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AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME Foreigners may soon own firms without 100% capital WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 461 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 February 8 - 14, 2017 Malacañang unconcerned, under fire as China

PH NEWS | A4 ends militarization in disputed territories By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent George, Westbrook steal thunder from Durant, Warriors As the Duterte administration came under fire for its “silence and inaction” as China apparently com- pletes its militarization in the South China Sea, Malacañang admitted it could not do anything and instead tossed the blame on the previous administration for allowing the recla- mation spree. Presidential spokesman Harry SPORTS NEWS | A5 Roque said the Philippine-owned seven reefs in the South China Sea, iPhone X missed calls also called West Philippine Sea, were reclaimed by China during the due to glitch administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. “If the Aquino administration was not able to do anything about these artificial islands, what (do) they want us to do? We cannot declare war. Not only is it illegal but it is also... because it’s impossible for us to declare war at this point,” Roque (L-R) Senator Bam Aquino and Representative Gary Alejano (Photos: www.newsbytes.ph / www.facebook.com) TO PAGE A7 BUSINESS & TECH NEWS | A8 Trump won’t budge on Oil crisis, prioritizing of Saudi nationals for reducing immigration PDEA reveals drugs still come from employment displace 600+ OFWs in Qatar China, Mexico, new players at Bilibid By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent Due to a prevailing diplomatic cri- sis among Arab countries, more than 600 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar have lost their jobs and more may suffer the same, said Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sec. WORLD NEWS | A9 Silvestre Bello III Last February 5. He noted that the prevailing dip- Paid family leave hike lomatic crisis between Qatar and other in January Middle East countries has led to clo- sures of companies and re-trenchment of hundreds of Filipino workers. He said the situation in Qatar seems to be getting worse. He also (Photo: Screenshot from PDEA’s official website: http://pdea.gov.ph) said the high number of displacements MANILA – In an interview with and the operation of drug laboratories among Filipino workers in Qatar is Radyo Inquirer 990 AM last February are still rampant in the country.” now a cause of concern for the Philip- 4, the Philippine Drug Enforcement According to PDEA, since July pine government. Agency (PDEA) spokesperson Derrick 2016, they have seized more than 2.5 “In fact, the leader of our OFW Carreon said, “The smuggling of meth- kilos of shabu with a street value of COMMUNITY AWARENESS | B3 organization visited me last week and amphetamine hydrochloride or shabu TO PAGE A7 informed me about the incidents of stoppage and separation from work,” ‘Weak rule of law’ drags down Bello said. Furor over anti-dengue vaccination ignites scare PH’s world ranking – Index of TO PAGE A7 over other inoculation programs; further autopsy DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III (top) and tests needed to build case vs. maker Economic Freedom Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad III By Lara Climaco | FilAm Star Correspondent By Corina Oliquino (bottom) (Photos: www.sunstar.com.ph / www.calabar- FilAm Star Correspondent zon.dole.gov.ph) The public health scare over MANILA – The Philippines Dengvaxia has spilled over to other has slipped three spots in the lat- Trillanes doubles down on alleged ill-gotten vaccination and de-worming programs est Heritage Foundation 2018 Index of the Department of Health (DoH), of Economic Freedom (IEF). The PHP 100M in Duterte family account which now has to face long-term Washington-based think tank cited the monitoring of about 870,000 Filipinos government’s low scores in integrity, By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent without an indemnity fund from Sanofi monetary freedom and property rights Pasteur. The Davao City Mayor and currencies to conduct a formal inquiry as the reasons for the drop. “This is really a cause for concern daughter of President Duterte, Sara into the alleged unexplained wealth of In 2017, the country’s global just because of this one controversial Duterte-Carpio, went ballistic when the President and his family. ranking jumped 12 notches to 58 but it vaccine, it has indeed tainted the cred- Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed Senate Duterte-Carpio said this confirms slipped this 2018 to 61st. However, ibility of the entire DoH immunization Resolution No. 602 asking the commit- rumors that Trillanes, arch-critic of the program,” Health Sec. Francisco DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III TO PAGE A7 tee on banks, financial institutions and TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 (Photo: www.en.wikipedia.org) A2 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 ph news NFA stops supplying rice to retailers Expedited self-rule for Mindanao urged before change to Federal gov’t

By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent

Former Supreme Court Chief holding public hearings among the the fiscal math that will opera- Drilon said that the craft- Justice Hilario Davide Jr. last Feb- stakeholders in order to improve tionalize the relationship between ing of the Bangsamoro Basic ruary 5 urged President Rodrigo and strengthen the draft BBL that the proposed Bangsamoro region law offers an opportunity “for Duterte to certify as “urgent” the aims to give self-rule to Mindanao. and the rest of the Philippines,” Congress to correct certain issues proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law “But there is an old time say- he said. which stand in the way of moving (BBL), noting that it is an embodi- ing about taxes being the sinews “We will need to go deep into democracy forward, particularly in ment of a peace agreement of long of the state — the very fibers that the details and make sure the fis- the ARMM,” referring to the well- negotiations. hold a state together and enable it cal autonomy and revenue sharing entrenched political dynasties “I hope and pray that this to operate. stipulations in the BBL are clear. and weak political party system President will certify to Congress “They ensure that our roads I am hopeful that we will achieve in the ARMM and the country, in as urgent the bills now pending are paved, that our policemen are just that,” Angara added. general. before the subcommittee,” said Majority of the resource per- Davide, describing the BBL as an sons of the sub-committee agreed extraordinary special law not only with Drilon’s proposal includ- because of its nature as an organic ing Former Chief Justice Hilario act. Davide Jr., who said: “I agree (Photo: www.manilatimes.net) Speaking during the sixth with you, Sen. Drilon. Perhaps it hearing of the Senate subcommit- is high time to exercise some kind tee on the BBL, Davide told the of political will, make it a model Camarines Sur Rep. Luis “Ang capital ng Camarines panel chaired by Sen. Migz Zubiri providing for an anti-political Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte ac- Sur is Pili, na dun kayo nagbobola that the BBL must be approved dynasty provision. I think that will cused on Tuesday Rodolfo “Bong” … Papatunayan ko mamaya na “at the soonest possible time” be a good step forward.” Pineda, the husband of Pampanga dummy ka lang ni Bong Pineda. and ahead of the discussions on Citing the passage of an anti- Gov. Lilia Pineda, of running a hindi mo alam ang nangyari sa Charter change and the shift to political dynasty provision in the Small Town Lottery (STL) outlet CamSur,” the lawmaker said. federalism. Sanggunian Kabataan Reform Act through a dummy. [The capital of Camarines He proposed that the creation in the last Congress, the minority During the resumption of the Sur is Pili. It’s where you draw the of the Bangsamoro state be made leader believes “that it is highly hearing of the House Committee numbers. I will prove to you later as an “experiment” for a federal possible that the draft Bangsam- on Games and Amusements hear- that you’re just a dummy of Bong system. oro Basic Law would contain the ing, Villafuerte said it was Pineda Pineda. You don’t know what’s “If in 10 years, we see the suc- same provision.” who actually owned Everchance happening in Camarines Sur.] cess of the Bangsamoro autono- Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. “This is not something that Gaming Corp., which is based in Canlas said that he was not mous region, then we can begin (Photo: www.sunstar.com.ph) we have not done yet. As a mat- Camarines Sur. privy in the operations of his talking about federalism,” he said. ter of policy, I think there is no The firm, he previously al- company. Davide has repeatedly said debate that we should adopt an leged, continued to operate illegal “Bagsak ka na sa manage- that federalism, a priority of the well equipped, that our teachers As this developed, Senate anti-political dynasty provision,” jueteng games in the province. ment structure,” Villafuerte said. ruling party PDP-Laban, is a have chalk and blackboards, that Minority Leader Franklin Drilon Drilon said. According to Villafuerte, he [So you have a failure in your “lethal experiment, a fatal leap, a our country is able to run and recommended: “In the Committee He added that, “It may not has evidence to prove that Osler management structure.] plunge death and a leap to hell.” move towards prosperity,” the Report, I will push for the inclu- be perfect and it may not be to the Luis Canlas, Everchance presi- The lawmaker also ques- He said the proposed law cre- chair of the Senate committee on sion of a prohibition on political liking of the people in the ARMM dent, is merely working as the tioned the Philippine Charity ating a Bangsamoro autonomous local government said. dynasties. I am open to discuss but objectively it is a step in the dummy of Pineda. Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for region is a “way to peace, justice, The most important function the extent of the prohibition but right direction and it is a fair and a He said Pineda had a meeting allowing Evenchance to operate development, prosperity, security, of taxes, he explained, is to help the anti-dynasty principle must necessary provision so that we can with mayors in Camarines Sur despite having a shortfall of about and stability in Mindanao. in the local communities realize their be embodied in the BBL,” Drilon finally bring lasting and meaning- about his plan to operate in the P1 billion in gaming collections. larger sense, even in the entire dreams and aspirations. said. ful reforms and development in province. Villafuerte said that almost Philippines. “In other words, taxes make “The policy of anti-political Mindanao.” “Kaya kong patunayan yan, 100 percent of the numbers games On the other hand, Sen. democracy possible. And in this dynasty must be put across. We Responding to suggestions may testigo kami. Anti-dummy in the province was illegal. Sonny Angara said efficient tax case, they will be instrumental to should not sweep it under the to leave the matter to the Bang- law yan, violation,” Villafuerte told The House of Representatives collection and proper disburse- bringing life into the autonomy rug. It is an issue that must be samoro parliament, Drilon said: Canlas after the latter failed to resumed on Tuesday its probe ment of people’s money to finance the Bangsamoro people have been confronted,” added Drilon during “I am afraid that if we leave it as give the total number of towns in into the proliferation of illegal government projects will empower fighting for, and to helping us a Senate hearing on the proposed is, I don’t think the Bangsamoro Camarines Sur. gambling and the alleged failure of communities and bring to life finally achieve long-lasting peace measure that seeks to establish a parliament will ever do it.” [You want me to prove that? I the STL operations of the Philip- the autonomy that Bangsamoro across Mindanao,” Angara said. Bangsamoro region replacing the Drilon is the author of can prove that, we have a witness. pine Charity Sweepstakes Office people have been fighting for, Among the crucial points current Autonomous Region of Senate Bill No. 230 or the Anti- It’s a violation of the anti-dummy (PCSO) in generating revenues. He underscored the need for that need to be threshed out in the Muslim Midanano (ARMM). Political Dynasty Act that seeks law.] INQUIRER.net tried to get these two objectives to go hand in discussion of the BBL draft are Similarly, Drilon had earlier to provide for an enabling law Canlas drew the ire of Vil- the side of Pineda. But he has not hand during the sidelights of the revenue sharing and the finan- pushed for a provision that seeks that will implement the provision lafuerte for incorrectly saying replied as of posting time. (Joey Senate sub-committee on the BBL cial grant block grants from the to develop a strong political in the Constitution prohibiting that Camarines Sur has a total of Gabieta, Ador Vincent S. Mayol hearing national government. party system “that is essential in a political dynasty. 39 towns instead of 35 and for and Nestor Burgos Jr. / inquirer. The Senate panel, which An- “Several serious issues need parliamentary system of govern- referring to Naga as the provincial net) gara formed for Zubiri to lead, is to be addressed here, including ment.” capital instead of Pili. February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star A3 ph news It’s no go for Bong Go on call to run for Senate seat Special Assistant to the urged Go to attend the Senate mag-governor (Bato also wanted De Lima tops list of prominent Southeast President Christopher “Bong” investigation on the P15.7-billion to become a governor),” Duterte Go on Wednesday said he was frigate deal of the Philippine said. “not interested” in running for a Navy, saying it would be his aide’s The President was also refer- Asian leaders jailed for political charges Senate seat in the 2019 midterm “golden opportunity” to become ring to Philippine National police By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent elections. a senator. (PNP) chief Gen. Ronald “Bato” “I would like to publicly state “Kaya sabi ko nga (So I Dela Rosa who once intimated that I am not interested in run- said), there was a talk, sinabi that he wanted to become a ning for a Senate seat,” Go said in sa kanya (I told him), ‘you’ll be governor. a statement, a day after Presi- called to testify.’ Sabi ko, ‘That But Go said Duterte was only dent Rodrigo Duterte teased his is your golden opportunity para joking. trusted aide to seek a Senate seat. ma-senador ka (to be a senator).’ “[Duterte] only mentioned it in jest in view of my demand to the Senate to conduct a full blown public hearing and get to the bot- tom of the Frigate controversy,” he said.

Go has been accused of inter- vening in the Navy’s selection of the weapons system supplier. Go has denied this and said he was open for investigation. Go, who became Duterte’s aide in 1998, also said that he was “dedicated” to serve the President “’til kingdom come.” “I have dedicated my life to serving PRRD (Duterte) and I am committed to stand beside him Senator Leila De Lima (L-R) Bong Go and President Rodrigo Duterte till kingdom come,” he said. (Photo: www.philippinesdaily.org) (Photo: www.cnnphilippines.com) “I’m not interested to run kasi I’m committed to serve May- Opposition Sen. Leila De justice, human rights, and the charges for initiating a Senate Duterte, during a speech Gusto atang tumakbo ng senador or Rody hanggang kamatayan, Lima, who is detained at the PNP rule of law, we should not let any investigation into the alleged at the 116th anniversary of the (He probably wanted to run for kung di ako mauna,” he added. Custodial Center in Camp Crame intimidation by power-thirsty of- summary killings in 2016. Bureau of Customs on Tuesday, senator), sige, si Bato gusto ring (Nestor Corrales / inquirer.net) over alleged drug charges, topped ficials to stop us from fighting for With the continued harass- the list of five political detainees our causes,” she added. ment the opposition members are in Southeast Asia. Entitled “Democracy behind subjected to, Asian Correspon- De Lima has decried the bars: A look at the cases of 5 jailed dent pointed out that it remained Marcos a ‘no-show’ in own challenge vs Robredo alarming trend of incarcerating Asean leaders,” foreign news questionable whether Southeast government critics and opposi- website Asian Correspondent Asian governments “have been The camp of Vice President tion members in Southeast Asia cited five politically-persecuted sluggish in adopting the prin- Leni Robredo on Wednesday and vowed to continue fighting leaders from the Philippines, Ma- ciples of freedom of speech and blasted former Senator Ferdi- for justice and human rights laysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and expression.” nand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., across the world despite her con- Thailand in a report published “No one – not even the Presi- the defeated 2016 vice presi- tinued detention. last January 26. dent of the country – has a license dential candidate, for being a A known human rights Under the list, De Lima to smear the reputation and ruin “no-show” at his own challenge defender, De Lima topped Asian joined the ranks of Malaysia’s the credibility of public officials to sign a joint legal document. Correspondent’s list of five former Deputy Prime Minister simply because their opinions go Lawyer Romulo Macalintal, prominent Southeast Asian lead- Anwar Ibrahim, Jakarta’s former against the views of majority,” counsel for Robredo, said in a ers and human rights defenders Gov. Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja she said. press conference that Marcos facing charges for defying the Purnama, Cambodian National The former justice secretary was only bluffing when his status quo. Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem added that even in detention, the camp dared Robredo to “sign She noted that intimidat- Sokha, and former Thai Prime public can count on her to speak ing leaders who hold on to their Minister Yingluck Shinawatra — up against the murderous and un- a joint motion withdrawing independence and impartial- all facing politically-motivated democratic policies of the Duterte all our outstanding motions ity is a desperate tactic of some charges. administration that resulted in (L-R) Fmr. Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Vice-President Leni Robredo so we could go straight to the politicians to disarm dissent and The account named De Lima the death of thousands. (Photo: www.globalnews.favradio.fm) recount.” eventually strengthen their politi- as President Duterte’s staunchest “I will never tolerate any at- “He’s escaping from the cal machinery. critic who has been detained on tempt to silence our democracy,” challenge that he had been hurl- “Eh noong in-accept namin (They knew we will be “But as an advocate of trumped-up illegal drug trading assured De Lima. ing before the media. For about iyong challenge, bigla siyang meeting here. I texted his law- kumawala. Ngayon alam ninyo yer and told him ‘can we talk?’ na,” he said. He did not show up.) (But when we accepted the “Bakit hindi ka magkakaki- challenge, he started skirting it. ta eh ikaw ang naghahamon? Now you already know) Kung ikaw ang naghahamon, Marcos’ camp, through ang isang tunay na maginoo ay lawyer Victor Rodriguez, issued dapat tinutupad ang kaniyang a statement on Sunday, Feb. pangako,” he said. 4, daring Robredo to sign the (How come we did not document. meet since he was the one who The Robredo camp issued issued the challenge? If you an advisory on Tuesday, Feb. issued the challenge, the real 6, announcing that they would gentleman is to be true to your wait for Marcos on Wednesday, promise.) (Julius N. Leonen / Feb. 7, at the Shakey’s Pizza inquirer.net) on Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila. Atty. Romulo Macalintal However, Marcos nor his (Photo: www.lickerdailoy.com) legal counsel appeared at the restaurant. a week, iyon ang palaging si- “They knew na dito kami nasabi nila [that was what they magkikita. Alam nila dito were always saying]: “We chal- kami magkikita. I texted his lenge the camp of Ms. Robredo lawyer: ‘Pare, puwede tayong to come up with a joint motion,” mag-usap?’ Pero Mr. Marcos Macalintal said in a press con- is a no-show dito. Hindi siya ference on Wednesday. nagpakita,” Macalintal said. A4 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 ph news SC IT consultant defends PHP250,000 monthly pay (Updated: 5:14 p.m.) The were not able to get their pen- employees of the government,” she Capital requirement for 100% foreign retail information technology (IT) con- sion salaries; our pension system explained. sultant of the Supreme Court (SC) was crashing every minute, every Ma. Lourdes Oliveros, Sere- defended on Wednesday her sup- second.” no’s head staff, admitted that she ownership removal sought to boost investments posedly hefty salary of P250,000 a Macasaet said she gave “much was friends with Macasaet years By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent month while working for the high less” of her salary in her previous before the latter got hired by SC. court. work when she decided to ac- Oliveros, however, denied in- These amendments will be according to the Department of One of the justifications in cept the consultancy for the high fluencing her boss to get Macasaet aligned with the foreign invest- Trade and Industry – Bureau of the impeachment complaint filed tribunal. as consultant. ment guidelines stipulated in Investments (DTI-BoI). against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes In 2013, the SC hired her to “Your honor, I can’t influence the Foreign Investments Act, Unlike the Philippines, Sereno was SC’s alleged anomalous improve the implementation of the the Chief Justice. The CJ cannot be hiring of IT consultant Helen Maca- judiciary’s Enterprise Information even influenced by the President,” and will also be harmonized countries like Singapore, In- saet without public bidding. Systems Plan (EISP) digitizing she said. with similar regulations ob- donesia and Cambodia are not During the resumption of court documents and automating “She (Sereno) herself is an served in other Asian countries. imposing minimum capital re- House justice committee’s hearing more than 2,700 courts nationwide. IT proficient but she wanted to “These requirements, along quirements or limits on foreign on the determination of probable Before joining SC, Macasaet understand the immensity of EISP with other barriers, have made equity participation in the retail cause in Sereno’s impeachment, earned P3 million yearly as presi- especially because it was stalled for us lag far behind our Asian trade sector. Macasaet said her salary as SC dent and chief executive officer a long time in the court,” Oliveros peers when it comes to FDI. I Once passed, Gatchalian consultant was even lower than of a local IT consultant company said. believe it is high time we re- said the amendments to the law what she had been receiving in her Pentathlon Resources Inc. She The camp of Sereno, mean- think the restrictive legal fram- would stimulate market com- previous projects and affiliations. later decided to resign while doing while, maintained that the hiring of Sen. Win Gatchalian During the same hearing, consultancy for SC due to conflict Macasaet was done “in accordance (Photo: www.twitter.com) work that is deterring the inflow petition and growth that could Macasaet appears to be earning of interest. with the government procurement of potential investments,” said highly benefit Filipinos through more than Sereno, the highest court Of the P250,000 salary she reform laws.” Sen. Win Gatchalian is Gatchalian, the chairman of the greater job creation and lower official who receives a P233,857 is getting from SC, Macasaet said “Helen Macasaet has been an pushing for the removal of bar- Senate Economic Affairs Com- prices for quality goods and ser- monthly salary. she would only take home at least IT practitioner for 35 years. She riers to entry for foreign firms mittee. vices available in the market. Answering questions from P80,000 because of the taxes and was the Principal Consultant [dur- in the retail trade sector, and The Retail Trade Liberal- “We are easing the process members of the House panel, Ma- other allowances and operational ing] the infamous GSIS crash, the boost foreign direct investment ization Act of 2000 currently and opening the retail trade casaet said the Government Service expenses to support her work. biggest ICT disaster in the history and develop a more progres- requires a minimum paid-up market for competition. Greater Insurance System (GSIS) paid her “The P250,000, you take out of the Philippines. She fixed the as high as P925,000 monthly when all the taxes, and then I have to pay ICT systems in GSIS and to date, sive investment climate in the capital of US$2.5-million for competition results into more the agency availed her services for for my own internet, buy my own the ICT architecture she had set country. a 100 percent foreign owner- opportunities, more choices and almost two years. laptop, pay for my gasoline, my toll up is still being used,” Lawyer Josa Under his Senate Bill ship of a retail business. This, better goods and services of- “During the database crash, fees, to pay for all my expenses to Deinla, Sereno’s spokesperson said. No.1639, the existing equity according to Gatchalian, serves fered for our people,” he saks. the IT crisis at GSIS I was paid support my work,” she said. “Macasaet received and capitalization requirements as “an onerous requirement “There is so much to learn monthly more or less P925,000 “I don’t receive any allow- P900,000/month for this service. under the Retail Trade Liber- to discourage participation of from embracing diversity in the from November 2008 to June ance from SC unlike most employ- Usual private sector rates for IT alization Law (RA7042) will investors”. marketplace which a protec- 2010,” Macasaet said. ees and officials of the court, so consultants is P40,000/day or be removed in order to reduce In the 18 years since the tionist mindset cannot provide,” Asked if she succeeded in solv- excluding those personal expenses roughly P800,000/month,” she the minimum requirements for passage of the law, only 22 for- he added. ing the glitch that had hampered related to performing my work, I pointed out. (Julliane Love De government employees’ pension would be getting more or less a net Jesus / inquirer.net) interested foreign enterprises to eign retail firms have invested benefits, she said: “Yes, sir. It was of P80,000… It’s not comparable engage in the local retail trade. in the country’s retail sector, all over the news, when teachers to any salary packages received by FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INC. Private Duty Home Care Registry/Staffing Provider Senior Referral Services Hiring experienced Caregivers, CNA, HHA, RN, PT, OT & SLP Come apply directly at our office during Monday through Friday 9AM-3PM 7216 Mission St., Daly City, CA 94014 T: (650) 997-3200 F: (650) 997-3204 February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star A5 sports Ginebra bounces back, rips Kia Scottie Thompson led the way and starting to adjust on the new rebounds in just his second game and Barangay Ginebra got back way the game is being played and back from a hamstring injury. news on track after a 103-77 beatdown called,” Cone said. The Kings were clicking on of Kia in the 2018 PBA Philippine “And we’re getting Joe back both ends. They shot 49% from the Cup Wednesday night at Mall of pretty soon. I’m not sure maybe field and had 30 assists and only Westbrook, George lead Thunder Asia Arena. next, maybe the game after but he 13 turnovers while also holding the Thompson flirted with a should be available,” he said, refer- Picanto to 34% shooting. rout of Durant, Warriors triple-double after collecting 12 ring to Joe Devance, who hasn’t Rashawn McCarthy scored 15 points, 14 rebounds and seven as- OAKLAND, Calif.— Paul and George went 11 of 23 with six Thunder: OKC went 12 of 31 sists for the Gin Kings, who evened George and Russell Westbrook ran 3-pointers. from 3-point range after shooting their record to 4-4. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony sprained 8 for 25 on 3s in the first meeting. Coming off their fourth loss the Golden State Warriors right off his right ankle early in the game, … Josh Huestis earned his second in five games, Ginebra had the per- the floor from the opening tip. but Oklahoma City never slowed start of the season after rookie fect bounce back opponent in Kia, Westbrook had 34 points, down in ending a seven-game skid Terrance Ferguson started the which is dead last in the standings nine rebounds and nine assists at Oracle Arena with its first win previous five. … The Thunder came with a 1-6 slate. to get the better of old buddy and on the Warriors’ home floor since a in forcing 16.3 turnovers per game “It’s been such a struggle for teammate Durant, George scored 116-97 victory on April 11, 2013. while averaging 9.31 steals. us this conference, It’s nice to be 38 points, and the Oklahoma City Westbrook scored 21 points Warriors: Golden State had 12 able to get a win,” said Ginebra Thunder embarrassed the defend- in the first quarter, making nine first-half turnovers for 19 Thun- coach Tim Cone. “We played a ing champions 125-105 on Tuesday of his first 10 shots as the Thunder der points, 25 turnovers in all. … complete game and was able to night to snap a four-game losing led 42-30. They never trailed. Thompson became the 28th player pull away. It was really a struggle streak. “That was the game right in NBA history to make 1,500 for us but it might be the game “They’re one of the best teams there, the first quarter and they career 3s. … Backup C David West that helps us turn around.” in movement, in player movement, have 42 points,” Durant said. returned after missing a game for It was a wire-to-wire win in ball movement,” George said. “You’ve got to give them credit, personal reasons. He also rested for the Kings, who emptied their “So we had to match the physical- they came out with a lot of energy Friday at Sacramento so hadn’t bench entering the fourth period ity as well as their pace. I thought and we didn’t match it.” played in two straight. He received and led by as much as 29, 53-82, that was the key tonight. Our mo- Golden State had been 11-0 a technical midway through the Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee drives past Mark Yee of Kia early in the final frame. tor was ready for that intensity.” following a loss this season. The second quarter. … Since 2014-15, (Photo: www.philstar.com) Ginebra broke the game wide Durant scored 33 points but Warriors also lost for the first time Golden State is 25-3 playing a open in the second quarter, where didn’t get as much help from the in seven games when taking on team that had won the previous it went on an 18-3 run in the last played this season because of a points for the Picanto (1-7), who cold-shooting Splash Brothers of an opponent that had previously matchup. … Andre Iguodala’s seven minutes of the first half. foot injury. were out-rebounded, 57-42. (Mark Curry and Klay Thompson, who beaten them this season, with the phrase and motto “Black History “We’re getting healthier. Ginebra center Greg Slaugh- Giongco / inquirer.net) added 21 and 12 points, respec- Thunder having won 108-91 at is Golden” was used for a T-shirt We’re getting on the same page ter posted 14 points and eight tively. They combined to go 11 of OKC on Nov. 22. giveaway Tuesday as the Warriors 27 from the floor and 4 for 15 on This could be a win that turns kick off their celebrations of Black 3-pointers as the Warriors lost for momentum for Billy Donovan’s History Month. the third time in four games. They Thunder, who had dropped four of NO LEAD AT HOME lost their tempers, too — as in five five since losing defensive star An- It had been since April 18, Ateneo needs more maturity, says captain Madayag technicals total. dre Roberson to a season-ending 2012, against the Lakers that the For two straight games in the slow start then a strong finish.” have seven new players in its Draymond Green was ejected ruptured patellar tendon in his left Warriors never led in a home UAAP Season 80 women’s volley- Ateneo did have a slow start lineup for Season 80. with 8:13 remaining after a second knee. game. ball, Ateneo has been coming up against the Lady Bulldogs, falling “The new players just need technical when he argued with the Durant scored eight straight KERR’S MARK short in matches that have ended two sets to none before forcing a to have that confidence in them,” officials. against his old team during one Kerr coached his 300th in five sets. fifth set through a spirited fourth said Madayag who had six points. “It was a rough night,” Curry first-quarter stretch. regular-season game and remained The first was the Lady Eagles’ run that ended in the most lop- “I was the one giving them the said of the officiating, while insist- Oklahoma City, which al- at 248 victories. collapse in their season-opener sided score line of the match. confidence earlier but when I went ing that wasn’t what lost the game. lowed 13 3-pointers in losing at “When you have a lot of talent against Far Eastern University, The Lady Eagles, however, to the bench they became quiet, no The sellout crowd went crazy home to the Lakers on Sunday, at the beginning of your coaching and the second was their failed ultimately faltered in the deciding one was talking anymore.” when Durant was called for a foul limited the Warriors to 8 for 28 career, you can implement things comeback attempt against Na- set when a couple of errors spelled Madayag added their losses with 1:35 remaining in the third from deep. that will work and then you can get tional University. their untimely demise. should serve as lessons as they and replays show that Westbrook “It didn’t feel like us, that’s credibility with winning and grow Those losses have put Ateneo Madayag was the first to look for sustained improvement had clearly slipped and no contact for sure,” Kerr said. “We’re out of as a coach while you are winning on a 0-2 card, the school’s worst commit a crucial miscue when throughout the tournament. was made. Warriors owner Joe whack right now. We’re just not and it’s a much easier process that start in recent memory eclipsing her service error gave NU an 8-6 “I guess this will give us more Lacob tossed his jacket in disgust. playing the way we normally do way,” he said. “I was very fortunate the 1-1 mark in Season 73, and advantage, then Kat Tolentino lessons on not giving in so easily,” “We were way worse than the in terms of the ball movement, to have this job as my first one.” captain Maddie Madayag knows followed it up when her hit struck said Madayag. “I think we’re wast- officials were,” coach Steve Kerr the pace and the spacing. And our Irate at the officials, Kerr re- that the Lady Eagles still need to the net giving the Lady Bulldogs an ing chances here because we’re said. “We got completely out- defense has not been good either. ceived a technical at the 9:38 mark mature if they ever hope of getting 11-7 lead. already in the fifth set and in the played.” It’s been a struggle.” of the second quarter. back to elite status. The Lady Bulldogs eventually end we would end up slipping.” By the 6:32 mark of the Green was hit with the War- UP NEXT “We still need the maturity capitalized on the errors with Au- (Bong Lozada / inquirer.net) fourth quarter and the blowout riors’ third technical of the night Thunder: Visit Lakers on because we’ve been talking about drey Paran scoring a block, 12-7, still in force, fans began leaving at the end of the first half and Thursday. starting strong and ending games and Jasmine Nabor scoring three the building. had to be held back from officials. Warriors: Host Dallas on strong,” said Madayag in Filipino straight aces to finish the match. CALL US TO ADVERTISE Durant said it’s up to the Meanwhile, Westbrook went down Thursday trying for a 10th straight Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Cen- Madayag said their lack of Warriors “to hold ourselves ac- beneath the Thunder basket after victory in the series and 11th con- tre. “Because sometimes we’ll start maturity can be attributed to her 415-278-0692 countable out there.” crashing into the stanchion. secutive at home. (inquirer.net) strong either that or we’ll have a team’s inexperience as Ateneo Westbrook shot 13 for 26 TIP-INS A6 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 opinion Street Talk PerryScope Muzzling the media which happen to be war zones. The return of the U.S. Special Forces GREG B. MACABENTA My nephew, Conrad de Quiros, used to The shutdown of tell me (when he was still actively writing his PERRY DIAZ to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement online media outfit, newspaper column, before he had a stroke) On September 1, 2017, (EDCA). Rappler, reminds me of that Manila-based journalists were not usually the U.S. Secretary of De- But the siege of Marawi City changed all that. a sequence in the film, the targets of hit squads, just members of the fense designated Operation Duterte turned a blind eye as the U.S. Special Forces Walking Tall, the biopic provincial press. Nonetheless, I advised him not Pacific Eagle-Philippines came back to assist the Philippine Marines in fighting about Tennessee Sheriff to push his luck. the militants who had established a strong foothold in (OPE-P) as “a contingency Buford Pusser. Stymied I’ve been told as much by relatives and operation to support the the city. by an uncooperative friends who fear that I may be too critical of Philippine government Duterte may have quietly accepted the return of and military in their ef- the U.S. Special Forces in Mindanao – OPE-P wasn’t judge, Pusser invoked a sensitive individuals who are in power. But forts to isolate, degrade, reported in the news until four months later – but it little-known provision in that is an occupational hazard that one must be and defeat affiliates of the certainly woke up the slumbering leftist groups who the city statutes, giving him authority to deter- prepared to face – otherwise, flipping burgers Islamic State of Iraq and conveniently remained silent while the Philippine Ma- mine where to place the judge’s office. Pusser would be a much safer trade. Syria (ISIS) and other terrorist organizations in the rines were struggling to stay alive fighting the rebels assigned the judge to the men’s room. Not sur- During the repressive years of the Marcos Philippines.” in Marawi. Which makes one wonder: why didn’t the prisingly, the latter became very cooperative. dictatorship, the late Joe Burgos published the Although, OPE-P is a totally new operation “patriotic” leftists – for love of country – volunteer to The lesson here is obvious: Don’t fight city courageously anti-government paper, We Forum fight alongside the besieged Marines? Or, could it be to combat terrorism, it’s renamed from Operation hall. You can’t win – at least, that’s what conven- and Malaya. Only by the Grace of God was Enduring Freedom-Philippines (OEF-P). OPE-P that they were on the side of the militants? Hmm… tional wisdom says. Burgos spared from being salvaged, although the marks a new phase of counterterrorism operations in But when news reports that the U.S. Special the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asia region. Forces returned to Mindanao, they brought out their In the case of Rappler – as well as other same cannot be said about his son, Jonas. But according to U.S. military officials, OPE-P is now old “war drums” and started making a lot of noise media organizations – the lesson is, don’t fight Jonas Burgos, an activist, was reportedly eligible for the same funding used to finance the long- again. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secre- Malacanang. The Securities and Exchange Com- abducted by the military and was never heard running wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. tary General Renato Reyes said that the government mission will get you – unless elements of the from. The decision by the Trump administration to el- kept the people in the dark about Operation Pacific Philippine National Police knock on your door That may say something about the unla- evate OPE-P to an “Overseas Contingency Operation” Eagle: Philippines. According to him, OPE-P aims to first (I understand tokhang is back). mented Marcos government. It probably had the (OCO) – a sanitized term for “Global War on Terror” maintain “active US military presence in the region.” The bleeding hearts protesting the use by fear of God in some cases, such as that of Joe He asked: “Was the US also the one that recom- -- was in response to the Philippine government’s the SEC of a “technicality” in shutting down Burgos. Jonas Burgos disappeared during the request for more support to fight extremist groups. mended that Martial Law in Mindanao be extended to tenure of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. OCO funds are typically exempt from limits on routine one year, to allow unhampered US intervention and Rappler’s operation may have forgotten the oft- spending that have financed wars such as Operation basing? What are the terms of reference for armed US used warning, “Those who throw stones should Long before the advent of social media, the Enduring Freedom. troops conducting operations in Mindanao? The Phil- not live in technically-vulnerable glass houses.” banner of the “mosquito press” (called thus for Battle of Marawi ippine government has declared victory in Marawi, so The folks putting out Rappler probably the relentlessness and fearlessness of their sting) The U.S. Special Forces supported the Philip- why allow continued US military intervention? What knew from the outset that they were taking risks was also held high by college publications, like pine forces in defeating the Maute and Abu Sayyaf does this say about Duterte’s so-called independent with their kind of investigative reporting. But the Philippine Collegian of the University of the militants, where at least 165 Philippine troops and foreign policy?” they took their risks, nonetheless. Now, they Philippines. It seems that Reyes was misinformed. He had 47 civilians died. It’s estimated that about 1,000 must take their hits. Underground journalists also passed on militants were killed during the five-month bloody conveniently sidestepped the facts, which are: The Bur while their website may have been mimeographed newsletters from hand to hand, campaign in the “Battle of Marawi” in Mindanao. At U.S. Special Forces were deployed to Marawi in least P2.84 billion in military assistance was delivered response to the Philippine government’s request for ordered closed, that doesn’t mean it’s time for to the consternation of the martial law censors. to the Philippine military, which included 200 Glock military assistance to fight the terrorists. Secondly, them to ride off into the sunset. Aside from The Marcos-controlled TV and radio networks, pistols, 300 M4 carbines, 100 grenade launchers, four and more importantly, the U.S. Special Forces are recourse to the courts, they still have their best as well as the broadsheets and tabloids in the mini-guns, and individual operator gear worth P250 assisting with ongoing emergency relief operations assets - themselves. Philippines and in the United States, were often million. – known as Task Force Bangon Marawi. The U.S. gov- Unlike the hapless judge in the Walking Tall scooped by the guerilla media. Approximately 200 to 300 American troops ernment made available $14.3 million or about P730 tale, committed and crusading journalists don’t In the US, the late Alex Esclamado had to remain in the region serving in advisory roles. They million to directly assist with the recovery of Marawi need an office or the official sanction of govern- borrow from every available wallet in sight to and surrounding areas. are likely to stay in the region for now. The U.S. is ment authorities to pursue their mission. They keep his anti-Marcos Philippine News in print, also providing technical support and equipment, as The U.S. Embassy also issued a statement, say- only need their head, heart and hand. having been deprived of advertising revenues well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ing: “With $3 million in Humanitarian Assistance, by drones. A Pentagon official said that the Trump USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance If Maria Ressa and her team haven’t lost by Malacanang fiat. In desperation, the Marcos administration is determined in making the Philip- is working with humanitarian organizations on the their fighting spirit yet, they don’t need the SEC minions offered Esclamado $12 million to sell pines a “contingency operations” [GWOT] mission ground to deliver critical relief supplies such as safe to give them the go-signal to proceed with their his paper. He refused and fought on. and give it the kind of credibility it needed “to prevent drinking water, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, shelter mission. In fact, they don’t need a website or Alex Esclamado never missed a single issue ISIS from getting a foothold in Southeast Asia.” The materials to improve the conditions in evacuation investors. of his weekly paper, although that left him very U.S. government also committed more than $20 centers and in host families, and programs to protect They can continue writing their investiga- deep in debt. For his efforts, he was conferred million in humanitarian assistance toward rebuilding displaced women and children.” At the same time, tive pieces and posting their output on social the Philippine Legion of Honor by President $11.3 will be used to support the early recovery, and stabilizing Marawi in which some 400,000 people media till presidential spokesman Harry Roque Cory Aquino. were displaced by the conflict. stabilization and rehabilitation of Marawi and the In Spain, in 1895, a hardy group of young U.S.-Philippine relations surrounding areas. turns blue in the face from calling their work It’s interesting to note that during the Obama This includes restoration of basic public services fake news. Filipinos, Los Indios Bravos, published, La administration, relations between Manila and Wash- such as health care, water and electricity, jumpstart But that is where, with due respect, they Solidaridad, a weekly newspaper, as the spear- ington soured as a result of former president Obama’s livelihoods, revitalize the economy, and promote should draw line. Indeed, there is a thin line head of the propaganda movement, dedicated to criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte and the human community reconciliation and alternatives to violent between sensationalism and objective but hard- pushing for reforms by the Spanish colonial gov- rights violations that were allegedly committed in Du- extremism. [Source: The Philippine Star, October 24, hitting journalism. Without meaning to refer to ernment in the Philippines. They risked the ire terte’s “war on drugs.” But things got better between 2017] Rappler, I have seen too many instances when of the Spanish government but they proceeded, Aside from the financial grant, the USAID de- the two countries when Trump was elected president. ostensibly reputable media have crossed the line nonetheless. For their courage, their names have All it took was a phone call from Trump praising livered 12,000 water containers and nearly 100,000 into sensationalism and even outright masturba- been enshrined in the pantheon of the nation’s Duterte. Trump told Duterte: “I just wanted to con- chlorine tablets for safe drinking water to families heroes. gratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable in evacuation centers. These were delivered upon tion of the news. job on the drug problem. Many countries have the requests from the Departments of Education and While I sympathize with Ressa and the The first editor of the Soli, as it was referred problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you Health. The USAID had also provided 6,500 desks writers of Rappler, as well as with the media to for short, was Graciano Lopez Jaena. He was are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.” for temporary schools and psycho-social support for organizations that are loudly condemning the subsequently replaced by Marcelo H. del Pilar. With those words, Trump – a “loyalty” freak -- gained affected teachers and students, according to the U.S. threat to press freedom, I think they should Unfortunately, the publication had to close a loyal admirer in Duterte. And Duterte was so proud Embassy. [Ibid] have watched the movie, Walking Tall, before down due to lack of funds. of Trump’s call that he published the transcript of the At the end of the day, the return of the U.S. Spe- they mounted their laudable but audacious Earlier, Jose P. Rizal pursued the crusade cial Forces signifies a renewal of U.S.-Philippine mili- call. Thus, began a friendship that crossed their ideo- venture. They were bound to be consigned to a for reforms with his two novels, Mi Ultimo Adios logical differences: Duterte an anti-American leftist tary cooperation that has withstood the test of time virtual restroom, sooner or later, or be deposited and El Filibusterismo. Rizal published his books and Trump a proponent of projecting American naval for over a century. The engagement couldn’t have power in the Indo-Pacific region. come at a much better time. With terrorism rearing in the trash bin. with borrowed funds. Indeed, it wasn’t too long ago when Duterte, in its ugly head all over the world, military alliances have Crusading journalists cannot expect any Of course, we all know what happened to a fit of fury, kicked out the U.S. Special Forces that become an indispensible factor in counterterrorism. quarters from those whose lucrative lives they Rizal. Worse than what the SEC has done to had been supporting Philippine military forces in Indeed, the “Global War on Terror” is every country’s jeopardize. Rappler. Much worse. fighting the Muslim insurgents in Mindanao. He war and it behooves every citizen to help keep the According to a CNN report, the Philip- Let’s all pray that the Rappler team will only also terminated joint naval operations in the South country safe from terrorists. pines is one of the most hazardous countries for have to deal with the SEC and not with tokhang. China Sea. He also put the U.S. on notice that future ([email protected]) journalists, next only to Syria and Iraq, both of ([email protected]) joint military exercises will cease. And he threatened

have the vision and passion for leadership, just like As I See It Caringal, Soriano, Calacsan, Del Castillo, and Sera. All of them can see in the future and have the ability to strategically plan and catalyze cooperation amongst The Opinions expressed by our writers and Leading an organization needs one’s passion, dedication their members. They have a clear, exciting idea of where contributors do not in any way reflect the ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO they are going and what they are trying to accomplish opinion of the management of Fortune News and are excellent at strategic planning. Media Inc. I was just wonder- in the past of TGU’s Next Gen, Soriano has taken over I found all these FilAm leaders to be humble and Fortune News Media Inc. ing where my friends are the reins left by his predecessor towards a well-meaning honest to their members and have the courage to take Publisher getting their stamina and non-profit organization benefiting the province of risks and willing to commit themselves towards attain- Pangasinan and its people, despite the fact that the ing the goals… whatever it takes. Great leaders are those Harvey Barkin strength in leading their Editor-in-Chief respective organizations. non-profit organization is based in Southern Califor- who are strong and decisive but also humble. They Aren’t they tired of attend- nia. Soriano has his vision and he made it clear that belong to this category. Edwina Aniag ing meetings, organizing his administration will be anchored on empowerment, Humility gets results! Larry Bossidy, the former Vice President for Marketing and Operations functions, going to socials, collaboration, and culture among the over 25 town and CEO of Honeywell and author of the book Execution Gary De Guzman following up details, meet- city organizations from Pangasinan, mostly based in the said, “The more you can contain your ego, the more Vice President for Community Relations ing people, and planning US. He has a clear vision and idea of how PB-USA will realistic you are about your problems. You learn how to events? be run for the next one or two years. He is excellent at listen, and admit that you don’t know all the answers. Anchet Manosca Perhaps, unless it’s your passion, you will really strategic planning and is being backed up by dedicated You exhibit the attitude that you can learn from anyone Creative and Production Manager run out of gas in discharging your function and leading leaders like former presidents Caringal, Eddie Ferrer, at any time. Your pride doesn’t get in the way of gather- Atty. Crispin Lozano a group of dedicated members. It’s one’s passion that and Dan Nino, among others, and well-meaning mem- ing the information you need to achieve the best results. Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis drives him or her to continually carry out the organiza- bers of the non-profit organization. It doesn’t keep you from sharing the credit that needs Ben Lou / Perry Diaz tion’s mission and vision to its total fulfillment! Conrado del Castillo, another distinguished FilAm to be shared. Humility allows you to acknowledge your Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko Yvonne San Juan-Sera, 2nd term president of The leader, took over The Original Urdanetanians (TOU) mistakes.” Columnists Global Urdanetanians (TGU) and a resident of Southern based in Southern California from past president Danny One author said, which I totally agree with, Macon Ramos-Araneta California, is now in the Philippines with her husband Calacsan who concluded his term with a signature re- “Humility doesn’t mean that you’re weak or unsure of Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco Ron, interviewing the next set of scholars of the non- newal of wedding vows celebration for 12 member-cou- yourself. It means that you have the self-confidence and Daniel Llanto profit organization. This group, I was told, belongs to ples of the organization. Del Castillo, who took his oath self-awareness to recognize the value of others without Correspondents the biggest set of applicants for the scholarship program of office only last month vowed to continue the projects feeling threatened”. on its 5th year, a total of 27, and the couple has been of the past administration and will line up more activi- They have the ability to look ahead, to anticipate Ann Gauna doing this every year for the past four years in order to ties for the Urdanetanians in Southern California. He with some accuracy where their organizations are go- Marketing Associate implement the final phase of the application process of likewise have the vision and dynamism so TOU will be ing. They have the ability to anticipate trends, well in Jho Bule scholars coming from various high schools in Urdan- in good hands. advance. Photographer eta, Pangasinan – the interview process. She is ably One respected leader in the community, while They have ability to get everyone working and supported by a group of local residents from Urdaneta, not a president of any of the organizations right now pulling together which is essential to their – a rare Glenda Bule known as TGU- Urdaneta led by Ramil San Juan, Dr. but is a very important cog in the wheels of almost all leadership ability today. They have the ability to select Event Coordinator Fe Ranada, Dr. Belinda San Juan, and Elpidio Angeles, organizations in the US and in the Philippines, is Fe people who can work well with them for the smooth Jr., among others. They are great leaders finding the Gonzalez-Sepulveda. She is in charge of the Scholar- functioning of the organization. FilAm Star is published weekly balance between business foresight, performance, and ship program of TGU and a lay leader in her church All these contributes to the integrity of the leaders by Fortune News Media Inc. character. Founding TGU President Lino F. Caringal, in Southern California. In fact, she spearheaded the necessary for the success of any organization. Aside www.filamstar.com Jr. set the pace of TGU’s vision and mission five years first–ever multi high school reunion from Urdaneta, from passion and dedication of its leaders, integrity Headquarters: ago. Pangasinan in 2013 with a total attendees of about 736 contributes to any leader’s success. 1028 Mission St., 2/F, Another distinguished FilAm leader is Ferdinand and again in 2017, with a total attendees of about 500 With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you San Francisco, CA 94103; “Bong” Soriano, a native of Bayambang, Pangasinan Urdanetanian-graduates from the Urdaneta Commu- have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 who is now spearheading the new set of officers of Pan- nity High School (UCHS – now Urdaneta National High right thing, so you will have no guilt.” – Zig Ziglar gasinan Brotherhood – USA (PB-USA) – from outgoing School), Our Lady of the Lilies Academy (OLLA) and (For feedbacks, comments… please email the Email: [email protected] president Lino F. Caringal, Jr. With his able leadership the Divine Word Academy in Urdaneta. She likewise author @ [email protected]). February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star A7 MALACANANG UNCONCERNED “There is no stopping China, more so if the OIL CRISIS DOLE is sending to Qatar and other coun- ... FROM PAGE A1 Philippines continues to give leeway, remain ... FROM PAGE A1 tries in the Middle East this month, a team subservient, or worse, co-opted by China. Thus, headed by Overseas Workers Welfare Admin- told a press briefing. friendly relations with China will not deter it from The Filipino community leader, Bello said, istration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Arnel Opposition lawmakers slammed the adminis- militarizing SCS,” he said has warned him against allowing continued de- Ignacio to check on the welfare and conditions of tration amid reports that China was almost done He warned that China’s objective was to ployment of Filipino workers to Qatar. OFWs in the region. with its militarization of artificially built control the disputed features in the waters based However, Bello said, the ongoing displace- He said the minimal displacement of Filipino islands in the West Philippine Sea and urged the on its so-called historical rights. He added that ment has not reach the extent of suspending workers in Saudi Arabia is a result of the oil crisis government to disclose its dealings with Beijing. the artificial islands would provide shelter and deployment of OFWs to Qatar. and the Saudization program. Sen. Bam Aquino wondered if the Philippines logistics and basically serve as bases of support to For his part, Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco “One of the reasons for the temporary dis- had already been sold and urged the government Chinese presence in the waters. Lagunzad III said about 644 Filipino workers placement of OFWs is Saudization or the effort of to disclose any deal it might have struck with the Alejano, a former Marine officer, said that have been affected by the diplomatic crisis be- the Saudi government to prioritize employment Chinese. “While their warships are in our seas, China was forcing other claimants to accept its tween Qatar and other Middle East countries. of their nationals for 19 categories and there are we continue to give in to their whims and, all the actions by challenging norms and trying to estab- “We looked at the companies where these also companies experiencing difficulties,” Lagun- while, we are kept in the dark as to our govern- lish new ones without respect for the UN Conven- Filipinos worked and apparently a lot of them are zad said. ment’s dealings with China,” Aquino said. tion on the Law of the Sea and other international owned by Saudi companies. So, this might be, at He said the government will try to facilitate “It’s time for the administration to disclose its laws. face value, a divestment of Saudi from Qatar. Un- re-employment of the displaced workers or repa- offers to China and divulge what the Philippines He added that China would deplete the til the political issues are settled there, it is always triate them and offer to avail themselves of the is surrendering to it,” Aquino said in a state- resources and destroy the marine environment a threat for Filipinos. We are closely observing DOLE’s re-integration program. ment as he urged the Senate to act on a Senate in the area, which would become crucial once the this,” he said. resolution he filed in September 2016 calling on supply of natural gas in Malampaya dried out. the body to investigate the government’s foreign Once the resources in the West Philippine TRILLANES DOUBLES DOWN stressing he would not stop any probe. Sea had been sucked dry, China would turn to the policy direction. ... FROM PAGE A1 Trillanes has long harped about Duterte Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano cited waters off Luzon’s eastern seaboard as a source of failing to disclose his wealth going back to his natural resources especially Benham Rise. the Duterte administration’s “silence and inac- President, is hooked on a drug of some kind that time as mayor of Davao City prior to winning the “We are seeing this now in the guise of tion” on reports that China’s militarization of its “disrupted his sanity, destroyed his dreams and presidency in May 2016. Duterte has repeatedly marine scientific research and freedom of naviga- man-made structures in the West Philippine Sea triggered his obsession with President Duterte.” denied wrong-doing and promised to resign if tion. If we do not push for policies to protect our was almost complete. Citing a recent report from news organiza- any is proven. territory, our eastern seaboard could also suffer “This administration is not doing anything tion Vera Files, Trillanes claimed that the Duterte Duterte sparred repeatedly with Trillanes. the same fate as that of the WPS,” he said. because of loans and investments from China father and daughter might have violated Republic Last year, Duterte alleged that the Senator had The opposition lawmaker urged the public to which we have to pay for eventually. Based from Act No. 9160, also known as the Anti-Money secret overseas bank accounts and read out the be vigilant about the actions of the administra- the experiences of other countries that have dealt Laundering Act, for failing to “fully disclose” in account number of one on live television. Duterte tion and its future implications as he warned that with China, when they failed to pay for the loans their respective statements of assets, liabilities later admitted, however, that he had deliberately Duterte’s decisions could have long-term reper- they contracted, China demanded for other pay- and net worth (SALNs) for the past years al- read out a false account number but did not say cussions. ments – mining rights, use of agricultural lands, leged money exceeding PHP 100 million in joint why. But Malacañang said it was relying on and fishing rights. These loans will strangle us in deposits and investments under the Bank of the Trillanes’ Senate colleagues said any probe China’s promise not to reclaim new areas as the the end,” Alejano said. Philippine Islands. on Duterte’s bank accounts would likely go two countries continue to forge closer political He said that this attitude of the Duterte ad- “As the highest-ranking official of the land, nowhere. The biggest stumbling block to such a and economic ties. ministration was encouraging China to continue President Rodrigo Duterte and Mayor Sara Du- probe would be the Bank Secrecy Law, they said. its militarization and similar activities in the area. terte-Carpio as the elected City Mayor of Davao Pimentel even questioned Trillanes’ motive City are classified by the Anti Money Laundering in seeking an investigation, noting the latter tried PDEA REVEALS PDEA Intelligence Chief Jigger Montallana Council (AMLC) as ‘politically exposed persons’ to pin down former Davao City Vice-mayor Paolo ... FROM PAGE A1 told the House Correctional Reforms Sub-Com- under the law and its implementing regulations,” Duterte and Sara’s husband lawyer Manasses mittee, the group was not among those previously Trillanes said in his resolution. Carpio in previous legislative probes on other PHP 13.24b during drug operations. monitored by their agency. But the Davao City mayor said “Trillanes allegations. In a report by The Philippine Daily Inquirer, According to the report, Montallana sought is lying. I feel sad for Trillanes and his tireless “Now it’s the same thing against other mem- Carreon also noted that Mexican drug syndicates a closed-door session with solons to give more attempt to re-hash and recycle an issue that has bers of the Duterte family. If (Trillanes) really has have started exporting illegal drugs into the coun- details on this new development. already been proven as gossip. The Senator can- the evidence, then he should bring an actual case try through mail. “The subcommittee meanwhile directed not file a case because there is no basis for it,” to the proper body,” Pimentel told reporters. In another report by The Philippine Star, PDEA to submit a list of the drug trade newcom- Duterte’s daughter added in a message distrib- “But if this is part of just making this issue proof of this statement is the seizure of 6.89 kilos ers,” according to ABS-CBN News. uted to reporters land in the news then this (inquiry) should not of shabu in Trece Martires City in Cavite on Janu- Montallana also clarified that the manufac- “I have said this before and I am saying it be allowed. It will be a tragic waste of time of the ary 24, where the drugs came in a package from turing of narcotics is not done inside the peniten- again – Trillanes is lying. He has the penchant Senate,” he said. the U.S. tiary; transactions are handled by inmates using for parading his star witnesses in the Senate and Trillanes said his filing of the resolution was PDEA previously claimed that the drugs mobile phones. yet he cannot even produce Joseph De Mesa, a “direct response” to Duterte’s challenge for could have been smuggled by the Sinaloa drug “Mobile phones continue to proliferate who, according to his affidavit, was his source of Congress to investigate his bank accounts. cartel in Mexico. inside the national penitentiary despite security information,” Duterte-Carpio said. Sen. Panfilo Lacson wondered about the Carreon pointed out that PDEA was working measures implemented by the PNP Special Ac- “He also says the AMLC is the source of his point of the inquiry when apparently no predicate closely with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) tion Force,” Police Chief Supt. Dennis Basngi told documents and yet he twits President Duterte for crime has been committed that is supposed to and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ABS-CBN News. not executing a waiver for AMLC. So how come trigger an AMLC probe. foil attempts of drug cartels to bring in drug ship- Deputy SAF Director Basngi said a total of he has a copy of a purported AMLC document Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said ments to the country. 3,666 cellphones have been confiscated since without the waiver?” she added. it would be better if the committee would first In another report by GMA News, Carreon October 2016. Senate leaders, however, showed lack of consider working on amendments to the Bank said that the PDEA has requested the Philippine “While we implement strictly the policies interest with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Secrecy Law. National Police’s (PNP) help in its campaign doon sa entrances we have to admit araw-araw III calling it a “tragic waste” of time although against streel-level drug personalities. may nakukuha pa ring cellphone from the in- Carreon clarified that this help is separate side,” Basngi said. from PNP’s Oplan Tokhang, which targets mostly The report also noted that at present, there FUROR OVER ANTI-DENGUE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) drug users. are 2 signal jammers in the NBP Building 14 ... FROM PAGE A1 and a Medical Assistance Program for indigents. Meanwhile, in the same report, PNP spokes- under the control of the SAF forces. Duque said he would discuss available options person Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said “However, signal jammers for the maximum Duque III told the House committees on good gov- with the DoH’s dengue task force, including the that the re-launched Oplan Tokhang operations security compound have yet to be procured,” the ernment and accountability and health at a joint possibility of hauling Sanofi to court. The dengue conducted from January 29 to February 1 had a report claimed. hearing February 5. investigative task force (DITF) led by the Philip- total of 821 drug personalities who surrendered. Earlier this month, PDEA Director Aaron He mentioned field reports indicating much pine General Hospital (PGH) is being thorough Bulalacao also noted that no death has been Aquino said there were “new players” in the peni- lower rates of immunization coverage this year. in its evaluation precisely to build up a case that recorded since the operation’s re-launch last tentiary’s drug trade. Earlier, Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo would stand in court, he said. For instance, the week. Aquino said the group had supplied the estimated the uptake at 60 percent. Parents in DITF is using the World Health Organization’s New Bilibid Kings drugs that were confiscated in a condominium in Davao are refusing measles immunization for their algorithm for causality assessment to ensure that In another report by ABS-CBN News, Mandaluyong. kids, while others in Zamboanga are resisting de- its results are universally acceptable. last, January 31, the PDEA said that a group of Meanwhile, the House panel has asked the worming activities they had readily joined in the Twenty-nine deaths have so far been moni- Chinese inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Bureau of Corrections to submit a report on its past, the DoH officials revealed. tored among those vaccinated with Dengvaxia, of which 14 have been reviewed by the DITF. The Muntinlupa have started to supply drugs both in actions to thwart the narcotics trade at the state “The immunization program is extremely panel, a multidisciplinary team composed of 10 and outside of the detention facility. penitentiary. crucial to prevent possible fatal illnesses to occur in the near or the far future,” Duque said. doctors at PGH, disclosed its preliminary findings The health secretary received another let- at a press conference last February 2. Though not- ‘WEAK RULE OF LAW’ PH Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez ing a “causal association” in three of the cases, and said the survey result clearly “indicated the sustain- down during the hearing when Thomas Triomphe, ... FROM PAGE A1 probable vaccine failure involving at least two, the ability of Philippine economic growth, particularly Sanofi’s head for Asia-Pacific, disclosed that the DITF cannot yet conclude that Dengvaxia caused on the back of serious economic reforms, particu- company would not reimburse an additional PHP the country has improved its regional standing the dengue shock syndrome (DSS) that killed these larly in ease of doing business and taxation”. 1.8 billion for the vaccines used in the govern- by one rank to number 13th among 43 countries children. Further testing of tissue samples and “We are assured that this will enhance con- ment’s mass immunization program nor set up an surveyed in the Asia-Pacific, keeping its Moderately tinued business and investor confidence, as we indemnity fund to cover medical expenses of those antibodies is needed to complete the investigation, Free status. implement an ambitious infrastructure development vaccinated with Dengvaxia. according to Dr. Juliet Sio-Aguilar, chairman of “The Philippines’ economic freedom score is program in the next few years,” Romualdez, told The “We cannot respond positively to these two PGH’s pediatrics department, who leads the DITF. 65.0, making its economy the 61st freest in the 2018 Philippine Star. requests. However, it does not mean that we are Its recommendation is to perform an autopsy Index. Its overall score has decreased by 0.6 point, “I wish to note that the latest Pulse Asia survey closing the door to any collaboration with the in nine of the cases, including six found as either with lower scores for the government integrity, showed the President’s trust and approval ratings at DoH. That’s why in our letter, we have provided “indeterminate” or “coincidental” deaths, meaning monetary freedom, and property rights indicators an all-time high of 80 and 82 percent, respectively. those who got ill within 30 days from inoculation outpacing improvements in trade freedom and judi- other possibilities of collaboration,” Triomphe said The latest Social Weather Station survey shows but did not die from DSS. cial effectiveness,” the Index noted. at the House hearing. that the trust and satisfaction ratings are 83 and 75 “The autopsy is not simply opening the body “The Philippines is ranked 13th among 43 Sanofi is willing to provide Dengvaxia doses percent, respectively,” Romualdez added. and looking at the different organs, which is countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its over-all free of charge so that inoculation may be com- PH’s drop in rule of law index based on per- what you usually see on TV. It actually is a more score is above the regional and world averages. pleted among those who received just one or two ception complicated process. In a medical autopsy, we take The strong growth of the Philippines’ economy has shots, he added. The company is also open to In a report by GMA News last February 3, tissues from the different organs, we process them allowed the government to prioritize domestic law “constructive action to fight dengue.” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the and order issues over economic policy concerns,” the The Dengvaxia manufacturer reimbursed PHP and put them on a microscopic slide and we look at World Justice Project’s 2017-2018 Rule of Law Index added. 1.16 billion last month for the more than one mil- these tissues. These findings are then correlated or Index, where the country saw a big drop in rank, is The Index has also cited the rapid decline in lion unused Dengvaxia doses returned by the DoH, connected with all the clinical data that we have,” based on “mere perception.” President Duterte’s popularity causing investor con- which suspended its mass dengue immunization Dr. Maria Cecilia Lim, PGH forensic pathologist, “Sa akin po parang iyan ay perception na wala fidence to decline by the end of last year. program in December after Sanofi’s disclosure of said at the DoH press conference last February 2. namang base sa reyalidad,” Roque said in an inter- According to the Index, “an absence of entre- a severe dengue risk among those to be vaccinated She said the PGH will offer free autopsy for view in Ilocos Norte by GMA News. preneurial dynamism (in the Philippine) thwarts without a prior infection. Dengvaxia-related cases. Those living outside The report also noted that Roque admitted that development.” “In the current context, we strongly stand Metro Manila may also rely on the Philippine the country’s criminal justice system is not perfect The Index also cited that the country has Society of Pathologists (PSP), which will organize but clarified that this has been a problem way before behind the record of efficacy and safety of this adopted some fiscal reforms but it insisted deeper a network of its members to help with Dengvaxia the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. product, which is probably the reason why this institutional reforms are required in interrelated cases. The PSP is likewise offering its services for “That is something that I think is a reflection product is being used in every single other country area: business freedom, investment freedom, and free, Lim said. of the need to have further reforms in our justice where it’s licensed today. And that’s why we don’t the rule of law. The judicial system remains weak DITF is hoping to collaborate with the Public system. But that has been there not just during believe it’s the time to set up any indemnifica- and vulnerable to political influence. Attorney’s Office (PAO) in conducting the au- the administration of the Duterte administration,” tion fund, which again will probably create undue Property rights and Judicial Independence topsies. Ordered by the Department of Justice to Roque said. concern and undue mistrust in the over-all vaccine In a report by The Philippine Star, the Philip- The Index, which also measured the country’s program,” Triomphe told committee members help bereaved parents, PAO has exhumed bodies pines’ scores in property rights and government economic growth similar to that of the 2018 Index of who grilled him repeatedly about Sanofi’s move. of children whose deaths are suspected to have integrity slipped while its score for judicial effective- Economic Freedom of the Heritage Foundation, saw This means a legal victory is needed to compel been caused by Dengvaxia. The agency filed a civil ness improved. the Philippine dropped 18 spots, down to 88th out of any reimbursement from Sanofi of rising govern- suit February 5 at the Quezon City Regional Trial “Judicial independence is strong but the courts 113 countries surveyed. ment costs to monitor about 870,000 Filipinos Court, seeking more than PHP 4 million in dam- are plagued by inefficiency, low pay, intimidation, The Index, which measures a country’s “adher- vaccinated with Dengvaxia. Domingo revealed ages on behalf of the family of a 10-year-old girl. delays and long case backlogs. Corruption and ence to the rule of law from the perspective of or- at the hearing that the total affected population It is the first of several individual cases the agency cronyism are pervasive, and the country is a regional dinary people and their experiences,” also said that will pursue, PAO Chief Persida Acosta was quoted money-laundering hub,” according to The Philippine has risen from the 833,000 involved in the mass the Philippines now ranks 13th out of 15 countries in in local media reports. Star. immunization program, because about 30,000 the East Asia and Pacific region,” according to GMA Acosta and PAO forensic expert Dr. Erwin “The President’s strong-arm tactics reinforce a private school students were also inoculated by News. Erfe have been summoned by both the Senate and culture of impunity,” the report added. private physicians. With its over-all score of .47, The Philippines House panels investigating the Dengvaxia fiasco. While the country’s judicial independence score Their surveillance is required for at least three was classified as a “country with a weaker adherence Prominent members of the Philippine medical improved, the Index still noted that the Philippines’ to five years and could last for 20 years, with those to the rule of law.” judicial system remains weak and vulnerable to vaccinated with Dengvaxia accorded a special lane community, including former health secretaries, The result also puts the country below the political influence. at public hospitals and soon, at designated private have criticized PAO for allegedly inflaming the index’s median, describing it as having a “declining Sustainability of PG economic growth hospitals to guarantee treatment with no out-of- public health scare by publicizing “unsubstanti- rule of law.” In the same story by The Philippine Star, in a pocket expenses. ated” autopsy findings. report to Foreign Affairs Sec. 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Stephen Schwarzman, the registered since August 2011 Some also question the chairman and CEO of financial when investors were fretting over possible role of computer- firm Blackstone, warned recently Europe’s debt crisis and the debt driven algorithmic trading in the of a potential “reckoning” in ceiling impasse in Washington precipitous declines or even the markets. that prompted a US credit rating ramifications of the rise and fall A 10 percent drop from a downgrade. in the value of virtual currencies, peak is often referred to as a “cor- Still, while some financial notably bitcoin. rection” while a bear market is assets became more attractive to “If investors look at underly- generally defined as a 20 percent investors as perceived havens of ing earnings growth and the fun- or so drop in indexes. The S&P value. Gold, for example, was up damentals of the global economy, 500, for example, is one of the 0.4 percent at $1,343 an ounce. there is reason for optimism,” major fallers, declining 7.8 per- The US dollar remained said Neil Wilson, senior market cent since its latest record high on resilient despite the stock market analyst at ETX Capital. Jan. 26. sell-off, which at one stage “However once this kind of “Seemingly the only hope for Monday saw the Dow shed 1,597 stampede starts it’s hard to stop.” the markets at the moment is that points. The euro was up 0.3 per- Among the biggest fallers investors suddenly decide that the cent at $1.2435 while the dollar Tuesday was Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 sell-off has been a bit overdone,” rose 0.3 percent to 109.38 yen. stock average, which ended 4.7 said Connor Campbell, a financial (inquirer.net) iPhone X glitch causes users to miss calls Three months after the iPhone X’s release, owners have found something new to complain about their $1,000 handsets. It appears a software bug has been preventing some in answering incoming calls. According to Financial Times, users claim that the in- coming call interface won’t come up on screen for up to 10 seconds. Users described instances when the phone would start ring- ing but its screen would remain blank, causing calls to be missed because users had no way of (Photo: www.youtube.com) answering them with the blank screen. colleague could unlock her device. TechRadar reports Apple Previous insights from Meanwhile, sales of the is already looking into the posts iPhone X owners focused on the iPhone X have not been living up made by users on their support reliability of the Face ID feature. to projections. Despite this, CEO page. (Alfred Bayle / inquirer. One of the owners said her son Tim Cook insists that customer net) could unlock the iPhone. Another satisfaction was “off the charts” got several refunds because her for the new device. Chinese gamer paralyzed after playing for 20 hours ing Zhejiang Province. A video of the gamer being According to Chi- carried off his chair and unto a nese news site QQ via stretcher has been uploaded on Newsweek, the gamer Chinese video sharing site Pear. lost all sensation from China currently has a the waist down. He problem with gaming addiction noticed this as he tried and became the first country to to get up and go to the recognize internet addiction as toilet. a clinical disorder. The internet (Photo: www.nextshark.com) The gamer’s friends has been sometimes referred to as called for an ambulance “digital heroin.” Various methods Computer gaming may help to take him to a hospital. of overcoming this social issue improve hand-eye coordination, As the gamer got rolled out in have been tried. These include but too much of it has left one a stretcher, he called out to his video game boot camps where Chinese gamer paralyzed. friends to keep playing his unfin- gaming addicts get rehabilitated The gamer reportedly played ished game. He started playing and taught the value of modera- the same game nonstop for 20 Saturday evening and was taken tion. (Alfred Bayle / inquirer.net) hours at an internet cafe in Jiax- to the hospital Sunday afternoon. February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star A9 world news Trump slams ‘treasonous’ Democrats U.S., Russia clash at UN over for not applauding Democrats Somebody said, ‘treasonous.’ I Syria chlorine attacks were “un- mean, yeah, I guess, why not?” The United States and Rus- American” “Can we call that treason? sia clashed at the UN Security because Why not? I mean, they certainly Council on Monday over a push they did didn’t seem to love our country by Washington to condemn not full- very much,” he added. reported chlorine gas attacks throatedly Trump has falsely boasted in Syria that have left many embrace that his generally well-received injured in recent days, including his address speech had the highest televi- children. to a joint sion audience numbers in US Ambassador Nikki session of history. Haley told the council that there Congress But Nielsen ratings show was “obvious evidence from doz- last week. that three of Trump’s predeces- ens of victims” to corroborate “They sors surpassed his audience the chlorine attacks in rebel-held (Photo: www.financialtribune.com) would numbers during their first time Eastern Ghouta. rather see giving the high-profile speech “Now we have reports US President Donald Trump do before Congress. that the Assad regime has used Trump described lawmakers badly, okay, than our country Trump did see a slight chlorine gas against its people who did not applaud his State of do well,” he said.”It’s very self- bump in the polls however, multiple times in recent weeks, the Union address as unpatri- ish. And it got to a point where I with his Gallup approval rating including just yesterday,” Haley otic and treasonous Monday. really didn’t even want to look.” edging up two points to 40%, its said. During a speech in “They were like death and highest level in months. (AFP) The United States pro- Cincinnati, Trump suggested un-American. Un-American. posed that the council adopt a Ambassador Nikki Haley statement condemning “in the (Photo: www.the nation.com) strongest terms” the reported February 1 chlorine attack in the Three reported chlorine wash the findings of the latest Trump defiant as deadlines loom town of Douma that injured over attacks investigation that Russia desper- 20 civilians including children, The US-drafted statement ately wants to bury,” Haley told on budget, immigration according to the draft seen by expressed grave concern over the council. AFP. Bitterly divided US lawmak- sands of immigrants brought to for Trump’s border wall, ending three reported chlorine attacks The previous probe, vetoed Russia hit back and accused ers on Monday faced a shrinking the country as minors. the green card visa lottery, and in Eastern Ghouta in recent by Russia, had found that Syrian the United States of waging a window to reach elusive deals on Senate Majority Leader curtailing the family reunifica- weeks and asserted that those forces were responsible for the “propaganda campaign” aimed immigration and federal spend- Mitch McConnell said this time tion procedure that prioritizes responsible for using chemical April 2016 sarin attack on the at falsely blaming President ing, as President Donald Trump he did not expect a repeat of the relatives of US citizens in im- weapons must be held account- rebel-held town of Khan Sheik- Bashar al-Assad for chemical threatened to walk away from shutdown, for which both camps migrating to the country. able. hun, that killed scores of people. attacks. any immigration proposal that have traded blame. In a bipartisan push to The Russian ambassador The panel, known as the “It’s completely clear to us does not meet his demands. “There’s no education in break the deadlock, Senate said that while Moscow was Joint Investigative Mechanism the goal is to basically accuse the Just days before a govern- the second kick of a mule,” the Republican John McCain and ready to condemn chemical (JIM), also found that Assad’s Syrian government of chemical ment shutdown would kick in Kentucky lawmaker said. Democrat Chris Coons an- weapons use, it could not sup- forces used chlorine in attacks weapons use where no perpetra- at midnight Thursday absent a Debt ceiling limit looms nounced a plan that both offers port the draft statement “in its on rebel-held villages in 2014 tors have been identified,” said spending agreement, an impasse Complicating the legislative a pathway to citizenship for current form” because it pointed and 2015. Russian Ambassador Vassily over immigration was overshad- schedule, Treasury Secretary Dreamers and boosts border the finger of guilt to Damascus. It also found that Islamic Nebenzia. owing negotiations on multiple Steven Mnuchin has warned security, but does not address The council met to discuss State (IS) jihadists had used Russia proposed an amend- fronts. Congress that the Treasury has family reunification or the visa chemical weapons use in Syria mustard gas in 2015. (AFP) ed draft statement that made no Trump vowed during his only enough cash to pay its bills lottery. after Russia used its veto power mention of the attacks in East- State of the Union address last through February 28, without The White House quickly twice in November to block the ern Ghouta and stressed that the week to “extend an open hand” hitting the debt limit and using doused the plan -- which does renewal of a UN investigative reports should be “credibly and VISIT to both parties in pursuing an extraordinary measures to keep not specifically fund a border panel tasked with identifying professionally investigated,” ac- immigration deal that shields 1.8 payments flowing. wall -- with legislative affairs those responsible for the deadly www.filamstar.com cording to the text seen by AFP. million undocumented migrants That is earlier than expect- director Marc Short telling re- gas attacks. The United States rejected from deportation -- in exchange ed, the Congressional Budget porters it was “not sufficient” to Russia last month put the changes and no statement for curbs on legal immigration. Office said, because last year’s gain Trump’s support. forward a draft resolution to was adopted, diplomats said. But Democrats have sav- $1.5 trillion tax cut is resulting Democrats say the presi- establish a new investigation but Haley slammed Russia for aged his proposal, and Trump in less federal revenue. dent’s demands amount to Western diplomats have raised balking at a statement that she was soon wagging an accusa- The crammed to-do list is holding Dreamers hostage in questions about the impartiality described as a “simple condem- tory finger at an opposition further jeopardized by parti- exchange for anti-immigrant of the proposed panel. nation of Syrian children being he blames for refusing to help san feuding over an explosive policies. “This is not an impartial suffocated by chlorine gas.” replace the program known as Republican memorandum that But Republican Senator mechanism. It is a way to white- Deferred Action for Childhood Trump declassified Friday. John Cornyn essentially accused Arrivals before a March dead- In a letter to the president, Democrats of negotiating in bad line. top Democrats -- including Con- faith over the issue. “Any deal on DACA that gressman Adam Schiff -- warned “We want to achieve a solu- does not include STRONG bor- of a “constitutional crisis” tion that can become law, and der security and the desperately should he use the memo as a so far we haven’t had a willing needed WALL is a total waste of pretext to fire the special pros- dance partner in our Democratic time,” Trump tweeted, referring ecutor heading an investigation colleagues,” he said. to his long-sought wall on the into possible collusion between Trump warned Democrats US border with Mexico. Trump’s presidential campaign against blocking his proposal. “March 5th is rapidly ap- and Moscow. “We’ll either have some- proaching and the Dems seem Trump fired back, calling thing that’s fair and equitable not to care about DACA. Make Schiff “one of the biggest liars and good and secure, or we’re a deal!” and leakers in Washington.” going to have nothing at all,” he Congress has also been ‘Not sufficient’ said last week. haggling over spending caps Against this toxic backdrop, House Republicans were set for domestic programs and the lawmakers are bracing for a to meet late Monday to address military, as lawmakers seek to heavyweight brawl on immigra- a path forward, aides said. finalize a budget for the remain- tion. But defiant Democrats der of 2018. In September, Trump warned against a plan being Republican and Demo- decided to end DACA, mean- floated by Ryan that would tem- cratic leaders have already ing that its beneficiaries, the porarily cover domestic spend- acknowledged they will not meet “Dreamers,” could face deporta- ing but fund military spending Thursday’s deadline, and will tion if Congress fails to act. through the end of the year as have to pass yet another stopgap He unveiled a proposal a way to rally support from his to avoid a new government last week that puts Democrats fractured caucus, including con- shutdown. in a bind. It would place 1.8 servatives who oppose conces- Lawmakers are smarting million immigrants, including sions on immigration. from an embarrassing three-day nearly 700,000 Dreamers, on a Such a move would equate shutdown last month, when pathway to citizenship -- a top to “barreling head first into a Democrats refused to back a priority for the opposition. dead end,” top Senate Democrat spending measure that did not But it would also require Chuck Schumer said. (AFP) address the situation of the tightening border security “Dreamers” -- hundreds of thou- including through $25 billion A10 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star B1 community Winter Fancy Food (Part 1 of 2) New and unique Philippine food products from the 2018 show By Harvey I. Barkin

Corp., Magical Blend Market- ing International, Magic Melt Foods, Mama Sita’s (Marigold Manufacturing Corp.), Monde M.Y. San Corp., Pasciolco Agri ventures, Profood International Corp., Sagrex Food, San Miguel Foods, Seabest Food and Bev- erage Corp., Subic Superfood and Super Q. Arko Foods (with head- Photo of the Philippine Exhibitors at the Winter Fancy Food exhibit. Photo quarters in Valenzuela City) by Robin Barkin. exhibited a large variety of dried noodles, fish and fer- mented fish sauces, dried fish, cookies, fruit juices and crispy snacks. Their unique product is the Angelina brand buko pandan packaged in an ice cream container -- handy to store and get from the ref when you get an attack of munchies. They also have frozen products of hard to find squash flower, banana leaves and blossoms, gabi leaves, miso, saluyot, chili pepper leaves and horse radish fruit. You don’t need to fly to Photo of the exhibitors and Consul General Henry Bensurto (seated third from left) together with other members Hawaii just to cook authentic of the San Francisco Philippine Consulate at the Winter Fancy Food Exhibit tinola with malunggay leaves Bethany Sales’ Salted Egg flavor potato chips Photo by Robin Barkin or sinampalukang manok with SAN FRANCISCO – The big thing. That year Google Filipino Food as a top trend. sili leaves. should get M2 for your veg- City) is the largest canned food Philippines participated for the searches for Filipino food Small wonder that the De- Bethany Sales is a lead- etable fix. It tastes better than manufacturer in the Philip- fifth year in the West Coast’s doubled. partment of Trade and Indus- ing Philippine exporter and V8, is a source of iron, calcium, pines with various lines of largest specialty food and A little later, renowned try – Center for International consolidator and exhibited potassium and beta-carotene. Century Tuna products (with beverage event last January 21 author and chef Anthony Bour- Trade Expositions and Mis- their line of Sagana Delights It also relieves constipation and caldereta, afritada, adobo, with to 23 at the 43rd Winter Fancy dain said Filipino food was sions (DTI-CITEM) targeted brand of noodles, snacks, helps in breastmilk production. calamansi and hot and spicy Food Show at Moscone Center. under rated but also a work in about $48.75 million sales by coconut products, frozen But the star in their line-up is which you may not have seen While this may not sound progress and chimed in with bringing in 17 new and return- vegetables and dried seafood. the coveted Good Roots brand in U.S. markets), 555 sardines auspicious, it is nevertheless an Zimmern. ing Philippine food manufac- They also brought their M2 Salted Eggs flavored potato (also fried with tausi and fried opportune time for purveyors This year, international turers and exporters. malunggay-okra-luya concen- chips. If you’ve ever dropped as hot and spicy), they also have of Filipino food. food and restaurant consul- The USDA Organic and trate tea drink. If that sounds much as $8 for a bag of chips bangus and, of course, Argen- As far back as 2012, tants Baum + Whiteman pre- FDA compliant exhibitors like a mouthful and a horrible begging your relative to bring tina corned beef. What you Bizarre Foods host Andrew dicted Philippine cuisine as the were: Arko Foods Philippines, taste comes to mind, you’ve got you back that chips from Singa- may not know is that there’s Zimmern was tantalized by first of three (before Indian and Bethany Sales, Century Pacific another think coming. If you pore available in Manila, this is also Argentina beef tapa, pork the fusion of Spanish and East Korean) going mainstream. North America, Islamic Da’wah think healthy means drink- the alternative. tocino, pork longanisa, hot dog Asian cuisine and predicted Also, this year, the National Council of the Philippines, ing Naked or Superfood (with Century Pacific Food and luncheon meat. Filipino food would be the next Restaurant Association named Hacienda Macalauan, JNRM the squishy ingredients), you (with headquarters in Pasig CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE B2 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017

A special Briefing for Community and Ethnic Media - California Paid Family Leave. In photo, Invited Speakers; Kacie Finnicum, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, Employment Development Department; Julia Frud- den, Communications and Development Manager, Child Care Law Center and Julia Parish, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid at Work

UP Alumni Association in America’s Executive Board Member Joe Santos & his lovely wife Lynn recently attended the UPAAA Grand Reunion & Convention in (Left photo) Birthday celebrant Rye Iselin, New Jersey. Shown here is UP Alumni Regent Happy birthday to Badz Manalo !!! (second from left) shown here with Atty. Ramon Maronilla. her family at the celebration of her 18th birthday. (Bottom photo) Rye’s baptism at Our Lady of Mercy in Daly City last Feb. 3. In photo are the proud parents, Richard and Lum, along with the Ninongs and Ninangs.

Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo (4th from left) honoring Jefferson High School Robotics Club for hosting Robot- ics Competition on Saturday, February 3rd,2018. February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star B3 community California Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits to increase January 1 awareness SACRAMENTO – Begin- This was possible with Paid mothers transitioning from a New PG&E pilot projects will expand ning January 1, weekly benefits Family Leave.” Disability Insurance claim due electric transportation in California for the state’s Paid Family Assembly Bill 908 to pregnancy or childbirth to Leave and Disability Insurance (Gomez), signed by Governor qualify for Paid Family Leave SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— evaluate economic viability for of EVs in California. Partnering programs increase for workers Edmund Brown Jr. In 2016, • provides benefits pay- Pacific Gas and Electric Company technologies that help customers with business customers and EV (PG&E) today announced it will with heavy-duty fleets eliminate charging companies, PG&E will to take time off to care for ill begin developing four new pilot engine idling to power auxiliary install 7,500 EV chargers at con- family members, bond with new projects aimed at helping fleet and children or miss work due to residential customers simplify elec- pregnancy, sickness or injury. tric vehicle (EV) charging. The new Both of the benefit pro- projects were recently approved by grams are funded entirely by the California Public Utilities Com- employees through their State mission (CPUC). Disability Insurance payroll In California, transportation deductions, and they are is the single largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions. administered by the California Expanding access to EVs is es- Employment Development sential to improving air quality and Department (EDD). In 2002, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions California became the first state in the state. Through these new in the nation to create a Paid projects, PG&E will support wide- Family Leave program. spread EV adoption and help driv- “When workers need time ers and companies become more off for their families or to recov- confident in using electricity to er their health, these programs power vehicles. PG&E’s projects fo- can make it financially possible, cus primarily on electric transpor- tation for medium- to heavy-duty “said EDD Director Patrick vehicles to address air pollution, (From left) Rowena Quinto Kamo, Jeremy, and son Edison Henning. “With the increase in since these vehicles typically run vehicle loads such as cooling and dominiums, apartment buildings benefit amounts for Paid Family on diesel, a highly polluting fuel. heating. and workplaces across Northern Leave and Disability Insurance, will increase wage replace- able up to six weeks within a “California continues to lead Residential charging: PG&E and Central California, including at more California workers can ment benefits from the current 12-month period and this time the nation in the fight against will develop online resources to sites in disadvantaged communi- afford to do so. 55 percent to either 60 or 70 does not have to be taken all at climate change and clean trans- help simplify the home charger ties. Rowena Quinto Kamo said, percent depending on income. once portation is critical to building purchase and installation process Committed to increasing “On April 26, 2017 I gave birth Workers can use EDD’s on-line • starting January 1, 2018 our sustainable energy future. By for PG&E’s residential customers adoption of clean vehicles in the to my first baby -- Edison. The benefit calculator to determine provides weekly benefits from connecting underserved communi- driving EVs, especially those in state, PG&E continues its efforts three months following his how much in either Paid Family $50 to $1,216 depending on an ties to the necessary infrastructure disadvantaged communities. to make it easier for customers to and making clean energy trans- As a next step, PG&E is make the switch to EVs. Online re- birth was an incredible time for Leave or Disability Insurance individual’s earnings portation options more accessible, identifying customers with fleet sources help customers driving EVs me to step into my new role as benefits they could receive if • details can be viewed PG&E ensures all customers can vehicles to partner with on the learn more and determine which a mother and to concentrate on they meet eligibility require- at http://californiapaidfami- participate in that future while demonstration projects. The rate plan makes sense for them. On what mattered most -- bonding ments. lyleave.com helping the state and our com- pilots with customer fleet vehicles PG&E’s residential EV rate plans, with my baby and giving myself The new law also elimi- Disability Insurance munities meet their clean air and will be located in disadvantaged customers pay the equivalent of the time to heal. What allowed nates the one-week waiting • provides benefits to Cali- greenhouse-gas emission reduction communities to support clean air $1.20 per gallon to charge their me to give my full attention to period for Paid Family Leave fornia workers to help replace goals,” said Geisha Williams, CEO initiatives and ensure access to this vehicle overnight. Edison was knowing that I was claims. some of the earnings they lose and President of PG&E Corpora- technology for all. EV drivers who are PG&E receiving an income through Paid Family Leave when they are unable to work tion. These projects are part of a residential electric customers can Testing New Use Cases comprehensive plan submitted to apply for the Clean Fuel Rebate, a California’s Paid Family Leave. • provides benefits to due to a non-work related ill- The four projects approved by the CPUC in January 2017 aimed one-time rebate of $500 rewarding I wasn’t stressed out about California workers who take ness or injury, pregnancy or the CPUC span a variety of trans- at accelerating widespread EV them for using electricity as a clean having to get back to work or time off to care for a seriously childbirth portation sectors: adoption and combating climate transportation fuel. The rebate is worried about whether my job ill child, parent, parent-in- • benefits are payable for a Transit fleets: Partnering with change. Complementing these pilot part of California’s statewide Low would still be there. Once I law, grandparent, grandchild, maximum of 52 weeks a local transit agency, PG&E will projects, PG&E expects the CPUC Carbon Fuel Standard initiative, returned to work my husband, sibling, spouse or registered • Starting January 1, 2018 demonstrate how battery stor- to vote on its proposals to expand which aims to reduce transporta- Jeremy also benefited from PFL domestic partner provides weekly benefits from age and smart charging can lower electrification for medium- to tion-related greenhouse-gas emis- by taking time off for himself • benefits are also available $50 to $1,216 depending on an operating costs. heavy-duty fleets and to increase sions by encouraging the adoption to have alone time with Edison. to new parents who take time individual’s earnings. School buses: PG&E will test fast-charging stations to meet of clean fuels like electricity. We feel so blessed to have had off to bond with a child enter- • Details can be viewed at new incentive structures to target consumer demand. To learn more about the EV EV charging for school buses Ongoing Support for EV Adop- Charge Network program, visit our this opportunity to be with our ing their family either by birth, http://www.edd.ca.gov/Disabil- during periods of high renewable tion website at pge.com/evchargenet- little guy and watch him grow adoption or foster care place- ity/Disability_Insurance.htm generation – such as when there is Recently, PG&E launched its work. To learn more about other -- discovering new things about ment excess solar energy during the day. new EV Charge Network program options for EV drivers, visit pge. himself and his surroundings. • makes it possible for Heavy-duty fleets: PG&E will to help accelerate the adoption com/ev. B4 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 legal & law Disgraced USA Gymnastics doc sentenced How may spousal abuse qualify you to another 40-125 years Many victims gave nearly identical accounts to be a permanent resident? of Nassar’s pattern of abuse: a star doctor who seemed to befriend them, only to suddenly abuse ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO them during medical appointments -- often with parents in the room. If you entered into a good faith marriage but after the marriage “Larry Nassar is a master of manipulation,” your U.S. citizen of lawful permanent resident spouse is abusing Kaitlyn Basel, a dancer who was first abused by you, then you do not have to sacrifice to get your permanent resi- Nassar at the age of 12, told the court Friday. dent. You can immediately apply for a waiver of joint filing based “He trained us to believe that he was a saint on the information and document that you are an abused spouse. that could help us, and that without him we could Your dependent children can be included in this application to not get better.” remove condition on residence. Nassar addressed the court Monday in a brief If your abusive spouse has not filed a permanent resi- statement lasting less than a minute, offering an dent petition for you, you may file the petition by yourself with the apology similar to the one he gave at the January Larry Nassar sentencing hearing. proof that you are an abused spouse. A self petitioner who married (Photo: www.fisherstonelaw.com) an abusive U.S. citizen may file an adjustment of status at the same time that the self peti- “The words expressed by everyone that has tion is filed. If the spouse of the self petitioner is a lawful permanent resident he or she spoken, including the parents, have impacted me Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics will have to wait until the I-360 petition is approved and the priority date for the second to my innermost core,” Nassar said. doctor who sexually abused girls and young “It’s impossible to convey the depth and preference is current. VAWA also applies to men who are abused by their spouse. Spou- women for decades under the guise of medical breadth of how sorry I am to each and every one sal abuse includes physical or psychological abuse. In physical abuse the best evidence is treatment, was sentenced Monday to an addi- involved.” a police report or medical report while in a psychological abuse the evidence could be an tional 40 to 125 years in prison. ‘His lies worked’ evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Nassar already faced a lifetime behind bars The key question for many victims has been Question: Who qualifies for self-petition and cancellation of removal under Violence for two prior sentences after pleading guilty to who knew of Nassar’s abuse and who could have against Women Act (VAWA)? sexually assaulting women and girls in his role stopped him earlier. Answer: The following qualify for self-petition and cancellation of removal: as a high-profile sports medicine doctor at USA “We have taken care of one perpetrator, we 1. Abused spouse, former spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful perma- Gymnastics and at a Michigan State University have not taken care of the systems that allowed nent resident. (MSU) clinic. him to flourish for 20 years,” Rachael Denhol- 2. Abused child of U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The latest sentence stems from abuse he com- lander, the first to publicly accuse Nassar, told a 3. Non-abusive parent of a child who was subjected to domestic violence or extreme mitted at the Twistars gymnastics training center throng of news media at the courthouse following in Michigan, where victims said in court they cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent. the sentencing. were referred to Nassar for treatment and were With a stellar reputation as the doctor to Question: When can a self petitioner file an application for work authorization? molested. Olympic champions, Nassar evaded scrutiny Answer: A self petitioner is eligible for employment authorization upon approval of “This now ends the criminal legal proceed- several times since the late 1990s by insisting his the self petition or upon filing of adjustment of status whichever comes first. ings involving Larry Nassar. I realize that it does abuse was in fact cutting-edge treatment that was Question: What are the advantages of adjustment of status under VAWA compared to not end the emotional and physical suffering he misunderstood by some patients. the regular adjustment of status? has caused,” Judge Janice Cunningham said in a “His lies worked,” lead prosecutor Angela Answer: VAWA adjustment of status has the following advantages: Charlotte, Michigan courtroom after imposing the Povilaitis said in her closing statement. “Each 1. VAWA self petitioner need not have been inspected or admitted into the U.S. This maximum sentence under a plea agreement. time he got away, he was empowered to continue means that “Entered without Inspection” or “present without authorization” are eligible The 54-year-old is accused by some 265 and perfect his abuse and his techniques even under VAWA. women -- including Olympians, gymnasts and more.” 2. Having worked without authorization is not a bar to adjustment. collegiate athletes -- of sexually abusing them Even after Nassar came under serious scru- 3. Having overstayed a nonimmigrant visa or having violated the terms of nonimmi- over a more than two-decade career. tiny, his abuse was not immediately stopped. grant visa is not a bar to adjustment. His case has convulsed US amateur athlet- USA Gymnastics reported Nassar to the FBI ics and led to profound questions about how his 4. Having been admitted as a nonimmigrant under “D” [crewmember], “C” [alien in in July 2015, but he continued to see patients at abuse managed to go undetected for so long. MSU until a newspaper exposed him in Septem- transit without a visa], or “S” [government witness] does not disqualify self petitioner from Nassar had previously been sentenced to 60 ber 2016. adjustment of status. The regular adjustment of status provision does not allow them to years in prison on child pornography posses- The New York Times reported that at least 40 adjust. sion charges in December, and up to 175 years in more women and girls were molested during that 5. Having been admitted under Visa Waiver program is not a bar to adjustment. prison on sexual abuse charges in January. time. 6. Self petitioners do not have to pay the $1000 penalty if they adjust status under Sec. ‘Master of manipulation’ Victims have called for systemic changes at 245(i). Over the past three weeks of court hear- MSU and amateur athletics, and for others -- Note: This is not a legal advice. The Law Office of Crispin C. Lozano has successfully ings, some 200 women, girls and victims’ family such as coaches and organizational leaders -- to received approvals for many VAWA cases members confronted Nassar and gave wrenching be held accountable. SUCCESS STORIES accounts of his abuse and its lasting damage. Several resignations have followed, and MSU, 1. On January 12, 2018, we received an approval of immigrant visa at the U.S. Consul- They spoke of years of depression and post- the gymnastics governing organization and the ate Manila for an alien who applied for I-601-A as one who entered as a seaman. traumatic stress disorder, suicide attempts and US Olympic Committee all are facing investiga- 2. On January 10, 2018, we received an approval form USCIS of a self petition for broken bodies that had not received proper care tions. AFP) and suffered under chronic pain. abused spouse based on same sex marriage. 3. On January 3, 2018, we received an approval from the Immigration Court for a waiver of misrepresentation for a client who was charged with misrepresentation in mar- riage; Trump lawyers want him to refuse 4. On December 15, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for an adjustment of status for same sex marriage for an applicant who entered without inspection but has Sec. Russia interview: report 245 (i). 5. On November 16, 2017, we received an approval from Immigration Court for a US President Donald Trump’s lawyers have urged him to refuse to sit down with Special waiver of misrepresentation for entering as single daughter of U.S. citizen but actually Counsel Robert Mueller as part of the probe into married. his campaign’s ties with Russia, The New York 6. On October 25, 2017, we received an approval of I-485 adjustment of status for our Times reported Monday. client who has a DUI but has proof that he has cleared his record. However, Trump himself has repeatedly 7. On October 20, 2017, we received an approval of naturalization for a client who stated that he would like to speak with Mueller was granted a waiver of misrepresentation in Immigration Court. about the ongoing investigation, which is examin- 8. On October 16, 2017, we received from USCIS an approval for an adjustment of ing his campaign’s possible collusion with Russia status for same sex marriage, after two scheduled interviews. over election interference, and possible obstruc- 9. On October 9, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for adjustment of tion of justice. “I’m looking forward to it, actually,” Trump President Donald Trump status for a client who entered as a seaman but has Sec. 245 (i) eligibility. (Photo: www.cnn.com) 10. On October 2, 2017, we received an approval of adjustment of status from USCIS told reporters at the White House last month, for a client who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245(i). though adding: “subject to my lawyers and all of Mueller lacks the legal standing on some of the that.” issues he is investigating. 11. For the week ending September 15, 2017, we received three Immigrant Visa The president said he would even testify However, a refusal could lead Mueller to is- Approvals in U.S. Embassy Manila for three applicants who entered as seaman under oath. While Mueller’s questioning would sue a subpoena for the president to testify before under the Provisional Waiver Program. not be under oath, it is a crime to lie to federal a grand jury, with a court fight that would be 12. On August 31, 2017 we received an approval of adjustment of status for a client investigators. decided by the US Supreme Court. who has problems with birth certificate which we corrected. The New York Times cited four people It could also trigger accusations that Trump If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you briefed on the matter as saying the president’s is hiding information from the public, a pain- find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family lawyers are concerned that he could be charged ful distraction for Republicans seeking office in separation. with lying to investigators, as he has previously November’s mid-term elections. Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the made false statements and contradicted himself. The Times said Dowd has been discussing American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. The sources said lawyer John Dowd, his the issue of a potential interview with Mueller’s He specializes in immigration law and personal injury. For free consultation email or call deputy Jay Sekulow, longtime personal lawyer office since December, adding that White House ([email protected] / 1-877-456-9266) Marc Kasowitz and many West Wing advisers lawyer Ty Cobb is one of the few Trump aides want to resist the interview request, claiming arguing for cooperating. (AFP) Philippines bans foreign research at undersea plateau Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has president ordered an end to all foreign research banned all foreign scientific exploration on a vast in the area at a cabinet meeting Monday after undersea plateau claimed by Manila, his spokes- Chinese scientists completed their expedition. man said Tuesday, now that China has completed “The president ordered that henceforth only its research there. Filipinos will be allowed to conduct scientific Authorities announced three weeks ago research... and explore and exploit for natural that the president had allowed China to conduct resources in the Philippine Rise,” Roque told research at Benham Rise off the country’s Pacific reporters, using the local name for the area. coast, despite the two nations’ decades-old mari- The 13-million-hectare (32-million-acre) un- time disputes elsewhere in the region. derwater land mass, believed to be rich in mari- Duterte spokesman Harry Roque said the time resources, lies 250 kilometres (155 miles) off the east coast of the main Philippine island of Luzon. In 2012 the United Nations recognised the Philippines’ exclusive economic rights to Benham Rise as part of its continental shelf. Roque added that all other foreign research permits were now revoked, including 26 issued to US, Japanese, and South Korean organisations. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol added (Photo: www.mintfo.com) that Duterte had directed the Philippine Navy to “chase out” any foreign vessels fishing or con- leged this was tantamount to giving up Philippine Taiwan and Vietnam. ducting research in the area. territory. Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino had The move banning foreign research comes “The president does not kowtow to any other forcefully challenged China in diplomatic and as Duterte faced fresh criticism for failing to stop country,” Roque said Tuesday. legal circles over the South China Sea dispute, but China’s militarisation of artificial islands built by China and the Philippines have had a long- Duterte has changed course since he was elected Beijing over reefs and rocks in the South China running dispute over competing claims in the in mid-2016 in a bid for billions of dollars worth Sea. South China Sea to the west of Luzon. Parts of the of Chinese investment. (AFP) Answers from LAST WEEK’S Krosword Opposition politicians and legal experts al- waterway are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star B5 health & Crash diets: MRI study shows why they’re bad for the heart lifestyle The internet was once again flooded with stories last of Oxford in the United Kingdom, warned those frequently week on how technology will soon change the way diabet- resorting to this diet about its potential effects on the ics monitor blood glucose. A group of Korean scientists heart. Although previous studies showed that very low developed a contact lens that allows diabetics to monitor calorie content of 600 to 800 kcal per day is effective for Health@Heart their blood sugar. losing weight, reducing blood pressure and reducing blood This development hopes to someday eliminate the sugar, the effects on the heart— need for diabetics to test their blood with a glucose meter. though transient—are a cause for concern. Time for a makeover Many diabetic patients have to prick their fingers several The effect is likely to be temporary and may not times every day or insert a needle under the skin—both matter much for those with strong, healthy hearts. But for PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS painful and cumbersome methods, although absolutely those with reduced or marginal heart function, crash diets necessary for controlling blood sugar. can push one off the cliff to a catastrophic end. The holidays may lose weight should get adequate amount (about There have been previous attempts to embed glucose In the study, the investigators used magnetic reso- be behind us but their 8 hours) of sleep. An imbalance meal and stress monitors in contact lenses. One prominent tech company, nance imaging (MRI), a very reliable diagnostic exam to physical effects, among also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation Google, announced in 2014 it was developing a lens ca- detect malfunctioning of the heart and other organs, to others, will linger a obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it pable of measuring blood sugar levels using a wireless chip evaluate the impact of a very low calorie diet on heart func- while. Medically speak- is better to keep the level of this hormone on an and minisensor. tion and the distribution of fat in the abdomen, liver and ing, it is actually a time even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating Uncomfortable heart muscle. The first lens, however, required rigid electronics to Recruited as subjects were 21 obese volunteers, six for “damage control” regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but be embedded into the lens, resulting in a device that was men and 15 women with an average age of 52 and average for those of us who have at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain both uncomfortable and prone to breaking, said lead study body mass index (BMI) of 37 kg/m². They consumed a over-indulged during health and body weight. So, starving oneself is author Jang-Ung Park, a professor of engineering at Ulsan very low calorie diet of 600 to 800 kcal per day for eight the festivities. And I not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead National Institute of Science & Technology in South Korea, weeks. The MRI was done upon enrollment in the study, plead guilty to have succumbed to the tempta- to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the in a paper published in the journal Science Advances. and after one and eight weeks. tion myself. day. Park and his team refined the old model with After one week, as expected, there was a significant electrodes made of highly stretchable and transparent reduction in total body fat, abdominal fat and liver fat, The post-holiday “makeover” is just as a “Satiety hormone” materials that make the lens easier to wear. The wireless accompanied by significant improvements in insulin healthy pre-emptive measure, more so for those The opposite or counter-hormone, which display has a LED pixel that detects fluctuating glucose resistance which causes diabetes, fasting total cholesterol, who really want to maintain their normal weight is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop levels while displaying the informaI’ve always had misgiv- triglycerides, glucose and blood pressure. or those who have diabetes, heart disease, hyper- eating. It controls the appetite. This “satiety hor- ings about anything achieved quickly—get-rich schemes, Deterioration in function tension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. mone” is produced by fat cells in the body. When whirlwind romances and lose-weight-fast prescriptions. However, despite the improvements noted in these As with anything else, damage control is a person loses weight, the leptin level in the blood A scientific paper presented last week at the 2018 metabolic parameters, heart fat content increased by 44 best as a preventive strategy. However, the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Congress in percent—a negative sign of how the heart is affected by stream also goes down. As a result, there is a Barcelona, Spain, warns crash dieters that rapid weight the diet. This was associated with a deterioration in heart special celebration and holidays, like a birthday “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy in los- loss may be associated with deterioration of heart function. function—a diminution in the heart’s ability to pump blood bash, a wedding reception, Thanksgiving Day, ing and maintaining a desired weight level is to This was noted even in people with no known heart (ejection fraction) into the circulation to supply all cells of and especially the Christmas and New Year fes- lose in a slow and steady pace, about one to two problems. Imagine how disastrous it would be for those the body with the needed oxygen and nutrients. tivities, which could go on for more than a week, pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, with cardiovascular disease. Even the researchers were surprised by this seeming expose all of us to that great irresistible gastro- there will still be an effective level of leptin in the Normal hearts can likely handle this temporary paradox. nomical temptation. body to control the urge to eat. deterioration in heart function, but for those with diseased “The metabolic improvements with a very low calorie hearts, this can be the tipping point that could cause heart diet, such as a reduction in liver fat and reversal of diabe- For dieters, those who are watching their Appetite suppressants: dangerous! failure and irregular heartbeats leading to sudden cardiac tes, would be expected to improve heart function. Instead, weight or counting calories, these occasions are Most appetite control pills, juices, solutions death. heart function got worse in the first week before starting to tough times. Blessed are those strong-willed and powders on the market are not physiologi- A crash diet is a way to lose five to 20 pounds in a improve,” said Dr. Rayner. souls, whether or not they carry a calorie-counter cal and unnatural way to suppress (by force) the week. This is resorted to by artists and performers, brides To be fair to the crash diet, though, after eight weeks, on one hand and a scale on the other. These appetite for weight control. While they are readily and grooms, athletes like boxers, and practically everyone there was improvement in heart fat content and func- health-conscious individuals will reap their available and very popular, they have potential who finds herself or himself several pounds overweight tion, and all other measurements, including body fat and before an important event. cholesterol, continued to improve. rewards in terms of stamina, energy, a stronger adverse side-effects on the heart, liver, kidneys The event could be an upcoming party, date, wed- Dr. Rayner explained that a sudden reduction in calo- immune system, and even longevity, as shown by and brain in the long haul. Some serious com- ding, performance, photo shoot, weigh-in for boxers, rie intake to 600-800 kcal per day causes fat to be released medical statistics. plications, and even deaths, have been reported among other occasions. from different parts of the body into the blood—similar to Yoyo dieting is harmful from the use of these diet substances. Taking Because of the short period to lose weight, one the withdrawal of savings when one’s income is no longer Our physiology is at the optimum when potential “poison” to be healthy does not make resorts to a drastic lowering of caloric intake, as low as enough to meet the living expenses. we consume just the right amount of calories sense. Since greater calorie intake than output is 600 calories per day. The basic formula for weight loss is This sudden withdrawal leads to excess deposits of to maintain our normal weight and when our to take in less calories than what the body can burn, but if fats on the heart muscle, which uses either fat or sugar as the cause of increase in body weight, the safest, one drastically reduces those calories by half or less, the fuel. Being swamped with an excessive amount of “unpro- glucose (blood sugar) level is on an even keel most natural, strategy is to eat less and burn body literally starves. cessed” fat worsens its function. most of the time. When we over-eat and then more calories with physical exercises, making the Depending on height and ideal weight, the average “After the acute period in which the body is adjusting try to starve ourselves to compensate for our output of calories (energy) greater than the intake adult needs around 1,300 to 1,500 calories just to maintain to dramatic calorie restriction, the fat content and function indiscretion, our blood glucose spikes up and of calories (food). The use of appetite suppres- basal metabolism and function. of the heart improved,” she reported. down, described as yo-yo dieting. This severe sants could be dangerous. Most hardworking organ Because of the small number of participants, this fluctuation in our blood glucose level has adverse The healthier “makeover” for our post-holi- Considering that the heart is the most hardworking study can’t be conclusive, and more research is needed organ in the body, working 24/7 nonstop—constantly beat- to find out the long-term impact of the reduction in heart effects on our body and on our immune system. day misadventures includes daily gradual incre- ing more than 100,000 times daily to pump circulation to function after a week of crash dieting. And this poses even greater danger for persons mental reduction in the food we eat, daily physi- each and every cell of the body— “If you have heart problems, you need to check with with diabetes. cal exercises, as simple and easy as brisk walking one can imagine what happens to this vital organ if your doctor before embarking on a very low-calorie diet or Eating several times a day, even 5 or 6 for about 30 minutes a day, and hitting the scale it’s not fed well. It will certainly weaken and can go into fasting. People with a cardiac problem could well experi- times a day, NOT exceeding the total 24-hour daily (yes, daily) to check on any progress. This failure. ence more symptoms at this early point, so the diet should caloric need of our body, is a healthier habit, will aid you greatly in making you more religious It’s amazing how the heart does its job without be supervised,” Dr. Rayner advised. people realizing exactly what that job is. It’s like doing So, the bottom line is that crash diets may not really which helps maintain our blood glucose level in to your overall personal health program. Drink- push-ups 100,000 times daily nonstop be risky for everyone, but it’s also not safe for everyone. a more stable, less erratic, pattern during the ing a lot of water (not fruit juices, and especially —with just a fraction of a second’s break in between. One’s heart condition must be assessed first, to see if it can day. But the key is calorie-control, especially the NOT soft drinks, which are toxic in themselves!) Dr. Jennifer Rayner, the study’s lead author from handle the undue stress it is put under in the initial stages ones from carbohydrates, combined with daily can help a lot. Excess weight that does not come Oxford Centre for Magnetic Resonance at the University of the diet. (Rafael R. Castillo / inquirer.net) exercise. down only means a greater reduction in food The “fat hormones” intake is needed. The excess weight gained over The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large the holidays could be safely eliminated within a extent, controlled by hormones in our body. And week. There is really no need to buy expensive HOROSCOPE these hormones fluctuate depending on how prepared “diet” foods, which are nothing but high http://www.starlightastrology.com much sleep we get, what types of food we eat and protein-low carbohydrate, calorie-portioned, how much calories we take in, and on how much meals. Rice, bread, soft drinks, and sweats are physical activities we indulge in daily. Scientific the top culprits that cause weight gain fast and Aries Libra researchers are focusing on four specific sub- increase the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) stances they call “fat hormones,” which our own illnesses. With discipline and resolve, and daily You will have a childlike approach this week, Use your creative talent in order to accomplish endocrine glands in the body produce. There are exercise, anyone can achieve the same weight big hearted and full of spunk. You will not be your goals. Your unique contribution to the hormones that make one eat and there are also control by counting calories. You can shop for pleased with family members who try to put organization will enhance your reputation. You hormones that signal the brain to tell the person smaller sizes clothing later from the money you demands on you when you just don’t have the will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to stop eating. These substances control hunger time. Don’t put your professional reputation on to the bottom of things. Satisfy your passionate save with this DIY dieting strategy. For those the line. Your interest in helping others may take mood. and satiety. really overweight to begin with, the same strategy you back to school. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. “Hunger hormone” (output of calories must exceed the intake) works Your lucky day this week will be Monday. The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is like wonders. Simply put, more exercise and Scorpio secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). less food, until the scale tells you that you have Taurus (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) When its level goes up, we feel hungry and achieved your dream weight (and body!) for the (Apr. 21- may 21) Opportunities to travel will be favorable have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes NEW YOU in the exciting new year. Kick your shoes off and relax. Recognition in terms of moneymaking connections. Self- up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep. Please visit philipSchua.com Email: will be yours if you meet your deadline. Y Your deception about relation ships is a problem. Your This is the reason why those who are trying to [email protected] personal secrets may be revealed if you let colorful conversation may attract new mates. Go coworkers in on your family dilemmas. Digestive with the flow and don’t be concerned about your disorders will be a result of family squabbles. own job. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. KrosWord Gemini Sagittarius (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) (May 22-June 21) (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Exaggeration or deception coupled with Your home may be in an uproar and you are PAHALANG overindulgence might be a problem. You can best to stay out of the line of fire if at all possible. make alterations to your appearance that Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. 1 Mailap na tupa mula everyone will admire. You should be able to get You must take care not to over exert yourself if sa Himalaya a lot done. Include the whole family or those you involved in sports. Any contributions you make 5 Kutya love. to organizations will enhance your reputation 7 Nayan ni Nora Your lucky day this week will be Monday. and bring you offers. 9 Makina Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. 11 Asin: Kastila Cancer 13 Pamalo ng bola (June 22-July 22) Capricorn 14 Isang sagisag ng Take the time to help old friends or relatives (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) who have had a stroke of bad luck. Don’t let You may have more to do with children this Zodiac other people meddle in your private affairs. You week; keep an open mind. Your charm will 16 Tula ng kabayanihan will not be pleased with family members who try attract someone special. You can expect to 18 Layning ng damit to put demands on you when you just don’t have have some problems with skin, bones, or teeth 20 Bating Espanyol the time. False information from someone trying if you haven’t taken proper care of them. Your 21 Balat ng palay to start problems is likely. emotions have been pulled out of shape and you 22 Avenue sa Makati Your lucky day this week will be Friday. need to do a little backtracking. 24 Tistis Your lucky day this week will be Friday. 26 Unang ginang ni Erap Leo 27 ___Vegas, Nevada (July 23-Aug 22) Aquarius Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think. (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 29 Taguri sa madre Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. You Try not to lend or borrow money this week. 30 Naghuramentado may have a rather hectic day due to events that You will be extremely sentimental, and if pushed 33 Tanong ng paraan children are involved in. Beware of colleagues by others you may hold a lasting grudge. Try to 34 Bagsak-presyong paninda who don’t have your best interests in mind. have patience and refrain from being judgmental. 35 Saglit na pagdalaw sa pook Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. Unique forms of entertainment could capture na nadaanan your attention and bring about a romantic Virgo interest. (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your lucky day this week will be Friday. PABABA You can make money through your creative 1 Uri ng sayaw 10 Ms. Elizabeth, aktres 25 Pulbos sa panaderya efforts. You can finish projects early, which will Pisces 2 Ukit sa nitso 12 Taguyod 28 Kaltas bring you praise from superiors. You need to (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 3 Mamamayan sa Saudi 15 Hila ng kalabaw 31 Chimpanzee clear up some important personal documents Put aside any decisions concerning your 4 Salapi sa Italy at 17 Kalibre: daglat 32 Troso: Ingles before the end of the year. Try to calm down and position at work. You can expect sorrow to Turkey 19 Tawag kay Tirso Cruz III evolve from the information you discover. Travel listen to your partner’s complaints. Compromise 5 Daglat na wika 22 Katawagan may be necessary. will be in your best interest. Eliminate situations Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. that are no longer to your advantage. 6 Kahabaan ng riles 23 Halaman na matatagpuan Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. 8 Ekstrakto ng niyog sa tubigan Answers to this week’s Krosword 9 Apihin 24 Awit papuri on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 entertainment Award at the 47th Rotterdam Zsa Zsa moves on: Our capacity to love isn’t diminished by death PH film wins in Rotterdam International Film Festival, Six years after the death and entertaining as that par- Ako kasi, I fall in love with held in the Netherlands on Feb. of Dolphy, Zsa Zsa Padilla just ticular chat, a journalist’s job melodies first before I focus on 3. might end up finally getting would feel like a relaxing treat a song’s lyrics. Although I pay The prize is presented to the Happily Ever After that has more than a perfunctory chore. more attention to lyrics when the best Asian feature film by a eluded her for many years— Yes, entertaining. In be- I’m sad, kasi ganun naman jury composed of members of this time, in architect Conrad tween answers, the singer would tayong lahat ’pag malungkot the Network for the Promotion Onglao’s reassuring embrace. casually burst into song. At one (laughs). of Asian Cinema (Netpac). The True, the singer-actress point, we even ended up singing “Hindi talaga ako pumayag Rotterdam jury is composed of is in a happy place these days. a duet with the lovely songstress hanggang hindi n’ya binigay Susanna Harutyunyan, Sonali When we met her for this one- as we recalled the exquisite sa akin ang kanta—binraso ko Joshi and Andrei Vasilenko. on-one chat last week, she even melodic beauty of one her (laughs). He just wrote another According to the fest’s gamely posed for us to show off signature hits, George Canseco’s one for ‘Init.’ So, if you listen website, “Nervous Translation” her two engage- to both songs, is the first Filipino film to win ment rings. their melodic the Rotterdam award since its But, Zsa patterns are not launch in 1995. Zsa’s current that different.” The jury commends Seno’s state of roman- Zsa Zsa was film “for its singularly original tic bliss is a the first choice representation of childhood felicitous payoff to play catty that captures a unique view of that she had to Lavinia Ar- the world—one that is full of fight tooth and guelles (played contradictory interactions, in- nail to attain by Cherie Gil trospection, social and political and actualize. in the movie) dissonance.” “When opposite Sharon A product of last year’s Cin- something like Cuneta’s Dorina ema One fest, “Nervous Trans- that [a loved Pineda in the lation” focuses on a “dreamy” one’s passing] 1985 screen 8-year-old girl (Jana Agoncillo), happens, you classic, “Bituing growing up in the “politically can’t just give Walang Ningn- unstable climate of the Philip- up,” she point- ing.” Did she pines in 1987.” ed out. “It’s Zsazsa Pdilla regret nixing The Rotterdam jury points easy for people (Photo: www.interaksyon.com) the offer? out: “With this film, the direc- to say, ‘She’s “Not at all,” tor has succeeded in creating moved on, just she quipped. an unforgettable cinematic like that.’ But, I’m still here, so “Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan.” “Sharon and I were best friends, (Photo: www.devasishanti.blogspot.com) universe.” (Bayani San Pedro / I have to go on living, right? At 53, Zsa Zsa, who owes and I couldn’t imagine fighting Shireen Seno’s “Nervous Translation” won the Netpac inquirer.net) What they don’t understand is her lithe, limber and lovely with her.” that ‘moving on’ doesn’t make countenance to discipline and But, Zsa Zsa eventually got everything you’ve been through dedication to a healthy lifestyle, the hang of acting, and won disposable or inconsequential. continues to be a sensational well-deserved acting accolades Smashing Pumpkins reunited? 5 key You carry its consequences with sight to behold. along the way. She mused, “I you for the rest of your life.” “I work out two hours a day began to take acting seriously tracks from the band’s back catalog Pain may be something if my schedule allows it, and I when I was directed by Lau- people eventually learn to ac- follow a healthy diet that helps rice Guillen in ‘Magkano ang One of the major bands of the 1990s cept, but it isn’t something Zsa me manage acid reflux,” she Iyong Dangal.’ That was when could be about to make a comeback. Zsa casually forgets. disclosed. I thought ’pag nag-seryoso pala Indeed, a picture shared on Twitter shows When asked what she had She demonstrated her ako, acting was something I four members of the Smashing Pumpkins, learned from her relationship diverse taste in music when could be good at. But, shouting including frontman Billy Corgan, posing in with Dolphy that is helping her we asked her to describe how and crying always took a toll a photo shoot, fueling hopes of a Pumpkins manage her “conscious cou- different contemporary songs on my singing voice. So, I had revival. pling” with Conrad, Zsa Zsa an- are from the glorious OPM hits to choose my acting projects A new album could, therefore, be in swered: “I realized that love is of the ’80s, when she began her judiciously.” the pipeline. As fans wait to find out more, absolute. That your capacity to ascent to show biz stardom— What does she remember here’s a look at some of the band’s previous love isn’t diminished by death. first, with the Manila Sound- about playing Paula in the stage work with five key songs from the Smash- “I miss Dolphy as a partner, fielding pop group Hotdog, then version of “Ang Larawan”? ing Pumpkins’ back catalog. and as the father of my kids. He as a solo artist who would later “Acting onstage was some- Rhinoceros (Photo: www.youtube.com) was larger than life, kaya lahat record such hits as “Kahit Na,” thing I wanted to try. I don’t This track is from the Smashing kami na naiwan n’ya were very “Hiram,” “Mambobola,” “Ikaw know if I still have the energy Pumpkins’ debut album, “Gish”, released in released in 1995, scored a mainstream success for much affected by his passing,” Lamang,” “Point of No Return” and capacity to do something 1991. Frontman Billy Corgan is joined by original the Pumpkins. It features some the band’s biggest she recalled. “I miss his very and “Sana’y Maghintay ang as bold. The idea scares me,” bandmates James Iha, bassist D’Arcy Wretzky hits, such as “Tonight, Tonight” and “1979”. gentle nature. He was a quiet Walang Hanggan.” Zsa Zsa said. “‘Larawan’ was and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Released at Ava Adore man, who would crack jokes “I started performing pro- my very first stage produc- the same time as Nirvana’s legendary “Never- “Adore”, the band’s fourth album featuring only when he notices there are fessionally in 1983, just as the tion. It was difficult traveling mind”, “Gish” only scored moderate success on the song “Ava Adore”, was released in 1998. It other people around. Manila Sound, which began in to Quezon City (from Makati) its initial release. was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best “But, he was already very the ’70s, was starting to make for the rehearsals daily—that’s Today Alternative Music Album. sickly in the last four years of way for the pop tunes of the what immediately comes to “Today” is taken from the Smashing Pump- Being Beige his life. It was difficult adjust- ’80s. There were a lot of great mind. Rehearsing for a month kins’ second album “Siamese Dream”, number 18 The Smashing Pumpkins returned in 2017 ing to that in the beginning, songs then, but there are songs was quite a stretch for me, but in Pitchfork’s top 100 albums of the 1990s. with “Monuments to an Elegy”, more than 20 because we were always in and now that are just as beautiful. I found the whole experience 1979 years after the band’s first studio album. (Bayani out of the hospital.” “When people say, ‘They fulfilling. “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”, San Pedro / inquirer.net) “Yes, I will do anything don’t make songs like they used “But, when they were for love—which also explains to,’ I want to tell them, ‘Maybe going to restage ‘Larawan,’ I the motivation of Helena aka you should listen to Spotify.’ couldn’t commit to it anymore the “Red Dragon”, my charac- Marami pa ring magagandang (so Rachel Alejandro had to ter in ‘Wildflower.’ More than OPM songs ngayon—and one of take over the role). Kasi, at the anything, Helena just wants to my favorites is [Mark Carpio’s’] time, I wasn’t able to properly please the long-lost daughter ‘Hiling.’ (She then sings its explain to Teteng (producer (Aiko Melendez) she hasn’t seen chorus.) ‘Bakit parang sa ’kin la- Celeste Legaspi, who played in 30 years. mang may galit/ Ang madayang Candida) that I was, at the point Zsa Zsa is set to topbill the tadhanang iyong pansinin…’” in time, committed to taking concert “Beginnings” at the If she were to choose a care of Dolphy’s failing health … Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on personal favorite among her sig- that he could undergo a bypass Feb. 10, before she flies to Hong nature hits, she said she would operation any time. I just said Kong for her Valentine break readily pick Willy Cruz’s “Kahit I had a valid reason I couldn’t with Conrad three days later. Na.” “It was my first hit—and talk about.” Joining the Divine Diva and its success was unexpected,” “Later, Celeste wrote to me her special guests Zia Quizon Zsa Zsa explained to us. “At apologizing, kasi parang nag- and Robin Nievera in the show the time, Willy, who was the tampo s’ya sa akin. So, when the are Fr. Jonas Mejares OSA, the producer of my debut album opportunity to portray socialite Cebu Clergy Performing Artists (“Am I Your Kind of Woman?”) Elsa Montes in the musical’s and the Jeduthun-Bohol Sing- for Jem/Telesis Records, was film version presented itself, I ing Priests (call 0917 433-1178). commissioned by Viva Films to grabbed it. Kung si Ricky Davao During the interview, such write a theme song for ‘Init sa (who played Tony Javier in the was Zsa Zsa’s honesty and Magdamag.’ musical) nga, tumawid lang na forthright candor that we al- “When I heard Willy play lasing… Lahat kami in that cast, most forgot we were in a rush to the first strains of ‘Kahit Na’ on we were game. I just wanted to get to the office. If one-on-one the piano, I begged him, ‘Ang be a part of it.” (Rito P. Asilo / interviews were as easygoing ganda… Pwedeng akin na lang?’ inquirer.net) Maja Salvador practices for ’24 hours’ on English lines Maja Salvador has been I’m a CEO who speaks English hailed for her performance on fluently).” the TV drama series “Wild- Her technique? Simply flower” as protagonist Lily Cruz, hard work. “‘Pag may nakita na a role that requires mega-dra- akong English ‘yung linya ko, matic scenes. 24 hours ko ‘yon pinag-aaralan The actress has gone as far (When I see that my lines are as doing her own stunts, such as in English, I study them for 24 that which showed her dangling hours),” she said. from a helicopter. But another Maja Salvador, Wildflower constant challenge for her was Image: Instagram/@ speaking in English, she said on iammajasalvador Sunday’s “Gandang Gabi Vice.” She also turns to co-stars Even if it isn’t her first lan- Aiko Melendez and Tirso Cruz guage, she still pushed herself. III to get the pronunciation “Siyempre hindi nga si Maja right. “Tapos ‘yung diction ko, Maja Salvador Salvador ‘yun, si Lily Cruz, so pagdating sa set, ‘Ate Aiko, (Photo: www.imdb.com) kailangan ko mapaniwala ang paano ba ‘to? Tito Pip (On my enrolled in a short online course mga tao na CEO talaga ako at diction, when I arrive on the in English last July 2017. Inglesera kahit papaano (Of set, I ask, ‘Ate Aiko, how do you “Wildflower” is set to end course that’s not Maja Salva- say this? Tito Pip)’?” on Feb. 9, nearly a year since dor, it’s Lily Cruz, so I need to Another effort into improv- it first aired. (Nina V. Guno / somehow convince people that ing her English was when she inquirer.net) February 8 - 14, 2017 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Marian Rivera remains loyal to GMA Vice Ganda out of hospital, recovering from operation

Primetime queen Marian Vice Ganda is recovering taking medication to “dissolve kidney ko ang bato (No wonder Rivera remains a loyal Kapuso from a procedure after kidney his stones” and has already been Darna was delayed—the stone after she renewed her contract stones caused him stomach discharged from the hospital. is in my kidney),” he tweeted on with her mother network last pain. He is set to return to work on Monday morning, referring to Monday, February 5. Vice was forced to cancel an Wednesday. the movie project “Darna” star- Marian has expressed her appearance in a Vigan festival Even after the painful experi- ring Liza Soberano, which has deep gratitude to GMA for due to “severe abdominal pains,” ence, Vice’s sharp wit remains yet to begin production. “Pasen- giving her the trust since she Team Vice announced Sunday. intact. sya na Liza (Sorry, Liza)! (Nina started with them over a decade Vice’s sister, Dr. Tina Vic- “Kaya naman pala di matu- V. Guno / inquirer.net) ago. She also acknowledges that eral, explained to ABS-CBN loy tuloy ang Darna dahil nasa a big part of what she is now is News that the kidney stones had owing to how she was molded blocked his urinary tract. “Urine by her stay in the network. could not pass, resulting in a “Wala naman akong maisip pressure buildup in the kidney, na dahilan para hindi ako ma- thus the pain.” natili sa GMA. Una sa lahat, sila The first treatment was a ang unang nagbigay sa akin ng common procedure called shock break. Pangalawa, forever kong wave lithotripsy. The kidney tatanawing utang na loob ‘yon. stones are broken down from Kung anuman ang meron ako Marian Rivera outside the body using shock ngayon, dahil sa GMA ‘yon. Sa (Photo: www.yahoo.com) waves. In Vice’s case, the stones could not be targeted, so he pagtitiwala nila. What else can Para ngang kahit anong gusto when she top-billed the Filipino I ask for, di ba? Walang dahilan underwent another treatment nilang ihubog sa akin mula nang adaptation of the global hit called cystoscopy, where a thin para hindi ako manatili rito,” mag-asawa ako nagkaanak, Mexican novela “Marimar” in Marian said. tube is inserted into the urethra spoiled talaga ako,” she said. 2007. The show then became to “allow urine to pass.” Being the prime actress of “Lalo na pag nagko-collabo- the highest-rated primetime Vice Ganda The “It’s Showtime” host is (Photo: www.onemusic.ph) the network, is she open to work rate sila ng management ko, pa- drama show on Philippine tele- with other leading men? natag ang loob ko,” she added. vision at that time and launched “Aba, napakaraming artista She has complete faith in her to super stardom. when she made the wrong “On hindsight-I know why continually weaved in her ng GMA. Bakit pa ako maghah- GMA’s plans and trusts what- She went on to do some anap eh, sa sarili kong network decision to fall in love with I jumped at the opportunity daily life, regardless if she is ever project the network offers of the most ambitious pro- a separated but un-annulled to marry Bimb’s dad-because on-camera or not. “My sons are meron naman,” she said. her. ductions of the network like What endeared her more man. Her mother, Cory, told I wanted to erase my inner my completeness,” wrote Kris. Before she embarks on a “Dyesebel” in 2008, “Ang her then, “Kristina, stop testing perception that I was damaged “Our Mom never showed us she to GMA is the way the network new show, she, together with Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking take care of her especially now the reservoir of goodwill from goods,” Kris further wrote. “Ob- felt her life lacked for anything, husband, Kapuso primetime Tadyang,” and “Amaya” in 2011 the people. At some point you viously we all know how that and I’m seeing so much of her that she’s married and have king Dingdong Dantes and among others. Her most recent started her own family. will cross the line and never be marriage ended.” in me. daughter Zia will first go on a teleserye was “Super Ma’am.” forgivable.” There are a few things Kris “Love me or hate me-you “Ganoon naman palagi ang vacation. (Clarizza Abanilla / inquirer. GMA, transparent sila sa akin. Her mother’s words then hasn’t been the luckiest with, do know it runs contrary to my Marian first shot to fame net) one of which natural self to not be authentic is a romantic and true,” wrote Kris. “That life. But the is why for so long so many Tactless yet true: Kris Aquino on authenticity, absence of a referred to me as being tact- romance is less when in actuality I simply success as a ‘marketing genius’ more than stated truths from my point of Virality seems to come effort- be less than one person who my failed relationships, and the outweighed view.” less to “Queen of All Media” Kris wouldn’t watch her or listen to ever changing political winds by the things And perhaps a person’s reac- Aquino, so effortless, if not natu- her in her entirety: honest, loud, have given me something that that she tion towards Kris really comes ral, that it makes one wonder if no holds barred. others have never needed to excels in, not in the extremes: either you love there’s some kind of mathemati- In Aquino’s blog post in survive.” just in being her or you hate her. But there cal formula behind her success her Facebook page last Feb. 4, Aquino didn’t miss out on a successful is a certain kind of magnetism or a Nietzschean superhuman she shared that she had to live mentioning her beloved mother, endorser and rarely seen in public figures and production team. through the lowest lows but also the late former President of the a public fig- endorsers that makes Aquino’s The 40-plus endorsements experienced the highest highs. Philippines Corazon Aquino. Kris Aquino ure in digital name her very brand; no one under her belt are no small feat, “Yes-I am the sum total of Cory had the most profound (Photo: www.wazzuppilipinas.com) media, but else can do what she’s doing. but while the rest are just catch- more than 30 years of work- effect on Kris, who would always most impor- And she does it all in heels. And ing up in the warps and wefts of ing on TV & the movies,” wrote mention the lessons her mother would resonate with her when tantly as a mother to Bimby and pink lipstick. And the familiar social media marketing, Aquino Aquino in her blog post. “And had imparted on her. she went through a public Josh. twang of her Taglish. It’s some- has already mastered the art and everything that used to be seen There came a time between annulment with James Yap, And it shows, too, as thing people just can’t resist. science of it. There will never as a ‘minus’-my open life book, 2002 and 2004, shared Kris, Bimby’s father. thoughts of her children are (Cody Cepeda / inquirer.net) B8 FilAm Star February 8 - 14, 2017 entertainment Remembering Direk Maryo J

Vilma Santos Gabby Eigenmann Yasmien Kurdi Ricky Davao (Photo: www.weekendbalita.com) (Photo: www.balita.net.ph) (Photo: www.showbiz-portal.com) (Photo: www.thefilipinopeople. com) VILMA SANTOS: I experi- GABBY EIGENMANN: YASMIEN KURDI: He RICKY DAVAO: I owe enced my one and only work- Whenever I greet Direk Maryo turned everything into fun. For Direk Maryo a lot as an actor shop with Direk Maryo for our on the set, he would always look him, life was one big party. and director. I could not help movie, “Tagos ng Dugo,” where at me and even fix my hair so but break down at his wake. He I had seven leading men. I was that I’d look good—that was opened many doors for me. He quite shy because my costars how sweet he was. I won my gave me my first bida role in were all men, and most scenes first acting award for “Munting “Rock en Roll” and encouraged were delicate. He told me that it Heredera,” which he directed. me to try acting in theater. He didn’t matter if my scenes were He brought out the best in me. Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes told me to love my craft, not for (Photo: www.noelasinasblog.com) with a guy or a girl. He told me the monetary rewards, but for to focus on portraying my char- the artistry and fulfillment that acter. Because of his guidance, I Maryo J. delos Reyes and I fondly called each other “Tokyo came with it. Love” because of the fun bonding we, along with my mom, had won an award for that film. in Japan many cherry blossom seasons ago. I also enjoyed our He’s clannish. He had a trip to his hometown in Bohol in 2015. He invited me to join the permanent set of friends in Sandugo festivities. show biz. He remained humble Direk Maryo had no mean bone in his body. He was a friend/ in spite of his stature. mentor of perpetual help to many. More than his incredible body of work, he will never be forgotten because of his genuine kind- ness. Pack up, change location, Direk. God has sent your call slip. Cesar Montano Take a bow for a life well-lived and a job well-done. Heaven will (Photo: www.alchetron.com) be a zanier place with you around. Here, celebs share their fondest “Maryo J memories”: CESAR MONTANO: Direk Maryo was one of my first men- tors. He was like a brother to Max Collins me. He’s my paisano, because (Photo: www.pinterest.ie) we’re both from Bohol. Back in the ’80s, when I was just start- MAX COLLINS: Direk ing as an actor, he would let me Maryo, you were never just spend weekends at his Laguna Rocco Nacino a director to me. You were a rest house with my girlfriend (Photo: www.sssip.wordpress. com) friend. I can’t forget that giggle back then. He was always more of yours, your eccentric hair than willing to help and share ROCCO NACINO: One that always needs to have a pop Jose Javier Reyes his blessings. time, he sat me down and asked of color, and your bear hug, (Photo: www.alchetron.com) me whether I wanted to be an which always made me feel bet- actor or a matinee idol. This JOSE JAVIER REYES: It ter. I remember the last time I was during my first show for was always a joy working with saw your sweet smile and those GMA 7, where he pulled me Maryo because of his infectious twinkling eyes after having had out of my 40-day workshop, laughter and a disposition that too much to drink at my wed- post-“StarStruck.” It was then was unruffled by chance or ding. You lived an adventurous that I decided I wanted to be a circumstance. He was one of the life, and maybe this is your versatile actor. Then, he gave most genuinely giving people in award-winning ending. me the “do’s and don’ts” in the business, who always had order to get to where I want to a positive side to any situation go. I won’t forget his selfless- and a love for life. ness and how he wanted others to succeed without asking for anything in return. The last time we talked was during his birthday. We exchanged a lot of hugs and laughter that night, not knowing that that would Gloria Romero (Photo: www.showbiz-portal.com) be our last conversation. (Dolly Anne Carvajal / inquirer.net) GLORIA ROMERO: On the set, he always wanted us all to visit our website eat together. Many people send www.filamstar.com him food because he was well- loved. I will miss his one-of-a- CALL TO ADVERTISE kind laughter. 1-415-593-5955 X141