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Volume 3 Number 1 LOS ANGELES JANUARY 1, 2019 YOYOURUR WINDOW WINDOW TO TO THE THE FI FILIPINO-AMERICANLIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNCOMMUNITYITY MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!

Solon, mayor face raps for beating up cop 2 dead in Cotabato mall blast HOMELAND, Page 7 20 hurt; an unexploded bomb found on 2nd floor COTABATO CITY — Two vendors’ section, scattering the persons were killed while 20 others merchandise in areas near the mall were injured after a powerful entrance. explosion ripped through the “We saw many of those near exterior of a shopping mall here the spot where the IED exploded Monday afternoon. running away, blood oozing from Supt. Rolly Octavio, director of their bodies,” Kalim Sumdad said. the Cotabato City police, identified The city police and the one of the fatalities as Jonathan Army-led anti-terrorist Task Putin: Russia Tasic Torribiano, of North Upi, Force Kutawato immediately ready to deploy Maguindanao. locked down all thoroughfares Rescuers carry an injured victim to a police van after a bomb Radio reports said another connecting the city to nearby explosion ripped a Cotabato mall Monday. hypersonic nuke victim died while being treated in towns in Maguindanao, while a hospital. soldiers and policemen patrolled US & WORLD, Page 13 The improvised explosive the streets here to search for more US hits poor security at device (IED) used in the attack IEDs. NAIA, issues advisory was packed with concrete nails Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, and jagged metal fragments. commander of the Army’s 6th MANILA – The Ninoy maintain and carry out effective The IED was left by a still Infantry Division, said their Aquino International Airport security consistent with the unidentified person underneath intelligence units are now helping (NAIA) has failed to meet the security standards established by one of the tables near the entrance police investigate the incident. security standards of the United the International Civil Aviation of the Southseas Mall along Residents of Cotabato City States Transportation Security Organization (ICAO),” based on Magallanes Street where ambulant are no strangers to deadly Administration (TSA), triggering assessments by a team of TSA vendors sell fireworks. IED attacks, having witnessed a travel advisory to airline security experts. An unexpoded IED was found more than a dozen in the past passengers and dealing a blow to “In view of this finding and on the second floor of the mall that ten years, all blamed on the the country’s aviation and tourism effective immediately, airlines responding police and Army bomb outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic sectors. issuing tickets for travel between Filipina wins experts detonated. Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which, In a statement, the US the United States and [NAIA] are Elena Zombrio, a passerby, authorities said, operates in the Department of Homeland Security directed to notify passengers in Romania ‘The said the IED went off in the fahsion of in the Islamic State. (DHS) said NAIA “does not (See AIRPORT, Page 6) X Factor’ title More Americans PROUDLY PINOY, P 12 ‘Usman’ death toll reaches 71 blame Trump MANILA— The reported for shutdown casualties due to rains brought by Tropical Depression Usman have WASHINGTON -- More reached 71, the National Disaster Americans blame President Risk Reduction and Management Donald Trump than congressional Council (NDRRMC) said. Democrats for the partial U.S. Bicol Office of Civil Defense government shutdown, according (OCD) director Claudio Yucot to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on said this number is still expected Thursday, as the closure stretched to rise as sightings of dead into its sixth day with no end in bodies continue to be reported to sight. Recipes for authorities. Forty-seven percent of adults New Year As of yesterday, the NDRRMC hold Trump responsible, while celebration said 19 persons remained missing 33 percent blame Democrats in and were being accounted for Congress, according to the Dec. HOME, Page 10 in several search and rescue Rescuers bring women and elderly to safety on board a plastic raft 21-25 poll, conducted mostly Fears and hopes (See TYPHOON, Page 7) in Bulan, Sorsogon at the height of typhoon Usman. (See SHUTDOWN, Page 3) for the new year VIEWS, Page 4 2 strong quakes rock Davao coast Page 9 Page 2 PHILIPPINE POST January 1, 2019 January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 3 Arroyo slammed for 12 ‘dangerous’ provisions in House draft charter MANILA — A multi-sectoral group on Tuesday warned the public of 12 “dangerous, anti- Filipino, anti-youth, anti-NGO, and anti-democracy provisions” under the House draft federal charter principally authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo. In a press statement, Laiko President Duterte condoles with Gertrudes Duran-Batocabe, widow Warriors, a group of individual of slain Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, during a visit to the law- businessmen, lawyers, doctors, maker’s wake in Daraga, Albay. media practitioners, professionals, and lay leaders from various Duterte threatens mayor lay and non-lay groups, among for harassing solon’s widow others, said they gathered and met with Manila Auxillary Bishop MANILA – President Rodrigo “Kung kaya mo mag-isip ng Broderick Pabillo last Dec. 19, Duterte on Saturday said he ganon, kaya ko rin. Alam mo sabi 2018, to discuss Resolution of threatened an Albay mayor who ko, “P***** i** ka. Huwag mong Both Houses of Congress No. 15 House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo is interviewed by reporters. was allegedly harassing the takutin ’yang biyud… sabi ko, sa (RBH 15). widow of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel biyuda, ‘sige ikaw tumakbo,’” On Dec. 11, 2018, the representatives “clearly shows Choice Movement. Batocabe. he added. lower chamber approved its that the main agenda of Arroyo Section 12 (first paragraph), Batocabe, who was gunning for Duterte said he had told the controversial draft federal Charter and her colleagues in the House Article XII of the proposed federal the mayoral post in Daraga, Albay local chief executive that he barely three months since it was is to perpetuate themselves in Constitution– which provides that in the 2019 midterm elections, would humiliate him in front of filed on Sept. 19. Before this, the power,” according to Dr. Marita “a federal state may be created was shot to death by unidentified his family if he would continue to leadership abruptly ended the Wasan, president of Sangguniang upon a petition addressed to gunmen last week. threaten Batocabe’s widow. period of debates on RBH 15. Laiko ng Pilipinas. Congress by contiguous, compact, “Kaya nung sa Albay, hindi ko “Ngayon gusto mo ng barilan? Principally penned by Arroyo Under the present Constitution, and adjacent provinces, highly siya pinangalanan pero sabi ko, ‘Di sige. Okay. Dalawa tayo pasok – who had three failed attempts senators are limited to two urbanized and component cities, ‘Mayor p***** i** mo. Huwag tayo doon sa kwarto mo. ’Pag at Charter change during her consecutive terms, while House and cities and municipalities mo talagang akalain na ikaw lang hindi ko pasabugin ’yung b***** presidency – the draft charter representatives have a three-term in metropolitan areas through ang marunong na gumawa ng mo,” he said. proposes a presidential-bicameral- limit. a resolution of their respective ganon. Do not ever think na you, The lawmaker was shot eight federal system of government. It Victor Gutierrez, the founder bodies…”– is “anti-poor” for ikaw lang, you have the monopoly times by two unidentified men was approved on second reading of the Families for Truth and Boni Macaranas, founder of Kilos of evil in this world. Marami during a gift-giving event last last Dec. 4, with only three session Justice, meanwhile, questioned Laiko and a retired professor of tayo,” Duterte said in a speech in week in Barangay Burgos, Daraga days allotted for plenary debates, the necessity of increasing the U.P. Diliman. Kidapawan, Cotabato. town in Albay. Also killed was and hounded by a question on lack number of House members from Meanwhile, section 12 (second of quorum. 250 to 300 district representatives paragraph) which provides that This also came despite and the number of party-list “in exceptional cases, a province SHUTDOWN: Trump blamed Arroyo’s pronouncement in representatives from 50 to 60 may be established as a federal (From Page 1) recognized,” McGovern told August that there was not enough under the draft Constitution. state based on area, population, after the shutdown began. Seven reporters later. “They wouldn’t time to achieve President Rodrigo The removal of the State’s necessity, geographical distance, percent of Americans blamed even recognize me. This is the Duterte’s agenda and campaign policy to encourage non- environmental, economic, and congressional Republicans. way they’ve been running this promise to shift to a federal form governmental, community-based, fiscal viability and other special The shutdown was triggered place.” of government. or sectoral organizations that attributes” is “highly vulnerable by Trump’s demand, largely Inaction in Congress put the Laiko Warriors noted that the promote the welfare of the nation– to abuse by politicians,” lawyer opposed by Democrats and shutdown on track to continue into anti-political dynasty provision, which is contained in the present Edgar Talavera, an officer of the some lawmakers from his own next week and possibly to drag contained in the 1987 Constitution, 1987 Constitution–is “clearly Familia Community, Inc. Republican Party, that taxpayers well into January. was removed in the proposed anti-people and anti-democracy,” Section 13, Article XII of the provide him with $5 billion to While its impact has been “GMA (Arroyo’s initials) Federal Patrocinio Cablao, Secretary House federal charter, which help pay for a wall that he wants limited so far, partly due to holiday- Constitution.” General of People for Truth and gives Congress the power to to build along the U.S.-Mexico season vacations underway for the Pabillo said this would make Democracy, said. pass the organic laws or federal border. Its total estimated cost is 800,000 or so federal workers political dynasties “stronger, Another dangerous provision state charters that will define the $23 billion. affected, that could change soon. bigger and more powerful than is found in Section 26(1), Article basic structure of government Just 35 percent of those Government agencies began they already are.” VIII of the draft, the group said. for the federal states, could be an surveyed in the opinion poll said notifying the public on Thursday “The removal of anti-political This provision gives Congress the “invitation to chaos and big-time they backed including money about service disruptions. The dynasty provisions clearly power to increase appropriations corruption,” said Joseph Francia, for the wall in a congressional Federal Emergency Management shows that GMA is not a leader or budget allocations for the an ex-Jesuit priest and former spending bill. Only 25 percent Agency said the shutdown of the people, but only of the legislative branch and the judicial dean of Ateneo’s Economics said they supported Trump means it cannot process new politicians, especially the political department more than those Department. shutting down the government flood insurance policies, possibly dynasties,” added Atty. Alex recommended by the President. Zosimo Porte, founder of over the matter. disrupting home sales. Lacson, president of the Pilipino Joffe Almoro, national preThe the KatolikoAko Movement, In a statement on Thursday, The Office of Personnel Movement for Transformational increase in the age qualification for denounced as “anti-Filipino” White House spokeswoman Sarah Management, which oversees the Leadership (PMTL), a coalition of presidential and vice presidential the removal of the provision Sanders said, “The president has federal workforce, offered advice various faith-based organizations candidates from at least 40 to 45 saying that the ownership and made clear that any bill to fund the to government employees on from the Catholic, evangelical and years old on the day of elections management of mass media government must adequately fund staving off creditors if paychecks Protestant communities. is “anti-youth” because “58 “shall be limited to citizens of border security.” lapse. The removal of the term percent of voters in 2016 aged 40 the Philippines or to corporations, The statement made no mention The wall dispute coincided limits for senators, district years old and below,” said Ricky cooperatives or associations, of Trump’s proposed wall. with the expiration of funding representatives, and party-list Xavier, founder of the People’s (See CHARTER, Page 9) Showing little sense of urgency, for about 20 percent of the both chambers of Congress government. The remaining 80 convened for mere minutes late percent is fully funded and is on Thursday, but neither took any unaffected by the shutdown. action to end the shutdown before The departments of Homeland adjourning until next week. Security, Justice, Agriculture, Democrats and Republicans Commerce, and other agencies, were still very far apart on shut down “non-essential” resolving the impasse, said operations on Saturday after a Senate Democratic leader Chuck tentative funding deal collapsed Schumer’s spokesman Justin over Trump’s renewed insistence Goodman in a statement. that wall funding be provided. Democratic Representative The House has approved Jim McGovern tried to interrupt a shutdown-ending spending the brief Republican-run session measure that includes Trump’s in the House of Representatives demand for $5 billion, but its by offering a measure to reopen prospects in the Senate are seen shuttered government agencies as poor. The next firm action on the and keep them running through issue is likely to come on Jan. 3, Feb. 8. But he was ignored and when the Democrats take over his microphone was soon cut off. majority control of the House. The House session lasted less than At that time, McGovern said, three minutes. Democrats expect to offer a “That was a legitimate spending measure “plus probably request and I should have been disaster relief funding.” Page PHILIPPINE POST January 1, 2019 VIEWS January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 4 Fears and hopes AFTER quietly celebrating Last year, the percentage was Christmas Day, many people 96%, the highest since SWS must now face reality and ask started the hope survey in 2000, themselves: What’s ahead in while in the previous year it was 2019? How are we going to cope? 95%. In 2015, it was 92% and in The year comes to a close and 2014, the figure was 93%. the new year approaches in the Hope surveys had customarily United States with dark clouds been at high levels, starting at in the horizon. Washington is 87% when the SWS first polled at a standstill as a stalemate fears of a looming recession, and about hope in December 2000, prevails between President an expected larger divide between and 88% in December 2001. Donald Trump, who insists on a soon Democratic-dominated In December 2002, New Year building a $5-billion wall across House and Trump, Americans hope reached a record high of the border with Mexico, and the must now dig deep into their 95 percent before declining to Democrats in Congress, who reserve of optimism to welcome 90 percent in December 2003. It vehemently oppose it, forcing a the new year with hope. slumped to 81 percent at the end partial government shutdown that In the Homeland, on the of December 2004, but rebounded threatens to stretch well into the other hand, despite uncertainties to 85 percent in 2005 and to 91 Bullies start of the new year. raised by the escalating political percent in 2006. In 2009 and 2010, The stock market plunged violence ahead of the coming 89% of Filipinos showed the same dangerously last week and is now May elections, the constant optimism about the coming year, on track for its worst year since threats of political repression, a which was slightly lower than in 2008 and its worst December possible shift to federal form of the three previous years -- 91% in Gansgters in power since 1931 during the Great 2006 and 2007, and 92% in 2008. IN AN EXCUSABLE example of abuse of power, the mayor of Depression. The plunge was a Because we have Except for that period following an Iloilo town and his son—a congressman—mauled a policeman reflection of investors’ concerns the Garci cheating scandal in that they had disarmed and shackled, simply because he would about a slowing global economy, set the bar too 2004 when street protests nearly not do their bidding. the continuing trade dispute low, we tend to toppled Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Reports say Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. and his son, Iloilo with China, and another interest be satisfied with from Malacanang, Filipinos have 1st District Rep. Richard Garin had summoned PO3 Federico rate increase announced by the what we have been traditionally hopeful of the Macaya Jr. to the town plaza at 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. He was Federal Reserve just before coming year. disarmed by his own police chief then handcuffed by Garin. The Christmas. even though it It may be worthwhile to note congressman then ordered a bodyguard to turn off the CCTVs in The stock market plunge also is clearly not that in Germany, where the first the area. reflects a general pessimism over enough. survey about fear and hope was As the shackled Macaya squatted, the congressman berated and what former New York Mayor made in 1991, hope among kicked him, while the mayor fired into the air and spat on his face. Michael Bloomberg described as Germans never topped 58% in He later pointed the gun at the helpless police officer and berated Trump’s “recklessly emotional government, continuously rising any year from 1991 to the present. him as the beating continued for 45 minutes. and senselessly chaotic” prices of goods and services, It is ironic that the Philippines, What brought on this savage treatment? administration that in the past and fears of even higher prices one of the poorest countries in the The congressman alleged that Macaya had persuaded a young few days have resulted in the with another tax reform bill in world, has a much higher hope man not to file a complaint against the son of a councilor over following: the shocking decision the horizon, Filipinos remain as rating than Germany, which is an altercation in the town plaza on Dec. 22, and ignored the to a full withdraw of US troops hopeful as ever of the coming the world’s fifth largest economy, policeman’s explanation that the young man decided not to file a from Syria and partial pullout year. next only to the United States, complaint for fear that it would alarm his mother who was working from Afghanistan, the resignation Year after year, hope springs China, Japan and India. abroad. of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, eternal for Filipinos as shown Analysts cite the resiliency and Congressman Garin later issued an apology that sounded far the firing of White House Chief by surveys in the last few years. the traditionally happy disposition from contrite. of Staff John Kelly, and the firing Surveys every year conducted by of Filipinos as the reason for their He said his actions were aimed not at the Philippine National of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Social Weather Station show eternal optimism in the face of Police as an institution, but at one erring policeman. among others. that at least 93% or more than nine poverty, disasters, calamities, “My actions were merely a display of extreme frustration With no clear end in sight for of ten Filipinos face each coming corruption and inefficiency of (See ABELGAS, Page 11) towards one, single PNP personnel, which to my judgment the partial government shutdown, year with hope. committed a great disservice to the people of Guimbal,” he said. The police have acknowledged the apology, but said they still intend to file charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct Is Big Brother XI watching us? assault against an agent of person in authority, and grave coercion RECENTLY, a news report on display. In modern culture, the against the two Garins. said that the Philippines and term “Big Brother” has entered Reacting to the incident, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered state-owned China International the lexicon as a synonym for his Interior and Local Government secretary to file charges against Telecommunications and abuse of government power, the mayor and the congressman, who belong to his own PDP-Laban Construction Corp. (CITCC) particularly in respect to civil party. entered into a loan agreement liberties, often specifically related “Even if the policeman was at fault, it’s not a reason, especially to fund the installation of a vast to mass surveillance. [Source: [for] a police officer, to be mauled,” he said. network of security cameras. The Wikipedia] We agree with the President 100 percent. There is no reason for P20-billion deal would initially Orwell published the Nineteen our elected officials to abuse their power and act like gangster— install the security cameras in This reminds me of “Big Eighty -Four novel in 1949 as a whether they be mayor of a small town in Iloilo n 2018 or a Metro Manila and Davao. Brother,” a fictional character in warning against totalitarianism. It metropolitan city such as Davao in 2011. That was the year that This agreement was one of the George Orwell’s novel “Nineteen was at a time when communism the President’s daughter, then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, 29 agreements that were signed Eighty-Four.” He is ostensibly the and dictators used surveillance captured for posterity on online video, assaulted a court sheriff during Chinese President Xi leader of Oceania, a totalitarian methods to keep the people under who was bent on demolishing houses despite her request for a 24- Jinping’s state visit last November state wherein the ruling party control. The Soviet Union and hour deferment. 2018. Reportedly, an initial 12,000 Ingsoc wields total power “for its her satellite states were in a Mr. Duterte—at the time vice mayor—justified his daughter’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) own sake” over the inhabitants. In constant state paranoia. Fearful of actions and said he would tell her to do the same thing over again. cameras – also known as video the society that Orwell described, conspiracies against the dictators, A little consistency, perhaps, would be better. After all, shouldn’t surveillance -- will be installed in they used “secret police” to laws and simple rules of civility be applied to all? In the Davao 30 months. They’ll be located at monitor their citizens’ activities. incident, for whatever reason, the sheriff eventually decided against crossings, roads, public squares, In the Soviet Union, Stalin put filing charges against the mayor. We trust this will not happen again China could business districts, science and to death 20 million people. In in Guimbal town. – Manila Standard use the CCTV technology parks, residential China, Mao Zedong’s Great Leap areas and stadiums, among others. to gather Forward killed 45 million in four Chinese nationals will install and information to years – from 1958 to 1962. maintain the CCTV cameras. exert pressure to The earliest video surveillance According to a CITCC briefer, systems involved constant the project’s ultimate outcome is protect China’s monitoring because there was a “Safe Philippines” that would interests in PH no way to record and store 13424 Droxford St., Cerritos, CA 90703 Tel. (562) 469-8030 guarantee the citizens’ good living information. VCR technology and social economic stability for became available in the 1970s, VAL G. ABELGAS growth. It also said, “It aims to every citizen is under constant making it easier to record and Publisher and Editor-in-Chief reduce crime by at least 15 percent surveillance by the authorities, erase information. Use of video and improve response time by 24 mainly by “telescreens” (devices surveillance became more BOBBY CRISOSTOMO percent.” The system includes a that operate as television, security common then. In the 1990s, Chief Photographer national command center with camera, and microphones). It digital multiplexing digital was backup data center to be located keeps its subjects under constant developed, allowing several The Philippine Post is a weekly publication of Philippine Post Publishing in Clark, Pampanga with facial surveillance, thus eliminating cameras to record at once, which circulated in Southern California. and vehicle recognition software. the chance of secret conspiracies led to an increase in the use of Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the It will also be linked to disaster against Oceania. The people are CCTV. publisher. Letters, press and photo releases are welcome but are subject to edito- response agencies in all regions constantly reminded of this by the Today, CCTVs are now in rial discretion. E-mail: [email protected]; website: www.philpostblog. once the entire project is in place. slogan “Big Brother is watching use in many large cities, such wordpress.com Big Brother you”: a maxim that is ubiquitously (See DIAZ, Page 14) January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 5

The influx of Chinese PH in 2018: A nation fed with jokes By Nestor Corrales highest number of rape cases workers Inquirer.net in the Philippines in the second quarter of 2018. MANILA – He started the joke, As early as 2016, the President By Val G. Abelgas which made the whole nation – showed his predisposition to crack jokes in public speaking IT’S simply incomprehensible and even the world – languish engagements that provided why a country that’s exporting in a believe-it-or-not situation. the public a window into his workers in the millions would With 2018 winding down, let’s avant-garde style of running the open its doors to foreign workers look back at the year and the year administration. in jobs that Filipinos could easily before that saw President Rodrigo Months after he won the fill. It’s like importing mangos Duterte hogging the local and presidency, Duterte said the when you are one of the world’s international headlines not only Philippines would pull out from biggest producers of that fruit. for the repercussions of his bloody the United Nations but later said So we ask: Why is the war on drugs and criminality but this threat was said in jest. Philippines opening up its labor also for his penchant for dishing “Can’t you take a joke? What market to foreign workers, in out outlandish remarks – which President Rodrigo Duterte will you join, the association of particular Chinese workers, when he would later play down as “can’t those who have sunk?” Duterte it cannot provide enough jobs for you take a joke?” “Mar” Roxas II, who lost to vagina,’” he said in a speech before told reporters in an ambush its own people? During the conferment of him in the 2016 presidential rebel returnees at Malacañang on interview. The presence of thousands awards to the Asean-National elections, of ordering the ambush February 7. Even Vice President Ma. of Chinese workers – both Organizing Council officials at of former police general and now He later defended himself in Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who legal and illegal – came to the Malacañang on December 3, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Mayor a separate speaking event a week joined the President’s Cabinet as fore last month following the Duterte stunned the nation when Vicente Loot. after the controversial speech by chair of the Housing and Urban arrest of 87 Chinese and 16 he “admitted” he was taking Sought for clarification the next saying it was a “sort of sarcasm.” Development Coordinating Filipinos suspected of running marijuana to keep him awake, Council (HUDCC) but was later unauthorized online gambling citing his hectic schedules. asked to stop from attending platforms in the country. “It’s a killing activity and I Duterte speeches put Filipinos the Cabinet meetings due to Figures from the Department think my age… me, not that much, “irreconcilable differences,” was of Labor and Employment show because I take marijuana to stay in a believe-it-or-not situation not spared the President’s jokes. that since 2015, close to 116,000 awake. Others may no longer take In a speech on March 20, foreigners have been issued it,” the 73-year-old leader said. day, Presidential Spokesperson But his inclination to cracking 2016, he confessed to Robredo an alien employment permit His remark sparked public Salvador Panelo said Duterte jokes about women did not end that she was one of the topics in (AEP), which allows them to debates as the use of marijuana “obviously was saying it in jest.” there. his roughly 13-hour meeting with work legally in the Philippines. remains illegal in the Philippines. Aside from Roxas, detained In a speech on August 30 his Cabinet officials. An AEP will only be issued if But hours after, the President Sen. Leila de Lima has been the in Mandaue City, Cebu, the In his first year in office, there is no Filipino willing or recanted, and told reporters that President’s favorite punching bag. former Davao City mayor said Duterte openly flirted with competent enough to do the job “it was a joke.” The President’s favorite line has his hometown has the highest Robredo during an event in being offered to a foreigner. He explained that he only been: Have you seen De Lima’s number of rape cases in the Tacloban City marking the third Chinese nationals accounted wanted “to shake the tree in the steamy sex video? country because it’s populated year of the Supertyphoon Yolanda for the biggest bulk of foreign middle of a boring speech.” From a detained woman with beautiful women. tragedy as he joked about ogling workers holding AEPs, numbering “It was a joke, of course, it was senator, Duterte – often branded “They said there are many rape at the Vice President’s legs. some 52,000, or about 45 percent a joke. And nobody could stop me as misogynist – trained his sights cases in Davao. As long as there He did not stop there. Even the of the total. This number does not from just doing my style,” he said. on women rebel returnees. In are many beautiful women, there victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda include those who are working The President also had dropped a speech early this year, the will be more rape cases,” he said. were targets of Duterte’s jokes. without permits. a few bombshells on his political President ordered the military to Predictably, the members of In a speech on January 2 last They are said to be working in rivals in some of his speeches, shoot female communist rebels the women’s rights groups found year, Duterte joked about hoping manufacturing, information and which his spokesman would later right in the vagina. Duterte’s explanation offensive. that only the ugly women died communications, construction, temper. “Are there any women holding Data from the Philippine during the disaster and not the and administrative and support In a speech on December guns?’ ‘Sir, she’s a fighter. An National Police (PNP) indeed beautiful ones. services. These are fields that 18 in Davao City, he accused amazon.’ ‘Shoot her in the showed that Davao City has the (See DUTERTE, Page 11) local workers can easily fit in and former Interior secretary Manuel yet many of qualified Filipinos have to look for jobs overseas to gain employment. House rears its ugly head again An analysis of the economic By Pathricia Ann Roxas benefits of the Philippines’ pro- Inquirer.net China policy by Ateneo economic the President”— Zarate said when professors Ronald Mendoza and MANILA — The House it comes to democratic processes Miann Banaag showed that the of Representatives was among in the House, the two leaders were number of Chinese workers with the country’s institutions that the same. work permits grew by about 108 witnessed the more, if not the “Niraratsada, wala masyadong percent between 2015 and 2016 most, exhilarating events this year. debate pagdating sa floor, even in comparison to a mere 7 percent But at the heart of the on the committee level. Classic growth for Japanese and Korean lower chamber’s whirlwind of example dyan ’yung case ng workers combined. The number controversies was the question of RBH 15. Nakailang hearing lang of Chinese workers then grew by whether it undermined democratic ba ’yan sa committee level at 27 percent in 2017. accountability inside the august makailang araw lang sa plenary,” “But while the share of hall and across the country. he noted. Japanese and Korean investments For known opposition “Just like the previous grew by 18.25 percentage points lawmaker, Bayan Muna Rep. leadership, they used the tyranny during this period, Chinese Carlos Zarate, the chamber, of numbers. In fact, there was investments share expanded by indeed, failed to protect itself Former President and now Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo is new no number at all,” he added. a mere 0.38 percentage points. from further weakening. Speaker of the House of Representatives “What is very clear now, while Clearly, for a smaller share of At the closing speech of Alvarez was just trying to stay in investments, the Chinese have Speaker Gloria Macapagal- the House, strict but hopefully fair proposes a presidential-bicameral- the shadows of Duterte… itong been sending more workers into Arroyo before Congress adjourned and open-minded,” she also said. federal system of government. It si GMA (Arroyo’s initials) is the Philippines,” Mendoza and last Dec. 12, she flaunted the But this came at the expense was approved on second reading different. GMA is now trying to Banaag wrote. chamber’s success of shepherding of “micro-managing” processes last Dec. 4, with only three session project herself or at least ’yung During a Senate hearing on the legislative agenda of President and “railroading” controversial days allotted for plenary debates, kanilang faction that they are also the influx of Chinese workers, Rodrigo Duterte to passage. This measures, including those and hounded by a question on lack a center of power.” Senate Minority Leader Franklin happened in just five months since part of the administration’s of quorum. Despite this, Arroyo was quick Drilon and Sen. Joel Villanueva July 23 when she sealed her return comprehensive tax reform This also came despite Arroyo’s to deny that the chamber, under expressed alarm over the to power and ended Davao del program, “without sufficient pronouncement in August that her leadership, railroaded the draft situation, which Drilon said Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon debates,” according to Zarate. there was not enough time to federal charter. deprives thousands of Filipinos Alvarez’s two-year grip on the On Dec. 11, the House managed achieve Duterte’s agenda and “It was part of the democratic to be gainfully employed. Speakership post. to give its nod to its controversial campaign promise to shift to a process, there was a debate, it was Villanueva expressed “My concern is not my legacy draft federal Charter barely three federal form of government. voted on,” Arroyo told reporters in frustration that government as Speaker. My concern is to months since it was filed on Sept. “The House is still the house an interview. agencies could not tell exactly support President Duterte’s legacy 19. Before this, the leadership of Duterte. His legislative agenda Although the lack of “quality how many Chinese workers are in the year that I have as Speaker,” abruptly ended the period of was accomplished for so short a debates” on measures, and in the country. she said during her speech before debates on the Resolution of time,” Zarate told INQUIRER. approval of such without quorum Villanueva, who is leading the plenary. Both Houses of Congress (RBH) net over a phone interview on were severe concerns, Zarate said a Senate probe on the influx of “The key words are hard work, No. 15. Saturday. this was no longer new. Chinese workers in the country, selectively hands-on especially Principally penned by Arroyo While Arroyo and Alvarez had “Noon pa man hanggang rattled off the names of high- in shepherding the 2018 SONA – who had three failed attempts different leadership styles— the ngayon ang umiiral sa Kongreso rise residential towers around (State of the Nation Address) bills at Charter change during her former “more hands-on” while the ay patronage politics,” he said. (See CHINESE, Page 15) of President Duterte to passage by presidency – the draft charter latter “stayed in the shadows of (See HOUSE, Page 6) Page PHILIPPINE POST January 1, 2019 NEWS January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 6 HOUSE: Rears ugly head again (From Page 5) On Dec. 12, Congress— for the third time— approved Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year. But martial law was extended to the Joint Session of the Congress, Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman said after the “freedom of expression of senators and representatives was restricted” to three minutes for Security personnel implement security measures at the Ninoy interpellation and one minute for Aquino International Airport Terminial 3. The United States on the explanation of their respective Thursday urged the Philippines to improve the airport security. votes. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez: Ousted in House coup Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano experienced this firsthand when bloc member, shared Tinio’s elections. AIRPORT: Poor security he tried to explain his negative frustration. “The transparency talaga ‘yung (From Page 1) Airport (NAIA) did not fail the vote on the extension of martial “Nasa rules committee lang, nakakalungkot dito sa nagaganap writing of this determination,” the security audit by TSA personnel law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, natutulog karamihan,” he said. sa 17th Congress,” De Jesus said. DHS statement, dated December for the period of September to 2019. Amid issues hounding the But Arroyo’s allies in the 26, added. December 2018, and that there The opposition lawmaker – proposed P3.757-trillion chamber plainly saw things in a Homeland Security Secretary was no downgrading of Philippine who took part in a coup against 2019 national budget, Tinio different light. Kirstjen Nielsen has ordered aviation. Arroyo back in 2003 when she also criticized the House’s Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. advisories “displayed prominently “The TSA noticed the was still President – was cut by final approval of the general Estrellita Suansing, chair of at all US airports that provide inconsistencies of security Arroyo who said his one minute appropriations bill, saying no the House committee on ways regularly scheduled service to personnel manning the entrance,” was up. When he asked to be copies of the third reading version and means, in a statement said [NAIA] and that it be published he told reporters in a news allowed to finish the last portion of House Bill No. 8169 were Arroyo’s leadership steered the in the Federal Register.” conference. Moreover, some of his speech, Arroyo said he only given to House members before House to accomplish so much in Under US law, the DHS is of airport users did not follow had two seconds. it was approved on third reading. just a short period. responsible for assessing security security rules, he said. “Three seconds are up, please “Bago aprubahan on third Suansing even recalled how at foreign airports with direct “There is no cause for alarm submit your explanation in reading ano mang bill… kailangan Arroyo closely followed the service to the United States, to even as we put in place security writing,” Arroyo interrupted. at least three days na hawak ng hearings of her committee on ensure they meet international enhancements following the Lagman further warned that myembro ‘yung final version ng vital tax measures. She said the standards set by ICAO. recommendations of the US-TSA. the undue restriction “deprives bill for approval,” Tinio explained Speaker was “always on time,” The advisory prompted a There is nothing among these Congress [of] fully deliberating earlier. a “workaholic,” “hands-on,” statement from US Ambassador recommendations that cannot be on the merits of the requested To comply with the rules, Tinio “wants everything done right Sung Kim, who said: “We addressed,” Monreal said. extension and amply validate its said Majority Leader Rolando away and refuses any delay” and are collaborating closely with Monreal noted that the ICAO’S proffered factual basis.” Andaya Jr. moved that the second “personally monitors every bill the Philippines Department latest security audit finding on In a lunch meeting on Nov. reading version of the bill be used because she believes that what is of Transportation and related Manila airport was “generally 26, Arroyo expressed her as the final version, a motion that monitored gets effectively done agencies, and have every satisfactory” in terms of standards opposition against resolutions in was immediately approved. or finished.” confidence in their leadership of safety and security. aid of legislation, saying no actual “Absolute lack of transparency Parañaque 2nd District Rep. and their commitment to improve Monreal said that during bills were being produced from ang naganap sa budget process. Gus Tambunting, chairman of aviation security,” an exit briefing on December these probes, “only harassment Kaming mga ordinaryong the committee on games and “Philippine authorities have 7, the TSA recommended 16 happens.” myembro, hindi namin alam amusements, also lauded Arroyo worked diligently to improve improvements, nine of which have The House Makabayan bloc kung ano yung mga amendments for staying “true to her word in security measures and we fully been addressed by the MIAA. has denounced this, with ACT na ipapasok ng House lahat ng focusing on the priority bills of expect that they will soon meet The seven improvements Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio amendments will happen during President Duterte.” ICAO security standards,” he were: adequate screening staffing, describing this as a way of the bicam (bicameral conference “In only half a year, the House added. protection of hold baggage, disarming the lower House of committee),” Tinio said. has done so much under her good The culprits were the lack land side security measures, a its power and responsibility to “Absolutely nakatago ito sa leadership, and this is something of consistency of security at contingency plan, a clear zone and conduct investigations. publiko until ‘yung final version we can be proud of,” he added. airport terminal entrances and vehicle screening. The opposition lawmaker also na lamang ang makikita nating As said by Arroyo during her inadequate x-ray machines, walk- Other areas that needed to be lamented how their bloc had filed lahat, by then it will be too late,” closing speech and as shown through metal detectors and alarm addressed are: an airport security numerous resolutions calling for he lamented. by data from the rules panel, in systems, said Ed Monreal, general program, background checks, investigations into human rights ACTS Teachers Rep. France just 41 days of the third regular manager of the state-owned access control, non-passenger/ staff screening, checking against issues and welfare of various Castro and Gabriela Rep. Emmie session of the 17th Congress, the Manila International Airport access points, random screening sectors, but most of these are de Jesus also slammed the lack of House processed a total of 1,426 Authority (MIAA). of passengers, hold baggage, pending before the committee transparency, as they expressed measures, or an average of 35 Monreal clarified that the certification of screeners and on rules. fears that the 2019 budget may measures processed per session Ninoy Aquino International quality control. Zarate, also a Makabayan be used during the 2019 midterm day. But Zarate warned that if institutions, such as the House, failed to do its function of checks and balances against other branches of government as well as enacting well-debated measures, it could be a threat to the people’s “democratic lives.” “Talagang it’s a threat to our democratic life itong mga institutions na ito if they failed in their duty sa ating democratic system,” he said. Voters in the coming May 2019 mid-term elections will undoubtedly play a crucial role to ward off threats to democracy from overpowering institutions and from becoming a vicious cycle of patronage politics, Zarate noted. “Kami talaga sa Bayan Muna at Makabyan naniniwala na malaki ang magiging role ng enlightened critical mass na ma-realize nilang hindi pwedeng business as usual lang,” the progressive lawmaker said. “Mahalaga na maging mulat ang mga mamamayan sa pagpili ng kanilang kinakatawan sa gobyerno,” he added. INQUIRER.net has repeatedly reached Arroyo’s camp for additional comments, but they have yet to respond as of posting time. January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 7 Iloilo solon, mayor face raps for beating up, pointing gun at cop ILOILO CITY —Iloilo Rep. Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. allegedly beat up, spat at and slapped a policeman in Guimbal town in Iloilo Wednesday morning while the lawmaker’s father, Mayor Oscar Garin, pointed a gun at the policeman, a police official said. Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba, An elderly farmer rides on his carabao while a young boy takes Iloilo provincial police director, to his bicycle as they plod through the floods caused by typhoon said they were readying criminal Usman in Bicol. complaints including physical injury, direct assault and grave TYPHOON: 71 dead threats against the Garins for the attack on PO3 Federico Macaya (From Page 1) PO3 Federico Macaya Jr., 41, (right) whose left face is swollen backhoe and trucks are already Jr. after he was allegedly mauled by Iloilo Rep Richard Garin (left). operations. deployed to the said areas,” he Meanwhile, Philippine Massive and “bulky” added. National Police-Region 6 (PNP- operations are being carried out He said in Region V, one Region 6) Director Chief Supt. last Saturday, when the father- me. I will not let this pass without in flooded portions of Nabua of the most affected regions, a John Bulalacao said Wednesday and-son allegedly summoned PO3 taking action against them,” he and Buhi towns and in Iriga City total of 1,058 families or 3,978 he would also order the relief Federico Macaya of the Guimbal also said. – all in Camarines Sur – where individuals were housed in 10 of Guimbal police chief Sr. Municipal Police Station to the On Wednesday night, Garin Jr. residents were trapped inside different evacuation centers with Insp. Antonio Monreal, as he Guimbal Public Plaza located issued an apology. houses or are waiting on roofs the Department of Social Welfare recalled the police escorts of the along Rizal Street. In a statement mostly in for help. and Development providing food politicians. The Garins allegedly disarmed Hiligaynon, Garin, a scion of “Our responders are having and other needs. Bulalacao further said he the police officer, conducted a the Garin political clan based in difficulty in penetrating these Jalad added that Usman, which would request for the cancellation body search on him, handcuffed Guimbal town in Iloilo, did not villages due to the deep floods has weakened into a low-pressure of Mayor Garin’s control over him, seized his belongings, and specify what he was apologizing and continuing heavy downpour. area, is exiting the country local police. while being held at gunpoint, for but said that he was “sincerely” But we will not stop until these although rains are still expected “I will relieve the COP (chief purportedly hit him. asking for apology. rescue efforts are over,” Yucot because of the tail-end of a cold of police) for not taking action to “I have already ordered the Tayaba also later issued told The STAR. front. help his personnel and we will recall of their police escorts when another order relieving the rest He lamented that people did Areas that will be affected by file charges for physical injuries, I learned of this incident this of the town’s 29-member police not heed their advisories prior to moderate to occasional heavy alarm and scandal, direct assault morning. I will also request for force “after majority signified that Usman’s entry. He said this could rains include the Bicol region, against an agent of person in the cancelation of the Mayor’s they do not want to be assigned in have been due to Usman’s weak Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, authority and grave coercion deputation over the PNP,” Guimbal.” strength, which was only at 45 to Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, against Congressman Richard Bulalacao said. The lawmaker apparently was 65 kilometers per hour. Romblon and Northern Palawan Garin and grave threat against “Most of the members of irked after Macaya failed to “Plus most of them were, including Calamian and Cuyo Mayor Oscar Garin,” Bulalacao Guimbal PNP have requested file criminal complaints against maybe, already in a vacation or islands, while Metro Manila, said in a statement. for their transfer out of Guimbal one of the parties involved in holiday mood and they did not Cordillera Administrative Region This remark of the PNP-Region […] I told Cong. Garin that I’m an altercation in the town on want to get out of their houses and the rest of Cagayan Valley will 6 chief stemmed from an incident taking this incident as an affront to December 22. anymore,” he said. experience light to moderate rains. The NDRRMC, through the PCG spokesman Captain Management of the Dead and Armand Balilo said that based on 2 strong quakes rock Davao coast the Missing cluster led by the latest information received from Department of the Interior and the field, 11 bodies were recovered MANILA—Another Local Government, is validating in Tiwi, Albay and another 10 in earthquake, with a magnitude of the reported 68 casualties from Nato, Camarines Sur. 5.6, struck off the coast of Davao Regions V and VIII. Data showed The men also rescued at least Oriental following an earlier 7.2 that 57 of the deaths were mostly 20 people in Tiwi, five each in quake, the Philippine Institute due to drowning and landslides in Nato and Nabua, 20 in Iriga – all in of Volcanology and Seismology Region V, with the remaining 11 Camarines Sur – and at least 2,180 (Phivolcs) said Saturday. coming from Region VIII. in Vinzon, Camarines Norte. In its latest earthquake bulletin It added that 12 individuals He added that they are still Saturday afternoon, Phivolcs said from Mimaropa (Mindoro, conducting rescue operations the earthquake struck at 5:13 p.m. Marinduque, Romblon and in Baao and Buhi towns in It noted that the earthquake Palawan) and Region V were Camarines Sur. was an aftershock of a previous reported injured. The Philippine Red Cross quake which struck off the coast OCD Undersecretary Ricardo (PRC) has also participated in of Davao Oriental Saturday Jalad said dozens of personnel the search and rescue operations morning. from the Philippine National and has been providing relief to Phivolcs traced its epicenter Police, Department of Public survivors since the weekend. about 145 kilometers southeast farther in land following the had been reported following the Works and Highways (DPWH), Sen. Richard Gordon, PRC of Governor Generoso, Davao hoisting of a tsunami advisory by 11:39 a.m. temblor. Bureau of Fire Protection, chairman, said the organization Oriental. Phivolcs and other agencies, said Moderate to large quakes are Philippine Air Force, Philippine would continue to work to The earthquake, which was Karen Deloso, Davao Oriental not rare in the Philippines, an Navy and the Philippine Coast alleviate the suffering of affected tectonic in origin, had a depth of provincial information officer. archipelago that sits on the so- Guard (PCG) are coordinating residents. 43 km. Gov. Nelso Dayanghirang called Pacific Ring of Fire, a with the provincial incident According to the PRC operation Phivolcs said no aftershocks has ordered key departments seismically active region due to management team in search, center, at least 10,825 individuals and damage are expected from to closely work with mayors to colliding continental plates. rescue and retrieval operations in remain in 72 evacuation centers in this episode. monitor the water level of the In August 1976, Mindanao was Iriga City and the towns of Tiwi, the provinces of Albay, Camarines In areas closest to the epicenter coasts around the southeastern hit by a magnitude-7.9 quake that Nabua and Buhi in Bicol. Norte and Sur, Sorsogon and in of the previous earthquake (11:39 Philippine province, Deloso said spawned tsunamis devastating a “Response assets such as Northern and Western Samar. a.m. episode), residents living in in a statement. 600-kilometer long coastline and rubber boats, aluminum boats, coastal areas were told to move She said no damage or injuries killed over 8,000 people. FebruaryDecember 24, 16, 2018 2017 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POSTPOST PagePage 9 9 COMMUNITY January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 8 ‘Journey for Justice’ children’s book on Larry Itliong launched By Wilfred Galila Inquirer.net

SAN FRANCISCO – With a life and legacy long overlooked and overshadowed in American history, the story of Larry Itliong, a Filipino American labor Filipino veterans and their survivors during a gift-giving program organizer, a “father of the West at the Silver Lake Medical Center. Coast labor movement,” and a leading figure in the Delano Grape Strike, has come to light. Filipino vets, survivors Written by the late Dawn B. Mabalon, PhD with Gayle get Christmas presents Romasanta and illustrated by Andre Sibayan, Journey for LOS ANGELES -- “Huli man clothes donated by the Rotary Justice: The Life of Larry Author and Publisher Gayle Romasanta speaks at the book launch daw at magaling, naihahabol din.” Club. Itliongwas recently launched at SFMOMA. The Rotary Club of HFT, Bernadette Atienza, Rosemarie after a year in the making and a the Beverly Lady Realtors Mejia, President Macky Fortu of successful fundraising campaign American Center of the San Mabalon was a native of Stockton and the Justice for Filipino Rotary, Freddie Castaneda of with the support of the community. Francisco Public Library while Romasanta, who was born American Veterans (JFAV) gave FAME Inc and Art Garcia gave “Unfortunately, only a few (SFPL), happened on October in Manila, Philippines, migrated late Christmas gifts to Filipino out the gifts to the veterans and Filipinos know the story,” the 27 in the Public Knowledge there when she was a child, and World War II Veterans and their survivors. lauthor and historian, Mabalon, Library, a popup and temporary lived in Little Manila in 1976. survivors on Saturday, December Meanwhile JFAV leaders, had said. “This is going to be branch of the SFPL, at the San Although they did not know 29, at the Silver Lake Medical Teddy Mangune of the Marking the first-ever book about Larry Francisco Museum of Modern each other while growing up, Center (SLMC), 1711 W. Temple Guerillas, Franco Arcebal, Vice Itliong. It’s going to be the first- Art (SFMOMA). Over 250 people they shared the same experience St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. President of ACFV and UFAV and ever Filipino American non- came. such as going to the same day Scores of Filipino American widow Dicfora Salem appealed to fiction children’s book.” “It turned out so well. They care center. WWII veterans and their survivors the US Congress leaders to pass A significant contribution to actually had to close the door. It “We were never picked to attended the late Christmas party the Filpino Veterans Recognition the canon of Filipino American was standing room only,” says be the wake up fairy,” says and received their holiday gifts. Act that will be re-introduced next literature, the seminal book is Romasanta. Romasanta. “The wake up The gift-giving party was year 2019. part of its author’s legacy that will In keeping with the book’s fairy wakes everybody up from sponsored by Beverly Hills/ “Give us the recognition, equity endure. It is Mabalon’s last book initial targeted readers, the book napping. We both laughed that GLAAR Cultural Diversity and benefits that we rightfully that was finished right before she launch featured a puppet show, we never got to wake anybody Commitee led by Bernadette deserve in the twilight of our passed away. with puppets as hosts of the up. [The reason] for never picking Advincula Atienza, the Justice years.Please pass the Filipino Published and sponsored by program, and a performance us was because they were racist.” For Filipino American Veterans Veterans Recognition Act now! “ Bridge + Delta Publishing, a by members of Sama Sama (JFAV), FAME Inc and the Rotary Salem said in her appeal. Stockton-based company owned Summer Camp, a cooperative- Club of HFT. More than 11,000 Filipino and run by Gayle Romasanta, run outdoor day children’s camp, The veterans and their veterans and 68,000 survivors the initial book launching, who entertained guests with a jazz survivors also were given sweet are still fighting for recognition co-sponsored by the Filipino band, poetry, and covers of songs ham and a combo of food and and benefits. by rapper Ruby Ibarra. Ruby Ibarra, who was present, also gave an impromptu performance. “It was really beautiful,” says Romasanta. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The fact that it was at SFMOMA where we hardly have, if any, representation at all; that we were able to be there.” Another book launch for Journey for Justice took place on December 8 in Stockton, a place that is significant in Filipino American history as well as Larry Itliong’s story. It was held at the Filipino children in Stockton historic Hotel Stockton where, in as late as the 1970’s and early the past, Filipinos were banned. 1980’s grew up with and were “Filipinos could not even enter. raised with the help of manongsor They weren’t allowed to stay elder Filipino men; the same men there,” says Romasanta. who, like Larry Itliong, came to The book launch was also the United States to work in the a fundraiser for Little Manila farms and fisheries. They became Rising, an organization co- part of an extended family and founded by Mabalon for the were regarded as uncles in the preservation of Stockton’s Little community. Manila. Five percent of proceeds “One by one they started from book sales go to Little to pass away or they started Manila Rising and the Filipino leaving for the Philippines,” American National Historical says Romasanta. “Soon, we had Society (FANHS). nobody and it was a sad reality.” Also, a percentage of proceeds Both Mabalon and Romasanta from Romasanta’s children’s are descendants of migrant farm book, Beautiful Eyeswith an workers who had, for decades, accompanying activity book, that worked in the fields of California. was re-launched on November Mabalon’s grandparents worked 24 at SFPL, benefit Pin@y in California’s farms and Alaska’s Educational Partnerships (PEP), canneries. Her father was a friend a nonprofit service learning of Larry Itliong. program for all levels of education Romasanta’s great uncles from in the community comprised of her mother’s side of the family a network of educators through had come to the U.S. as early as San Francisco State University the 1930’s. They lived in Stockton (SFSU) and within the San and were farm workers. Her great Francisco Unified School District. uncle-cum-grandfather, Victor “Through these books, we Selga, and seven other uncles to always wanted to give back whom she had dedicated the book, and have a targeted non-profit bought and operated an eight- attached,” says Romasanta. bedroom farmhouse off Bixby Mabalon and Romasanta both Road in Brentwood right on the grew up and lived in Stockton. California Delta. January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 9 Events that marked 2018 PARIS -- From a spy drama that poisoned ties between Russia and the West to major US turnarounds under President Donald Trump, here are some of the major events that marked 2018. Russian spy poisoning saga On March 4, Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his adult daughter are discovered CHiPS FOR KIDS CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY. On Dec. 15, at St. unconscious and poisoned by Vincent’s de Paul’s L.A. Thrift Store, over 1,000 low-income chil- a highly toxic nerve agent, dren received toys from the CHP, plus free Shoe Palace shoes and Novichok, on a bench in Salisbury, food from Sysco and Navidad En El Barrio. (Above): Santa poses England. with some of the over 100 volunteers from area schools, churches London points the finger and businesses that participated in the gift-giving event: St. Vin- at Moscow and in September cent de Paul Board President Ray Sweet; CBS2/KCAL9 anchors issues arrest warrants against Juan Fernandez and Suzanne Marques; CHP Officers; Sysco, Shoe two Russian operatives. Moscow Palace and Allen Lund Company employees and volunteers from rejects all charges. Navidad En El Barrio, Tzu Chi Foundation, University Prep Value Angry exchanges between High School in Los Angeles, Cathedral and Sacred Heart High the two capitals bring in other Schools in Los Angeles. Western nations behind London. Dozens of Western and Russian diplomats are expelled in tit-for- tat reprisals, and new sanctions are brought against Russia. The Skripals survive but in June a British woman dies after coming into contact with Novichok in deployed in northeastern Syria, On May 14, the United a village outside Salisbury. Her where they are fighting Islamic States opens its new embassy partner falls gravely ill. State jihadists alongside a in Jerusalem, infuriating the Syria regime victories Kurdish-dominated force. Palestinians—who also claim the On April 14, the Syrian army The announcement, which holy city as their capital—and declares that all anti-regime comes as Ankara is threatening an flouting years of international forces have been forced out of offensive against Kurdish forces, policy. the Eastern Ghouta area adjoining leads to the resignation of Defense Clashes erupt on the border with Damascus after a blistering two- Secretary Jim Mattis. Israel and the Palestinian territory month offensive that leaves more Trump quits Iran nuclear of Gaza: after the bloodiest day than 1,700 people dead. deal in the dragging conflict in years, Philwomenians volunteered at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul It is a major victory in the On May 8, President Donald around 60 Palestinians are dead, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights, along government’s effort to reassert Trump pulls the United States killed by Israeli gunfire. with Church parishioners and various ministries to make sure 193 control after the 2011 uprising out of the hard-won 2015 accord Populists take charge in Italy families and the homeless would be able to enjoy a full Christmas that pulled the entire country into that limits Iran’s nuclear weapons On June 1, a populist coalition dinner. Children had fun selecting favorites from donated new and a devastating conflict. program in exchange for an easing government takes power in Italy lightly-used toys. The same day the United States, of sanctions against the Islamic formed by the anti-establishment Britain and France carry out pre- republic. Five Star Movement and far-right, dawn strikes against President One of his complaints is the anti-migrant, euroskeptic League. Bashar al-Assad’s regime in “one-sided deal” does not go far Interior Minister Matteo response to a suspected chemical enough in preventing Iran from Salvini, leader of the League, attack on the Eastern Ghouta town creating a nuclear bomb. introduces a hardline immigration of Douma that killed scores of The remaining parties to policy, largely closing Italy’s civilians. The regime denies the the accord—Britain, France, borders to migrants. allegations. Germany, Russia and China— Already in April, Hungarian Backed by Russia’s military insist Iran has abided by its Prime Minister Viktor Orban had might, Assad’s forces go on to commitments and vow to keep led his anti-immigrant party to notch up a series of victories the deal intact. a crushing victory in legislative against rebels and jihadists, In August, Washington elections. regaining control of two-thirds reimposes a first wave of sanctions Trump, Kim meet-up Santa’s helpers, led by president Lu Barretto, leftmost with: Vicky of the ruined and divided country. on Iran; in November there is a On June 12, Trump and North Soong, Marilou Kinetz, Lolly Enrile, Exal Igidbashian, Arceli Gaga- On December 19, US President second. Korean leader Kim Jong Un jena and Puring Worrell (seated), officers of the Philippine Women’s Trump orders the withdrawal of US moves embassy to meet in Singapore, the first-ever University Alumni Association of Southern California. (lvsolis) some 2,000 American soldiers Jerusalem (See 2018, Page 15) CHARTER (From Page 3) wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.” Ricky Rivera, a member of the Kabayanihan Movement, meanwhile warned that the removal of the present constitutional provision that limits the ownership, management and operations of any company engaged in advertising industry only to Filipino citizens or corporations or associations with at least 70 percent of the capital owned by Filipinos, could lead to the promotion of the national interests of a foreign country. Lastly, Lacson said the removal of the constitutional requirement for the Ombudsman to have at least 10 years of experience serving as a judge or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines could be a “big blow on our war against corruption and corrupt officials in government.” Pabillo further said: “We cannot afford to be silent. Dark politics based on greed, lust for power, lies and violence is destroying our country.” FebruaryPage 10 24, 2018 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POST POST HOMEDecember 16, 2017 January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST September Page22,Page 201810 9 Some recipes for your New Year celebration By Elizabeth Ann Quirino Positively Filipino WELCOME the New Year with fine spirits! Here’s an easy cocktail to concoct from standby ingredients you already have in your bar. This Snowball Fizz is a refreshing mix of sweet orange Kapampangan style embotido juice, with highlights of citrus-like pre-greased shallow baking sheet. meatloaf packed with an array grapefruit flavors, and the vigor Bake in a preheated oven of 350 of ingredients, which makes of gin all swirling happily. So, F degrees for 9-10 minutes till it a popular party of holiday raise your glasses together with cheese melts. Serve piping hot. dish. The best part of eating the rest of the world & enjoy this Cook’s Comments: The embutido is catching the savory delightful cocktail drink. Cheers! Spanish chorizo sausages are drippings, which are made even This recipe first posted on the typically filled with spicy more special by mixing with Filipino food blog Asian in America seasonings and have a robust, finely grated cheese, preferably www.AsianInAmericaMag.com. Snowball Fizz Cocktail (Photos by Elizabeth Ann Quirino) smoky, paprika-like and savory queso de bola during the holidays. SNOWBALL FIZZ My husband’s dear Auntie Tacing COCKTAIL with Chorizos and Cheese Pineda taught me this much-loved (Makes 1 cocktail) When you need a fast, easy Kapampangan entrée adapted Ingredients recipe for a holiday entree, an for an American kitchen. I have 2 ounces gin appetizer or side, this is perfect: omitted wrapping the pork loaf 2/3 cup orange juice Stuffed Button Mushrooms with in unto sinsal (leaf lard) the way 1/3 cup grapefruit juice Chorizos and Cheese. The finely it is done back in the Philippines 2 Tablespoons sugar chopped smoky-flavored Spanish and instead used parchment Bottled cherries for garnish, chorizos, mushroom stems, cheese paper. I make this ahead for the pitted & drained and seasonings fill the center of busy Christmas and New Year Procedure the jumbo button mushrooms. festivities, sometimes doubling Combine the gin, orange and Once baked, these are even harder the recipe and freezing the extra grapefruit juices, sugar and place to resist. Serve these for a party for when unexpected guests come in a shaker. Shake vigorously. or a family dinner. They are sure to visit. Pour into a cocktail or wine glass. to be a hit. This Asian in America Serves 6 to 8 Garnish with a cherry on the rim. recipe first published on the Quirk Makes two large meat rolls Serve chilled. DIY blog (Quirk Books). Serves Ingredients Recipe Notes: Gin Fizzes 2 as an entree, up to 4 as an Stuffed button mushrooms 4 pounds ground pork are light, refreshing sour-based appetizer or side dish. 8 large eggs cocktails with the usual addition Ingredients Wipe button mushrooms clean flavor. Thus, there is no need 1½ cups chopped white onions of club soda, lemon juice or other jumbo button mushrooms - 1 with a paper towel. Hold stems to add any more salt, pepper or 1 cup raisins citrus ingredients. A gin fizz is a package (10 oz.) about 12 large firmly and pull out. This will leave other spices to the mixture. And if 2 cups grated sharp cheddar good thirst-quencher for warmer pieces the hollow portion in the middle grilling is preferred for this recipe, cheese, divided, use 1 cup for pork months, but this is a good, easy Spanish chorizo sausage - 1 (4 for stuffing. just cover the aluminum pan with loaf, rest for gravy drink to put together all year oz.) piece, casing removed, filling Chop the stems finely into foil and place on top of the grill. 1 cup finely chopped carrots round. This recipe is a sweeter chopped egg - 1 large small bits. In a medium-sized Cook on high heat for the same ½ cup minced garlic, fried adaptation from usual Gin Fizzes. red or green bell peppers - 1/2 bowl, combine the stems with the amount of time. 4 pieces Chorizo Bilbao or This was adapted from: Field of a large piece, seeded, white chopped chorizos, egg, chopped KAPAMPANGAN-STYLE Spanish chorizos, finely chopped Guide to Cocktails by Rob Chirico membrane removed, chopped fine bell pepper, bread crumbs and EMBUTIDO 1 teaspoon sea salt (Quirk Books). bread crumbs - 2 Tablespoons melted butter. Mix well and place Some Kapampangan homes 1 teaspoon freshly ground STUFFED BUTTON melted butter - 1 Tablespoon stuffing inside the hollow part of call this dish murcon. To me, black pepper MUSHROOMS WITH grated sharp cheddar cheese - the mushrooms. this is Embutido cooked in the 2 hard-boiled eggs, flat slices CHORIZOS AND CHEESE 1/2 cup Sprinkle grated cheese on each Kapampangan way—simply 1 Tablespoon achuete seeds, Stuffed Button Mushrooms Procedure mushroom with filling. Place in a low and slow. It’s a sweet pork soaked in 1 cup warm water 1½ cups organic chicken broth 2 Tablespoons soy sauce 2 Tablespoons cornstarch ¼ cup water, room temperature Procedure To make the embutido: In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground pork, 8 eggs, onions, raisins, 1 cup grated cheese, carrots, garlic, chorizos, salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into two batches. Cut a large piece of parchment or wax paper measuring about 9 x 11 inches. In the center of the paper, place one batch of the meat mixture. Spread the mixture in a thick, rectangular shape log, leaving an inch clear along the edges of the paper. Arrange the slices of 1 hard-boiled egg in the center. Take one long edge of the paper and roll the meat into a cylinder. Wrap the roll in aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly all around. Repeat this process for the second roll. Set aside. Prepare a steamer by filling the bottom pan with water. Place the achuete seeds in a small sieve and while pressing the seeds with a fork, pour warm water over it . Add the achuete-tinted liquid to the water in the steamer. Turn up the heat, cover the pan and bring the water to a boil. Arrange the embutido rolls on a rimmed plate that fits in the upper steamer pan and place (See RECIPES, Page 12) December 1, 2018 PHILIPPINE POST Page 11 NEWS January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 11

Their outrage against criminality, DUTERTE: Feeding illegal drugs, corruption, terrorism, rebellion and the governments’ the nation with jokes neglect in giving social services which they speak privately among (From Page 5) In his speech during the themselves punctuated with “I looked up to the sky and awarding ceremonies for the 2017 expletives are publicly verbalized said, “Lord, I hope only the ugly Presidential Award for Child- by the President in colorful lingua died. I hope the beautiful ones did Friendly Municipalities and Cities franca that they regularly and not. The Lord said, That’s okay,” (PACFMC) in Malacañang on commonly use in their everyday he said, eliciting laughter from December 5, he told the audience conversations,” he said. the crowd. to kill their bishops. “Duterte mirrors what the In another gag-filled speech “Your bishops, kill them. These masses revolt against, especially in Bangkok, Thailand before the fools are useless,” he said. the inequities in society, that Filipino community last year, As expected, Panelo said the traditional politicians whom Duterte said Robredo, a widow Duterte’s “kill order” should not they have elected not only of the late interior secretary Jesse be taken plainly. failed and neglected to address Robredo, should marry him. He “I think that’s only a hyperbole President Duterte gestures in one of his speeches but maintained, as well as the made the proposal at the time on the part of the President. We corruption that characterized when rumors were swirling that should be getting used to this In 2016, almost a month after endear him to the people their governance. Duterte is the the vice president wanted him out President. He is making these he won the presidency, the foul- because he presents a ‘totoong embodiment of the seething rage of power. statements for dramatic effect,” mouthed and trash-talking mayor tao’ image- flawed, ‘down to that the overwhelming majority of “[She is] in a hurry. She wants the spokesman said in a Palace promised to metamorphose into earth’, imperfect, ‘hindi aral ang Filipinos feel,” he added. me out. I haven’t even reached briefing. a butterfly. lenggwahe-galing sa puso ang Despite his crass language and one year, then you already want In another joking binge that “I am not yet president. You kilos at salita.’” unconventional style of leadership, me out. Okay, she’s still young, spoofed his critics, the President wait. I’m really a rude person. I’m “This ‘leadership’ style Panelo said the Filipino masses and okay, marry me,” he said. in August said God had promised enjoying my last time as a rude allowed him to govern with the President have become one. ‘Santo Rodrigo’ him that all victims of extrajudicial person,” he then said. authority but not respect – as if “Duterte’s style favors him Even the religious groups killings (EJK) would go to heaven. “When I become president people were led by a pied piper,” because the Filipino majority has and the Catholic Church did not “Enjoy your human rights when I take my oath of office, it she said. made him their symbol. The critics escape Duterte’s ribbing. in heaven,” Duterte said, would be a different story. There “His admission that he and detractors can never destroy In a speech on November 1 adding: “God promised me all will be a metamorphosis,” he could not address criminality, the President no matter how many this year, he mocked the Catholic extrajudicial killing victims would added. corruption, drug problem, and times they try because the Filipino celebration of All Saints’ Day and go to heaven. I asked that of God, Even before he won the other ills of the society as fast masses and Rodrigo Roa Duterte All Souls’ Day in the country. and he said, ‘all right, it can be presidency, Duterte has repeatedly as he promised was accepted have molded into one,” he said. “These Catholics are fools; done.’” said he would not run for president easily, unlike GMA’s (President Mendoza agrees with that why do we have this All Souls’ Prudence needed despite being under constant Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) ‘I am view. She said the results of the Day and All Saints’ Day?” he said. Political analyst and University prodding from his supporters. sorry’ or Miriam DS’s (Defensor- surveys favoring the President Apparently joking, he proposed of the Philippines Professor Maria “After talking to my family and Santiago) ‘I lied!’ because he reflected “the majority’s unfounded putting his picture at their altar so Fe Villamejor-Mendoza said everybody else connected to my projected himself as ‘tao lang’ exasperation of the seemingly no people would worship “Santo Duterte’s policy statements must life, I would like to categorically and not a superman,” she added. action or solution by those who Rodrigo” rather than those be well thought out. state now, and also to end the “But all these images,” were the ‘prim and proper.’” inebriated saints. “Policies are supposed to be agony of those waiting and for Mendoza said, “only cover “Gone were the days that people Days after, Panelo said it was well-studied and not reversed the those who believe in me, I’m not up for his inefficiency and would be patiently waiting for only a joke, a kind of “playful minute one awakes on the wrong running for President. I’m sorry,” ineffectiveness in leading the ‘results.’ They want action now,” jab,” from the President. side of the bed,” Mendoza, dean of he said. country because he strikes she said. Joke or no joke, there was no the UP National College of Public But he changed his mind without seriously thinking of the So should the President act letup in his attack on the Catholic Administration and Governance weeks after the deadline of filing repercussions of his actions.” presidential as he promised two Church after that. (NCPAG), told INQUIRER.net. of candidacy and declared he “He governs by gut feel,” years ago? would run for president as a she said. Mendoza said: “President substitute standard-bearer of the Despite his blunders and crass Duterte promised he would ABELGAS: Fears and hopes PDP-Laban. language, the survey showed metamorphose like a beautiful (From Page 4) crimes slide because we do not He ran under the platform Duterte still enjoyed the trust of butterfly if he becomes President. government, and the prolonged demand an accounting; we are of eradicating drugs, crime and many Filipinos. He is now the President of our separation of families because happy to continue eating two corruption within the first three In the third quarter Social country but he did not transform of the export of labor. This was square meals a day and call that to six months in office. Weather Stations (SWS) survey, into a President as against a mayor, clearly shown during the typhoon progress. Enough already. If this is With this promise, he won the Duterte’s net trust rating remained a statesman as against a street- Yolanda disaster in Central optimism, let’s all get real.” presidency with 16 million votes. “very good,” even rising to +62, smart mayor-president,” she said. Visayas and was recognized by And that precisely is the But on his third month in a five-point increase from the “Ideally,” according to CNN’s Anderson Cooper, US problem with the Filipinos’ eternal office, Duterte admitted that he previous quarter’s +57. Mendoza, “the president [of the State Secretary John Kerry, UN optimism. Because we have set the could not curb crime and illegal In the Pulse Asia survey Republic] should be a statesman/ chief Kim Ban-moon and many bar too low, we tend to be satisfied drugs in three to six months. released on September, 7 out woman, of higher breeding, not others who witnessed how the with what we have even though it “That self-imposed time of of 10 Filipinos still trust the foul-mouthed, dignified, seriously Filipinos “dusted off the dirt” is clearly not enough, and in this three to six months, well, I did President though the result was talking about strategic policies to and went on with their lives in situation, it is not difficult to be not realize how severe and how a double-digit drop from 87 move the country up. She/he should the midst of extreme deprivation, hopeful. And because of our ever- serious the problem of drug percent to 72 percent, a 15-point project the best of or about us.” devastation and death. hopeful spirit, we tend to ignore menace in this Republic until I drop from his June 2018 rating. “I don’t think we should That Filipinos remain hopeful the problems of the past and move became President,” he said in a Panelo explained why Duterte accept [Duterte] as himself. The presidency is the highest position despite all these negative factors is on, only to encounter the same September 18, 2016 interview in still exists in the people’s heart. Davao City. He said Duterte’s “support base in the land. We should only expect indeed a testament to the resiliency problems in the coming year. the best from him,” she said. of Filipinos, which was first noted Add this to the Filipinos’ He admitted he was wrong to remains strong simply because the The President, she said, “should by the late President Manuel L. “bahala na” attitude and we know make his self-imposed deadline. majority of the Filipinos identify lessen the gutter language and Quezon who described Filipinos why many Filipinos tend to be Mendoza said the President’s with him and relate to him.” profanities/vulgarities, [and] level as “pliant like a bamboo,” in contended with what they have jokes indeed “abnormally “They see themselves in him. up his standards of leading.” reference to the bamboo tree, and just ignore the problems and which bends with the wind and dangers that they confront every survives the storm. This inherent day. characteristic of the Filipino The problem with these hope enables him to survive disasters surveys is that they are usually and calamities that confront him, conducted in the first week enabling him to adjust to life’s of December, when a festive difficulties and move on. atmosphere prevails over the In fact, in a Gallup Poll survey Philippines because of the coming released last year, the Philippines Christmas season. came out as the third happiest At this time of the year, country in the world behind Fiji Filipinos put their problems under and Colombia, two equally poor the rug and put a happy face for countries where people remain the most festive of all Filipino happy despite depravity. celebrations. And besides, many But whether such eternal of them enjoy a moment of optimism and resiliency is good satisfaction at this time of the for the country or not is another year, having just received or about thing. to receive 13th month pay, bonuses In an editorial about the and other perks. Filipinos’ endless optimism While hope is generally a good in 2005, the Philippine Daily thing, too much of it can bring bad Inquirer said: “We may be results. After all, isn’t it a fact of incurable optimists because we life that anything in excess is not expect too little of the future, or a good thing? from ourselves. We let alleged ([email protected]) Page 12 PHILIPPINE POST January 1, 2019 PROUDLY PINOY January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 12 Filipino chef feeds Cirque de Soleil cast and crew By Harvey I. Barkin Inquirer.net

SAN FRANCISCO — A while back, when you had an act that people would pay to see, you’re almost assured a spot in the circus.That meant pay, food and lodging, with emphasis on food. Filipino boxer Donnie Nietes shows off the new championship beklt In bygone days, circus performers he won over Japanese foe. ate well. One account has it that they were fed steak and potatoes, Nietes captures 4th pancakes, roast, oysters and even champagne. Barnum & Bailey world title after split ‘s mess hall reportedly had an elaborate system of meal calls and even a dress code.These Three Cirque de Soleil acrobats do their act decision over Japanese days, circus food is still good, but DONNIE Nietes captured the Ioka (23-2) and eventually earned wellness is the order of the day. (Shanghai) or fresh (sariwa).” WBO World super flyweight title the nod of the two judges. Says chef Ariel Layug, “We Sometimes he gets specific after edging past Japan’s Kazuto A couple of the judges gave have a sandwich and salad and requests. “Like less spicy food Ioka via split decision Monday at Nietes 118-110 and 116-112 score breakfast bar available all day. for people who do inversions Wynn Palace in Macau. cards while Ioka got a 116-112 As well as a hot lunch and a hot — being upside down — or if This is Nietes’ fourth World nod from the third. dinner buffet. We make it healthy someone has the coeliac disease title in as many weight classes Ioka favored his jab to to by providing plenty of fresh and needs a gluten-free diet. But after he reigned as the WBO connect with Nietes but the fruits, vegetables and lean protein nothing for physical flexibility. World minimumweight, WBO Filipino employed a varied choices.” I think that’s more a matter of World light flyweight, and the offense against the Japanese. Layug is in charge of the meals training than diet. IBF World flyweight champion Nietes used several for Cirque du Soleil performers. Layug took the roundabout in the past. combinations to cut down Ioka Its show “Volta” will be in San way before joining Cirque. He In an absolute firecracker to as the two let it all out until the Francisco until February next started a Commercial Cookery usher in the new year, Nietes (42- final bell. year. course at the Technical and Further 1-5) traded punch after punch with Cirque du Soleil is the circus Education (or TAFE) Colleges of for the 21st century – performers Sydney, Australia. But he did not dazzle audiences as do high-tech Chef Ariel Layug complete the course. Filipina wins ‘The X effects, lights and stages. It is also “From then on, I learned down-sized with a different global performers get counsel from their everything on the job. I worked Factor Romania’ 2018 theme every year. own coaches and nutritionists. around the Sydney area starting The old Barnum & Bailey and “There is no standard menu, but with The Foodhall by David Jones FILIPINA Bella Santiago the Ringling Brothers had almost we have a rough set of guidelines for several years. Then Edna’s was proclaimed winner of this 1,500 circus members and served so that we can be flexible and Table for a short apprenticeship. year’s “The X Factor Romania” food enough to feed an army. adaptable to what people want and Then Macro Café for a couple of after performing a mash-up of But at Cirque, Layug feeds what is available with our local years. Il Fagiano as a waiter and Beyoncé’s hit songs. about 40 performers more or less, suppliers.” barista for a year break out of the In a video uploaded in X plus another 60 to 100 more crew Cirque performers come from kitchen, then at Slide Lounge for Factor Romania’s official administrators and local staff. around the globe. “Mexican food a few more years before jumping Youtube account, Santiago wowed “We go through 50 pounds of is almost always on top (of the with Cirque.” audience as she belted Beyoncé’s meat and 20 pounds of seafood a favorite list),” says Layug. “But While Cirque du Soleil Drailon tunes “Love On Top” and “Crazy day, a truckload of vegetables each sushi and poke are the most was in Sydney in 2001, he met a in Love.” week, as well as other goods and requested. I can’t say for sure few people working for the show Early on in the contest, supplies. Because Cirque has been why. But if you look around North and stayed in touch. “A couple Bucharest-based Santiago has around for more than 35 years, American cities, those two are of months later, they told me already stunned judges of the we’ve built a great relationship very popular.” that a couple of positions opened talent show when she gave her with many local suppliers in each Still Filipino at heart, Layug and that I should apply if I’m own rendition of “Bang Bang,” Bella Santiago city we visit, so getting most of says, “Every month or so, I would interested. So, I did and I was an upbeat chart-topping pop song our needs is fairly easy.” do a Filipino theme. Lumpia is lucky enough to be at the right of Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Romania, Santiago competed But the heavy numbers don’t the most popular, either fried place at the right time.” Nicki Minaj. in local singing contest “Tawag feel like a burden to Layug. Santiago beat four other ng Tanghalan” of noontime “Preparing (meals) for Cirque finalists of the popular television program “It’s Showtime” back in is more like preparing for your RECIPES: For New Year music competition in Romania. 2016, where she also performed family. You get to know everyone (From Page 10) Before joining The X Factor Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love.” quite well and you see them every lower the heat to medium and add day.” this pan atop the briskly boiling the cornstarch mixture. Continue Even then, performing in a water. Once the water is boiling, stirring and cooking for 1 to 2 circus demands a lot of proteins. lower the heat and steam the minutes until the gravy thickens. “In the Cirque kitchen, we embutidos over a slow simmer Slice the embutido into ½-inch give them a huge variation of for 2 hours. Check the water level thick pieces. Serve warm with the international flavors in their diet. while cooking and add more if gravy on the side. But they need to be able to still necessary. Cook’s comments: During function after eating. I think To make the gravy: Catch the the holidays, I use queso de bola Cirque performers specifically drippings from the plate where the (Edam cheese) instead of cheddar burn a lot of calories. But it is embutido is in, on the second layer for a more special entree. always linked to what kind of act of the steamer. You should have (Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based they do. about ½ cup or 2/3 cup of liquid in New Jersey is a journalist and “You’d be surprised how drippings. Transfer drippings to a author of the “Instant Filipino much some of them can eat and small saucepan set over medium- Recipes: My Mother’s Philippine still maintain their physique. We high heat, combine the drippings Food In a Multicooker Pot” provide different protein choices with 1 cup grated cheese, broth Cookbook. She is a member of every meal. There’s always a and soy sauce. Separately in a the International Association of healthier choice, vegetarian choice small bowl, whisk the cornstarch Culinary Professionals and blogs and a popular choice because we with the room temperature water about Filipino home cooking on also feed not just the cast but the until the mixture is smooth and her site AsianInAmericaMag. crew.” free of lumps. Once the broth com. ) Aside from Layug, Cirque mixture in the saucepan boils,

We’re just a click away. Visit us at Bring home a friend to PH www.philpostblog.wordpress.com January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 1513 US/WORLD NEWS January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 13 Putin says Russia is ready to deploy hypersonic nuke missile MOSCOW - President meeting. Wednesday’s test from a Russian Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday “From next year, 2019, Russia’s defense ministry building in that Russia would deploy its first armed forces will get the new Moscow. The Kremlin described regiment of hypersonic nuclear- intercontinental strategic system the test in a statement, saying that capable missiles next year, saying Avangard ... It’s a big moment in an Avangard missile, launched the move meant his country the life of the armed forces and in from a location in south-west now had a new type of strategic the life of the country. Russia has Russia, had successfully hit and weapon. obtained a new type of strategic destroyed a target in the Russian Putin was speaking after weapon.” Far East. Russian President Vldaimir Putin overseeing what the Kremlin Russia has said the new Putin announced an array of said was a pre-deployment test missile system, one of several new weapons in March, including of the new missile system, called new weapons Putin announced in the Avangard, in one of his most Avangard. March, is highly maneuverable, bellicose speeches in years, saying “This test, which has just allowing it to easily evade missile they could hit almost any point in finished, ended with complete defense systems. the world and evade a U.S.-built success,” Putin told a government Putin remotely observed missile shield. ...tells Trump Russia open to dialog MOSCOW -- Russian Trump and Putin also failed Moscow has said one of the key President Vladimir Putin told his to hold a full-fledged meeting issues it wanted to discuss with the U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Paris on the sidelines of the United States is Washington’s in a New Year letter on Sunday centenary commemoration of the plans to withdraw from a Cold that Moscow was ready for dialog Armistice. The two leaders held War era nuclear arms pact. on a “wide-ranging agenda,” the their one and only summit in Russian Foreign Minister Kremlin said following a series Helsinki in July. Sergei Lavrov was quoted as US President Donald Trump of failed attempts to hold a new “Vladimir Putin stressed saying that now it was up to the summit. that the (Russia - United States) United States whether to hold a Trump blames Democrats At the end of November, relations are the most important new meeting in 2019. Trump abruptly canceled a factor for providing strategic “The issue should be addressed for child deaths at border planned meeting with Putin on stability and international to Washington. Both our president the sidelines of a G20 summit in security,” a Kremlin statement and his representatives have said WASHINGTON -- President indigenous language Chuj into Argentina, citing tensions about said. that we are ready for the talks Donald Trump claims that two Spanish. Russian forces opening fire on “He confirmed that Russia is when Washington is ready for it,” Guatemalan children who died Catarina Alonzo said the last Ukrainian navy boats and then open for dialog with the USA on TASS news agency quoted Lavrov in U.S. custody were already ill, time she spoke with Felipe he was seizing them. the most wide-ranging agenda.” as saying in televised remarks. yet both young migrants passed in Mexico at the U.S. border and initial health screenings by border said he was eating chicken. Their officials. village is in Nenton municipality As Democrats criticized Trump in Huehuetenango province, about for also tweeting Saturday that 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Democratic immigration policies Guatemala City. were responsible for the deaths, Trump, whose administration Homeland Security Secretary has faced widespread criticism Kirstjen Nielsen visited medical over the deaths, pointed on Twitter officials and Border Patrol agents at Democrats “and their pathetic at the southern border in Arizona immigration policies that allow and Texas amid promises of people to make the long trek additional wellness screenings for thinking they can enter our country migrant children. illegally.” He also said that both In Guatemala, the mother of children “were very sick before 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo, they were given over to Border who died Christmas Eve, told Patrol.” The Associated Press that her son The two tweets were his first was healthy when he left with his comments on the death of Felipe father on their journey hoping to and the death Dec. 8 of 7-year-old migrate to the U.S. Jakelin Caal. “When he called me, he told An initial screening of Jakelin me he was fine. He told me “revealed no evidence of health not to worry because he was issues,” U.S. Customs and fine,” Catarina Alonzo said Border Protection said Dec. 14. from the family’s home in the It wasn’t until several hours later remote Guatemalan village of that Jakelin’s father, Nery Caal, Yalambojoch, her stepdaughter told agents she was “sick and Catarina Gomez translating her vomiting,” CBP said. ...says most furloughed workers are Democrats

WASHINGTON -- Just wall purposes. Republicans and days after claiming that “many” Democrats reached an agreement furloughed government workers last week on a stopgap spending told him they’re fine with not measure to prevent a shutdown getting paid so long as he secures — a deal that the White House additional funding for a border signaled Trump would sign. But wall, President Donald Trump at the 11th hour, Trump scuttled tweeted Thursday morning that the agreement because it did not “most of the people not getting provide additional funding for a paid are Democrats.” border wall. Trump fired off the tweet Speaking in the Oval Office on early Thursday morning as the Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. must government shutdown entered have “a wall, a fence, whatever its sixth day. Trump said on they’d like to call it,” before Christmas Day he will not reopen claiming that “many” furloughed the government until he gets $5 workers want him to keep the billion in funding for a wall along government closed until he locks the U.S.-Mexico border. in wall funding. Democrats have said they “Many of those workers have won’t provide Trump with that said to me, communicated, ‘stay funding, and indicated they won’t out until you get the funding for go beyond the $1.6 billion that has the wall,’” he said. already been allocated for border OctoberPagePage 20 14 28, 2017 PHILIPPINEPHILIPPINE POST POST January 1, 2019 BUSINESS January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 14 Agriculture sector badly hit by typhoons, TRAIN in 2018 MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) didn’t have to wait for the official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to formally announce that the agriculture sector has failed to grow in 2018, at least compared Last day for 2018 at the Philippine Stock Exchange to how much it went up in 2017. It was that obvious. Not only Inflation spike, trade did the sector was badly hit by several typhoons — one of war turns stock market which was Typhoon Ompong, the second strongest typhoon to hit bearish at end of year the country since 2013 as far as MANILA -- The local stock economy that is heavily dependent the farm sector is concerned — it market started 2018 with a lot of on personal expenditures. also had to endure the impact of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol promise, kicking off the year with He explained out that, “even the Tax Reform for Acceleration a record-breaking rally — only as topline continued to expand and Inclusion Law (TRAIN) Duterte to push through with the “If the price of fuel stabilizes, to have the bull run derailed by by double-digits (at least among law, which became effective in second part of the excise tax hike the prices of [agriculture bearish factors from overseas and the 30 component counters of the January. by next year. commodities] will also stabilize,” the domestic front. PSEi), the twin ill-effects of rising “We’re seeing a growth of 2.5 While Presidential Spokesman he added. While the Philippine Stock input costs (supply side pressures) [this year] to 3.5 percent [next Salvador Panelo said the “oil Piñol, in his last media briefing Exchange index was within and the erosion of purchasing year]. We really have to make it excise tax increase is a negligible for 2018, is convinced that spitting distance of the 9,000 level power, manifested in narrower up next year,” said Agriculture contributor to inflation,” the imposing a cap or the so-called early this year, it eventually ended margins and thus, thinner year- Undersecretary for Policy and government has repeatedly Suggested Retail Price (SRP) at 7,466.02, down 12.76 percent on-year improvements in bottom- Planning Segfredo Serrano during blamed the increase in the prices on rice and other agriculture compared to its 2017 close — the lines to single-digits.” the agency’s year-end briefing. of goods to rising cost of food commodities actually helped benchmark’s biggest drop since it Concerns over corporate The agriculture sector ended commodities. But the thing prices to ease towards the latter fell 48 percent in 2008. earnings and the impact of high 2017 with an impressive growth about food production, in rice part of the year. Value turnover declined 11.85 inflation on the general economy of 4 percent. Three months into for example, 30 percent of the It was in June when Piñol percent in 2018 to P1.73 trillion pushed market investors to sell the implementation of TRAIN, it farmer’s production cost is spent signed the administrative from P1.96 trillion last year as down stocks, forcing the PSEi into started to produce less and less. on fuel. circular that sets an SRP for foreign investors were net sellers the dreaded bear market territory Food commodities, on the other It’s even worst for the fisheries eight agricultural commodities for the year. (which is defined as a drop of 20 hand, are getting costlier. sector wherein fuel accounts for including rice, tilapia, bangus, Philstocks Financials Head percent) for the first time in 10 Based on a PSA data, farm 60 percent of the fishermen’s galunggong, onion, and garlic. of Research Justino Calaycay Jr. years. output in the first quarter of the overall production cost. According to him, the said “2018 proved to be a litmus The negative market sentiment year went up to P444 billion, “The agriculture sector is implementation of SRP has test of the market’s resiliency. dampened the interest of both while the production actually affected by inflation as much effectively ended hoarding and Both technical and fundamental issuers and investors for new slowed down to 1.47 percent as everybody else,” Agriculture market speculation, two of the considerations provided a poser listings, particularly in the second compared to the growth of 5.28 Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said main causes of rising prices among to investors.” half of the year, prompting percent it booked in the same earlier. the aforementioned products. “On one hand, the market canned fruit manufacturer Del period last year. seemed poised to extend an already Monte Philippines, Inc. and First it was just rice, then prices of other agriculture commodities DIAZ: China’s eyes extended bull run, appearing to tech manufacturer Cal-Comp (From Page 4) have gathered strength in 2017, Technology (Philippines), Inc. to such as sugar, vegetables, fish, owned, the contract is between posting a 25 percent return against shelve their planned initial public pork and chicken also began as Washington DC, New York, the Philippine and Chinese pessimistic prognostications; offerings. rising. Some time in September, London, Moscow, and Beijing. governments. This is also true on the other, fears arising from Among those brave enough to the price of red chili peppers or There are more than 350 million with Huawei and ZTE. Recently, mixed expectations on the impact pursue their stock offerings were siling labuyo even skyrocketed to CCTV cameras worldwide of Australia banned them from of the TRAIN law, shifting US construction firm DM Wenceslao P1,000 a kilo. which about 65% are installed providing 5G technologies. The economic and political diplomacy, & Associates with its IPO as Agriculture stakeholders, in Asia. With facial and vehicle reasons given were national geo-politics, including Brexit, well as San Miguel Food and led by Samahang Industriya sa recognition technology, it makes security concerns. The U.S. and among others kept sensitivity to Beverage Inc., Global Ferronickel Agrikultura (SINAG), were the the system a very powerful U.K. intelligence communities the news cycle heightened,” he Holdings, Inc. and Double Dragon first to point out that it’s the method of tracking movements have both raised fears about doing noted. Properties Corporation. TRAIN law that has been pushing of people and vehicles. business with Huawei and ZTE. Calaycay added that, “on the However, these firms had to the price of food commodities CCTV disadvantages It was also reported in the corporate front, earnings have downscale their offering sizes higher. While there are advantages news last December 2018 failed to provide a solid foundation (lower offering price, less shares “They [economic managers] in the use of CCTV, there are that Sabrina Meng Wanzhou, for the bulls alternatively giving offered or both) due to weaker must eat their pride and admit that disadvantages as well. It can daughter of Smartphone giant bears enough reason to dominate investor appetite. it’s the TRAIN law that’s causing be abused. CCTV can be used Huawei’s founder, Ren Zhengfei, the perception game.” Saving the day, as far as stock this,” SINAG Chairman Rosendo to monitor political activities, was detained by Canadian Among the macro-economic offerings were concerned were So said. anti-government activities, and authorities at the request of the developments, run-away inflation the stock rights offerings of four Under the less than one year “people of interest.” U.S. government for violating and its impact on interest rates, banks – Metropolitan Bank and old tax reform, the excise tax And it is for this reason that sanctions against Iran. input costs and earnings margins Trust Co. (Metrobank), the Bank on gasoline went up from P4.35 Senate President Pro Tempore In the final analysis, the fact had the biggest effect on listed of the Philippine Islands (BPI), a liter to P7 a liter. This was Ralph Recto had raised alarm that CITCC is state-owned – and companies and their stock prices. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. supposed to go up to P9 a liter in over the contract and pushed that state-controlled – is it fair to While there were various (RCBC) and Union Bank of the 2019 and P10 in 2020. it be removed from the budget presume that China’s government inflationary factors, grabbing Philippines, Inc. (UnionBank) On diesel and bunker fuel, an or at least put on hold until it or the Communist Party apparatus the most intention is the spike — which raised a total of P135 excise tax rate of P2.50 a liter was is thoroughly reviewed. “Don’t could or would use the CCTV to in oil prices compounded by a billion out of the P188-billion new first imposed. This should further you think there is a security monitor the political situation in weakening peso (lowest against the listings at the PSE. go up to P4.50 in 2019 and P6 threat when China telecoms and the Philippines? Which reminds US dollar in 12 years) and higher Injecting some excitement in 2020. Huawei will do surveillance me when Xi Jinping promised to tax on fuel due to the first phase into the PSE’s day-to-day trading Since January, or shortly system in Metro Manila?” Recto protect Duterte from any plan to of the Duterte administration’s tax activities is the build-up to the after TRAIN took effect, pump reportedly asked officials of the remove him from office. reform package. government’s bidding out of the prices for fuel and gasoline have Department of the Interior and In particular, China could third telecommunications firm “Consumer spending took increased almost non-stop. Local Government (DILG) during use the CCTV to gather franchise which resulted in some The situation eventually the agency’s recent budget hearing a hit – obviously as inflation the rapid rise, and fall, of some information to exert political, soared and eroded purchasing eased some time in November at the Senate. military, and economic pressure stocks that were planning to join when global oil prices started power,” said Calaycay noting the bid or were suspected to be It’s interesting to note that to protect China’s interests in that this adversely affected listed used as backdoor listing vehicles to go down, prompting the the project was bidded out, the Philippines, particularly the companies that operated in an for prospective bidders. country’s economic managers to with two other state-owned West Philippine Sea territorial recommend to President Rodrigo Chinese firms participating: disputes. What does it take to link China Machinery Engineering the CCTV’s in Metro Manila and Corp. and a consortium of Davao to the China’s intelligence We’re just a click away. Huawei Technologies and some agencies? local firms. China Machinery At the end of the day, the Visit us at Engineering Corp. did not qualify question that eerily lingers in most and the consortium failed to people’s mind is: “Is Big Brother submit documents. Xi watching us?” www.philpostblog.wordpress.com Blacklisted ([email protected]) Since CITCC is state- January 1, 2019 PHILIPPINE POST Page 15

costs, then swell into a broader 2018: Major events movement against the policies of the government of President (From Page 9) announces in June that his Emmanuel Macron. meeting between sitting leaders government would drop claims The “yellow vest” protests, of the two countries. to a disputed border territory. named after the fluorescent safety They sign an agreement The accord also leads Somalia jackets worn by demonstrators, reaffirming Pyongyang’s and Eritrea to re-establish come to a head with rioting and commitment to the “complete diplomatic links on July 30. The looting in Paris. denuclearization of the Korean United Nations lifts sanctions on After the government backs Peninsula”. Eritrea on November 14. down on the planned fuel tax, So far however, North Korea Thai cave boys Macron on December 10 outlines has taken few concrete steps to On July 10, the last of 12 other measures to calm the anger, abandon its nuclear weapons, and young football players and their including a boost to the minimum the two sides have argued over the coach are extracted safe and sound wage. meaning of the vaguely worded from a flooded cave in northern The fall of Carlos Ghosn agreement. Thailand, 17 days after they were On November 19 tycoon Yemen war reaches aid port trapped there. Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in October Carlos Ghosn, head of the giant On June 13, the war in Yemen The fate of the junior football Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi auto escalates when pro-government team was followed around the of denials and contradictory Democrats alliance, is arrested in Japan over forces, supported by Saudi Arabia world, with US and British diving statements, Riyadh admits that November 6 midterm elections allegations of under-reporting his and the United Arab Emirates, experts joining the rescue effort he had been killed inside the see the Democrats win control salary for years, which he denies. launch an assault to wrest back and former Thai navy diver losing consulate after what it says was of the House of Representatives He is fired as chairman of control of the vital aid port of his life. a brawl. while the Republicans bolster Nissan and Mitsubishi and Hodeida from Iran-backed Huthi Heat and fire It fires various officials their majority in the Senate. formally charged on December 10, rebels. In July-August Europe swelters and arrests others, finally The final days of campaigning when his detention is extended. The war, which started in 2014, in a heatwave that approaches the acknowledging that the journalist’s are rocked by the worst anti- On December 22 he faces fresh has already killed about 10,000 continent’s record 48 degrees body had been dismembered. Semitic attack in US history, allegations of breach of trust and people with 20 million at risk of Celsius (118.4 Fahrenheit), as On December 13, the US when a gunman kills 11 people his detention is extended until at starvation, according aid agencies. deadly forest fires rage in Greece, Senate adopts a resolution holding in a synagogue in Pittsburgh; least January 1. On December 18, after Portugal and Spain. crown prince Mohammed bin and the mailing of pipe bombs to Brexit deal UN-brokered peace talks In November, California is Salman responsible, despite high-profile Democrats including On November 25, after 17 in Sweden, a ceasefire takes ravaged by its deadliest fire ever: vehement denials from Riyadh. Hillary Clinton and Barack months of tough negotiations, the effect. Observers are sent to 85 people perish before it comes Brazil veers right Obama. European Union and Britain agree oversee its implementation and under control after two weeks. On October 28, Latin America’s An approaching caravan of on an accord covering Britain’s the withdrawal of both warring The UN’s World biggest country swerves to the thousands of Central Americans exit from the bloc by March 2019. parties from Hodeida city. Meteorological Organization right with the election of former also draws headlines away from But British Prime Minister Eritrea, Ethiopia find peace announces in November that 2018 army captain Jair Bolsonaro as the campaign. The migrants arrive Theresa May on December 10 On July 9, Horn of Africa is set to be the fourth-hottest year Brazil’s president. at the heavily patrolled Mexico- postpones a parliament vote on neighbors Eritrea and Ethiopia on record. During a particularly virulent US border from mid-November. the deal set for the following announce the end of their two- Saudi journalist murdered campaign marked by hate speech France’s ‘yellow vest’ day, acknowledging it would be decade war. A whirlwind peace On October 2, dissident Saudi and outbreaks of violence, uprising rejected. process sees embassies and journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Bolsonaro is stabbed in the belly On November 17, protests She survives an internal party borders reopened, telephone and contributor to The Washington at a rally in September. flare across France in opposition no-confidence vote on December flight links reestablished and trade Post, enters his country’s Midterm boost for US to rising fuel taxes and living 12. (AFP) ties resumed. consulate in Istanbul and is never It comes after Ethiopia’s new seen again. prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, After more than two weeks CHINESE: Influx of workers (From Page 5) are taking advantage of the Manila and its suburbs that are administration’s cozying up with now crammed with newly arrived the Chinese government. Chinese Chinese workers, and added that contractors have been heading to an offer to lease 400 condo units the Philippines to get a piece of to house 3,000 Chinese workers the country’s infrastructure boom in Muntinlupa City had recently under Duterte’s “Build, Build, gone viral on Facebook. Build” program that he hopes Condominium residents would be funded by loans and have noticed that there are so grants from China. many Chinese families living in The Chinese are also coming their buildings and many have to take advantage of Manila’s also noticed that Chinese are booming casino industry, everywhere – in malls, restaurants, including online gaming. These and other public places. contractors and gambling Villanueva wanted to know operators come with their own if Chinese nationals were taking managers and workers, and thus, away jobs from Filipinos, some does not really contribute much 3.8 million of whom were to the country’s employment unemployed as of July 2018, numbers. In 2016, Duterte’s first according to estimates from the year in office, the Philippine National Economic Development Amusement and Gaming Corp. Authority. (PAGCor) gave permits to operate “We strongly believe there is a to more than 50 offshore gaming dire need to strengthen legislation firms. and enforcement to stop illegal The Senate hearings should not online gambling and proliferation just focus on the rising number of illegal Chinese workers that of Chinese workers in terms of shamelessly robbed our own its effects on employment but people of jobs,” Villanueva said. should also consider its effect on And yet when asked about the country’s national security. the influx of illegal Chinese These workers are mostly posted workers, President Duterte – a in Metro Manila and in the various self-described friend of China economic zones, which by any – instead of just categorically measure are strategic points in saying that he would order their terms of national security. immediate arrest and deportation The Chinese are also poised to cautioned authorities against enter in a big way the country’s such crackdown because there telecommunications industry and are several Filipinos getting the installation of closed circuit lenient treatment abroad. He TVs in various local government said thousands of Filipinos are units throughout the country, two working legally and illegally in vital sectors that could affect China. national security. If this is so, why not just China has continued its bring back the Filipinos working aggressive stance in the South illegally in China to fill up the China Sea and national leaders jobs that the Chinese now occupy should always be concerned about in the Philippines – most of them national security issues vis-à-vis illegally anyway. its relations with China. Chinese businessmen ([email protected]) Page 16 PHILIPPINE POST January 1, 2019