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AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME Charging Noynoy is ‘bad’ ... Trillanes WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 449 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 November 16 - 22, 2017 Trump, ASEAN leaders signal support PH NEWS | A2 Witness lying to impeach for Duterte’s war on drugs in summit Sereno, she says By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent By nodding his head in agree- Duterte not only gained the support of ment, U.S. President Donald Trump a major leader from the West, which signaled his support for the bloody is generally opposed to his harsh war on drugs of President Rodrigo drugs campaign, but it also reaffirmed Duterte as the latter took up with the Philippine-U.S. ties, which were the American president the human strained last year due to Duterte’s rights issue hounding his administra- brickbats at former President Barack PH NEWS | A4 tion during a one-on-one meeting at Obama for criticizing his anti-illegal the Association of Southeast Asian drug campaign. Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2017 in Presidential spokesman Harry Finally a win for the 49ers Manila. Roque said Duterte and Trump then but there’s sad news Even the ASEAN leaders saw established a rapport that would lead nothing amiss in Duterte’s anti-drugs to an improvement of relations be- war even with the alleged extra- tween the two countries. judicial killings. In a draft chairman’s Roque claimed that Trump did statement of the 31st ASEAN Summit not bring up the issue of human rights hosted by the Philippines, the ASEAN with Duterte to show personal concern leaders acknowledged Duterte’s war, about due process and such. “It was saying the illegal drug problem is in President Duterte who discussed with fact affecting ASEAN member-states U.S. President Trump the drug menace SPORTS NEWS | A5 as well. in the Philippines,” he said. (L-R) President Donald Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte From the meeting with Trump, (Photos: www.reuters.com) Roque said Trump appeared sym New and winning Pinoy TO PAGE A7 films in SF fest DOLE temporarily stops deployment 100s of Asian social movements protest ASEAN ‘non- of new OFWs hires due to suspicion interference’ policy at People Power monument of illegal recruitment By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent By Corina Oliquino FilAm Star Correspondent representatives of civil society and so- COMMUNITY | B1 cial movements across Southeast Asia MANILA – In a bid to stop illegal participating in the parallel ASEAN recruitment in the Philippines, the Rico J is back and Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Department of Labor and Employment Peoples’ Forum marched to the People (DOLE) ordered anew the suspension in concert Power Monument to protest the hu- of the acceptance and processing of man rights atrocities, breakdown of the applications for Overseas Employment rule of law and unjust and inequitable Certificates (OEC) for all overseas economic policies in the region. Filipino workers. They pushed for transformative According to DOLE, the suspen- changes in the ASEAN and demanded sion will be for a period of 15 days, (L-R) Srey Sotheavy, Yasinta Lujina , and Jelen Paclarin for a social dimension in the ASEAN while officials look into reports of il- (Photos: www.blog.danmission.dk / www. thediliweekly.com / www. justassociates.org) economic integration. legal recruitment activities victimizing ENTERTAINMENT | B8 On the first day of the 31st ASEAN Summit Heads of State, hundreds of Srey Sotheavy, executive director overseas Filipino workers. TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 U.S. Pinoy doctors, others Duterte offers to host World Human Rights Euro Parliament sub-committee demands oppose law giving access to medical marijuana Summit; Amnesty International rebuffs it De Lima’s release for the 3rd time By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent By William Casis FilAm Star Correspondent and to emphasize that the problem is The Sub-committee on Human Rights of the not unique to the Philippines. European Parliament (EP) pressed the Philippine U.S.-based Filipino doctors “Let us investigate all violations of government to release Sen. Leila de Lima and warned against the high risk of abuse human rights committed by all govern- allow her to perform her Senate duties while she owing to the addictive effects of il- ments. Just because it happened 40 awaits trial for alleged trumped-up illegal drugs legal drug when they objected to the years ago (or) 100 years ago – it was charge. proposed new Philippine legislation wrong then, it is definitely still wrong Soraya Post, who chairs the EP subcommit- authorizing prescription of medical now,” Duterte said, according to The tee, sent a letter to Presidential Special Envoy to marijuana for a variety of ailments. Philippine Star. the European Union Edgardo Angara last Octo- Dr. Philip Chua, a heart surgeon Duterte said the summit would ber 26 following up her earlier request for him and chairman of the Filipino United not “zero in on me. Why only me? to convey her concerns about De Lima’s unjust Network (FUN)-USA, noted that “cur- There are so many violations of human pre-trial detention. rently there is enough drug addiction Agnes Callamard (Photo: www.news.sky.com) rights, including in the United States, “During our discussion, I raised concerns problems in the Philippines and we including the continuous bombing in about the fate of De Lima, who is still being held certainly do not want to add more.” MANILA – President Rodrigo Du- the Middle East killing civilians – even in prison without charge,” she said in her letter, a FUN-USA is a humanitarian foun- terte on November 9 met the Filipino the children and their schools.” copy of which was also furnished to the Senator’s dation composed of Filipino-American community in Vietnam as part of his Duterte also addressed his critics office. associations and medical graduates of APEC Summit trip and expressed his by challenging their own countries’ TO PAGE A7 the Philippines now practicing in the desire for the Philippines to host a hu- problems rather than meddle in the U.S. man rights summit. affairs of the Philippines. “As a heart surgeon I am person (T-B) Sen. Leila De Lima and EP sub-committee Chair Duterte says the summit will tackle “Mine is just a small list. So, let’s Soraya Post TO PAGE A7 how nations can protect human rights TO PAGE A7 (Photos: www.wsj.com / www. armenpress.am) A2 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A3 ph news Trillanes says usurpation charges It’s an insult, Duterte says of Trudeau’s vs. Noynoy is ‘a bad precedent’ raising rights concern By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent “It’s a personal and official Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV The bloody encounter be- a hold departure order against insult.” warned the filing of criminal tween MILF snd BIFF fighters and the former president. He was This was what President charges against former President government forces resulted in the accompanied by his sisters Ballsy Rodrigo Duterte had to say Benigno Aquino III in connection deaths of 44 police commandos. Cruz, Pinky Abellada and Viel Dee about Canadian Prime Minister with the bloody Mamasapano Taking the cudgels for the and as well as cousin, Sen. Bam Justin Trudeau’s expressing incident can set a “bad precedent” former president, Trillanes said Aquino, when he posted bail. in case of any failed mission by the there is no negligence on the part Aquino’s political allies Sen. of concern over the mounting Philippine National Police (PNP) of Aquino since Napeñas had com- Franklin Drilon, former Con- death toll linked to the gov- and the Armed Forces of the Phil- mand of the more than 400 SAF gressman Niel Tupas Jr., former ernment’s violent crackdown ippines (AFP) in the future. troopers on midnight of January Transportation Sec. Joseph against illegal drugs. “It will set a bad precedent 25, 2015 in pursuit of wanted Emilio Abaya, former presidential Duterte said he had told because the commander-in-chief terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias spokespersons Edwin Lacierda Trudeau in their bilateral meet- and Abigail Valte were also pres- ing on Tuesday that he would ent to show their support. not explain about the reported The Third Division, chaired killings. He stressed that he by Sandiganbayan Presiding would not let a foreigner ques- (L-R) Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: www.philippinesnow.org) Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, tion human rights violations in was chosen to handle the cases the Philippines. extrajudicial killings without Pasay City on Tuesday morn- through a raffle held that day. even being informed about the ing, Trudeau said that he had Tang, an appointee of “I said I will not explain. Aquino, gave assurance that her It’s a personal and official details of the incidents. expressed “concern” over the division will be fair in handling insult,” Duterte said during a He said he told Trudeau killings and said Duterte was the cases. press briefing immediately held that the Philippine government receptive of the issue. “We will apply the rules as we after the closing ceremony of should be given the “simple “I emphasized the people- have done in the past, irrespective the 31st Association of South- rule of the right to be heard” to-people ties between Canada of the personalities involved,” said east Asian Nations (Asean) and advised the leader to “not and the Philippines and the Tang, adding that her appoint- Summit and Related Meetings to get documents from the op- great connection there but I ment by Aquino “will never influ- on Tuesday night. positions and the communists also mentioned human rights, ence whatever action the court will “You know, I was elected because they were all falsified.” the rule of law, specifically the take in the case.” by the people of the Republic of Duterte also urged the extrajudicial killings being The Office of the Ombuds- the Philippines. I only answer Trudeau to “investigate first and an issue Canada is concerned (L-R) Former President Noynoy Aquino and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV man accused Aquino of allow- to the people of the Republic of find out” about the incidents of with,” Trudeau said. (Jhoanna (Photo: www.asiamaritime.net) ing suspended PNP Chief Alan killings. Ballaran / inquirer.net) Purisima to oversee the operation the Philippines,” he added. can be charged in case of failed Marwan. against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Duterte said Trudeau In a press briefing at the mission of the Armed Forces “(Aquino) gave the order to bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was was only informed about the International Media Center in of the Philippines (AFP) and Mr. Napeñas and gave resources, hiding in a remote village in Ma- Philippine National Police (PNP),” so for us, (Napenas) should be masapano, Maguindanao. It had stressed Trillanes. responsible if it failed,” said Tril- previously suspended Purisima “That should not be the case,” lanes. over a separate graft case. Unruly crowd forces cancellation of Asean further stated the former navy Aquino blamed Napeñas The ombudsman said captain. for the botched police operation. Purisima violated the chain of Music Festival at Ayala Triangle However, Trillanes said the He reiterated that he was made command. This led to usurpa- The Asean Music Festival Some concertgoers were Southern Police District: Ombudsman’s filing of graft and to believe that the operation was tion of official functions when he at the Ayala Triangle was called rushed to hospital or given first “For reasons of public safe- usurpation charges against Aquino coordinated with the military as personally directed Oplan Exodus off Tuesday night because of aid treatment after complaining ty, the organizers have decided before the Sandiganbayan threw he earlier instructed. without authority from then acting overcrowding and some unruly of breathing difficulties. to stop the show. As of now, the suspicion on Duterte’s accusing He said Napeñas had assured PNP Chief Leonardo Espina. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio- him that military units were avail- As for Napeñas, his constant concert goers that resulted in Netizens were active Tues- people are starting to leave the Morales of partiality. Morales was able in the area of operation. reporting and official dealings some of them being injured, ac- day night blasting the National venue to go home.” appointed by Aquino. Trillanes said he believes with Purisima notwithstanding, cording to radio reports. Organizing Council, the orga- “The organizers are very The opposition senator also Aquino can defend himself in the the latter’s suspension and with- A commotion erupted nizers of the event. sorry for the inconvenience,” said Aquino should not be the one anti-graft court, saying the former out the knowledge and approval soon after the performance The council apologized Apolinario said. (Frances Man- charged. Instead, he said it should chief executive is not liable for the of Espina, made him liable as a of Parokya ni Edgar as some for the inconvenience in a gosing / inquirer.net) be former Philippine National offense charged against him, par- cohort of Purisima in usurping people tried to get near the statemenet read by Chief Supt. Police-Special Action Force (PNP- ticularly the usurpation of official official functions. stage. Tomas Apolinario, head of the SAF) Director Getulio Napeñas function. Napeñas and Purisima are who was responsible for the ill- Aquino posted PHP 40,000 facing trial at the Sandiganbayan fated encounter in Mamasapano, bail bond with the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division for their role in Maguindanao in January 2015. Thrid Division which also issued the Mamasapano encounter. A4 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 ph news PNP’s ‘sonic attack’ jeered, justified Justice Sereno says witnesses being Its piercing sound is meant lasting damage” on the protest- only causes temporary discom- to silence protesters — or at ers’ health. fort. least leave them disoriented “Based on a study, more The PNP’s use of an LRAD forced to lie for her impeachment and easier for antiriot forces to than one second of exposure to was not even new, according to contain. a 121 decibel noise could cause Albayalde, who recalled that it By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent But even for militant ringing in the ears, headaches was also deployed during the Chief Justice Maria sion of the House committee groups who no are no stranger and even vertigo. But the LRAD Arroyo and Aquino administra- Lourdes Sereno claimed that on justice on Sereno’s plea for to being hosed down or beaten is said to generate 137-140 tions, mainly during big rallies administration allies in the her lawyers to cross-examine with truncheons, the use of a House of Representatives witnesses against her before “sonic weapon” against them are threatening witnesses to pursuing such an option. is an act of escalation on the invent stories against her just “There’s no plan yet to pur- part of the Philippine National to strengthen the impeachment sue it at this point. The Chief Police (PNP). complaint against her now be- Justice and her lawyers shall At least three lawmakers ing heard at the House commit- make their assessment when on Tuesday called for a House inquiry into the PNP’s use of tee on justice. Atty. Carlo Cruz the House committee on justice The House committee on (Photo: www.gmanetwork.com) re-convenes on November 20,” a long-range acoustic device justice found the complaint he explained. (LRAD) against the protesters against Sereno sufficient in Cruz revealed as much who staged a rally in Manila on form and substance and is set duct the hearing on Sereno’s after Sereno herself decried the Monday in time for the Associa- to start hearing the charges impeachment when Congress violation of her constitutional tion of Southeast Asian Nations on November 20 to determine resumes session on November right when the House panel (Asean) summit. if there is probable cause and 20 after the Philippines’ hosting rejected her plea for her lawyers Gabriela Women’s Party whether to transmit the case to of the Association of Southeast to cross-examine witnesses in representatives Arlene Brosas the Senate for trial. Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit her impeachment case dur- and Emmi de Jesus said the use Gadon’s complaint accused and related meetings, instead ing a dialogue with Christian of an LRAD showed an “intent Sereno of betrayal of public of the November 13 original churches organized by the to harm” protesters who were trust and culpable violation of schedule. Philippine Campus Crusade for stopped by the police on Taft the Constitution. The grounds “Resignation is the sole Christ recently. Avenue, 3 kilometers away from include alleged mis-declaration prerogative of the person sub- “It’s a basic right of every the Philippine International in her statements of assets, ject of the impeachment,” Rep. citizen to be defended by who Convention Center, the summit liabilities and net worth by Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, she wants to defend her. If this venue. supposedly hiding her PHP chairman of the House games can happen to a chief justice, Health concerns 30-million earnings as govern- and amusement committee, it can happen to anyone. If Brosas raised health con- ment counsel in the arbitration said in light of the Palace’s my rights are not observed, cerns that the device could pose (Photo: www.newsinfo.inquirer.net) case involving the expropriation unsolicited advice to the chief nobody’s rights are safe in this on its targets, such as hearing of Ninoy Aquino International magistrate to resign from her country,” the Supreme Court trauma, permanent hearing loss Airport Terminal 3. post. chief was quoted as saying. and lingering headaches. decibels and it was used for sev- like those timed with the State Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez For her part, Chief Justice She also alleged that the “The latest antipeople eral minutes during the rally,” of the Nation Address. said Sereno should confront the Sereno said she is consider- witnesses “were being threat- weapon of the (PNP) must be Zarate said. Using it again on Monday witnesses in the impeachment ing the possibility of seeking ened” to invent stories against probed and opposed. They can- A hefty piece of equipment “was the call of the commander case filed against her at the relief from her colleagues in the her. not just play with it every time usually mounted on a vehicle, on the ground (Senior Supt. House if she has really nothing Supreme Court to stop the im- Malacañang has called for there’s a mobilization to cover an LRAD blares out a loud, Lemuel Obon) and we respect to hide. peachment proceedings against her resignation to spare the ju- up the rage of the people,” Bro- piercing sound resembling a car his call,” the NCRPO chief ex- Alvarez said Sereno should her before Congress. diciary further damage from the sas said, adding that the PNP alarm, with an intensity of 143 plained. “It was needed during attend the committee hearings Sereno’s lawyer Carlo Cruz impeachment case. But Sereno’s should disclose how much was to 153 decibels, and a range of that time. Most likely (his men) for her to cross-examine the said there is a possibility of fil- camp rejected such call, saying spent on the equipment. 1.5 to 3 km. were beleaguered and feared witnesses, which is covered ing of a petition before the high that resignation has never been “Its effect on the hearing Nonlethal that the protesters might be by the Rules of Procedure in court to stop the House of Rep- an option. They also claimed and the health of protesters and Sought for comment, able to get through (their line).” Impeachment Proceedings of resentatives from further hear- that such a call was proof that even the police is no joke,” she National Capital Region Police He pointed out that 28 the House. ing the impeachment complaint the charges against her have added. Office (NCRPO) chief Director policemen were hurt when the Oriental Mindoro Rep. against the Chief Justice filed by no basis and would not stand a Bayan Muna Party-list Oscar Albayalde confirmed the rally turned violent. (Jeannette Reynaldo Umali, chair of the lawyer Lorenzo Gadon. Senate trial. Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate use of an LRAD on protesters I. Andrade / inquirer.net) House committee on justice, But Cruz said their camp denounced LRAD’s use as on Monday, but maintained said his panel might con- would wait for the final deci- “inhumane” due to its “long- that the device is nonlethal and FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INC. Private Duty Home Care Registry/Staffing Provider Senior Referral Services Hiring experienced Caregivers, CNA, HHA, RN, PT, OT & SLP Come apply directly at our office during Monday through Friday 9AM-3PM 7216 Mission St., Daly City, CA 94014 T: (650) 997-3200 F: (650) 997-3204 WANTED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Caregiver & Administrator FilAm Star, one of the fastest growing Experienced caregiver, CAN, LVN, RN, and Filipino-American newspaper companies is Administrator. For San Rafael. CA ARF Facility. expanding and has immediate openings. Flexible Hours, Competitive compensation. Live in position available. Please send resume to: Applicant may qualify for 15% to 20% [email protected] pay raise immediately. or call (650) 278-0692/ Please Email your resume and cover letter to (415) 593-5955 [email protected] or call 415-225-6868 November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A5 sports 49ers outlast Giants for first win under Kyle Shanahan news Story and photo by R. Mascardo No Curry - No Problem ! back who arrived in a Hallow- Curry-less Golden State een Day trade. Warriors showed dominance Beathard said after the on the hardcourt by dumping game he expected to undergo X- the Orlando Magic squad last rays on the thumb he also hurt Monday at the Oracle Arena in last game, when he survived five Oakland. Kevin Durant scored sacks and 16 hits this season. 21 points and Draymond Green Beathard was not sacked and added 20 to lead the Warriors. got hit twice, thanks to a revised Nikola Vucevic scored 20 points scheme, as well as the return for Orlando in the loss. of left tackle Joe Staley after a The game started out fractured eye socket. pretty awkward for the defend- The Giants fell 1-8 in what ing champs as ball movement was the NFL’s first game since seemed slow and misguided at 1984 pitting teams with one times. However as the game fewer combined wins this late in wore on, the Warriors showed (Photo: www.bigblueunited.com) the season. its remarkable depth, with- Receiver Marquise Good- standing the absence of one of win produced the team’s biggest its biggest stars. play of the year that Sunday Final score is Warriors 110, (Photo: www.sportschatplace.com) against the New York Giants. Orlando 100. After the 49ers 31-21 win, Goodwin posted on Instagram that he and his wife Morgan’s Trump hopes swift return of UCLA players detained in China baby boy died that morning because of complication during BEIJING Georgia Tech her pregnancy. — President in Shanghai. Despite the devastating Donald Trump The UCLA team loss, Goodwin managed to play said Tuesday returned to the Sunday and came up with an he’s hopeful that U.S. without three UCLA bas- them on Satur- 83-yard touchdown pass from ketball players day. quarterback C.J. Beathard in detained in Chi- The Los the first quarter, the longest na on suspicion Angeles Times play from scrimmage by a 49er of shoplifting has identified this season. will be allowed the players as Goodwin quickly exited the to return home Cody Riley, locker room after the game to (Photo: www.thescore.com) soon. Jalen Hill and return to his family. Trump said LiAngelo Ball SANTA CLARA -- Once fourth and final start before After next week, the 49ers he had a long — the brother the 49ers cleared out Sunday Jimmy Garoppolo takes his job will play their third straight conversation on (L-R) Jalen Hill, LiAngelo Ball, and Cody Riley of Los Angeles from their first win in 10 games next week. game at Levi’s Stadium and the matter with (Photo: www.ktla.com) Lakers rookie this season, the wet carpet in Shanahan, however, in- host the Seattle Seahawks on Chinese counter- Lonzo Ball. the center of their locker room sisted he has no succession plan November 26. part Xi Jinping. Citing a three American men were being marked the spot where they and he’ll evaluate his “ great “They’re source with first- investigated in the eastern city of dumped a celebratory bucket of quarterback room.” working on it right now,” Trump hand knowledge of the investiga- told reporters in the Philippines Hangzhou for alleged theft and tion, sports channel ESPN last water over coach Kyle Shana- Beathard threw a pair of as he prepared to return to Wash- that China and the U.S. were in week reported the han. touchdown passes in the second ington after a nearly two-week contact over the matter. players could be Hangzhou Shanahan got doused with quarter and he put the 49ers visit to Asia that included an “China will handle this for “a week or two” while the a couple cups of water on the ahead 24-13 with an 11-yard earlier stop in Beijing. “He’s been case in accordance with law and situation is resolved. The source 49ers sideline with a minute re- touchdown run to open the terrific,” Trump said, in an appar- protect the lawful rights and told ESPN there is surveillance maining while General Manager fourth quarter. ent reference to Xi. interests of the people involved,” footage of the players shoplifting John Lynch beamed nearby Once Beathard injured Asked about the case Tues- Geng said. from three stores inside a high- even as the rest of the team his right thumb on that third- day, China’s foreign ministry said Chinese authorities detained end retail center. (inquirer.net) smiled in relief. and-2 scoring run, the 49ers let it had no additional comment. the UCLA freshmen for question- Beathard had his best Garoppolo loose and considered On Monday, ministry spokes- ing about allegations of shoplift- outing in what figured to be his a possible debut by the quarter- man Geng Shuang said that ing before a recent game against A6 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 opinion Street Talk PerryScope Making an apple look like a banana

Trump makes a fool of himself again GREG B. MACABENTA applied by Adolf Hitler and first introduced in his his relationship with Xi as one with “good chem- book, Mein Kampf. In the book, Hitler conceived PERRY DIAZ In the wake of Presi- istry” and praised Xi for banning North Korean of telling lies so “colossal that no one could have dent Donald Trump’s President Donald coal. the impudence to distort the truth so infamously” self-serving assertion that Trump would have But that was just about it. Banning coal (quoted from Wikipedia). any unflattering media achieved a five-star rat- imports from North Korea was just a ruse to This technique was restated as “A lie re- reports about him are ing during his five-Asian make Trump think that China was doing its end peated often enough will be taken for the truth,” “fake news,” CNN, which tour. But while one can of the bargain. Trump felt so good at what he had and has often been attributed to the Nazi’s pro- has been among Trump’s say that he would easily achieved at Mar-a-Lago that he virtually ceded paganda czar, Joseph Goebbels. But it was Hitler most persistent crit- have breezed through control of the South China Sea (SCS) to China. who first introduced it. ics, has launched an ad Japan and South Korea, With China calling the shots at SCS, it wouldn’t The Big Lie has become standard fare served campaign on the theme, who were more than be long before China begins to populate the out by both the Trump and Duterte governments, “Facts First.” happy to accommodate islands and deploy missiles, warships, warplanes, but, aside from that, the other tactic that is being The visual device is an apple. The voice-over him, the China visit looked like a vassal kowtow- and troops. There would be Chinese cities on employed is the Vicious Counter-Attack – an at- announcer intones, “This is an apple.” He then ing to the Chinese emperor. these islands just like Sansha City on the Paracel tack designed to be so personal and brazen as to continues to point out that others might claim While some people might suggest that Islands, which is contested by Vietnam. Sansha make the targets sorry for getting involved in the that it is a banana but that doesn’t change the fact Trump’s “America First” is going to bring the jobs has been designated as a prefecture-level city of fray. that it is an apple. back to the U.S., the fact remains that China con- Hainan. It administers the Paracel Islands, Scar- What has been the result of this exchange “They might scream banana, banana, tinues to bring her products – from paper clips borough Shoal, Spratly Islands, and Macclesfield of virtual excrement? The poor, confused and banana, over and over again,” the voiceover con- to heavy machineries – to U.S. markets. Mean- Bank. largely misinformed Filipino readers, televiewers tinues. “They might put BANANA in all caps. You while, U.S. exports to China are at an anemic Meanwhile, North Korea was unperturbed and social media surfers must be amused, enter- might even start to believe that this is a banana. pace. by the Chinese ban on North Korea coal and had tained, scandalized and, subsequently, convinced But it’s not. This is an apple.” It is interesting to note that during the 2016 launched more than a dozen missile tests includ- that all those involved are like the proverbial pot In other words, according to CNN, facts are presidential campaign, Trump accused China of ing detonating a hydrogen bomb. And Xi didn’t calling the kettle black. The classic case of people facts, no matter how one tries to twist them. currency manipulation. He said that China was lift a finger to stop Kim, who is out of control. living in glass houses who throw stones. That hasn’t stopped Fox News, an unabash- “raping” the U.S. through unfair trade practices. Showcasing Chinese power Indeed, all of that mud-slinging has been edly pro-Trump network, from routinely present- And he vowed to straighten things out in Asia. When Trump visited China last week, as counter-productive. Everyone gets dirtied. Every- ing an apple as a banana. Of course, CNN has not He even took the bold -- and daring -- step in part of his five-nation Asian tour, Xi laid out the one loses respect. been beyond portraying an apple as rotten, even challenging the “One-China Policy.” However, red carpet for his friend and gave him the royal A cursory look at today’s Facebook yields the if it is not necessarily so. And in the late night he stepped back when not even America’s allies treatment including a rare official dinner in the following postings, some made by folks whom I shows, which have made Trump-bashing stan- agree with him. Forbidden City and a grand welcoming ceremony know to be relatively intelligent and knowledge- dard comic material, every White House apple is In my column, “Trump’s geopolitical mis- featuring hundreds of cheering children in front able: spoofed as populated by worms - sometimes with calculations” (May 12, 2017), I wrote: “After he of the Great Hall of the People. The whole event “The Liberal Party has lecherously and liber- the worms being unfairly added on. assumed the presidency, he must have real- made the Mar-a-Lago welcoming ceremony for ally legalized and legitimised the art of corrup- In the Philippines, where social media ized that foreign policy – which he had no prior Xi looked like a meeting of two business leaders, tion…small time at sisiw lang si Marcos!” trolls-cum-bloggers and communications-cum- experience – is a complicated and complex game which was pretty much what it was. “Desperado na talaga ang mga yellow media. political consultants proliferate, the apple is often of statesmanship and adroit diplomatic leader- The welcoming ceremony in Beijing turned 30 years of garbage manipulating both broadcast portrayed as a calabasa or a balimbing. ship and maneuvering. It must have been a rude out to be more of a showcase of Chinese power and print media to change public opinion in favor In fact, in both the administrations of awakening for him to recognize that the practice and prestige, choreographed for the American of their political bosses. Their bosses who have Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte, whenever of brinkmanship is quite different from the ‘art of viewers, specifically, and the international com- amassed wealth through corruption and drugs the subject of an apple is discussed, the tactic the deal,’ which he proudly claims to be his forte. munity, in general. It was a demonstration of syndication while providing inept and inefficient is not simply to call the apple a banana but to “His tough stance against China gave Japan Chinese hospitality at its best, and it was orches- governance.” completely change the subject and call attention and South Korea, America’s closest treaty allies, trated to project China’s emerging role as a world The inference, obviously, is that, by com- to their antagonists’ stinking durian. a sigh of relief. At last, they have an American superpower. A visitor who shows disrespect parison, the Duterte government is NOT corrupt. In the wake of indictments by Special Coun- president who would stand by them if attacked, for the Chinese host would be violating Chinese And yet, today’s Facebook also had the following sel Robert Mueller of three Trump associates, unlike Trump’s predecessor, former president hospitality customs. posting of a Forbes Magazine article by Panos connected with the last presidential campaign, Barack Obama, whom he criticized for appeas- But while the desired effect might have been Mourdoukoutas: Trump has gone on a twitting rampage in an ef- ing China and didn’t do anything to stop China’s to show China and America as co-equals, the end “Duterte’s Philippines is getting more cor- fort to re-focus attention on Hillary Clinton and construction of artificial islands in the Spratly result was that Trump handed world leadership rupt - President Rodrigo Duterte’s death squads her alleged links with the Russians. archipelago. to Xi simply by giving what China wants, which didn’t kill corruption in the Philippines last year. In all media interviews, Trump apolo- “And to make things worse, he appointed is “respect on the global stage” and as a co-equal. But they killed freedom and democracy, and will gists have also routinely referred to Clinton as Rex Tillerson to the post of Secretary of State. During their bilateral meeting, Xi told Trump, kill the country’s economic growth and equity “crooked Hillary.” They have also automatically With no prior experience in foreign policy – or “The Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate market. The Philippines dropped six notches in extolled the achievements of the Trump admin- government for that matter – poor Tillerson was both China and the U.S.” He said the same thing the 2016 Corruption Index country ranking pub- istration. The claimed achievements have mostly thrown into the murky waters of geopolitics. And to Obama during their summit in California in lished recently by Transparency International.” been snatched from thin air, but the apologists between him and Trump, how do you think they’d June 2013. Global Times, a Chinese state-run, Noted Philippine Star columnist, Boo Chan- manage to present them with a straight face. handle bullies like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, said Trump “seems to be pragmatic on his Beijing co, commented, also in today’s Facebook: “…from In the case of the Duterte administration, and Kim Jong-un in the world stage? They are policy, and has no interest in ideological diploma- the nastiness in many of my FB feeds lately, i sus- any accusations made against him are immedi- no ordinary world leaders; they are authoritar- cy.” But Trump could have graciously responded pect a severe loss of brain matter is responsible. ately countered with vicious Aquino-bashing (the ian dictators who love to threaten the U.S. with to Xi’s suggestion without disrespecting Xi, and you got to be close to brain dead to want to break whole Aquino clan, not just former President nuclear destruction. In particular, North Korea’s asserted America’s preeminence in the Indo- this country apart into two very distinct camps. it Benigno S. Aquino III) and besmirching of every- ‘Supreme Leader’ Kim Jong-un seems to have Pacific Region. is not a recipe for the future. okay... is about how one who dares to criticize Duterte, including the rankled Trump who doesn’t appear to know how Capitulation to deal with early alzheimers but i am starting to Catholic Church. to handle the unpredictable Kim.” Unlike his predecessor Barack Obama, think this has become an epidemic even among While these counter-attacks are made Good chemistry Trump did not raise the issue of human rights, younger people who no longer know how to think mostly on social media, there are readily-identi- After the first Trump-Xi summit at Mar-a- knowing that China’s ideology is not compatible for themselves or allow other people to think for fiable newspaper columnists who have perfected Lago in Florida last April 2016, Trump’s hard-line with human rights. “He hasn’t used the issue of themselves.” the art of deflecting the topic, from Duterte to the stance against China melted like marshmallow human rights to make trouble for China so far, Trump’s bluster, exaggerations and outright “enemy” whom they generally label “yellow” or over a fire. After two days of negotiations, Trump and this means the Sino-US relationship can lies have resulted in a slide in his approval rating “dilawan.” declared that China was not a “currency manipu- focus on substantive matters,” Global Times said. in public opinion polls. A new Quinnipiac Univer- But the apple-to-durian tactic is not a lator” and decided to maintain the status quo on But what wiped out any credibility Trump sity poll reveals that Trump’s rating went down monopoly of DDS (die-hard Duterte supporters). trade issues. That’s a 180-degree turnaround had was when he told his Chinese audience, “I from an already low 35% to his lowest yet at 33%, The anti-Duterte camps, from some bishops, to from his position during the presidential cam- don’t blame China, who can blame a country for with 61% of respondents saying they disapprove the political opposition, to Sen. Antonio Trillanes paign. being able to take advantage of another country of his performance, and 55% saying they strongly IV have also tended to exaggerate their portrayal When Xi went back home, he ordered ship- for the benefit of its citizens. I give China great disapprove. of Duterte as a murderous monster and as a pro- ments of coal from North Korea to be turned credit,” Trump said. He said that what criticism In Duterte’s case, a new SWS poll reports vincial mayor who has been promoted to his level back. Trump was ebullient when he got the news. he had for China on trade imbalances was caused that only 35% of Filipinos believe that he can of incompetence as President of the Philippines. He said that China took a “big step” in easing ten- by U.S. policy, not Chinese. deliver on his campaign vows, a double-digit drop What has happened appears to be the re- compared to a survey last year. In June 2016, sions between the two countries. He described TO PAGE A7 surgence of the Big Lie, a propaganda technique TO PAGE A7 the Lifetime Learning Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. The bill also would abolish a provision that al- As I See It lows an employee to receive up to $5, 00 in tax-free tuition assistance from his or her employee at the undergraduate or graduate level. The Opinions expressed by our writers and The GOP tax bill is detrimental to teachers The House Ways and Means Committee’s summary contributors do not in any way reflect the of legislation says that “the bill would increase the cost to opinion of the management of Fortune News ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO ment Association found that 99.5% of teachers use their own students of attending college by more than $65 billion in the Media Inc. The Republican Party, money on school supplies, spending $485 on average in one next decade. Education remains the most powerful means otherwise known as the Grand school year. for class mobility”. Fortune News Media Inc. Old Party, is in a hurry to pass National Education Association President Lily Eskel- UC Berkeley School of Law Professor and Dean said, Publisher a major tax bill to cover their sen Garcia, said in a statement about the tax proposal last “Why are Republicans so clearly targeting higher education Harvey Barkin failed attempt to repeal the week, “As educators spend more and more of their own in this way? Harming higher education truly makes no sense for a country that wants to continue to be a leader in innova- Editor-in-Chief Obama Care. They are moving funds each year to buy basic essentials, Republican leaders heaven and earth to pass their chose to ignore the sacrifice made by those who work in our tion and quality of life and wants to enhance social mobility. Edwina Aniag tax bill to compensate for nation’s public schools to make sure students have adequate Indeed, the country should be doing exactly the opposite by Vice President for Marketing and Operations their failure of major legisla- books, pencils, paper and art supplies.” investing more in higher education, which is what is happen- tion, but it seems that they Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federa- ing in countries like China”. Gary De Guzman tion of Teachers, also spoke out against the tax plan. “They This was corroborated by Kathleen Megan, Contact Vice President for Community Relations are doing it at the expense of teachers by repealing a credit are giving huge estate tax breaks to the Trump kids while reporter, when she reported that “Republican-led Congress Anchet Manosca for teachers who buy schools supplies. taking away working families’ ability to deduct the costs of attempts to move quickly toward tax reform, Connecticut Creative and Production Manager Thomas Barthold, chief of staff of the Joint Commit- higher education, union dues and even the money educators College and university leaders say a slew of provisions in the tee on Taxation, confirmed that “the tax plan would repeal spend on their classrooms. We will do everything we can to House Republican tax bill may threaten higher education by Atty. Crispin Lozano the deduction for teacher expenses”. The bill has drawn fight this bill.” cutting into university resources, reducing financial aid, and Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis criticisms from individual teachers, teachers’ advocates, Author Erwin Chemerinsky said, “As I read the Repub- hurting research and fundraising efforts”. Ben Lou / Perry Diaz and various teachers’ associations, who argue “it will further lican’s tax proposals, I kept thinking, “Have you no shame? “It just feels like an attack on higher education in Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko burden teachers who already spend a significant amount of After years of lamenting the size of the federal deficit, the general,” said Richard Madonna, vice president for financing Columnists their own money on their classrooms”. House version of the tax plan would increase the deficit by and administration at Connecticut College. “We’re all trying more than $1.7 trillion over the next 10 years. The proposed to make the cost of attendance more affordable for students. Macon Ramos-Araneta According to Katie Reilly, in her latest article, she said that “educators who spend hundreds of dollars out of overhaul of the tax system is an unabashed effort to help We’re trying to invest in our facilities. I think all higher Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco Republican friends and hurt others in a way that would be education should see it as a threat.” Daniel Llanto their own pocket to buy school supplies would no longer be eligible for a tax deduction under the GOP tax reform bill, unprecedented in American history”. Also, a summary proceedings made by the Ways Correspondents and the proposal is drawing fierce criticism from teachers’ The tax proposals go even further in targeting higher and Means Committee, which approved the bill Thursday Ann Gauna advocates”. education. The House bill would eliminate the student loan indicated that the bill’s provisions would increase the cost to Marketing Associate Teachers, under current law, are eligible for a tax interest deduction, which allows any individual with an students attending college by more than $65 billion over the deduction of up to $250 for money spent on classroom sup- income up to $80,000 to deduct up to $2,500 in student next decade. Jho Bule plies. While the amount is so small compared to what they loan income. In 2014, 12 million student loan borrowers “The Republican House bill would also end the student Photographer actually spend, it is better than nothing. Now, this eligibility benefited from this provision. loan interest deduction, which allows people with incomes of is being imperiled by the proposed tax bill. Under the planned bill, the Republicans propose to up to $80,000 to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan inter- Glenda Bule At a markup hearing for the proposed GOP tax bill, tax the tuition waivers given to graduate students when they est paid. Twelve million student loan borrowers benefited Event Coordinator Washington representative Suzan DelBene asked. “Will a work as instructors and researchers. This will dramatically from this provision in 2014, according to Ted Mitchell, presi- teacher in my district who buys pens, pencils and paper increase the cost of going to graduate school. It is estimated dent of the American Council on Education, writing in the FilAm Star is published weekly for his students be able to deduct these costs from his tax that 145,000 graduate students benefit from this, with 60 Washington Post. “To eliminate it would mean that over the by Fortune News Media Inc. returns under this plan?” percent studying in the areas of science, technology, and next decade, the cost of student loans for borrowers would www.filamstar.com California Rep. Mark Takano, a Democrat, said in engineering. Many will not be able to afford graduate study. increase by roughly $24 billion,” Mitchell added. The tax plan also includes a 1.4 percent excise tax I think, the GOP needs to think twice before they send Headquarters: Facebook post on Monday, “Under the Republican plan, cor- on the investment income of many private colleges and the bill to the floor for discussion. They should not alienate 1028 Mission St., 2/F, porations are still allowed to deduct state and local taxes,” California Rep. Mark Takano, a Democrat, said in Facebook universities. Colleges and universities will have to absorb the teachers, a rare breed of professionals who do a lot of San Francisco, CA 94103; post on Monday. “Workers are not. Corporations are still these costs by increasing tuition, which will make higher sacrifice, despite their meager salaries, in order to educate Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 allowed to deduct business expenses. Teachers are not.” education even harder to afford, thereby cutting the quality the students, the future leaders of the country! Email: [email protected] A 2013 study by the National School Supply and Equip- of their programs. The House version would eliminate tax (For feedbacks, comments… please email the author @ breaks for nontraditional college students by eliminating [email protected]). November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A7 TRUMP, ASEAN LEADERS leader could get along well. He said he shares 100’S OF ASIAN SOCIAL He said the ASEAN member states’ current ... FROM PAGE A1 similarities with Trump, who is also fond of issu- ... FROM PAGE A1 emphasis on the ASEAN Economic Community ing provocative statements. “does not include issues which affect marginal- pathetic although he did not express his official Trump even praised Duterte for supposedly of the Alliance for Conflict Transformation Or- ized communities and groups to ensure that position on Duterte’s campaign against illegal doing a great job in curbing the drug menace. ganization in Cambodia pointed out the need to they are not left behind.” According to him, the drugs. “He was merely nodding his head, indicat- Roque said one of the things that made Du- review the non-interference policy of the ASEAN, ASEAN “should ensure that policies are grounded ing he understood the domestic problem that we terte and Trump click was their sentiment against which she says “has served as an excuse for in regular consultation with all stakeholders to face on drugs,” Roque said. Obama. “It’s very apparent that both of them ASEAN governments to remain silent on human push towards greater economic prosperity.” “Trump said he’s always been a friend of the have a person who they consider not their best rights violations of authoritarian governments.” Jane Aileen of Indonesia Legal Aid Foun- Duterte administration, and that like the previous friend. They have similar feelings toward former “The ASEAN virtually condones these brutal dation (YLBHI) hopes to see an ASEAN that U.S. administrations, he can be counted on as a U.S. President Barack Obama,” he said. acts as they hide behind the shield of ‘non-inter- “embraces everyone without any discrimination, friend of the Duterte administration,” Roque said. In the meeting, Duterte manifested the Phil- ference,” said Jelen Paclarin, chair of the ACSC/ preserves the culture and local languages, pro- The Obama administration’s comments on ippines’ appreciation of “the general system of APF Regional Steering Committee. tects the environment and empowers people.” his anti-drug war did not sit well with Duterte, preference and suggested that a free trade agree- Paclarin saw the “crucial need to reform ASE- Yasinta Lujina of Timor Leste hopes her who said the U.S. did not have the moral ground ment also be concluded between the U.S. and the AN’s decision-making processes” as she noted country becomes a member of ASEAN. She said to talk about human rights. Duterte then cited Philippines.” Roque said Trump responded to it that “the non-interference policy blocks ASEAN she envisions “an ASEAN that respects human the atrocities supposedly committed by the U.S. saying that he will “study the matter.” to seriously address issues on the ground.” rights, human dignity and the contribution of troops during the Iraq invasion and the Philip- “President Trump said that it was observed “ASEAN must respond to and act on the peoples organizations and their indispensable pine-American War, and the supposed unfair that the BPO (business process outsourcing) various human rights violations in the region,” participation.” She further said that the “ASEAN treatment of African-Americans. industry has become very important in the Philip- said Sunsanee Sutthisunsanee of Pro-Rights should be a region that is safe for everyone.” Addressing Duterte as Rodrigo, Trump pines, and they will probably think of a way to Foundation in Thailand. She also stressed that The march rally concludes the four-day delivered America’s message of friendship and reduce the trade surplus between the Philippines the ASEAN must engage more with the people ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples partnership for the Philippines and commended and the United States,” he added. and civil society. Forum that brought together people’s organiza- the latter for successfully leading the summit “at “President Trump singled out the issue on “When it comes to decision-making, ASEAN tions, social movements and NGOs of youth, chil- this very critical moment in time.” tariffs being imposed on U.S. automobiles while should consult with the people and civil society dren, women, workers, older people, indigenous Trump said the U.S.’s and the Philippines’ these tariffs are not being imposed on Japanese before adopting a treaty or an instrument because groups, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ and diplomatic partnership advances the security and cars,” he said. this impacts the people.” She emphasized the other sectors, including academics from the10 prosperity of Americans as well as the people of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the need for the “participation of peoples in the ASEAN countries plus East Timor. all Indo-Pacific nations. Senate economic affairs committee, said the monitoring of the implementation of the ASEAN The delegates substantially discussed issues He said the U.S. remains committed to friendly tone of the bilateral meeting was a blueprint.” on human rights and access to justice, corpo- ASEAN’s central role as a regional forum for total promising step toward revitalizing Philippine- Soe Min Than of Singapore, who is among rate greed and power, labor mobility and mixed cooperation. U.S. ties. Gatchalian said the U.S. remains one of the organizers and host of next year’s ACSC/APF migration, decent work, transformative social When Trump became president in January, the country’s most important partners in trade, in Singapore said they “envision a region where protection and life of dignity for all, peace and Duterte expressed optimism that he and the U.S. defense and security all stakeholders can openly engage and work on human security. the issue of human rights and social concerns The delegates vowed to forge stronger alli- U.S. PINOY DOCTORS new law enforcement problem,” Atienza, a former to allow greater collaboration, better and more ances, continuously engage the ASEAN and push ... FROM PAGE A1 three-term mayor of Manila, said. sustainable solutions.” for alternative regionalism and practices. Atienza made the statement ahead of the ally in favor of therapeutic marijuana for those country’s observance of Drug Prevention and DUTERTE OFFERS TO Duterte told The Philippine Star. medical cases that do not respond to standard Control Week. ... FROM PAGE A1 “What have you been doing all the time? Why medical care,” Chua admitted but he feels its use The 63-member House committee on health are you so fascinated with drugs? And you also will be abused in the Philippines. has already endorsed HB 6517 for plenary ap- have a summit of how we can protect the human should take note that there are plenty of Ameri- “It might turn the Philippines into a zombie proval, and floor debates on the measure are rights for all the human race,” Duterte said. cans who died because of drugs,” Duterte asked. nation as you stated. This is already happening in expected to begin when Congress re-convenes on At the mention of U.S. congressmen James Amnesty International: ‘clean up house first’ America,” also said Chua in a statement of sup- November 20. McGovern and Randy Hultgren, Duterte threat- In another report by The Philippine Star, port to Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza. The Committee made the recommendation ened to ban the lawmakers from coming to Jose Noel Alano from the London-based rights Atienza, the senior deputy minority leader, despite the strong opposition of the Philippine Manila after they criticized U.S. President Donald watchdog, Amnesty International on November has been at the forefront of the opposition to the Medical Association (PMA), the professional Trump for inviting him to visit the United States. 11 said Duterte’s offer was missing the point of passage of the proposed Act Providing Filipinos organization of Filipino physicians. “We are here attending an international the criticisms of human rights watchdogs and Right of Access to Medical Marijuana, or House The PMA said that authorizing Filipino summit. Why would we talk about the Philip- activists. Bill (HB) 6517. physicians to prescribe medical marijuana “runs pines? What makes the death of people in the “President Duterte is missing the point—we Filipino lawmakers should vote against the counter to the State’s policy to protect the well- Philippines more important than the rest of the are not calling for a summit,” Olano said. passage of HB 6517, which is “a potentially disas- being of its citizenry.” children in the world that were massacred and “We do not invite guests to our house when trous bill,” according to Chua. In the U.S., President Donald Trump recently killed?” Duterte asked. our house is dirty. President Duterte should clean Atienza cautioned that once enacted, the bill declared a public health emergency over the “So we could… we should call a summit. And up,” Olano added. would create a gaping loophole in the country’s growing mis-use of and addiction to opioids that I can… I will volunteer to make the Philippines The group also urged Trump to be more Dangerous Drugs Law “that is guaranteed to be claim the lives of 91 Americans every day. the venue,” Duterte added. forceful in confronting Duterte over his drug exploited aggressively by criminal drug syndi- The crisis has been attributed to the over- While at the meeting with the Filipino com- war’s rising death toll and abuses. cates.” prescription of opioids such as oxycodone and munity in Vietnam, Duterte also mentioned his “Trump must not keep ignoring the grave “Congress will in effect be planting the seeds fentanyl as pain medication, causing uncontrolled staunch critic, United Nations human rights human rights situation in the Philippines,” Olano of a new public health emergency, as well as a dependency and fatal overdoses among users. expert Agnes Callamard and reiterated his threat said. to slap her if she investigates the rising death toll “When he comes face to face with President ATTY. CRISPIN LOZANO 6. For the week ending September 15, 2017, of the government’s war on drugs. Duterte, he’ll be meeting a man whose policies are responsible for thousands of unlawful killings, ... FROM PAGE B4 we received three Immigrant Visa Approvals in “I would call first Callamard. I have not heard U.S. Embassy Manila for three applicants who (her) comment on the many killings, the victims including dozens of children and extra-judicial executions of dozen others,” Olano said. if the beneficiary has “sought to acquire” the entered as seaman under the Provisional Waiver of bombs and of violence in the Middle East,” status of an LPR within one year of the visa avail- Program. tion also met with the Commission on Human ability. 7. For the week ending September 8, 2017, EURO PARLIAMENT Rights, civil society organization representatives, Note: This is not a legal advice. You should seek we received four N-400 Naturalization approvals. ... FROM PAGE A1 NGOs, journalists, bloggers and international the advice of an experienced immigration lawyer 8. On August 31, 2017 we received an ap- organizations such as the ICRC, UNHCR, UNFPA about your specific circumstances. proval of adjustment of status for a client who Post asked Angara to convey her concerns and UNICEF. SUCCESS STORIES problems with birth certificate which we to Senate President Aquilino “Kiko” Pimentel III Meanwhile, members of international law- 1. On October 25, 2017, we received an ap- corrected. and Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre to “find a solu- makers hit the “non-action” of the PNP on their proval of I-485 adjustment of status for our client 9. On August 25, 2017, we received approval tion which would permit De Lima to carry out her request to visit detained Lima. who has a DUI but has proof that he has cleared of I-751 removal of condition on same sex mar- role as a senator since she has not been convicted Enrique Guerrero Salom, Norbert Hans his record. riage/ of any crime so far.” Neuser, Paolo Alberti — members of the Euro- 2. On October 20, 2017, we received an 10. On August 18, 2017, we received two ap- She had led a fact-finding mission to the pean parliament — were prevented from visiting approval of naturalization for a client who was provals for N-400 applications. Philippines last July 19 to look at the situation the detained senator at police headquarters in granted a waiver of misrepresentation in Immi- 11. On August 16, 2017, we received an ap- of Sen. De Lima at her detention cell inside the Quezon City. gration Court. proval of I-601A provisional waiver for a Mexican Philippine National Police – Custodial Center in Salom, the president of Progressive Alli- 3. On October 16, 2017, we received from client. Camp Crame, Quezon City. With her were other ance of Socialists of Demorcrats in the European USCIS an approval for an adjustment of status for If you have immigration problems the Law Members of European Parliament Adam Kósa Parliament, said that the they are “disappointed” same sex marriage, after two scheduled inter- Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a (Hungary), Josef Weidenholzer (Austria), and with their foiled visit to De Lima, an outspoken views. solution before your problem gets worse which Rikke Karlsson (Denmark). critic of Duterte. 4. On October 9, 2017, we received an ap- could lead to deportation and family separation. In her report to the EP, the delegation called “We are very concerned with the situation proval from USCIS for adjustment of status for a Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active on the Philippine authorities to guarantee a fair of Sen. De Lima,” he said, adding that they fully client who entered as a seaman but has Sec. 245 member of the State Bar of California, the Ameri- trial for the Senator and allow her to fulfil the respect the legal processes in the country. (i) eligibility. can Immigration Lawyers Association and San Senator’s duties, including voting in the Senate, He reiterated the European parliament’s 5. On October 2, 2017, we received an ap- Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He special- especially on crucial legislative measures. earlier request that De Lima be allowed to “play proval of adjustment of status from USCIS izes in immigration law and personal injury. For “As head of the delegation, I would like to her role as a senator.” for a client who entered without inspection but free consultation email or call ([email protected] / stress De Lima’s situation remains a serious Members of the Geneva-based Inter-Par- has Sec. 245(i). 1-877-456-9266) concern to the European Parliament,” Post told Angara in her letter. liamentary Union also called on the “relevant She lauded the Philippine government for authorities to release (De Lima) immediately and DOLE TEMPORARILY anomalies and provide him recommendations for abandoning the two bills pending before the two to seriously consider abandoning the legal pro- ... FROM PAGE A1 immediate actions to prevent OFWs from being houses of Congress aimed to re-impose death ceedings should serious evidence not be rapidly victims of anomalous schemes. penalty and to lower the age of criminal responsi- forthcoming.” Labor Chief Silvestre Bello III suspended the “The said order, which will be implemented bility for children from 15 to 9 years old. Alex Padilla, one of the Senator’s counsels, processing and issuance of OECs early this year by the Philippine Overseas Employment Admin- Post also said she is pleased to learn that said this is the third time the members of the EU due to reported anomalies involving some people istration (POEA) for compliance by all land-based police officers who were allegedly involved in parliament were denied a visit. He said that De at the Philippine Overseas Employment Adminis- private recruitment agencies will be effective for summarily killing two suspected drug offenders Lima is lamenting her “seeming isolation and tration (POEA). 15 working days from November 13 to December were relieved from their posts for alleged human restrictions.” “We are taking this important action in view 1, 2017 subject to extension as circumstances may rights abuses. The Senator has been detained since Febru- of the persistent reports of illegal recruitment require,” the statement added. In their visit to the Philippines, the EP del- ary 24, following the warrant of arrest issued by activities including direct hires, and in order to In a report by The Philippine Star, POEA egation met with Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez, Labor Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204. protect the public from the pernicious activities of Officer-in-charge Bernard Olalia said the suspen- Sec. Silvestre Bello and Foreign Sec. Alan Peter She sought the nullification of her arrest in a certain unscrupulous individuals preying on our sion will prevent about 75,000 OFWs from leav- Cayetano. They also met with Senators Pimentel petition before the Supreme Court but on October OFWs,” Bello said in a DOLE statement. ing the country for employment abroad. and Risa Hontiveros, and Bishop Socrates Vil- 10, the justices voted 9-6 to junk her petition due “In Department Order No. 185, all OFWs, “The temporary suspension also meant a legas. to lack of merit. including direct hires are covered by the order. PHP 7.5 million loss in revenue for the agency In addition, the members of the EP delega- However, those workers who are being hired by since every OFW pays PHP 100 for OEC process- ing,” Olalia said. international organizations, members of diplo- tive developments, particularly the indictment of According to DOLE, excluded from the sus- STREET TALK matic corps, which includes members of royal those involved in his campaign. pension order are workers hired by international ... FROM PAGE A6 families, and sea-based recruitment agencies, are Privately, however, Trump is reported to be excluded from the suspension,” the DOLE state- organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, 63% believed he could make good on his fuming and highly stressed. Like Trump, Duterte ment read. members of royal families and sea-based workers. promises. That eroded to 56% in September 2016 and his apologists must be realizing, by now, that Bello said he had to resort to this drastic After DOLE’s decision, the local recruitment and dropped further to 52% in a March 2017 poll. all of his bluster and their vicious attacks and move to protect the public from the serious prob- industry expressed surprise over Bello’s order to Significantly, Duterte suffered his biggest counter-attacks are not impressing the public. lem of illegal recruitment. suspend the processing of OECs for newly hired drop in his home region of Mindanao - a drop of Clearly, more and more thinking folks on “We received a report that 80 to 90 percent workers. 33%. In the Visayas, ostensibly another Duterte both sides of the Pacific Ocean have begun to see of direct hires are victims of illegal recruitment, “The industry supported the campaign stronghold, the decline has been 18%. that an apple is an apple and not a banana. And and we also got reports that there are people from against illegal recruitment but the order should Expectedly, Duterte’s apologists have even the attempts to throw in a stinking durian POEA who earn PHP 250,000 with the issuance cover only the direct hires, who are generally the “downplayed” the erosion, pointing out that “this to confuse them is no longer doing the Dotard of OECs,” Bello said. victims,” Federation of Manpower Exporters Inc. has been the trend in previous administrations.” and the Dutertard any good. (gregmacabenta@ Bello also said their department will create president Alfredo Palmiery told The Philippine Trump, on the other hand, has tried to appear hotmail.com) a team to conduct investigations on the reported Star. calm and unflappable in the face of recent nega-

PERRYSCOPE had left the U.S. “so far behind.” He also said that he could not China to take tougher measures toward North Korea, including happen simply because China needs North Korea as a buffer blame the Chinese for taking advantage of weak American trade a suspension of oil shipments.” However, Xi did not make against South Korea and the U.S. On global leadership, Trump ... FROM PAGE A6 policy. Then he said that he was confident that Xi could defuse significant concessions, just like what happened at their Mar-a- relinquished it to Xi. Trump has put an end to Pax Americana the threat from North Korea. Didn’t he try that at Mar-a-Lago Lago summit. and what we’re seeing is the emergence of Chinese hegemony In a joint speech, Trump heaped praises on Xi, saying the before… and failed? Xi, on the other hand refused to take ques- Which makes one wonder: “What exactly did Trump ac- -- Pax Sinica. American people were “very proud” of him and hailing the “very tions from American journalists. Why? complish in China? On trade, there were no substantial agree- And the only thing that Trump accomplished was that he good chemistry” between the two of them. Then he blamed However, behind closed doors, American officials said, ments that would address the trade imbalances. On the North makes a fool of himself again, which has become so frequent past American administrations for China’s huge trade surplus “Mr. Trump forcefully confronted Mr. Xi about the chronic Korea dilemma, Trump consigned to China the responsibility that some people call him, “moron-in-chief.” (PerryDiaz@ with the U.S. He then saluted Xi for leading China that he said trade imbalances between the two countries. He also pressed of stopping North Korea, which we know that’s not going to gmail.com) A8 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 business & Investments in Asean shrinking tech news Foreign direct invest- down inflows in the region,” the to the growth in FDI flows from ments (FDIs) that flow into the report read. the European Union, China, Association of Southeast Asian The actual report, which is South Korea and Australia, Nations (Asean) both from available online, did not provide among others. within and outside the bloc a breakdown of FDI flows for This also marked the first Itama po natin! continued to weaken, declining each Asean member-state. time that intra-Asean trade by 20 percent in 2016, the latest However, a check at Asean accounted for a quarter of total of entitlement to reward themselves for an BEN LOU official Asean tally showed. Statistics would show that while FDI flows in the region, reach- achievement. It worsens to finding reasons to According to the Asean most Asean countries increased ing a record level of $24 billion Q: How can bad shop and next buys merchandise just because Investment Report 2017, FDI their FDIs last year, Indonesia’s in 2016. habits get you in it is on sale. The feeling of want takes over inflows reached $96.7 billion and Thailand’s FDI flows fell “The rise in intra-Asean debt? the feeling of need. last year, a sharp drop from significantly by 78.84 percent investment in 2016 was driven A: Alcohol, Whichever your poison, beware! It can $120.82 billion in 2015. This and 68.19 percent, respectively. by a two-thirds increase in women/men, gam- lead to helplessness and unmanageability of was larger than the decline seen FDI inflow going to investment in manufacturing, bling, drugs or even life in itself. Do yourself a favor. If you find shopping. Choose yourself falling in these categories, find a way your poison! Which- to get help so it does not worsen. Remember ever one it is, it can that denial of a problem will lead to more ruin your life both morally and financially. troubles than you ever asked for. Any of these habits may lead to dysfunctions Ang ating lesson, Lahat ng bisyo, walang that worsens to addiction. mabuting ituturo! In dealing with alcohol, most cases start At Debt Aid Consulting, we pride our- with social drinking until it spirals out of selves with providing only Federal Trade control and end in alcoholism. Alcohol is not Commission compliant programs. Our cheap and excessive drinking and alcohol- programs are here to help you get out of debt ism can lead to job loss, legal problems and sooner than later and we do not send your homelessness. information outside of the country. Men, womanizing or women who loves If you need help in getting out of payday being with men can also lead to financial loans, or any other unsecured debts, call Debt hardship. Remember that money makes this Aid Consulting. We have free Credit Repair habit possible. In most cases whether you while and after your program. We do not use pay for prostitutes, male or female, will re- call centers which keeps your information quire money. This habit can also lead to legal safe. We have a new program that recon- problems and health issues if one catches any struct debts for half of what you would pay sexually transmitted diseases. our competitors. We also provide legal as- Gambling is one of the worst habits sistance that keeps collectors away. We take around. Gamblers have a very low regard Federal Credit Unions, Military Debts, Payday for money meaning they think money is just loans and high interest personal loans in our another piece of paper. It is merely a vehicle program too. This is exclusively available to get their high from gambling. Gamblers for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our get a high when they bet and this excitement competitors provide this program. You are (Photo: www.mb.com.ph) releases chemicals in their brain that makes well protected. in 2015 when FDI inflow fell Indonesia fell to $3.52 billion to $8.3 billion and a doubling of them feel good. The low side is when depres- We only provide Federal Trade Commis- more than 7 percent, marking in 2016 from $16.64 billion in investment in finance to $5 bil- sion steps in after losing all their money. sion compliant programs. Debt relief compa- its first decline after several the previous year. Inflow to lion,” the report explained. This habit also leads to legal problems from nies who charge non refundable upfront fees years of growth. Thailand, on the other hand, Singapore received the nonpayment of debt or health issues due to are in violation of the ban. Go with Debt Aid FDIs from most Asean dropped to $2.55 billion last biggest FDI inflow in 2016, sleep deprivation. Consulting! dialogue partners such as the year from $8.03 billion in 2015. albeit lower than its 2015 value. Drug problem is a progressive disease. Do not fall for marketing gimmicks say- United States and Japan and The same set of data It received $53.91 billion last It starts out like a party scene habit until it ing that they have the right program for you. even intra-Asean investments showed that the Philippines year, down from $62.45 billion starts taking over one’s life. Once a person Most marketing companies only have one rose in 2016, the report said. improved its ranking within the in 2015. has crossed over from a occasional drug user program and will enroll you in that program However, these gains were not bloc last year in terms of being Apart from FDIs in general, to a drug addict, this person will always be whether it fits you or not. So beware! enough to offset the “one-off a destination for much-coveted this year’s investment report an addict. It is up to them to stop completely Ben Lou at your service! I have over factors” that caused much big- FDIs, rising to fourth place centered around economic and usually needs rehabilitation in order to 30 years of real financial experience. If you ger outflows. from fifth previously. Last year, zones, noting that there were kick the habit. The worst feeling for a drug would like sound financial advice, call us “FDI flows in Asean Philippine FDIs reached $7.9 more than 1,600 economic addict is the sickness they feel when they need at Debt Aid Consulting. We do not use call remained at a high level in billion, a 40.7-percent jump zones in the Asean. (Roy Ste- they drug fix. They will usually do anything in centers like Financial Rescue. No one has 2016 despite a decline to $96.7 from $5.639 billion in 2015. phen C. Carnivel / inquirer.net) order to get more drugs. This habit can lead the right to put your information at risk. Say billion. A significant fall in FDI “There were some bright to jails, institution or death. In most cases no to LLC corporations in Canada! Debt Aid in two member-states dragged spots,” the report read, pointing drug addicts end up losing their jobs and are Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt in financial distress. They will burn everyone restructuring company incorporated in the available to them just to get money to buy US and Canada. more drugs. and it is never enough. Now serving the Caribbean Islands! Shopaholics never seem to admit that Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutu- they have a problem until they start feeling lungan po namin kayo. the pressure of sever debt problem. As I have Itama po natin ang mali! covered before that shopaholics have a feeling Lyft takes Uber challenge north to Canada “We’ve been gives it a valuation of $11 bil- looking forward to lion as it steps up competition taking our brand against Uber, which is reeling of ride-sharing from a series of missteps and international for scandals which have forced out some time, and its founder and chief executive. we’re super pumped Lyft has been expanding to share this with in the US market as Uber’s our close friends up image has taken a hit in recent US ride-sharing startup north.” months. It has also been ex- Lyft said Monday it is launching No specific launch date was panding its partnerships includ- next month in Toronto, the first announced but Lyft said it “will ing with General Motors and city in what is expected to be an be around to help ring in the the former Google Car unit now international expansion for the holidays,” presumably before called Waymo. Uber rival. Christmas. Uber meanwhile on Sunday “Our passports are packed Lyft announced last month announced a $1 billion invest- and we’re crossing the border. a $1 billion investment led by ment from SoftBank as part of Before you know it, Lyft will be the venture arm of Google par- a deal that could eventually give coming to you live in Toronto,” ent Alphabet, to help ramp up the Japanese tech giant a 14 a blog from the California com- its challenge to market leader percent stake through purchas- pany said announcing its plans Uber. es from existing shareholders. for the Canadian city. Lyft said the new funding (AFP) November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A9 world news Hundreds attend Sunday service a Syrian regime guilty of crimes against humanity: Amnesty The Syrian regime’s attacked civilians. tary objectives in the vicinity”. week after Texas church shooting sieges of its population ahead “The Syrian govern- The report also docu- of reaching “reconciliation” ment and, to a lesser degree, mented a total of eight attacks A week after the worst agreements with the opposition armed opposition groups have carried out by opposition forces mass shooting in Texas’ history, amount to crimes and against enforced sieges on densely in western and northern Aleppo hundreds gathered near the First humanity and war crimes, populated areas, depriving civil- city, between August and No- Baptist Church in Sutherland Amnesty International said ians of food, medicine and other vember last year, during which Springs for a Sunday morning Monday. basic necessities in violation weapons described as “hell service as mourners sought heal- In a report titled “We leave of international humanitarian cannons” were used against ing through prayer. or we die”, Amnesty analysed law,” Amnesty said. civilians. Held in a large white tent in four local accords which the Such actions by the Syrian The human rights organi- a baseball field a few blocks from rights body said were preceded regime in Daraya, Madaya, sation said it conducted the re- the church, around 700 people by unlawful sieges and bom- eastern Aleppo city, and the al- search using videos and satellite listened to pastor Frank Pome- bardment aimed at forcing civil- Waer neighbourhood in Homs imagery alongside interviews roy’s sermon and sang hymns, according to local media reports. ians to leave their homes. city amounted to war crimes. with 134 people, including resi- “I knew everybody who gave “The sieges, unlawful kill- The same tactics were also dents and UN officials, between their life that day. Some of them ings and forced displacement by found to have been used by op- April and September this year. were my best friends. And my government forces are part of position groups which besieged Amnesty appealed to the a systematic as well as wide- Kefraya and Foua, also carrying international community to daughter,” an emotional Pomeroy (Photo: www.nydailynews.com) told the congregation, the San spread attack on the civilian out war crimes through their refer the situation in Syria to Antonio Express-News reported. losing their loved ones. Give them in there will know that the people population, therefore constitut- indiscriminate attacks on civil- the International Criminal Pomeroy’s 14-year-old the strength to go on,” it read. who died lived for their lord and ing crimes against humanity,” ians. Court and demand unhindered daughter, Annabelle Renee Pome- Later Sunday, a temporary savior.” the report said. In eastern Aleppo city, Am- access to the country for those roy, was one of 26 people killed memorial opened inside the Shooter Devin Kelley, 26, re- Brokered between August nesty documented 10 attacks investigating rights abuses. on November 5 when gunman church. Cleaned, restored and ceived a “bad conduct” discharge 2016 and March 2017, the between July and December, More than 330,000 people Devin Kelley opened fire with an painted completely white by from the US Air Force after being agreements came after pro- 2016, during which the regime have been killed in Syria and assault rifle at the church, located volunteers, it contained 26 empty court-martialed in 2012 and con- longed sieges during which both allegedly targeted neighbour- millions displaced since the 30 miles (50 kilometers) south- chairs, accompanied by record- victed of domestic violence. the Syrian government and op- hoods “far away from the front conflict began in March 2011. east of San Antonio. ings of previous sermons playing However, in an error under position forces indiscriminately lines and with no apparent mili- (AFP) “I have no doubt they’re in the background. investigation by the Air Force, his dancing with Jesus today,” the Inscribed in gold with a conviction was not entered into pastor, also joined by Texan Sena- victim’s name and arranged in the a national database used to run tor John Cornyn and local pastor spots where they sat during wor- background checks on would-be U.S. investigators return to scene Mark Collins, added. ship, each seat was also adorned gun owners. Members of the crowd -- with a single rose. Speaking after the service, which included victims and their “I haven’t seen this done KXAN reported Sen. Cornyn said of Niger ambush: military families -- each received a printed in other catastrophes,” Pome- he is looking to introduce legisla- U.S. investigators on United States Africa Command US military chief General Joe prayer sealed in a plastic bag, the roy said, the Washington Post tion to address background check Sunday returned to a village (AFRICOM) said in a state- Dunford. Express-News reported. reported. “But I want the world protocol as early as tomorrow. in Niger where four American ment. They were attacked by a “Lord, heal the hurting. Be to know that that building will be (AFP) soldiers were killed in an am- “This mission allowed the group of some 50 fighters af- with those that are alone after open so that everyone who walks bush in October carried out by investigation team to gather filiated with the Islamic State Islamist militants, the military information and determine the group and equipped with small said. facts related to the ambush that arms, grenades and trucks Magnitude 7.2 quake hits Iraq without The news came a day after killed four US soldiers and four mounted with guns. the Washington Post citing Niger Force Soldiers,” it added. French forces sent a Mirage reports of major damage villagers reported that Sgt La The US had previously said 2000 fighter jet to their aid but A magnitude 7.2 earth- at 9:18 pm (1818 GMT) at a an AFP reporter said. David Johnson, one of the four, five Nigerien soldiers had died. it did not bomb the militants for quake shook Iraq on Sunday, depth of 33.9 kilometres (21 In Iran, the ISNA news was found with his arms tied But the investigation -- fear of hitting their allied forces. authorities said, without caus- miles), the monitor said. agency said that the earthquake and a gaping wound to the back which is being headed by Major Speculation about the ing any casualties or major It was felt for about 20 was felt in several cities in the of the head. General Roger Cloutier, chief incident has abounded in the damage in the country or in seconds in Baghdad, and west of the country including The discovery suggested he of staff to the commander of US media, but the Pentagon has neighbouring Iran and Turkey sometimes for longer in other Tabriz. was captured and executed. AFRICOM -- won’t publish its remained tight-lipped about the where it was also felt. provinces of Iraq, AFP journal- In southeastern Turkey, The investigative team, findings until January 2018, the circumstances surrounding the The temblor was cen- ists said. the earthquake was felt “from comprising US and Nigerien Pentagon said last week. ambush as well as the nature of tred 32 kilometres (20 miles) In the province of Su- Malatya to Van”, an AFP cor- officials, “returned to the village The ambush occurred on the mission. (AFP) southwest of Halabja, near the laimaniyah, located in Iraq’s respondent said. In the town of of Tongo Tongo, Niger, on Nov. October 4 as a unit of 12 Ameri- northeastern border with Iran, Kurdistan region, residents ran Diyarbakir, residents also left 12 in order to gain a clearer can special forces soldiers and the US Geological Survey said. out onto the streets at the time their homes before returning. understanding of the Oct. 4 30 Nigerien troops returned CALL TO ADVERTISE It struck the mountainous of the quake and some minor .(AFP) ambush, the attack site and from the village that is near the 1-415-593-5955 X141 area of Sulaimaniyah province property damage was recorded, the surrounding environment, border with Mali, according to A10 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B1 community based on the work of (Philippine Winners and new Pinoy films in the 1st National Artist in Literature) Nick Joaquin who is celebrat- ing his centennial year. (Obie- Cinematografo, November 9 - 12 winning set designer) Rolando By Harvey I. Barkin Tinio, whose first two films won at the Busan International Film SAN FRANCISCO – Nowadays, some Chinese firms have the budget to partner in productions Festival and Cinemalaya, wrote with big names like Universal, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers and Imax. Films that used to be shot the libretto based on the play. in Hollywood back lots are now lensed in New Zealand, the Amalfi Coast and other exotic locations. And the music is by (multi- The Koreans hold sway in pop and cosmetic trends. awarded musician who produced And sometimes, CGI and SFX don’t hold a candle over Kite runner or Slumdog millionaire or for Lea Salonga, Julio Iglesias, other movies where the star is culture. performer for royalties, conduc- This is the shining hope for Cinematografo, the first annual international film festival in San tor and TV host) Ryan Cayabyab. Francisco that exhibited films, television content and other work by emerging and aspiring Fili- The whole score is played live pino and Filipino-American by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic talents. orchestra. Just the sheer com- (L-R) Manny “The Movie Guy” and Rachel Alejandro In recent times, the bination of talents and the great (Photo by Gary De Guzman Philippines scored wins in music is enough to give you the different international film goose bumps.” festivals. But mostly with Alejandro has history with Ang Larawan. “Twenty years ago, we adapted the play at the Cultural docu-dramas and documen- Center of the Philippines. It was 1997, the time when it was first staged. Zsa-zsa Padilla had the role tary films. But last year when of Paula. The year after, Dolphy got sick and so she had to back out of the role. I basically had 10 days mostly docs were exhibited, to learn the role of Paula. But I was about 21 and way too young to play the role of matandang dalaga the Metro Manila Internation- Paula. I was not the right fit. So, I was going around with (Culturtain Musicat Production head) al Film Festival tanked. Celeste (Legazpi) and Tita (talent manager and producer) Girlie (Rodis). I was the alalay on the side. Apparently, some We went to rehearsals because Dad (Hajji) was playing Don Perico (played in the movie by Robert overseas Pinoys will swallow Arevalo). Years later, Tita Girlie and I had the idea to adapt the musical into a film. At first, it was just socially relevant films while a crazy idea until she was able to raise the money to make the film and here we are.” those back home will mostly “We were in Tokyo a couple of weeks ago for our world premiere at the Tokyo International Film binge on rom-coms. Festival. From what we heard, the Japanese are not fond of musicals but they loved the movie. So, we Cinematografo Festi- thought to ourselves, the movie translates itself even for people who are not fond of Broadway.” val Director Miguel Sevilla Almost everyone knows music is in the heart of Filipinos. But little known is the fact that a Fili- explains, “It’s like eating pino was at the center of the DJ mobile scene in the 1980s. McDonald’s and eating a Writer-director-editor Marie Jamora’s short film, Flip The Record (shown last November 12) gourmet burger. Both fill may not resonate as much as celebrated Ramona Diaz’s documentary, Don’t Stop Believin’: Every- (L-R) Girlie Rodis, Miguel Sevilla, Rachel Alejandro, and John D. Lazatin (Photo by Gary De Guzman you up but in different ways. man’s Journey (about Arnel Pineda’s gig with Journey, shown last November 10). Sometimes, you want Mickey Pineda’s journey to Journey is an established Pinoy pride story. But Bay Area Pinoys (specifi- D’s, other times you want the cally Richard Quitevis or DJ QBert) who scratched and mixed a different kind of music from two $20 burger. That’s how we programmed the films. There’s a market for both burgers.” turn tables is a discovery. These were mostly immigrant high school kids who first found after-school Happily, Cinematografo showcased a mix of 11 narrative films, seven documentaries, eight short activities, DJ-ing for weddings and church events and ultimately shaped an American genre. Flip the films and three panel talks from November 9 to November 12 in Japan town’s AMC Kabuki theaters. record is a homage to the Filipino-American community’s contribution to hip-hop. Sevilla said the film to beat is Lav Diaz’s Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) which For the home-sick and still star-struck, Cinematografo also lined up the re-mastered Sana Maulit won the Golden Lion prize at the 73rd Venice Film Festival last year. Charo Santos starred in a re- Muli, the 1995 movie starring a much younger Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach (shown last November working of Leo Tolstoy’s short story God Sees The Truth But Waits. It was shown last November 12. 11); a no-longer sex symbol and mature Jaclyn Jose in Patay Na Si Hesus (shown last November 11); But on opening night, the buzz was all about Ang Larawan, the film realization of Nick Joaquin’s a gentler Bembol Roco in What Home Feels Like (shown last November 10); and Kim Chu in the play, A Portrait Of A Filipino As An Artist. Loy Arcenas’ 2017 film premiered that night in the U.S. festival closing film and international premiere of The Ghost Bride (shown last November 12). Manny the movie guy (Manny dela Rosa in real life) said he gave Ang Larawan four stars and that it This year’s Cinematografo paid tribute to documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz who also “speaks great volume for Filipino films.” brought with her the 2003 documentary, Imelda (shown last November 10) and her new Motherland Some aficionados even expressed that Ang Larawan, not Birdshot (Mikhail Red’s narrative film (shown last November 11) about the busy maternity ward at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in shown last November 10), should be the shoo-in for the awards. Manila. It’s easy to fall back into the hysteria and expectation for a well-crafted period film that is also For social commentary, Cinematografo offered: Mga Gabing Kasinghaba Ng Hair Ko, a close a musical. However, in 1976, Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?, also a look at the lives of three trans-gender sex workers in Manila (shown last November 10 and 11); the romance-drama musical, was selected for the 49th Academy Awards but didn’t even make it to the 2013 winner Give Up Tomorrow about racial profiling (shown last November 10); Out Run, about nominations. the world’s first and only LGBT political party (shown last November 10); Sunday Beauty Queen, Rachel Alejandro (who plays Paula) said Ang Larawan has everything going for it to win big. “It’s about five Pinoy domestic workers in Hong Kong who join beauty pageants on Sundays (shown last November 12); Supermodel (shown last November 12), about a New Jersey Pinay who discovers her crush is a lesbian; and The Pleasure of Being Served, about a conservative undocumented who gets in between an unscrupulous employer and a blond (shown last November 12). B2 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 YFPA celebrates 15th anniversary with gala fund-raiser

Young Filipino Profession- its annual scholarship award, as collaborate and support profes- als Association (YFPA) cel- well as those students enrolling sional networking, educational ebrated their 15th Anniversary in summer immersion and bac- and community service activi- Gala and Scholarship Program calaureate programs through its ties. Fundraiser last Sunday, No- partnership with the Academy The mission of the YFPA is vember 5 at Pa’ina Restaurant of Art University. to foster professional connec- in San Francisco. YFPA celebrated together tions, ideas and expertise to In its 15th year, YFPA con- with their partners and raised support and engage Filipino tinues to deliver on the three money for their next year schol- professionals in the Greater San pillars that define its mission arship recipients -- the future Francisco Bay Area with their as an organization — connect- progressive leaders that will core values: “Connect. Edu- ing and collaborating with local initiate change in our commu- cate. Serve.” Ultimately, their community partners; support- nity and beyond. purpose is to build a stronger, ing the career development of Honorary guest speaker well-established and respected Filipino professionals as well were Juslyn Manalo, the Vice Fil-Am business community. Manny Panes celebrated his 70th Birthday last Nov 12 held at Community Center in San Mateo as the academic endeavors of Mayor of Daly City. “It’s a celebration of the Party was attended by family, friends and relatives. Filipino high school students YFPA, a 501(c) (3) non- strength of our community and in the Bay Area; and serving profit organization, was the many achievements possible the local communities through launched in 2002 as a collabor- when we come together,” said volunteering and stakeholder ative forum for Filipino-Amer- Allan Alday, YFPA President. engagement. Last month, YFPA ican professionals in the San celebrated the 7th recipient of Francisco Bay Area to connect, The Sonoma mountains have spoken

Happy Birthday Tess Gregorio of Hayward. The FASI Chairwoman of the Board celebrated her birthday last Nov. 12.

Joe Santos (left) with the 21st President of University of the Philippines Atty. Danilo “Danicon” Concepcion (right) & his lovely wife, Atty. Gaby Happy 18th Birthday to Sihen Cristo- Concepcion (middle) during the Grand Reunion & Convention of the 19th Greg Sarris’ new book was launched last weekend with Greg Sarris, the author, read a few passages from the bal Tedla of Stockton who celebrated UP Alumni Association of America Grand Reunion & Convention held at hundreds of friends and supporters in attendance at the book to the delight of the crowd in attendance. His book her special day last Nov 12. the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey. Unitarian Unioversalist Congregation in Santa Rosa. is now available at some local bookstores in Santa Rosa. November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B3 community Covered California rolls into greater awareness Bay Area as part of 22-stop bus tour to promote open enrollment PG&E increases support for customers in wildfire-impacted communities as reconstruction efforts begin

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Senior Vice President and Chief from collections action for one Pacific Gas and Electric Com- Customer Officer. year, if the customer has a loss pany (PG&E) today announced On October 25, PG&E of property. it will offer no-cost installation submitted a formal request to • Providing customers and removal of temporary elec- the CPUC to waive the electric with flexible, reasonable pay- tric service to eligible customers service costs. The company ment arrangements. rebuilding after the devastating received approval on November • Extending additional October 2017 wildfires. Adding 9 to temporarily waive the regu- support for its low-income to PG&E’s existing support for latory requirement to charge customers. affected customers, this effort impacted customers for electric • Cutting down and aims to assist customers who service related to wildfire recon- hauling wood debris from have lost their homes and busi- struction. The recorded costs eligible customers’ properties in nesses. will be addressed in PG&E’s wildfire-impacted areas at no- From today through upcoming Catastrophic Events cost. Customers who would like December 31, 2018, PG&E will Memorandum Account filing. to opt into this program can call provide no-cost installation and PG&E has already taken a 1-800-743-5000 to schedule an removal of temporary electric number of actions to support inspection. service for customers’ rebuild- customers affected by the wild- • Setting up in-person ing efforts across Butte, Lake, fires, including: and online services for custom- Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, • Temporarily suspend- ers to initiate and track new Solano, Sonoma and Yuba ing bills for impacted customers service installations, temporary counties. Customers should as part of its billing and credit construction electric service and call PG&E’s Building Renova- policy that temporarily stops other PG&E support through SAN JOSE, Calif. — Cov- by the California Faculty As- Covered California is solid for tion Service Center at 1-877- bills during and after a disaster. pge.com/cco. ered California on Tuesday sociation, Greenpeace DC, The 2018. 743-7782 as they create their • Offering deposit relief To learn more about how concluded a six-day, statewide California Auto Museum, and The art tour is being rebuilding plans to confirm eli- for customers who lost their PG&E is supporting wildfire- bus tour to enroll consumers in more recently, Asian American supplemented by a new state- gibility and initiate the process homes by returning deposits on impacted communities, health insurance, visiting San Women Artists Association as wide advertising campaign, with PG&E. accounts, if applicable, and not customers can go online, call Jose and Oakland to feature a well as the California Rice Com- with the message “Life can “We’ve been a part of these charging a new deposit for up its Building Renovation Service comprehensive marketing and mission. change in an instant,” to drive impacted communities for to one year. This policy will be Center at 1-877-743-7782, or outreach campaign and show- In Oakland, artists Max home the message that anyone decades. We will be here to sup- in effect for customers directly meet one-on-one with a PG&E case local muralists to promote Martilla and Arrington West can find themselves suddenly port our customers and these impacted by these wildfires. representative during business health and wellness. will create two 10-by-20 foot needing health insurance. The communities throughout the • Suspending all discon- hours in the following PG&E “We’ve launched this 22- murals on adjoining walls at the advertising campaign, which in- rebuilding process. We strongly nect actions at the onset of the offices: stop bus tour and our statewide East Oakland Youth Devel- cludes ads in English, Spanish, support the Commission’s ap- wildfires for all customers, both • 3965 Occidental Road, advertising with ads to make opment Center. The murals’ Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean proval to allow us to offer these residential and commercial, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 sure everyone in California theme “Health & Wellness for and Vietnamese, can be viewed no-cost solutions that will en- within the impacted communi- 1850 Soscol Ave., Suite 105, knows there are quality health Oakland” is inspired by the here: https://vimeopro.com/ able our customers to focus on ties and beyond including those Napa, CA 94559 insurance options available now many students that the East coveredcanews/instant-tv. their families and their futures,” impacted by poor air quality. 2641 N. State St., Ukiah, for 2018,” said Peter V. Lee, Oakland Youth Development “We want consumers to said Laurie Giammona, PG&E’s • Protecting customers CA 95482 executive director of Covered Center serves. know we’re offering the same California. “While there’s The mural incorporates quality coverage we’ve offered uncertainty in Washington, the images of EOYDC’s students since we opened our doors in FilVetREP takes next step: Affordable Care Act is the law promoting health and wellness, 2014,” Lee said. “Don’t let the of the land and financial help is by making them look like they distant thunder in Washington bringing care within reach for are actively painting the mural keep you from getting the finan- Preserving the legacy of Filipino World War II Veterans millions whether you live in San and playing basketball through cial help available to buy health WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Jose, Oakland or any commu- the lettering. insurance. Covered California the nation paused on Veterans nity in and around the greater Both Martilla and West is here for you today and will be Day to honor all American vet- Bay Area.” are Bay Area artists. Born here for you tomorrow.” erans and thank them for their Open enrollment in Cali- and raised in San Francisco, Covered California’s open dedication and loyal service to fornia, which started on Nov. Martilla graduated with his enrollment period will continue the United States, the Fili- 1 and will run through Jan. 31, Bachelors in Fine Arts from the through Jan. 31, 2018. While pino Veterans Recognition and 2018, is the one time of year Art Institute in San Francisco open enrollment continues Education Project (FilVetREP) when anyone who needs health in 2011. He currently works through the end of January, vowed to preserve the legacy of insurance can enroll without with Precita Eyes Muralists, consumers should sign up by the Filipino veterans of World having to meet special qualify- and teaches youth through their Dec. 15 to have coverage start- War II by ensuring that their ing conditions. Consumers Urban Youth Arts program. ing January of 2018. Consum- stories are told and widely should enroll by Dec. 15 for West is the Creative Direc- ers interested in learning more shared. coverage starting Jan. 1, 2018. tor of the newly established about their options should go to “The American people (Open enrollment in many group Black Mail; a collective of CoveredCA.com where they can need to know that the 260,000 other states will end after 45 African American artists work- shop to explore their options soldiers who fought under the days on Dec. 15). ing to remind San Francisco or get free in-person assistance U.S. flag deserve their place The “Covered in Art” bus about the emotions, experienc- in the area where they live. In in history,” said FilVetREP American History, Division The education program tour has made stops at locations Chairman Major Gen. Antonio of Armed Forces History. The complementing the Congressio- throughout the state where Taguba (U.S. Army, Ret). We discussion focused on plans to nal Gold Medal will be centered local artists will paint murals to owe it to them to preserve their display the Filipino Veterans on the Filipino veterans’ “dedi- attract attention to enrollment memory.” Congressional Gold Medal in cation to duty, loyalty to coun- locations and promote health On October 26, the day an appropriate location at the try and intrepidity in defense of and wellness. At least twelve after the U.S. Congress honored Museum. Plans also call for a the United States,” Taguba said. murals will be painted on loca- Filipino veterans of World War digital exhibition to comple- “Imagine millions of visitors tions in communities across the II with the Congressional Gold ment the medal, a social-learn- from all over the world learn- state. Medal, Filipino veterans and ing website and a curriculum ing, probably for the first time, “The ‘Covered in Art’ proj- family members gathered at the developed by FilVetREP in part- about the valuable role Filipinos ect is a living demonstration of World War II Memorial to pay nership with the Bataan Legacy played in World War II. Their the fact that health care is local their tribute. Historical Society (BLHS). story will now be enshrined in and that Covered California is In his remarks, American Based in San Francisco U.S. history.” woven into the fabric of local World War II veteran Frank and headed by Cecilia Gaerlan, The National Museum of communities,” Lee said. Francone, who represented the BLHS was established to depict American History, Jones points The Covered California bus Philippine Scouts at the Con- the real story of World War II in out, “explores the infinite rich- is stopping in San Jose Cruz gressional Ceremony, recalled the Philippines and the major ness and complexity of Ameri- Tuesday afternoon at PHP In- the one year battle to recapture role of the Filipinos during the can history. It helps people surance Services on Tully Road, es, and perceptions about life addition, consumers can call the Philippines from Japanese war. BLHS is now leading an understand the past to make and later in Oakland it will visit that are embedded in artists’ the Covered California service occupation. “By this time, it was effort to implement Califor- sense of the present and shape a the East Oakland Youth Devel- work. center to enroll at (800) 300- estimated that 57,000 sol- nia’s state law AB 199, which more humane future.” opment Center on International “Part of Covered Califor- 1506. diers were killed in action and was passed in 2011, a first for For this phase of the Boulevard. nia’s tradition is multi-cultural, About Covered California 900,000 civilians died. We’re United States education. The project, FilVetREP has part- In San Jose, artist Fran- multi-lingual marketing and Covered California is the ceska Gamez will create a outreach in diverse communi- state’s health insurance market- 20-feet by 8-feet mural at PHP ties across the state to promote place, where Californians can Insurance Services. The mural’s enrollment, and make sure find affordable, high-quality theme, “Health Brings Peace everyone in the state knows insurance from top insurance of Heart and Happiness” is there’s help to buy health insur- companies. Covered Califor- representative of how health ance,” Lee said. nia is the only place where and wellness is important to San Jose and Oakland are individuals who qualify can get all, from the beginning of life the final stops for the bus – financial assistance on a sliding till the end. Gamez believes which began its journey Nov. 1 scale to reduce premium costs. that health care is life changing, in Southern California. All told, Consumers can then compare and the peaceful nature of the the Covered California bus will health insurance plans and piece reflects the importance of travel more than 1,300 miles. choose the plan that works best here today to memorialize this law “encourages the inclusion nered with AARP and Next Day health care. “Covered California is not for their health needs and bud- sacrifice and it couldn’t be in a of the role of the Filipinos dur- Better to gather oral histories Born in the capital of the standing still,” Lee said. “For get. Depending on their income, better place.” ing World War II in the social through one-on-one interviews Philippines, Gamez immigrated the first time, consumers can some consumers may qualify “But the memory will only sciences curriculum for grades with living veterans. FilVetREP to the U.S. in 1997 and was find resources on our website for the low-cost or no-cost be maintained as the story is 7-12.” will continue its nationwide raised in the Bay Area. She and even enroll on their cell Medi-Cal program. told to our children and grand- “The California Board fundraising efforts to ensure currently resides in Sacramento phones. In addition, we have Covered California is an children,” Francone added. of Education only revises its that adequate resources will where she practices in mixed new tools that make it easier to independent part of the state “The Congressional Gold Medal curriculum guidelines about maintain this program. media sculptures and paint- shop and easier to find resourc- government whose job is to is not the end; it’s a beginning once a decade,” Gaerlan says. ing. Upon receiving her degree es in other languages.” make the health insurance and a vehicle for making future “We seized this opportunity to in Fine Art at California State Research commissioned marketplace work for Califor- generations aware of this his- get Bataan finally written into University Sacramento, she by Covered California shows nia’s consumers. It is overseen tory.” history. Not very many people has continued to dedicate full that many people still don’t by a five-member board ap- In late August this year, have heard of the Bataan Death time to her trade. Her artwork know there’s financial help to pointed by the governor and the Taguba and members of Fil- March, where 9,000 Filipino reflects her Philippine heritage buy health insurance, and those legislature. For more informa- VetREP’s executive committee soldiers died. This history needs and upbringing. concerned about the future tion about Covered California, met with Jennifer Locke Jones, to be widely made known. Gamez has been commis- of health exchanges are less please visit www.CoveredCA. chair and curator of the Smith- Otherwise, the history is going sioned to create public works inclined to enroll. But Lee said com. sonian’s National Museum of to die.” B4 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 legal & law U.S. state to resume prisoner executions after 20 years Requesting a CSPA for children of a Permanent Resident? The death penalty will resume in Nebraska the electric chair. for the first time in 20 years, with the US state Like other states, Nebraska has struggled to ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO planning to execute a convicted killer using a find the medications it needs for lethal injections. new, untested combination of drugs. Pharmaceutical companies have bowed to public Requesting a from their biological age before calculating State prison officials on Thursday informed pressure to stop providing the necessary drugs. CSPA for children of their CSPA age. Jose Sandoval, on death row for the murders of State officials did not disclose where they a Permanent Resi- Beneficiaries of petitions filed on or before five people during a 2002 bank robbery, of their obtained their drugs for the new protocol, which dent is a complicated this date that turn 21 after September 2001 intention to execute him by lethal injection. avoids the use of the hard-to-get sodium thiopen- process that need the are entitled to a 45-day extension of their assistance of an ex- child status, which means they can subtract 45 perienced immigra- days from their biological age. tion lawyer. Before a. How do I determine when a visa you start the process, number has become available? it is advisable to The first step is to determine the child’s consult first with an experienced immigration age at the time that a visa number became lawyer. available for the petition in question. Both The process for determining the age of the USCIS and DOS state that a visa number be- child beneficiary—either direct or derivative— comes available on the first day of the month of a Family-sponsored or employment-based that the DOS Visa Bulletin says that the prior- visa petition or of a diversity visa application ity date has been reached. under the CSPA is more complicated. The If the visa number is already available statutory formula for these cases is that the when the petition is approved, however, the child’s age will freeze as of the date that a visa agencies interpret the “visa availability” date number becomes available for the petition in for the CSPA as the date that the petition is question reduced by the number of days that approved. the petition was pending, but only if the child If a visa availability date retrogresses seeks to acquire the status of an LPR within after the individual has filed an application for one year of the date the visa became available. adjustment of status (Form I-485) based on This CSPA benefit also applies to self-petition- an approved visa petition, USCIS states that ers and to derivatives of self-petitioners. it will retain the I-485 and note on it the visa This formula can be broken down into availability dates at the time that the I-485 State of Nebraska (Photo: www..lpnprograms.net) three steps: was filed. When a visa number again becomes •First, determine the child’s age at the available; USCIS is to calculate the benefi- time a visa number becomes available; ciary’s age under the CSPA formula by using The state intends to use a new drug protocol tal as the primary anesthetic. •Second, subtract from this age the num- the earlier visa availability date marked on the which could prompt legal challenges, and death Danielle Conrad of the Nebraska chapter of ber of days that the visa petition was pending; I-485. penalty opponents quickly raised concerns. the American Civil Liberties Union called the new and b. How do I determine how long a visa “Any new combination of drugs means that protocol “an untested and experimental lethal •Third, determine whether the beneficiary petition has been pending? the execution is a kind of human experimenta- injection cocktail.” sought LPR status within one year of the visa A child’s age will be determined by tion,” Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty “We are horrified,” she said in a statement. availability date (or if the one year is not yet subtracting the number of days that the visa Information Center told AFP. The new protocol consists of the sedative over, ensure that the child beneficiary takes petition was pending from the child’s age at “That doesn’t mean it won’t work, but it diazepam (commonly known by its brand name the necessary steps). the time a visa number became available. raises another set of questions that prisoners will Valium), the powerful painkilling narcotic fen- The first two steps will determine the Generally, a petition is pending between the necessarily ask the court to address.” tanyl citrate, the muscle-relaxant cisatracurium child’s age. This age will only be frozen, date that the petition is properly filed (receipt By law, officials can request Sandoval’s death besylate, and potassium chloride, which stops the however, if the third step is met. Each of these date) and the date that an approval is issued. warrant be issued as early as two months after he heart. steps is discussed briefly below. In family-sponsored cases, the receipt date is was informed of the new drug protocol. The death penalty has had a rocky history in Note: When calculating the child’s age, also the priority date. For employment-based The state attorney general’s office promised the state. It was outlawed by legislators in 2015, remember that the USA PATRIOT Act pro- cases, however, the date to be used in CSPA to defend against any legal challenges. but reinstated by voters through a 2016 ballot vides extended “child” status to someone who calculations is the date the I-140 visa petition “Our office is obviously prepared to re- initiative. turned 21 during or after September 2001, is filed (the receipt date) and not the priority spond,” spokeswoman Suzanne Gage told AFP. Executions in the United States have de- provided he or she is a beneficiary of a peti- date. If carried out, Sandoval’s would be the first clined over the last 10 years, with 23 carried out tion or application that was filed on or before c. How do I determine whether the ben- lethal injection execution in the midwestern state, so far this year, according to the Death Penalty September 11, 2001. Beneficiaries of petitions eficiary “sought to acquire” LPR status which last put a prisoner to death in 1997 using Information Center. (AFP) filed on or before this date that turned 21 dur- within one year of visa availability? ing September 2001 are entitled to a 90-day The child’s age—determined by the first extension of their child status. This means two steps described above—will freeze only that these beneficiaries can subtract 90 days TO PAGE A7 Privacy fears over artificial intelligence as crimestopper Police in the US state of Delaware are poised Nvidia has some 50 partners who use its to deploy “smart” cameras in cruisers to help supercomputing module called Jetson or its authorities detect a vehicle carrying a fugitive, Metropolis software for security and related ap- Federal court approves part missing child or straying senior. plications, according to Jain. The video feeds will be analyzed using arti- One of those partners, California-based of Trump’s latest travel ban ficial intelligence to identify vehicles by license Umbo Computer Vision, has developed an AI- plate or other features and “give an extra set of enhanced security monitoring system which A US appeals court allowed President Donald The decision spells out the “close family eyes” to officers on patrol, says David Hinojosa can be used at schools, hotels or other locations, Trump to proceed with part of the latest ver- relationship” exception to include grandparents, of Coban Technologies, the company providing analyzing video to detect intrusions and threats sion of his travel ban Monday, but it created an grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, the equipment. in real-time, and sending alerts to a security exemption for foreigners with American ties. aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. “We are helping officers keep their focus guard’s computer or phone. The ruling by the Ninth US Circuit Court The panel of three judges did not offer a on their jobs,” said Hinojosa, who touts the new Israeli startup Briefcam meanwhile uses of Appeals in San Francisco bars citizens of six rationale for the decision, but the ruling cites an technology as a “dashcam on steroids.” similar technology to interpret video surveillance Muslim-majority countries who do not have a interim order the Supreme Court issued in June The program is part of a growing trend to footage. “bona fide” relationship with a person or entity on the earlier version of the ban. use vision-based AI to thwart crime and improve “Video is unstructured, it’s not searchable,” already in the US. The Ninth Circuit court will hear arguments public safety, a trend which has stirred concerns explained Amit Gavish, Briefcam’s US general The White House issued a new executive on December 6 on whether to keep or perma- among privacy and civil liberties activists who manager. Without artificial intelligence, he says, order in September to replace an expiring 90-day nently overturn Watson’s stay. (AFP) fear the technology could lead to secret “profil- ‘’you had to go through hundreds of hours of temporary ban on travelers from Iran, Libya, ing” and misuse of data. video with fast forward and rewind.” Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. US-based startup Deep Science is using the “We detect, track, extract and classify each Sudan was removed, and Chad, North Korea same technology to help retail stores detect in object in the video. So it becomes a database.” and Venezuela added, but activists and legal ex- real time if an armed robbery is in progress, by This can enable investigators to quickly find perts say Trump’s intent remains to sharply curb identifying guns or masked assailants. targets from video surveillance, a system already the inflow of Muslim visitors and immigrants. Deep Science has pilot projects with US used by law enforcement in hundreds of cities Federal Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii retailers, enabling automatic alerts in the case of around the world, including Paris, Boston and blocked the ban for the six mainly Muslim coun- robberies, fire or other threats. Chicago, Gavish said. tries, announced hours before it was due to come The technology can monitor for threats “It’s not only saving time. In many cases into effect. more efficiently and at a lower cost than hu- they wouldn’t be able to do it because people But the US government appealed, saying man security guards, according to Deep Science who watch video become ineffective after 10 to the rulings undermined Trump’s efforts to fight co-founder Sean Huver, a former engineer for 20 minutes,” he said. terrorism, and the San Francisco court agreed to DARPA, the Pentagon’s long-term research arm. ‘Huge privacy issues’ stay those decisions. “A common problem is that security guards Russia-based startup Vision Labs employs Visa applicants with relatives in the US as get bored,” he said. the Nvidia technology for facial recognition well as those with jobs, business ties or connec- The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francsico Until recently, most predictive analytics systems that can be used to identify potential tions to educational institutions are excepted (Photo: www.bilerico.lgbtqnation.com) relied on inputting numbers and other data to shoplifters or problem customers in casinos or under the latest ruling. interpret trends. But advances in visual recogni- other locations. tion are now being used to detect firearms, spe- Vadim Kilimnichenko, project manager at cific vehicles or individuals to help law enforce- Vision Labs, said the company works with law ment and private security. enforcement in Russia as well as commercial Recognize, interpret the environment clients. Saurabh Jain is product manager for the “We can deploy this anywhere through the computer graphics group Nvidia, which makes cloud,” he said. computer chips for such systems and which Customers of Vision labs include banks held a recent conference in Washington with its seeking to prevent fraud, which can use face rec- technology partners. ognition to determine if someone is using a false He says the same computer vision technolo- identity, Kilimnichenko said. gies are used for self-driving vehicles, drones For Marc Rotenberg, president of the and other autonomous systems, to recognize and Electronic Privacy Information Center, the rapid interpret the surrounding environment. growth in these technologies raises privacy risks and calls for regulatory scrutiny over how data is stored and applied. “Some of these techniques can be helpful but there are huge privacy issues when systems are designed to capture identity and make a determination based on personal data,” Roten- berg said. “That’s where issues of secret profiling, bias and accuracy enter the picture.” Rotenberg said the use of AI systems in criminal justice calls for scrutiny to ensure legal safeguards, transparency and procedural rights. In a blog post earlier this year, Shelly Kram- er of Futurum Research argued that AI holds great promise for law enforcement, be it for surveillance, scanning social media for threats, or using “bots” as lie detectors. “With that encouraging promise, though, comes a host of risks and responsibilities.” (AFP) Answers to LAST WEEK’S Krosword November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B5 health & Isabel Granada’s death draws attention to aneurysms Your brain is an extremely sensitive organ, such that even a small leak can wreak havoc, lifestyle increasing the pressure inside your cranium and diverting blood from brain regions and tissues that require steady supply. For some patients, small leaks could occur in the days or weeks lead- Health@Heart ing up to a major rupture, hence the symptom of experiencing a sudden, excruciating headache, usually above and behind the eye. Monkeypox, toxic, foods, hepatitis… Other symptoms include dilated pupils, PHILIP S. CHUA, ing advertised to provide more stamina, endur- blurred or double vision, neck stiffness, face tin- MD, FACS, FPCS ance, even sexual prowess, or those supposedly gling, light sensitivity, weakness and numbness, anti-cancer or cancer-cures. These are all scams and difficulty speaking. What is Monkey- and a waste of your hard-earned money. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should pox? What is normal-weight obese people? seek medical attention immediately if you experi- Monkeypox is a This sounds like a contradiction in terms, ence a sudden severe headache, or call for medi- viral disease that is on but normal-weight obese (NWO) is a person cal help if you’re with someone who experiences the headlines today whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is normal but a sudden severe headache, loses consciousness or It is characterized by whose body fat is more than 30 percent of the has a seizure. pox lesions on the skin body weight. Also called “skinny-fat,” this indi- The causes of brain aneurysm are still and is closely related vidual has normal weight but with low muscle unknown, but it has been determined that the fol- to, but not as deadly mass and high body fat. Extreme dieting, yo-yo lowing risk factors could contribute to weakness as smallpox, which killed about half a million weight control, or high-cholesterol diet can lead in the artery wall and increase the risk of a brain lives in the pandemic of 1870-1875, triggered to normal-weight obesity. So, BMI alone is not a aneurysm or aneurysm rupture: smoking, high by the Franco-Prussian War. Monkeypox was reliable indicator of body composition and health blood pressure, drug abuse (particularly cocaine), first detected in 1958 and the first human case risk. diagnosed in early 1970s. Majority are transmit- heavy alcohol consumption, family history of Italian investigators, in their research ted from animals (rodents) to humans by direct brain aneurysm, over 40 years old, gender (wom- comparing women, found that NWO women had contact. Human-to-human spread is infrequent greater levels of inflammatory (C-Reactive) pro- en have an increased incidence of aneurysms, at and probably by droplet. Signs and symptoms are teins than (low-fat) normal-weight women, sug- a ratio of 3:2); traumatic head injury, tumors and not specific, mostly like fl during thebfirst few gesting that fats secrete inflammatory proteins. inborn abnormality in the artery wall. days, then 4 to 7 days later, skin spots, with and These particular proteins are a marker for heart Isabel Granada According to the Brain Aneurysm Founda- without pus, appear.on the face, trunk, leading disease, like coronary artery disease, which is the (Photo: www..starsinformer.com) tion, brain aneurysms cause the deaths of almost to skin ulcers with crust over them, which clear cause of heart attack. 500,000 people worldwide each year, and half up in 2 to 3 weeks. Lympgh nodes are enlarged. Can sweat transmit Hepatitis B? Many people are walking around with an the victims are younger than 50. In Africa, diagnosis is done presumptively with Hepatitis B virus was found in the sweat aneurysm and don’t know it—until a rupture or Four out of seven people who recover from a history and physical examination, showing pox of 13% (9) infected athletes, according to a new leak occurs. According to the Brain Aneurysm ruptured brain aneurysm will have disabilities. lesions. Definitive diagnosis is made by PCR, study on 70 male Olympic wrestlers, which Foundation, one in five people has an unruptured Brain aneurysms are most prevalent in ELISA, or Western Blot tests that are performed inferred that the HBV could be transmitted by brain aneurysm, although an estimated 50-80 people ages 35-60, but can occur in children, as by the US-CDC or state laboratories, to rule out sweating infected athletes to others in contact percent of all aneurysms do not rupture at all in well. smallpox. Vaccination with smallpox vaccine is sports. In 8 of those nine athletes whose blood the course of a person’s lifetime. 10-15 percent of patients diagnosed with the immediate treatment. Antiviral drugs and tested positive for HBV, DNA for pepatitis B was A brain aneurysm, however, ruptures every a brain aneurysm will harbor more than one human immune globulin have been used. The also found in the sweat. 18 minutes around the world. And when it does, aneurysm. prognosis is good to excellent, most patients “Evidence is emerging that the incidence of the chances of surviving drops significantly, Ruptured brain aneurysms account for 3-5 recover. Prevention includes avoidance of contact occult HBV in Olympic wrestling is higher than quickly leading to unconsciousness and death. percent of all new strokes. with infected animals and people. Smallpox vac- expected and that transmission of HBV may also Of those who do survive, 66 percent cination affords about 85% protection. There is occur through sweat,” the researcher concluded suffer from a permanent neurological yet no specific monkeypox vaccination. in a report published in the British Journal of impairment. What are toxic foods? Sports Medicine March 1, 2007. Brain aneurysm has been in Twenty percent of global deaths is caused The authors recommend sports organiza- the health spotlight lately since it by toxic foods, junk foods, processed foods, tions make it “obligatory for all participants in- claimed the life of 41-year-old actress and harmful food ingredients, according to the volved in contact sports and playing under adult Isabel Granada. The sudden passing Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at rules to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.” of Granada, who supposedly lived a the University of Washington as reported by The Is Global Diabetes Worse? healthy and active lifestyle, stunned Lancet medical journal. It now appears that the Reports from Washington stated that “rates her family, friends and fans. toxic food industry is as unhealthy and danger- of diabetes in Canada’s most populous province So, what exactly is this fatal ill- ous as the Big Tobacco. The study is a compila- already zoomed past what was predicted for ness? tion of data from every country in the world. It 2030, which suggests the global epidemic will be Brain aneurysm, also known as a states that diet is the second highest risk factor far worse than feared.” for early deaths after smoking. The dilemma is cerebral aneurysm, is a weakness in In Ontario alone, the researchers found “a the spread of the “western diet,” especially fast the wall of one of your brain’s blood 69% increase in the rate of diabetes between foods, taking over the old traditional healthier 1995 and 2005, far beyond the 60% global pre- vessels. Over time this weakness foods in developing countries around the globe. dicted increase for 2030 and above rates pro- causes the wall of the vessel to push Also, the widespread use of pesticides and toxic jected for Canada by then.” forward as blood courses through chemicals on vegetables and fruits, unhealthy The World Health Organization has predict- your brain, creating a bulge similar to ingredients in processed foods, like high-fructose ed a “39 percent rise in the worldwide prevalence an inflated balloon. (Photo: www.steptohealth.com) corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, etc. of diabetes between 2000 and 2030, but (the The constant pressure from the Soft drinks, in any form, are toxic liquid candies, study) indicates that this figure might be a gross blood flow may cause an aneurysm to which increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, underestimation,” the commentary on Lancet Headache accounts for 1-2 percent of the rupture. When it ruptures, blood leaks out, usu- especially in children. Besides red meats, which said. ally lasting only a few seconds, into the surround- emergency room visits and up to 4 percent of increase the risk for cancer and heart disease, the Obesity, poor diet and a lack of exercise are ing brain tissue. visits to primary care offices. (Anne A. Jambora / toxic foods and ingredients listed above are the seen in Type 2 diabetes. Richer diet, especially a Sensitive organ inquirer.net) leading killers of man on the planet Earth. lot of carbohydrate like rice, and too little or no Are food supplements safe? exercise are part of the cause of Type 2 diabe- Since the food supplement industry is not tes. Some of the complications of this disease regulated and monitored, the food supplements is blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, leg HOROSCOPE on the market, even those which claim to be gangrene, and death. http://www.starlightastrology.com proven and safe, are not guaranteed to be safe The investigators also found that the or even efficacious. As long as one feels healthy prevalence of diabetes zoomed from 5.2 percent Aries Libra and is eating well, there is really no need for food in 1995 to 8.8 percent. There are more than 6.2 (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) supplement. Children and seniors may need mul- million diabetics in the Philippines. Family get-togethers will be interesting. Your Someone may be trying to pull the wool tivitamins and minerals as determined by their This is a pandemic, and not only an epi- energetic personality will make you the center over your eyes. You may find that your boss physician, but adults in general have all nutrition demic…and happening faster than we thought. of attention at social gatherings. Your input is not delighted with your work lately. You can they need from their normal diet. It is unfortu- Indeed, it pays to exercise more daily and man- into their activities will help bring you closer make major gains professionally by completing nate that there is no way to determine the long together. Passion will be your only answer. projects on time. You are best not to confront age our diet properly, if we are to prevent this Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. situations that deal with in-laws or relatives. term side effects and complications from food debilitating and deadly disease. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. supplements, which might take decades to be evi- Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpel[en@ Taurus dent, the reason why it is best to stay away from gmail.com (Apr. 21- may 21) Scorpio food supplements, herbals or not, which are be- Get involved in groups and organizations (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) that are of a distinguished nature. Express your Residential moves will be in your best interest. interest if you want the relationship to progress. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it making verbal promises of any kind. Do not get KrosWord comes to taking care of your financial situation. involved in joint financial ventures. Don’t count (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) You can enjoy doing things that include children. on your friends to be loyal when it comes to Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. doing things. PAHALANG Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Gemini 1 Presyo (May 22-June 21) Sagittarius 4 Husgado Sign up for seminars that will expand your (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 11 Sabik na paghihintay business awareness. You may want to put your You will back yourself into a corner if you are 13 Gawa sa baraha creative thinking cap on. Relationships will be baited and your stubbornness will only make 14 Isang uri ng pandiwa erratic this week. You will be entertained and matters worse. Don’t let domestic problems 16 Sn ang simbolo intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. interfere with your objectives. Avoid scandals of 17 Isang ekspresyon Your lucky day this week will be Monday. any sort. You may make someone else look bad. 18 Namnamin Your lucky day this week will be Friday. 20 Niig Cancer (June 22-July 22) Capricorn 22 Team sa NBA, inisyal Do not sign your life away. Curb any jealous (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 24 Leksyon fits if your partner has been flirting with Try to iron out any friction over money with 25 Bayan sa Batangas someone else. You will be ready to jump on your mate or conflicts could prevail. If they’re 27 Pangalang panlalaki anyone who gets in the way of your progress too demanding, reconsider this union. Your 29 Marka this week. Don’t put all your cash in one place. confidence will stabilize your position. Don’t be 30 Lumayas Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. too quick to react. 32 Los Angeles Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. 33 Pantukoy Kastila Leo Aquarius 34 Paibigin (July 23-Aug 22) Expressing yourself in novel ways should (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 36 Lamat sa metal lead you down new avenues. Make amends if You will attract new love interests. Avoid 38 Space admin ng US you can. To avoid any minor health problems, any erratic behavior or it could cause isolation 39 Sinawata don’t get too stressed. You don’t owe anyone an at home. Get rich quick schemes will not be 40 Laruan: Ingles explanation. Do your own thing, you need time successful. You have more than enough on your to yourself. plate already. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. PABABA Virgo Pisces 1 Harapan 10 Infant formula milk 29 Sisidlan ng gamit (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 2 Bulaklak sa kasal 12 Hindi maaraw 30 Gapos You can elaborate on your creative ideas Some situations may be blown out of 3 Global Atmosphere Watch 15 Tunog ng makinilya 31 Inakay and get involved in groups that relate to the proportion. Frustrations and limitations could 5 Mamahaling prutas 19 Baso o anumang lalagyan 33 Yugto sa karera arts. Organization will be the key to avoiding cause anxiety this week. Don’t try to deal with 6 Pag-iisang-dibdib na maiinom 35 Unit ng kuryente discord and family feuds. Older relatives may important issues or make changes that will upset be a burden. Your mate may be distressed if you the apple cart. You’ll look guilty if you don’t lay 7 Underwriters Laboratories 21 Labasan 37 Notang musikal refuse to make a commitment. your cards on the table. 8 Malapit na kaibigan 23 Nahirati Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. 9 Dating grupo ng 26 Pana Answers to this week’s Krosword mang-aawit 28 Napiraso on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 entertainment MMDA to recommend suspension of Maria Isabel Lopez’s license ‘Kakabakaba’ returns to Japan Actress Maria Isabel Lopez hashtags #nosticker, #leader- the “Dash Cam Diaries Philip- TOKYO—The irony is surely Yakuza character is depicted in films from the 1950s that you may have escaped the hor- ship, #belikemaria and #pas- pines” Facebook page that not lost on even the most casual a caricaturish manner, but that’s cannot find elsewhere.” rendous traffic on Edsa on away (naughty). while he, too, was caught in observers. good for us to see. It’s a comedy Included in the Fukuoka Saturday, but the Metropolitan MMDA spokesperson heavy traffic, he did not think The digitally restored version … It’s very funny.” archives are such gems as Gerry Manila Development Author- Celine Pialago said that what of breaking the law. “This is an of Mike de Leon’s 1980 musical- De Leon wrote on the Face- de Leon’s “Noli Me Tangere” and ity (MMDA) isn’t letting her go Lopez did was a “serious breach example of [an] elitist mental- comedy “Kakabakaba Ka Ba?” book page of his new film “Citizen Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Taong scot-free after she removed the of security.” ity,” he said. found its way back to Japan— Jake”: “Strangely enough, it Walang Diyos.” plastic barriers and used the “MMDA and the Land Lendi Peralta noted that Lo- where it was part of the Cross Cut was only in the wild and surreal “It’s an admirable initiative,” lane designated for VIPs attend- Transportation Franchising and pez should be ashamed of what Asia program of the 30th Tokyo ‘Kakabakaba Ka Ba?’ that I dis- he related. ing the Association of Southeast Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will she did, adding that it’s “people International Film Festival. covered the power of satire and “It was made possible Asian Nations (Asean) summit. now recommend to the Land like her why Filipinos have no For the uninitiated, the protest (masquerading as come- because the festival is funded by On her Facebook account, Transportation Office the sus- discipline when it comes to fol- choice could be deemed unusual, dy) … What if Japanese technolo- the city of Fukuoka. Now, the if not controversial, considering gy, drugs and the Catholic Church question is, since most of today’s that the Filipino film features were mixed in together, revealing films are on digital: How do we a bumbling Japanese gangster another theme that eventually archive them? What does it mean (played by the hilarious Boboy turned into an obsession—the to archive the physical film? That Garovillo) as its main antagonist. futility of organized religion or is the new topic that we need to Kenji Ishizaka, program religion in general.” discuss now.” director of the Cross Cut Asia Ishizaka felt strongly about Apart from “Kakabakaba,” section, has a different take on including De Leon’s film in the there was another Filipino musi- the matter, however. He recalled fest so that younger generations cal in this year’s Tokyo fest, Loy that he had seen “Kakabakaba” in could view it as well. After all, Arcenas’ “Ang Larawan,” in the 1991. “I loved it! I was then with festival programmers should also Asian Future section. the Japan Foundation. When we make sure that today’s film buffs Ishizaka said that he was mounted a Filipino film festival, are acquainted with the region’s familiar with the musical gifts of it was one of the movies I chose.” rich cinematic heritage. Filipino artists. “I saw the stage When he learned that a digi- In the Cross Cut Asia sou- musicals, ‘Noli Me Tangere’ and tally restored version (courtesy of venir program, Ishizaka had an ‘El Filibusterismo,’ during their the ABS-CBN Film Archives) of engrossing interview with archi- Japan tour in the 1990s.” Both

(Left Photo) Maria Isabel Lopez (Right Photo) Plastic barriers used to designate VIP lane during ASEAN Summit (Photo: www. dutertenewsportal.com)

Lopez appeared to have been pension or cancellation of Maria lowing traffic rules.” proud of her pretending to be Isabel Lopez’s license,” she told LTFRB board member an Asean delegate when she tra- the Inquirer. Aileen Lizada assailed Lopez, versed the southbound lane of Traffic in both directions of saying that the beauty queen “is Edsa with her car’s hazard lights the major thoroughfare nearly not a good role model.” turned on. She even admitted grounded to a halt on Saturday “That lane has been the that she “removed the divider after the MMDA closed off at subject of a series of meetings of cones,” prompting those behind noon the two innermost lanes the security [group]. We are the her to follow her lead. designated as Asean exclusive host country, it’s a good thing “MMDA thinks I’m an of- lanes. that no traffic collision hap- ficial Asean delegate! If [you] While thousands of mo- pened [there]. Otherwise, the can’t beat [them], join them!” torists and commuters were Philippine government, particu- (L-R) Jay Ilagan, Sandy Andolong, Charo Santos, and Christopher De Leon Lopez said in her post, which infuriated by the traffic grid- larly the MMDA will be hit [with (Photo: www. http://entertainment.inquirer.net) she accompanied with two lock, a number of netizens who criticisms] and not the beauty videos showing her breezing saw Lopez’s post weren’t all too queen who is also a representa- “Kakabakaba” was now available, vist Tadao Sato of the Fukuoka musicals, which were composed through traffic. happy with what she did. tive of the country,” Lizada said. he wasted no time in including it International Film Festival. by Ryan Cayabyab (the same man Her post also had the Remwel Gebaune said on (Jovic Yee / inquirer.net) in this year’s program. Ishizaka told the Inquirer behind “Larawan”), were brought The fact that it takes satirical that in Fukuoka, the organizers to different Japanese cities, jabs at everyone—the Japanese, were allowed to keep copies of through the efforts of Yuki Hata the Chinese, the Catholic Church the films shown in the festival for of the Japan Foundation. and, yes, the Filipino—isn’t a archiving. “If you look at the Filipino deal-breaker at all. “This program has been done films in the lineup, it shows visit our website Call to advertise “First of all, it’s a high-qual- for the last 20 years or so,” he diversity in themes and stories,” ity musical,” Ishizaka explained. explained. “They built an archive, Ishizaka noted. “It reflects issues www.filamstar.com 1-415-593-5955 x141 “To look at your own country, along with the festival. Now, they that are considered important in through an outsider’s point of have so many movies in their the world.” (Bayani San Diego view, is always interesting. The collection—including Filipino Jr. / inquirer.net) November 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Look: Highlights from Anne Curtis’ and Erwan James Reid winner of Best Southeast Heussaff’s charming countryside wedding Asian Act in MTV Europe Music Awards

Erwan’s father Louis Heus- James Reid snagged the MTV saff wants 10 (!) grandsons. EMA Best SEA Act award, beating He already has two from his six other Southeast Asian artists first daughter, Vanessa. for the recognition. Their three-tiered cake fea- Votes were done online tured their pets. through MTV EMA’s website. Together they have six fur- Reid, 24, made waves in children. 2017 when he released his album Luis Manzano and Nicole “Palm Dreams” under his own Andersson hosted the re- label Careless Music Manila. Hits ception. like “Cool Down” and “Turning Luis had promised Anne that Up” showed that the actor had shifted his sound to R&B and he would be her man of honor. House. Matchmaker Isabelle Daza In a thank you video, he said, gave a rollercoaster of a “I really think it’s a good oppor- speech with a slideshow. tunity to gain recognition around The wedding party was the world, especially the Philip- laughing and crying, according pines because I just started my to attendees’ Instagram Stories. own label and I really wanna help (L-R) Erwan Heussaff and Anne Curtis Erwan stripteased for his (Photo: www. gmanetwork.com) progress local music.” bride. The nominated acts were After getting engaged in December 2016, It was totally PG. Faizal Tahir (Malaysia), Dam Anne Curtis was asked about wedding plans. The couple referenced each other’s show- Vinh Hung (Vietnam), Isyana She told ABS-CBN in February 2017 that it biz alter-egos in their vows. Sarasvati (Indonesia), James James Reid wasn’t going to be “over the top” but it would be “Today I vow to be your humble co-star in Reid (Philippines), Slot Machine (Photo: www. startattle.com) “charming.” the realest love story ever told,” Erwan said. (Thailand), The Sam Willows Take a look at how the couple made their “I promise to love the Fat Kid Inside, even if (Singapore) and lastly, the He has released music videos for “Cool countryside wedding classy and personal. he comes out someday,” said Anne. social wildcard winner voted by fans, Palitchoke Down” and “Turning Up”. Girlfriend Nadine Lus- The wedding was held in New Zealand. Congratulations, Anne and Erwan! (Nina V. Ayanaputra (Thailand). tre features in both of them and is directing his The couple loves a good adventure—they’ve Guno / inquirer.net) This is Reid’s second nomination, the first be- next video for “The L1fe” with Petersen Vargas. been traveling almost their entire relationship— ing in 2015 when he released “Reid Alert”. (Nina V. Guno / inquirer.net) and the fresh air and picturesque views of New Zealand’s Queenstown were perfect for the start of a new journey together. Bubbly Anne was a “chill bride.” Spice Girls reunion may be in the works for 2018, says report Says BFF Georgina Wilson. ll five former members of the Spice Girls No pictures were allowed during the cer- may be on board for a reunion next year, with emony itself. projects to include a new compilation album, Respect for Jim. according to a report. Guests stayed fashionable in the below The Sun reveals that the reunion plans fol- 10-degree weather. low secret talks among the former bandmates The cold weather’s no excuse to not look that began this summer, with Mel C having cool. spearheaded the revival, and resulting in all The reception was at Walter Peak Sta- five members getting on board —even Victoria tion, a sprawling farmland. Beckham a.k.a. Posh Spice, who had previously Guests got a bonus cruise on a lake. been difficult to convince. Tables were named after music festivals Among projects in the works, according to that the couple had visited. The Sun‘s report, are a TV special and a compi- Coachella, Burning Man and Wanderland, lation album. The band’s former boss Simon to name a few. Fuller is reportedly working with them for the Anne’s dad James Curtis-Smith said it’s a reunion, although no further details have been good thing Erwan has culinary skills. revealed. (L-R) The Spice Girls (Photo: www. onemusic.ph) “You’re going to need them,” he told his The 1990s group initially performed to- son-in-law. (Photo: www. wheninmanila.com) gether from 1994 to 2000, then reunited for a came together to perform at the London Olympics He already has two from his first daughter, tour in 2007 to 2008 after releasing their “Great- and to promote the Spice Girls musical “Viva Vanessa. est Hits” album in 2007. In 2012, they once again Forever!”. (inquirer.net) B8 FilAm Star November 16 - 22, 2017 entertainment Paolo Ballesteros is the new Barbi Rico J’s most important achievement The past few months saw his recent accomplishments, look, because that’s the first Paolo Ballesteros working on it’s that everything comes at the thing people see. This time, my in his 40-year career three movies—two of which are right time. makeup is heavier and more in- While Rico J. Puno consid- set to open later this month. In “Barbi,” Paolo is the tricate,” pointed out Paolo, who ers “May Bukas Pa” and “Ka- And that’s on top of being part titular character, which was doesn’t mind being typecast in palaran” as the defining hits of of a morning talk show and a originally portrayed by Joey de such roles. his music career, it’s the ballad noontime program that both “The Impossible Dream” that air daily. best describes his current state Sleep? “What sleep?” Va- of mind. cation? “No such thing.” After surviving a triple by- But no complaints what- pass surgery in 2015, he said soever, Paolo said. “I love what he couldn’t be more grateful I do. I love being busy. I could that he’s still healthy enough to hire a personal assistant, but perform and celebrate his 40th I prefer to do things myself— year in the business. from doing my makeup to pre- “I really want to sing ‘The paring and tidying up all the Impossible Dream.’ Just to say stuff I need during shoots,” he that hiniwa, nilagari na ako’t told reporters at a recent press lahat, andito pa rin ako!” he told conference for his comedy film the Inquirer in an interview for Rico J. Puno “Barbi D’ Wonder Beki,” which the concert, “Tatak Rico J: A (Photo: www. filipinojournal.com) opens on Nov. 29. Tribute of 40 Years of the Total Aside from “Barbi,” the celebrate,” he said. this long? Not really, because Entertainer,” on Dec. 2 at The actor-television host will star What’s the significance of then I felt I wasn’t equipped— Theatre at Solaire (call 8919999 in “Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs “The Impossible Dream”? We I’m no Piolo Pascual. or 4702222). Zombies,” with Jose Manalo all aspire for something. When Fortunately, I had the talent. Joining the 64-year-old and Wally Bayola. He will also you achieve that, you might as That’s the most important thing. OPM icon onstage are Willie topbill a romantic flick. “I used well be the proudest man in the And as you age, you learn Revillame, Ogie Alcasid, Randy to think it would be great if I world. Ang yabang mo n’yan! more, you get educated, espe- Santiago, Imelda Papin, Claire could do at least one movie a That’s how I feel right now—I cially when it comes to dealing dela Fuente, Gloc-9 and Ai-Ai year … Ang hirap din pala!” he feel alive because I have real- with different people. delas Alas. “I feel loved, hav- said, laughing. ized my dreams, with the help of How do you feel when other ing all these people with me to “We go on locations be- God, family and friends. music artists cite you as one of Paolo Ballesteros as “Barbi” tween doing ‘Eat Bulaga!’ and What was their influences? I always share (Photo: www.entertainment.inquirer.net) ‘The Lolas’ Beautiful Show,’” the past 40 with my colleagues whatever Paolo added. “I just sleep in years like? it is I have learned and experi- the service vehicle. Earlier this Leon in a film trilogy back in Asked if he feels pressured Forty years enced, and hope they get some- month, we had a bit of a break— the 1980s and ’90s. In the new by people expecting “Barbi” to of successes, thing out of it. I believe that tatlong araw akong ’di naligo!” version, Barbi is a gay man who become a hit like “Die,” Paolo experiences, when you plant good seeds, you With his career on the up- comes from a family of police- said: “As much as possible, challenges get good fruit. swing, Paolo, who won the best men, and is forced to work as a I give my all to every project and difficul- How’s your current lifestyle? actor trophy at last year’s Tokyo security guard. given to me. I don’t think, ‘Oh ties—lahat na I do everything in moderation International Film Festival for “To say that I’m happy is this is for awards—that’s for ’yan. I’m so because anything excessive is “Die Beautiful,” couldn’t help an understatement; it’s like Tito film festivals.’” (Allan Policar- thankful that bad for you. I tweaked my rou- but reminisce about his early Joey is passing the crown to me. pio / inquirer.net) I’ve reached tine. Back then, I could go on for days in show biz. “I have been It’s an honor to be entrusted this point in days without much sleep. Now, I here in the industry for quite with this role,” said Paolo. my career live one day at a time and try to some time now. I remember “I grew up watching the because not make the most out of it. going to auditions, doing VTRs. (original) movies. I didn’t see everyone is What would you say is your Now, I’m going to my own press myself in the character, but I blessed with most important achievement? con,” he related. really enjoyed them,” related longevity. Maintaining and sustaining a “What happened to me Paolo, who received pointers Medyo na- career and the fact that I’m still last year with ‘Die’ hasn’t even from Joey, who’s playing a “spe- kakatanda, living at this moment! I’m proud fully sunk in. Now this,” added cial role” in the movie. pero wala na that I don’t have any enemies Paolo, whose makeup transfor- How does he plan to make talaga tayong in this small industry. And the mations have turned him into this portrayal different from magagawa feeling that you’re important, an internet sensation. the gay/transgender roles he diyan!” that you have become “some- If there’s one thing the 34- has done and is still doing? Did you one.” (Allan Policarpio / in- year-old star has realized from “It’s important to change my (Photo: www. pinoyshowbizphotos.blogspot.com) expect to last quirer.net)