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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Fil ip ino AmericAn communiTy newspAper

w w w. a s i a n . c o mVolume 14 - No. 36 • 3 Sections – 24 Pages SePtember 4-10, 2015

1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, CA 94066 • Tel: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 • www.asianjournal.com Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

DATELINEUSAfrom the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

NATIONAL HEROES DAY PROTEST. Environmental activists blow on horns in front of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on Monday, Aug. 31 during a rally to protest recent moves by China in island-building at the disputed group of islands in the South China Sea. Led by former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez and businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis of the group US Pinoys for Good Governance, the demonstrators called their gathering a “Global Day of Prayer for Peace and Victory in the West Philippine Sea.” Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Loma, Quezon City in a boodle fight in Amoranto Park.

Binay also said he believes the in-vestigation is meant to exhaust the issue so the public will forget about it in 2016.

In february, the supreme Court (sC) ruled that DAP violated Article VI section 25 (5) of the 1987 Consti-tution and the doctrine of separation of powers of the executive and legis-lative branches.

morales announced on tuesday, sept. 1 that her office is investigating the possible culpability of the Presi-

dent and Abad in their implementa-tion of the DAP.

But Justice secretary Leila de Lima said the office of the ombudsman cannot conduct preliminary investi-gation against the President because the immunity from suit accorded to him while in office covers the con-duct of preliminary investigation.

she explained that the office of the ombudsman could only conduct fact-finding investigation on the charges filed against the President as part of its “ministerial function.”

Binay: DAP probe vs. PNoy, Abad ‘just drama’by Helen Flores

Philstar.com

sAN frANCIsCo—the Department of elections will introduce bilingual ballots for the November 3 election, each with content in english and one other language: Chinese, spanish, or filipino.

the Department is asking voters who pre-fer to receive election materials, including the official ballot and the Voter Information Pamphlet, in another language in addition to english to update their language prefer-ence.

Voters may do so by completing the form at sfelections.org/language, by calling (415) 554-4375, or by visiting the Department’s office.

Voters who have provided their language preference to the Department will receive a ballot in english and their preferred lan-guage either by mail, at the City hall Voting Center, or at their polling place.

on election Day, the Department will pro-vide polling place signage indicating that three bilingual versions of the ballot are

San Francisco offers bilingual ballots, including Filipino

Vice President Jejomar Binay mimics photographers during a visit to Escopa III in Project 4, Quezon City on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

mANILA—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday, sept. 2 scoffed at reports that ombudsman Conchita Carpio-morales is investigating Presi-dent Aquino and Budget secretary florencio Abad in connection with the controversial Disbursement Ac-celeration Program (DAP).

“Drama. Nothing will happen there. If that is true, they (Aquino and Abad) should be suspended already,” Binay said in an interview after joining res-idents of Barangay salvacion in La

PAGE A2

the revised rules and regu-lations in the importation of balikbayan boxes from over-seas filipino workers (ofWs) state that the boxes undergo mandatory x-ray scanning in-stead.

Customs issues new memo banning inspection of balikbayan boxes

by Patricia lourdes Viray Philstar.com

mANILA—the Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Wednesday, sept. 2 released a new memo-randum order which bans the random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes. PAGE A2

foLLoWING the death of another filipino journalist on thursday, Aug. 28, the Committee to Protect Jour-nalists called on Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on tuesday, sept. 1, to work toward eliminating attacks against press in the country.

radio broadcaster Cosme maestra-do, 46, the most recent victim, was shot to death by four unidentified gunman, according to The Guard-ian. on Aug. 19, teodoro escanilla,

a radio anchor for dzms, was shot in front of his house; on Aug. 18, news-paper columnist and publisher Gre-gorio Ybanez was shot dead in front of his home, the Associated Press reported.

“We call on President Benigno Aquino to give top priority to swiftly resolving these egregious cases,” said shawn Crispin, the senior southeast Asia representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, according to the Associated Press. “Until Aquino demonstrates his government is seri-

ous about ending the onslaught, the killings will inevitably continue.”

maestrado, an anchor at radio sta-tion dxoC, escaped a previous attack in November 2011, his colleagues told The Guardian. he was known for his commentary on the abuse of power and local corruption. the pub-lication reported that maestrado was shot 10 times.

“he was a good man, kind-hearted and helped many people. his cry is for change,” radio station manager remegio Bonustro said, according to

the Associated Press.escanilla, according to the news

agency, was a spokesman of human rights group Karapatan in the prov-ince of sorsogon and was critical of alleged military abuses.

the Associated Press further report-ed that Ybanez was a board member of an electric cooperative in Davao, and police are delving into whether a disagreement among board members of the cooperative could have been a reason behind the killing.

NY-based press group calls for protection of Philippine journalistsby agnes constante

AJPress

PAGE A2

Jennifer Laude camp (L-R) Julita Laude, Atty. Virgie Suarez. Marc Sueselbeck, Atty. Harry Roque and Marilou Laude arrive at the preliminary investigation. Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

gender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude said a settlement with the camp of accused Us marine Lance Cpl.

Settlement with Pemberton impossible–Laude family

by allan MacatunoInquirer.net

oLoNGAPo CItY—the law-yers for the family of slain trans-

PAGE A2

ALIAmANU, ha-waii – A filipino immigrant was ar-rested on suspicion of killing his wife by stabbing her several times during an argu-ment August 17.

Police arrested Pablo fiesta Jr., 46, who was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Cecilia fiesta, 43, in their home at 1017 Puolo

Drive.their 10-year-old

daughter saw her fa-ther stab her mother in their living room about six times in the back and torso, ac-cording to a police report filed in hono-lulu District Court.

Cecilia fiesta was taken to a hospital

where she was pronounced dead. Pablo fiesta gave himself up to police a day af-ter the stabbing. he was detained at oahu Community Correctional Center in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Cecilia fiesta reportedly held two jobs to bring her husband and a 17-year-old daugh-ter to hawaii from the Philippines about a year ago. (inquirer.net)

Filipino immigrantin Hawaii arrested for fatally stabbing wife

The victim, Cecilia Fiesta, reportedly worked two jobs so she could send for her husband and child from the Philippines last year.

Stabbing suspect, Pablo Fiesta.

Los ANGeLes is another step closer to-ward the bid for the 2024 olympics, follow-ing the city council’s approval on tuesday, sept. 1.

Last week, a city council subcommittee focused on the olympics approved recom-mendations city analysts made on the con-tract, before sending it to the full council for a vote.

In a 15-0 vote on tuesday, mayor eric Garcetti now has the authority to pursue the bid with the Us olympic Committee (UsoC). the council added that it wants to be in-

City Council approves LA’s bid for 2024 Olympics

PAGE A2

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september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A�

From the Front Page

Binay: DAP probe vs PNoy, Abad...PAGE A1 be subject to investigation by the

ombudsman. Binay said should he get elected

president next year, he will push for the investigation on DAP and the government officials involved.

“If there are evidence, why not? The people who committed wrong-doings under this administration, especially Mr. Abad, should be held accountable. It’s not good to enforce selective justice. If there are evidence, they should be charged,” he said.

As for Aquino, Binay said he would leave it to the Department of Justice to determine whether or not the President could be charged.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, said Morales should not waver in her investigation.

“We are wary that this investi-gation is a new subterfuge aimed at deodorizing Aquino, Abad and all other Liberal Party stalwarts ahead of the elections. We urge the ombudsman to act judiciously, and not bow to the pressure and

machinations of the current ad-ministration,” Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said.

He said the ombudsman has enough reason to find Aquino and Abad liable for several charges, in-cluding malversation and plunder.

Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, leader of the inde-pendent bloc of the House of Rep-resentatives and the Philippine Constitution Association, one of the groups that questioned the constitutionality of DAP before the SC, said he was hoping that Mo-rales would remain independent and perform her mandate without fear or favor.

“The ombudsman must proceed with full authority here because this is a very important issue that warrants clarity in the name of transparency and accountability,” he said.

For Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., the probe against Aquino and Abad shows there is no selective justice under the administration. (With Edu Punay, Paolo Romero)

A fact-finding investigation involves data gathering, a case buildup to determine if there is a need to subject a person to pre-liminary investigation.

Preliminary investigation, on the other hand, refers to an inquiry to determine if there is sufficient ground to file a case in court.

“A complaint is filed so the om-budsman has no option under the law but to conduct the fact-find-ing investigation. This is just the same with a complaint filed with the Department of Justice. It has no option but to conduct an inves-tigation therein,” De Lima said in a statement.

“The President can be subject of an investigation by the om-budsman. However, this only goes so far as the fact-finding stage because he cannot be sub-ject to preliminary investigation without violating his immunity,” she pointed out.

But Binay said despite Aquino’s immunity from suit, he could still

Similarly, the vote-by-mail ballot packet will include infor-mation about availability of the three bilingual versions of the ballot.

Although the ballots in Eng-lish and each aforementioned language will be available by

mail, at the City Hall Voting Cen-ter, and at all polling places, San Francisco voters are encouraged to choose their preferred ballot language well before Election Day by providing their language preference at sfelections.org/language. (Inquirer.net)

San Francisco offers bilingual ballots...PAGE A1 available. This information will be conveyed in English, Chinese, Spanish and Filipino on the sign placed on the Election Table, on each ballot card, and on the Ballot Secrecy Folder issued to every voter.

In 2015 alone, six journalists have been killed in the Philip-

NY-based press group calls for protection...Boxes tagged “suspect” af-

ter x-ray scanning will be sub-jected to 100 percent physical examination to be conducted by a Customs examiner in the presence of the apprehending officers, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-ministration and a designated officer of an OFW association.

The BOC will also acquire K-9 units and install CCTVs in all authorized inspection and examination areas, according to the memo.

The said order seeks “to contribute to the enforcement efforts in suppressing unscru-pulous individuals using the balikbayan boxes privilege to smuggle goods.”

The new memo applies to all non-commercial inbound con-solidated shipments of OFWs and for returning OFWs, as provided under the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philip-pines.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier ordered the BOC to stop conducting random phys-ical inspections of balikbayan boxes.

Customs issues new memo banning inspection...PAGE A1 pines, and 32 since Aquino as-

sumed the presidency in 2010, according to a Philippine Center

PAGE A1

Liza Macaranas of the parcel section chief at the Manila Post Office starts her day by organizing stacks of boxes sent in by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from all around the world. President Benigno Aquino III recently intervened in the controversial customs inspections of Balikbayan Boxes, even as some OFW rights organizations declared a “Zero Remittance Day” on Friday, Aug. 28. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Joseph Scott Pemberton was im-possible now that both parties had rested their case.

Pemberton is facing a mur-der charge in Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 here for the death of Laude, whose body was found in a mo-tel bathroom on Oct. 11 last year. Witnesses identified Pem-berton as the man who was last seen with her as they checked into the motel.

“Any settlement now is impos-sible, especially since both par-ties are done presenting their respective evidence,” said Virgie Lacsa Suarez, one of the Laude family’s lawyers, in a text mes-

Settlement with Pemberton...PAGE A1 sage to the Inquirer on Monday,

Aug. 31.Suarez said that since the start

of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence on March 23, there had been no talk of a settlement.

“There was only a discussion on a plea bargain as part of the pretrial early in February,” Su-arez said.

She denied reports the family had demanded P38 million and six US visas to drop the case.

“There is simply no truth to that… maybe that’s what they (defense lawyers) want to offer [the family],” Suarez said.

She said she suspected Pem-berton’s lawyers were “testing the waters” when they revealed

the alleged offer.“There is no truth to reports

we will drop the case at any-time,” Suarez said.

City Chief Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos said Judge Ro-line Ginez-Jabalde scheduled the summation and submission of memorandums on Sept. 14.

De los Santos said a verdict is expected by Dec. 14, which is within the prescribed one-year period to finish court proceed-ings under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Lawyer Harry Roque Jr., the Laude family’s lead counsel, dubbed reports the family was open to a settlement a “PR ploy” by Pemberton’s camp.

He warned Pemberton’s law-yers not to approach the Laude family without the consent of

their counsel.“They should not even come

close to my client, otherwise I will enforce the ethical prohibition of a trial and I will move for their disbarment for ethical breaches,” Roque told the Inquirer by phone on Monday.

Laude’s mother, Julita, has been adamant her family would not accept a settlement.

“It’s not money that could compensate for a life that was lost. No amount of money can replace the life of my child. Not even Pemberton’s life can re-place Jennifer’s,” she had said during the trial.

In April, Laude’s relatives sought at least P200 million in moral and exemplary damages as the civil aspect of the case was tackled in Pemberton’s trial.

City Council approves LA’s bid for 2024...PAGE A1 sition wherein we might have

to indemnify the US Olympic Committee or any other entity from losses they might incur,” LA City Controller Ron Gal-perin wrote in a letter to the council last week.

Councilmember Mike Bonin noted that the city was not fi-nancially responsible during the 1984 Summer Games.

“The City did not assume that responsibility in 1984. Why would it assume that re-sponsibility now? Since LA is the only US city currently will-ing to bid on the 2024 games, have we used this strong ne-gotiating position to ask the USOC to cover any costs or provide any financial guaran-tees?,” Bonin wrote in a let-ter to Council President Herb Wesson on Friday, Aug. 28, according to the LA Times.

A $161-million surplus is expected, according to Gar-cetti, who cited revenues from broadcast, sponsorship and ticket sales.

The Olympics were previ-ously held in Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984. The US hasn’t hosted the Summer Games since 1996 in Atlanta.

Contenders have until Sept. 15 to bring their bid to the IOC. Among other internation-al contenders are Paris, Rome, Hamburg and Budapest. The IOC will announce the 2024 host city in 2017. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

cluded in the process for the next two years and vote on the final bid agreement that will be presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The USOC also confirmed at a press conference on Santa Monica Beach that LA will be its candidate to the IOC.

“This is a great day for Los Angeles and a great day for the Olympic movement,” Gar-cetti said at the press confer-ence.

Boston was a leading con-tender for the 2024 Olym-pics; however, in July the city dropped out due to the lack of public support and questions about taxpayer spending. The USOC said polling data shows that over 80 percent of LA’s residents are in support of hosting the Olympics.

An initial proposal for 2024 — released by Garcetti and sports executive Casey Was-serman — has a $4.1 billion budget, in addition to $150 million in insurance premiums and $400 million for cost over-runs, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“In Los Angeles, the spot-light is always on. We have the resources, experience and se-cure environment to share the biggest events with the world,” the proposal states.

The proposal further out-lines renovation projects for existing venues, including the

Los Angeles Memorial Coli-seum (which estimates $800 million for seating upgrades and premium amenities) and a $500 million investment from the University of Southern California, according to the Associated Press.

Various events would be held throughout the city: gym-nastics and basketball at the Staples Center, volleyball on Santa Monica Beach, road cyclists and marathon run-ners on Hollywood Boulevard and mountain bike racing in Griffith Park.

An Olympic Village “central-ly located along the revitalized LA River to reduce travel times and provide a place to rest and prepare” for athletes is also included in the plan.

City Administrative Offi-cer Miguel Santana and Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso cautioned that acquiring and developing the site may “sig-nificantly exceed” the $1 bil-lion budget.

The costs incurred by a host city and whether it benefits have been subjects of debate. Sochi, Russia, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 2014, cost $51 billion and is con-sidered the most expensive games to date.

“It is vital to properly and sufficiently safeguard Angele-nos and our city government from possible losses — and to avoid placing our city in a po-

for Investigative Journalism re-port.

If the three most recent inci-dents are determined to have been work-related murders, the number of journalists killed in the Philippines since 1986 will be at 150, according to Philip-pine media watchdog Center for Media Freedom and Responsi-bility.

“The murder of three journal-ists in two weeks shows how the lack of progress in ending impu-nity has emboldened those bent on silencing the press in the Phil-ippines,” Crispin said, according to The Guardian.

Presidential spokesman Her-minio Coloma has criticized the attacks and told reporters that police have been instructed to search for the killers.

The Philippine National Po-lice Director General Ricardo Marquez, according to the As-sociated Press, said police have created separate special investi-gation groups to look into each of the attacks.

The Philippines is ranked the third most deadly country for journalists around the world by the Committee to Protect Journal-ists, following Iraq and Syria. n

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2015 A�Dateline USa

LOS ANGELES—In high school, Jaime Ballesteros didn’t think he would be able to attend college because of his undocu-mented status.

Originally from Bacolod City, Philippines, Ballesteros was 11 years old when his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey after his father obtained a temporary work visa for an accounting job.

However, when the recession hit, Ballesteros’s father lost his job and the visa.

“Overnight my family became undocumented,” Ballesteros shared. “I never really knew how to deal with it until I opened up to my teacher during the junior year of high school.”

He kept his undocument-ed status a secret at first, but eventually confided in his Eng-lish teacher, Ms. Solberg, who helped him research colleges that could offer merit scholar-ships for undocumented stu-dents. Ballesteros went on to Drew University, a liberal arts college in New Jersey that granted him a scholarship.

During his junior year in col-lege, his mom encouraged him to apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that President Obama announced in 2012, and he was approved to live and work in the US legally.

Since it was introduced, more than 660,000 people have re-ceived DACA, according to the White House.

“Applying to DACA is very personal. A lot of immigrants

Filipino teacher honored by White House, LA City Hallby Christina M. Oriel

AJPress

Filipino teacher Jaime Ballesteros receives a recognition from the City of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Leandro Otero, director of external affairs & partnerships for Teach for America - LA (TFA- LA); Stephanie Goodman; Lida R. Jennings, executive director of TFA-LA; Jaime Ballesteros; Joe Bernardo, policy analyst for the LA Mayor’s office of immigrant affairs; and Luis Figueroa at LA City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 26. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

Nine educators who received DACA, including Jaime Ballesteros, were honored by the White House as “Champions of Change” in July. Photo courtesy of Teach for America - Los Angeles.

esteros said.Similar to how Ms. Holberg

took an interest in him despite his immigration status, the 23-year-old teacher intends to do the same with his students.

“In sharing my story with some

of my students, they’ve also told me that they themselves are un-documented,” he said. “I’ve been working with them to look for different colleges and scholar-ships they can apply to so that’s

Ballesteros is now entering his second year as a high school chemistry teacher for Animo College Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in the Watts neighborhood of Los An-geles.

Since it’s an inner-city school, Ballesteros said he tries to be positive and engaging in the classroom, noting that some of students may not come from “healthy backgrounds.”

“Throughout my first year, I found out that the key to me being able to make a great im-pact in the classroom is making strong individual relationships with my students…I pride myself in knowing the strengths of my students and what they need to improve on—that really guides me when I’m planning my les-sons and teaching in class,” Ball-

ents. TFA first accepted two “DACA-

mented” teachers into the pro-gram in 2013, and 44 teach-ers were placed in 10 regions across the country the following year. To date, over 90 DACA-mented teachers are working in 13 regions, according to the organization’s website. Among the areas where the organization has partnerships with schools to hire these teachers are the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.

“TFA-Los Angeles has the largest number of DACAment-ed corp members in the coun-try across our 52 regions and mainly because when we heard about the opportunity to have DACAmented corp members, we were able to call Los Angeles Unified School District and our big charter partners and say ‘will you hire our teachers? will you support this initiative?’ and all of them across Los Angeles said yes. We have tremendous sup-port from our partners…we’re able to bring in all kinds of folks, like Jaime, as possible because we believe so deeply in his sto-ry, in him and the children who have the same experience,” said TFA-LA Executive Director Lida Jennings.

For DACA recipients to be considered for TFA, they must have at least a 2.50 undergradu-ate GPA, a bachelor’s degree, a social security number and an Employment Authorization Doc-ument to meet the hiring require-ments of partner schools. TFA also helps corp members with legal assistance if needed.

may be scared of coming out of the shad- ows because of the repercus- sions that may come with it. But personally, I feel that DACA has changed the way that I engage every day—I can drive, I can work, I can do all these amazing things I wouldn’t have been able to do without a social security number or a driver’s li-cense...it has impacted me on a positive way,” Ballesteros said. “I definitely recommend that if you are eligible for DACA to pur-sue it because I don’t think there are negative repercussions from applying and trying.”

Becoming a DACAmented teacher

Ballesteros, who graduated from Drew University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in art history and a minor in chemis-try, originally intended to go to medical school. But the reality of his status made him recognize that he wouldn’t be able to live out that plan.

With Ms. Holberg and how she impacted his educational ca-reer in the back of his mind, he decided to delve into teaching.

“…I changed my path in my senior year when I thought back to Ms. Holberg and what she did for me. I joined Teach for Amer-ica soon after graduating from college,” Ballesteros said.

Sharing how he “wanted to be civically engaged but didn’t know how to do that while be-ing undocumented,” Ballesteros came across Teach for America (TFA) again in college when a friend applied, and saw that the program was accepting corp members who are DACA recipi-

THE state Senate approved on Thursday, Aug. 27, six tobacco regulation measures that would raise the smoking age in Cali-fornia from 18 to 21 and restrict e-cigarette usage in a variety of public areas.

The vote marks the second time in three months that Cal-ifornia’s Senate has advanced measures boosting the smoking age and restricting e-cigarettes. The package of legislation also expands on tobacco bans in schools and workplaces.

“We cannot continue to sit by while these tobacco companies continue to poison generation after generation with their ad-dictive products,” said Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), who pushed for the bill support-ing the increase in smoking age, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Behind the legislation restrict-ing e-cigarettes was Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who revived an earlier measure dur-ing a special health care session. Leno’s proposal came in part as a response to a federal finding last year revealing that use of e-cigarettes among teenagers has multiplied three times in the last couple of years.

“This is important because the fastest growing segment of the e-cigarette market is middle and high school students,” Leno told his colleagues, pointing out that 11 other states, including

CA Senate advances six tobacco regulation bills

by agnes COnstanteAJPress Colorado and Minnesota, pos-

sess similar laws, the Los Ange-les Times reported.

The bills passed mostly along partisan lines, although Republi-can Sen. Jeff Stone of Temecula and Democratic Sens. Cathleen Galgiani of Stockton and Richard Roth of Riverside joined their colleagues on opposite parties for certain measures.

“They are going after the kids, and that’s where I have to draw the line,” Stone said in support of the e-cigarette regulation bill.

Opponents of the legislation argue that if Californians are al-lowed to join the military at 18 years old, they should be per-mitted to decide if they wish to smoke.

“These people are adults who are willing to put their life on the line for their country and they ought to be able to go buy a pack of cigarettes if they want to,” said Pete Conaty, a lobby-ist for the American Legion, ac-cording to the Times.

Among lawmakers, Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine), spoke against a measure by Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) that would allow local governments to impose their own taxes on to-bacco.

“If we want to ban cigarettes, let’s just ban them,” he said. “This slow approach makes no sense to me.”

Anderson argued that allow-ing local governments to in-crease levies on tobacco would

PAGE A4

PAGE A4

A COMMITTEE under the Trans-portation Department on Tuesday, Sept. 1, approved a recommenda-tion stating that airlines should possess discretion in whether to allow passengers to make phone calls during flights.

“We recommend that if safe and secure, that the Department of Transportation allow airlines to decide whether to permit pas-sengers to use mobile devices for voice calls,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who is chairman of the advisory panel, USA Today reported.

The panel, composed of four airline and consumer representa-tives, met in Washington, accord-ing to Bloomberg. It also assesses the Transportation Department’s consumer protection programs.

The advisory committee’s rec-ommendation comes more than one year after federal agencies gathered thousands of complaints against the possibility that the Fed-eral Communications Commission (FCC) would lift the ban.

In December 2013, the FCC agreed to consider removing the ban on in-flight calls, which went into effect in 1991.

The proposal, however, drew much opposition: the FCC collect-ed 1,400 comments, virtually all of which were against it.

Members of Congress said they would present legislation to ban calls if the FCC decides to allow in-flight calls; travelers, among oth-ers, are not pleased with the idea

of seat mates chatting while on-board packed flights. Flight atten-dants have also raised the possibil-ity of terrorists using cellphones to communicate attacks.

“We’ll keep the wishes of our customers in mind if the rules gov-erning cell phone use shift from the government to individual air-lines,” Matt Miller, a spokesman for American Airlines Group Inc., told Bloomberg.

Should the FCC decide to per-mit mobile phones and devices, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations would still remain in place, the Department of Transportation said in a notice last year, according to Bloomberg. Before the ban is lifted, aircraft operators would need to confirm that equipment would not affect aircraft systems, the publication reported.

USA Today reported that many foreign airlines already provide cellular service, including calls, demonstrating the safety, support-ers say.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told Congress that the reasoning behind the ban is no longer appli-cable as aircrafts today have their own cell towers, the publication reported.

The advisory committee’s rec-ommendation is non-binding, and the FCC and Transportation Department have yet to set a date on when to decide on the issue, according to USA Today. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

Advisory committee: Airlines should decide on allowing in-flight calls

september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A� Dateline USa

PAGE A3

CA Senate advances six tobacco...probably discourage smoking and cause a drop in California’s tobacco revenues.

“I think we have to be very careful that we don’t kill the golden goose,” he said, accord-ing to the Associated Press.

The tobacco industry has contested the regulation legis-lation, arguing that e-cigarettes are safer since they use vapor rather than combustible tobac-co. The industry also notes that the products are often used by smokers working toward elimi-nating the habit.

The bills now head to the Assembly where they face an uncertain future. In the past,

tobacco tax increase. The survey sampled 1,555 registered Cali-fornia voters and was conducted via phone from June 25 to July 16. Most interviews were done in English, but were also con-ducted in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Taga-log, Vietnamese and Hindi.

Another bill approved Thurs-day by the Senate would permit the California Board of Equaliza-tion to charge a $265 licensing fee to tobacco retailers annually instead of a one-time $100 fee. The board would also be al-lowed to raise the annual license fee assessed on tobacco distrib-utors from $1,000 to $1,200, the Times reported. (With reports from Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News and the As-sociated Press)

a committee shelved previous Senate legislation.

Along with the six-bill pack-age, a separate measure to in-crease the to tobacco tax by $2 a pack is supported by Save Lives California, a coalition whose members include the American Cancer Society, American Lung Assn., California Medical Assn. And Service Employees Interna-tional Union.

Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacra-mento), who is sponsoring the bill, noted that the state’s tobac-co tax of 87 cents per pack ranks California 33 in the country, fall-ing behind New York, which tacks a $4.35 tax per pack.

Federal tax on each pack of

cigarettes is $1.01.Pan said he knows convincing

Republicans to back a tax raise will not be easy, but said he be-lieves a tobacco tax is a “win-win” for taxpayers as it would simultaneously boost revenue and decrease costs, Mercury News reported.

“It’s time to step away from the rhetoric and look at the facts,” Pan said, Mercury News reported. “But if my colleagues refuse to support this, we’ll take it to the ballot. The people will pass this.”

In addition to the passage of the six bills, a new Field Poll on Thursday found that two-thirds of California voters support a $2

definitely been a powerful expe-rience to do what my teacher did for me back in high school.”

At Animo, about 80 percent of the students are Latino, and many of his students are undocu-mented or have family members who are.

“Jaime represents a commit-ment that we as an organization have made to bring teachers to match the backgrounds of our students. This is a more per-

Filipino teacher honored by White House...PAGE A3

A TEAM of nine students and one biology professor from Cal State Northridge (CSUN) have pinpointed a gene that can cause breast cancer to spread.

The new finding, published in this month’s Public Library of Science One journal, could change the course of breast can-cer treatment, researchers say.

Among women, breast can-cer is the most common and constitutes 23 percent of all cancer cases, the study states. For women whose cancer me-tastasizes through the blood-stream, the survival rate is 24 percent.

The discovery could lead

CSUN biology professor, students, make discovery that could improve breast cancer treatments

by Agnes ConstAnteAJPress

to improved diagnoses of the cancer and innovative therapy for patients, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

“I think it can bust down the cancer house—at least do it damage,” CSUN biology pro-fessor Jonathan Kelber told the newspaper. “It’s a batter-ing ram.

“Essentially, we’re going to cripple the house cancer and stop it in its tracks.”

Kelber and his students found that a gene called PEAK1 affects a protein known as TGF beta, which typically regulates cell growth and suppresses tu-mors. They found that PEAK1 serves as an important “sup-port wall” for cancer cells, which promotes metastasis to

various parts of the body.In certain breast cancers, the

team discovered TGF-beta pro-tein causes a swift conversion of benign tumor cells to malig-nant ones, in turn speeding up the progression of the cancer.

“That is our discovery: that PEAK1 converts TGF-beta from good to bad,” Kelber said, according to the Daily News. “So this is the first set of reports to uncover the func-tioning mechanism of how breast cancer progresses. This can lead to therapy for breast cancer and has the potential to improve patient outcome.”

How the change in the cells occur remains a topic for fu-ture research.

The CSUN study has re-

ceived positive feedback from oncologists, including Dr. Ju-lia Tchou, breast cancer sur-geon at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and an associate professor at the school. Tchou said the university’s research underlines a “novel strategy” that can target the interac-tion between the TGF-beta protein, the PEAK1 gene and tumor cells to stop them from spreading, according to the Daily News.

“As our understanding of the tumor cell and its micro-environmental deepens, we no longer think of tumor cells as the only therapeutic target within the tumor,” she said in a statement. n

teros shared that other teachers may not be aware of how to han-dle undocumented students.

“[Teachers] should inform themselves of the struggles that undocumented students face and the solutions that are avail-able for these students. It’s not enough to tell the students that they need to work hard. I think teachers need to provide action-able solutions to students,” he said.

Champion of changeIn July, nine educators who

have received DACA were hon-ored by the White House as

“Champions of Change.”“This event honored nine

young leaders in the field of edu-cation that are also DACA recipi-ents, who have been strong role models for students and families, as well as change agents within their communities,” the White House said in a statement.

Among the nine was Balleste-ros, who flew out to DC for an awards ceremony for the leaders and a convening of DACAment-ed teachers hosted by TFA. The DACA-recipient teachers also spoke on a panel about their experiences and pathways into teaching.

“It was definitely a very sur-real experience. As someone

who is undocumented, I never thought I would have been hon-ored at the White House or even step foot in [there]. After finish-ing my first year—which as any first-year teacher knows is a great feat—it was almost like a victory lap for me for my efforts to be recognized,” Ballesteros recalled.

Since joining TFA, the recog-nitions for Ballesteros haven’t stopped there.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the City of Los Angeles presented a certificate to Ballesteros in an intimate ceremony.

“This is a such a big honor for me, especially just moving to LA and just starting my second year

in teaching,” he said. In addition to teaching, Ball-

esteros is currently pursuing a master’s degree in urban educa-tion at Loyola Marymount Uni-versity and hopes to shape edu-cation policy in the future.

“I plan on staying in the class-room as long as I can and making a career out of education. Even-tually, way into the future, I see myself making an impact on ed-ucation policy because I feel that as a teacher, I have control on the impact that I could make on the 120 students that go through my classroom each day. As I gain more experience, I want a broader impact on my students,” he said. n

sonal story behind that, but we are bringing in a more diverse corp and we’re proud to say that our students are being taught by people that look like them and come from the same back-ground. It’s a commitment we’re going to continue see through,” Leandro Otero, director of exter-nal affairs and partnerships for TFA-LA said.

Though he is in a unique posi-tion to connect with his students on a more personal level, Balles-

FISHY BUSINESS. An activist wearing a dolphin costume lies before his placard-wielding colleagues in front of the Japan Embassy in Pasay City to dramatize their call for a stop in the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russel Palma

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SenatorS Juan Ponce en-rile and ramon revilla Jr., for-mer Sen. edgardo angara, and 17 current and former repre-sentatives have been accused of channeling at least P500 million of their pork barrel allocations to questionable nongovernment organizations (nGos), docu-ments made available to the In-quirer showed.

the documents included sworn statements executed by four new whistle-blowers that form part of the evidence be-ing prepared by Levito Baligod, a lawyer who helped expose the P10-billion racket involving the diversion of the congres-sional Priority Development as-sistance Fund (PDaF) to fake nGos of Janet Lim-napoles.

the PDaF funds were fun-neled to state-owned national agribusiness Corp. (nabcor) and ended in the accounts of several organizations found by the Commission on audit (Coa) to be questionable, according to the documents.

the affidavits, along with cop-ies of checks and other docu-ments, will be submitted to the office of ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Wednes-day by Baligod, counsel for the whistle-blowers.

“May I respectfully refer to you for appropriate actions the enclosed affidavits of four witnesses who detailed their knowledge on the involvement of certain government officials and private individuals in the so-called PDaF scam,” Baligod said in his letter to the ombuds-man.

Baligod said in his letter that PDaF funds ended in question-able nGos “through the solici-tation of other service providers using exactly the same modus as that of Janet napoles.”

“the witnesses share their knowledge on how the malver-sation of P490,685,000.00 of PDaF happened and the partici-pation of each of those who ap-pear to be responsible,” Baligod said.

named by the new witnesses as among those who assigned their pork barrel from 2007 to 2010 to fake people’s organiza-tions were:

20 lawmakers tied to new P500-million pork scam

Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon Revilla Jr. and former Sen. Edgardo Angara (from left), along with 17 current and former representatives, have been accused of channeling at least P500 million of their pork barrel allocations to questionable nongovernment organizations (NGOs), documents made available to the Inquirer showed.

by NaNcy c. carvajalInquirer.net

- revilla, P22 million in spe-cial allocation release order (Saro) numbers roCS-07-08555 allocated to St. James the apos-tle Multipurpose Cooperative.

- enrile, P15 million with Saro number roCS-09-04956 to Ka-gandahan ng Kapaligiran Foun-dation Inc.

- angara, P20 million with Saro number roCS-09-05619, also to Kagandahan.

Angara’s denialangara denied he allocated

money to Kagandahan and said his office had no records of such transaction. He also said he did not know Quennie estanislao and Maylanie asuncion alleged by witnesses as the owners of the foundation.

“We never assigned funds to the said organization and based on our office records and the Senate finance committee there was absolutely no allocation,” angara said. He also said the issue had already been cleared with Coa.

the documents also showed that:

- Former Davao rep. Prospe-ro nograles allocated a total of P96 million to two nGos—aar-on Foundation allegedly oper-ated by now Davao rep. nancy Catamco (P60 million with Saro number BMB-03240 and roCS-08-05177) and Kapuso’t Kapamilya Foundation (P36 million with Saro number BMB-07-09681 and BMB-07-03264) whose owner was alleged to be Marilou Ferrer.

- Former rep. Joseph San-tiago allocated a total of P32.5 million with Saro numbers e-

08-08945, roCS-07-00333, roCS-07-02117 to Kabuhayan at Kalusugang alay sa Masa Foundation allegedly owned by a Marilou antonio; Ikaw at ako Foundation of Joel Soriano and Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation also of antonio and Kasangga sa Magandang Bukas Foundation also of antonio.

- Former rep. roberto Cajes of Bohol allocated P90.3 million with Saro numbers roCS-07-08956, roCS-08-04339, roCS-09-05253, BMB-e-07-07367, BMB-08-00457, roCS-07-00439 and roCS 07-02950 to questionable nGos—

Gabay sa Magandang Bukas Foundation, Kabuhayan at Kalu-sugang alay sa Masa, Kapuso’t Kapamilya and Buhay Mo Ma-hal Ko.

- Former rep. Florencio Mira-flores allocated P25 million with Saro numbers roCS-07-00722, roCS-0608146, roCS-07-03483, roCS-07-07405, roCS-08-00420 to Center for Mindoro Integrated Development Foun-dation and Uswag Guimaras Foundation and suppliers.

- Iloilo rep. neil tupas al-located P5 million with Saro number roCS-08-03696 to Ka-buhayan at Kalusugan alay sa Masa Foundation, also of anto-nio.

- Former rep. Carol Lopez al-located P29 million with Saro numbers roCS-08-07146 and roCS-08-05631 to Kagandahan ng Kapaligiram Foundation, also of antonio.

- Former rep. edgar San Luis allocated P10 million with Saro number e-08-09740 to Kaisa’t

President Benigno Aquino III administers the oath of office to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales at Malacañang’s President’s Hall in July 2011. Malacañang photo

Kaagapay Foundation care of Maripaz de la Vega and rizza de la Vega. (according to the witnesses, the De la Vegas were fronts of a still unidentified per-son.)

- rep. arturo robes allocated P8 million with Saro number roCS-08-07053 and BMB-08-003055 to Kaisa’t Kaagapay also to the De la Vegas and Kapuso’t Kapamilya Foundation of a Mar-ilou Ferrer.

- Former rep. Joel Villan-ueva allocated P45 million with Saro numbers roCS-08-05175, roCS 09-04151, Do8-07773 to aaron Foundation, Kaagapay Magpakailanman and Infinite Community Integrated Develop-ment Support.

- Former rep. rodolfo an-tonino allocated P15 million with Saro number roCS-07-02898 to Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation.

- Former rep. reno Lim al-located P33.43 million with Saro numbers roCS-09-04604, roCS-09-04095, roCS-08-03725, roCS-08-07187 to Ka-gandahan ng Kapaligiran and Gabaymasa Development Foun-dation.

- rep. Julius Ledesma IV of negros oriental allocated a total of P27 million with Saro num-bers roCS-08-07953. roCS-08-07954 and roCS-09-04785 to Kaisa’t Kaagapay Mo Founda-tion.

- Former rep. evita arago allocated P6 million with Saro number e- 09-02570 to Kaisa’t Kaagapay Mo Foundation.

- Former Pangasinan rep. ra-chel arenas allocated P9.7 mil-lion with Saro number roCS-08-08864 to Pangkabuhayan Foundation operated by evelyn “Lyn” Miranda.

- Former rep. alfonso Umali allocated P4.8 million with Saro number roCS-08-00826 to Kaagapay Magpakailanman.

- rep. al Francis Bichara allo-cated 18 million to Kaisa’t Kaag-apay Foundation.

- Former rep. Marina Clarete allocated a total of P37.5 million under Saro numbers 07-07894, 0804170, 09-04240 and BMB e-08-00596 to three founda-tions—Kabuhayan at Kalusu-gan alay sa Masa, Kasangga sa Magandang Bukas Foundation and alay sa Masa.

ManILa—amid the ongo-ing probe on the Disbursement acceleration Program (DaP), Malacañang reminded the office of the ombudsman on tuesday, Sept. 1 that the chief executive enjoys immunity from lawsuit.

“We wish to point out the Constitutional principle that an incumbent President of the Phil-ippines is immune from suit,” Communications Secretary Her-minio Coloma Jr. said in a note to media.

according to reports, om-budsman Conchita Carpio-Mo-rales revealed this morning that her office is now investigating aquino and Budget Secretary Florencio abad in connection with the implementation of the controversial DaP.

Morales made the revelation in reply to a question during a hearing on the proposed bud-get of her office in the House of representatives.

Coloma said they respect the authority of the office of the ombudsman to investigate the president.

“the office of the ombuds-man is empowered by law to

Malacañang remindsOmbudsman: Aquinoimmune from suit

by louis BacaNi Philstar.com

conduct such investigation,” Co-loma said.

Introduced by the administra-tion in 2011, the DaP realigned government savings from slow-moving projects to other pro-grams to supposedly fast-track public spending and stimulate the economy.

In 2014, the Supreme Court (SC) unanimously declared cer-tain acts under the DaP as un-constitutional for violating the doctrine of separation of powers and the constitutional provision prohibiting the inter-branch transfer of budget allocations.

the high court ruled that “au-thors, proponents and imple-mentors” of the DaP such as aquino and abad can have crim-inal, civil, administrative and other liabilities “unless there are concrete findings of good faith in their favor by the proper tri-bunals.”

the SC ruling against the DaP sparked calls for the resignation of aquino and abad and an im-peachment attempt on the presi-dent.

aquino and abad had consis-tently defended the DaP, saying the program was done in good faith and benefited the nation.

september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150A�

by Nestor CorralesInquirer.net

Dateline PhiliPPines

Makati City Rep. Mar-Len abigail Binay said there was a conspiracy in the malversation charges filed against her before Office of the Ombudsman on tuesday, Sept. 1.

in a statement, Binay accused Sen. antonio trillanes iV of be-ing behind the complaint filed by lawyer Renato Bondal.

Bondal has filed malversation of public funds against Binay over the alleged misuse of her Priority Development assistance Fund by funneling it to “fake” nongovernment organizations.

Makati City Rep. Marilen Abigail Binay and suspended Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay.

LawyeR Renato Bondal on tuesday, Sept. 1 filed before the Ombudsman charges of malver-sation of public funds against the two children of Vice Presi-dent Jejomar Binay.

Bondal filed a complaint against Makati City Rep. Marilen abigail Binay over the alleged misuse of her Priority Develop-ment assistance Fund (PDaF) coursed through the city of Makati during the term of sus-pended Mayor Jejomar erwin “Junjun” Binay.

Bondal said Rep. Binay re-leased P25 million of her pork barrel funds to “fake” non-gov-ernment organizations (NGOs).

He said the Gabay at Pag-asa ng Masa received P15 million on Jan. 20, 2011, while the kaakbay Buhay Foundation inc. got P10 million on March 29, 2011 from the PDaF of Rep. Binay.

Bondal said both NGOs were found to be “dubious and fraud-ulent” belonging to “the Godo-fredo Roque group with similar modus operandi with that of the now infamous Napoles NGOs.”

Binay siblings face raps over PDAF

Bondal said he included sus-pended Mayor Binay in the com-plaint since Makati City was the implementing agency for his sister’s pork barrel funds.

Bondal also questioned the medical assistance worth P895,020 given by the Makati City government from Rep. Binay’s PDaF to Ryan Barcelo, former head of the Makati Social welfare Department (MSwD).

During a senate hearing, it was

revealed that 15 checks were re-leased directly to the name of Barcelo and not to his office.

also included in the com-plaint was Commission on au-dit (COa) auditor to Makati City Cecilia Cag-anan for failure to “safeguard the use of public funds.”

Bondal said rules for pub-lic bidding were not followed in awarding of the funds to the “fake” NGOs.

Makati Rep. Abigail Binay seesconspiracy in malversation charges

by Nestor CorralesInquirer.net

Suspended Mayor Jejomar erwin “Junjun” Binay was also charged since Makati City was the implementing agency for his sister’s pork barrel funds.

the complaint against the Bi-nay siblings came a week after Representative Binay exposed the “overpriced” consultants of trillanes.

“Sinabi niya na maghahain sya nang kaso laban sa akin ngayong Martes. Eh bakit si atty. Bondal ang nag-file? Hindi ba’t ito’y ma-tibay na patunay ng kuntsabahan ng mga nag-aakusa at nandirinig ng mga akusasyon sa Senado la-ban sa aking tatay at pamilya na

batay lamang sa hula at Power-point presentation?” she said.

Binay said she was no longer surprised of the charges filed against her, citing she had sup-porting documents to prove her PDaF was properly used.

“Dati ko nang sinabi na ang aking PDaF bago siya idineklara na unconstitutional ng Korte Suprema ay ginamit ko ayon sa proseso at hindi ghost projects. Suportado nang mga doku-mento, mga litrato at akwal na beneficiaries. Masasabi kaya ito ni Senator trillanes sa kanyang PDaF at mga consultants niya?” she said.

but has yet to be presented in plenary for approval on second reading.

the counterpart bill in the Sen-ate was already passed on third and final reading.

earlier, authors of the FOi bill expressed disappointment that President aquino did not push for the approval of the transpar-ency measure in his last State of the Nation address.

Parañaque City Rep. Gustavo tambunting, one of the authors of the measure, said aquino would have gained more sup-port from the public had he men-tioned the FOi bill.

Quezon City Rep. winston Castelo, one of the authors of the measure, said he hopes the House will pass the bill soon.

“we are already prepared to answer any and all questions relating to the various issues and concerns about the FOi,” he said.

the FOi bill covers all govern-ment offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches as well as constitutional bodies.

the transparency measure seeks to make available for pub-lic scrutiny, copying and repro-duction all information pertain-

ing to official acts, transactions or decisions as well government research data used as basis for policy development.

it, however, also makes certain exemptions, including informa-tion that is specifically authorized to be kept secret such as those relating to national security; re-cords of minutes and opinions expressed during the policy-for-mulation invoked by the Presi-dent as privileged; information gathered by any congressional committee in executive session; and information whose disclo-sure will constitute unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Reps. Leni Robredo of Cama-rines Sur and kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat islands, who are also among the authors of the FOi bill, cited other major youth groups – such as the FOi youth initiative – that have not lost hope for the measure.

“we are glad that their opti-mism remains firm in the fight for the passage of this important measure. at the end of the day, progressive legislation can only be enacted not just through the efforts of lawmakers, but through active citizenship and people’s participation,” Robredo said.

Belmonte: FOI bill still a priorityby Paolo romero

Philstar.com

MaNiLa—the Freedom of information (FOi) bill remains a priority of the House of Rep-resentatives despite criticism from transparency groups that the chamber is not acting on the landmark measure, Speaker Feli-ciano Belmonte Jr. said.

Belmonte said the FOi bill was among the measures listed by both leaders of the House and Senate last month as prioritized for passage before the campaign period for the 2016 elections starts in February.

“Our list of priorities remains unchanged and our timetable and agenda is still the same,” Belmonte told reporters, adding that “as soon as there is an op-portunity to pass it, we’ll do so.”

the Right to know, Right Now! Coalition, a national coali-tion of groups and individuals campaigning for transparency and accountability in govern-ment, has released a statement declaring the “death” of the FOi bill in Congress.

the measure, which was a consolidation of 20 bills filed by several lawmakers, has been passed at the committee level

tHe Philippines ranked 14th among 41 countries in a listing of best places to raise a family for expatriates, an international survey showed.

in interNation’s 2015 Fam-ily Life index, the Philippines trailed countries like Mexico, Canada, United kingdom, China, thailand, South korea, italy, in-donesia, Hong kong, Malaysia,

PH ranks 14th in best places to raise family for expats – surveyby Yuji ViNCeNt GoNzales

Inquirer.netSaudi arabia, and the United States, among others.

the Family Life index ranked countries according to expatri-ate parents’ response to subcat-egories, namely availability of child care and education, cost of child care and education, quality of education and family well-be-ing.

the Philippines ranked sev-enth in availability of child care and education, fifth in cost of

childcare and education, and 26th in family well-being.

the country, however, was second to the last (40th) in qual-ity of education.

austria emerged as expatri-ate parents’ top choice this year, followed by Finland, Sweden, israel and New Zealand.

Other countries in the top 10 are Singapore, Germany, France, australia and Luxem-bourg.

LONE SUPPORTER. By his lonesome, Jose Kwe stands outside the Dept. of Justice in Manila to show his support for Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. Kwe, 67, a construction engineer, stood outside the DOJ gate, displaying a placard urging de Lima not to be afraid. Last week, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) members held a protest rally outside the DOJ accusing de Lima of intervening in the internal affairs of the church. Inquirer.net photo

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2015 A�Dateline PhiliPPines

Camarines sur rep. Leni ro-bredo said she was not running for the vice presidency in the 2016 elections.

robredo, who graced the Ka-livungan Festival, which marked the culmination of activities for the 101st anniversary of north Cota-bato, told reporters here the move of some groups and individuals aimed at convincing her to run alongside interior secretary mar roxas has been overwhelming.

“running for the country’s sec-ond highest post was never an op-tion,” robredo said, adding that besides a possible senate run, she might also stand for reelection.

robredo said she would rather bat for senator Peter alan Cayeta-no or Batangas Gov. Vilma santos as roxas’ running mate.

she said even in her meetings with roxas, there was no talk of her running for the country’s sec-ond highest post.

robredo said her decision not to run for vice president was final.

robredo said she has been lean-ing more towards a senate run although she would have to work more to improve the level of the

public’s awareness of her as re-flected in the surveys.

But robredo, who defeated a well-entrenched political clan in the 2013 congressional election in Camarines sur’s third district, believed that the “tsinelas leader-ship” of her husband—the late interior secretary Jesse robre-do—which she has also been es-pousing would help her convince voters to support her.

she said her husband was known for his simple lifestyle as reflected in the slippers he wore when he went around checking government projects in naga City and talking to people to get to know what they needed from the local government. it was the same simple lifestyle that she and her children have inherited.

Living a simple life kept her from falling into the trap of cor-ruption, which so many politicians had fallen into, she said.

robredo told reporters that she and her children have elected to continue living in a small apart-ment in naga City as they had done when Jesse robredo was still alive.

Robredo says she will not run for VP by AllAn nAwAl And williAmor mAgbAnuA

Inquirer.netThe Philippines is one of the

110 national committees of ico-mos.

in its resolution 18Ga 2014/31, Protection of Cultural Heritage in relation to real-estate Devel-opment: The rizal monument, manila, Philippines, the Flor-ence resolution notes “that the monument in the City of manila to the Philippine national Hero, Dr. José rizal, whose remains are buried in it and near to the scene of his execution in Luneta Park, has been an enduring, honored, and iconic site for all Filipinos ever since it was inaugurated on 20 December 1913…”

The resolution also notes “with grave concern that construction has begun on a 46-story residen-tial building located 400 meters from rizal Park, which may sig-nificantly compromise key sight-lines of the rizal monument and could have detrimental impacts on the heritage values and on the setting of this national monu-ment.”

Thus, icomos “encourages all national authorities of the Philip-pines to work in cooperation with icomos Philippines to develop and implement conservation

measures for the protection of the rizal monument and its setting.”

Villalón explains the icomos position:

“The icomos position is that the Torre de manila building violates provisions on landscape and setting stated in republic act no. 10066, the national Cul-tural Heritage act of 2009, and international principles stated in the Unesco World Heritage Convention, icomos Charter of Venice, australia icomos Burra Charter and others, specifically provisions regarding the setting of historic monuments, which include guidelines on protect-ing the visual integrity and land-scape settings of monument with regard to skylines and silhou-ettes that form the backdrop of a monument when seen from key vantage points.”

The rizal monument was de-clared a national monument by the national Historical Commis-sion of the Philippines (which cleared the construction of Torre de manila) and a national Cul-tural Treasure by the national museum.

even if Torre de manila is lo-cated at a distance to the back of

the monument, “its height vol-ume disrespects the rizal monu-ment by visually usurping its im-portance,” Villalón says.

Villalón concludes: Torre de manila is “serious visual disrup-tion to the solemnity of the rizal monument and, therefore, must be removed.”

icomos gives a number of examples in asia and europe wherein high-rise development projects in the vicinity of heritage sites were either cancelled or scaled down, the most notable of which would be the case in istan-bul, Turkey.

international standards are set in the Unesco World Heritage Convention and icomos Charter of Venice.

The Venice charter’s concept of historical monument includes its setting.

Villalón also notes that the nHCP’s own Guidelines on monuments Honoring national Heroes, illustrious Filipinos and Other Personages cites the Ven-ice charter.

“These are international con-servation guidelines likewise violated by the Torre de manila construction.”

Unesco advisory body urges ‘removal’ of Torre de Manilaby EdgAr AllAn m. SEmbrAno

Inquirer.net

an imPOrTanT advisory body to the United nations education-al, scientific and Cultural Orga-nization (Unesco) has passed a resolution stating that the con-struction of the multistory Torre de manila violates the visual in-tegrity of the rizal monument and urges “all national authorities of the Philippines … to develop and implement conservation mea-sures for the protection of the … monument and its setting.”

The resolution was passed last november during the 18th gen-eral assembly in Florence, italy, of the international Committee on monuments and sites (icomos), says conservation architect au-gusto Villalón, president emeritus of icomos Philippines.

icomos is an international non-government organization that is the sole adviser to the Unesco for heritage conservation and protec-tion. it is an interdisciplinary net-work of 9,500 members, among them architects, urban planners, historians, archeologists, anthro-pologists, engineers, tourism planners, lawyers and landscape architects.

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When the truth gets sub-verted and we no longer get the real truth, that’s when nasty rumors surface. Sup-posedly by yesterday noon, the four-day protest rallies by the members of the Igle-sia ni Cristo (InC) should have already been terminated because the InC leaders and the government have come up with a deal of sorts. But what kind of deal has been hatched we have yet to know. But is this row really at an end?

But while this deal was supposedly hatched in Manila, I found a report on Facebook that, the InC members in the South District held an indignation rally against Department of Justice (DoJ) Leila de Lima here in Cebu City where the InC assembly walked from the InC District office in Mango Ave. passing by the Fuente Osmeña and marched all the way to downtown Cebu City and into the Plaza Independencia.

What really is at stake here? The InC lead-ership committed to rally against the DoJ Sec-retary and sought for her ouster supposedly by noontime yesterday. however we haven’t heard any reports that Sec. De Lima has been removed or fired. So will the InC leadership escalate their protest marches, which have al-

ready become nationwide? I reckon that the credibility of the InC leadership here is on the line.

If the InC does not get what it wants from the Aquino re-gime, it might commit more members into this protest march against Pres. Aquino to force him to fire Sec. De Lima.

If the President blinks, then the InC leader-ship gets its credibility fully restored. If not, many people believe that the InC as a church will suffer a serious setback or even breakup. So will the InC escalate their rallies?

In my book, the InC leadership has already added more to their demands other than the ouster of Sec. de Lima… to justice for the 44 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) versus the Aquino Regime. But wait! Where was the InC last Jan. 25 when the entire nation was hor-rified at the news of the Maguindanao mas-sacre?

Worse was when the flag draped coffins of the fallen 44 arrived at the Villamor Air Base and P-noy chose to go to a plant inauguration, all the more it angered the Filipino people. But we only heard total silence from the InC leadership because it is more than obvious to us that the InC supported P-noy… until they

had their internal squabble that ended in the alleged kidnapping of InC executives.

I submit that DoJ Sec. de Lima is right in investigating that InC row, where kidnapping may have been committed. however, the DoJ Secretary cannot insist on the rule of law, when she herself has failed to throw the book at the 20 Senators and 100 Congressmen im-plicated in the Janet Lim napoles files. Since de Lima has become the “Queen” of Selective Justice… the InC as a loyal yellow supporter or ally of P-noy Aquino is only demanding what his allies have been getting from the DOJ in selective justice.

Meanwhile in what I would call the irony of ironies, Malaysian Prime Minister najib Razak is also facing tens of thousands of protest-ers seeking his ouster for allegedly pocketing some $700 million in his personal account pur-portedly from still unidentified foreign donors. In an ironic twist the people seeking his ouster are all wearing yellow shirts!

PM najib is considered a very close friend of Pres. Aquino. But since former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has not yet disclosed to the public who are the foreign donors that gave illegal money to najib, I got a lot of nasty text messages from friends that Pres. Aquino could be one of these foreign donors. I would like to believe that P-noy is

upright enough not to engage in corruption himself.

But I have always believed in that quotation, “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are!” Prime Minister najib has been known to be so close to P-noy, people say that if anything goes wrong with the Aquino Presi-dency and he is ousted from power, Malaysia’s najib would give him the sanctuary he needs. This is why Malaysia despite their non-neu-tral stand on the Sabah issue shouldn’t have brokered the peace between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government. But it went along anyway be-cause of his links with P-noy.

So for the sake of transparency… we would like to know from the Malaysians who are these foreign donors whose $700M was found in najib’s personal account? According to the reports we are reading, the entry of former Prime Minister Mahathir is the last straw for najib and Malaysians believe that he won’t last long.

Finally, the InC rallies in eDSA will not result in a People’s Power Revolt simply be-cause eDSA 1 was a unique type of revolution. But if you recall, when the mass of protesters trooped to Malacañang demanding the ouster of then Pres. erap estrada, he immediately quit! (Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

Heroic

Editorial

OpiniOn Features

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As Aquino led the wreath-lag ceremony for the fallen Filipinos and Filipinas, he remembered their sacrifices and challenged today’s generation, to turn themselves from meek individuals into successful men and women that may collectively hone a better and brighter fu-ture for the country.

“We pay tribute to the sacrifices offered by Phil-ippine heroes. As we honor them, so too are we called to do our part and to continue the battle they began—whether in a small, or a big way—for the betterment of our nation,” Aquino said.

On the same day, Aquino also led the confer-ment of awards to the five recipients of the pres-tigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards this year. Also dubbed as the nobel Peace Prize of Asia, the Ra-mon Magsaysay Awards, now on its 58th year, honors individuals or organizations who “address issues of human development in Asia with courage and creativity.”

In his speech, Aquino congratulated Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa (Philippines), Kommaly Chanthavong (Laos), Anshu Gupta (India), Kyaw Thu (Myanmar), and Sanjiv Chaturvedi (India) for transcending the “individual perspective.” he de-scribed them as individuals who have “chosen to leave their comfort zones, and answer the call to serve more and more people, whether their imme-diate community, or all of society.”

The President also likened the awardees to the country’s national heroes for their persever-ance despite facing formidable opponents, “from

corrupt employees and officials in government, to the phenomenon of widespread poverty and inequality, and even to the way that time erodes our most valuable traditions. But you

were not daunted” in order to protect and promote justice, basic human rights, and cultural heritage.

“Real transformation requires real, backbreak-ing effort—and this is what you gave, willingly. In many ways, you are like the heroes that many of my countrymen remember on this day: those who struggled and endured hardship for a greater cause. It is only right that we are paying tribute to all of you on this occasion. You are the modern-day heroes that not only Filipinos, but all men and women all over the world need,” Aquino added.

not all heroes should die on the battlefield, some heroes may just be ordinary men and women who inhabit extraordinary lives that make a change and inspire other people. Filipinos should hold on to what their forefathers have achieved yesterday and to move forward with it to initiate progress tomor-row.

Their enduring journey left us with a great ex-ample to live by. We are all called to live like he-roes, not to make a mark in the world through suf-fering or death—but to appeal similar lives, for our kababayans and our country.

Being young or being away is not an excuse for indifference. It is every Filipino’s responsibility to honor the value of nationalism, to revere the es-sence of freedom and to observe the ethos displayed by the Philippines’ gallant heroes. (AJPress)

“EVERY Filipino can be a hero if we will continue to fight our desired destination,” Pres. Benigno Aquino III said as he paid tribute to the Philippine national heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago (The Filipino Hero Then and Now: Where Transformation Begins and Continues).”

Gel SantoS-ReloS

The Fil-Am Perspective

ThOUGh a candidate most Democrats outside of the state of Vermont have never heard of, Senator Bernie Sanders has proven a sustained upward climb in the polls, possibly threaten-ing the frontrunner status of for-mer First Lady and Secretary of State hillary Clinton. A new poll among Iowa caucus goers, the first to hold the primary in the 2016 US Presidential elections, proves just that.

A survey released last Satur-day, Aug. 29 by the Des Moines Register and Bloomberg Politics revealed that Clinton has lost 1/3rd of her supporters since May, and that Bernie Sand-

The rise of anti-establishment candidates: Move over Clinton, Bush and even Trump?ers continues to cut into hillary Clinton’s once-commanding lead among Iowa Democrats, clos-ing to just 7 points of Clinton in Iowa. Sanders now trails Clinton 37 percent to 30 percent. Cnn reports that just last January, half of likely Democratic caucus go-ers were unfamiliar with Sand-ers, and he was pulling in just 5 percent of support.

According to Cnn, the poll finds that Sanders’ support is more due to voters’ enthusiasm for his candidacy and his mes-sage, rather than opposition to Clinton. An overwhelming 96 percent of those who support Sanders say they support him and his ideas. Only 2 percent say their vote is motivated by a de-sire to stop a Clinton candidacy.

The report further says that as for the controversy surround-ing Clinton’s use of email while leading the State Department, 61 percent of likely Democratic caucus goers say the issue is not important to them.

The poll further reveals that Sanders “has a deeper reser-voir of support”, with 39 percent of likely caucus goers say their feelings about Sanders are very favorable and just 8 percent hav-ing a negative view of him. In contrast to Clinton: 27 percent view her very favorably, but 19 percent view her negatively.

Sanders has been running a campaign that has put forth a platform of how the government should help ordinary Americans, providing them with basic ser-vices like health care, education, higher wages, stronger protec-tion of consumer rights, instead of the government being run and manipulated by powerful oli-garchs, benefitting the richest of the rich in society, at the expense of the middle class.

Sanders’ appeal has been fur-ther strengthened by the con-sistency of and commitment to his message since the 1980s, a stark contrast to his political op-ponents.

“What this new poll shows is that the more Iowans get to know Bernie, the better they like him and what he stands for. We’ve seen the same thing in new hampshire and across the country,” Cnn quoted Sanders’ campaign spokesman Michael Briggs.

Meanwhile, the same poll fur-ther says that Vice President Joe Biden, [he has not declared his candidacy for president], cap-tured 14 percent of the vote, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (3 percent), former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb (2 percent) and for-mer Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (1 percent).

Carson ties with TrumpFor the first time in more than

a month, real estate mogul and reality show star Donald Trump’s frontrunner status is now being threatened by a newbie in poli-tics and another anti-establish-ment candidate, Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon.

Carson has surged up in the

pack to tie Trump in Iowa, ac-cording to the results of the poll released by Monmouth Univer-sity on Monday, Aug. 31.

According to the survey, Trump and Carson are now tied at 23 percent. Cnn reported that this is the first time since July 26 that a poll in the first four states to select a Republican nominee did not find Trump substantially ahead of all other candidates.

Cnn further reported that ac-cording to the Monmouth poll, farther behind Trump and Car-son were former hewlett-Pack-ard CeO Carly Fiorina at 10 per-cent; Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at 9 percent; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker at 7 percent; former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 5 per-cent; Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, each at 4 percent; Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at 3 percent; and former Ar-kansas Gov. Mike huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum at 2 percent. Cnn added that no other candidates

topped 1 percent.This is a big change from the

Iowa poll conducted by Mon-mouth University, taken before the first Republican debate. In late July, Walker led with 22 percent, Trump had 13 percent, Carson had 8 percent and Fiorina was at 3 percent.

A Cnn/ORC poll taken in early August revealed that Trump’s lead had diminished, compared to the results of the latest Mon-mouth survey in Iowa. Trump was then at 22 percent, Carson was at 14 percent, Walker was at 9 percent, Cruz was at 8 percent and Fiorina was at 7 percent.

Could Bernie Sanders and Ben Carson really have the chance to be President after all?

* * *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

BoBit S. avila

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Delano—The newly formed Delano chapter and its par-ent organization, the Filipino american national Historical Society (FanHS), will host a celebration of the 50th anni-versary of the Delano Grape Strike with a series of events over labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5 and 6, in Delano, Ca. Dubbed “Bold Step,” the weekend will focus on the momentous deci-sion to strike, and celebrate the strike’s legacy in the Filipino

american community in Delano and across the nation.

The weekend’s events will kick off on Saturday, Septem-ber 5 at the Filipino Commu-nity Hall, the historic building where the strike vote was taken and the headquarters of the first years of the Grape Strike. The program will include pre-sentations by strike veterans, scholars, community activists, and local community leaders. a highlight of the weekend will be

a screening of the emmy-award winning documentary, Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers. new York-based filmmaker Marissa aroy, whose family roots are in Delano, will be present. The weekend will also include bus tours of local historic sites.

The Delano Grape Strike began on September 8, 1965, when thousands of mostly Filipino american grape work-

COMMUNITYJ o u r n a l

Atty. RobeRt Reeves MilleR, ZhAng & DiZA

Your ImmigrationSolution

uPAGE CJ2

WHen people are desper-ate, they are tempted to take dangerous routes to get what they want even if the chances of success are small and the risk is high. That is why those in positions of power have a great responsibility to promote wise decisions. at the very least, they have a responsibility to avoid leading people down a path to disaster. Unfortunately, not everyone considers that the actions or products they pro-mote might have terrible un-anticipated consequences for those who don’t know better.

People from all over the world want to come to live in the United States. However, the desire does not necessarily lead to the reality. not everyone is eligible to immigrate to the United States. one must quali-fy under either family-based or employment-based categories in order to make that happen. (There are other requirements but now is not the time to dis-cuss them). everyone knows you can’t choose your parents. and if yours don’t have US sta-tus, they can’t help you get it. Having a child in the United States and waiting 21 years for them to petition for you (and avoiding being deported dur-ing that 2 decade—plus wait) seems a bit drastic. Some peo-ple willing to take the longer view do choose their career on the basis of how that will help them immigrate but, that, too, is not something that happens immediately. and some may not want to wait.

But marriage to a United States citizen can make a green card happen. When a person who desires to immi-grate falls in love with a United States citizen and the feeling is mutual and they decide to create a life together, the law

On the wings ofsham marriagesprovides that the citizen can file a petition for the immi-grant that will lead to a green card. Some people, however, are not fortunate enough to find someone that they want to share their life with who can also get them legal status. They can then be tempted to enter into marriages solely for the purpose of getting a green card. These are called sham (fake) marriages. and because it is so tempting to many des-perate people, Congress has passed laws and Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS) has promulgated regulations that make the repercussions Draconian for those who get caught.

and most people in sham marriages do get caught. CIS investigates marriages to de-termine that they are real. Real does not just mean legal. It means based on a real relation-ship. The legal term is “bona fide”. If it determines that the marriage is not bona fide, it will, of course, deny the peti-tion. But the problem does not end there. The immigrant is placed into Removal Proceed-ings where he or she faces the very real possibility of being deported. and a subsequent marriage, or a petition from another family member or em-ployer will not help. Because a separate ramification is that the immigrant who has been found to have entered into marriage in order to get a green card is per-manently barred from getting any benefits as a petitioner or a beneficiary of any family-based or employment-based petition. This is true even if the sham marriage took place years ago and the immigrant is now mar-ried to a US citizen and the par-ent of several US citizens. They will still have to leave.

That is the truth and the re-ality. However, unfortunately,

the television and movie in-dustry finds sham marriages a source of entertainment. Pay-ing a United States citizen to marry an immigrant for a green card is portrayed as amusing and “no big deal.” Well, it is a crime and an immigration vio-lation so it is a big deal.

The debate over the impact of the media on individual’s ac-tions is ongoing. What impact does what we see have on what we do is still an open question. But if a desperate person sees someone they admire (even if they see them portraying a fic-tional character) succeeding in a course of action, they may be tempted to do the same. a currently very popular televi-sion serial portrays its main characters as engaging in a sham marriage for immigra-tion purposes. It has resulted in many people asking those in the legal community if they should do the same. So the an-swer is an unequivocal no! no matter how desperate you are, you should not take steps that will make your situation worse. Television is fiction. Don’t con-fuse it with facts. To get the real facts about how to resolve your immigration problem, consult with a licensed, reputable, ex-perienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney.

***Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.

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

San FRanCISCo—aBS-CBn has received several preliminary injunctions in the US Federal District Court against 44 sites dis-tributing aBS-CBn TV shows and movies. The most recent lawsuit, aBS-CBn et al. v. Hapitvnow.info, et al., was filed on august 10, 2015 and seeks over $20 million in damages.

This new lawsuit follows the re-cent criminal arrests of nico an-gelo Rempillo of naga City, and Jim Marcelino of Roxas City, and Mark Marlon Millendez of Davao City, who allegedly operated sites that pirated aBS-CBn’s TV shows and movies. Civil lawsuits have been filed for copyright and trademark infringement against these three defendants, for over $10 million in damages. Millen-dez’s websites, pinoymovie2k.tv and movie128.com, have already been taken down and replaced with the pleadings for the lawsuit against him. Rempillo’s website, ireplaymo.com, and Marcelino’s websites, pnoytv-online.com, pi-noytvpost.com, teleseryepinoy.com, and teleserye-pinoy.com, have been ordered disabled and are in the process of being trans-ferred.

The following sites, which were offering aBS-CBn TV shows and

movies without permission, have been ordered by the Court to be disabled and have either already been disabled or are in the pro-cess of being blocked today or tomorrow. These sites had com-bined traffic of over 3.4 million views:

abscbnlobotv.info freepinoychannel.com hapitvnow.com hapitvnow.info ikontvstreams.com ireplaymo.com lambingan.se lambingan.to movie128.com movie2kph.com onepinoychannel.com phstream.com ph-tvserye.com pinay-tambayan.com pinay-tambayan.net pinoyhdreplay.net pinoymovie.to pinoymovie2k.tv pinoynetwork.to pinoynetwork.tv pinoyportaldaily.com pinoyreplay.tv pinoyreplaytv.org pinoyshow.biz pinoytambayan-replay.com pinoytvpost.com pinoytvreplayhd.com pnoytambayantv.com

pnoytambayantv.net pnoytelebyuwers.biz pnoytv-online.com pusongpinoytv.com streampinoy.info tambayanatin.com tambaytayo.com telebyuwerspinoy.info teleph.info teleseryepinoy.com teleserye-pinoy.com tvnijuan.net wowpinoy-tambayan.info wow-pinoytambayan.info wowpinoytambayan.net wowpinoytambayan.org aBS-CBn’s aVP for Global anti-

Piracy & Content Security, elisha lawrence, warned: “These sites pose a major risk to our viewers because by clicking on these sites, the malware can allow hackers to invade their phones, laptops and tablets and steal private informa-tion including their bank account numbers, private emails as well as to have access to other confiden-tial information. Warn your friends and family to stay away from pi-rate sites. Don’t pay a high price for free! If you find any additional pirate sites, youtube or google blogspot links offering or distribut-ing aBS-CBn TV shows and mov-ies, please email us the information at report@abs-cbn.com.”

Preliminary injunctions granted in USFederal Court against 44 Pirate Sites

Offering ABS-CBN content; sites now blocked

‘Bold Step’: A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike Sept. 5-6 in Delano, CA

september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ�

(Conclusion of 2 parts)IT is sad that a legislative ef-

fort to defund the group of tax-payer money has failed just re-cently due in part to the lack of leadership and true grit among many members of our feckless, inept Congress and Senate who lack the moral and intestinal fortitude to win victories when they have the capacity to do so. There is simply no excuse. The matter will be up for revote and I sense a change in the direction of the wind.

The sad part about all these is that an overwhelming number of babies murdered are from the African American community and other minorities. Margaret Sanger, the pioneer for abor-tion many decades ago, actually started the practice of eugenics for the purpose of eliminating certain members of the commu-nity she deemed undesirable.

PP is led by its outspoken, high profile, well connected, no apologies CEO, Cecille Richards, daughter of the late Texas Gov-ernor Ann Richards, who along with others have made it part of their life’s work to promote abortion under the dubious guise and disingenuous pretext of freedom of choice for wom-en while ostensibly promoting women’s health as a cover.

Anyone with 2 neurons firing in the brain know this is just a part of a general bogus narra-tive of the so called liberal lie of the“war on women.” There is a reason for the pandering. Polls indicate that women supporting abortion are a significant voting bloc that can pull the lever in national and local elections. The reading of pollsters is skewed and is patently deceitful. Women of substance who stand for life

MonetteAdevA MAglAyA

ImmigrantLiving: 101 and Beyond

The murder of babies and the killing of a lion

“Evil is sly and coats itself in the dishonest lingo of political correctness.”

are in overwhelming numbers compared to those who stand for the culture of death.

Planned Parenthood’s ser-vices to women such as mam-mograms, scans and such other benign procedures appear to be just a smokescreen for 90% of what they really do: abortions and the harvest of baby body parts for profit with yet anoth-er smokescreen of advancing medical research. You may su-garcoat it and disguise it all you want, the end will never justify the means.

Multiple videos have been re-leased by the group and can still be viewed on youtube barring injunctions from a Northern California judge who has sided with PP in stopping the pro-life group from releasing the explo-sive videos.

Political influence is at work in suppressing freedom of speech for the time being.

In the interest of full disclo-sure, that judge in Northern California, was a campaign bun-dler raising more than $200,000 for the current administration in its run for the office.

Critics of the videos claim these are heavily edited and a conspiracy to discredit PP. That dubious claim has been debunked as the raw footage of the videos are available online (as of this writing) for anyone to view.

The minions of these maraud-ing murderers of the most inno-cent of human beings are well placed and wield the highest political clout, from the highest echelons of office to the low-

est handlers. The White House, Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren are staunch defenders of PP. Technicians in lab coats poke teeny tiny baby body parts with tweezers in a dish, figuring out if the minuscule body part is a leg, an arm, a liver, a kidney or an eyeball and pricing dead baby parts retail.

In this coming national elec-tion, CHOOSE LIFE. Find out the voting record on this matter of all those running for election and reelection. It is difficult to be a single issue voter since this country has complicated its vot-ing process by mixing up both good and bad so that everything seems murky. Evil is sly and coats itself in the dishonest lin-go of political correctness.

In my view, the one thing that is a clear reflection of the soul of a candidate running for elective office, a telling glimpse of how highly evolved the candidate is as a human being who can mir-ror the divine and ultimately, the direction and actions a can-didate takes to govern his con-stituency, guide this country and shape the world at large ac-cording to its Christian found-ing principles, is the unflinch-ing and uncompromising stand on the issue of abortion.

Of all the creatures that walk the earth, God didn’t choose lions, or tigers or dinosaurs or any other animal in his own im-age and likeness. God chose us.

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

Community Journal

The CTVFiles

AurorA VegA-Buzon, esq.

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

Americaalendar of EventsacrossC

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS!PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT

GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW.CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES

FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS

National Council of Philippine American & Canadian Accountants 2015 Charity Golf Tournament

Where: Penderbrook Golf Club, 3700 Golf Trail Lane, Fairfax, VA 22033When: September 4, 2015; 8am-2pmPlease contact: Jaena Hermosilla Valles 718-275-1422; jvalles@vallesvendiola.com or

Bobby Tamayo 703-615-9451; rgtamayo@verizon.netVisit www.ncpacafoundation.com for more details.

september 4

National Council of Philippine American & Canadian Accountants 2015 Convention

Where: JW Marriott 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20004When: September 4-6, 2015; from 8am-5pmPlease contact: Jaena Hermosilla Valles 718-275-1422; jvalles@vallesvendiola.com or

Bobby Tamayo 703-615-9451; rgtamayo@verizon.netVisit www.ncpacafoundation.com for more details.

september 4-6

Filipino Association of Leisure World Dinner-DanceThe Filipino Association of Leisure World will hold their dinner-dance at the Leisure World

Hall on Saturday, September 5th. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For further information, please call Ren Villanueva at (323) 854-6209.

september 5

Ramon Magsaysay/Cubao High School 2015 Reunion in Las VegasCalling all Cubao High School/Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School graduates and

alumni! Come out and join the 2015 Get-Together of our Alma Mater from Friday, Septem-ber 4 to Monday, September 7 at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (4000 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103). A special Dinner/Dance is scheduled on Saturday, September 5. To our Alumni now residing in Canada, the US, and other parts of the world, all are invited to share this special weekend event with their fellow graduates and classmates in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, please call Jay Medina at (310) 967-9517 or Boots Doria at (925) 330-8081.

september 4-7

Saulog Celebration: A Night of SerenadeCebuanos Engaging in Building Unity, Inc. (CEBU INC.) will be hosting a Saulog Celebra-

tion: “A Night of Serenade” on Friday, September 4th, at St. Rebastian Roman Catholic Church (5802 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, NY 11377). The show will present the Cebu Clergy Performing Artists, and feature: the 2015 NYC Philippines Independence Day Parade Grand Prize Winner - C.E.B.U. INC. Sinulog Dancers. The show will start at 8:00pm on Friday. Please contact CEBU INC. for more details.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for Accountants at the NCPACA Convention

Where: JW Marriott 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20004When: September 5-6, 2015; from 8am-5pm, at the National Council of Philippine Ameri-

can & Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) 2015 ConventionPlease contact: Jaena Hermosilla Valles 718-275-1422; jvalles@vallesvendiola.com or

Bobby Tamayo 703-615-9451; rgtamayo@verizon.netVisit www.ncpacafoundation.com for more details.

september 5-6

Citizenship Day 2015 The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association is having a FREE Citizenship

Day event on September 19, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, to assist low-income, 18+ immigrants eligible for US citizenship with the full naturalization process. Every case will be reviewed by a legal attorney. Please call us at 407-841-8310 ext. 3123 for an appointment and any questions you may have. Thank You!

september 19

PiLiPiNo iNTER-CLub oPEN invitational Golf Tournament The 11th annual PILIPINO INTER-CLUB OPEN (PICO) is open to fellow master golfers

from the tri-state area. The charity tournament will be held on Saturday, September 19, at Royce Brook Golf Club (201 Hamilton Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844). It will be a shotgun start @ 1:30 pm. Registration is $120 each player; includes golf cart and food after the game. Come early for registration, refreshments, and mini contests. Come and join the quest for individual and team honors by class. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Family Center Christian Church, and donations are 100% tax deductible. Sign-up now at http://www.spgolfclub.com/PICO. For more details, please contact Ed Badiola 908-531-7377, or Justil Cruz 973-926-1400.

CELEbRATE LoCAL with San Diego Restaurant Week!This September, San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by Lexus Dealerships of San

Diego, will CELEBRATE LOCAL... keepin’ it fresh - really fresh. San Diego Restaurant week returns September 20th - September 26th for ONE WEEK ONLY to “Celebrate Local” at all 180+ participating restaurants. Choose from a three-course dinner or two-course lunch deal to satisfy your cravings. NEW THIS YEAR, San Diego Restaurant Week will be partnering with Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank to provide backpacks for children in need within the San Diego community during the ALL FOR KIDS campaign. Ditch the dirty dishes and join over 150,000 fellow diners as we celebrate San Diego’s thriving culinary scene and the homegrown, local businesses that provide us with the produce and products we love! Tickets are not necessary for this delectable week of discounted dining, but reservations are recom-mended! Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information, including a list of partici-pating restaurants, or to make your reservations in advance!

september 20-26

2nd Grand Reunion GoT (RETiRED) from Cerveza San Miguel uS CHAPTERWhere: Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103)When: Sept. 25 and 26; Grand Reunion Sept. 26 at 7:00 pmFor details and information, please contact Renato Umayam at 323-841-3516, Nida Matias

at 818-394-9178, Greg Lacondola at 702-334-8068, or Arnold Navarro at 318-779-6254.

september 25-26

LA builder Lions Club 25th AnniversaryThe Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will celebrate their 25th Anniversary and Annual

Outstanding Parents Night on October 10, 2015 at the Almansor Court banquet hall (700 S Almansor St, Alhambra, CA 91801). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For further questions, please call Lion Bill Menor (323) 465-0613, Lion Yoli Ramo (213) 305-1332, chairpersons or Lion Tita James, co-chair at (818) 203-2325.

OCtOber 10

uNiTED LAb-uSA 32nd Anniversary The UNITED LAB-USA will celebrate their 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 17,

2015 at Royal Garden in Cerritos. The association is headed by Rey Guieb, President. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other questions, please call Felix Belen, outgoing president at (626) 839-0736.

OCtOber 17

UNdER the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAF-TA), Canadian and Mexican citizens (known as “Treaty Na-tionals” or “TNs”) can come to the United States temporarily, not to exceed one (1) year at a time, under a “TN Status” non-immigrant visa, to work/engage in activities at a professional level. TN Status can be extend-ed for as long as there is an offer of employment from any United States employer. Also, TN status generally covers a broader range of job catego-ries, including nurses, medical/allied professionals, scientists, architects, engineers, computer systems analysts, accountants, graphic designers, veterinar-ians and the like.

TN Status is similar to an H-1B visa (non-immigrant work-ing visa for professionals in a specialty occupation) except that (i) there is no statutory limitation on a TN status, un-like the H-1B (which is normal-ly, 6 years); and (ii) TNs cannot have dual intent unlike H-1Bs, and are subject to INA 214(b) and must prove their intent not to immigrate.

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he es-tablishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonim-migrant status...

To qualify for a tempo-

Treaty nationalsrary, non-immigrant visa (like a visitor/tourist or student visa), an applicant must meet the requirements of Section 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA – and that is, that applicant pos-sesses a residence abroad that s/he has no intention of aban-doning. Thus, a non-immigrant visa applicant has the burden of proof to show that s/he has strong family, professional and economic ties abroad that would compel him/her to leave the United States at the end of his/her temporary stay.

INA § 214(b) is fully applica-ble to a Canadian or Mexican under a TN Status such that a person admitted under a TN Status cannot form any intent to immigrate. For example, a Canadian engineer was admit-ted on a TN Status. After a few months, his employer files for an immigrant worker (I-140) petition, and it was approved. Meanwhile, the Canadian TN returns to Canada to attend his sister’s wedding and upon re-turning to the United States af-ter 14 days, was denied by the border inspector upon learning that he has an approved immi-grant worker (I-140) petition. The Canadian TN was denied admission at the border on the ground that he no longer has non-immigrant intent.

While the filing or approval of an immigrant petition may raise concerns whether a TN alien continues to possess non-immigrant intent, that fact may not be, in and of itself, a rea-son to deny an application for admission, readmission, or ex-tension of stay if the alien’s in-tent is to remain in the United States temporarily. However, a TN alien should be aware that

the filing or approval of an im-migrant petition, is a factor that will be taken into consid-eration along with other rel-evant factors, every time that a TN nonimmigrant alien applies for admission, readmission or a new extension of stay.

According to NAFTA, “tem-porary entry” means an entry into the United States without the intent to establish perma-nent residence. The circum-stances surrounding an ap-plication should reasonably and convincingly indicate that TN alien’s temporary work as-signment in the United States will end predictably and that the TN alien will depart upon completion of the assignment. Nevertheless, an intent to im-migrate in the future which is in no way connected to the proposed immediate trip need not in itself result in a finding that the immediate trip is not temporary. An extended stay, even in terms of years, may be temporary, as long as there is no immediate intent to immi-grate.

TN aliens wishing to immi-grate should consult with an immigration attorney to con-sider alternative strategies.

***Atty. Aurora Vega is a partner in The

Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; auvega@ctvattys.com. (Advertising Supplement)

PAGE CJ1

‘Bold Step’: A celebration of the 50th anniversary...ers walked off of the vineyards in delano. The delano Grape Strike sparked the farm labor movement of the 20th century, one of the most significant social justice movements in American history. From the strike came the multiethnic farm laborer’s union, the United Farm Work-ers.

Moreover, the strike raised global consciousness about the plight of farmworkers. It was a pivotal moment in which Filipi-no Americans made their larg-est and most significant imprint on the American narrative. That bold step taken by these Filipino workers -- most of whom were senior citizens in the twilight of their lives -- inspired labor movements and movements for civil rights and social justice amongst Filipino Americans and Americans of all backgrounds.

In the late summer of 1965, the small agricultural town of delano was energized as thousands of Filipino migra-tory farmworkers arrived for the grape harvest, as they had done

every year through most of the 20th century. The workers, most of whom were members of the Agricultural Workers Organiz-ing Committee union (AWOC, AFL-CIO), were fresh from the Coachella Valley, where they had struck and won $1.40 per hour for the grape harvest. The migrant workforce shared the grocery aisles and streets with the 13,000 or so permanent res-idents eager to fatten their pay-checks from harvesting boxes of Thompsons, Calmerias, and Ribiers – popular varieties of the finest table grapes in the world. With a prosperous sea-son, they could make enough to get by the lean winter months.

When delano grape growers refused a wage of $1.40 per hour, anticipation and excite-ment turned to conflict and ten-sion. Led by a veteran union organizer, AWOC’s Larry d. Itliong, the doubtful and fright-ened grape workers -- more than a few with families and mortgages – gathered at the Filipino Community Hall on the evening of September 7 to con-

sider an action that would throw their lives and their community into chaos. They voted to strike. The next day, several thousand laborers in about 20 individual farms left the precious crop on the ground and walked off on September 8, 1965, in a unified declaration for a fair wage and decent working conditions for the farm worker.

Growers evicted Filipinos from their homes in the labor camps and hired Mexican scab workers. Violent clashes erupt-ed between law enforcement and strikers, but Filipino work-ers remained militant. Itliong made the fateful decision to approach Cesar Chavez and his mostly Mexican worker’s association, the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), and asked them to join the strike. On September 16, 1965, the NFWA voted to join the AWOC. In 1966, the AWOC and the NFWA merged to form the United Farm Workers Organiz-ing Committee. Cesar Chavez was named director, and Itliong

uPAGE CJ4

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2015 CJ�Community Journal

Atty. MichAelGurfinkel, eSQ

ImmigrationCorner

(Part 1 of 3)What would you do and re-

spond, if you were me, a first degree immigrant here in the United States, when your only son requests you to postpone your scheduled vacation to the Philip-pines until summer (when he is off from his teaching job) as he would like also to visit your own village and province where you were born and grew up? Even though the request caught me by surprise, I had no hesitation, to say why not? Instantly I asked, “When do you want us to travel from Los angeles?”

So father and son flew to the Philippines mid-July 2015 and we were together for two solid weeks, resulting to even cancelling some important Rotary meetings,) just to give the best quality time to my son’s first visit to my homeland, especially my provincial roots in a farming village in anis, Laoac, Pangasinan as pleasantly memo-rable as possible. the first few days were spent in Batangas City, the hometown of his mom where he had also a good time bonding with his cousins whom he has met several times in that city as well as during their visits to California.

then, for several days, we checked in at Midas hotel on Roxas Blvd. to have a few days to tour the Old City (Intramuros). to have our own pace of travel, we did not join any tour groups and instead hired a taxi for most of the day. after a heavy breakfast buffet at the hotel, we visited Fort San-tiago where Jose Mercado Rizal, Philippines’ national hero was imprisoned in a solitary dungeon, prior to his execution on Dec 30, 1898. then, we proceeded to the

ernie D. Delfin

The Metamorphosis

US-born son’s first visit to hisfather’s roots in the Philippines Bagumbayan Field, now Rizal Park, where he was killed by fir-ing squad after his conviction for treason and rebellion against the Spanish government. I became an instant history teacher to my curi-ous student-son for several hours.

From there, we had an im-promptu visit to my alma mater, Colegio de San Juan De Letran. Unfortunately, the college was closed because due to the Mus-lim holiday of Ramadan. I was talking to the uniformed guard that all I wanted was to visit the chapel, where I used to serve the Dominican priests, as a working student and an altar boy, but he was unmoved probably because that was his order not to let just anybody enter the campus dur-ing holidays. But lo and behold, the angel of serendipity smiled at us, as a young Dominican priest, Fr. Boyd Sulpico, OP, Letran’s VP for Financial affairs, over-heard me imploring the strict security guard, and wisely over-ruled him.

thus, we were inside the col-lege campus in a few seconds! For about half an hour or so, my son and I were in the same chapel where I served countless of mass-es as early as 5:30 am for about four years – forty four years ago. Like a captive audience, my son listened to my many recollections what I did and experienced in Le-tran, then the oldest college for boys in the Philippines. (Founded in 1620, Letran will celebrate its 400th year anniversary in years, a milestone for any school to last that long!)

the biggest surprise of that visit however, was the serendipi-tous meeting with my theology professor, Fr. Raffy Quejada, OP, now 88, who happened to be there as a “retired” priest. he then invited us to be in their pri-

vate dining room at the top floor of the college, where there were two other priests, including Fr. Boyd -- who joined us while be-ing served by a working student -- for a mid afternoon merienda! I would not have recognized Father Raffy now (as he no lon-ger walked briskly; his age was catching up with him physically) but surprisingly, he remembered and recognized me still, while fatherly touching my face to convince himself that I am them “real” alumnus who served them during my college days. and to document that visit, my son took some candid pictures of us that delighted my entire family when he posted them on Facebook!

From there, we visited the old-est churches in Intramuros, name-ly the Manila Cathedral (founded 1571) and also San agustin Church (founded 1607). Looking back, during special occasions, some Dominican priests were asked to celebrate mass in these church-es and from time to time they brought an altar boy with them, so I have had the experience of serv-ing several Dominican priests in these 400-year-old churches. and yes, the mass then was celebrated in Latin, parroting those prayers “Confiteor Deo Omnipotente” or “Dominus Voviscum, Et Cum Es-piritu to o,” or songs like “tantum Ergo” a million times! Nostalgic memories, thou art too beauti-ful to reminisce, especially in the presence of my only son!

the Metamorphosis food for thought:

“The strongest faith is of no use without action!” -- Pope Francis

(To be continued next week. )***

Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or zhunrize.foundation@gmail.com Websites:www.rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org

www.foundation4nextgen.zhuncity.com

thE City of Daly City, through its subsidiary the North San Ma-teo County Sanitation District, is initiating a new Pilot Residential Water Use Program for outdoor landscape irrigation to the first 100 eligible homeowners from Daly City and Broadmoor.

the pilot recycled water use program mirrors the successful efforts undertaken by East Bay sewer agencies in providing free, self-serve designated recycled water fill stations.

Interested residents are encour-aged to call (650) 991-8200 to sign up for state mandated training on the proper use of recycled water. City staff will conduct the training which takes about a half hour.

the training dates being of-fered by Department of Water and Wastewater Resources will

take place on September 9 and 15 beginning at 9 am at the ad-ministration Offices, at 153 Lake Merced Blvd., on the south end of Westlake Park. additional training may be offered based on growing interest with the program.

When registering for the pro-gram, City staff will mail a num-bered application form to the homeowners for them to bring to the training. the pilot program’s 100 resident limit recognizes ac-cess limitations at the wastewater treatment plant. In addition, resi-dents should be aware that water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, so at the 300-gallon per trip limit at each visit, residents will be trans-porting up to 2,502 pounds. Resi-dents will need to consider both the type of container and method of transport. Driving a heav-

ily loaded vehicle with a required covered container of moving liq-uid decreases vehicle stability un-less properly secured and requires longer stopping distances.

Eligible participants are resi-dents of Daly City and unincor-porated Broadmoor who reside in single-family homes. Commer-cial and multi-family apartments are not eligible due to restricted amounts of participants. the tertiary recycled water available for free under this pilot program meets all applicable full public contact standards under title 22 and can be used to water trees, gardens, vegetables, and lawns.

For more information about this program and other water conservation techniques visit www.dalycity.org or call (650) 991-8200.

Daly City implements new pilotprogram to conserve more waterFree recycled water made available to residential customers

GET A CHANCE TO HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE “YOur TANONG, MY SAGOT” WITH ATTY. GurFINKEL! Kapamilyas in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have the chance for a “free”, face-to-face question and answer with leading uS immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about your immigration issues or problems. Just go to www.citizenpinoy.com to submit your immigration question on or before September 11. You will be notified if your question gets picked for a one-on-one discussion with Atty. Gurfinkel on September 20 at their Glendale office at 219 N. Brand Blvd.

KaPaMILya in Los angeles and nearby areas will get the chance to discuss their immi-gration issues with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel up close and personal on Citizen Pinoy.

Just go to www.citizenpinoy.com and submit your question

on or before Friday, September 11. you will be notified if your question gets picked. and get the chance to meet atty. Gurf-inkel one-on-one on September 20 at their Glendale office at 219 N. Brand Blvd., to appear on a future episode of Citizen Pinoy!

this is a public service from tFC and the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, and a great opportunity to get answers to your immigration questions. So don’t forget to visit www.citi-zenpinoy.com to send in your inquiry on or before the Sep-tember deadline.

thERE have been many tragic situations where people were duped into applying for immi-gration benefits to which they were not entitled. Unscrupulous immigration consultants prom-ise work permits, green cards, and other immigration benefits to people who are eager to work in the U.S. and send money back home. Only later do they find out they were tricked and cheated out of their hard-earned money. to make matters worse, they are charged with fraud by the USCIS and denied legitimate immigra-tion benefits.

In an unpublished decision from the administrative ap-peals Office (aaO), an alien was charged with fraud. he filed his fraud waiver which was denied because he did not properly demonstrate his qualifying rela-tive (his spouse) would suffer extreme hardship. however, on appeal, the aaO concluded he did not intend to defraud and/or willfully misrepresent a mate-rial fact to the US government. therefore, no fraud waiver was required, and his adjustment of status application should be ap-proved.

No fraud waiver requiredif you were a victim of fraud

In that particular case, a con-sultant told an out of status alien that the consultant’s neighbor was a high-ranking official at the USCIS’s District Office. that official supposedly had several green cards he could give out at his discretion each year. the consultant repeatedly assured the alien that this whole process was legal and the alien could trust the consultant, who would take care of everything.

the alien paid the consultant, who even had the person go to USCIS’s offices to have his pic-ture and fingerprints taken. he later received a work permit, providing further assurance the whole process was legitimate.

a few months later, he re-ceived a denial notice in the mail for permanent residence. he was shocked at receiving the denial, and tried calling the consultant. however, the consultant would not return any phone calls, and later refused to send him copies of any paperwork on what was filed. the consultant claimed he had an argument with the high-ranking official, but would pro-vide no information about that official, such as his name or con-tact number.

When the alien was finally ap-plying for legitimate immigration

benefits, he obtained a copy of his previous filing, and was hor-rified to find there were forms containing his forged signature, along with a picture of a woman he had never met. apparently, the consultant filed paperwork making it appear that the alien had married, and was being peti-tioned by a US citizen. the alien had been duped and tricked.

the aaO concluded the alien did not make a willful or fraudu-lent misrepresentation, but in-stead was tricked and fooled by a consultant. therefore, he was not guilty of fraud, and no fraud waiver was required.

If you were previously duped or tricked into applying for im-migration benefits to which you were not entitled, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can gather and analyze your files, and evaluate whether you were also a victim of fraud. however, if a person knowingly and intentionally applied for im-migration benefits to which they were not entitled, attended in-terviews and repeated the lies in the forms they submitted to the USCIS, then this case may not apply to you. however, if you were duped and tricked, and did not know what was being filed on your behalf, and were truly

an innocent victim, there may be hope.

* * *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

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Get the chance to have a one-on-one ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’ with Atty. Gurfinkel!

september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ� PeoPle & events

Former employees of Philippine Veterans Bank will hold their Grand reunion on February 21, 2016 at the marco Polo Hotel in ortigas, manila.

We are trying to reach out to all members residing all

over the world to disseminate information about the upcom-ing event. For more details about the reunion, please contact the following mem-bers through their Facebook accounts:

Southern California – Au-

rora CarilloNorthern California – Angie

VirolaPhilippines – Lourdes Bar-

bero ramos and Lyn Lagpi-tanghap

We look to forward to see you all!

Former PVB 2016 Grand Reunion

served as the UFW’s assistant director from 1966-1971.

Fifty years later, the courage to make that stand at such a high risk resonates in the pros-perity, diversity and growth of Delano and the Filipino Ameri-can community nationwide. Filipino Americans are now the largest Asian American group in California, California’s third largest minority group, and the second largest Asian American group in the United States. La-tinos and Filipinos are the two of the fastest growing ethnic

PAGE CJ2

‘Bold Step’: A celebration of the 50th anniversary...groups in the nation. Despite the growth of the communi-ty, the history of Filipino in-volvement in the farmworkers movement has been largely obscured.

on July 2, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill establishing octo-ber 25 as Larry Itliong Day. In 2014, the California State Leg-islature passed AB123, which calls for students to learn about Filipino American farm labor organizing history. Both bills were sponsored by rob Bon-ta, the first Filipino American elected to the California State

Assembly. recently Union City, CA renamed a middle school the Itliong/Vera Cruz middle School to honor the UFW vice-presidents, and a bridge in San Diego, California was recently named Larry Itliong/Philip Vera Cruz.

Speakers and a detailed pro-gram will be forthcoming. A link to a schedule of events to date (subject to change). For more information, please visit the FANHS/Delano Chapter Facebook page. For ticket infor-mation, a link to our eventbrite event.

SAN mateo County resi-dents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) free of charge at a special drop-off collection event on Sat., Sept. 12, 2015.

make an appointment for our Free event by visiting www.smchealth.org/hhw or calling (650) 363-4718, select option 3. exact location and

directions will be provided after you make an appoint-ment.

Accepted items include ac-ids/bases, aerosol cans, auto-motive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid), cleaning products, fer-tilizers, pesticides, flamma-ble liquids, fluorescent lights (compact and tubes), paint,

inks, propane tanks, and pho-to chemicals. No radioactive, explosive, medical or com-mercial waste is allowed. All waste collected is reused, re-cycled, or stabilized for prop-er disposal to achieve zero waste being landfilled.

**Limit 10 gallons liquid or 50 pounds solid per appoint-ment.

NoW in its 26th year, re-covery month celebrates local residents who have reclaimed their lives through recovery from mental health and sub-stance use issues and honors the healthcare providers who make recovery possible.

recovery month raises awareness that recovery is possible and that the commu-nity plays an important role in helping people with mental health and/or substance use conditions to live healthy and rewarding lives.

This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!,” highlights the value of support in educat-ing, mentoring, and helping others. It encourages people in recovery and their support systems to be active in their communities, and encourages everyone to start conversa-tions about preventing, treat-ing, and recovering from be-havioral health conditions.

events throughout Septem-ber will bring together more than two dozen community organizations, local business-es, San mateo County Health System’s Behavioral Health and recovery Services, and over 300 people in the recov-ery community.

EventsSeptember 1-27recovery Art Show at the

400 County Center, Caldwell memorial Art Gallery, red-wood City

September 1Kickoff Breakfast, 7:30 amBridges Program, 680 War-

ren Street, redwood City Speakers:• Stephen Kaplan, Director,

Behavioral Health and recov-ery Services• Judge richard Livermore,

San mateo County Superior Court

The Philomena Walk of Hope, 8:45 am

march from Bridges Pro-gram, 680 Warren Street to 400 County Center

Proclamation, 9 amHall of Justice Board Cham-

bers, 400 County Center, red-wood City

Speakers:• Stephen Kaplan, Director,

Behavioral Health and recov-ery Services• orville roache, execu-

tive Director, our Common Ground• Ján Allen, local resident

in recovery Learn and Connect re-

source Fair, 9 am – 11 amCourtyard, 400 County Cen-

ter, redwood CitySeptember 2, 4 pmmental Health & Substance

Abuse recovery Commission David Lewis Award Presenta-tion

oak room, San mateo main Library, 55 West 3rd Ave., San mateo

September 15, 11 am – 2 pm

Annual recovery Happens

Picnic resource fair, activities,

raffle prizes, proclamation reading, and more

Flood Park, 215 Bay road, menlo Park

Speakers: • San mateo County Super-

visor Dave Pine• Stephen Kaplan, Director,

Behavioral Health and recov-ery Services• Karen Francone, execu-

tive Director, Service League of San mateo County• Wayne Garcia, Vice Presi-

dent of Programs, Health-right 360• rev. mary Frazier, Bread

of Life Worship Center September 25, 12 noon

– 1:30 pmSpeak up, Save a life: Sui-

cide Prevention Forumoak room, San mateo main

Library, 55 West 3rdAve., San mateo

Program: keynote speaker, panel, and resource tables. refreshments will be pro-vided. more details at: www.smchealth.org/suicidepreven-tion.

September 26Film Screening: The Anony-

mous People, 5 pmrecovery Dance, 8 pmFriendship Hall, 416 Sec-

ond Avenue, San mateoevents are free and open to

the public.For more information, visit

smchea l th .o rg / recove ry -month.

San Mateo County celebrates National Recovery Month

Community support essential for recovery frommental health and substance use issues

FIL-Am Post 509 American Legion Cmdr. emilio G. reach-es out to Native American In-dian veterans for support on their kick-off campaign “Bal-angiga Bells revisited” next month.

American Indian Nations from many tribes across the United States recently came together under one roof. It was the Navajo Nation-Code Talkers (US marines secret weapon) that received the Congressional Gold medal in the year 2000 (gold) and in october 2008 (silver) for their role during the World War II era in the Pacific Theatre.

Because of efforts like this from a few Filipino WWII vet-erans to take a final stand,

Filipino WWII vet seeks supportfrom Native American veterans

Free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal event on Sept 12 in San Mateo County

their story to fight continues to live on, in the Capitol Hill chambers of Washington, DC. They find themselves fight-ing this battle on the return of these church bells and cannon after twelve years of silence from the community and 113 years of silence from the bells since 1901.

We invite all family members and supporters to aggressively participate in this project.

Visit: www.facebook.com/BalangigaBells1901

FOSTER HOME CARE

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

NURSING SCHOOL

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 4-10, 2015 CJ�

september 4-10, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150CJ�

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Friday, September 4, 2015

By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress

SF2 cover storyThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015

WE hear about Filipinos pursuing the American dream all the time and although a number believe that they have a achieved it, some still continue to tread the unknown in a land so different from their own.

Giving a fictional tale about this is Monstress, two world-premiere one-act plays about love, longing and the Ameri-can dream. Going onstage at the American Conservatory Theater’s (ACT) Strand Theater, Monstress is based on the

short stories by Lysley Tenorio and is adapted for the stage by Bay Area playwrights Philip Kan Gotanda and Sean San Jose.

Tenorio shared that he wrote the book because of his interest in surprising historical-cultural intersections. “They surprising, unexpected, at times bizarre,” he said and then added, “and they make for compelling stories.” He also said that although he is a Filipino immigrant, the stories in Monstress are not autobio-graphical. Nevertheless, he

‘Monstress’: A story of the Filipino life in theBay Area and the pursuit of the American dream

Onstage at the American Conservatory Theater for its two world-premiere

Lysley TenorioThe cast members (L-R) Sean San Jose, Director Carey Perloff, Jomar Tagatac, Ogie Zulueta, Rinabeth Apostol, Kelsey Venter and Nick Gabriel. Photo by Alessandra Mello

Philip Kan Gotanda, Lysley Tenorio and Sean San JoseThe ACT Strand Theater. Photo by Bruce Damonte

feels that they resonate his emotions.

The idea of putting Mon-stress onstage happened when Carey Perloff, ACT Artistic Di-rector contacted him after the book came out. Perloff, who is also the director of the play, then said that she was interest-ed in adapting the stories.

“As soon as I came across Lysley Tenorio’s magical

collection of stories called Monstress, I wondered if there was a play hidden inside…or several plays,” said Perloff in a statement. “Tenorio’s tender and complex look at Filipino-American life in the Bay Area has so much resonace for us at ACT as we open a new theater adjacent to one of the biggest hubs of Filipino culture.”

Playwrights Philip Kan

Gotanda and Sean San Jose then chose their favorite stories from the book to come up with a riveting script.

“Sean San José and Philip Gotanda have already done a remarkable job transforming these stories for the stage, infusing them with a new en-ergy which, at the same time, honors the stories themselves,” said Tenorio.

In these two tales of con-temporary Fil-Am life in the Bay Area, a vibrant array of characters strive for personal transformations that are seem-ingly impossible, wonderfully moving, and distinctly theatri-cal.

The infamous headline-making eviction of Filipino residents from San Francisco’s International Hotel in the 1970s sets the background for Gotanda’s stirring Remember the I-Hotel. The story illumi-nates the dangers of love that crosses forbidden territories.

San Jose’s retelling of the title story Monstress moves us from the streets of Manila to the Bay Area, where a B-movie director has been seduced by the opportunity to work with a shady American filmmaker. An evening of song and story about love and family, hope and indifference, triumph and failure, Monstress explores the resilience of a community struggling to find a home in the ever-shifting sands of the American dream.

The stories and characters of Monstress may be slightly odd to some, but Tenorio shared that it’s up to the audi-ence how to interpret it. He does, however, hopes that this production will remind people of the thriving Filipino and Fil-Am communities. “ …Full of energy and life, and that they’ve contributed to the culture—their stories deserve to be told in the mainstream,

Continued on Page SF6

Costume sketch for the Squid Mother by Lydia Tanji

SF3featuresThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE – September 4, 2015

By MoNET Lu

The ‘Beautiful Life’ celebration

In celebration of Philippine cultural pride and heritage, I am happy to announce the coming of the 4th Beautiful Life Awards on november 21, to be held at the OMnI Hotel.

As some of you may know, this glamorous event is held in honor of the men and women who have remarkably influenced and inspired the Filipino-Ameri-can Community. It showcases the indigenous work of our kababay-ans and celebrates the contribu-tions they made in making this world more beautiful. Hence, the title; “The Beautiful Life Celebra-tion.” I am also proud to share that this would be the celebra-tion’s fourth year.

In line with that, I am thrilled to give you a preview of the event beginning with my chosen theme for this year. I know I may be pre-empting my own event but I just can’t help but share my excitement as the president of this organization. Please allow me to indulge our readers with just a sneak peak. This year is so unique from the previous years’ themes. I recall: The first one was a fashion show held at the CBS Studio while the second was a black-and-pink-themed awards night, which was also held at the same venue. Both events featured the lovely, Ruffa Gutierrez and other distinguished guests. The third one, which was held at the Metro-politan Banquet, was a classic red-and-black themed event. And now, for this year’s theme, I de-cided to let the colors come out! It follows the same glamorous ambiance but with more liberty on the color theme. It is a dress-to-impress night with exploding colors, so to speak. I am not one to brag but as most people say, each celebration never fails to outshine the previous ones. In light of that, I definitely guarantee that this will be the best one.

As I mentioned in the begin-

ning, the event recognizes the extraordinary work and life of our fellow Filipinos in their chosen field of endeavor. It celebrates the choices they made, the lives the lead and the legacy they imparted to the Fil-Am community. Among the awards that will be given are 2015 Distinguished Men and Women of the Year, Special

Award of Distinction, and Dis-tinguished Couple of the Year. And of course, this would not be called “Beautiful Life” if we do not appreciate “Pinay” Beauty; the much awaited Queen of Queens Coronation will also take place on the said event. We will be crowning this year’s Queen of the Philippines Universe, Queen of the Philippines International,

Awardees of the event

Queen of queens

Queen of the Philippines World, Queen of the Philippines Asia and Queen of the Philippines Intercontinental.

The “Beautiful Life” Cel-ebration is the youngest of the socio-political organizations that I lead in honor of our Kababayans who have displayed an unparal-leled outlook in life. These are: “Reflections” that’s been around for 20 years and “Uliran Awards”, a Filipinana affair that has been instrumental in inspiring Filipinos to give their best always—it is still going strong for 10 years. And, out of the irresistible demand to celebrate our cultural heri-tage, I—along with like-minded individuals who felt a strong sense of appreciation, formed the “Beautiful Life.” It is held every other year and holds a soft spot in me. One of the most memorable events I had with this organization was the time we raised $5,000 to donate to the victims of typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. And that, by far, is the best way we’ve celebrated “life” apart from recognizing noble men and women.

So, it is with so much joy and privilege that I invite everyone to gather with us in acknowledg-ing our exceptional Kababayans. The event will be preluded with a press conference on September 16, 2015, 7pm. at the OMnI Ho-tel California Plaza in Los Angeles. The actual event is on november 21. Tickets range from $100 to $150 (VIP seating). For more in-formation and other inquiries, you may email me at monetlu@yahoo.com. Reservations can be made via email or by contacting me thru (213) 216 -4923.

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

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

The comedienne added: “Hayaan na lang natin ang pana-hon at si Lord ang mag-decide kung gusto pa niya ako ipakasal.”

The 50-year-old actress is in a relationship with the 21-year-old Gerald.

“Kung hindi, okay lang. Pero kung puwede sana, kasi bilang Katoliko nasa pitong Sakramento na kailangan ‘yung Sacrament of Marriage, para wala akong kasalan ‘pag huma-rap ako sa Panginoon, eh ‘di masaya kung makasal ako,” Ai Ai further said.

Ai Ai was previously married to Jed Salang. However, the comedienne admitted ending their relationship less than two months after tying the knot. She confirmed being legally separated from Jed in 2014. (Philstar.com)

Ai-Ai delas Alas on marriage: Hindi na ako umaasa

Ai-Ai delas Alas: “Hayaan na lang natin ang panahon at si Lord ang mag-decide kung gusto pa niya ako ipakasal.”

MAnILA—Ai-Ai delas Alas is happy with her relationship with non-showbiz boyfriend Gerald Sibayan.

But the GMA-7 star said she’s not hoping too get married again.

“Hindi na ako umaasa,” she said in an interview. “Pero sana para kumpleto naman ako dun sa pitong Sakramento.”

Richard Yap

longer required of him before the taping of his scenes with Vina Mo-rales started. The only pointer he got was a brief yet vivid descrip-tion of the character.

“Medyo positive naman si Carlo dito; he is not as ‘burdened’ as the other characters,” he observed. “My part here is to be a positive influence on the show like lifting (up) the character of Cecilia so that made it a bit easier for me to adjust.”

It also helped that Vina is easy to work with, he added.

What matters most to him now is the opportunity to work with the singer-actress and the rest of the cast. “It’s (the show) been very successful so I’m glad na nakapasok ako dito.”

Asked if he has set certain limitations when it comes to drama acting, Richard replied, “Perhaps, doing a heavy drama, baka di ko pa kaya like in crying scenes, I have to really feel the scene for me to be able to do it but if I, myself, is not convinced that it is needed in the story, I re-ally cannot emote; so for me, ‘yun ang limitation ko siguro.”

A role that’s ‘new’ to Richard Yapby Bot Glorioso

Philstar.com

MAnILA—By the time you are reading this, Richard Yap must have already appeared as Carlo Asuncion on ABS-CBn’s Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita.

According to Richard, playing Carlo is far different from the characters he has done before. “When they offered the role to me, I said, ‘Why not?’ because it’s something new for me. Medyo mas ma-drama s’ya so I agreed to give it a try.”

Attending an acting work-shop, Richard added, was no

The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015SF4 SF5

The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015SF4 SF5

SF6 celebrityworldThe Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015

celebrity worldBy Ferdie Villar

Vic Sotto, PauleenLuna now engaged

One Central is a luxurious 50 and 42-storey twin-tower residential condominium situated in the heart of Makati CBD designed by award-winning interna-tional design firms, The Preben Kent and Gettys Chicago.

Life gets easier with Megaworld International’s exclusive ready-for-occupancy units

Reward yourself with Megaworld International’sHome Club: Your key to a lifestyle of privileges

Megaworld Interna-tional offers exclusive and pre-selected ready-for-oc-cupancy (rFo) units to meet your meticulous and sophisti-cated needs. each unit has the advantage on convenience, security and access to endless possibilities of the live-work-play-learn lifestyle. You need not wait for months or years and get to experience the best rewards in an instant.

owning an rFo unit means instant membership to Megaworld International’s Home Club, your key to a lifestyle of privileges. as a member, you will auto-matically enjoy the follow-ing privileges: extensive after-sales services includ-ing leasing and resale Management, Turnover and Maintenance Services, and Free Interior design Services. You will also receive free items such as a key kit, a one month’s supply of fine wine, and access to the Megaworld International exclusive client lounge.

Through Megaworld Inter-national Home Club, you will experience seamless transac-tions from the time you plan to buy a ready unit, to design-ing your living space and turn-over, until you plan to re-sell or lease out your condo units.

Worry-free lifestyle

privilegeNow is high time to take

advantage of venturing on rFo units as it gives guaran-teed recurring income because of the solid market for it. Prop-erty leased out can really in-crease your asset and can give rental cash flow to fund your lifestyle and retirement. with the leasing and resale Man-agement Services, selecting and negotiating bank finance options and refurbishment of units in preparation for leasing or resale of the property are done on your behalf.

A “hassle-free” turn-over process and mainte-nance

a hassle-free Turnover and Maintenance service awaits you to ensure that everything will be in good condition upon your acceptance of the unit.

To sustain a premium lifestyle experience, you are guaranteed quality control and maintenance of the rFo units even in your absence. Housekeeping personnel are on standby to regularly check the unit and provide a report to you.

Very Personal. Very You.Personalize your units

with the free Interior design Services. Based on your personality, lifestyle and mood preferences, you may

conceptualize your unit with the help of a dedicated group of in-house interior designers. You have the option to live in a Modern, Contemporary, Industrial or Modern Zen-in-spired home.

Megaworld International is currently selling rFo units in various Megaworld townships and prime locations such as eastwood legrand Towers 1 & 2 in eastwood City; 115 Upper McKinley in McKinley Hill; Sarasota, Pinecrest and Montecito in Newport City; and greenbelt Madison and one Central in Makati Central Business district.

Megaworld International is the global marketing arm of Megaworld Corporation. It is present in over 40 countries in North america, asia Pacific, europe and Middle east and is poised to expand to more ter-ritories, bringing the best real estate choices from the largest developer in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please call,Angelita ContrerasMegaworld InternationalVP-North america 1(818) 913-1188San Francisco Office:433 airport Blvd. Ste. 328Burlingame, Ca. 940101-888-860-8168 ext. 1internationalluxuryproper-

ties@yahoo.com*Advertising Supplement

THe Filipina nightingale best known for her 80’s-90s hit songs I’ll Never Let You Go, You, Kung Alam Mo Lang, and her awit award-winning rendition of Bayan Ko, returns to the stage in Berkeley this labor day weekend for her Jazz show, Origins.

The celebrated artist of the oPM (original Pilipino Music) scene will share the origins of her musical beginnings. The evening’s repertoire will reminisce the iconic works of composers such as gershwin and Jobim, and, will pay hom-age to pieces once by music greats ella Fitzgerald, etta James, Barbra Streisand, and Shirley Horn.

Joanne will be joined by local Bay area legends ross gualco on piano and key-boards, John Hoy on bass and guitar, and, Joanne’s long-time musician-friend from the Philippine touring days, Boyet

JoAnne Lorenzana comes home in ‘Origins’

Pigao, on drums.origins will take place on

September 5 at the Califor-nia Jazz Conservatory, a.k.a. the Berkeley Jazz School at 2087 addison Street in downtown Berkeley. Tickets are $22 advanced purchase via eventbrite.com (search Joanne lorenzana) or by contacting abeth at (925)

640-0990. Tickets at the door will be $25, First-come-first-served basis. Please note that the club is intimate in size and seats may not be guaranteed on the night of the perfor-mance.

Please contact info@neo-mondeproductions for more information.

*Advertising Supplement

From Page SF2

‘Monstress’: A story of the Filipino life...and I’m so grateful that a.C.T. is recognizing that.”

He also said whatever the american dream is—it’s a com-plicated one. “Full of gains, losses, victories and defeats, joy and heartbreak. It’s life. If there’s any kind of truth, I hope these plays convey that. So I hope everyone will come out and see Monstress—it’s a won-derful show.”

The cast of Monstress includes rinabeth apostol, Melody Butiu, danielle Firmer (oct. 20-Nov. 22), Nick gabriel, Jomar Taqatac, Sean San Jose, Kelsey Venter (Sept. 16-oct. 19) and ogie Zulueta.

The creative team for Monstress includes associate

director Sean San Jose, light-ing designer robert Hand, cos-tume designer lydia Tanji, set designer Nina Ball and sound designer Jake rodriguez.

aCT’s production of Monstress is made possible by executive Producers doug Tilden and Teresa Keller; Jack and Susy wadsworth and Pro-ducers Jerome l. and Thao N. dodson; dr. gideon and Cheryl Sorokin. Special support pro-vided by the National endow-ment for the arts.

Monstress will be onstage at the aCT’s Strand Theater at 1127 Market Street, San Francisco, from September 16 to November 22, 2015. Performance schedules are: Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm,

wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 pm and Sundays at 2 & 7 pm. Single tickets (ranging from $20 to $100) are available by calling the aCT Box office at (415) 749-2228 or online at www.act-sf.org.

In association with Mon-stress, aCT will offer numerous InteraCT events —many of which are presented free of charge—that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season.

*Special thanks to Kevin Kopjak, Charles Zukow Associ-ates.

“Yes, we are,” he said during a press conference last September 2. “Hindi ko naman pwedeng i-deny ‘yon. But the details, ‘yun ang sa tamang panahon…kung anu-man yung mangyayari in the future.”

Vic is 60 years old, while Pauleen is only 26.

For other details, the comedian remained tight-lipped.

“Ibang level na, pero I will go into details sa tamang panahon.”

Pauleen went to Instagram to announce her engagement, by posting a photo of her ring with the caption, “In god’s perfect time.” according to ricky lo, Vic gave her a three-carat solitaire ring he bought in Hong Kong.

The kept their relationship secret for a while until they were forced by the movie press to admit it. Vic met Pauleen years ago when she competed in little Miss Philip-pines, a beauty contest for little girls on Eat Bulaga!

Congratulations to Vic and Pauleen!

***we are storming heaven

with prayers for singer Joey albert, as she again battles colon cancer.

“Time is the most impor-tant thing in life, not money,

not career….nothing, time ta-laga,” she said in an interview with Pep.ph.

This is the third time Joey has been diagnosed with the disease.

She also said that she is scared and disappointed, as she though that the last time was her last battle.

“and I do get scared still if you really think about the longevity of your life here, the realization you’re not as strong as you think you are,” she shared and added, “But I do try to keep posi-tive, because I fell it’s really the best medicine. I think if I lend myself to all this fear, I’ll slip.”

Joey has been sharing the medical treatments she’s been getting and her fight against cancer through her Facebook account. She said it was a way to ask people for prayers and for others who are going through the same battle.

“I share my battle, my journey with people, first of all, I need prayers and I’m not gonna pretend I don’t need help, because I do.”

we pray that Joey again wins this fight.

THeY proved that their age difference was not an issue, especially when people were saying that their relationship would not last. So just this week, Eat Bulaga! co-host and comedian Vic Sotto confirmed that he and girlfriend Pauleen luna are now engaged.

Comedian/TV host Vic Sotto recently confirmed that he and girlfriend Pauleen Luna (who is also her co-host in the afternoon show “Eat Bulaga!”) are now engaged.

OPM singer Joey Albert is again battling colon cancer and is asking for prayers of healing. Now based in Canada, this is Joey’s third time to be diagnosed of the disease.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young is now the lead role in the remake of “Marimar” on GMA 7.

Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves was one of the special guests during the recent United Pangasinanes Association Inc. Golden Jubilee Dinner ball held at the South San Francisco Convention Center. Shown in photo are (L-R) Alexis Bajog, Mayor Esteves, Susan Arcilla, Amor and Vic Barba.

Rev. Father Abraham Alonzo, Pastor of San Rafael Catholic Church recently left for the Philip-pines last weekend to visit his relatives.

McKayla Michelle Calbeck, daughter of Sarah Ann and Justin Calbeck, was baptized last Sunday, August 16, at the St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. The ceremony was followed by a grand reception at The Water Bar at the Embarcadero. In photo are (L-R) Chona Enrile, Jun Enrile, Jonas Enrile, Yvonne Enrile, Gil Enrile, Sarah Calbeck, McKayla Michelle Calbeck, Garette Calbeck, Diane Calbeck, Lina Enrile and Stephanie Enrile.

JoAnne Lorenzana

SF7The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015

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The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - September 4, 2015SF8

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