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Volume 2 Number 10 LOS ANGELES DECEMBER 24, 2018 YOYOURUR WINDOW WINDOW TO TO THE THE FI FILIPINO-AMERICANLIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNCOMMUNITYITY Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

Ako Bicol solon, aide killed in Bicol HOMELAND, Page 3 US GOV’T SHUTS DOWN No deal reached on budget, border wall WASHINGTON — A partial leaders produced no apparent Senate both scheduled rare federal shutdown took hold early compromise. “We don’t have a Saturday sessions. House Saturday after Democrats refused deal. We’re still talking,” Senate members were told they’d get to meet President Donald Trump’s Appropriations Committee 24 hours’ notice before a vote. demands for $5 billion to start Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., The gridlock blocks money for nine erecting his cherished Mexican told reporters. of 15 Cabinet-level departments border wall, a chaotic postscript Late Friday, Mulvaney sent and dozens of agencies, including for Republicans in the waning agency heads a memorandum the departments of Homeland days of their two-year reign telling them to “execute plans Security, Transportation, Interior, controlling government. for an orderly shutdown.” He Agriculture, State and Justice. Putin says US Vice President Mike Pence, wrote that administration officials The lack of funds will disrupt Trump son-in-law and senior were “hopeful that this lapse in many government operations and raising risk adviser Jared Kushner and appropriations will be of short the routines of 800,000 federal of nuclear war White House budget chief duration” — an expectation that employees. Roughly 420,000 The Capitol is seen at day’s end Mick Mulvaney left the Capitol was widely shared. workers were deemed essential prior to the government shut- US & WORLD, Page 15 late Friday after hours of With negotiations expected and will work unpaid just days downin Washington, Friday, bargaining with congressional to continue, the House and (See SHUTDOWN, Page 11) Dec. 21, 2018. Duterte orders US reaffirms annihilation PH security of NPA, fronts commitment MANILA — President Rodrigo MANILA — Washington Duterte on Saturday ordered has reaffirmed its security the military to “destroy” the commitment to the Philippines New People’s Army (NPA) as he under the 1951 Mutual Defense refused to reciprocate the holiday Treaty, which some officials BSP exec sees ceasefire declaration of the rebels. wanted reviewed over what they “We do not subscribe to their thought was its vague wording of sustained PH ceasefire. We are ready for US guarantee of military support economic growth anything. Do not fight them, in the event of a foreign attack. destroy them,” Duterte said in a Secretary of State Michael BUSINESS, Page 14 speech before soldiers at Camp PH BET IS MISS UNIVERSE. Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Pompeo met with Foreign Affairs Manuel Y. Tan in Compostela Nel-Peters, of South Africa, right, crowns new Miss Universe Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Valley. Catriona Gray, of Philippines, during the final of 67th Miss Uni- State Department in Washington The Communist Party of the verse competition in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. yesterday. The meeting was Philippines (CPP) has declared a follow-up to their phone a five-day holiday ceasefire but conversation last October. Malacañang said the government 2 Fil-Am elected officials In a statement, the US embassy would not declare any ceasefire. back Itliong Avenue plan in Manila said the two officials “Law and order means you discussed cooperation on issues have to destroy — not really fight, LOS ANGELES -- A proposal Aujero Small, the former the first of mutual concern, including but destroy the Communist Party to rename a portion of Temple Fil-Am elected to the California counterterrorism and regional of the Philippines, including its Street that traverses Historic State Assembly and the latter the concerns such as the situation Fil-Am R&B legal fronts and infrastructure,” Filipinotown got a boost last week first Fil-Am to become mayor and in the Korean Peninsula and the Duterte said. following the endorsement of councilmember of Culver City. South China Sea. singer H.E.R. gets The President, in a speech in two prominent elected Filipino- The proposal seeks to “The secretary reaffirmed the 5 Grammy nods Davao City on December 19, American officials. rename to Larry Itliong Avenue enduring US-Philippines alliance, The two endorsers were State the portion of Temple Street PROUDLY PINOY, P 12 said the communist rebels do not including commitments under the deserve mercy as he slammed Assemblyman Rob Bonta and from Figueroa St. in downtown Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951,” Yearning for (See NPA, Page 6) Culver City Mayor Thomas (See ITLIONG, Page 8) (See US, Page 6) PH Christmas VIEWS, Page 4 Tsunami kills 222 in Indonesia Page 13 Page 2 PHILIPPINE POST December 24, 2018 December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 3 SHUTDOWN: No deal reached on budget, wall Ako Bicol congressman, (From Page 1) before Christmas, while 380,000 cop escort killed in Albay will be furloughed, meaning they’ll stay home without pay. DARAGA, Albay — Ako Those being furloughed Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, include nearly everyone at NASA known as an ally of President and 52,000 workers at the Internal Rodrigo Duterte, and his police Revenue Service. About 8 in 10 escort died while being taken to employees of the National Park a hospital in Legazpi City shortly Service will stay home and many after they were peppered with parks were expected to close. bullets by four unidentified men The Senate passed legislation in Daraga, Albay on Saturday ensuring workers will receive afternoon. Supt. Benito Dipad, chief of back pay, which the House seemed US President Donald Trump sure to approve. Daraga Municipal Police Station, Some agencies, including the and Senate Minority Leader gave details of the crime in a Pentagon and the departments of Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. phone interview with the Inquirer. Veterans Affairs and Health and Despite saying last week he’d The 52-year-old Batocabe was not blame Democrats for the on his way to a gift-giving event Human Services, were already Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe leads a gift-giving event on Friday, closure, Trump and his GOP allies for senior citizens and persons funded for the year in agreements Dec. 21, 2018, a day before he was shot at a similar event in Daraga, spent the last two days blaming with disabilities in Barangay reached earlier, and they will his hometown in Albay. operate as usual. Democrats anyway. Trump said Burgos in Daraga, Albay. The U.S. Postal Service, now was the time for Congress The police chief said the busy delivering packages for the to provide taxpayers’ money for activity was not coordinated with Diaz sustained six gunshot third term in the House — was holiday season, will not be affected the wall, even though he’s said the police, which was a “very wounds — two in his head, and running for mayor of Daraga in because it’s an independent repeatedly that Mexico will pay risky thing to do,” Barangay one each in his left chest, abdomen the 2019 elections. agency. Social Security checks for it — something that country Burgos being considered a rebel- and both legs. A lawyer by profession, will still be mailed, troops has repeatedly rebuffed. infested area. Five civilian bystanders were Batocabe finished his Economics will remain on duty and food “This is our only chance that Batocabe and his security also injured in the attack. and Bachelor of Laws degrees, inspections will continue. we’ll ever have, in our opinion, escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, Dipad identified them as both with honors at the University Also still functioning will be because of the world and the way were about to enter the covered Hayde Non Llorera, Gregorio of the Philippines in Diliman, the FBI, the Border Patrol and the it breaks out, to get great border basketball court at the Burgos Mediavillo, Nelia Millenia, Jesus Quezon City. Coast Guard. security,” Trump said Friday. Elementary School at around 3 Medes and Loresita Lomerio. While in law school, he Transportation Security Democrats will take control of p.m. when they were shot. Batocabe was vice chairman worked in Congress as researcher, Administration officers the House January 3, and they Batocabe had eight gunshot of three House committees — on eventually being promoted as will continue to staff airport oppose major funding for wall wounds in his body, according to dangerous drugs; good government legislative staff chief, according checkpoints and air traffic construction. Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr., and public accountability; and to the website of Ako Bicol party- controllers will also remain at Looking for a way to claim spokesperson of the Philippine natural resources. list group, of which he was the work. victory, Trump said he would National Police. Batocabe — who was on his president. Trump has openly savored accept money for a “Steel Slat a shutdown over the wall for Barrier” with spikes on the top, 3 more bodies found day after solon’s slay months, saying last week he’d be which he said would be just as “proud” to have one and saying effective as a “wall” and “at the DARAGA, Albay -- Three Friday he was “totally prepared for same time beautiful.” bodies were found in Daraga, a very long” closure. While many Trump called GOP senators to Albay, on Sunday, one day after of Congress’ most conservative the White House Friday morning, Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe Republicans were welcoming but Republicans said afterward and his police bodyguiard were such a confrontation, most GOP that the session did not produce murdered in the same town. lawmakers have wanted to avoid a strategy. Chief Inspector Maria one, since polling shows the Early this week, the Senate Calubaguib confirmed that a public broadly opposes the wall approved a bipartisan deal third body was found Sunday, and a shutdown over it. keeping government open into a few meters from two others Initial Republican reaction to February and providing $1.3 that had been found earlier but the shutdown was muted. Among billion for border security projects could not say as yet if these the few GOP lawmakers who but not the wall. In a GOP victory deaths were related to Batocabe’s issued statements as it began were Thursday, the House rebelled and assassination. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, approved a package temporarily All three bodies found in who expressed disappointment financing the government but Barangay San Vicente Grande, Policemen carry one of the bodies of three men who were shot dead at the lack of a deal, and Lamar also providing $5.7 billion for the in Daraga, Albay, had gunshot in a grassy lot not far from the area where AkoBicol Rep. Rodel Alexander of Tennessee. border wall. wounds. No IDs were found on Batocabe and his escort were ambushed in Daraga, Albay. “This is a complete failure Friday afternoon, a Senate the bodies. of negotiations and a success procedural vote showed that Villagers who found the bodies possible links between the killings in Barangay Burgos, Daraga, on for no one,” Alexander said. Republicans lacked the 60 votes said they looked unfamiliar. and Batocabe’s assassination after Saturday. “Instead of honoring his they’d need to force that measure Police said they were looking at a gift-giving event for Christmas responsibility to the American through their chamber. That jump- people, President Trump threw started negotiations between a temper tantrum and convinced Congress and the White House. House Republicans to push our Republicans conceded that nation into a destructive Trump one of their biggest hurdles Shutdown in the middle of the was Trump’s legendary holiday season,” said a joint unpredictability and proclivity statement by House Minority for abruptly changing his mind. Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Burglars take P.5M from Ako Bicol solon’s house in Albay LEGAZPI CITY — Ako the second floor. Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. lost “At around 12:30 a.m., my more than P500,000 worth of cash wife called when she noticed that and checks after burglars entered somebody was trying to open the his house in Barangay Buraguis in door in our master’s bedroom. Just this city Sunday morning while he this morning, we discovered that was busy preparing for the wake we’re robbed. I was not home last of slain colleague Rep. Rodel night to attend to the remains of Batocabe. Rodel (Batocabe),” Garbin said. Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Batocabe was killed by Calubaquib, spokesperson of the unidentified armed men as he Bicol Police Regional Office, said was leaving a gift-giving event in in a report that unknown persons Barangay Burgos in Daraga town took from the Garbin’s closet cash in Albay province around 3 p.m. and checks worth about P500,000, Saturday. a wristwatch, and other valuable Garbin said the cash was meant items. for the salaries and Christmas Garbin said the thieves were presents of the employees in his able to enter through the awning wife’s business. window in their comfort room on Page PHILIPPINE POST December 24, 2018 VIEWS December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 4 Yearning for Philippine Christmas FOR FILIPINOS who have the church in the biting cold. As been outside of the Philippines early as three in the morning, from for years, Christmas is both a Dec. 16 to Dec. 24, they woke time for rejoicing and a time for up and wore their best sweaters remembering. Even as the Filipino or jackets, had fun with their in America begins to feel the barkadas on the way to church, holiday mood immediately after only to sleep while the mass was Thanksgiving when people start going on. shopping for gifts and Christmas After the mass, they bounced decors, he feels at the same time their traditional carolling, making back to life to join their friends a longing for home. For nothing drums out of empty cans covered again, feasted on bibingkas and beats Christmas in the Philippines! by plastic, tambourine out of puto bungbong on their way After living on a distant bottle caps, and even just a pair home, and hanged around a bit shore all these years, I can truly of sticks to provide percussion. before being called home by their say that nothing beats the way At dusk, they formed into groups parents. Filipinos celebrate Christmas. of three or four, and made their Towards midnight on The genuine joy that the season rounds starting on the night of Christmas Eve, parents and their brings to millions of Filipinos in Dec. 16 until Christmas eve. At children donned their Christmas Bullies the Philippines is the same reason the end of each night, the carolers clothes and trekked back to church A VIDEO of several students of Ateneo Junior High School has why the hundreds of thousands counted their earnings and divided for the Midnight Mass. The church become viral, and Filipinos’ reactions online and offline are as of Filipinos living outside the them equally among themselves. becomes a venue for both solemn telling as the bullying incident that the video reveals. Philippines yearn for home at this Although I had been in the celebration of Christmas and a There are varying suggestions on how to deal with the bully in time of the year. Philippines close to the Christmas chance to mingle with friends the video, who confronted another boy and punched him in the For even just during those few again. days that Christmas is celebrated From the church, families nose. It’s a universal opinion that Ateneo, an institution so critical It is this kind of the administration’s perceived human rights abuses, should in the Philippines, many Filipinos retreated to their homes for the discipline the student—to what degree depends on the results of an feel they can share the blessings of joy that a traditional noche buena, a minor investigation—to send the message that there are no sacred cows that the world brings. Because of Filipino living preview of the grand celebration especially in that environment of privilege. the mandatory 13th month pay at lunchtime the next day. The and the bonuses paid by nearly all in a foreign land noche buena often consisted of The parents, many believe, should be held accountable for the misses sorely acts of their minor child. Already several other videos of the same companies, big and small alike, pan amerikano (bread loaf) or boy bullying yet other children have emerged, establishing that many people are able to afford about Christmas. pan de sal, keso (queso de bola this was not a one-time judgment lapse. what they can only dream about for those who can afford), hot The voices have been loud and virtiolic over the Internet. No the rest of the year. dog, coffee or hot chocolate, etc. less than Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin says the boy For the children of the poor, the season a few times since I left 27 Noche buenas are usually only for “should be beaten senseless” to straighten him out. Imagine all the Christmas season is only one of years ago, I haven’t really had the family. other hateful things being said about the boy, all along the lines of two instances when their parents the chance to experience being But the grand Christmas putting him in his place and disabusing him of any notion of power can afford to buy them new sets of serenaded by young boys and girls celebration, usually at midday and entitlement at such a young age. Many have also criticized the clothes and new pairs of shoes, the with Christmas carols so I’m not of Christmas Day, was for the school for the “lame” response to the incident. other being the school opening. sure if these carollers still make entire clan. It was an occasion At the other end of the spectrum, there are those who call for Christmas is also the only time for the rounds of the neighborhood for children and grandchildren to sobriety, reminding the others that the boy is still a child, that his many of these children to own a at night. gather together in the house of the own rights should be protected, and that the hatred spurred by brand new toy, often as a gift from While the kids looked forward patriarch or matriarch of the clan. the bullying video itself approximates the hatred that the bully their parents or from their ninong to the advent of dusk during Family members exchanged gifts, had for his classmate. or ninang. those nine days to earn some caught up on each other’s lives, Unfortunately, these very strong reactions are bound to come The Christmas season is money, the teenagers awaited and partook of the sumptuous and go, much like the events that caught our attention and fired also their chance to earn some with anticipation the coming of meal. Children played games, the up our sentiments, only to be forgotten when the next big sensation money to buy candies or toys. dawn during that same period. For male family members drank beer comes along. In the days of yore, as early as these teenagers, it was a chance to or liquor, everybody participated (See BULLIES, Page 6) December, young boys and girls be with their crushes, girlfriends in a singing session (using karaoke prepared their instruments for or boyfriends as they walked to (See ABELGAS, Page 11) Smoke from pres’l pulpit “COURAGE is fire, bullying is smoke,” said the British A prayer for Pax Mundi statesman Benjamin Disraeli, who certainly knew about bullying EVERY YEAR, people around aghast and ordered their soldiers as he was often demeaned for being born a Jew despite ascending the world, regardless of their to start shooting at each other. the heights of British politics. religious beliefs or affiliation, The soldiers resumed shooting but But if Disraeli made us aware of the ephemeral nature of a celebrate Christmas. For one most of them -- for several days bully’s bluster, it is from an anonymous source that we know what day of the year, December 25, -- aimed their rifles at the sky and defines a bully in the public sphere: “Softest on the people who people reach out to each other the stars. In some sectors, the truce need discipline, hardest on people who need compassion.” and to friends they haven’t seen continued until New Year’s Day. Anyone come to mind? or heard from since last year or After all, how can “friends” shoot Certainly, President Duterte feels alluded to. many years ago. Oftentimes, they at each other? When in a homily to mark the first “Misa de Gallo” of the send Christmas cards with family trees looked awesome. The It happened again in the Christmas season, an event of some significance among Filipino pictures and short notes. Germans began singing Christmas Korean Peninsula in 1953 when Catholics, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle Christmas is a day when songs and the British and French China and North Korea signed condemned the abuse of power and counseled the powerful to not Christians renew their faith in troops responded by singing the Korean War Truce with the be bullies, the President hit back with all the vitriol he could muster. Jesus Christ. On Christmas Day, too. Soon the entire “No Man’s United Nations and South Korea, “When did I ever scare or bully people?” the President asked families gather and have a feast Land” turned into a symphonic which begs the question: Why in a speech in Davao. and enjoy each other’s company Christmas celebration. The can’t it happen in the Philippines Instead, he implied, it was the Church that had started the and exchange gifts. The festivity Germans proposed a “Christmas today? What is so difficult that we fracas when priests were quoted as saying that they were praying lasts till late at night singing their truce” and the French and Filipinos cannot settle our own for Mr. Duterte to die. favorite karaoke songs and line differences? We need a truce with Actually, the Cardinal had quite a mouthful to say about dancing until they’re exhausted. the communist insurgents and bullying and abusing power, although he never mentioned anyone And then it’s time to say goodbye, As we celebrate Muslim separatists. It’s brother by name. hug each other and say, “Peace be against brother and nobody is (See EDITORIAL, Page 8) Christmas this with you.” year, let’s give winning. What’s keeping us apart? Christmas Truce Periods of peace in history This reminds me of the a prayer for The Pax Romana (Roman “Christmas Truce” during the Pax Mundi or Peace) was the first period of First World War 104 years ago. world peace. peace that endured for 206 years On Christmas Eve, the British from 27 BC to AD 180. During and French armies were manning this period, the Roman Empire 13424 Droxford St., Cerritos, CA 90703 Tel. (562) 469-8030 the 27-mile Western Front fiercely British troops accepted. achieved its greatest territorial defending French territory from By Christmas morning, “No Man’s expansion and its population VAL G. ABELGAS the advancing German Army. Land” was filled with fraternizing reached 70 million people -- a Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Across the British and French soldiers, sharing rations and third of the world’s population trenches, as near as 200 feet away, gifts, singing and more solemnly at that time. The decline of BOBBY CRISOSTOMO the Germans were dug in. What burying their dead. Soon they the empire began during the Chief Photographer separated the opposing armies was were even playing soccer, mostly dictatorial reign of Commodus. a place called “No Man’s Land.” with improvised balls. According It marked the descent “from the The Philippine Post is a weekly publication of Philippine Post Publishing On Christmas Eve, one of the most to one account, “proper burials kingdom of gold to one of iron circulated in Southern California. incredible -- and unusual -- events took place as soldiers from both and rust.” Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the in human history took place: the sides mourned together and paid The Pax Mongolica (Mongol publisher. Letters, press and photo releases are welcome but are subject to edito- Germans started placing candles their respect.” Peace) was the relative peace rial discretion. E-mail: [email protected]; website: www.philpostblog. on trees on “No Man’s Land.” that followed the conquests of wordpress.com When the generals heard about Lit with candles, the “Christmas” the “Christmas truce,” they were (See DIAZ, Page 14) December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 5 Pork twist: US immigration changes dominated 2018 Illegal NEW YORK — Children immediately spurred questions torn from their parents, refugees of legality from opponents. parking turned away, tear gas fired on Meantime, the possibility of a asylum-seekers, and a president government shutdown loomed By Val G. Abelgas who says he’s making good on as Trump and Democrats once promises to protect the nation’s again butted heads over funding IT USED to be just pork borders. In a breathless 2018, they to build a wall along the border barrel. But because the Supreme were just a handful of headlines with Mexico. Court has declared the pork on immigration, one of the year’s Even without it, though, barrel, formally called the most dominant issues. the policies he’s pursued have Priority Development Assistance Combined with a relentless effectively put up a virtual wall. Fund, unconstitutional, favored stream of administrative memos “That is far more effective than lawmakers are now resorting to and changes in regulation and a border wall ever would be,” said what Senator Ping Lacson and enforcement, it represented a Sarah Pierce, a policy analyst with Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. call government bombardment on the nonpartisan Migration Policy “parking” of huge amount of virtually every type of immigration In this photo, taken Dec. 10, 2018, people look on from the Mexican Institute. funds inserted into the proposed — a bold follow-up to the opening side, left, as U.S. Border Patrol agents on the other side of the U.S. Even top-tier computer national budget to get around the salvo of President Donald Trump’s border wall in San Diego prepare for the arrival of hundreds of programmers, architects, prohibition. first year in office. pro-migration protestors, seen from Tijuana, Mexico. engineers and other professionals Parked funds are included in the For those who champion Trump and welcomes people from around with job offers in the U.S. saw proposed National Expenditure and believe that cracking down on the world to make this country a refugee or asylum seeker. Jarring their applications for H1-B visas Program before it is submitted immigration translates to better better? Or are we going to shut visuals of children in detention under much more scrutiny; a to Congress, as opposed to lives for Americans, it has been the door?” centers and other enforcement means of expediting processing insertions or amendments made a year of fulfillment of campaign Throughout 2018, the answer actions have dissuaded some from of those visas was ended under by senators and congressmen to promises. has largely been the latter. seeking to come here at all. Trump, and bids for work the national budget. For those who’ve watched in Even as roundups and “There has been this constant authorization have been met by Lacson, who obviously opened horror, it harkened back to other deportations persist in targeting chip, chip, chipping away at the what employers and immigration a can of worms when he exposed points in the country’s history, when those who enter the U.S. illegally, legal immigration system using attorneys say seem like endless the existence of pork barrel fear of new arrivals led the U.S. to the Trump administration has every tool of the executive branch,” requests for evidence to prove funds in the proposed general refuse entry to various groups pushed beyond that to redefine said Doug Rand, who worked seemingly straightforward facts. appropriations act, revealed that and when open discrimination of what legal immigration looks in the Obama administration Still, the odds of those big amounts of pork are parked certain ethnicities prevailed. like, too. before helping found Boundless professionals eventually gaining in a legislative district of a well- “This is our generation’s sort It has slowed down or Immigration, which helps people clearance to enter the U.S. are connected congressman. of existential moment,” said Frank altogether halted many seeking navigate the immigration system. better than for many others. “Then he/she offers to share Sharry, head of pro-immigration to come to the country for a job The year neared its close with Trump’s so-called “travel portions of that parked pork to group America’s Voice. “Are we offer or through their relationship the administration saying those ban,” the first iteration of which other congressmen with very going to continue to be a nation to a citizen, and narrowed the seeking asylum would be forced to was unveiled in the president’s little or no pork allocations with that practices ’e pluribus unum’ chances of finding a home here as wait in Mexico, a major shift that (See IMMIGRATION, Page 11) the understanding that the choice of contractor remains with the former,” Lacson said. Analysts react to judge’s Obamacare ruling By doing so, the favored congressman strengthens his hold THE AFFORDABLE the decision. over the region while earning huge Care Act was again thrust into Lawmakers could easily commissions from the favored uncertainty with Federal District remedy this situation by instituting contractor. That bodes well for Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling a 1-cent penalty against people his reelection campaign and the Friday, Dec. 17, eliminating who don’t have insurance. But winning chances of politicians the tax penalty for not having finding consensus on a plan favored by the administration in insurance renders the entire law forward looks difficult. the region. unconstitutional. Much of the focus by the Imagine that scenario repeated A special bonus episode of public after the decision has been in various regions of the country KHN’s “What the Health?” on the 10 million people who and you’ll know how tilted in discussed the ramifications of buy insurance through the ACA favor of administration candidates this ruling. The podcast featured marketplaces and the 12 million the coming midterm elections panelists Julie Rovner of Kaiser who are covered through their would be. That’s exactly how Health News, Joanne Kenen of states’ Medicaid expansion. But then President Gloria Macapagal Politico, Stephanie Armour of the law had much broader reach, Arroyo ensured victory for her The Wall Street Journal and Paige Obamacare supporters hold rally including protections for people and her allies in the 2004 and Winfield Cunningham of The with preexisting conditions, an end 2007 elections. Washington Post. process will be more complicated. the first challenge to the law — to lifetime caps for all consumers, During Arroyo’s time, though, Among the takeaways: Although conservative legal many did not expect that other requirements on how much of budget officials and lawmakers Because Judge Reed O’Connor scholars likely might agree with broad aspects of the ACA would their revenue insurers must earmarked funds for supposed did not issue an injunction after the judge that the mandate to have also be thrown out in this case. spend on customers’ coverage agricultural productivity. Thus, ruling the ACA unconstitutional, coverage cannot stand without the Although the issue will play and efforts to improve quality they earmarked P728-million supporters of the law cannot file penalty — based on Chief Justice out in the courts, Congress will at hospitals, nursing homes and fund for the purchase of fertilizers immediately for an appeal. The John Roberts’ landmark ruling in face pressure on how to handle doctors’ offices. and P2 billion prior to the 2004 elections for the purchase of pigs purportedly for distribution to farmers to increase agricultural OFWs: Christmas productivity. The release raised an uproar, however, when it was discovered that even congressmen away from home in Metro Manila, where it was By Susan Ople hard to find a farm or a pigpen, got their share of the agricultural IN EVERY nook and corner of old seafarer Melpe Sespene spent funds. the world is an Overseas Filipino Christmas Eve surrounded by the Just before the 2007 elections, Worker (OFW) longing for home sea in his tiny air-conditioned the Arroyo administration was this Christmas and an OFW family cabin aboard a huge international again able to squeeze into the celebrating Christmas Eve with cargo ship. His work took him national budget a P3.1-billion one or more empty seats. everywhere but home, especially fund supposedly to build Christmas away from home for the Yuletide season. This year accentuates the loneliness and is different. Melpe’s shipping irrigation canals throughout An overseas Filipino worker and his partner share a sentimental isolation in the life of an OFW. company has deferred his return to the country to, again, improve moment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport shortly before Filipinos are known to spend the ship for early next year, giving agricultural productivity. It would he left for an overseas job. be interesting to see how many Christmas in a holistic way, him the opportunity to spend kilometers of irrigation canals preparing shopping lists weeks Christmas with his wife, Jenny, were built with the billions of in advance, no matter how short and children, nine-year-old Clem meaningful for Melpe and his cabin window at all.” pesos released that year. or long, and attending Holy and five-year-old Kyle. family because for the first time, Longing for her husband’s I would hasten to say there Mass at dawn as part of a long “Last year, I greeted my family they will be spending it together presence this Christmas is Mary were probably very few built Yuletide tradition. To be alone in through a video call while our ship in their new two-storey house, Siriban, who is pregnant with their because until now, our good friend a foreign land, waiting for the right was going through the Suez Canal the product of nine years of the fourth child. Mary sought the help Agriculture Secretary Manny moment to start a video call or post in Egypt. We had a Christmas tree family’s scrimping and saving for of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a Pinol continues to complain of Christmas greetings on Facebook aboard the ship and access to the monthly payments. “We will have non-government organization that lack of irrigation for farmlands. and exchange a barrage of text Internet but it’s still not enough. I a simple Christmas celebration but assists distressed OFWs, a week And then probably in messages, makes the season just missed home. I missed Christmas it will be full of gratitude because ago. Her husband, Melvin, ran preparation for the 2010 a tiny bit bearable. in the Philippines,” he said. this is our first Noche Buena under away from his abusive employer (See PORK, Page 15) For the past 12 years, 38-year- This Christmas is especially our own roof. I don’t miss my tiny (See CHRISTMAS, Page 6) Page PHILIPPINE POST December 24, 2018 NEWS December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 6 US: Reaffirms PH Ateneo kicks out student security commitment in bullying (From Page 1) of the Philippines (AFP) in the incident US State Department deputy event of confrontation with other spokesman Robert Palladino said. claimants. MANILA – Ateneo de The US reaffirmation came Lorenzana said areas in the Manila University (ADMU) has a day after Defense Secretary South China Sea over which the dismissed the student involved in Delfin Lorenzana said he wanted Philippines has sovereign rights the bullying incident caught on a review of the provisions of the should be covered by the MDT video, which went viral on social Philippines’ defense treaty with to obligate the US to come to media recently. the US. the aid of the country if ever the In a statement, President Fr. Lorenzana stressed the need Philippines is attacked by other Jose Ramon Villarin SJ said that to review the treaty given the states. Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. is welcomed at the after “thorough investigation” ambivalent stand of the US on But the US had made it clear it’s State Department by US State Secretary Mike Pompeo. and meeting with both parties the country’s maritime domain, not taking sides in the territorial concerned, the administration of including its territorial issues in dispute over the South China with Japan, is clear about its forces stationed in the country the university decided to dismiss the West Philippine Sea. Sea and the West Philippine Sea position to defend its powerful to help maintain peace and repel the bully student. The defense department, he among the Philippines, China and Asian ally and former enemy foreign aggressors or put down “The decision of the said, wanted Washington to give other Southeast Asian countries from external attacks. In Article internal disturbances sparked administration is to impose the a definitive commitment of armed with claims to areas in the sea. 5 of its security pact with the by instigation or intervention by penalty of dismissal on the student support for the Armed Forces The US, in its security treaty US, Japan allows American external forces. caught bullying another student in Meanwhile, Palladino said the comfort room of the school,” Pompeo and Locsin also explored Villarin said Sunday. OFWs: Christmas away from home opportunities to increase people- “This means that he is no longer allowed to come back to (From Page 5) to-people ties between the two the Ople Center for help. from this ordeal,” she said. countries. the Ateneo,” he added. in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She The Ople Center sought the An OFW in Taiwan said that They also reaffirmed their According to Villarin, he couldn’t sleep, worrying about her help of fellow OFW advocate seeing people going to church longstanding commitment to already talked to the families husband’s safety and the baby that Joel Quiaoit who is based in near her place of work makes her human rights and vowed greater concerned regarding the decision is due this month. Riyadh, and he was able to verify cry and long for home. Another cooperation to strengthen the and offered support for them to “He had to leave to work the whereabouts and physical OFW in Saudi Arabia keeps a Philippines’ energy security. overcome the incident. abroad as a driver because it was condition of the distressed OFW. Christmas tree in a secret and During their meeting, He also said further just too hard to make ends meet Mary’s husband is awaiting hidden corner of his house while Locsin also expressed Manila’s investigation is already underway here at home. We have so many repatriation at the embassy shelter his friend uses the pine tree- appreciation for the recent return “as there are other matters expenses including our apartment in Riyadh and is in good hands. shaped air freshener as his own of the Balangiga Bells. involved in the incident.” rental and food for the kids. With The OFW’s family has notified version of a Christmas ornament. The three church bells taken by Last week, social media another child on the way, my the legal assistance division of the Being alone or co-mingling with American soldiers as war booty became abuzz about a viral video husband reluctantly decided to Philippine Overseas Employment other nationalities in a multi- from Balangiga town, Eastern that showed an Ateneo Junior accept a job offer to work as a Administration (POEA), which cultural work environment has Samar in 1901, arrived in the High School (AJHS) student driver in Riyadh. Unfortunately, promised to look into the case. become the norm for many OFWs. Philippines on Dec. 11. – a taekwondo gold medalist – his Saudi employer would hit Efforts are now underway to They survive the loneliness with Locsin was accompanied kicking and punching a fellow him whenever he gets angry and bring Melvin home hopefully in the help of modern technology by Ambassador to the US Jose student inside the comfort room. Melvin, my husband, just couldn’t time for the birth of their fourth that enables them to be part of Manuel Romualdez. Other videos that subsequently stand it anymore,” Mary said. child. The Ople Center will also family traditions even from afar. surfaced online showed the same Celebrating Christmas was the be assisting Mary and her husband Let us include our modern- student forcing other students to farthest thing in her mind. She in obtaining livelihood assistance day heroes in our Christmas admit their idiocy and kiss his was scared for her husband and from pro-OFW institutions such prayers. Though they may be NPA shoes. anxious that all her worrying had as the Overseas Workers’ Welfare far, distance will not prevent (From Page 1) Senators and even a Palace started to affect the baby. Mary Administration and the Villar them from expressing love and them for being “cruel and brutal.” official immediately expressed described her ordeal of trying to SIPAG Foundation. “Christmas gratitude to our Creator for the He said he no longer considered alarm over the incident. get a concrete response from the will always be about family. birth of Jesus, and to the loved the NPA as revolutionaries as recruitment agency that deployed Despite what happened, we still ones left behind. Christmas will they are “criminals” and “plain her husband. “I sought the help have so much to be thankful for. always be about God and family bandits.” BULLIES of the agency but they simply My husband will be home soon for millions of Filipinos around “They are all criminals. Do (From Page 4) ignored my request for help,” and we are glad that there are the world. not consider them revolutionary. While we are at it, it is Mary said. She decided to turn to people willing to help us recover They are just plain bandits and best to focus on those who that is the way we should treat have kept silent all along— We’re just a click away. Visit us at them,” Duterte said in his speech the bullied. For instance, the during the Barangay Summit on boy who was punched in the Good Governance Region XI in video was reported to have www.philpostblog.wordpress.com Davao City. received medical attention belatedly, because he only told his parents the truth when the video surfaced. Bullying is a common occurrence in schools, and those who fall prey to bullies often feel that they must work it out on their own because admitting to it would invite more abuse or make them appear weak. Some children—and even adults —withdraw into their own worlds, perform poorly in school, and even take their own lives because of the experience. That recorded incident is not the only instance of bullying in Ateneo, or anywhere. In countless environments, with children and adults alike, there are always those who feel they must look, sound and act strong all the time by flaunting their power over others. By all means, they should not be tolerated. The bullied should be empowered to stand up to their oppressors. It is in the home that children first get educated on how to protect and assert themselves. It’s a tough world out there. The good news is, we don’t need be as low and as coarse and as dirty to survive. We only have to be decent—and firm. -- Manila Standard December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 7 The Garden at Philippine Arena: Tourism boom seen in Bulacan By Don Orozco A US NEWS article in January of 2018 identified the Philippines as the number one (No. 1) destination to invest. The findings were based on a study that surveyed more than 21,000 global citizens from all over the McDonald’s patrons enjoy the revelrie at the food chain’s first ever world. It is believed that part of morning dance party in Los Angeles. the growth of the Philippines can be attributed to the tourism industry. McDonald’s hosts first With Berna Romulo Puyat as the new Tourism Secretary morning dance party the country expect a better The Animal World houses exotic animals. LOS ANGELES – melty American cheese between performance from our travel and McDonald’s threw its first ever two savory, hot sausage patties tourism industry. morning dance party, Rise N’ and topped with crispy, thick-cut In 2016, travel and tourism Rave, in downtown Los Angeles Applewood smoked bacon and generated about 3 trillion pesos last week inspired by the Triple an egg. to the Philippine economy, which Breakfast Stacks, a breakfast “McDonald’s is thrilled to have represents approximately 20% sandwich created to conquer hosted our first morning dance of the countries Gross Domestic morning hunger and a big day. party in celebration of Triple Product. Berna as tourism With Electronic Dance Music Breakfast Stacks,” said Ivonne architect is expecting a drastic (EDM) gaining popularity all Loza, U.S. Marketing Brand increase in tourism thru the help over the globe, especially in Content Manager at McDonald’s of the locals. Asia, McDonald’s tapped into up USA. “It’s a perfect combination Enter Ciudad De Victoria and coming Asian American DJ for guests to dance up an appetite destined to be the next BGC or Manila Killa (a.k.a. Chris Gavino) and craving to try our new the soon to be “The New BGC” to provide the beats at its first ever breakfast sandwich.” or The New Bulacan Global morning dance party. Over 400 guests came with a City which will compete with Attendees danced the line wrapping around the block the development of the south. The Garden has some of the most beautiful flowers in the world morning away while enjoying by 5:30AM. Inside, guests were Ciudad De Victoria is a property the new Triple Breakfast Stacks, treated to the new Triple Breakfast owned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo like stargazer, hydrangea and and horses. McDonald’s new breakfast Stacks sandwich along with and is operated by the Maligaya snapdragon all are considered With all the development sandwich featuring two slices of McDonald’s coffee. Development Corporation. It rare finds. happening over at Ciudad De is situated in Bocaue and Santa The Garden, which was Victoria as it will soon be a mega Maria, Bulacan, Philippines. It is conceptualized by INC Executive bus terminal of the north that will EDITORIAL: Palace bully currently home of the Philippine Minister Eduardo V Manalo and decongest traffic in EDSA plus (From Page 4) Arena, the world’s largest was under the supervision of an assortment of structure to be “Do not bully anyone,” Tagle said, quoting St. John the Baptist. domed arena alongside the 3-ha INC General Auditor Glicerio built together with The Garden “Don’t use your power as a license to be rude. Don’t use your Philippine Stadium and 2-ha Santos Jr has transformed into a it will blossom to be the newest power to coerce people. Don’t use arms to level false accusations Philippine Sports Center. haven not only for tourists but for tourism mecca of the Philippines against others.” It is also home of the year-old young couples as well. It offers a and will soon be crowned as The Maybe the prelate was referring to Mr. Duterte’s previous The Garden at The Philippine serene so peaceful, tranquil and New BGC of the north. attack, which called on the people to kill the bishops because they Arena. beauty and has become a hub for The Garden at The Philippine were “useless” and “did nothing but criticize his brutal war on Many tourists from around the engagement photos. Arena is open daily from 8am to drugs.” world travel to the Philippines. Since its inception last year, 11pm. Entrance fee varies from Just a day or so later, the President escalated anew his attack Though their destinations are The Garden has been vastly adult is P450. P360 for Seniors & on the Church, claiming that a priest in Davao City had died farther south or north these tourist improved with the opening of PWDs and P250 for children. The from complications of HIV/AIDS, a violation of a law calling for will have to deal with the biggest its Phase 2, a enchanting park ticket includes unlimited rides on confidentiality on the status of people living with (or dying of) HIV/ traffic snarl of Metro Manila. To teeming with a colorful flowers. all of the attractions. Come one AIDS, and using the continuing stigma against AIDS in an attempt escape from all that hustle and The Garden also houses the come all. to smear the reputation of a priest and of all clergy in general. to reconnect with nature Ciudad Animal Kingdom where you can Visit Philippines and visit The President also continued to use his bully pulpit to hit back De Victoria offers an oasis for find exotic animals like porcupine, The Garden at The Philippine not just at prelates and priests, but even those running with the relaxation. wild boar, chimpanzees, lions, Arena. After all, there is more opposition in the upcoming midterm elections. The Garden at The Philippine donkeys, alpaca, albino carabao, fun in the Philippines.(for First on his list was former interior secretary Mar Roxas, whom Arena provides visitors some crocodiles, camel, bear cats, inquiries on article please email Mr. Duterte had defeated in the 2016 polls. In a speech, he accused of the most beautiful flowers different breed of snakes and birds me [email protected]) Roxas of “ordering” the ambush of former police general Vicente Loot, now the mayor of Daanbantayan in Cebu. He did not offer any details, and the next day presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President’s comment was “obviously” a joke. If the President was indeed “joking,” he certainly didn’t show any sign of an attempt at humor. Indeed, the remark could be described as a veiled threat, either of another ambush attempt or of charges being readied against Roxas. And if the President or his spokesperson sought to soften the blow aimed at Roxas, Mr. Duterte was less subtle with a “weaker” target: the lumad or indigenous communities in remote but resource-rich areas. Referring to the need to “protect” the tribes from communist guerrillas, the President said he would “hamlet” them, referring to the Vietnam- and Marcos-era policy of forcibly confining village folk into isolated areas so they could be more easily monitored and controlled, usually by armed troops. Lumad communities have been quite vocal in their protests against big business and political interests encroaching on their ancestral lands to exploit the resources in these lands—trees, minerals and even fuel. Indeed, the President is living up to the template of the tinhorn despot. Some personalities, including the son (and namesake) of now Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon, appear to be let off easily — in Faeldon Jr.’s case, suspiciously cleared of drug use despite being arrested inside what police described as a “drug den.” Others — church personalities, opposition figures, tribal folk — are threatened and attacked, bullied in other words, just because they present available and convenient targets. Their persecution is masked by the “smoke” of power and impunity, and by the cowardice of a bully. – Philippine Daily Inquirer

To advertise, call (562) 469-8030 FebruaryDecember 24, 16, 2018 2017 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POSTPOST PagePage 9 9 COMMUNITY December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 8 US Congress approves Asia Reassurance Bill By Eric Lachica WASHINGTON – Filipino American advocates for good governance cheered the passage of the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (S. 2736) in the U.S. Senate last week and was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on December Assemblymember Rob Bonta Mayor Thomas Aujero Small 12, 2018. The comprehensive and ITLIONG: Plan backed strategic national security (From Page 1) legislation counters Chinese current and future generations of government’s economic bullying Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), center, ranking member of the Los Angeles and westward up his work and impact.” and military aggression with Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, to Silver Lake Boulevard and The proposal has previously her Asian neighbors and the is thanked by human rights advocates (L to R): DC coordinator Virgil Avenue. The proposal has earned the support of other Philippines. It provides $1.5 Eric Lachica, chaplain Georgette Beltran of US Fillipinos for been submitted to Los Angeles prominent elected Filipino- billion annually in security Good Governance DC, spokeswoman Genie Nguyen of Voice of Mayor Eric Garcetti, author of American officials in Los Angeles assistance to America’s allies to Vietnamese Americans and journalist Angelyn Tugado-Marzan the resolution that designated a County, including Cerritos promote the values of democracy, for championing the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) after part of the 13th District to Historic Mayor Mark Pulido, Carson human rights, and the rule of law a Senate hearing in July 2018 in Washington. (uspgg.org photo) Filipinotown in 2002 while he was Councilmember Elito Santarina in the Indo-Pacific region. still a councilman representing and newly sworn-in Artesia “This new law will be morale Rodis added. censorship activities” of the the district. Councilmember Melissa Ramoso. boost and a Christmas gift to Specifically, the legislation news media in the region. It The main proponents are the The National Federation of our courageous human rights found “unacceptable human rights further urges President Trump to Filipino American Community Filipino American Associations defenders, journalists and civil developments” in the Philippines “terminate, suspend, otherwise of Los Angeles (FACLA) and (NaFFAA), the largest and society friends in the Philippines, with “continued disturbing reports alter… economic assistance to the Media and Business Club of umbrella organization of Filipino China and in Asia who are of extra-judicial killings” there – any country that has engaged in Los Angeles County Inc. (MBC), associations throughout the persecuted by their governments,” along side Burma’s (Myanmar) serious violations of human rights both headed by businessman United States, also sent a letter of said Rodel Rodis, president of ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya or religious freedoms.” (Sec. 408) Fernandico Q. Gonong Jr. as endorsement to Mayor Garcetti the national advocacy group, US people and Chinese government’s The Philippine National President. and the LA City Council. Pinoys for Good Governance, massive forced disappearances, Police was identified for no Bonta, author of Assembly “As the largest organization and a prominent immigration “omnipresent surveillance” and counternarcotics funding Bill 7 which designated October promoting the welfare and well- attorney based in San Francisco, lack of judicial due process there. assistance unless the Duterte 25, Itliong’s birthday, as Larry being of the over four million California. (Sec. 401) Administration implemented a Itliong Day in California to honor Filipinos and Filipino Americans “Geo-politically, this law when The powerful legislation counternarcotics approach “that and recognize his contributions in the United States, it is our signed by President Trump will calls on the American president is consistent with international to the state, in a letter to Mayor mission to increase visibility send a stern warning to Xi Jinping to “impose targeted financial human rights standards including Garcetti and members of the LA and amplify the voices of the to end his imperial dreams in Asia penalties and visa bans sanctions” investigating and prosecuting City Council, sought support for Filipino community. The State and will directly sanction Duterte on human rights violators individuals who are credibly the proposal. of California and the City of Los and his murderous underlings,” and persons who “engages in (See APPROVED, Page 11) “This important proposal Angeles are home to some of the would honor and recognize one largest concentrations of Filipinos of the greatest heroes in the in the United States. And we thank Filipino American community, both institutions for their support Larry Itliong, and his lifelong and designating October 25 as contributions to our state, labor Larry Itliong Day statewide and community, and civil rights in designating a portion of the movement,” Bonta said. city as Historic Filipinotown,” “As the first Filipino American wrote NaFFAA national chairman State Legislator in the history Brendan Flores. of California, it has been a “We urge you to continue priority of mine to help tell the your support for the Filipino stories of the Filipino American community in honoring an icon experience in California and our and a fierce advocate of justice contributions to the state – stories and equal rights for immigrants,” that have been largely untold,” Flores added. Bonta added. “One of the greatest The proposal is also being leaders within our community and supported by the Fil-Am California history is Larry Itliong, chambers of commerce, various a prominent labor organizer and Filipino organizations all over farmworker who fought for Southern California and most socioeconomic and racial justice especially by Filipino groups on behalf of migrant farmworkers in the Historic Filipinotown, and working people.” including the Historic Bonta said the state has done Filipinotown Neighborhood an incredible job of recognizing Association, Rotary Club of the life of Cesar Chavez, who Historic Filipinotown, Search worked alongside Itliong for years to Involve Pilipino Americans during the farm labor movement, (SIPA), Filipino American Service by renaming the eatsern portion of Groups Inc. (FASGI), the Pilipino Temple Street in his honor. Workers Center (PWC), the Justice “Commemorating Larry Itliong for Filipino American Veterans on the western portion of Temple (JFAV), Philippine Women’s Club Street next to Cesar Chavez would and the Knights of Rizal. be an appropriate next step given Itliong, who was born in their interconnected work and Pangasinan in the Philippines, legacy for improving the lives led the Great Delano Grape of the farm labor community,” Strike in 1965 together with Bonta added. fellow Filipinos Philip Vera Cruz, Mayor Small, in endorsing the Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco, proposal, said: One of the greatest demanding wages for agricultural leaders within our community and workers to equal that of the federal California history is Larry Itliong, minimum wage. a prominent labor organizer and Known as the “father of West farmworker who fought for Coast Labor Movement,” Itliong’s socioeconomic and racial justice group was later joined by Mexican on behalf of migrant farmworkers workers under the National and working people. However, Farm Workers Association, led many individuals around the state by Chavez in the grape strike that eventually led to the unity are still unaware of his incredible of Filipino and Mexican farm legacy, so it’s incumbent upon workers and the formation of the leaders like us to educate our United Farm Workers. December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 9 Brown appoints 2 Fil-Am Superior Court judges SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. appointed 13 California superior court judges, including two Filipino Americans. The appointments include one in Alameda County; one in Contra Costa County; three in Los Angeles County; one Instant Pot Leche Flan (Photo by Elizabeth Ann Quirino) in Riverside County; two in Sacramento County; three in San Diego County; one in Santa Recipe: Instant Clara County; and one in Solano County. Judge Rohanee Zapanta Judge Audra Ibarra Two Filipino American women pot leche plan were named to the bench: Judith F. Hayes. County District Attorney’s Office By Elizabeth Ann Quirino Rohanee Zapanta, 42, of San Audra Ibarra, 49, of Palo Alto, from 1997 to 1999. Ibarra was an Positively Filipino Diego, will be a judge in the San will be a judge in the Santa associate at Pillsbury, Madison Diego County Superior Court. Clara County Superior Court. She and Sutro from 1994 to 1996. AFTER spending long hours Select Manual and Steam for Zapanta has served as a deputy has been counsel at California She is a member of the California in the kitchen preparing the 20 minutes for each llanera. For public defender at the San Diego Appellate Law Group since 2012 Judicial Council. main course for the big family a round cake pan, Steam for 25 County Public Defender’s Office and a sole practitioner since 2010. Ibarra earned a Juris Doctor gathering, the last thing you minutes. since 2005. She was an associate Ibarra served as the deputy degree from New York University want to do is toil several hours When cooking is complete, use at the Law Offices of Bay Bulaon chief of the Organized Crime School of Law and a Bachelor of more making dessert. Now you a quick release. Carefully remove in 2005 and at the Price Law Drug Enforcement Task Force Arts degree from the University of can prepare the all-time Filipino the flan by using silicone mitts to Group from 2003 to 2004. at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, California, Berkeley. She fills the favorite Leche Flan dessert in hold the handles of the steamer Zapanta was a law clerk at the Northern District of California vacancy created by the elevation the popular Instant Pot or most rack. Place the flan on the counter Law Offices of Robert L. Swain from 2005 to 2006, where she was of Judge Mary J. Greenwood to multi-cookers in half the time. to cool. Refrigerate for at least 6 and at the San Diego County an Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Court of Appeal. This rich, creamy custard cooks hours or overnight before serving Public Defender’s Office in 2002. 2001 to 2006. She is the first Filipino- in less time and the Instant Pot the flan. She earned a Juris Doctor degree Ibarra served as an Assistant American ever appointed to the or multi-cooker allows you the *Note: When turning on Steam, from the University of San Diego U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Santa Clara County Superior advantage of walk-away-from-it it takes about 17 to 20 minutes for School of Law and a Bachelor of Attorney’s Office, Southern Court and the first Filipino- cooking that let’s you do other the Instant Pot to preheat before Arts degree from the University of District of California from 1999 American woman to serve as a thing that need your attention. the cooking time begins. For other San Diego. She fills the vacancy to 2001. She served as a deputy superior court judge in the Bay Serve this for a dessert or snack multicookers, please consult the created by the retirement of Judge district attorney at the Solano Area. during the holidays. product manual. Ingredients Cook’s comments: As with 1 cup granulated sugar all appliances, please read the 8 egg yolks user’s manual of your Instant 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated Pot, pressure cooker or multi- milk cooker. Follow safety precautions 1 (14-ounce) can condensed and suggestions. Use cooking milk accessories which are made 1 teaspoon vanilla extract of metal or silicone or those Equipment specifically recommended for the Steamer rack with handles Instant Pot or multi-cooker. Do (comes with some multi-cooker not use glassware. models) (Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based 7-inch round metal cake pan in New Jersey is a journalist and or 2 llaneras (Filipino oval pans author of the “Instant Filipino TAAL FIESTA. Taaleños, expats from Taal, Batangas, celebrated the feast of their patron saint, St. about 5 inches long) Recipes: My Mother’s Philippine Martin of Tours, on Nov. 17, at the Walnut Grove Senior Housing Clubhouse in Walnut, Calif. Fr. Procedure Food In a Multicooker Pot” Thomas Asia, Administrator at St. Martha’s Catholic Community, offered Holy Mass, followed by To make the caramel: Pour Cookbook. She is a member of what seemed like a never-ending sumptuous potluck luncheon. It was bonding time for townmates, the sugar into a small, heavy the International Association of many of whom haven’t seen each other for years. They stayed for the ala Luis’ singer/sintonado’- stockpot set over medium heat Culinary Professionals and blogs contest, lured by prizes galore, while taking two or even three trips back to the appetizing spreads, on the stove. It will take about about Filipino home cooking on and ending with the usual ‘to go’ frenzy. No one left empty-handed as there were so many door prizes 5 minutes for the sugar to start her site AsianInAmericaMag. to give away. Organizers of the event were Jeanette and Chito Ilagan of Covina; Lorna and Eddie B. bubbling, starting at the edges com. ) De Sagun of West Covina; and Baby Patolot of La Puente. (lvsolis) and moving to the center. Tilt the pan around to keep the syrup level. Once the white sugar turns an amber color and is boiling, quickly pour the caramel into the round cake pan or divide equally between the 2 llaneras. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk the egg yolks. Add the evaporated milk and mix well. Pour in the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Blend the ingredients. Pour the custard mixture through a sieve placed over the caramel-lined cake pan. If using llaneras, fill each container ¾ full. Cover the flan pan or llaneras with aluminum foil and seal tightly. Place the steamer rack with handles inside the pot. Fill the inside pot with 2 cups of water, reaching up to the edge of the rack. For each llanera: Cook one llanera at a time. For a round cake pan: Be sure to use a 7-inch diameter metal pan that fits inside the multicooker. Wrap the bottom of the pan with foil if using a springform pan. Secure the lid. Check that the cooking pressure is on Manual and the release valve is set to Sealing. FebruaryPage 10 24, 2018 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POST POST FEATURESDecember 16, 2017 December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POSTSeptember Page22,Page 201810 9 Maligayang Pasko: The longest, most fun Christmas celebration in the world THE CHRISTMAS holiday By Gus Mercado Philippines in imagination, seems, universally, to be a time creativity and pageantry. While of renewal, goodwill, of hope fir trees are not plentiful in the and magic, regardless of race, ceremonies, families enjoy tropics, Filipinos decorate palms nationality or religion. The morning snacks with neighbors and other vegetation with bright universal tale of a humble family and friends and stroll through the ornamentation. The tree decors facing great hardships during the bazaar of shops and food vendors can include tiny star lanterns, birth of a child is complete with that line the streets, taking in the candies, fruits tied with ribbons, miracles, wise kings, evil forces, salivating aroma of salabat and small wood or bamboo carvings, and lowly shepherds. puto-bumbong. small baskets, glittered items like The well-to-do in the Philippines prepare grand feasts Marking the beginning of one The official 21-day celebration garlands and icicles, and even of the world’s major religions, in the Philippines dates back to the empty match boxes wrapped like (originally a 1933 Cebuano song “Mano Po”. the birth of Christ became a entitled “Kasadya Ning Taknaa” The elder then blesses the turning point in the history of the and popularized by Filipino person who paid respect with world. Throughout the history musician Levi Celerio), to popular “Aguinaldos” which can be in of Christmas, local customs western Christmas favorites like the form of a gift, money or toys, intertwined with religious Jingle Bells, White Christmas, most usually to younger children significance to bring extraordinary Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells, who are also treated to sumptuous depth to the holiday. the melancholic White Christmas meals. Well-to-do families tend to More fun in the Philippines and Oh Holy Night and the prepare grand and glorious feasts Christmas in the Philippines is whimsical Rudolph the Red-nosed while other families choose to like no other. Of all the countries Reindeer and Grandma Got Run cook simple meals, nevertheless in the world, it is in the Philippines over by a Reindeer! still special. where the ceremony and festivities Filipino children wear their Whether or not the Christmas are longest and arguably most new clothes to mass and then visit star became visible in Asia religious. It is no wonder that members of the extended family, remains a mystery. However, it visiting overseas Filipinos, called notably the elders in order to pay is certain that Filipinos were so “Balikbayans” choose to come at their respect. This custom has beguiled by the nativity of baby Christmas time over any other been an age-old tradition in the Jesus that hanging a parol – the time of the year. Philippines called “Pagmamano” ubiquitous home-made Filipino Every time we go home, the which is done by touching one’s star lantern – has been every celebration seems to get longer forehead to the elder’s hand saying home’s tradition for generations. and longer. It used to start on December 1 but now Filipinos start Simple Noche Buena in a typical happy home celebrating as early as September, as chilly winds and Christmas 16th century, when Pope Sixtus V presents. To give trees a cold- carols start filling the air. There decreed that in the Philippines pre- weather climate look Filipinos is even a place in Central Luzon Christmas dawn Masses should make snow from shaved and called the “Paskuhan Village” start on December 16. Apart melted soap bars or cotton. where Christmas is celebrated from coinciding the Masses with Once the “Simbang Gabi” year-round. the nine-day festivals celebrated starts, children like to form groups There is something magical across the islands during this and enjoy hopping from one about the season that stimulates special period, the decree gave house to another every night the Filipino psyche to prepare farmers the chance to pray before singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night early and enthusiastically for the setting out for the fields at sunrise. and traditional Filipino Christmas world’s most elaborate celebration. So nine days plus the European- songs. They are usually rewarded For nine days before Christmas inspired 12 days of Christmas, with cash, meals or treats. most Filipinos rise at 4:00 a.m. to from December 25 to January 6, The repertoire of the carolers attend Mass, “Simbang Gabi” at add up to 21 days of holidays, the usually comprises of an eclectic Phil-Am Texas Chamber investors are now importing Philippine the Catholic churches throughout longest celebration in the world. mix of traditional Tagalog classics Parols from Pampanga. Shown from left: Emilie McSweeney, the archipelago. After the religious No other country beats the like “Ang Pasko as Sumapit” Myrna Carreon and Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado. The parol began as the simple Spanish farol, the lantern used for everyday illumination and martial signals. Dressed up, the farol figured in religious processions and civic parades. The Las Piñas Church in southern Metro Manila warms chilly December days with a bevy of hundreds of star- shaped lanterns, welcoming the faithful to the nine-day dawn masses that culminate in the Christmas Midnight Mass.. They are a favorite Christmastime motif in churches, houses, office buildings and shopping malls throughout the islands. Now, the masterfully crafted electronic parols with dazzling kaleidoscopes of light patterns dominate every Philippine city and town and are now also being exported to the U.S. As a beneficiary of one of our Phil-Am Chamber’s trade missions to the Philippines, Emilie McSweeney of Lantana, Texas now imports the modern parols by container loads from San Fernando, Pampanga for U.S. distribution. Just as the Star of Bethlehem led the shepherds and the Magi to the manger, so too do the iconic parols usher in the Christmas spirit in every Filipino home, with fervor burning in every Filipino heart. It imbibes a spirit of peace and harmony among the spiritually inclined and the optimistic, and gives hope to the underprivileged. December 1, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 11 NEWS December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 11 IMMIGRATION: Dominated 2018 DILG defends $396-M CCTV (From Page 5) back to your country!” Now he’s first week in office, was upheld in a few hours east in Mexicali, his system deal with China firm June by the U.S. Supreme Court, aching leg full of bullet fragments, MANILA — The Department stopping most visas for residents overwhelmed and scared by his of the Interior and Local of mostly Muslim Libya, Iran, reality. Government (DILG) defended Somalia, Syria and Yemen, as well “I don’t know what to do,” said its $396.8-million emergency as North Korea and Venezuela. Munoz, a coffee farmer from the response and monitoring system Though the policy allows for Honduran town of Atima. “I want contract with a Chinese firm that waivers, initial data showed few to go to the United States, though raised security concerns. such applications were actually I’m scared they’ll send me back. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año approved, effectively shutting the I’m afraid to be in Honduras, but downplayed security concerns door to most from those nations. I don’t feel safe here either.” raised by lawmakers, saying the It’s had very real consequences At every turn, there were DILG will undertake necessary for people like Soolmaz Dadgari, policy changes. One proposed measures to protect data in the an Iranian who came to the rule would restrict visas or legal planned surveillance system. U.S. in 2017 so her 4-year-old permanent residence for those “The public doesn’t have to daughter, Arina, could take part receiving certain government worry about data breaches in the in an experimental study to treat benefits for low-income people, project as there will be no storage a rare genetic disorder. Dadgari’s such as food stamps. Hundreds DILG’s current monitoring system will be upgraded. husband has been unable to get a of immigrant enlistees in the visa to join them, and sanctions Army were discharged or had to public order, safety and here in the Philippines. make it hard for him to send their contracts cancelled, though security,” Año added. The final feasibility study money. She alone cares for a some were later reinstated. Even He said firewalls meant to of the Safe Philippines project child who can’t walk or talk and some U.S. citizens were targeted protect the system from hackers was approved by the National requires 24-hour help, as well as by a “denaturalization task force” and other threats would be Economic and Development another 11-year-old daughter. looking for naturalized Americans installed by the DILG through Authority last January. Dadgari has considered with past infractions. funding by the government. Año claimed crime could returning home but knows she More than any other shifts in The DILG chief argued be reduced by 15 percent and needs to remain for her daughter’s policy, the Trump administration’s that “it’s about time” that a response time improved by 25 treatment. Still, the situation move to separate apprehended surveillance system used in many percent with the installation of the has affected the way she views migrant children from their cities in the world be installed surveillance system. the U.S., which she had always parents shook people around the regarded as the best place in the world. Though Trump eventually world. ended widespread use of the APPROVED: Asia “I have no hope,” she said. practice, the scars remain for those Even as wars, persecution and affected. DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano famine have continued around the Evelin Roxana Meyer of La Reassurance Bill world, the U.S. capped refugee Union, Honduras, thought 2018 of classified data or information (From Page 8) their staff several times over the admissions at 45,000 for the would be the year things turned inimical to national security in the alleged to have ordered, past two years on their concerns. fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, around for her family. They’ve CCTV system,” Año said. committed, or covered up Gardner and Markey won the lowest ceiling since the State struggled to pay off a loan for State-owned China extrajudicial killings.” (Sec. full bi-partisan support in both Department began tracking the the grocery store they run out International Telecommunications 201e) houses with leadership of the late figure in 1980. of their home, so her husband, and Construction Corp. won the More than 25,000 Filipinos, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) Far fewer were actually Douglas, and son, Eduardo, set contract for the installation of a mostly poor suspected drug along with Sen. Bob Corker (R- admitted in that time frame: about off for the United States in hopes vast network of security cameras dealers and addicts, are estimated TN), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), 21,000 refugees. The number is of finding work. Instead, the two under the first phase of the project to have been killed over the past Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. likely to fall further, with the cap were picked up by Border Patrol titled Safe Philippines. two years under Duterte’s bloody Bob Menendez (D-NJ). House for the current fiscal year set at agents and separated. It is a joint project between declarations. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy 30,000. The father was deported, but the government and the People’s The new law offers $210 (R-Bakersfield CA) championed Meantime, tens of thousands it took weeks before the parents Republic of China that Año said million annually in financial the bill. fleeing violence in Central America knew where Eduardo was taken. aims to improve public safety, assistance to civil society “We thank the leaders of sought asylum in the U.S. this He spent four months in detention, evidence collection and incident groups, universities, multilateral USPGG, Filipino American year. The Trump administration turning 12 alone at a facility in prevention during disasters, institutions and nongovernmental Human Rights Alliance, Samahang responded by narrowing who is Brownsville, Texas. as well as improve emergency organizations to promote human Magdalo U.S., Movement for eligible, declaring that neither The once-affectionate boy response. rights and the rule of law in the a Free Philippines, Amnesty those escaping gang violence or returned home angry in September. The project was one of 29 Indo-Pacific nations. International, Human Rights domestic abuse nor those who He rarely goes out, spending most agreements signed during the The Senate bill, S. 2736, Watch, religious ecumenical cross the border illegally qualify. of his time in his room watching state visit of Chinese President Xi was introduced in April by Sen. groups, community organizations Both changes have been blocked TV. He’s refused to go to school Jinping last month. Cory Gardner (R-CO), chairman and our American friends for by federal courts. and will have to repeat the sixth An initial 12,000 surveillance of the Senate Foreign Relations their successful lobbying efforts Some seeking refuge in the grade. He talks back to his parents cameras would be installed in subcommittee on Asia and its in Washington over the past two U.S. are stuck in untenable and hits his little sister, whom he Metro Manila and Davao within ranking member Sen. Edward years,” Rodis said. positions. used to be close to. The family 30 months. Markey (D-MA). Several “In these dangerous and difficult Ivis Muñoz, 26, decided to doesn’t know what to do to help “The project will simply allow hearings on China’s aggression times in our motherland, we, as join a caravan leaving Honduras him. our police to respond to criminal and protecting human rights and concerned Filipino Americans, in mid-October. A gang member “This was the toughest year of activities, address disasters and American democratic values will pray and tirelessly fight for a had shot him in the thigh and all,” said 38-year-old Meyer. traffic issues and apprehend were held. Community advocates just, peaceful and free Pilipinas in threatened to kill him. Muñoz Polling finds a big majority suspects in the event of threats had met with the two senators and the new year,” he added. planned to seek asylum in the U.S. of Americans still view the but learned along his journey that country’s openness to immigrants he was unlikely to be accepted. as essential to the nation’s His first night in Tijuana, identity. But the profound shift Mexico, he slept on the beach in government policies on the until rocks rained down on him subject threatens that idea of and other migrants and a man the U.S. as a welcoming land of shouted in the darkness: “Go opportunity for all. ABELGAS: PH Christmas (From Page 4) are able to let off steam from the or otherwise), and the female pressures of trying to survive, members engaged in endless the poor are able to enjoy a bit banter. of material happiness, families Towards the afternoon, renew their bonds, and everyone children, accompanied by their has fun. parents, visited their ninong and Christmas brings pure and ninang to get their Christmas genuine happiness to many presents. Others visited friends, Filipinos. It is this kind of joy that watched movies, and drank with a Filipino living in a foreign land friends. The merrymaking went misses sorely about Christmas. on till late at night. But the fun did It is this kind of Christmas not end there, because in six days, celebration that Filipinos living on everybody geared up for a noisy distant shores can only reminisce New Year’s Eve revelry. about. At least once a year, during ([email protected]) the Christmas season, Filipinos Page 12 PHILIPPINE POST December 24, 2018 PROUDLY PINOY December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 12 Fil-Am R&B singer H.E.R. bags five Grammy nominations LOS ANGELES — The Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 61st Grammy Awards and 21-year- old Fil-Am R&B singer Gabi Wilson — known by her stage name H.E.R. — received five nominations, including Album of the Year. Wilson — who is half-Filipina, half-African American — was also nominated for Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance (for the song “Best Part” feat. Miss Vietnam H’Hen Nie Daniel Caesar), Best R&B Song (“Focus”) and Best R&B Album Miss Vietnam trained for her self-titled compilation album. Gabi Wilson aka H.E.R. In response to her Grammy by Filipino coach nominations, Wilson posted have accepted the music if they “I feel like this is the era of MISS VIETNAM H’Hen exclusive report by Philippine on Instagram last week with knew I was 19. Some people, they the anti-star,” she added. “I really Nie’s inspiring life story has won Entertainment Portal on Dec. 19. an all-caps caption, “I DON’T make these assumptions before just wanted it to be about the her the love and admiration of He has been training Vietnamese EVEN KNOW WHAT TO they even listen to the music,” she music, and get away from, ‘Who many people the world over. The beauties since 2014 and has also SAY. BUT THANK YOU SO told NW Asian Weekly. is she with?’ and ‘What is she 26-year-old’s success is definitely trained Miss Universe 2010 4th MUCH. GREATEST TEAM And there may be some truth wearing?’” one for the books, as she is the runner-up Venus Raj and Miss IN THE WORLD. IT’S BEEN to that reasoning. Her body of For the slew of extended plays first ever contestant of Vietnam Philippines Earth-Water 2007 A LOOONNNG [sic] TIME work mainly consists of dreamy, (EPs) the young Bay Area native to reach the top five in the Miss Joycie Nocomura. COMING! GOD IS GOOD.” yet low-tempo R&B ballads, and received praise from industry Universe pageant. “Yung mga kaibigan ko din Wilson emerged in 2016 when, the soft maturity in her voice and juggernauts Usher, Pusha T, Nie, who belongs to the Rade sa Ho Chi Minh City na mga through her record label Sony’s lyrics make for what Apple Music Wyclef Jean as well as RCA ethnic minority, broke tradition close ko ay nag-support to help,” RCA Records, she released her described as “downcast post- Records label-mates Alicia Keys by pursuing her dream of having Santos was quoted as saying. first extended play (EP) “H.E.R. breakup material that sounded and Bryson Tiller. an education instead of marrying “Kaya naging team po kami.” Volume 1” as H.E.R. (which vulnerable and assured at once.” In October 2017, she released at the age of 14, leaving her rural According to Santos, he stands for Having Everything The enigmatic nature of her the Grammy-nominated self-titled life in Vietnam to study finance trained Nie for a month before Revealed). work also has to do with who she compilation album which peaked in a college in Ho Chi Minh City. the latter jetted off to Thailand Wilson, whose identity was is as an artist seeking to separate at No. 47 on the U.S. Billboard Reaching top five in the beauty for Miss Universe. revealed in late 2017, was 19 her art from celebrity, explaining 200 and No. 24 on the U.S. Top tilt is a feat in itself as the journey He and his team, which years old when her that first EP on NPR, “This project came from R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It to Miss Universe was definitely no consisted of Vietnam-based was released. an emotion, and that’s what I want also won Album/Mixtape of the walk in the park. overseas Filipino workers Gerard She said she wanted to remain it to be about — not what I look Year at the 2018 Soul Train Music Nie, who was a model before Ruivivar and Kim Rocafor, anonymous because “I feel like like or who I’m with, but the raw Awards. winning Miss Universe Vietnam, covered poise, catwalk, stance maybe some people wouldn’t emotion and support for women.” made sure to prepare for the and makeup, as well as bull competition and sought the help sessions for the question and of Filipino independent pageant answer. Filipina wins Salmagundi coach Anjo Santos ahead of Miss What endeared them to Nie Universe. the most, they shared, were her Nie mentioned Santos in her bravery and down-to-earthness, Club’s Artist’ Choice Award Instagram post last Dec. 13, where as well as her focus and being a she shared a video of her walking fast learner and hard worker. It By Loida Nicolas Lewis the runway in her yellow evening was palpable that Nie gave her The FilAm/Inquirer.net gown. In her post, she extended very best during the pageant and her gratitude to Santos, who she the team was nothing short of NEW YORK — D. Eleinne called “my teacher.” proud of her top-five finish, a feat Basa is the first Filipino American “From the bottom of my heart, that reduced her dear teacher to to win the Artists’ Choice Award thank you very much, my teacher good tears. at the American Masters Show Anjo Santos,” Nie wrote. “Naiyak po ako, siyempre at the Salmagundi Club recently. Santos is a Bicol-based coach nagalak…” Santos said in the Founded in 1871, the and trains children and teens report. “Natuwa ’cause H’Hen Salmagundi Club (the word through the program Modelo has also a little mix of Pinoy “Salmagundi,” which means Bikolano, according to an blood.” a meat salad dish, is believed to be of French origin) has a membership of about 850 artists and art lovers. It is located at 47 Fifth Avenue in Greenwich D. Eleinne Basa Village and registered in the National Registry of Historic It has been a long way to that painting with colors. Places. success. Eleinne went to high school in The American Masters Show Her love of painting started at 7 Maryknoll, and graduated from was started 10 years ago, and is an years old when her aunt gave her the Ateneo de Manila University annual exhibition of the works of Color by Number sets and sketch with a degree in AB Psychology, nationally recognized artists who books. Her mother, seeing the minor in Art. She also was active are invited to exhibit their work love of drawing in her daughter, in sports. In 1989, she became a in New York City for fundraising enrolled her every summer until member of the Philippine National and exposure to local artists and high school with artist Fernando team in soccer. Also in 1987 and patron members. Sena at the Children’s Museum 1991, she became a member of the Eleinne Basa was totally and Library Inc. (CMLI) to further Philippine team at the Southeast caught by surprise when during develop her artistic talent. Asian Games for Rifle/Pistol the Oct. 13 Gala and exhibit Eleinne remembers that Sena sharpshooter category. opening, Tim Newton, chair of taught his young students college- Her love of painting brought Salmagundi Club and founder level classical painting by starting her to work at the Genesis Art of the show, announced that her them with painting objects, the Gallery in Megamall in Manila work “Luce Di Firenze” (Light contrast of light and shadows, after college. There, she met in Florence) was the winner of using charcoal. Only when he felt other painters, among them the Artists’ Choice, voted by the 68 that the students had some mastery celebrated artist Onib Olmedo artists who participated in the of the technique of rendering who encouraged her to continue show. objects did he start to teach them (See ARTIST, Page 15) We’re just a click away. Visit us at Bring home a friend to PH www.philpostblog.wordpress.com December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 1513 US/WORLD NEWS December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 13 Tsunami kills 222 in Indonesia of (by) the locals. Were unharmed, Triggered by volcanic thankfully.” The Anak Krakatau volcano eruption; 800 injured lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, linking CARITA BEACH, Indonesia occurred at the Krakatoa volcano the Indian Ocean and Java Sea. It — A tsunami believed to be more than a century ago. The erupted about 24 minutes before triggered by a volcanic eruption scientists also cited tidal waves the tsunami, the geophysics killed at least 222 people in caused by the full moon. agency said. Indonesia during a busy holiday Dramatic video posted on social The worst-affected area weekend, sweeping away hotels, media showed an Indonesian was the Pandeglang region of hundreds of houses and a group of pop band named “Seventeen” Java’s Banten province, which people attending a beach concert. performing under a tent on a encompasses Ujung Kulon More than 800 were reported popular beach at a concert for National Park and popular injured and 28 missing after the employees of a state-owned beaches, the disaster agency said. tsunami hit around the Sunda electricity company. Dozens of Agency spokesman Sutopo Strait on Saturday night, the people sat listening at tables Residents inspect the damage to their homes on Carita beach on Purwo Nugroho said 222 deaths Disaster Management Agency covered in white cloths while December 23, 2018, after the area was hit by a tsunami on Decem- had been confirmed and at least said. The toll could continue to others bobbed to the music near ber 22 that may have been caused by the Anak Krakatoa volcano. 843 people were injured. Rescue rise because some areas had not the stage as bright strobe lights workers were still trying to access yet been reached. flashed and theatrical smoke was other affected areas. Scientists, including those released. dead, while two other band 15-20m (meters, or 50-65 feet) Indonesian President Joko from Indonesia’s Meteorology and A child could also be seen members and the wife of one of inland,” Norwegian Oystein Lund “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his Geophysics agency, said Sunday wandering through the crowd. the performers remained missing. Andersen wrote on Facebook. The sympathy and ordered government that the tsunami could have been Seconds later, with the drummer “The tide rose to the surface and self-described photographer and agencies to respond quickly to the caused by undersea landslides or pounding just as the next song was dragged all the people on site,” the volcano enthusiast said he was disaster. those occurring above sea level about to begin, the stage suddenly statement said. “Unfortunately, taking pictures of the volcano “My deep condolences to the on the Anak Krakatau volcano’s heaved forward and buckled under when the current receded our when he suddenly saw a big wave victims in Banten and Lumpung steep outside slope following the the force of the water, throwing the members are unable to save come toward him. provinces,” he said. “Hopefully, eruption. The volcano’s name band and all their equipment into themselves while some did not “Next wave entered the hotel those who are left have patience.” translates to “Child of Krakatoa,” the audience. find a place to hold on.” area where I was staying and In the city of Bandar Lampung a volcanic island formed over The group released a statement Tourists were also affected downed cars on the road behind on Sumatra, hundreds of residents years after one of the largest saying their bass player, guitarist during the long holiday weekend it,” he wrote. “Managed to took refuge at the governor’s eruptions in recorded history and road manager were found ahead of Christmas. evacuate with my family to higher office. At the popular resort area “I had to run, as the wave ground (through) forest paths and of Carita Beach, some survivors passed the beach and landed villages, where we are taken care appeared lost.

Turkish President Recept Tayiff Erdogan with Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump call with Erdogan led to pullout from Syria WASHINGTON — President extremists in Iraq and Syria. Local Donald Trump’s decision to ground forces with close U.S. withdraw American troops from support slowly pushed back IS in Syria was made hastily, without the years that followed and by the consulting his national security beginning of 2018, the extremists team or allies, and over strong had lost more than 90 percent of objections from virtually everyone the territory they once held. involved in the fight against the Despite losing the physical Islamic State, according to U.S. caliphate, thousands of IS fighters and Turkish officials. remain in Iraq and Syria and Trump stunned his Cabinet, the group continues to carry lawmakers and much of the out insurgent attacks. Local world with the move by rejecting commanders warn the group could the advice of his top aides and easily move back into territory agreeing to a withdrawal in a it once held if American forces phone call with Turkish President completely withdraw. Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week, Secretary of State Mike two officials briefed on the matter Pompeo arranged the Dec. 14 call said. a day after he had unsuccessfully The Dec. 14 call, described by sought clarity from Turkish officials who were not authorized counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss the decision-making about Erdogan’s threats to launch process publicly and spoke on a military operation against U.S.- condition of anonymity, is a backed Kurdish rebels in northeast view into a Trump decision with Syria, where American forces are profound consequences, including based. the resignation of widely respected Pompeo, Mattis and other Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. members of the national security The White House, State team prepared a list of talking Department and Pentagon all points for Trump to tell Erdogan declined to comment on the to back off, the officials said. account of the withdrawal But the officials said Trump, decision. who had previously accepted such U.S. troops first moved advice and convinced the Turkish into Syria in 2015 to fight the leader not to attack the Kurds and Islamic State group, a year after put U.S. troops at risk, ignored the the Pentagon first launched a script. Instead, the president sided campaign of airstrikes against the with Erdogan. OctoberPagePage 20 14 28, 2017 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POST POST December 24, 2018 BUSINESS December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 14 PH to end year with largest net dollar outflows since ‘99 MANILA – The recent payments deficit of $5.5 billion For November alone, the central bank said it expected net a modest performance turned in appreciation of the peso against — the widest gap in the BSP’s inflows stemmed mainly from dollar outflows by yearend to hit by the Philippines’ traditional the US greenback helped draw in publicly available database that the BSP’s foreign exchange $1.5 billion which was, itself, dollar-earning exports. more hard currency in November, goes back to 1999. operations and its income from already an adjusted projection For next year, the central bank but failed to derail the Philippines’ Over the last 19 years, the its investments abroad during the from the original expectation of a expects net dollar outflows to steady trek towards recording its country has only posted yearend month. $1-billion deficit for 2018. continue and reach a total of $3.5 largest full year net dollar outflows net dollar outflows in 2000 and These were partially offset by This gap was attributed to the billion. since central bank records became 2001, at the height of the Estrada the payments made by the national country’s yawning trade deficit Because of this, bankers and publicly available 19 years ago. political crisis; in 2004 during government for its foreign as the economy imported more economists expect the peso to Data from the Bangko Sentral the Arroyo fiscal crisis; in 2014 exchange obligations and its net goods and services to help fuel gradually weaken against the US ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed with the end of the US Federal foreign currency withdrawals the growing economy, amid only dollar during this timeframe. the country’s overall balance Reserve’s quantitative easing during the month in review. of payments position yielded policy; and in 2016, 2017, and The reported balance of a surplus of $847 million in this year. payments position reflected the November 2018, marking a “The higher cumulative final gross international reserve reversal from the $44 million balance of payments deficit for level of $75.68 billion as of end- deficit recorded in the same month the [Jan-Nov. Period] may be November 2018. last year. attributed partly to the widening At this level, the dollar Despite the surplus for last merchandise trade deficit, based reserves represent a more than month, the cumulative dollar on the Philippine Statistics ample liquidity buffer and are flows position for the January- Authority’s preliminary data, for equivalent to 6.7 months’ worth November 2018 period registered the first ten months of the year of imports of goods and payments a deficit of $4.75 billion, which that was brought about by the of services and primary income. It is higher than the $1.78 billion sustained rise in imports of raw is also equivalent to 5.6 times the deficit recorded in the comparable materials and intermediate goods country’s short-term external debt period in 2017. as well as capital goods to support based on original maturity and 3.9 French and German soldiers shake hands during the famous Central bank planners expect domestic economic expansion,” times based on residual maturity. Christmas Truce during World War I. to end 2018 with a balance of the central bank said. Only six months ago, the DIAZ: Pax Mundi BSP exec says economy (From Page 4) Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Genghis Khan and his successors “China Dream,” which is to poised to sustain growth in the 13th and 14th centuries. It reshape global trade with Beijing MANILA -- Bangko Sentral ng the conference. stabilized the social, cultural, and at its core. China would then Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa “A balance between strategic economic life of the people of become the world’s new imperial Guinigundo said the Philippine engagement and strategic retreat the vast Eurasian territory under power. economy is poised to sustain its is imperative for managing the Mongol Empire. It spanned Meanwhile, Russia is strong growth in the coming years, the economy and steering the from Southeast Asia to Eastern competing for world dominance, as it is far from overheating. country’s development. In short, Europe, effectively connecting the too. Although not considered “Reforms have helped state-market synergy is key to Eastern World with the Western an economic power, Russia’s propelled the economy to address the primordial concern World. The famous Silk Road military prowess is catching up an impressive streak of 79 of a developing nation like the that linked the trade centers in with the U.S.’s military capability. consecutive quarters of Philippines,” said Stratbase ADRi Asia and Europe came under the Would a Pax Russica (Russian uninterrupted growth. That means president Dindo Manhit. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa rule of the Mongols. The end of Peace) period emerge in the 19 years and 3 quarters since the “Poverty reduction and labor Guinigundo Pax Mongolica was marked with future? In a post-Putin era, the 1st quarter of 1999. Moreover, expansion should be prioritized the outbreak of the Black Death, U.S. and Russia could become the structural reforms have been to demonstrate the presence of process outsourcing sector, which was spread along the Silk strategic allies to counter Pax translated into higher potential inclusive growth. The volatile import growth far outpacing Road in the mid-14th century. Sinica. Then what? output for the economy,” growth of the manufacturing export growth, and declining The Pax Britannica (British But why not Pax Mundi Guinigundo said during the the sector in relation with the service government international reserves Peace) was the longest period (World Peace)? The foundation Pilipinas Conference organized by sector reveals an indeterminate are among the challenges of rising of peace during the 17th, 18th, for world peace was laid down independent think tank Stratbase improvement for labor. In turn, current account and trade deficit,” and 19th centuries when the when 51 countries established Chikiamco said. ADR Institute in Makati City. poverty reduction cannot simply British Empire became the sole the United Nations (UN) in 1945 Dr. Raul Fabella, professor global power. The empire’s for the purpose of maintaining “Our estimates show that be addressed through dole-outs. emeritus of University of the potential output growth has been Reducing poverty undeniably Philippines School of Economics navy controlled most of the trade international peace. The UN rising, averaging 6 percent for necessitates both political and compared economic growth as the routes and enjoyed unchallenged and its 15-member Security the period 2010 to 2017. So the economic reforms,” he said. “new normal versus old normal”. sea domination. The outbreak of Council operated with the goal talk about the large output gap is Calixto Chikiamco, president Fabella said that in the second World War I marked the end of of resolving conflicts without without basis. Our output gap is of Foundation for Economic year of Duterte’s administration, Pax Britannica; however, some wars or declarations of war. But either a small positive or a small Freedom, said the country failed growth in manufacturing slowed historians said that it was the Suez oftentimes, the Security Council negative. So, the issues about to achieve its target of reducing down and expressed hope that this Canal crisis in 1956 that ended failed to pass resolutions that overheating is quite misplaced,” poverty incidence to 17.2 percent won’t persist as manufacturing is Pax Britannica. would resolve conflicts because linked to poverty reduction. Guinigundo said. by 2015 and instead hit 21.5 Pax Americana (American of the veto power vested on each “Inclusion as poverty reduction Peace) refers to the period after of the five permanent members, Thought leaders from percent. fares better when manufacturing government, the academe and “The slowdown in overseas growth exceeds services growth the end of the Cold War in 1989 to wit: United States, United industry examined the Philippine Filipino workers remittance in low-income countries,” Fabella with the fall of the Soviet Empire. Kingdom, France, China, and economic outlook for 2019 during growth, innovations to business said. However, some historians pegged Russia. the beginning of Pax Americana at During the Cold War, the Soviet the end of World War II at which Union exercised its veto power $4.5B modern city to rise in Cagayan time the United States gained 107 times out of the total number military and economic power of 220 vetoes cast. Needless to MANILA -- An Italian The MOU assigns to the soon rise at a scenic seaside in unmatched by other nations. With say, a Security Council permanent designer and a Singaporean famous Mercurio Design Lab the Sta. Ana, Cagayan, a development the collapse of the Soviet Empire member can cast a veto whenever property developer have joined master-planning of the compact described as a “game changer” by and the end of the Cold War, the the “national interest” of that forces to undertake an ambitious city, and to LongRunn Capital Pte. Lambino. US became the sole superpower. country is threatened. $4.5-billion modern satellite city Ltd the exclusive rights to be the A new expressway would The US navy ruled the seas with With any one of the five in the Sta. Ana, Cagayan. overall main developer, operator link the seaside city, to be named 11 supercarrier battle groups permanent members casting The plan was firmed up and engineering, procurement and “City Polaris,” to Lal-lo town, 60 and around 70 nuclear-powered a “No” vote against a peace with the recent signing of a construction contractor. kms to the southwest and site of submarines. resolution in the Security Council, memorandum of understanding The modern satellite city will the Cagayan North International The U.S. has airbases around world peace is imperiled. And (MOU) of Secretary Raul involve the development of 500 Airport, whose carrying capacity the world and large numbers of that’s the reason why we will never Lambino, administrator and hectares for “Polaris City” and 500 would be upgraded with the troops deployed to North Atlantic achieve Pax Mundi, which makes CEO of Cagayan Economic Zone hectares for airport development. addition of two three-kilometer Treaty Organization (NATO) one wonder: While there are Authority (CEZA) with Italian There will be six-star hotels, runways and a multi-story countries as well as Japan and pros and cons about it, shouldn’t designer Mercurio Design Lab casinos, golf courses, a cyberpark passenger terminal, Lambino said. South Korea. the five permanent members be and the Singaporean property for digital currency and other “We have never anticipated a Today, America’s two stripped of their “veto” power to developer LongRunn Capital 21st-century amenities and project of this magnitude,” said geopolitical rivals – Russia make the UN a truly democratic Pte. Ltd. technological innovations would Lambino in a press statement. and China – are jockeying for institution for world peace? Or position to become the next world would it lead to more global hegemon. Indeed, China is vying conflicts? to be the next world empire, At the end of the day, as we We’re just a click away. Pax Sinica (Chinese Peace). celebrate Christmas, let’s give Currently, China is building the a prayer for Pax Mundi. Merry Visit us at new Silk Road known as “One Christmas. May peace be with Belt, One Road” (OBOR) that you all. www.philpostblog.wordpress.com would link Asia, Europe, and ([email protected]) Africa. OBOR is the answer to December 24, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 15 ARTIST: Pinay shines Putin says US raising risk of (From Page 12) more, and experience more. She painting and learning. continued to paint to become nuclear war by spurning talks In 1993, she married Ateneo better, to have satisfaction because basketball star Mel Basa. In she saw that she was getting better. MOSCOW - President 1994 they moved to the U.S. Her big break came when her Vladimir Putin on Thursday because Mel worked for an IT painting “Afternoon Light” was accused the United States of company, which sponsored their adjudged winner of the $15,000 raising the risk of nuclear war by immigration. The children came Grand Prize award for the Online threatening to spurn a key arms soon after: Justine in 1995 and Plein Air Salon hosted by Plein control treaty and refusing to Tyler in 2000. Eleinne was busy Air Magazine, making it the cover hold talks about another pact that raising the children, but she story in June 2012. expires soon. always found the time to paint With this success, galleries In a news conference that as a hobby. in Wyoming, Montana, North lasted more than three hours, When their children grew Carolina, New Jersey, and Putin also backed U.S. President old enough to go to school by Pennsylvania started to invite Donald Trump’s decision to pull themselves, Eleinne started to go her to exhibit, as the Plein Air troops out of Syria, said British to workshops to learn landscape movement was becoming more Prime Minister Theresa May had painting and learned to paint and more popular among art no choice but to implement Brexit outdoors, a method called plein collectors. She continued to and that Western democracy was Russian President Vladimir Putin with US President Donald Trump air. Her style started to change. receive awards and invitations to under serious strain. She continued to submit to shows like the Gold Medal Show The annual event, the 14th galleries and art competitions only by the California Art Club in Los of its kind, is used by Putin to based missiles in Europe. Putin has previously said that to be rejected again and again. Angeles, where she won an Award burnish his leadership credentials Putin said the move, if Russia would be forced to train She was getting disheartened that of Excellence. and send messages to foreign it happened, would have its own missiles on any European she contemplated pursuing other Last October, she was invited allies and foes. unpredictable consequences. countries that host U.S. rockets. interests and putting painting on by Tim Newton of the Salmagundi This year, he made clear his “We are essentially witnessing Another U.S.-Russia treaty, the hold. It was Mel, her husband, Club to be part of the American biggest worry was what he called the breakdown of the international New START pact, which limits who told her not to worry about Masters Show and Sale. She a dangerous new arms race, arms control order and (the start the number of deployed strategic the rejections and lack of sales. already had three paintings something he accused the United of) an arms race,” Putin told more nuclear warheads each side can “You are good. Just keep on submitted and was reluctant to States of stoking by turning its than 1,000 reporters. have, expires in 2021. Putin said painting,” he said. Mel gave her submit the “Luce di Firenze” back on arms control. “It’s very hard to imagine he was worried that Washington confidence and she continued to because she was still working Washington has threatened to how the situation will develop (if didn’t appear to be interested in paint and to join art competitions. on it. pull out of the 1987 Intermediate- the United States quits the INF discussing its future. Eventually she started to get Her husband encouraged her range Nuclear Forces Treaty treaty). If these missiles appear “No talks on extending this are into group shows and win some once more because he saw that (INF) which bans Moscow and in Europe what should we do? Of yet being held. Are the Americans awards. One of her first awards her style had evolved, that the Washington from stationing short- course, we’ll have to ensure our not interested, do they not need was two Honorable Mentions in reflection of the setting Italian sun and intermediate-range, land- own security.” them? Ok, we’ll survive and will Plein Air Easton in Maryland. It was exceptional on her canvas. ensure our own security, which we was in these arts events that she Eleinne worked until four in the know how to do. But in general, started to meet very good artists morning to finish the painting PORK: Illegal parking this is very bad for humankind who became her friends and and voila, it was the painting that (From Page 5) billion budget of the DPWH because it takes us closer to a mentors. garnered the most votes from her elections, Arroyo gave away (Department of Public Works dangerous threshold.” She loves to learn more, know fellow artists in the show. P2.6 billion to favored senators and Highways) for 2019, P114.4 and congressmen supposedly to billion is for flood control projects. build farm-to-market roads in Almost 24 percent,” Andaya said, their respective districts. Again, adding that the DPWH may even how many kilometers of farm-to- be unaware of these insertions. market roads were built? I surmise Public Works Secretary Mark not even worth half of the amount Villar was indeed reportedly released. unaware of the fund. No wonder Philippine Similarly, Senate Minority agriculture has remained stagnant Leader Franklin Drilon earlier for decades. Administrations after discovered around P16.18 billion administrations allot billions of in lump-sum appropriation pesos to improve food production, supposedly for assisting local but most of the money goes to government units that he said was ghost projects and pockets of “parked” in the proposed budget of politicians. the Department of the Interior and With the ambitious “Build, Local Government. The DILG, Build, Build” program the during budget deliberations at supposed centerpiece agenda of the Senate last week, however, the administration of President disowned the fund, claiming no Rodrigo Duterte, it is not difficult knowledge of how the outlay will to deduce that pork barrel funds be implemented. would be hidden in infrastructure So, how many more of these projects of various government parked pork will be discovered agencies, notably the Department by the Senate? Also, how will of Public Works and Highways. the Senate know the truth about Andaya, who is the most likely reports that a small construction to know the ins and outs of pork company, CT Leoncio Trading barrel having been a longtime and Construction, whose owner congressman of Camarines Sur is reportedly connected to Budget and a budget secretary during Secretary Benjamin Diokno has the term of Arroyo, recently cornered 30 infrastructure projects confirmed this. worth billions of pesos, after Following up on Lacson’s Malacanang prohibited him from earlier expose, Andaya said a attending the House investigation mayor told him that a former on the alleged pork insertions? Cabinet official who is seeking an The Congress probe on the elective seat in the coming May pork barrel insertions, if not elections “parked” at least P300 averted, could split the Duterte million in infrastructure projects administration’s supermajority in the proposed 2019 national in both houses, especially in the budget. He said the unnamed House where the faction of Arroyo mayor disclosed that the Cabinet and Andaya, on one hand, and member parked the allocation in that of former Speaker Pantaleon flood-mitigation projects for the Alvarez and former Majority region. Leader Rudy Farinas, are locking Andaya said the supposed horns on the distribution of the “parking scheme” may eventually pork barrel funds. explain the huge spike allocated It has become a “circus” to flood mitigation projects and a “royal rumble” indeed, as from 2017 to 2018, adding that described by detained Sen. Leila the budget for flood mitigation de Lima, over two actions that are projects increased to up to P133 both illegal and one and the same billion compared to the P79 – pork barrel and pork parking. billion worth of funds in 2017. ([email protected]) “Out of the proposed P544.5- Page 16 PHILIPPINE POST December 24, 2018