133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 • 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 9 – Issue 42 • 16 Pages

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

JULY 15-21, 2016

DATELINEUSAfrom the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A LANDmArK ruling from a UN tribunal issued on tuesday, July 12 overwhelmingly ruled in favor of manila against Beijing in ongoing territorial disputes in the south China sea.

In a huge victory for the Phil-ippines, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the hague, Netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to as-sert sovereignty over most of the

PH wins sovereignty case against China

UN ruled Beijing has no legal basis to assert claim on resources, territories

IN the wake of the shootings of two black men that reignited the con-versation on racial profiling by law enforcement, Asian Americans are standing in solidarity with the Black Lives matter (BLm) movement.

BLm was formed in 2013 in re-sponse to the wave of police shoot-

ings of black individuals across the United states. the movement regu-larly organizes protests around po-lice shootings of black individuals and speak on broad issues like racial profiling and inequality.

the movement has been received with mixed reactions. some have hailed it as a modern day civil rights organization. others have panned it as a racist organization, like former

NYC mayor rudy Giuliani, who ac-cused BLm of “isolating” blacks.

New York City-based ethnogra-pher Christina Xu wanted to respond to negative reactions to the police shootings of black individuals, par-ticularly those of Asian Americans. she started a Google Doc page and allowed contributors from all over the country to share research, perspec-

Asian Americans support Black Lives Matter, respond to recent shootings

After a tempestuous primary season, sen. Bernie sanders (D-Vermont) has of-ficially endorsed hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole Democratic presi-dential candidate.

sanders and Clinton held a joint rally on the morning of tuesday, July 12 in Ports-mouth, New hampshire, a city and state that sanders had won during the primaries by wide margins.

sanders opened up the speech celebrat-ing the progress of his own campaign—his “political revolution”—touting the 1,900 delegates he garnered during the prima-ries, which he said was “far more than al-most anyone thought we could win.”

he then went on to voice his support for Clinton’s presidential ticket, assuring that she is far more suited for the presidency than presumptive republican presidential nominee Donald trump.

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for president

After nearly two years in one of the top posts in the American foreign service, Ambas-sador Philip Gold-berg is ending his tour of duty with an assurance that the United states will protect the Philippines from any threat.

“our alliance is firmly invested in protecting the

prosperity, security and peace in the re-gion and a partnership between two sover-eign partners,” Goldberg said in his speech Wednesday night, July 6 during the fourth of July celebrations in makati City.

Goldberg is exiting as the new admin-istration of President rodrigo Duterte

US envoy says goodbye, vows protection for PH

Ambassador Philip Goldberg

PhILIPPINe National Po-lice (PNP) Director General ronald “Bato” Dela rosa has spoken out against the in-creased violence and execu-tion of criminals advocated by President rodrigo Duterte.

“the PNP does not con-done vigilantism. I, personal-ly, will be vigilant against vig-ilantism,” he said at a weekly

press briefing at Camp Crame on monday, July 11.

According to a PNP report, 103 drug-related suspects were killed over a ten-day pe-riod from the day Duterte was inaugurated. Police said that they were killed for resisting arrest.

Despite his disapproval of the administration’s deci-sions, Dela rosa expressed support for the policemen

by Eric Anthony LicAsAJPress

Filipino-American community members in New York rallied outside the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday, July 12, hailing the Philippines’ victory over its case against China. The UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. Photo by Troi Santos

south China sea. the court’s five-judge panel

found that China’s appropriation of land and resources in its neigh-bors’ territorial waters violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLos) despite historic claims based on centuries-old Chinese maps and guides.

Chinese activity within and near the Philippines’ exclu-sive economic Zone (eeZ) ille-gally interfered with the island nation’s petroleum exploration

and fishing operations, the PCA concluded. sovereign rights over Panganiban (mischief) reef, Ayungin (second thomas) shoal and recto (reed) Bank were awarded to the Philippines.

the PCA ruling also defines the contested scarborough shoal as a common traditional fish-ing ground that no country may claim exclusive fishing rights to. A standoff at the shoal between the Philippine and Chinese na-vies and China’s violation of a

uPAGE A4

uPAGE A3

mANILA — President Duterte began his term last June 30 with an “excel-lent” trust rating, the social Weather stations (sWs) said in its latest survey.

the second Quarter 2016 social Weather survey, conducted from June 24 to 27, found 84 percent of those sur-veyed with “much trust,” and only five percent with “little trust,” in Duterte, yielding a net trust rating of +79.

eleven percent of the 1,200 adults respondents nationwide were unde-cided on the matter, the sWs said.

the sWs classifies net trust rat-ings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”

Duterte’s latest net trust rating went up by 53 points from the “moderate” +26 (54 percent much trust, 28 percent

by hELEn FLorEsPhilstar.com

by KLArizE MEdEniLLAAJPress

BATO DESTROYS BATO. PNP chief Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa shows packs of seized shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) part of the P1.77 billion worth of illegal drugs that was destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at the Integrated Waste Management, Inc., Barangay Aguado, Trece Martirez, Cavite, on Thursday, July 14. Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

by KLArizE MEdEniLLAAJPress

US Senate approvesCongressional Gold Medal bill for Filipino WWII vets

SWS: Duterte starts presidency with ‘excellent’ trust rating

PH police chief denounces violence as drug killings rise

Community leaders call on the House to follow lead in approving

long-overdue recognition

uPAGE A3

uPAGE A2uPAGE A2

uPAGE A2

uPAGE A2

by Eric Anthony LicAsAJPress

fILIPINo World War II veterans are one step closer to getting the recognition long overdue to them.

on Wednesday, July 13, the U.s. senate unanimously ap-proved s. 1555, or the filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold medal (CGm) Act of 2015 that would grant the Congressional Gold medal to more than 260,000 filipino and American soldiers who served under the Unit-ed states Army in the far east (UsAffe).

Less than 16,000 of the filipino soldiers who answered President roosevelt’s call to duty are alive today. house

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426A�

From the Front Page

CELEBRATION. Filipinos, joined by Vietnamese, release balloons and wave Philippine flags as they anticipate a favorable decision from a UN tribunal on the legality of China’s sea claims during a rally at the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Tuesday, July 12. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

subsequent truce prompted for-mer President Benigno Aquino III’s administration to file a com-plaint with the PCA in 2013.

The Tribunal also unanimously found that China aggravated the dispute, and said the construc-tion of a large artificial island on top of Mischief Reef caused ir-reparable harm to its ecosystem.

“It’s an overwhelming victory. We won on every significant point,” said Paul S. Reichler, the Philippines’ chief counsel in the case.

The decision was welcomed by Philippine officials, however members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration remain sensitive to the dispute’s unre-solved nature.

“The Philippines strongly af-firms its respect for this mile-stone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea,” said Philippine For-eign Secretary Perfecto Yasay from Manila in response to the ruling. However, he also recom-mended “all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.”

Though the tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding for

both countries, the PCA has no means to enforce its ruling.

Chinese officials have denied the tribunal’s authority on the matter and had refused to partic-ipate in the court’s proceedings. They claim the Philippines violat-ed international law by bringing forth its case without consulting China.

“China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall un-der no circumstances be affected by those awards,” officials from China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement responding to Tuesday’s decision. “China op-poses and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards.”

China defines its area of sover-eignty according to a “nine-dash line,” which encompasses most of the South China Sea. The de-marcation conflicts with territo-rial and resource claims asserted by the Philippines, Vietnam, Tai-wan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Jonathan London, Leiden Uni-versity professor of Asian politi-cal economy, told the Associated Press the ruling will give involved countries, as well as those con-cerned with Beijing’s actions

“something to point to and to rally around.”

Japan, Vietnam, Australia and the United States have issued comments in support of The Hague’s decision as of Wednes-day, July 13.

In a statement released by spokesman John Kirby on Tues-day, the U.S. State Department called the ruling an “important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution” and ex-pressed “hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations.”

Though the Philippines has historically been a close ally of the U.S., the latter has not sided with any particular country. Of-ficials in Washington have sup-ported freedom of navigation in the region, as evidenced by joint naval patrols with the Philippines that have earned criticism from Chinese officials.

Ben Cardin, a top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. should “fly, sail, and oper-ate wherever international law allows.”

On Wednesday, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Zhenmin,

PH wins sovereignty case against…PAGE A1 t

uPAGE A3

tives and thoughts in a collective open letter.

“In fact, let’s draft letters in our native languages to our par-ents and our communities. Get it passed around WhatsApp, We-Chat, LINE, etc,” Wu tweeted on Thursday, July 7 to launch the letter.

She started the Google Doc at 11 a.m. that day, and hundreds of Asian Americans contributed to the letter. Filipino Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas assisted in editing the fi-nal drafts of the letter.

“Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, Grandfather, Grandmother: We need to talk,” the letter opens up. “You may not have grown up around people who are Black, but I have. Black people are a funda-

mental part of my life: they are my friends, my classmates and team-mates, my roommates, my family. Today, I’m scared for them.”

The letter encourages Asian Americans everywhere to em-pathize with the movement to stand up to racial inequality in America. The writers reference the nation’s history of black and Asian persecution to encourage solidarity between the two com-munities together today.

“Black people have been beat-en, jailed, even killed fighting for many of the rights that Asian Americans enjoy today,” the let-ter said. “We owe them so much in return. We are all fighting against the same unfair system that prefers we compete against each other.”

The letter has been translated

-- and is continuing to be trans-lated -- in multiple languages.

The letter came in the wake of the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were shot and killed by police officers just one day apart.

On July 5, Sterling, 37, was selling CDs outside a conve-nience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When police officers discovered he had a gun on his person, Sterling was shot mul-tiple times at point-blank range. Louisiana is one of 31 states that permits open carry of firearms.

Several bystanders had filmed the encounter and the shooting.

One day later, 32-year-old Cas-tile, a nutrition services supervi-sor in Minnesota, was stopped by police for a broken rear light.

Asian Americans support Black…PAGE A1 t

little trust) in May. His net trust score was a

“moderate” +26 just before the national elections last May 9.

The President received “excel-lent” ratings across all areas and socio-economic classes.

His net trust rating rose by 66 points to +75 in June from +9 in May in balance Luzon, 57 points to +78 from +21 in Metro Manila, 57 points to +74 from +17 in the Visayas, and by 23 points to +90 from +67 in Mindanao.

The President’s net trust rating also improved by two grades to “excellent” from “good” (to +83 from +30) in urban areas, as well as by three grades to “excellent” from “moderate” (to +75 from +21) in rural areas.

Duterte’s net trust rating gained 47 points to +82 from +35 among respondents from class ABC.

It rose by three grades to “ex-cellent” from “moderate” (to +79 from +23) among those in class D. It also improved by two grades

to “excellent” from “good” (to +79 from +35) in class E.

Net trust in Duterte rose to “excellent” in all age groups, with higher scores coming from the youth, the SWS noted.

His rating increased by 46 points to +88 from +42 among respondents aged 18-24 years old.

It likewise rose to +84 from

+38 among those aged 25-34 years old; to +78 from +27 among those 35-44 years old; to +78 from +22 among those aged 45-54 years old; and to +70 from +11 among those aged at least 55 years old.

Duterte’s net trust rating also increased to “excellent” across education status, with higher scores among respondents with more formal schooling, the SWS said.

It rose to +76 from +18 among non-elementary graduates; to +74 from +16 among those with some high school education; to +81 from +28 among those with some college education; and to +87 from +44 among college graduates.

The survey has sampling error margins of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages, and plus or minus six percentage points each for Metro Manila, balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

SWS said Duterte’s net score

SWS: Duterte starts presidency with…

Pres. Rody Duterte

PAGE A1 t

uPAGE A4

involved in the capture and per-secution of the suspects.

On the other hand, PNP Solici-tor General Jose Calida expressed his support for Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs at the same conference.

He also assured that the admin-istration was continuing to sup-port the PNP, adding “we will not allow anybody to derail the efforts

of the PNP against illegal drugs.”“Huwag kayong matakot (Do

not be afraid),” he said.The president’s controversial

tactics used in the war against drugs have received criticisms by many individuals and orga-nizations. The Roman Catholic Church have previously de-nounced the rise in killings since Duterte’s victory.

The Catholic Bishops’ Confer-

ence of the Philippines (CBCP) spoke on the recent 100 killings in a statement urging its mem-bers and followers to continue to stand up for what is “morally wrong.”

“We will stand for and defend every person’s life and dignity,” said Archbishop Socrates Vil-legas. “We will shield the weak from harm. We will protect the confused form error.” n

PH police chief denounces violence as drug…PAGE A1 t

uPAGE A3

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016 A�From the Front Page

MONDAY CLEANUP. A street sweeper of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) braves the storm to sweep garbage along Manila Bay. At least 12 truckloads of garbage equivalent to 20 tons were collected by the MMDA along Roxas Boulevard during a coastal cleanup of Manila Bay in the wake of Typhoon “Butchoy.” Philstar.com photo by Jonjon Vicencio

said the country reserved the right to monitor and regulate air traffic in the region. During a press conference in Beijing, Liu said China may impose an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) requiring aircraft to notify China before flying through the South China Sea “if our security is threatened.”

China had established an ADIZ in the East China Sea in 2013, however it has not been consis-tently enforced according to a report from the Us-China Secu-rity Economic Review Commis-sion. Chinese jets intercepted and escorted an American plane flying over the South China Sea on May 17 for flying too close to Hainan Island.

Meanwhile, in a rare instance of agreement with China, Tai-wanese officials condemned the tribunal’s decision. Taiwan, of-ficially known as the Republic of China (ROC), asserts the same historic rights as Beijing.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ruling “com-pletely unacceptable,” and said their “rights over the South Chi-na Sea islands and their relevant waters is beyond dispute,” in a statement released on Tuesday.

Liu also blamed the Philippines on Wednesday for stirring up trouble in the region ahead of the release of a policy statement alleg-ing the Philippines of breaking an agreement to engage in one-on-one negotiations. The paper went on to accuse Manila of presenting “distorted facts and a concocted pack of lies” to the PCA.

Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen, dispatched a patrol ship into the South China Sea, accord-ing to the Inquirer on Wednes-day. Tsai said the move was an expression of “Taiwanese peo-ple’s determination to defend the country’s interests,” while speak-ing to sailors before the frigate’s departure.

Most of the 70 countries that support China are outside the Pacific Rim, however, a bloc of smaller Southeast Asian coun-tries have been stifling efforts to mobilize unified opposition to Beijing’s claims.

China would prefer to hash out disputes between individual countries separately in bilateral talks in which the regional pow-erhouse might be able to exert

greater influence.However, despite fiery rhetoric

from Chinese spokespersons, Liu said his country was still commit-ted to direct bilateral negotiations with the Philippines. He suggest-ed the “early removal of obstacles posed by the arbitration case,” in order to improve relations be-tween Manila and Beijing.

In May, Philstar reported that President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama he was open to bilateral talks with China if the PCA decision fails to de-escalate tension in the region. However, has said his adminis-tration would closely study the award before moving forward with either bilateral, or multilat-eral negotiations.

“We shall wait for SolGen’s (So-licitor General Jose Calida) inter-pretation of the ruling” Presiden-tial Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told the Inquirer on Tuesday. “The SolGen shall provide the President a synopsis of the ruling [Wednesday] morn-ing and a complete and thorough interpretation in 5 days.”

On Tuesday morning, about 50 Filipino-American community members in New York organized a rally outside the United Na-tions headquarters and carried placards urging China to “not be a rogue state” and proclaiming that the “West Philippine Sea be-longs to Filipinos.”

“We as Filipinos are peace-lov-ing,” Filipino philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said outside the UN. “The Chinese have all the warships. All we have is worship.”

In Los Angeles, Fil-Ams held similar signs outside the Chinese Consulate.

“It’s a victory for the Filipino people. We are vindicated and a proof that a small nation can win over a big nation by reason,” Arturo P. Garcia of the Alliance Philippines said.

China’s official response to Tuesday’s ruling makes an im-mediate resolution of tensions unlikely, but Reichler said that added international pressure could erode the defiant stance China has taken.

“What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be different than what it says on July 12 or July 13,” Reichler told the AP. “I think a lot will depend on the reaction

When reaching for his license and registration, Castile told the officer he had a licensed con-cealed weapon in the car. As he put his hands up, the police shot him four times.

Castile’s girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter were in the car. Reyn-olds live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook.

Legal and civil rights organiza-tion Asian Americans Advancing Justice has also come out in sup-

port for BLM in the wake of the killings of Sterling and Castile.

“As the nation’s leading legal and civil rights voice rooted in Asian American communities, we stand together with commu-nities of color in the fight to end systemic police brutality,” the organization said in a statement. “As the facts of each case sur-face, we ask the U.S. Department of Justice to not only investigate the fatal shooting of Mr. Sterling but also to investigate the shoot-ing and death of Mr. Castile.” n

Asian Americans support…

to the award (ruling) of the inter-national community as a whole, particularly China’s neighbors.”

International pressure is on China to comply with Tuesday’s decision. However, the military and economic powerhouse still wields significant leverage in the region, and President Duterte has publicly committed to avoiding armed conflict. The exact nature of future negotiations between the Philippines, China and other potential claimants remains un-certain. (With reports from Mo-mar G. Visaya / AJPress)

PH wins sovereignty case against…PAGE A2 t

PAGE A2 t

Loida Nicolas Lewis, philanthropist and community leader. Photo by Troi Santos

Despite his previous statement in April when he deemed Clinton unqualified for the presidency, Sanders said on Tuesday that her stances and plans on a myriad of issues, like immigration and the economy, will lead the country in the right direction.

“It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a num-ber of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about,” Sand-ers said standing next to Clinton, who received 389 more delegates than Sanders.

“Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that,” Sanders said. “She will be the Democratic nominee for presi-dent, and I intend to do every-

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for…renewable energy technologies.

In 2006, Clinton donated $10,000 to a political action com-mittee (PAC) to help get Sanders elected to the Senate. In 2009, Sanders voiced his support for President Barack Obama’s ap-pointment of Clinton as secretary of state, calling her “one of the brightest people in Congress.”

The Sanders and Clinton teams are undergoing discussions on Sanders’ role in the Democratic presidential campaign.

The Republican National Com-mittee (RNC) responded to the endorsement, suggesting that Sanders, a firm critic of “Estab-lishment” politics, has “sold out” by supporting Clinton, who is considered an eminent Estab-lishment politician.

thing I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

Sanders has not formally sus-pended his campaign due to “procedural reasons” related to the Democratic National Conven-tion later this month. Although the two are not particularly close, Sanders and Clinton have a his-tory of fighting on the same side.

In the 1990s, Sanders, as a congressman, backed Clinton’s health reform plan.

Both had overlapped two years in the Senate while Clinton was a New York senator. In the Sen-ate, both served on the Health Committee where they co-au-thored legislation including the successful “Sanders-Clinton amendment,” which guaranteed training for “green collar jobs” in

PAGE A1 t

uPAGE A4

Rep.Ted Lieu, who is also an Air Force veteran said the nation’s acknowledgment for the service of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who fought under the American Flag between 1941 and 1944 was long overdue.

“Our nation’s Filipino veterans played an integral part in World War II and it is time we recognize their brave and courageous service to the United States. ” said Lieu in a statement released by the Con-gressional Asian Pacific American Caucus on Wednesday.

Following WWII, Congress passed legislation denying Fili-pino veterans US citizenship and military benefits. A portion of the

US Senate approves Congressional Gold Medal...PAGE A1 t 2009 economic stimulus package

awarded surviving Filipino vet-erans with a one time lump sum – $15,000 for citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens – but (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba says the na-tion still owes them a debt of grati-tude.

“They served honorably and courageously. They suffered hu-miliation and indignation when the Rescission Act of 1946 deprived them of their benefits and U.S. citi-zenship under the Commonwealth status of the Philippines. They have waited for over 70 years for this time to be recognized.” said Taguba in a statement released Wednesday.

The senate bill authored by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono was co-sponsored

by 71 Republican and Democratic senators. A house version, HR 2737, with 172 co-sponsors must be approved before the plan to award the medals can move for-ward. But with the Senate’s over-whelming approval of S. 1555, it is expected to build momentum and gather more bipartisan support in the House.

The CGM is the highest award bestowed by U.S. Congress to an individual or group who per-formed a significant achievement that has impact in American his-tory and culture.

“Other groups like the Tuske-gee airmen, Montford Marines, Navajo Code Talkers, Women Air Service Pilots, Japanese American

uPAGE A4

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426A� Dateline USa

SETTING SAIL. The coastal town of Subic in Zambales province hosts about 2,000 fishermen, many of whom have been frequenting the disputed Scarborough Shoal to earn a living. Fishermen geared up on Tuesday, July 12 for a return trip to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, saying they were now armed with a favorable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Inquirer.net photo by Allan Macatuno

was close to the trust rating re-ceived by former president Be-nigno Aquino III following his election in May 2010.

The SWS poll, taken on June 25-28, 2010, showed 88 percent of Filipinos expressing “much trust” in Aquino, while only four percent had “little trust” in him, yielding an “excellent” +83 net trust rating.

No surveys were conducted on public trust for other past presi-dents-elect.

Malacañang welcomed the results of the survey as it main-tained that Duterte is just per-forming his duty.

“He (Duterte) would appreci-ate the trust and he would also say, if I know him, that, trabaho lang yan (it’s my job),” presiden-tial spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“That’s just part of the job and that we will continue to do our part,” he added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar called the result of the survey “a positive sign.”

“(It is) very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President. The mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” he add-ed. (With Alexis Romero)

SWS: Duterte starts…PAGE A2 t

makes a pivot toward China to try to settle the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) territorial disp ute, in contrast to the pro-US stance of the previous Aquino government.

But Goldberg said the Phil-ippines could always count on the US for help, given existing agreements such as the Mu-tual Defense Treaty and the En-hanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“That alliance is based on our shared commitment to democra-cy, the rule of law and the peace-ful settlement of disputes. As allies we stand together whenever the other is threatened and we will al-ways continue to do so,” he said.

The 59-year-old US envoy also said goodbye and took pride at having visited several places in the Philippines.

“This will be my last July 4th in the Philippines so I want to say that I’ve been all around from Ilo-cos Norte to Tawi Tawi, from the mountains of Benguet to the tuna market in General Santos City,

Mindanao,” Goldberg said.“I’ve seen the awe-inspiring

beauty and unique character of your country, but above all, it is the warmth and the welcome of the Filipino people that I will re-member most,” he said.

Goldberg was appointed in November 2013 to succeed Har-ry Thomas. He will be replaced by Sung Kim, Washington’s spe-cial representative for North Ko-rea policy and a former envoy to South Korea.

Kim, who will be the first Asian-American appointed to the Manila post, was nominat-ed as the new US ambassador to the Philippines by President Barack Obama in May.

Ties between the Philippines and the US have grown closer in recent years in terms of peo-ple-to-people exchanges, eco-nomic relations and security, Goldberg said.

But the warm ties should con-tinue amid new challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, he said. (Michael Joe. T. Delizo/Manila-TImesnet)

US envoy says goodbye…PAGE A1 t

“This hollow display of left-wing solidarity flies in the face of Bernie Sanders’ months-long crusade against Hillary Clinton’s judgment, character, and fit-ness to serve as president,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement released on Tues-day.

“Voters won’t forget Sanders’ blistering criticisms of Clinton’s paid speeches to Wall Street banks, her reliance on big-mon-ey special interests to fund her

campaign, or her support for overseas military interventions. While Sanders may have pushed the Democrat Party even further to the extreme left, his support-ers must rightly be wondering if their candidate has all of a sud-den sold out to the same rigged system he so strongly cam-paigned against.”

Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the endorsement, which parallelled the RNC’s statement suggesting Sanders had abandoned his principles as an anti-Establishment leader.

“Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clin-ton. He will endorse her today - fans angry!” Trump tweeted on Tuesday morning.

Sanders’ campaign responded with a tweet of its own.

“Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California,” the Sand-ers camp tweeted to Trump.

Following the endorsement, Sanders’ campaign team sent out an email to Sanders support-ers assuring Clinton’s suitability

for the presidency. The tension that had culmi-

nated between the two caused a divide in the Democratic Party between progressives and Estab-lishment Democrats, but Sanders assured supporters that his deci-sion was the right one.

“Today, I endorsed Hillary Clinton to be our next presi-dent,” Sanders said in the email. “I know that some of you will be disappointed with that decision. But I believe that, at this moment, our country, our values, and our common vision for a transformed America, are best served by the defeat of Donald Trump and the election of Hillary Clinton.”

The endorsement represents the final solidifying of the Demo-cratic Party during this election cycle.

On the Republican side, Trump has yet to receive endorsements from several of his primary chal-lengers like former Republican presidential nominees Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gov. John Ka-sich of Ohio and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for…PAGE A3 t

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole Democratic presidential candidate. AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

Nisei and Puerto Rican soldiers have been formally recognized by the U.S. with the CGM for World War II service,” said Cecilia Gaer-lan, Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) in a statement. “Filipino World War II veterans are equally deserving of this honor.”

FilVetREP was formed last year

US Senate approves Congressional Gold Medal...

THE United States will keep an “increased” presence in the Philippines “not only in military terms,” visiting US State Depart-ment Counselor Kristie Kenney said on Tuesday, July 12.

In an interview on ANC’s “Headstart,” Kenney – former US ambassador to the Philippines – said there is much the US and the Philippines can achieve as partners and “you will not see us stepping back.”

“Our commitment to the Philip-pines is ironclad. We will respect our treaty alliance in every way,” Kenney said. She said the US will continue to visit ports, conduct humanitarian activities, and help in community development.

The State Department official said Secretary of State John Kerry had asked her to meet with mem-bers of President Duterte’s foreign

US to maintain ‘increased’ presence in Philippines – Kenney

by Pia Lee-BragoPhilstar.com

policy team.Kenney is the first high-level

Washington official to meet with Duterte administration represen-tatives since his June 30 inaugu-ration.

“I want to tell him (Duterte) that we want to support the Philippines. We want to be your friend, your partner,” Kenney said. “Our goal is to work with President Duterte and his team. That’s why President Obama phoned him right away.”

The US, she said, wants Duterte and the country to continue to be successful. “We’re here to see how we can work together,” she added.

She met with Philippine govern-ment officials, civil society groups, and Young Southeast Asian Lead-ers Initiative (YSEALI) innovators, entrepreneurs, and other “mov-ers” working to advance social-entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and the smart cities movement in the country.

Kenney will be in Rangoon and Naypyitaw, Myanmar from July 12 to 14, to meet with her gov-ernment counterparts, civil soci-ety representatives, and YSEALI alumni. n

US State Dept Counselor Kristie Kenney

PAGE A3 t to obtain national recognition of Filipino WWII soldiers for their wartime service to the United States from July 1941 to Decem-ber 1946.

In addition to requesting an act of Congress approving the CGM, the project will also con-duct research on the Fil-Am sol-diers’ experience during World War II and implement a national education and information cam-paign to raise public awareness

of the Filipino soldiers’ wartime service.

“We as a nation owe them a debt of gratitude for safeguarding our freedom and preserving our future,” said Taguba. “They have earned the honor to be recognized with the Congressional Gold Med-al. The cost is the insurmountable amount of lives lost in wartime and thereafter. We must forever dignify their legacy in American history.”

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016 A�Dateline USa

GYL-007 Asian journal ad-v7_BW.indd 1 1/27/14 10:22 PM

Watch us onwww.facebook.com/guerreroyee

The Woolworth Building233 Broadway, Suite 2040, New York, NY 10279

646.545.5000 | win@guerreroyee.comwww.guerreroyee.com

Ang Pangarap NiyoAy Pangarap Namin.

Trust Our Award-Winning Attorneys to WinYour Immigration Case — We Are New York’s Premier

Immigration Law Firm Helping Our Kababayans.

“BEST LAWYERSNATIONAL AWARD”

NAPABA

“CONTRIBUTIONSTO EXCELLENCE

AWARD”FANHS

“PUBLICSERVICE AND

POLITICS AWARD”TOFANY

Atty. Rio Guerrero Atty. Tsui Yee

NEW YORK — The Philippine Consulate General New York, led by Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr, joined 60 Filipino-American community organiza-tions that participated in the 26th Annual Grand Parade and Festi-val organized by the Philippine American Friendship Commit-tee, Inc. (PAFCOM) on June 26. The event started with a mass at the Our Lady of Victory Church in Jersey City, followed by the grand parade from West Side Avenue to Lincoln Park in Jersey City. The whole day affair, which was attended by around 15,000 people, concluded in Lincoln Park with a festival and popular entertainment graced by famous young artists from the Philip-pines.

In his remarks, Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. expressed appreciation to the government of Jersey City, headed by Mayor Steven Fulop, for the support and friendship to the Filipino com-munity in Jersey City in the cel-ebration of Philippine American Friendship Day, which annually takes place between the Philip-pine and US Independence Day. The Consul General and the May-or, together with the PAFCOM President Ledy Almadin and the 2016 Grand Marshall Gwen de Vera, led the ribbon cutting cer-emony marking the start of the parade.

The Consul General also recog-nized the presence of the elected Filipino-Americans in New Jer-sey who have further elevated the profile of the Filipinos in New Jersey led by Council President Rolando Lavarro of Jersey City, Councilmen Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, and Jonathan Wong of Mahwah. The Hudson County Freeholders, Tony Romano and Bill O’Dea as well as some mem-bers of the Board of Education of Jersey City were likewise in at-tendance, symbolizing the wide recognition of the Filipino com-munity’s emergence by Ameri-can elected officials.

The Consul General further stated that 2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the establish-ment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States, underscoring that the US still remains one of the Philip-pines’ biggest allies in terms of trade, defense and education, and espousing civil liberties.

“We appreciate the benefits that our Filipino-American broth-

Celebrating people-to-people relations at the Philippine-American Friendship Day events

ers and sisters enjoy from their second home, at the same time giving valuable contribution to their motherland, and the soci-ety that has welcomed them,” he added.

Mayor Steven Fulop, for his part, acknowledged the visibility of the Filipino-American commu-nity in Jersey City and recognized its significant role in the cultural and economic development, not only of the city but the whole of New Jersey.

Earlier on June 21, four Fili-pino-American community organizations joined Queens Borough officials in the cel-ebration of Philippine-Ameri-can Friendship Day held at the Queens Borough Hall. The event, which was co-organized by The Foundation for Filipino Artists, (FFAI), United Staffing Registry, Inc., Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage Foundation and the Batangas Varsitarian, was sponsored by Ms. Melinda Katz, President of Queens Bor-ough, City of New York.

Ms. Katz acknowledged that Queens is the most diverse coun-ty in America which she said has

so many amazing cultural orga-nizations and events. President Katz, whose leadership continue to keep the Borough’s lines open to the Filipino community, also recognized the business and civic contributions made by the Filipino-American community in Queens. She conferred Cita-tions of Honor to five community leaders for their leadership and involvement in the cross-cul-tural and political activities in the area. The recipients were Dr. Emerson Ea, Yolanda de La Cruz Gallagher, Romaine de Guzman, Steven Raga and Floremar Sakai Shaatal.

In his remarks, Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. said that Queens is home to the largest Filipino community in the whole of New York, 46,000 of them. He further called on the community to help send an elected Filipino representative to the Borough Council. He announced the plan of a 2nd generation Filipino leader Steven Raga to run for an elected position in Queens to help push the community’s inter-ests in the City and mainstream American society. n

(L-R) Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. , 2016 PAFCOM Grand Marshall Gwen de Vera, Mayor Steven Fulop, and PAFCOM President led the ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the 26th annual Grand Parade and Festival in Jersey City. Also in the photo are Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, spouse of the Consul General (1st from left) and PAFCOM Adviser Dr. Connie Uy (2nd from right). Photos by PAFCOM

The Philippine Consulate General New York contingent, led by Consul General Mario L. de Leon and Mrs., Eleanor de Leon, participated at the 26th Annual PAFCOM Grand Parade and Festival.

THE Extremist group Islamic State (ISIS) has launched a new Malay-language publication in an effort to gain support among jihadists in Southeast Asia, ac-cording to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian.

Called Al-Fahitin (Arabic for “The Conqueror”), the newspa-per was launched in the south-ern Philippines on June 20 and has been distributed to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, southern Thailand and in parts of Mindanao where many of the Filipino Muslims there speak the Malay language.

CNN Indonesia reported that ISIS has its own sector of Malay-speaking correspondents from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Phil-ippines called Katiba Nusantara.

Jasminder Singh and Muham-mad Haziq Jani, terrorism ana-lysts at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, co-au-thored a research paper last month called “Al-Fatihin: Islamic State’s First Malay-Language Newspaper”, which detailed the purposes of the newspaper, which were to serve Southeast Asian jihadists and recruit new ones.

They also analyzed the under-lying effects of introducing such a publication to the region.

ISIS recruits Southeast Asians through newspaper“Al-Fatihin’s tagline (“The

newspaper for Malay-speaking migrants in the Islamic State”) drives the point that, no matter the differences and nuances in language, identity and origins, Southeast Asian jihadists have [a] common logos and as such, all Malay-speaking jihadists should act as one,” said Singh and Jani.

The paper detailed the first is-sue of the newspaper, which was 20 pages long and focused on the month of Ramadan and the act of jihad, also known as the “holy struggle.”

The issue also included a three-page message from the late Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Egyptian insur-gent and former al-Qaeda leader in Iraq, encouraging insurgents to “continue their jihadist activi-ties, search for martyrdom and kill and crucify the polytheists, disbelievers, oppressors and transgressors.”

The use of the Malay lan-guage was an effective strat-egy for recruitment because it allows for the organization to “disseminate [ISIS] propagan-da” to a broader audience in an effort to unify the jihadist popu-lation in the region.

“Al-Fatihin buttresses [ISIS] messages calling on militant groups in Indonesia and the Phil-ippines to unite and pledge their allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Bagh-dadi,” the paper read.

An anonymous security expert told Berita Harian that the news-paper can be seen as a warning that Malay-speaking territories are in ISIS’s sight.

“This psychological campaign means that the terrorists have a big objective, which is to expand their influence among people who understand the Malay lan-guage,” said the expert.

The source added that based on the way that the language is being used, the writer(s) and/or editor(s) may be from South-east Asia.

Two days after Al-Fahitin was launched, ISIS released a video claiming the Philippines as its territory and told its supporters in Southeast Asia to travel to the country if they can’t make it to Syria, according to Singaporean newspaper Strait Times.

The Philippine military re-portedly dismissed the video as “mere propaganda,” according to Strait Times.

Over the last few years, there has been growing speculation that the Philippines is ISIS’s next target. Southeast Asian militant groups have already pledged allegiance to ISIS, like the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao and Mujahideen in eastern In-donesia. An upsurge of jihadist activity from Abu Sayyaf, has raised concern over ISIS’ influ-ence in the country. n

by Klarize MedenillaAJPress

MASS SURRENDER. More than 500 people said to be engaged in the sale and use of illegal drugs in this city surrendered to police here on Saturday, July 9, vowing to stop their activities and mend their lives. Superintendent Barnard Dasugo, Batangas City police chief, attributed the mass surrender to their house-to-house visits on suspected drug users and peddlers in various barangays in the city under the police’s Oplan Tokhang program.

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426A�

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”)Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

ROGER LAGMAY ORIELPublisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIELPresident

MOMAR G. VISAYAExecutive Editor and Editor-in-ChiefNew York/New Jersey Asian Journal

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISONChief Financial Officer

Main Office:1210 S. Brand BlvdGlendale, CA 91204Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.comhttp://www.asianjournal.com

Northern California:1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200San Bruno, CA 94066Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152

Manila Office:2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs30th Street, Cor. 1st Ave.,Bonifacio Global City, TaguigTel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661

New York and New Jersey:133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (818) 502-0858

Las Vegas Sales Office:3700 W. Desert Inn RoadLas Vegas, NV 89102Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

OpiniOn Features

KUDOS to former Philippine Pres. Benig-no Aquino III, former DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario and the whole team which, on behalf of the Filipino people, filed, argued, and won the case against China before the United Na-tions Arbitral Tribunal.

The court found China’s claims ille-gal in its territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), an area rich in seafood and other resourc-es.

As ABS-CBN News reported, this landmark ruling was the first case against China’s expansive claims, which has sparked international alarm and prompted the United States to send warships on “freedom of navigation” patrols.

Kababayans in the United States gave their all-out support to the Phil-ippine government in this fight, with Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading protest rallies against China’s “bully-

ing” and intrusion in the West Philippines Sea. Manny rallies and five years after, these Fil-Ams are back, but this time it was to celebrate the victory of the Philip-pines with the tri-bunal decision that

favored the Philippines. “The rule of law. The United Nations

has fulfilled its existence, not war but peace through the rule of law, so this is the triumph of the Philippines be-cause we have followed the regular process of settling disputes,” said US Pinoys for Good Governance Chair-man Loida Nicolas Lewis in a report by The Filipino Channel’s “Balitang America” New York Correspondent Don Tagala.

Buddy del Rosario, the son for-mer DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario, was among those who celebrated this vic-tory in front of the United Nations in New York.

“I’m gonna quote a couple of words

from what my father said: China’s a great superpower, and to be a great su-perpower you have to follow the laws and the rules of the land…and Inter-national Law is a great equalizer,” del Rosario said in the report.

Fil-Am leaders, however, acknowl-edge that this victory is just a moral and legal victory, which cannot be enforced against China. The biggest question and challenge remains: will China now exit the disputed area and leave the West Philippine sea to the Philippines, pursuant to the provisions United Na-tions Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) that were upheld by the tribunal ruling?

China boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and has repeatedly vowed to ig-nore the ruling, saying its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and mari-time interests.

After the ruling was announced, Cui Tiankai — Beijing’s Ambassador to the U.S. — said the tribunal’s decision de-nying China’s claims in the South Chi-na Sea will “intensify conflict and even

confrontation,” as reported by Reuters.The Chinese ambassador, however,

also said that Beijing remains commit-ted to negotiations with other parties in disputes over the South China Sea wa-ters that have some of the world’s most promising oil and gas fields and fishing areas.

The Philippines’ newly sworn-in Pres-ident Rodrigo Duterte had said that he was seeking a “soft landing” with China after the decision. ABS-CBN News re-ported that Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he would seek negotiations with Beijing, mindful that the tribunal had no powers to enforce its decision.

In response to the reaction of the Duterte administration to the UN tri-bunal ruling, Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis further said on Balitang America, “Para sa akin…We negotiate according to our constitution. We keep 60 percent, you [China] get 40 percent. If they don’t want to accept that, then they are a rogue state. Be-cause it is very clear from the tribunal we have 100 percent ownership, but

that doesn’t mean we cannot share 40 percent.”

According to Balitang America Cor-respondent Don Tagala, the US Pinoys for Good Governance are amenable to President Duterte’s negotiation with China, but with pre-conditions.

How do you think the Duterte admin-istration should handle the negotiation with China?

Kababayans in the United States gave their all-out support to the Philippine government in this fight, with Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading protest rallies against China’s “bullying” and intrusion in the West Philippines Sea. Many rallies and five years after, these Fil-Ams are back, but this time it was to celebrate the victory of the Philippines with the tribunal decision that favored the Philippines.

* * *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

Gel SantoS-ReloS

The Fil-Am Perspective

An even more alarming report is that the Philippines has turned into a global hub for the distribu-tion and increased production of illegal drugs for international syn-dicates.

According to the PDEA, 20.51 percent or 8,629 barangays (villages) out of the 42,065 nationwide are plagued with the drug-related cases.

Metro Manila has the highest rate of being drug-affected with 92.10 percent of the region’s baran-gays involved. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and marijuana remain the most abused illegal drugs in the country.

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. re-vealed that barangays are considered slightly affected if there are identified drug users in the community but no known drug pushers or traf-fickers are operating in the area while moderately affected if at least a suspected drug pusher or traf-ficker is operating in the barangay. A barangay is seriously affected if at least a drug laboratory, den, dive or resort is suspected to exist in the community.

Perhaps this is why Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stayed true to his word that when elected, he would launch a bloody war on drugs.

In recent weeks, the nation saw a spike in drug-related killings. Reports show that there have been more than 100 reported cases of drug-re-lated killings in less than a month.

Amid this intensified anti-drug campaign, there has also been a spate of surrenders from thousands of drug users and peddlers across the country. They have pledged to

not do or sell drugs again and cooperate with the government’s drive against drugs.

While the government is gaining momentum in its campaign against drugs, some senators have questioned its efficacy and raised concerns over the rising number of extrajudicial killings.

“We have to look into that in aid of legislation. The killings are on the rise, and there are just tell-tale signs of summary executions in a number of them,” said Sen. Leila De Lima, who was the for-mer chair of the Philippine Commission on Hu-man Rights (CHR).

Sen. Franklin Drilon echoed De Lima’s senti-ments and agreed to conduct the Senate inquiry.

“While we laud and support the campaign against illegal drugs of the Philippine National Police, the Senate cannot sit idly on allegations of extrajudicial killings that saw a spike in recent months,” Drilon said.

Even Vice Pres. Leni Robredo agrees. She en-couraged authorities “to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished.”

“While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vig-

ManilaTimes.net photo

War on drugs

Editorial

Of crying generals and the bravest Filipinos soldiers

Fil-Am leaders speak up on the Philippines’ victory over China in UN tribunal decision

A FORMER agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the illegal drug trade in the country is thriving, and has become a P200-billion “industry.”

ilantism and violence. We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defense-less,” Robredo said.

Recognizing the rampancy of the drug problem in the country is only the first step. Instead of in-flicting fear among the citizenry, the national gov-

ernment must initiate a cohesive effort in dealing with the drug problem.

Engaging in an all-out war against drugs is be-yond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)

CaRmen n. PedRoSa

From A Distance

I DON’T know what you make of it but I was repelled by the story of crying generals. To my mind, generals whether good or bad do not cry. We would never have known who these gener-als were until we had a brave leader, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte came along to expose them. He gave them ample warning to resign and surren-der but still they refused, rely-ing instead on our ignorance. They could have continued with their alleged criminal lives un-der the protection of a govern-ment that did not care. Duterte cared.

Yet when they were appre-hended for alleged crimes com-mitted during their tenure they broke down and cried. One would expect that they were made of sterner stuff and strong enough to accept they had been wrong. But to cry? Geez. I have only read the story in the news-papers. But I can imagine how they thought that crying on the shoulder of the newly appoint-

ed Gen. Bato de la Rosa would have pity on them, as it would have been in past uncaring Philippine governments.

These self-centered men who are supposed to defend us have been utterly disgraced. It is not they who should be pitied. In-stead we do need to cry and feel pity for their victims – the men, women and children who were victims of the drug cartels they protected. No crying can right the wrongs that were done to them.

If we did not have a Duterte, these crying generals would have continued with the evil trade and the damage it did to our countrymen and country. It is what we should cry for.

Duterte named Deputy Direc-tor General Marcelo Garbo Jr. (retired), Chief Superintendent Vicente Loot (retired), Chief Su-perintendent Bernardo Diaz, Di-rector Joel Pagdilao, and Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio as the police officials involved in the illegal drug trade.

***My cousin. Rose Adea Sarte

whose father, Gen Luis Adea, was also a military man and who in the Bataan March was so moved by this incongruity of crying generals. She sent me this post that we should not de-spair. It told that crying gener-als are not what the Philippine

military is all about. The post comes from the blog Filipknow. It is entitled “The Ten Most Fearsome One Man Filipino Armies.” It tells of men who fought bravely till their dying day. I have never heard their names until I read the post. She wanted to console me that there there are Filipino generals and soldiers whom we can be proud of and it is a good antidote to compare with the crying gener-als.

These men can inspire us not to lose hope. We do have good and brave generals.

Douglas MacArthur was so moved by their bravery and heroism he said, “Give me ten thousand Filipinos and we will conquer the world.” He knew some of them first hand. They should not be forgotten in the scandal of crying generals ac-cused of protecting drug lords and crooked politicians.

“Filipinos are warrior race, often fighting with the odds stacked against them. A glance at the different battles and wars Filipinos fought throughout his-tory prove that,” adds the post.

It also talked of the unbeliev-able display of fighting prowess and near-reckless abandon by these Filipinos who were literal one-man armies, MacArthur’s praise for ten thousand able to conquer the world is some-

thing to be reminded of in these days.

Among the one-man armies MacArthur was referred to were Jesus Villamor, Narciso Ortilano, Jose Nespiros, Jose Bandong Jr., Romualdo Rubi, Julius Javier, Ramon Alcaraz, Jose Ignacio Paua. And Rode-lio Caballes.

Here are some excerpts on their bravery.

“Arguably one of the great-est Filipino pilots ever, Villamor led a squadron (read: six) of P-26 fighters against 54 Japa-nese enemy planes consisting of dozens of Mitsubishi Zeros over the skies of Batangas dur-ing the opening stages of the Japanese invasion of the Philip-pines in December 1941.

Where many of us would probably falter at the sight of bayonet-wielding Japanese screaming “Banzai” at the top of their lungs, Ortilano did the exact opposite. Guarding his machine gun nest in the wee hours of the morning on January 12, 1942 in his sector of Bataan, Ortilano was suddenly greeted by gunfire and the screams of 11 heavily-armed Japanese sol-diers who broke out of a nearby sugarcane field and who were quickly charging towards his position.

With his fellow machine-gun-ner killed by the initial hail of

bullets, Ortilano alone manned his machine gun and took out four of them until it finally jammed. Undeterred, Ortilano took out his pistol and shot an-other five dead.

A native of La Union, Nispe-ros earned his colors when as a Philippine Scout he fought off a huge number of Moro insur-gents who ambushed his unit in Lapurap, Basilan on Sept. 24, 1911.

Barely able to stand due to bleeding from several stab wounds and having his left arm broken with a gunshot wound, Nisperos nevertheless kept fir-ing his rifle with his right hand at the assailants until they final-ly withdrew.

In the six-hour gunfight, Ban-dong was hit with a bullet to the left shoulder. Seeing they were about to be overwhelmed, Bandong heroically ordered his men to withdraw and took it upon himself to make a last stand.

His supreme sacrifice of which he earned a posthumous Medal of Valor no doubt saved the lives of his men. Legend has it he also ordered artillery to be fired on his position to wipe out the enemy.

Julius Javier was also deemed to be “unkillable” as he survived his armed encounters and at least three attempts on his life

without injury, leaving some to believe he wore an amulet that protected him from harm. How-ever, two of Javier’s greatest accomplishments involved him defeating the enemy without firing a single shot.

The namesake of one of our warships, Ramon Alcaraz was one of the naval heroes of World War II. Then an officer of the Offshore Patrol (the predeces-sor to the Philippine Navy), Al-caraz commanded the torpedo boat Q-112.

During the war, he and his men engaged nine Japanese Zeros and destroyed three of them in battle on January 17, 1942, earning him a Silver Star in the process. Earlier, he had also successfully sunk 15 ships in the Pasig River to prevent the Japanese from using them.

Paua was the only full-blood-ed Chinese who fought as a gen-eral on the side of the Filipino revolutionaries in their struggle against the Spanish and later the Americans. We didn’t men-tion that aside from being a noted blacksmith and untiring fund-seeker for his compatriots, Paua was also a badass martial artist who used his skills in ac-tual combat.”

I was indeed consoled Rose-mary, daughter of a military general with this post. (Philstar.com)

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016 A�

NWS150410F3_Taguba_Testimonial_HP_FIL_AJ_output.indd 1 6/16/16 3:33 PM

Dateline PhiliPPines

THEY’RE COMING OUT. A barangay official gets the fingerprints of a drug suspect who surrendered in Barangay Quirino in Quezon City. According to the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), 8,808 illegal drug suspects surrendered to the authorities, while 362, including two Chinese nationals, have been arrested in Metro Manila. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

THE camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Mar-cos Jr. on Thursday, July 14 de-plored the move of Smartmatic to exclude members of the media from its “clarificatory presenta-tion” of the Automated Election System before Manila Prosecu-tors’ Office.

This developed after Smart-matic personnel, instead of filing their Rejoinder to the complaint filed against them, filed a mani-festation and motion to hold a clarificatory presentation to ex-plain the AES and the other tech-nical aspects of the case without the presence of any other party including the media.

Lawyer Adrian Aumentado, counsel of former Abakada Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz, political ad-visor of Senator Marcos, said it is highly irregular why Smartmatic would want to ban the media from attending the clarificatory presentation of the AES when the case filed is all about trans-parency.

“To exclude the media from the clarificatory presentation is tantamount to denying the pub-lic’s right to know the processes used in THEIR election. We are for transparency and that is what this case is all about and we just find it highly unusual that the media would be excluded from such presentation when it is after all a clarificatory hearing,” Au-mentado pointed out.

During the hearing, the panel of prosecutors also expressed surprise by such move. When a member of the Smartmatic team said they were merely concerned about the logistical and practi-cal requirements if members of the media were around, the panel said such would not be a problem since they can always arrange for a place for everyone including the media to be accom-modated.

Aumentado also expressed surprise that Smartmatic would be the one to initiate a clarifica-tory presentation when the ini-tiative should be coming from the panel of prosecutors. He also asked to be given a period to file their opposition and/or manifes-

Marcos camp deplores Smartmatic for seeking media ban in in ‘clarificatory presentation’ of the AES

tation to the motion. The panel, however, said the

move would give them a chance to clarify certain technical as-pects of the case without preju-dice to whatever motion the for-mer Senator’s counsels may file on the matter. They then set the clarificatory presentation to July 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.

Dela Cruz had filed charges for violation of Section 4(a) of the Cy-bercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or R.A. 10175 against Smart-matic personnel Marlon Garcia, a Venezuelan national and head of the Technical Support Team; Elie Moreno, an Israeli national and Project Director, Mauricio Herrera, a Panamanian national and Neil Banigued, member of the Technical Support Team; and Comelec IT experts led by Rouie Peñalba, Nelson Herrera and Frances Mae Gonzalez for their act of “intentionally altering computer data, without right and altering and interfering with the functioning of a computer and computer network by inputting, deleting and altering computer data and program, without right or authority.”

Dela Cruz said their act of changing the script of the Trans-parency Server on the night of the elections at the height of the transmission of votes without authority constitutes a clear vio-

lation of the said law. Dela Cruz had earlier also ac-

cused the respondents of mis-leading the prosecutors when they claimed in their respec-tive counter-affidavits that the change they made in the system in the Transparency Server can-not be considered illegal access because the latter is not part of the Automated Election System (AES).

“By so doing, respondents are attempting to mislead this Hon-orable Office thru technical illus-trations irrelevant to the present controversy,” Dela Cruz said. He said such contradicts their ear-lier admission that “the AES is made up of several components, namely the election management system (EMS), the VCM, the CCS and the Transparency Server.”

Dela Cruz added that respon-dent also “deliberately omitted” the fact that RA 8436 as amend-ed or the law authorizing Come-lec to use the AES had expanded the definition of the system to in-clude the “transmission of elec-tion results and other electoral processes.”

The respondents are also charged with a separate case for the violation of the Automated Election Law before the Comelec over the script change. The case is also undergoing preliminary investigation. n

FORMER vice president Je-jomar Binay Sr. was formally charged in court by the Office of the Ombudsman over the al-leged overpriced construction of the P2.2-billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred to as the Makati parking building, Thursday,, July 14, 2016, at the Sandiganbayan.

Through its prosecutorial arm Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ombudsman Conchita Carpio filed four counts of graft or violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Binay.

Binay was also charged of nine counts of falsification of public documents or violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, and one count of malversation or violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Binay was the Makati City may-or during the first three phases of the project.

“Former VP Binay is ready Bongbong Marcos

Binay faces graft, falsification, and malversation charges

to face his accusers and clear his name in a fair and impartial hearing. The ombudsman should also be ready to account for her actions in the civil suit now pend-ing before the courts,” Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said in a statement, according to reports from GMA News.

It was October last year when the Ombudsman ruled that there was probable cause to file graft and falsification of public docu-ments cases against Binay. Then last February, the Ombudsman affirmed its ruling.

Binay Sr.’s son, dismissed Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-jun” Binay Jr., was earlier charged for graft and falsification of public documents for phases IV and V of the building when he succeeded his father as Makati mayor, along with 22 other former officials of the Makati City government.

However, the charges against the former vice president were later filed upon the expiration of his immunity from suit.

According to reports from Inquirer, the Ombudsman said documents show that Binay Sr.

and Jr. approved the Bids and Awards Committee resolutions, notices of awards, contracts and payments using unnumbered/undated disbursement vouchers and obligation requests despite the anomalies.

The Binays awarded the con-tract to Mana Architectural and Interior Design (MANA) despite the allegedly lack of public bid-ding, and approved of P11.97-million payment despite the anomalies.

However, Salgado said that this is just a diversionary move intended to shield the ombuds-man’s political patrons from pub-lic indignation.

“Alam naman natin na sinam-pahan ng reklamo ang mga lider ng LP dahil sa maanomalyang Disbursement Acceleration Pro-gram (DAP) (We all knew that LP leaders were charged of the anomalies within DAP),” told GMA News.

Salgado also added that the Carpio was focused on filing charges against the former vice president to the divert the anger of the people. n

by Dana SioSonAJPress

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426A�

peopleevents

artsculture

entertainmentJuly 15-21, 2016

Upon arriving in Banaue, take passenger jeep bound for Bontoc then transfer to another for Sagada. There are also commuter vans available in Banaue bound for Sagada. The fare is about P200/$5.

Option 3 — Coming from Baguio City, take a bus bound for Sagada at Dangwa Terminal Station near St. Mary’s Church. Buses start to depart by 5 pm.

Tips:• Respect the culture by

refraining from making insensitive comments about the natives’ rituals or traditions.

• Keep the environment safe and clean. Don’t leave trash and dispose of it properly.

• Avoid bringing outside food. The locals serve food with love. They do it the best they can. There are some restaurants that charge food and drinks if taken from the outside.

• Pack lightly and wear comfortable clothes for trekking, hiking, spelunking and walking.

4. Sarangani: Tremendous serenity

Location: Sarangani ProvinceOften ignored, the province

of Sarangani boasts natural tourist attractions that can be at par with Palawan in the battle of the Philippines’ most preserved sanctuaries. Beaches, falls, diving spots and corals are abundant in the area. The serenity of the place is one of the reasons why tourists flock to the area.

You can find the Small Boracay of the South at Gumasa Beach, Glan; while scuba diving in Maasim, Tino Reef is satisfying as the locals are working hard to preserve and protect the marine life.

You could also meet the endangered pawikans, and enjoy other activities such as food trips,

2The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

Continued on Page 3

by Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress

IT could be because of colonial mentality that overseas Filipinos are just as excited to fill up and send a balikbayan box home as those receiving it back in the Philippines. “Balikbayan” means returning to one’s country, and I guess sending balikbayan box is the Filipino way of staying connected to friends and families back home.

It’s the simple tradition of giving pasalubongs — gifts

— only that it has been raised to unprecedented levels because of the sheer number of Filipinos now live and/or work overseas. In the early days, only the very rich can go abroad.

Today, there is an estimated 10 million Filipinos abroad due to their migration to the United States, Canada and Australia, and the demand for OFWs all over the

What not to sendSenders should keep in

Things you need to know about the balikbayan box

All boxed up:

about the continued corruption and additional taxes and duties being planned by the Bureau of Customs on all balikbayan boxes.

Prior to signing R.A 10863, the existing law was outdated because it was still following the 1987 tax-exempt value of only up to P10,000 (about $200). Many lawmakers feel that it would be unfair to tax overseas Filipinos since the amount has not been adjusted according to inflation and increasing commodity rates.

With the new law in place, Filipinos can now send up to three P150,000-worth (about $3,500) of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities nor intended for barter, sale or for hire.

On top of the tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding

P350,000, they will be bringing with them when they return to the country.

As for Filipinos who have lived overseas for at least five years, they would be entitled to tax- and duty-free personal and household effects amounting to P250,000, while those who have stayed abroad for less than five years could enjoy P150,000 tax-free ceiling.

As someone who has been on both the sending and receiving side, I realized that the balikbayan box is more than a piece of corrugated box filled with clothes, canned goods and chocolates, or that whiff of the “stateside” scent — it is a symbol of the hard work, generosity and love for family.

It’s true that our families back home could probably buy most of the items in the Philippines, but I believe it the anticipation of what’s coming to their doorstep and the idea that every item has been carefully chosen and packed is what makes them appreciate it more.

Automobiles and motorcycles parts are prohibited inside a balikbayan box.

Any kind of guns, firearms (whether whole or in parts) and ammunition are not allowed inside a balikbayan box.

• Ceramic tableware• Cultural artifacts and

pottery• Defense articles or items

with military or proliferation applications

• Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as animal hide

• Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions)

• Firearms, explosives (including parts)

• Cheese, Meat, fruits and vegetables (unless canned)

• Pets, plants, seeds, soil• Used clothing of commercial

quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales)• Pornographic materials• Fluids and perishable food

items*Please check with your

trusted balikbayan cargo company for other items that may not be on the list.

The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)

In May of this year, former president Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) or Republic Act 10863 in response to the growing concern of overseas Filipinos

Top 5 things overseas Filipinossend back to the Philippines

sent, for the same reason that they contain preservatives that would avoid spoilage. One thing to note, though, that not many know that coffee —decaf or not, instant or for brewing — is prohibited.

(2) Clothes and shoesFilipinos back home are

somewhat inclined to US brand names, specifically shoes and clothes. American brands like Nike, Adidas, and Northface are some of

the favorites. There is said to be a decline in sending clothing brands like Gap or Old Navy for the reason that most of these products are now mostly manufactured in Asia. Shoes, although a number of brands are already made in China, are still in demand.

On average, a pair of shoes may be slightly cheaper in the United States. Also, Filipinos abroad tend

AS of 2014, there were around 10.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a number that is only increasing. Many Filipinos living abroad ship their families back home balikbayan boxes, large cardboard boxes filled with items from the foreign country that the sender believes the recipients would enjoy.

There are many things overseas Filipinos are allowed to put in their balikbayan box, but there are a number of favorites and staple items that they include. Though there are no statistics available on what Filipinos send back home, here are five things commonly found in balikbayan boxes:

(1) FoodNon-perishable goods are

particularly on top of the list, particularly canned goods like spam, corned beef, and Vienna sausages for the reason that they can last the long journey home. Biscuits and chocolates are also

Your next best destination:The PhiliPPineS

These places less traveled are yet to be discoveredBy Joseph alMer pedraJas

AJPress

Sagada Photo by Raphael John Oriel

Continued on Page 3

WITH over 7,100 distinctly beautiful islands, the Philippines has a huge variety of breathtaking destinations to offer. Whether you are a history geek, beach bum, adventure seeker or travel hardcore, you’ve got everything. The country harbors a multitude of attractions that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Here are the top 5 less traveled, yet jaw-dropping destinations to unleash the best out of your trip.

5. Sagada: Surviving the ridges of the Mountain Province

Location: Sagada, Mountain Province, CAR

The town of Sagada is one of the most adventurous destinations in the Philippines. Located behind the mountains of the Cordillera Region, Sagada can be reached by bus and takes roughly 12 hours to get there from Manila because of the bumpy and, literally, cliff-hanging roads.

Sagada is perfect for adventure seekers. It offers the Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave connection, which gives guests an adrenaline rush. Brimmed with slippery rocks, ragged surface, bats’ feces, and

minor cliffs, the caves are perfect for risk takers.

However, if you are not into too much adventure, you can take an hour trek to Bomod-Ok Falls. Other options are the Hanging Coffins, a traditional way of the locals to bury the deceased, Echo Valley, watching Sagada weavers, Lake Danum, and witnessing the sunrise and sea of clouds in Kiltepan Peak.

To restore your energy, the locals also offer their famous pinikpikan, arabica coffee, yogurt and lemon pie that are perfect for the near freezing temperature.

Lately, many tourists (foreign and local) have been going to Sagada since the location has been featured more in television shows and movies. However, the difficulty of getting there still has kept the area less crowded compared to other tourist spots.

how to get there:Option 1 — Direct bus ride

to Sagada at Coda Lines Terminal in Quezon City. The ticket cost is P720/$17.

Option 2 — You can take a side trip to Banaue before going to Sagada by bus via Ohayami Bus in Manila. Ticket from Manila to Banaue is about P450/$11.

mind that since the shipping of a balikbayan box is consolidated, it means that one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packages inside the container. In the past, a lot of individuals have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling commercial items or contrabands.

For this reason, cargo companies, as well as US and Philippine Customs offices always inform senders not to send the following prohibited items:

• Alcohol/alcoholic drinks • Automobile/motorcycle,

parts or whole

Don’t forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the beautiful sights!

• Sarangani is one of the Philippines’ preserved paradises, so maintain cleanliness by leaving no trash behind and keeping the endangered sea turtles safe.

3. Siargao Island: Playing with crystal-clear waters of Mindanao

Location: Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Off the coast of Surigao del Norte is the island of Siargao, home of world-class waves that

surfers from around the world visit. Unlike La Union in Luzon, Siargao is less visited because of its almost secluded location.

Siargao produces huge waves that will make your heart beat, while its white sand beaches also add to the island’s beauty. However, if you are not into surfing, there are still other things you can do. Other activities to do in its three main islands are kayaking, diving, fishing, bird watching,

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

* * *

The August 2016 priority datesThe Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

FAMILY CATEGORY:

First Preference

Second Preference

Third Preference

Fourth Preference

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Third Preference

Other Workers

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

Professional/Skilled Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

ApplicationFiling Date

Visa IssuanceDate

December 22, 2005

March 22, 2005

November 22, 2015

November 15, 2014

February 1, 2006

September 15, 2005

August 1, 1995 March 15, 1994

July 15, 1993 February 1, 1993

Visa Issuance Date

January 1, 2013

January 1, 2013

May 15, 2009

May 15, 2009

Application Filing Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters) Current February 1,

2014

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)

3The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

Atty. MichAel

Gurfinkel, eSQ

ImmigrationCorner

YOU ASKED FOR IT. SO WE ARE BRINGING YOU ONCE MORE — CITIZEN PINOY – LIVE ON JULY 17 – SUNDAY. Kapamilya, we heard you. We read all your positive and wonderful messages and feedback on www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. Most of you considered the show very informative and are looking forward to more live telecasts. That is why, on JULY 17 — CITIZEN PINOY GOES LIVE once again. Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL found it “really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live.” This early, audiences are already encouraged to send in your questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLawThe LIVE telecast of CITIZEN PINOY – will be seen on JULY 17, Sunday at 6:15 PM (EST/PST) on TFC.

to have access to better quality clothing and shoes and can obtain them more easily at less cost than in the Philippines, especially when they buy them at outlet stores. Plus, they make great gifts for relatives.

(3) Personal and hygiene products

Personal and hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, cologne and even perfume are also sent home. Soap and hair products aren’t very expensive in the Philippines, but most people rarely buy imported brands.

Although these are not restricted items, many cargo companies do not encourage their clients to send bottled liquids as they may break and leak, causing to damage not only to the other items where they are packed into, but also to other boxes as well. This is why that they remind Filipinos to make sure liquids are sealed tightly, so they don’t spill in transit. Bottles can be placed in resealable bags or wrapped around the opening with tape to ensure they do not leak. For bottles made of fragile material like glass, cover them with bubble wrap.

Top 5 things overseas...From Page 2 (4) Toys

Like shoes and clothes, most toys in the US are made in China. Still, young children enjoy seeing new toys when they open a balikbayan box. Be sure not to send toy guns though, for they will be confiscated by customs.

(5) Electronics Electronics like TVs, computers,

cameras and game consoles are sent by overseas Filipinos to their families in the Philippines, as these tend to be cheaper in the US and have a wider selection. Although it is not advisable to send electronic items such as big screen TVs, laptops or desk top computers; balikbayans or returning Filipinos who wish to retire in the homeland try to ship these items.

The good news is that just last May, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, increasing the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos from P10,000 to P150,000.

Furthermore, Filipinos who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted a tax exemption for the personal and

household effects, not exceeding P350,000.

As always, cargo companies remind their clients to carefully pack fragile items, declare their cargo truthfully in their packing list and to consider paying additional insurance to cover any damages that may happen while in transit. (AJPress)Continued on Page 6

museum visits, paragliding and ziplining.

How to get there:From Manila, take a flight

bound for General Santos City. There, you can ride a van that will take you to Sarangani. Airfare costs around P6,000–P8,000/$143-$190.

Tips:• Pack clothes and necessities

for swimming and walking around, such as comfortable, cool clothes, sunblock and sandals/slippers.

Your next best destination...From Page 2

4The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

BoBBy T. yalong

On thePEP FrontPeople, Events, Places

ThE undiminished manifestations of the Filipinos’ intellectual achievements and unprecedented global status has consistently been the boosting power in their unsurpassed competence to uphold and commemorate habituated century-old tradition even across the miles and seas. That despite the unrelenting growth, development, evolution, social modernization, and new edifying adjustment, the innate cultural dynamics they brought along with them had defied all these changes. They persistently and firmly embrace the culture and tradition they were born and grew-up with…especially the annual observance of a grand festivity which is the fiesta.

here in the east coast, the biggest Filipino multicultural summer indoor event is the Philippine Fiesta now more popularly dubbed as Fiesta in America. On August 13 and 14, the most touted annual festival turns eighteen with much improved physical set-up, much diverse socio-economic programming, expanded trade and tourism pavilion, a wider variety of fun activities for all ages, increased volume of exhibitors, more extensive choices of home-cooked native and sumptuous regional delicacies, extra exhilarating entertainment, and a boosted projection of annual visitors.

Since its inception in 1998, Fiesta in America has consistently established its unmatched standing in bringing to the fore nothing but only the best in entertainment, business potentials and transactions, and inter-social interactions. The possibilities are seemingly limitless with the wide array of prospective opportunities the Fiesta enormously offers. Through its strappingly established reputable tradition the annual event has been customary and a saved date to take pleasure in.

“This year’s theme of the Expo’s 18th anniversary refers to various life components that contribute to a person’s well-being. Major US brands have committed to make a thematic presentation during the two-day weekend event, on Saturday

Fiesta in America turns 18,People’s Ball celebrates 8th year

and Sunday, August 13 and 14, respectively, at the Meadowland Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey,” Nanding Mendez, President and CEO of Fiesta in America, enthusiastically announced while indefatigably distributing flyers and Fiesta’s Special Edition Press digital publication.

“horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey will promote fitness practices and healthcare management then AARP will highlight real possibilities for the 50+ population, while Goya Foods, Inc. will hold a cooking show. The hackensack University Medical Center will educate consumers on how to address the challenging issues of physical and mental well-being,” Nanding elaborates.

Every town fiesta back home won’t be complete without the selection and crowning of a fiesta queen and one among the must-see highlights of the 18th Fiesta Consumer Expo and Cultural Show will be the Grand Pilipinas Fiesta Pageant where four titles are at stake: Fiesta Princess West Coast 2016 (3rdRunner-up), Fiesta Princess East Coast 2016 (2nd. Runner-up), Fiesta Princess America 2016 (First Runner-up), and Grand Filipinas Fiesta Princess 2016 (winner).

“The Pre-pageant is slated on Saturday, August 13 from 2 PM to 5 PM and the coronation ceremonies are scheduled the following day, Sunday, August 14. Aside from the major titles special awards will be given to Miss Congeniality, Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic, Best in

Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown,” thus uttered Tet Palencia, Search for Grand Pilipinas Fiesta Queen Chair.

As of press time, the four finalists who emerged triumphant after a tedious screening process and lined-up to compete in the semi-final round are:

Finalist # 1- Dominique “Nikkei” Flores, 19, a McNair Academic 2015 graduate from Jersey City who is currently a Rutgers School of Nursing sophomore. A Dean’s lister and Vice-President and Secretary of the Nursing Class Council, Nikkei is a Community Outreach Committee Member for RUSON and a newly crossed Alpha Phi Omega –Delta Rho brother.

Finalist # 2- Melissa Pianin, 22, from Ozone Park, New Jersey, is a Culinary Institute of America graduate where she mastered the art of baking and pastry and applied food studies. Currently the head Baker of Bella’s home-baked Goods, she dreams of creating an educational platform to teach others about food system and sustainable living.

Finalist # 3 – Tiffany Lyn, 16, and a student at Mother Seton Regional high School where she’s active in track and field and bowling sports, and has been affiliated with various school clubs. Outside academics and athletics, her interests include the art, cosmetology, and social media. Tiffany is leaning towards business courses once done with secondary studies.

Finalist # 4 – Alyssa Jade

Alyssa Jade ShoemakerDominique Flores

Fiesta in America President & CEO Fernando Mendez

Gatsby-look during the Roaring 20s

Tiffany Lyn

Melissa Pianin

Rebelious ladies of the Roaring 20s Era

Shoemaker – 15, an up-and-coming singing sensation who has sung the national anthems for the Brooklyn Nets games and the US Open Championship. An effervescent recruit as one of the lead vocalists of a popular event and wedding band, Relm, Alyssa is recently nominated by Papermill Playhouse for the Rising Star Awards for her effectual role as Eponine in Les Miserables.

Fiesta-goers always await for the main features of the event--- the personal appearance and performance of their celebrity idols… and if there’s but one authoritative person to shed light on this matter, that would be Ogie Afable, Fiesta in America’s Cultural and Entertainment head.

“Like in the past years where the cultural and entertainment segments of the Fiesta were graced by popular movie luminaries and entertainers from the Philippines, this year’s celebrity guests are ABS-CBN heartthrobs Paulo Avelino (dubbed as Teleserye Prince), and Julia Montes (hailed as the Royal Princess of Drama), plus a bevy of fast-rising young Filipino and Latino performers from the tri-state area, award-winning Asian dance troupes, and tons of fun and surprises,” Ogie explains.

Incidentally, prior to the much-awaited two-day indoor Fiesta episode at Meadowlands Expo Center, a grandiose prelude is all set to fire-up Fiesta in America’s annual celebration… none other than the cream of the social gala, the People’s Ball, now on its 8th year. The grand occasion that commenced with the state dance, Rigodon de honor, has yearly adapted interesting themes and color motifs.

For the 8th instance, the People’s Ball is turning nostalgic but romantic and fabulous with the Great Gatsby look of the Roaring 20s at Double Tree by hilton on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 8:00 PM with a fancy cocktail and socialized tete-a-tete set at 7:00 PM.

The Roaring 20s is a term for society and culture when many people defied prohibition, indulged in new styles of dancing and dressing, and rejected many traditional moral standards. The economic growth technologically changed and the loosening of social codes encouraged a lively and uninhibited youth culture centered around the automobile, jazz music, and bootleg liquor. It was also the Era of the Great Depression following the crash of Wall Street in1929.

Because of the exuberant, freewheeling popular culture of the decade…everything seemed to be going wild in order to reverse the depressive atmosphere and adapt a temporary escape from reality…and these scenarios more than inspired and fueled the creative juices of the People’s Ball team to come up with a close-to-the-real atmosphere of the said era.

Ball guests and participants are encouraged to don flamboyant and exquisitely distinctive outfits of that era: a dramatic interplay of extreme colors from black and white to flaming red or champagne tone embellished with tassels, bob-cut hair, pearl bead necklaces, feathered headdresses or flowered ribbons, and French-netted pillbox hat. Other paraphernalia that symbolized rebellious styles are fishnets and lace stockings, French-netted pillbox hats, and stiletto-heeled shoes for ladies

while men could wear loose jacket and trousers, two-toned shoes, wide cravats, and traveler’s hat.

Furthermore, a group of preferred dancers will lead the crowd to travel back in time via a well-conceptualized production number complete with authentic costumes, hall embellishments, and music.

Adding glam and prestige to the already fabulous ambience is Darlene Borromeo’s chaired segment: the recognition of deserving individuals and organization during the Empowerment Awards.

Darlene’s Selection and Awards Committee has successfully came up with seven most deserving awardees this year: Jan Bednar, RN, in support for Filipino Nurses; Lori Colineri, RN, in support for Philippine hospital’s First MAGNET journey; Theresa De Vries, RN, for Community Service; hon. Con. Gen. Mario Lopez De Leon, Jr. for Diplomatic and community services; Jorge Ortoll, Executive Director of Ma-Yi, for Arts and Theater; Jeryl Maglio and Family for changing people’s lives by petitioning hundreds of nurses from the Philippines; and PACCAL for its consistent and dedicated community service.

With the way well-calculated steps in the preparations for the People’s Ball and Fiesta Expo are undergoing it is without doubt that

Continued on Page 5

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHOOL

SERVICES

5The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

Prof. Eric Soriano, a National Agora Awardee for Excellence in Marketing Education by the Philippine Marketing Association, will conduct a forum on business and franchising at this year’s fiesta In America, which will celebrate its 18th anniversary on August 13 and 14 at the Meadowlands ExpoCenter in Secaucus, New Jersey.

The forum is designed for heads of family businesses and entrepreneurs on the lookout for investment opportunities in the homeland.

Joining the franchising and business opportunities forum is organique, a growing company cultivated from the ground up by childhood sweethearts, Elton and Cathy Salimbangon. organique is one of the leading manufacturers of various Acai products.

Many immigrant couples in America today will be able to relate to the story of Elton and Cathy, who for 15 years lived a reasonably modest life in the United States. He was working in a manufacturing company that produces healthy beverages while she was working as a registered nurse in Southern California.

Elton, while watching a TV program sometime in 2008 came across an infomercial that featured superfood acai berry and its health benefits. He told the story to his boss and he was advised that their company was already developing an acai-based drink. Since this first acai product failed, Elton asked his boss if he could reformulate it.

He toiled and worked diligently around the clock with the research and development team to come up with an acai product that would sell

Organique joins business forum in east coast’s biggest Filipino and multicultural indoor expoFranchising and Business Opportunities Forum at Fiesta in

America aims to create entrepreneursreception was good.

Armed with great feedback, the couple soldiered on. organique, Inc. started to take form as Cathy started selling it to her family and friends. In the beginning, Elton purchased excess acai berries from the company where he worked, but as his own product expanded and the demand grew, he had no choice but to invest and buy thousands of gallons. Despite the sky-rocketing amount of shipping charges, Elton pushed through further because he believed in his vision.

“At that time we didn’t have anything at all. We didn’t know anything. We didn’t have the money to start,” Elton confessed. When they decided to relocate in the Philippines in 2009, they set up a small office in the corner of their house made of concrete and wood, and without even paint.

fast forward to 2016 - from a simple experiment, organique has now grown into a multinational corporation, continuing the promise to bring the best quality and standard of their acai products to their customers. Their acai products are now available in Watsons, Mercury Drug, robinsons Supermarket and Southstar Drugstore nationwide. originally starting in the Philippines, organique now holds several markets in the US, Hong Kong, and Middle East; and is rapidly expanding.

Elton and Cathy’s success story will be one of the many inspiring tales of successful entrepreneurial spirit that will be told and shared at the fiesta in America for Prof. Eric Soriano’s franchising and business opportunities forum next month.

(Advertising Supplement)

well. Acai berries are known to have long been a staple to the diet of the indigenous people of Brazil. Acai has ten times more vital antioxidants than grapes and in fact, richer than other common fruits and vegetables combined and due to its high antioxidant content, Acai helps in our body’s detoxification, giving skin a healthier glow.

“We started from scratch. We started from acai berry. Acai berry is very bitter but I was thinking ‘filipino’. It has to be a sustainable taste - not bland or anything. We put on some apple juice and put in some other mixes until we finally got the consistency right,” Elton said in an interview. It took several months to create the amazing, delectable taste that organique is known for today.

Their journey to where they are now began in earnest back in october 2008 when Cathy and their kids went back to the Philippines. Just to see if the product will fly, Elton sent her the concoction he created, in a small white bottle with no name nor any labels. The

all that has been keenly visualized, zealously planned, and meticulously rendered will be productively delivered with effectual end results.

To sponsor or exhibit or for ticket reservation, please call (212) 682-6610 or email: info@fiestainamerica.com. for performers update, follow

Fiesta in America turns 18...From Page 4 us on www.fiestainamerica.com

To attend, inquire, or reserve tickets for the People’s Ball, please call: 201.300.5234 or 201-993-8815 or 201-920-9441

Erratum: In my last week’s column, “Pachada Band’s frontman Chad Baluran’s tumultuous journey to success” (Asian Journal July 1 to

7 issue), I inadvertently omitted Pachada’s keyboardist’s name: Aldou Cinco. There were also a couple of typos: Chad’s dad’s first name should be “Martino” instead of “Margino” and Pachada’s lead guitarist’s last name is “Medallo” instead of “Medalla.” My sincerest apologies for the slip-ups and inaccuracy.

for comments and suggestions please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

6The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

THE phenomenal love team Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, popularly known as AlDub, has gotten the limelight once again after their movie, “Imagine You and Me,” hit P13 million in gross ticket sales on its first day, making the couple once again, a top topic on Twitter.

As of 6 p. m. of its first day of screening on Wednesday, July 13, the movie has already earned P5,845,544 in Metro Manila, while other provinces obtained P7,020889 in total ticket sales. According to figures released by its producer APT Entertainment, the film’s gross totaled P12,866,433.

A flock of AlDub fans also queued in different theaters nationwide to watch the most-awaited movie.

Meanwhile on Twitter, AlDub nation expressed their “kilig” and excitement using the hashtag #ALDUBImagineYouAndMe and has recorded 7.8 million tweets since July 4.

“Imagine You and Me” is AlDub’s first movie abroad inspired by the movie “Serendipity.” It was shot in different parts of Italy including Como and Verona.

In an interview, Maine Mendoza commented that the project is “a dream come true.”

Phenomenal loveteam’s movie earns P13 million on first day

By Joseph Almer pedrAJAs AJPress

“My life wasn’t like this before AlDub, so I’m just thankful for all the blessings.” Maine, popularly known as Yaya Dub, added.

The movie is AlDub’s second biggest break, following the “Tamang Panahon” concert held at the Philippine Arena which was received by 55,000 fans.

AlDub selected for magazine’s cover

On the other hand, Yes! Magazine editor Jo-Ann Maglipon revealed that the love team was among the magazine’s shortlist for its cover, along with Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Jaclyn Jose, Kris Aquino and more.

However, Maglipon added that her staff uniformly chose Richards and Mendoza.

She said, “They determine who goes on the cover, who goes inside. Everyone in the staff uniformly wanted Alden and Maine. They just won over a Miss Universe title holder.”

In an interview, Mendoza was surprised and told that it is an honor for them to grace the cover.

Richards considers it as a dream come true.

“I’ve been in the 100 Most Beautiful Stars list for six years since I started po (in showbiz) and lagi ko pong sinasabi na dream ko po makapag-cover naman (I’ve been in the 100 Most Beautiful Stars list for six years since I started my showbiz career and it’s always been my dream to be put in cover page),” he said.

by KlArize medenillA

AJPress

Fil-Am news producer wins Emmy

WORKIng as a producer for a daily broadcast news team requires attention to detail, organizational skill and the ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances.

So when the San Bernardino attack happened on the morning of Dec. 2, 2015, Anthony Leong, a Fil-Am news producer for the Bay Area’s nBC station KnTV, knew he had to act quickly and utilize everything he has learned working as a local news producer for the past 10 years.

And that he did. Along with his diligent production team, Leong won a northern California Emmy Award for their 24-hour continuous coverage of on the San Bernardino attack.

The Emmy Award-winning team included executive producer Dan Pyryt; producers Alison Holeyman, Eric Rich and Leong; anchors Raj Mathai and Janelle Wang; reporters Peggy Bunker and Cheryl Hurd; photojournalists Robert Beasom and Mykie Vang and assignment editor gonzalo Rojas.

Upon learning of the attack, the team had decided by noon whom to send and by that afternoon, sent their own reporters from the Bay Area to San Bernardino. By the time Leong’s 6 p.m. newscast was set for broadcast, the nBC Bay Area team was able to gather their own information and report their own stories.

“When you cover a story as big as this, you can’t just look at how you can cover it for one hour, you have to see how to cover it for the next 24 hours,” Leong, 33, told the Asian Journal.

Leong said that covering the attack held a lot of significance to the team because of the proximity of the attacks to their home base.

“Attacks like this don’t happen very often, thank god. This was a big story for us because it’s so close to home and because so many people here in the Bay Area know exactly where San Bernardino is,” Leong said, adding that the connection between the Bay Area and the LA area prompted the station to send three separate crews to San Bernardino.

After covering the initial shock

of the attack, the station began producing the reaction stories. The team produced “Reality Check” stories, which investigated the perpetrators’ backgrounds and provided in-depth analysis on the attack itself.

Leong was also a part of the news team that was nominated for breaking news coverage of the massive Valley Fire that consumed large portions of Lake County and affected Sonoma and napa counties in September 2015. KnTV covered the second fire that broke out and had crews broadcast live from the fire line.

While fires frequent the local news cycle in California, Leong said the Valley Fire was an entirely different animal.

“Fires aren’t easy to cover, but you know what to do. But this wasn’t in the playbook or anything like we’ve done before,” said Leong.

With 10 years of experience in of producing news, it isn’t a surprise that the seasoned news producer is receiving praise for his work.

But broadcast journalism wasn’t always Leong’s the dream.

Leong, who is half-Filipino and half-Chinese, knew he wanted to work in television but didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do. The Eagle Rock and Burbank native studied at California State University, northridge where he majored in television production.

He then landed an internship at ABC/7 in Burbank during his senior year, which helped in establishing his place in the news industry.

“That’s when I fell in love with it,” Leong said, who took up a minor in journalism shortly after realizing he

wanted to work in news.The internship experience

helped him get his first producing job at a KESQ, the local CBS station in Palm Springs’. He then spent three years as a news producer in Portland, Oregon.

In late 2013, Leong started working as a news producer for nBC Bay Area.

“I love what I do and whenever I get asked why I like it, I say it’s the one job I’ve ever had that lets me watch television and go on the Internet all day long,” Leong quipped.

After a decade ten years of news producing, Leong doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon. A newsman at heart, he remarked at on the fast-paced world of daily broadcast journalism.

Although he does little writing now, he leads a team of writers and producers under him that produce the scripts, which he then copyedits before broadcast. As one of the team’s producers, he makes major editorial decisions on news stories, pitches and develops stories and marshalls breaking news.

The next natural step in his career, Leong said, would to become an executive producer of news.

“There’s no other job where people are so well-informed and know what’s going on, and it blows my mind,” Leong said. “It’s never been the most high-paying job, but it’s always been the most interesting job I can ever think about. You start at square one everyday. Whatever you did yesterday, you can’t rest on your laurels.”

Fil-Am news producer Anthony Leong with his Emmy.

A FEW years ago, director Paul Soriano experienced what we so sadly often read about on the front pages and watch helplessly in TV newscast — yes, kidnapping. Paul witnessed the kidnapping of a neighbor and that’s what inspired him to recreate the harrowing experience in Star Cinema’s “Dukot.”

The movie marks the meeting of the “old” and the “new” generations, the former represented by Christopher “Boyet” de Leon as the down-on-his-luck military man turned kidnapper and the latter by Enrique gil as the victim.

Seldom does Boyet play a bad character and, versatile an actor as he is, he’s still very good even when he’s very bad. It’s Enrique’s second movie with direk Paul (after the critically-acclaimed Thelma with Maja Salvador in the titular role) and…what a relief!...he is said to have caught up with Boyet.

The role proves challenging to Boyet who is in real life a protective family man whose house is equipped with CCTVs, all doors are locked and every security measure followed to prevent another akyat-

FRESH from its successful, dual award-winning, crowd and critic-pleasing run at the Los Angeles Comedy Festival, “Toto,” the multi-lauded indie feature dramedy now sets its sights on the Big Apple.

“Toto,” an official selection of the 39 th Asian American International Film Festival, will make its new York Premiere 8:15 p.m. Friday, July 29 at the Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Avenue and 12th Street in greenwich Village.

Tickets are just $15 and are available now via the festival’s website http://aaiff.org/2016/films/toto/.

“new York is and will always be my second home,” said John Paul Su, the film’s director and an nYU alum. “I’m quite excited to have the film screen where I learned to make movies.”

The screening marks a homecoming of sorts for Su, a DgA student awardee and longtime resident of the city, who recently celebrated his film’s two awards (“Best Foreign Film” and “Best Actor [Sid Lucero]”) at the aforementioned LA Comedy Fest, a known breeding ground for major, crossover comedy franchises.

“Theaters in the US aren’t exactly overflowing in comTOTOedy features from Asia and for many, it seems an odd coupling” said Su, who also co-wrote and produced TOTO with Donald Martin and Rey Cuerdo. “So to see our film win two major awards and be the first to sell out at a comedy fest is beyond gratifying. We are all hopeful for a similar

‘Toto’ set for new York premiereMulti-lauded film makes Big Apple bow July 29

reaction in new York.”For Martin, an industry veteran

with several writing credits to his name, the laurels the film’s fifth and sixth respectively) allow that there is indeed a crossover market for a Filipino indie film.

“The awards) show that mainstream audiences are open to seeing a film from the Philippines with universal themes of humor, and with heart to boot,” Martin added. ”We are thrilled!”

Starring Sid Lucero, Thou Reyes, Mara Lopez, Blake Boyd, Liza Diño, neil Sese, Bibeth Orteza and Rafa Roco, Jr. -- several of whom are expected to attend the premiere, schedules pending -- TOTO made its World Premiere in spectacular fashion by bagging eight nominations and four major awards (Special Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best

Supporting Actress) at the Metro Manila Film Festival’s new Wave Competition in December 2015.

The film, a blend of a self-actualized inspiration, life dreams, hustle and humor backed by a strong ensemble cast, is now in the midst of its film festival run with hopes of garnering wider distribution in the US and beyond.

The Asian American International Film Festival, presented by Asian Cinevision, is the nation’s first and longest running festival devoted to films by and about Asians and Asian Americans.

The 39 th edition of the popular festival takes place July 21 – 30 at various locations including Village East Cinemas, the Asia Society and the Museum of the Moving Image. For updates on schedules and cast appearances, please follow TototheMovie on Facebook.

A COMMEMORATIOn of the 155th Birthday Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal was co-organized by the Philippine Consulate general new York and the Knights of Rizal new York Chapter (KOR-nY) last June 22 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center with a program paying tribute to Dr. Rizal’s life and works. A separate flower offering before the bust of Jose Rizal was held on his birthday on Sunday, 19 June 2016 at the same venue.

The program began with the knighting of eight (8) new members. The newly installed KOR-nY Chapter, Sir Michael Dadap, and Deputy Chapter Commander, Sir Jhett Tolentino, shared with the community the vision and program of work of the KOR nY Team 2016-2018. The Ladies for Rizal present expressed support for the forthcoming projects by KOR-nY.

Highlighting the event was a donation handed by KOR-nY to the Executive Director of the Philippine Jesuit Foundation on behalf of the Ateneo University for projects that aim to propagate the teachings and ideals of Jose Rizal in the University through the creation of a website about the national hero.

n his remarks, the Consul

KOR-NY, led by the newly installed New York Chapter Commander Michael Dadap (4th from left), NY Deputy Chapter Commander Jhett Tolentino (6th from left), Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. (center), and Regional Commander Sir Francis D. Sison 5th from right), gathered at the Kalayaan Hall to celebrate the 155th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal last June 22.

Gat Jose Rizal honored on his 155th birthday anniversary in New York

general applauded the KOR-nY on their initiative to give back to the Philippines, and reminded his Brother Knights of their responsibility as stewards of their country and as sworn brethren of the national Hero. He urged the Knights to drive our kababayans to create a critical mass that can substantially propel our country farther and realize an inclusive progress for our nation.

The program was capped by the community singing of “Ang Bayan Ko” led by tenor and new knighted Sir Jun Penaverde.

The Consul general also attended the special event

organized by KOR-USA Council led by the Regional Commander, Sir Francis D. Sison, on 19 June. During that event, the Consul general received the Special Citation given by the KOR Supreme Commander, Sir Jeremias Singson, for his unparalleled support for the grand purposes of KOR since 2011. The Consul general has the rank of a Knight grand Officer of Rizal (KgOR). According to Regional Commander, Sir Francis D. Sison, KOR Chapters in the US northeast comprise more than half of the 400 Knights in the whole United States.

swimming, spelunking, star gazing and sports.

How to get there:Option 1 — getting to Surigao

City, the capital of Surigao del norte, is the jump-off point to Siargao Islands if you are coming from Manila. Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airlines have daily flights to this city. A roundtrip flight is about P7,000-P8,000/$167-$190.

In Surigao, catch a multi-cab or tricycle bound for Dapa Port (P250/$), to Dapa Port of Siargao dock. At Dapa Port, hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take you to general Luna. From there, you can find many people to assist you.

Option 2 — Siargao has its own airport and the easiest way is to fly direct. However, only Cebu Pacific

Your next best destination...From Page 3

Boyet very good when very badBy ricKy lo

Philstar.combahay in which the culprit was collared.

So how do the “old” and the “new” measure up to each other?

In real life, you are a good family man, how well do you identify with your role in Dukot?

Boyet: “I try to be a good family man, I really try. Well, Mang Johnny, my character in that movie, is also a family man forced by the gang to kidnap Enrique’s character because he badly needs money to bail out his imprisoned son. My character is an ex-military man, and since he is not making that much as a soldier he decided to join a gang of kidnappers.”

You are into your late 50s and you are still fit. How do you do it? How’s your diet?

“I don’t eat pork. I stay away from frustration. That’s about it, aside from that, I eat anything na. Halos no breakfast. I’m not a morning person; the only time I wake up early is when I am working. When I’m working, I take breakfast consisting of pancake with turkey bacon or pancake with blueberry. I don’t usena talagang homemade. Otherwise, I take tapa with fried rice, the usual.”

shape and thin sandbars will make you visualize that you are walking in the water. To wrap up your day at the beach, you can savor Leyte’s Binagol and Suman Moron delicacies.

How to get there:Option 1 — To get to Ormoc,

take a flight bound to Cebu, then take the fast craft to Ormoc City. Airfare may cost P4,000–P5,000/$95-$119.

Option 2 — You can also get there by flying to Tacloban City and then take a two-hour car ride to Ormoc City.

Kalanggaman Island:Fly to Tacloban City and take

a three-hour bus ride at Tacloban new Bus Terminal to Palompon. Then ride a pump boat to Kalanggaman Island.

Tips:• Don’t forget to coordinate

with the Palompon Ecotours Office to be more guided.

• If you are not in a hurry, take the longer bus route to enjoy the scenery.

1. Batanes: Home away from home

Location: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan Valley

Although the northernmost province in the Philippines, Batanes’ natural beauty, culture and people can still make you feel at home.

Comprised of 10 unpopulated islands (only three are habitable), the Batanes island group is proud of its virgin, infinitely green island.

There are many things to do in Batanes that are in line with either nature or culture. You just have to choose which among the three islands to visit: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat.

Meanwhile, the traditional Ivatan houses will give you the experience of their culture. They are made up of limestone

walls and cogon roofs, intended to strengthen the structure and protect it against possible earthquakes.

The remarkable lion mane-like wigs are the trademarks of the Ivatans. They call it Vakul, worn by farmers in the field. While the vests worn by men are named as Kanayi, paired with Talugong, or a hat (salakot in Filipino).

How to get there:There is only one way to

reach Batanes — by air. But there are at least three airlines that fly there and land in Basco Airport. Because of its location, airfare to Batanes can be expensive – from as low as P7,000/$167 to as high as P18,000/$429.

Tip:• There are many hotels and

lodgings to stay when in Batanes. Hotels may cost P1,200 ($29)/night and any other regular lodgings may P35–P600 (-$1-$14)/night.

flies there and the fares may be costly. From the airport, you will still need to go to general Luna, which is a 45-minute van ride.

Tips:• Siargao has ATM machines at

Dapa Port.• Major mobile phone service

providers deliver strong signals.• The Best time to go is from

July to november2. Leyte: Home of the most

beautiful sandbarsLocation: Leyte, Eastern VisayasThe resiliency of the province

of Leyte and its people is the reason why you should visit this commonly underrated destination. You will be amazed by how god protected the place after Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), as well as how the people bounced back from the destruction.

The Leyte Landing Memorial, or MacArthur Park located in Palo, is one of the must-visit destinations. The memorial sculpture represents an important piece of Philippine history when general Douglas MacArthur came back to our shores to win our fight against the Japanese in WWII.

One can walk on 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte and enjoy the picturesque islands and islets of the Philippine archipelago.

There three stunning lakes in Ormoc — Kasudkuran, Janagdan and Danao —which are perfect for kayaking and swimming.

Aside from its history and bodies of water, you can climb Eastern Visayas’ highest mountain, the Alto Peak.

Another spot to visit is Kalanggaman Island. Its bird-like

Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards

Christopher de Leon

7The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine

8The Asian Journal NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JulY 15, 2016

An Asian Journal Magazine