible.

One such airline is China Air-lines, which operates twice week-ly flights between Los Angeles

A product presentation seminar jointly conducted by Taiwan Tourism Bureau and China Airlines features the Free Half-Day Taipei Tour. Filipinos traveling to the Philippines who are in transit or have a layover of at least 7 hours in Taipei can participate in the Free Half-Day Tour courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Photo courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Traveling to Asia? Fly China Airlines and enjoy a free half-day tour

courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureauand Taipei. The airline is one of a handful of carriers that are really reinventing their passenger ex-perience from the ground up.

Among China Airlines’ many innovations is the Family Couch, which it launched in 2014. It is a cost-effective and new alterna-tive to business class’ 180-de-gree flat bed seats. Available on all its B777 routes, China Air-lines’ Family Couch is a row of three Economy Class seats that together adapt to create a flat flexible space to stretch out and relax in, giving the passenger the opportunity to enjoy a comfort-able sleep inflight. The Family Couch is perfect for those travel-ling with small children because the seats are specially designed to convert into a sofa.

China Airlines, Taiwan’s larg-est airline, is reported to be the first airline other than Air New Zealand to install the Family Couch seats, which are not only revolutionary but also provide comfort and ease to those fly-ing long haul. What could be more appealing than arriving at your destination well rested, re-freshed and eager to plunge into the day’s activities?

China Airlines’ Premium Econ-omy cabin also offers a pleasant comfortable flying experience. China Airlines Premium Econ-omy Cabin features wider seats perfectly suited for sitting in pairs, and a lot more passenger space that increases your per-

sonal space from your neighbor. Other features include enhanced dining options compared to economy, improved amenity kits, inflight entertainment is exten-sive with an excellent range of current blockbusters and classic films which can be viewed on in-dividual 12.1” touchscreen moni-tor. Plus, there’s Wi-Fi onboard.

And if you are a transit or transfer passenger with 7- to 24-hour layovers before your next connecting flight, who have a valid visa, or from a country eligible for visa-exempt entry to Taiwan, you can avail of the Free Half-Day Tour offered by China Airlines in partnership with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Passenger can choose from two tours that are available de-pending on your arrival in Tai-wan: the morning tour or the afternoon tour. The morning tour will give you an opportunity to visit Taiwan’s Shou Sin Fang Creativity Wagashi and Cultural Center, a pastry factory in Taipei, which showcases Taiwan’s local cakes and pastries. Here visi-tors experience the production process, see artifacts displays, and experience other services,

which provide them a deeper un-derstanding of Taiwan’s culture and customs. From there, the tour takes the visitor to Sanxia, about 22 kilometers southwest of Taipei. It is a bustling town with narrow, winding streets and brick buildings, many of them over a century old. The main attraction here is the Zushi Temple, which was built in honor of Song Dy-nasty loyalist Chen Chao-ying, a famous general who was deified as “Protector of the Country” for his achievements and valor. The temple is known for its intricately carved stone and bronze col-umns and statues, and especially for its unique bird art. There are also carved stone lions, camphor

woodcarvings, and exquisite bronze bas-reliefs.

The afternoon tour, meanwhile, features the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an impressive monument built in commemora-tion of the late President Chiang. The majestic hall towers over 25 hectares of landscaped gardens, pavilions and ponds. Here you will find the statue of the late president looking out over the city from the main building. Another highlight of the afternoon tour is a visit to Longshan Temple, located in Taipei’s Wanhua Dis-trict. The temple was founded in 1738 and is dedicated to Guany-in, the Buddhist Goddess of Mer-cy. The temple houses hundreds

of statues of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Paintings of various creatures grace the temple walls, while stone statues of mystical creatures stand guard on the temple grounds.

Citizens from India, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indone-sia who have a valid visa or hold a permanent resident certificates from US, Canada, Japan, UK, Schengen countries, Australia or New Zealand are also eligible to avail and participate in the Free Half-Day Tour. Remember, how-ever, that you must have a valid travel documents, such as your passport and a completed immi-gration disembarkation card.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau and China Airlines make it easy for passenger to participate in the Free Half-Day Tour. All you have to do is book a tour upon your arrival at the airport at the des-ignated Tourist Service Center in the Arrival Lobby. One thing to keep in mind: passengers can join only one tour during each stopover. It is also worth noth-ing that the tour is offered on a first come, first serve basis, with each tour limited to 18 passen-gers. For group application of four passengers or less you may email your application to the air-port at cks@tbroc.gov.tw within 10 to 5 working days prior to your departure date. However, for bigger group of five passen-gers or more, the application must be sent directly to Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s head office at tinghung@tbroc.gov.tw within one month or 14 days prior to departure date.

Filipino-Americans who plan on traveling to the Philippines for the coming Christmas sea-son may want to consider taking advantage of the comfort offered by China Airlines’ Family Couch seats or its Premium Economy Cabin. Promotions are ongo-ing right now, so you may want to contact your travel agents as soon as possible and avail of the free half-day tour in Taipei cour-tesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau during your layover before con-tinuing on your onward journey to the Philippines.

* * *Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years experience in the tourism and travel industry. He provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles and San Diego.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is an impressive monument built in commemoration of the late President Chiang. Photo courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Zushi Temple, one of the destinations featured in the free half-day Taipei tour, was built in honor of Song Dynasty loyalist Chen Chao-ying, a famous general who was deified as “Protector of the Country” for his achievements and valor.

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(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 6-12, 2016 CJ�PeoPle & events

ON May 19, the much antici-pated launch of this summer’s Thursday Night Music and Market series takes place in To-dos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord. The series continues through Sept. 15 with the Farm-ers’ Market in the plaza from 4 to 8pm and music on the Todos Santos stage from 6:30 to 8pm.

The 28th annual Music and Market Series is one of the longest running, most popular free civic concert series in the Bay Area. The series is funded through do-nations collected from attendees during last year’s concert series and by local sponsors. The 2016 sponsor list is led by Concord Disposal, Pacific Service Credit Union, Tesoro, Dolan’s Lumber, Chevron, Ashby Lumber, Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market, Con-cord Police Association, Brenden Theatre and the tourism consor-tium Visit Concord with its “Dia-blo Valley, Defying Expectations, Concord California” campaign.

Music and Market highlightsThis year’s schedule offers an

eclectic mix of music from a wide variety of genres, starting May 19 when Cajun Fiddle Master Tom Rigney & Flambeau authentically re-create the sounds and feel of a Louisiana Mardi Gras. Tom Ri-gney was recently featured in his own hour-long segment of the film series “Music Gone Public” that was broadcast on over 100 PBS stations nationwide.

The series closes on Sept. 15 with The Purple Ones in a fare-well tribute to Prince. Three additional shows in the series commemorate the music of per-formers who have passed on. The Jean Genies Tribute to David Bowie takes the stage June 23, Hotel California’s ‘A Salute to the

Concord’s Music and Market, special events offer free family fun

Eagles and Glen Frey’ is slated for July 14, and Foreverland hon-ors the music of Michael Jackson on July 26.

Among first-timers to the se-ries this year are The Bird Dogs on June 2, getting accolades for the twin Zmed brothers, whose familial voices invoke the ex-quisite vocals and repertoire of the Everly Brothers. Handsome, youthful, Americana rockers Kingsborough will appear on Thursday, June 30, with rich four-part harmonies, and genu-inely appealing, energetic, origi-nal songs.

Soul, funk, and R&B fans will enjoy Project 4 on Thursday, August 18. Band leader Gerald Glasper will bring the house down dressed as James Brown and other funk superstars.

World and Latin music lovers should attend the David Correa Group on Thursday, June 16 for some great flamenco and Span-ish guitar. The co-bill with Dakila and Da Island Way on Thursday, July 21 blends Polynesian dance with Latin Rock. Violin and harp virtuoso Carlos Reyes and the Electric Symphony return on Thursday, August 11.

Many of the concerts are broad-cast live (as well as rebroadcast) on Concord Cable TV channel 28 (Comcast), 29 (Astound) and 99 (U-Verse).

Tuesday Night Blues seriesJuly’s Tuesday Blues series re-

turns this year with four shows from 6:30 to 8pm from July 5 to July 26. In a nod to “Women in Blues”, this year’s series will open with Concord’s own Annie Sampson, and close with LA’s charismatic blues singer Shari Puorto. The July 5 opener will also include Cool Concord Cars

- a display of vintage autos that encircles the plaza. The Fargo Brothers perform July 12, with perennial favorite Willie G taking the stage July 19.

Todos Santos Plaza special events

In addition to a year-round Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and the sum-mer music series’, downtown Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza features a number of special events this summer.

Concord celebrates Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 7. The event includes the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation’s Annual All Area Music Festival, featuring music students from Mt. Diablo elementary, middle and high schools. The musical performances will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. At 1 p.m., Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister will announce the winners of the Mother’s Day Essay Contest. The AAUW Art and Wine (and Beer) Walk is also in the plaza from 1 to 4pm.

The July 4th Independence Day celebration features a pan-cake breakfast at 7:30 a.m., the Concord Police Association Stars and Stripes run at 8am, and pa-rade at 10am. Entertainment and fireworks presented by the Todos Santos Business Arts Foundation at Mt. Diablo High School starts at 4pm.

Free parkingTodos Santos Plaza is located

in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in two municipal garages and on the street. For a complete listing of musical guests and event information, visit www.concordfirst.org. n

THE San Mateo County Parks Department wants to learn more about its visitors. To do so, the Department is launching a visi-tor study that will occur during the next six weeks. The surveys will take place in 20 parks spread throughout the County.

Park visitors can expect to see rangers and volunteers hold-ing tablets or iPads and posing questions on a variety of topics, including the different activities visitors enjoy when in a park, how they get park information, and if they are satisfied with their park experience. On average the survey takes seven to eight min-utes to complete.

Participants who are willing to complete a follow-up question-naire will be entered into a draw-ing for a $100 REI gift card or a San Mateo County Parks pass that allows free entrance into all San Mateo County Parks for one year. The random sampling ap-proach of the survey means that not every person leaving the park will be surveyed yet the data will be accurate enough to be used for evaluations and recommen-dations.

This is the first time San Ma-teo County Parks has done a study this extensive. The initial phase of the project began in late 2015 with community focus groups held in four locations in the County.

THE South San Francisco Farmers’ Market season is back and opens on Saturday, May 7 at Orange Memorial Park from 10am – 2pm, continuing every Saturday until October 29.

Enjoy the tastiest local fruits and vegetables with cooking demonstrations from Chef Ma-rio. In addition, the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department has planned a vari-ety of FREE activities for all ages and interests in celebration of the annual Streets Alive! Parks Alive! event from 9am to 1pm.

Additional information on spe-cial events throughout the sea-son will be available on the City of South San Francisco’s website and on the Pacific Coast Farm-ers’ Market Association website. We hope to see Saturday!

San Mateo County Parks asking visitors about their park experience

The Department is partnering with San Francisco State Univer-sity’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. Professor and Principal Investigator Nina Roberts, PhD, and Professor and Research Associate Patrick Tier-ney, lead a team of research as-sociates and assistants working on the San Mateo County Parks project. The San Francisco State University team has conducted similar studies for Marin County Parks and other Bay Area park agencies.

Data collected from the focus groups and in-park surveys will provide insight into visitor mo-tivation, satisfaction and future

park interests and visitor de-mands. The data will be instru-mental in helping the Depart-ment update its strategic plan, especially in the areas of park programs, facilities and commu-nications.

In addition, the Department looks forward to applying study recommendations and develop-ing innovative ways to connect with the communities it serves and improve outdoor access. Re-sults of the survey will be avail-able in September.

For more information about San Mateo County Parks, go to www.smcoparks.org. (Christa Bigue)

South San Francisco Farmers’ Market open May 7-Oct. 29

For more information on South San Francisco Farmers’ Market please visit the City’s Farmers’ Market facebook at https://www.

facebook.com/SouthCityFarmer-sMarket/ or visit the South San Francisco City at http://www.ssf.net/2117/Farmers-Market. n

MAY 6-12, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ�

Friday, May 6, 2016

SF2 cover storyThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - May 6, 2016

by Charisse Trinidad / AJPress

The origins ofMother’s Day & how Filipinos celebrate

Mother’s Day is observed in different forms throughout the world.

the American existence of Mother’s Day was created by Anna reeves Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.s. holiday in 1914. While dates and cel-ebrations may differ, Mother’s Day most often falls on the second sunday in May and traditionally involves presenting mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts.

Celebrations of mothers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses rhea and Cybele. however, the most modern version of Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering sunday.”

the roots of the modern Mother’s Day date back to the 19th century. Years before the Civil War (1861-1865), Ann reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. these clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War.

In the Us and Philippines on the second sunday in May, Mother’s Day is a time when children and fathers both spend a day pampering and showering mothers with pres-ents, as a sign of gratefulness for all that they have done for the family.

Mothers in the Philippines go by various titles: Ina, Nanay,

Mama, and Mommy, to name just a few. Mothers are recog-nized as the “ilaw ng tahanan,” which is translated to the “light of the home.” this Filipino expression serves to describe mothers as the light who brings warmth and comfort to her family by caring for them in the best way possible, sometimes even putting aside her own happiness and well-being just to do so. this material sacrifice is also highlighted in another popular Filipino saying: “Ang ina, isusubo na nga lang, ibibi-gay pa sa anak,” which means “even with the food all ready for her to consume, the Mother will always find the need to still give every last morsel to her children.”

having a dedicated day to mothers is no surprise, espe-cially in Filipino culture wherein motherhood is a revered role. Filipinos tend to have tight-knit families, so it is common for Mother’s Day to also include grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and other women in the family who are also mothers.

Children often make cards or drawings for their mothers, with some even bringing break-fast to mom in bed. Fathers, on the other hand, generally give their wives a present they have been asking for, or a trip to the spa for a day of relax-ation. Celebrations for this day usually consist of treating the moms to lunch at their favorite restaurant. the rest of the day is usually spent with the family in the malls or wherever the mothers want to go.

oF the joys and challenges women face in life, none is more extraordinary than having their first baby. From the mo-ment they find out about the pregnancy to the day they give birth, women will experience many changes and learn new ways to take care of their life and their growing baby.

In this Mother’s Day special feature, we asked a first-time mothers about their experi-ences, emotions and how they deal with their life now with their first born.

“Holding her for the very first time was when I knew that life was going to be so much brighter and happier.”

- Aileen B. Castañeda, mother to Sophie Nicola Castañeda (born March 3, 2016)

Aileen said she was over-whelmed with mixed emotions when the labor and delivery nurse informed her that she was going to be admitted.

“I was very happy that I would be meeting our baby girl soon. It was exciting since I was exactly 40 weeks into preg-nancy—baby was very punctual because she decided to come out her exact due date,” she said then added, “I was also

very scared since being a first time Mom, everything was all new to me. I did not know what to expect and did not know how painful labor was going to be. I had my husband (ryan) with me the whole time and he was a very good coach throughout the process, so I knew everything was going to be okay.”

Apart from the usual para-noia new mothers have such as not producing enough breast milk and not knowing what the baby needs when it cries is the fear of failing to become the best mom to sophie.

“I wanted to be prepared—read books, went to birthing classes, stocked up her nursery so there would not be any sur-prises, I even downloaded some apps so I can be reminded when the next feeding will be and for how long!,” Aileen shared. “But at the end of the day, it was what it was, just a prepara-tion. I did not know what the future holds, I knew there would be challenges ahead but I have my husband, family and friends willing to support and do anything and everything. that support and assurance alone helped overcome any first time mother fears.”

by Malou liwanag-bledsoe/AJPress

The firsT of everyThing:firsT-Time moThers share

Their joys and challengesshe takes cue from her

hardworking mother to become a better mom to sophie. With this, she only has one wish for her daughter.

“there will come a time when she will face her own challenges in life. I wish she can embrace and be passionate of the good values my husband and I will instill in her. I hope that she will decide and choose her paths based on those values. “

“I was full of gratitude, and I said my prayer of thanks to God, that after more than five years of wishing and praying for a child we have now received His blessing, as we have now my child in my arms.”

- Maria Lourdes Nitro-Pu-zon, mother to Aldrei Mateusz Puzon (born September 16, 2015)

For Maria Lourdes or Marie Nitro-Puzon, nothing could re-ally have prepared her and her husband, Aldrin, to see their son come out of this world. the couple had been through years of trying to have a child.

“It was just overwhelming. It was the most surreal experi-ence,” she shared. “[I} still couldn’t believe that I was able to push that baby out of me. My husband and I were tearful for a moment, then we posed for the picture to have our first family photo and we were all smiles.”

As a nurse working at a government birthing facility in Makati City, Philippines, Marie does counseling about breast-feediing with mothers. Ironi-cally, it was the same thing that she faced during the first days after Aldrei was born.

“I did not know that it was going to be that painful until I experienced it myself. I was struggling during the first few days, feeling pained and lack-ing sleep; as it was a round-the-clock job,” she shared. “It was Aileen Castañeda with baby Sophia Nicola

Marie Nitro-Puzon with baby Aldrei Mateusz

discouraging as I was producing very little milk at first. I almost thought of giving up, but I can’t. I just continued breast-feeding and my milk supply increased.”

With the difficulties in breastfeeding, being sleep de-prived and tired; Marie always reminds her of her mother’s advice.

“[My] mom told me that when you are tired, it’s ok to ask for help so that you can rest.

“My mom is a woman of prayer. she tells me that despite those fatigued mo-ments from diaper change and long nursing sessions, I still and should find time for prayer, seek help, ask for blessings and to guide me through mother-hood,” she said. “I am teaching my son to pray and call on God to bless him and the people around him. I want him to be God-fearing, morally upright and a responsible man.”

“Your child does not need the latest of most expensive toys/clothes to be happy and healthy, they only need your love and your attention.”

- Marge Maceda, mother to Maktan Maceda (born March 2015)

When asked what they felt when their child first came out, Marge Maceda said, “sobrang saya at takot, mga magulang na kami (overwhelming joy and fear, [because] we are now parents!”

Just like any other first-time mother, Marge shared that not getting enough sleep is one of the major challenges she faced especially during the first few days. still, this does not stop her from doing everything so that her son, Maktan, gets ev-erything he needs to be healthy and happy.

Marge also looks to her own mother in raising Maktan. through her mother’s actions, she shared that materials things are secondary in making your children happy. What’s im-portant is giving your love and attention to them.

“When she was in my tummy, I have been longing to hold, hug, smell, and kiss her. She finally arrived. It was so surreal.”

- Nina Berroya-Carlos, mother to Andi Mireille Carlos (born March 7, 2016)

overwhelmed with happi-ness, Nina Berroya-Carlos and husband Dino Carlos were final-ly holding their first-born, Andi. And just like any other first-time mother, she went through the challenges, such as breastfeed-ing and balancing their time.

“even I want to purely breastfeed Andi, I cannot [do it] since I do not have enough milk. I still try by diligently do-ing breast pump,” she shared. Nina added they struggle at times trying to understand Andi’s needs and wants as a newborn. Also, getting ready is a balancing act.

“We need to allot more time in dressing up since we need to prepare [about] Andi too,” she said.

still, she sees Andi as a blessing and only wants the best for her.

“I wish that she may con-tinuously to grow healthy,” Nina

said and then added, “I also wish that she grows to be kind, smart, responsible, patient, obedient, diligent [and a] God-fearing woman.”

“I have always wanted to be a mom. So for me, it was a dream come true. I’ve always loved being around kids and taking care of them, but it’s true what they say that the feeling is different when you have your own child.”

- Mae Ermita-Manubay, mother of Mason Manubay (born November 10, 2015)

As a person, Mae ermita-Manubay likes to be organized and on time for everything. this is a must for her life, especially in her work as an assistant to the Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in New York. however after giving birth to her son, Mason, she realized that she has to let things go.

“time is no longer my friend. I feel like it goes by so fast. In the beginning we (with husband, robby) found our-selves late for everything until I realized that I just have to give myself an extra hour (or two) to get everything ready before we’re out the door just to make it on time for an event,” she

said. “I also had to accept that baby things will take over the house no matter how orga-nized you try to be. sleep will be a thing of the past, but I’m thankful that I have a supportive husband who takes turns with me during night shifts. every minute counts! At the end of the day, no matter how sleep deprived, how unorganized you get, or how time will sometimes get the best of you, just seeing Mason smile and knowing that he’s happy is all worth it.”

Yes, Mae reaffirms that her perspective on life has changed, as everything now revolves around her family, especially Ma-son. she does acknowledge the same challenges first-time moms go through — the lack of sleep, getting ready, traveling with their son and planning for the future.

“Cutting down on expenses to prepare for the future is important. Budgeting has definitely changed in terms of buying more thing I need as oppose to more things I want,” she said.

Although no amount of preparation will be enough, Mae believes that some sort of plan will help new and future moms after their baby is born.

“have a plan for childcare. Be prepared! It can get expen-sive if you don’t have family to help,” she shared and added, “read/sing to your baby! it’s [a] great bonding time. record your milestones, take all the pictures you want.”

Lastly, she also would like to impress the importance of keeping a healthy marriage.

“still go out and have a date with the hubby. You’ll feel guilty at first but it’s important to continue to nourish your rela-tionship as a couple as well!”

“Honestly, I still can’t be-lieve that I brought this human life out into the world. Yes, there are sleepless night and it get tough sometimes…but when I see her smile at me, it’s all worth it.”

- Luchelle del Rosario-Tarta-glia, mother of Luana Tartaglia

Motherhood has indeed changed Luchelle del rosario-tartaglia, a risk Management director for a banking institution

Marge Maceda with baby Maktan

Continued on Page SF3

Nina Berroya-Carlos with baby Andi Mireille

Infographic by AJPress. Sources: American Psychological Association, Pacific Post Partum Support Society, Journal of American Medical Association, National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation and Depression Facts

Mae Ermita-Manubay with baby Mason Luchelle Del Rosario- Tartaglia with baby Luana

“Happy Mother’s Day to a very spe-cial mom and grandma, Vic-toria Antonio. We love you!”

From the Antonio family.

“Happy Mother’s Day and Happy 70th Birthday to the greatest mom and lola we could ever ask for, Revelina Valmores! Love”

- John, Elina, Dio-Ann and Jasper.

“Happy Mother’s Day to Justina Salud Nitro! Thank you for guiding us in our lives and teaching us to be God-fearing citizens. We love you!”

From: Son Greg, daughter Marie Nitro-Puzon, son-in-law Aldrin Puzon and grandson Aldrei Puzon.

“Happy Mother’s Day to our beauti-ful mother and lola, Catherine de Guzman Liwanag! We love you and we always pray for your health.”

Love from daugh-ters Jenny Liwanag and Malou Liwanag-Bled-soe, sons Joey Liwanag and Michael Liwanag, son-in-law Chris Bled-soe, daughter-in-law Lyn Vizcarra-Liwanag, grandchildren Austin, Angelo, Michelle, Ryoji and Jacob.

“Happy Mother’s Day to Ivy Jocelle Antonio! You are the best wife and mother! We love you!”

From Anthony, Lia and Mia Antonio.

“Happy Mother’s Day to the best mother and grandmother, Ofelia Vera Cruz Castro. We love you!”

From Anthony, Ivy, Lia and Mia.

SF3featuresThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE – May 6, 2016

By Monet Lu

I wAS told on numerous oc-casions that everybody eventually turns into their parents when they grow old. I believe that now to be true as I see so much of my “Nanay” (as I fondly call her) in me – now more than ever. Things like her gestures, or when giv-ing advice, I just can’t help but notice myself talking the way my mother would talk to me. I talk to my friends the way she would usually talk to me when I ask her for advice. All I can say is that my friends are just as lucky as I am that I learned so much from my dear mother.

This coming Mother’s month, I want to dedicate this piece to her. She tried her best to instill in me precious nuggets of wisdom (that I hope I’ve retained all these years). The woman I owe everything to; the most important woman in my life – My Nanay: Mrs. Catalina Francisco Lu.

It has been years since my mother joined the Lord yet her memory stays forever. The pain of losing my mom still remains. I guess the heartache will never be completely gone but I learned

Words of wisdom from the most important woman in my life

to accept the fact that she won’t be around anymore. And that I’ll always keep her memories with me. That way, she lives on in my heart and in my dreams.

My Nanay is your typical “charismatic and caring” mother. But don’t let her composed demeanor fool you. She could be feisty and quite the disciplinarian if she wanted to. But no matter how she carried herself, she never failed to express her love and concern for her children.

“Eat your vegetables, they’re good for you.”

Mrs. Catalina Francisco Lu

CoNTENT Includes Movies from Center for Asian American Media, well Go USA Entertain-ment, Eros Now and TV Japan.

In recognition of Asian-Pa-cific American Heritage Month, Comcast will promote a collec-tion of Asian-American content across Xfinity on Demand plat-forms, highlighted by a selection of new films from the Center for Asian American Media such as “Am I American,” “American Arab,” “off the Menu” and “Someone Else.” The collection will also feature Asian Action films from well Go USA Enter-tainment such as “IP Man 3” and “The Assassin.”

“we are thrilled to bring this year’s remarkable stories that represent the diversity of voices of the Asian American com-munity to our customers,” said Javier Garcia, SVP and GM of

Multicultural Services, Comcast Cable. “This curated collection of programming once again underscores our commitment of offer prime international pro-gramming to Xfinity on Demand viewers all year round.”

Additional programming that will be featured this month includes:

• The new collection of on demand programming from TV Japan

• Best of Interpretations from “Fast & Furious” director Justin Lin’s YoMYoMF

• A collection of films from Eros now including “Singham Returns,” “Raanjhana,” and “Grand Masti”

• Programming from Filipino on Demand, GMA Network, MyX Network and TV K-Pop Music Videos.

• A collection of free films

from HI-YAH! including “The Thieves,” “New world” and “A Simple Life.”

• A free month-long preview of GMA Pinoy TV including its latest program launches ‘“Yan Ang Morning,” “once Again,” “Magkaibang Mundo,” and “Juan Happy Love Story”—and its anticipated coverage of the upcoming Philippine presidential election.

Select programming will be featured on Xfinity’s Asian web-site (www.xfinity.com/asia) and all programming will be available under the “Multicultural” section on Xfinity on Demand, under Asian Heritage Month or Asian American Heritage Month. Most content will also be available on mobile devices via the Xfinity TV Go website and app.

Learn more at xfinity.com/Asia. *Advertising Supplement

Comcast promotes diverse film and TV line-up in celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“Pray before you eat.”“Don’t waste food, finish it all.

Think of the hungry children in the world.”

“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”

“Call me when you get there so I’ll know you’re okay.”

These are my mother’s widely used reminders. I say them back to myself whenever I’m reminded of them and with gratitude in my heart, I tell myself how lucky I am to have a mother like my Nanay.

She was fond of reciting quotations when she can. of course at that time, I really didn’t fully understand what they meant. She’d talk mostly about gratitude and work ethics. “Ang hindi lum-ingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” (He who doesn’t know how to look back from where he came from, will never reach his destiny), she would often say to me. I think it was her favorite. Most of the time she would talk more about “remaining humble and never forgetting the people who helped

Continued on Page SF5

SF4 celebrityworldThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - May 6, 2016

celebrity worldBy Ferdie Villar

Zsa Zsa Padilla breakssilence on breakup with

Conrad OnglaoA LOT of people were

caught off guard when the news about the breakup of Zsa Zsa Padilla with fiance, architect Conrad Onglao this week. The couple was visible and open about their love and relationship prior to their split, and they were in fact planning to get married in Florence, Italy at the end of the year.

It was the Divine Diva’s daughter, singer Karylle, who first confirmed the news last Tuesday, May 3.

“Siguro it’s very sad kasi she’s called off the engage-ment. She’s back home. Siyempre ang hirap, di ko maimagine ang...yun na nga ‘di ba, kanina pinag-usapan natin bashers, so madaming sumasali sa kwento mo, ng buhay mo,” she said in an interview.

Not going into details, Kar-ylle also requested the public

to give her mother privacy because of the situation.

“Maganda siya in a sense na lumalapit tayo sa mga tagahanga, pero may mga moments katulad nito na kailangan lang maging private. Kung okay lang, I ask for your prayers and also for the time for her to be alone and private about it,” she added.

A day after the Karylle’s confirmation, Zsa Zsa finally broke her silence by issuing a short but meaningful state-ment through her handler. She wrote:

“We tried. It didn’t work out.”

Apart from her statement and Karylle’s confirmation about the breakup, the 51-year-old singer did not give any other details. The only news that can be confirmed is that Zsa Zsa has moved out of Conrad’s house in San Lorenzo

The Divine Diva Zsa Padilla confirmed that she and fiance, architect Conrad Onglao, have decided to go on their separate ways. The couple was together for almost two years.

Singer and host Karylle was the first one to break the news that her mom, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla has broken up with fiance Conrad Onglao. Karylle also asked the public to give her mother some privacy.

Village, Makati and returned to the home she shared with late partner, the KIng of Comedy, Dolphy.

***Megastar Sharon Cuneta

can hardly contain her excite-ment when she revealed that she is the newest coach to join the “The Voice Kids’ Season 3.” She will be replacing Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, who recently announced that

Megastar Sharon Cuneta is excited to be the new coach on the talent search, “The Voice Kids Season 3.” She will be replacing Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo.

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo has bowed out of be-ing a coach on “The Voice Kids Season 3” so that she can concentrate on performing again.

St. Francis Pavilion-Generation Health Care Social Services Department threw a party for April birthday celebrants. Shown in photo are (L-R) Dinno Dimacali, Social Services Director Remy Bamba, Fil-Am Democratic Club of San Mateo County President Dorie Paniza, celebrant Katheryn Garcia, Thu Ly and Andy Rubio.

San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico is shown with her daughter, Christine, who was recently appointed as a Walgreens Cosmetic Makeup Artist Chairman for Northern California.

Happy 60th birthday to Susan Lim, daughter-in-law of former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Shown in photo with the celebrant are son Brian, daughter Kathleen, and her grandchildren.

is leaving the talent search because she wants to focus on performing again.

“Sobrang excited ako. I will be part of ‘The Voice Kids’ with, of course, Bamboo and Lea Salonga,” the Megastar said in an interview.

Sharon also hinted that the reason why she hasn’t been active on her social media ac-counts is because she’s prepar-ing for something big.

“To all my supporters and fans, my Sharonians whom I

love very much, alam kong ang tagal kong nawala sa Facebook, ‘di ba? Sadya po ‘yon. I have been hibernat-ing. I’ve been hiding because

I have been working on myself para i-surprise kayo. Hindi pa ako tapos but I have lost a lot of weight, preparing for something really big.”

CeLeBrITy couple Judy Ann Santos and ryan Agoncillo renewed their vows seven years after their wedding.

The renewal of vows took place in a beach resort in Batan-gas province on April 30.

The couple’s three chil-dren—yohan, Lucho, and Luna—were present in the ceremony.

Some celebrity friends of the couple such as Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado and KC Concepcion also attended the event.

Fr. Tito Caluag led the ceremony.

Days before the ceremony, Judy Ann and ryan exchanged sweet messages to mark their anniversary.

In an Instagram post, Judy Ann reminisced how APO Hiking Society serenaded them during their wedding.

“Seven years ago when APO serenaded us. Seven years ago I was on cloud 9 dancing with my forever… This among others is my favorite part. Happy an-niversary, my bubba!” she wrote as the caption,” she said.

On his part, ryan posted a photo of his wife and kids with the caption: “Happy Sevener-sary!”

Here are some photos taken during the event taken by the guests and photographers Caliber King and Francis Perez. (Inquirer.net)

Judy Ann Santos, ryan Agoncillo celebrate 7th year anniversary

in the east Coast. Her perspec-tive in life was directed into wanting to do better for her daughter, Luana.

“Like I wanted to be health-ier so I can live longer for her,” she shared. “I’m extra careful on my decisions in life whether it is driving above speed limit

From Page SF2

The first of everything...or investing because I have her in mind and to consider. “

Like most mothers, she had difficulties in producing enough breast milk for her child. In fact, when the pediatrician said that Luana’s dehydrated, Luchelle cried non-stop for 10-15 minutes.

Still, she saw this hurdle

as part of learning, along with other challenges. Luchelle shares this advice to fellow first-time mothers: “Patience. There would be days na ma-hirap talaga (There would be days it would really be hard), but it would get better. And sleep whenever you get the chance!”

entertainment SF5The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - May 6, 2016

How many heartbeats away is love from friendship? Let James Reid and Nadine Lustre answer that in their movie, “This Time.”

Here’s my one-on-one with James:

What made you decide that Nadine is “the one”?

I can’t pinpoint anything spe-cific. She slowly grew on me from being good friends and “partners in crime.”

It’s everything about her—her attitude, her passion, her brains.

James Reid assures Nadine Lustre: ‘She’s the one I love’

by Dolly Anne CArvAjAlInquirer.net

And we found out that we have a lot in common—same taste in music, video games, fashion and a lot more. She just felt so right.

How do you handle Nadine’s jealousy attack?

I reassure her that she’s the one I love, and that I would never want to hurt her.

what has fame taught you?TWhat’s your advice to guys

who are not as gorgeous as you on how to woo girls?

Confidence is key. Be happy with yourself and others will be, too.

What’s the best part of be-ing James Reid?

I have dreams—and I live them.

What’s the hardest part about being you?

Sacrifice—mainly time for my friends, my family and myself.

Marian Rivera: Motherhood becomes herby Bot Glorioso

Philstar.comBesides, Marian is focused

on taking care of Zia who is a real bundle of joy. “She is bub-bly. I’m still breastfeeding her. Usually in the morning, I wait for her to wake up to breast-feed her and then after, she just plays in her crib; mabait s’yang bata kaya I thank God for blessing me with a beautiful family and a happy life. There is really no reason to complain. In the morning, when I open my eyes, I see my handsome husband on my side and then on the other side is my beauti-ful daughter. So who am I to complain?”

wHeTHeR you are a showbiz watcher or not, you certainly know that Marian Rivera is now a mom to five-month-old daughter Maria Letizia, nicknamed Zia. But not everyone knows that since becoming a mom, her per-spective in life has broadened. The better half of Dingdong Dantes has learned to look at things in a more positive light.

“My point of view in life has widened,” said Marian on how motherhood has changed her.

you along the way.”when I opened my very first

salon, she was there to remind me that I should always thank those who made my dream possible, especially my sisters who paid for my tuition so I can study styling and design. She also challenged me to be more mindful and con-scientious about work and money. She would always tell me: “Para kang kalabasa, gapang ng ga-pang naiiwan naman ang bunga.” which meant that I often worked myself to the ground but I never saw the fruits of my labor.

Nanay’s constant prodding urged me to be more responsible in my fiscal affairs. Thanks to her, I’m still learning.

Looking back, I learned from her a basic truth about life: that

Words of wisdom from...From Page SF3 there are some lessons we won’t

fully understand until we are ready to accept what it requires – so we can really do what truly matters.

Years after her death, Nanay still continue to teach me these lessons. I’m just glad that I am still here to pass them on to my nieces, nephews and grandchil-dren, or anyone who needs a motherly advice.

My mother is my hero. I be-lieve she deserves a medal even if she never would have asked for one. I miss her more than words can ever express.

All of us were born because there was that one person who decided we deserve a chance to be in this world. They may be our biological moms or those who raised us as their own. Mother-

hood is a 24-7 duty with no days off or sick days. A thankless job that we sadly take for granted or often overlook. I hope that this Mother’s Day, we will take the time to honor and appreciate our mothers.

To the most important wom-an in my life, I love you always. Happy Mother’s Day, Nanay.

***Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning

celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

James Reid and Nadine Lustre

Marian Rivera