Class of 2014 Now officially Inside will conclude this month. Entries received after Class of 2014 Reserve brass Overcoming denial Aug. 15 will be of immigrant visa See CLASS, B7 DALY CITY, Calif. – Fol- published inside A3 the issue. lowing a year of technical train- ing and service hours Daly City Councilman Mike Guingona PH dancers bag gold was commissioned as a 2nd at World Hip-Hop tilt Lieutenant in the California B2 State Military Reserve in a ceremony August 9 at Camp Takashi offers Japanese San Luis Obispo. cuisine in Pasig City “I am honored to receive this commission as I am em- A4 bark on a new venture to serve Daly City Council my community and state as Member Mike Guin- Katrina Fadrilan Andrew Jison Gabriella Loren Gil Zachary Aquino Ick an officer in the California gona earns his com- Student Body President Junipero Serra HS Hillsdale HS Junipero Serra HS State Military Reserve,” said mission as Second San Mateo HS San Mateo, Calif. San Mateo, Calif. San Mateo, Calif. Guingona. “My new role will Lieutenant in Cali- fornia State Military See NOW, B1 Reserve.

FOR NINOY AQUINO www.philippinenews.com PH Consulate gathering on 31st death anniversary $ NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION August 15 - 21, 2014 • Year 54 • Issue 2 0.50 B4 HAWAII PRIMARIES ‘BERDUGO’ FilAms lose Congress bid By Cherie M. Querol Moreno EXECUTIVE Editor 1 of PH FILIPINO AMERICA’s brightest hope to elect a Filipina to the United States Congress dimmed with the loss of Donna

Mercado Kim in Hawaii’s August 9 primaries. BALLOTPEDIA Mercado Kim, the first Filipino American and woman state Senate President in the United States, placed second in most the seven-way contest to represent the Democratic Party in November faceoff for the first congressional district. Hawaii State Rep. Mark Takai topped the race with 52,719 or 42.6 percent of the votes. He will face Republican Charles Dijou and two other candidates in the general elections. Mercado Kim took 33,649 or 27.2 percent of the total. Democrats Donna Mercado Kim, Will Espero and Joey wanted Manahan placed second, fifth and sixth in the November See FILAMS, A10 final race for Hawaii’s first congressional district. BRILLIANT AND SAD nabbed By Beting Laygo Dolor Manila bureau editor GMA NEWS GMA MANILA – He was hiding in

STHANLEE MIRADOR plain sight all along. Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Pal- paran was finally apprehended by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Santa Mesa, Palparan, 64, repeated Manila at the start of the week after his claim that the evi- almost three years on the run. dence pointing to him Often called – and feared – by as the mastermind of the Left as “berdugo” (executioner), the kidnapping ‘was Palparan had an outstanding war- manufactured.’ rant for his arrest for his alleged role Retired Maj. in the kidnapping of two University of the Philippines coeds in 2006. Gen. Jovito The pair, Sherlyn Cadapan and Palparan had Karen Empeno, have not been seen an outstanding since they were abducted by mili- warrant for his tary men identified with Palparan. Palparan repeated his claim arrest for his that the evidence pointing to him as alleged role in the the mastermind of the kidnapping 2006 kidnap of “was manufactured.” still-missing two See 1 OF PH, A10 UP coeds.

Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams with then-wife Marsha Garces and their daughter actress Zelda Williams at a 2007 NaFFAA elects Hollywood gala. REMEMBERING ROBIN WILLIAMS national leaders THE NATIONAL Federation of Filipino American As- sociations composed of more than 500 Filipino community Comic battled serious condition organizations in 12 regional chapters throughout the United States elected new national leaders at the conclusion of its Na- By Janet Susan R. Nepales tional Empowerment Conference August 7 to 10 in San Diego. Philippine News Columnist Voted national chair was New York lawyer J.T. Mal- LOS ANGELES - “I am not that crazy in Comic candidly the time since he always seemed to be doing a longa, former NaFFAA national vice-chair, who succeeds real life. I am pretty quiet,” Robin Williams, told discussed his one-act show just for us. outgoing national chair Ed Navarra of Bloomfield Hills, us in our last interview with the comic genius. He was witty, sharp and was bigger than Michigan. Elected national vice chair, succeeding Mallonga, Last August 11, the brilliant actor hung him- family, his life with his rapid fire monologues, his hyperki- was Emraida Kiram of Madison, Wisconsin. Also elected were self with his belt in a closet door in his home in cancelled TV netic acts and spontaneous mimicry of people. Mariella Fletcher of Seattle as national secretary succeeding Paradise Cay, near Tiburon, California and died There was no boring moment when you were Jelly Carangdang from Chicago, Illinois; and Brendan Flores of asphyxia due to hanging. He was 63. show…and his with him. of Orlando, Florida who was unanimously elected national Authorities say he battled severe depression own eulogy This Cecile B. DeMille awardee, who has treasurer succeeding Bart Tubalinal of Chicago, Illinois. They for which he had therapy. given us such memorable performances from will serve a term of two years. His death left us numb for a while since we with PNews “Mork and Mindy,” to “Mrs. Doubtfire,” from Flores and Kiram were among those elected to the five loved talking to the man. Our 45-minute to an columnist. “The World According to Garp” to “Good vacancies in the National Board of Governors serving six-year hour-interviews with him seemed too short all Will Hunting,” never failed to make us laugh terms. Also elected were Rozita Lee of Las Vegas, Merit Salud See COMIC, B10 of New York, and Romeo Jurani of Las Vegas. See NAFFAA, A10 FANHS GEARS UP FOR 2015 Focusing on landmark law From left, front SEATTLE - The Filipino Ameri- r o w : P a t r i c i a can National Historical Society’s Halagao, Kevin (FANHS) board of trustees at its Nadal, Bobby national conference held in San Roy, and Judy Patacsil; middle Diego, approved the “50th Anni- row: Lourdes FANHS COURTESY versary of the U.S. Immigration and Markley, Patricia Naturalization Act of 1965” as its Brown, Dawn official theme for Filipino American Mabalon, Pete National History Month in October, Jamero Sr., un- 2015. The historical society is plan- identified, Chris- tine Marasigan, ning a yearlong schedule of activities Nena Calica, P. during 2015. Emraida Kiram, FANHS and its founding presi- and Ed Brotonel; back row: Romel Dela Cruz, Emily Lawsin, Veronica Salceda, Ron dent, Dr. Fred Cordova, have been the Buenaventura, Ray Obispo, Barbara Gaerlan, Pio De Cano, Mel Lagasca, and Bob Luna. Not in picture is Mel Orpilla, FANHS board president. See FOCUSING, A10 1 OF PH from A1 his use of ATMs to withdraw funds. ROBIN WILLIAMS 1951-2014 every day. I would ask those that Two men were also apprehended loved him to remember him by be- He had been such a scourge to and may be charged with coddling a ing as gentle, kind, and generous as the Philippine communist movement fugitive. One of the two, identified as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the that the New People’s Army (NPA) Rey Ladao, denied knowing that the Family mourns world as he sought,” Zak Williams, had openly admitted sending out a hit man caught by the NBI was actually 31, said. squad to assassinate Palparan. Jovito Palparan, one of the 10 most “There are no words strong Visibly thinner and donning long wanted men in the country. ‘gentlest soul’ enough to describe the love and re- hair and a beard, the 64-year-old Pal- An unidentified informant will spect I have for my father. The world paran surrendered meekly when an receive the P2-million bounty for will never be the same without him. I By Ryan Macasero and Williams had two kids together: NBI team raided the house where he information leading to Palparan’s will miss him and take him with me Rappler Zelda Rae, who was born in 1989; had been staying in the early morning arrest. everywhere I go for the rest of my and Cody, born in 1993. hours of Tuesday, Aug. 12 (Monday, As a high profile detainee, the According to the San Francisco life, and will look forward, forever, MANILA – While children of to the moment when I get to see him U.S. time). Department of Justice said that Pal- the ‘90s may have lost their Genie – a Chronicle, Garces worked as Wil- The retired general said he had paran will be under heavy security liams’ personal assistant before again,” Cody Williams, 22, said. character immortalized by Williams Zelda, 25, added: “My family “no regrets” about what he had done 24/7. But he will not be placed in a in the classic Disney movie Aladdin, becoming a movie producer. when he was active in the military. special detention facility. Garces is listed as producer in has always been private about our and millions of fans around the world time spent together. It was our way After his retirement, he ran for While charged for the disap- of the comedic actor Robin Williams, at least four of Williams’ movies a Senate seat in the 2010 elections pearance of the two UP students, including: Mrs Doubtfire, Patch Ad- of keeping one thing that was ours, have lost an idol – one woman, Mar- with a man we shared with an entire but lost. He ran as an independent Palparan also had a reputation for sha Garces, has lost the father of her ams, Jakob the Liar and Robin Wil- because no party wanted him as part liams Live on Broadway. The couple world. But now that’s gone, and I feel giving no quarters to the NPA as well two children. stripped bare. of their Senate slates, according to as suspected communist sympathiz- Garces, Wlliams’ Filipina-Finn- was married for 19 years before Garces filed for divorce in 2008 and “My last day with him was his Palparan. One year later, the court ers. In his last years of active service, ish American ex-wife was married to birthday, and I will be forever grate- issued a warrant for his arrest. Palparan vowed to “wipe out” the Wlliams for 19 years. was granted in 2010. Garces cited “irreconcilable differences” as the ful that my brothers and I got to spend It had generally been believed communist insurgents, whom he Garces was quoted in a report that time alone with him, sharing that Palparan was moving around by E! Online: “My heart is split wide reason for the divorce. He married considered as terrorists. The um- his third wife, Susan Schneider, in gifts and laughter. He was always in several provinces, protected by brella organization of the extreme open and scattered over the planet warm, even in his darkest moments. with all of you. Please remember 2011 with whom he was living with his retired and active friends from Left, the National Democratic Front, in their Tiburon, California, home at While I’ll never, ever understand the Armed Forces of the Phils. He has accused Palparan of summarily the gentle, loving, generous - and how he could be loved so deeply and yes, brilliant and funny - man that the time of his death. was even suspected to have left the executing communist sympathizers According to media reports, Wil- not find it in his heart to stay, there’s country through the southern back who are non-combatants. was Robin Williams. My arms are minor comfort in knowing our grief wrapped around our children as we liams’ two divorces cost a total of at door of Mindanao, where travelling For as long as he was secured least $20 million. He admitted in an and loss, in some small way, is shared by boat to nearby Indonesia and/or attempt to grapple with celebrating with millions. It doesn’t help the by the government, Palparan said he the man we love, while dealing with interview with Parademagazine that Malaysia is not difficult. would not try to escape. He is tem- he had to downsize his life following pain, but at least it’s a burden count- this immeasurable loss.” less others now know we carry, and After his arrest, Palparan said porarily detained at the NBI head- The Academy Award-winning the costly divorce: “Well, not all [was he felt that his days on the run were quarters in Manila, but is expected lost]. Lost enough. Divorce is expen- so many have offered to help lighten actor and comedian was found dead the load. Thank you for that.” numbered. to be transferred to the New Bilibid in his San Francisco Bay Area home sive. I used to joke they were going According to the NBI, the sus- Prisons in Muntinlupa soon. to call it ‘all the money,’ but they She continued: “To those he on the afternoon of August 11, due to touched who are sending kind words, pect was finally caught because of apparent suicide, after a long battle changed it to ‘alimony.’ It’s ripping your heart out through your wallet. know that one of his favorite things with depression. in the world was to make you all (PNews note: Authorities say Are things good with my exes? Yes. Nobuhara noted Mercado Kim’s But do I need that lifestyle? No.” laugh. As for those who are sending FILAMS from A1 Robin Williams was found in his negativity, know that some small, record. “’She is a hard worker and bedroom with a belt around his neck Williams openly talked about his State Sen. Will Espero and does her due diligence and would struggles with alcohol abuse, which giggling part of him is sending a with cuts one wrist.) flock of pigeons to your house to Honolulu Council Member Joey Ma- have served us well in Congress. Garces was born in San Francis- reportedly played a role in his divorce nahan, both Democrats and Filipino She has maintained her stance on with Garces when he relapsed in poop on your car. Right after you’ve co to a Filipino father Leon Panteleon had it washed. After all, he loved to Americans, placed fifth and sixth. many issues while other candidates Garces from Bohol, and a Finnish 2006. Williams was also open about The prize is the seat to be vacat- have been switching sides to gain his struggle with cocaine abuse in laugh too… mother. “Dad was, is and always will be ed by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, more votes.” According to a 2006 column by the 1980s. who has beaten incumbent U.S. Sen. Sebastian Nobuhara said she Their daughter Zelda, who is one of the kindest, most generous, Janet Nepales in Philippine News, gentlest souls I’ve ever known, and and former Lieutenant Gov. Brian was impressed by Mercado Kim’s Robin jokingly described his then- also an actress, reportedly named Schatz in the primary for the post to “tenacity and conviction.” after the Nintendo game The Legend while there are few things I know wife as “Finnipino.” for certain right now, one of them is which he was appointed. She also praised 53-year-old Garces met Williams when of Zelda, posted an emotional mes- The 50th state’s political horizon Espero’s 30 years in public service, sage to her father on Twitter. that not just my world, but the entire she was working as a nanny for world is forever a little darker, less sparked heightened aspirations with describing him as “very personable Williams’ first child, Zachary, with “I love you. I miss you. I’ll try the death of Senator Daniel K. Inouye and has fresh ideas” he could have to keep looking up. Z,” Zelda said. colorful and less full of laughter Williams’ first wife Valerie Velardi. in his absence. We’ll just have to in December 2012. brought to Congress. Espero was The couple married in 1989, after “Yesterday, I lost my father and The dying Inouye reportedly born in Japan to parents from La a best friend and the world got a little work twice as hard to fill it back up his divorce from Velardi, to whom again.”– Rappler.com sent a letter to Gov. Neil Abercrom- Union and Ilocos Sur. His father he was married for 10 years. Garces grayer. I will carry his heart with me bie expressing his desire for Hana- served with the U.S. Navy for over 20 busa to be named to his seat. years while his mother was a nurse. Abercrombie opted to appoint They settled in Hawaii and operated his then-second in command Lt. restaurants and carehomes. Gov. Brian Schatz over Hanabusa. Manahan, 43, whom Sebastian NAFFAA from A1 Hanabusa in May 2013 announced Nobuhara said is “new in the politi- she would challenge Schatz in the cal scene,” was born in Makati and At the first meeting of the NaF- next election instead of running for came to the United States at age 10 FAA National Board on August 10, re-election to the House. with his mother. The family moved Mallonga announced his appoint- The development in turn trig- the Hawaii in the 1990s after his ment of Region 5 chair Giselle gered an announcement by Mercado mother remarried. He served in the Rushford of Denver, Colorado as Kim of her intent to seek election to Hawaii state House of Representa- NaFFAA executive director. He also the first congressional district seat, tives from 2007 to 2013. announced the reappointment of which spans southern Oahu and in- Mercado Kim (she declines to Rodel Rodis as NaFFAA General cludes the state capital of Honolulu. state her age) was first elected to the Counsel. “Yes, we’re very excited here Hawaii House of Representatives in “The challenges we confront because the congressional seat being 1982. Two years later she won elec- are formidable,” Mallonga said. vacated was held by my husband tion to the Honolulu City Council, “That’s why we need to bridge the Wade’s first cousin,” 22-year- Hawaii holding the post still 2000, when she intergenerational divide, forge part- Officers of 12 chapters elect new leaders at San Diego conference. resident Cecile Sebastian-Nobuhara became a state senator. nerships and strengthen our capacity told Philippine News. Hanabusa Mercado Kim’s ascent to 13th to address and advocate for the issues ers (WHIAAPI) on the national and for the conference. Other national “was voted into that office in 2010 President of the Hawaii State Senate raised in this conference.” regional levels. youth leaders who provided support and we have been very busy cam- followed the chain of events from He cited some of the challenges “I see a lot of Filipino cooks but to the team included Steven Raga, paigning to get her in the Senate Inouye’s death. facing the community coming from not very many Filipino American founding president of UNIPRO; where she can use her amazing Her campaign for U.S. Congress the following issues: immigration staff doing policy,” he said. “We’re Juanito Amor, a community youth legislative skills and her intellect to touted endorsements by Emily’s List reform, Temporary Protected Status not even represented in the U.S. counselor; and young professionals move our state and country forward.” and the International Longshore and for Filipino nationals, aid to families Congress. We must ensure that we Cesar Abueg, Karl Bruno, Julius Sebastian Nobuhara said shortly Warehouse Union. Critics blast her affected by SuperTyphoon Haiyan/ have a place at the table so our voices Alejandro, Jessica Mercado, Alicia before final results were posted that opposition to same-sex marriage. Yolanda, health care and services are heard by Washington’s policy Ricafrente, and Romyn Sabatchi. she was “also excited by the possi- She was also accused of leaning in to the elderly, affordable education, makers. NaFFAA needs to find and “Our intention may have been bility” of Mercado Kim succeeding on the University of Hawaii presi- voter mobilization, and justice for field FilAms in the highest levels of to infiltrate and assume leadership,” Hanabusa. dent to accept her son’s application Filipino World War II veterans. government.” explained Ramos. “But what matters The Manila-born, Indiana and to the William S. Richardson School “We must continue our advocacy Entertainment entrepreneur is the impact of our actions and the California-raised Sebastian Nobu- of Law. role as the voice of the 4 million Billy Dec, newly-appointed Fili- relationships we build. Our elders hara has a private dental practice in Hawaii is among 14 states with Filipinos in America,” said Mal- pino American commissioner to the may have been wary at first but they two offices in Honolulu and Aiea an open primary system that does longa, who is also the founder of the WHIAAPI, also praised “the new were very supportive all throughout.” with her husband, endodontist Wade not require registered voters to be Filipino American Legal Defense& movement of young Filipinos who “What’s notable about this Nobuhara. They have four children. the members of a party to vote in the Education Fund. have it together, whose talent and year’s conference is the way we The Nobuharas exhibit politi- party primary. Mallonga announced that to- intelligence are being celebrated.” have opened up more opportunities cal consciousness that distinguishes Meanwhile in a stunning defeat, gether with former national chair He encouraged delegates to for continued engagement between Filipino American residents of the Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrom- Loida Nicolas-Lewis and general work together as a community, “share our seasoned veterans and the young islands from many of their counter- bie bowed to state Sen. David Ige, counsel Rodel Rodis, he was meet- each other’s’ passions and continue folks,” said Greg Cendana, executive parts on the mainland. becoming the first sitting governor ing in Washington D.C. on August to make history. Being the eyes and director of the Asian Pacific Ameri- “Donna has been in public ser- in Hawaii to lose a primary for re- 13 with a high official of the U.S. ears of the President of the United can Labor Alliance.” vice for 29-plus years,” Sebastian election. Department of Homeland Security to States, let’s all learn to collaborate Adds Ben de Guzman, an ad- lobby the U.S. government to grant so we can gain access to those who vocate for LGBT rights: “We have Temporary Protected Status to at make decisions that affect our lives.” come a long way from 1997 when we least 200,000 out of status Filipinos Co-Chairs of the NaFFAA 2014 couldn’t even talk about gay rights. FOCUSING from A1 skills to become permanent residents. in the U.S. Empowerment Conference in San Today, we have at least changed the The Philippines, after Mexico, The national conferencewas at- Diego Aurora Cudal (left) and Leezel way we hold conversations about catalyst and major proponent of the has been the largest beneficiary of tended by more than 500 delegates Ramos receive a standing ovation issues that divide us. We need to month of October as a time dedicated the liberalized immigration law. and guests. NaFFAA was founded by at the Gala Ball. Looking on (from learn from each other and have to the history of Filipinos in America. According to U.S. Census and Home- the late newspaper publisher Alex Es- left) are Lourdes “Luly” Esclamado conversations with thoughtfulness land Security sources: in 2008 there This movement to recognize the were in the U.S. approximately 1.7 clamado along with businesswoman (seated), wife of NaFFAA’s founder; and respect.” experiences and achievements of Loida Nicolas Lewis, historian- NaFFAA Board Member Rozita Lee, Jose Antonio Vargas, the Pulitzer million foreign born Filipinos; and lawyer Rodel Rodis, advertising Prize-winning journalist who re- the Filipino American community approximately 1.4 million native NaFFAA Founder Loida Nicolas has steadily gained momentum and pioneer Greg Macabenta and labor Lewis, and NaFFAA National Direc- vealed his status as an undocumented born Filipinos, most who were the leader Gloria T. Caoile. tor Gloria T. Caoile. immigrant, drew a standing ovation popularity within our community na- children or grandchildren of one or To honor Esclamado’s legacy, Youth leaders who organized the when he shared his struggles and tionwide. Observances can be found both parents who arrived after 1965. community service awards were 2014 Empowerment Conference are his efforts to educate the American on numerous college campuses, and FANHS believes that it is time given to four outstanding Filipino introduced during the Gala Dinner. public about the need for comprehen- with many state and local govern- to call attention to the impact of this community organizations. Esclama- Aurora Cudal, NaFFAA Region sive immigration reform. Before he ment entities. California, Hawaii, fourth wave of immigration from the do’s widow, Lourdes, flew in from 10 Chair, drove home the point about decided to “come out,” he sought out Oregon and Washington are states Philippines. The significance of the Raleigh, North Carolina to present collaboration between “young folks” NaFFAA’s support and was assured that have officially made this recog- INA passed 50 years ago continues the Alex Esclamado Award for Com- and “older professionals,” by re- of the organization’s assistance. nition, as well as the U.S. Congress. to this day. munity Service to the Council for counting how planning for this year’s “I now look to NaFFAA to do The Immigration and Natural- Established in 1982, FANHS has Filipino American Organizations of conference came about. She recalled everything it can to mobilize the ization Act (INA) of 1965 was signed thirty (30) chapters nationwide with Central Florida; West Bay Pilipino how more than a year ago Leezel Filipino American community and by President Lyndon B. Johnson on more pending. The historical society Multi-Service Inc. of San Francisco, Ramos, a 26-year-old student leader, work for the passage of immigration October 3, 1965. It dramatically gathers and preserves documents, California; Philippine American offered to volunteer in the planning. reform,” he said. changed the demographic landscape shares, and disseminates information Chamber of Commerce of Dallas “I asked Leezel if she wants to Tony Olaes, board chairman of America. The law abolished the about Filipinos in the United States Texas, and Pilipino American Unity help as secretary.” Cudal said. “Her of Gawad Kalinga USA, also chal- National Origins Quota System; with individuals and institutions. for Progress Inc. or UNIPRO from response was an emphatic ‘No.’ She lenged the delegates to be “proud of made family-based immigration the For more information contact: New York. said she wants to be the chair. After your Filipino-ness” and to celebrate basis for U.S. immigration policy; Dorothy Cordova, FANHS Executive Twenty-six-year-old Jason recovering from initial shock, I real- the values of caring and sharing. and established a preference system Director (206) 322-0204 / fanhsna- Tengco, the youngest senior advi- ized she was serious, and that’s how “The youth are now the mes- for people with special occupational [email protected] sor serving in the White House, led our partnership with the young folks sengers of these values, so we need off the array of youth speakers. He began.” to make sure they are connected to bemoaned the glaring absence of Ramos immediately formed a the motherland, because we are one Filipino Americans in the White team of youth organizers who came Filipino rooted in one place, and our (Ret), amplifying the theme of Filipi- “We cannot close this dark chap- House and federal agencies, and up with the theme, “Breaking the mission is to build and uplift the no pride, spoke about the community ter in U.S. history until these soldiers urged NaFFAA leaders to collaborate Dawn: Master Planning the Future,” Filipino nation wherever we are,” rallying behind a national campaign who fought bravely in service of with the White House Initiative on created a web site, and mapped out he said. to seek recognition for Filipino World America receive the Gold Medal Asian Americans and Pacific Island- the logistics, outreach and program Major General Antonio Taguba War II veterans. Award,” he said. “We need to work together to make this happen.”