201-434-1114 - Filipino Express

Transcription

Aquino belittles
past admins' gains,
says 'you ain't seen
nothing yet' Page 7
VOL. 29 w
NO. 13 w
March 27-April 2, 2015 w
NATIONAL EDITION w
NEW JERSEY w
NEW YORK w
201-434-1114 w
$1.00
Aquino stops short of 'sorry,'
asks for understanding
By Kristine Angeli Sabillo
In what is likely his last speech on the
Mamasapano incident, which has roiled his
presidency and imperiled the proposed
Bangsamoro Basic Law, President Benigno
Aquino III on Thursday, March 26, asked for
the public's understanding.
He stopped short of apologizing for the
debacle which left 44 police Special Action
Force (SAF) troopers, 17 Moro Islamic
Liberation Front regulars, and at least
three civilians dead - an apology which
other national leaders, such as former
President Fidel Ramos, had urged him to
make.
“Sa bawat Pilipinong nabigo at
nasaktan, buong pagkumababa ko pong
hinihiling ang inyong pag-unawa (To every
Filipino who was disappointed and hurt, I
ask for your understanding, with all
humility),” Aquino said at the Philippine
N a t i o n a l Po l i c e Ac a d e my ( P N PA )
commencement exercises at Camp General
Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite two
months after the botched Mamasapano
operation.
“I am aware of this: that no words will
suffice to explain the deaths of our brave
policemen. A report or a speech can never
reflect the entirety of what is felt by a
parent who lost a good child. All I can do,
after saying all that must be said, and after
doing all that must be done, is to ask for
your deep understanding,” he explained.
“I say this once more: As President, I am
fully responsible for any resultany
triumph, any suffering, and any tragedy that may be borne of our desire for lasting
security and peace.”
A recent Pulse Asia survey revealed
that 79 percent of Filipinos found Aquino's
explanation of the debacle insufficient. The
same percentage of respondents also said
the President's decision to skip the arrival
honors for the PNP troopers killed during
the mission was a mistake.
Aquino has been drawing flak not only
for his actions after the operation,
codenamed Oplan Exodus, but also for
allegedly allowing a suspended official - his
close friend, former PNP chief Director
General Alan Purisima - to direct the
operation.
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Indonesian court rejects
death row Filipina's appeal
Agence France-Presse
JAKARTA, Indonesia -Indonesia's Supreme Court
has rejected an application by
a Filipina on death row for a
judicial review of her case,
taking her a step closer to
(From left) Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, former senator Ping Lacson, Senator Grace Poe
being executed along with
several other foreign drug
convicts.
Aside from Mary Jane
Fiesta Veloso, two highprofile Australian inmates
By Erika Sauler, Gil Cabacungan and
Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan
and convicts from France,
Laila B. Salaverria
was put forward as a presidential
Brazil, Ghana and Nigeria are
Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso
candidate in May 2016 by Sen. Miriam
set to face the firing squad
MANILA -- The season for political Defensor-Santiago in her speech at a
after they recently had
In her application for a
argued that she was not
endorsements or for floating trial Maynilad event on Wednesday, March
requests for presidential
judicial review, Veloso’s
provided with a capable
balloons appears to have begun.
25.
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clemency rejected.
lawyers had reportedly
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Santiago for MV Pangilinan; ad
backs Grace Poe, Ping Lacson
11 Filipino workers seeking more than
$1M in damages from Beverly Hills baker
By Cecile C. Ochoa
Some of the Filipino workers suing L'Amande Bakery; behind are lawyers from
Latham & Watkins and Asians Advancing Justice-LA. Photo by Cecile B. Ochoa
LOS ANGELES -- A group of
half a dozen Filipino employees
suing their employer, a Beverly
Hills bakery is asking $1 million
in damages, alleging exploitative
working conditions, forced labor
and national origin
discrimination, among other
allegations.
The lawsuit was filed on their
behalf and five others by the large
legal firm Latham and Watkins
LLP, and Asian Americans
Advancing Justice - LA.
The defendants are Goncalo
De Almeida and his wife of
F i l i p i n o a n c e s t r y, A n a l i z a
Mointinho de Almeida owners of
French Connections, which does
business as L'Amande French
Bakery.
The complaint lists plaintiffs
Ermita Alabano, Fernando
Belidhon, Romar Cunanan,
Armelinda dela Cerna, Elmer
Genito, Wilfredo Lariga Jr., Louise
Luis, Gina Pablo-Grossman,
Recky Puzon, Ronald Santia,
Rolando Suratos, all workers at
the L'Amande bakery. While most
lost their jobs at the bakery, some
are still working there.
In a press conference March
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March 27-April 2, 2015
Page 2
THE FILIPINO EXPRESS
Why It Matters: The Saudi-led
intervention in Yemen
Associated Press
Airstrikes by Saudi Arabia
against Iran-backed Shiite rebels
in turbulent Yemen have added a
regional dimension to the conflict
in the Arab world's poorest
country. Five reasons why the
world should care about what is
happening there:
Al-Qaida's most feared affiliate
Yemen is home to al-Qaida in
the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP,
which Washington has viewed as
the most lethal branch of the
global network founded by
Osama bin Laden. AQAP has been
linked to several attempted
attacks on the U.S., including the
underwear bomb plot of
December 2009, and it claimed
the January killings at the offices
of the French satirical weekly
Charlie Hebdo.
President Abed Rabbo
Mansour Hadi was a close U.S. ally
in the fight against al-Qaida, but
he fled Yemen on Wednesday,
March 25, as his forces were
routed by the Shiite rebels,
known as Houthis, and loyalists
of former President Ali Abdullah
Saleh.
The Houthis, who control the
capital Sanaa and nine of Yemen's
21 provinces, are sworn enemies
Rescue workers work on debris at the plane crash site near Seyne-les-Alpes, France,
Wednesday, March 25, 2015, after a Germanwings jetliner crashed Tuesday in the
French Alps. AP PHOTO/Laurent Cipriani
French prosecutor: Co-pilot wanted
to 'destroy' Germanwings plane
People carry the body of a woman covered with a blanket from under the
rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi airstrikes near Sanaa Airport, Yemen,
Thursday, March 26, 2015. Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes Thursday targeting
military installations in Yemen held by Shiite rebels who were taking over a key
port city in the country's south and had driven the embattled president to flee
by sea, security officials said. AP
of al-Qaida, but they are also
hostile to the U.S. Their slogan is
“God is great, death to America,
death to Israel, damnation to the
Jews, victory for Islam.”
US drone campaign
The U.S. drone campaign
against AQAP is now in disarray.
About 100 U.S. military advisers
withdrew last weekend from alAnnad air base, where they had
been leading the campaign. The
It was the co-pilot's “intention
to destroy this plane,” Robin said.
PARIS, France -- The co-pilot of
The information was pulled
a Germanwings flight that slammed from the black box cockpit voice
into an Alpine mountainside recorder, but Robin said the co-pilot
“intentionally” sent the plane into did not say a word after the
its doomed descent, a French commanding pilot left the cockpit.
Houthis have overrun the base,
prosecutor said Thursday, March
“It was absolute silence in the
which was hit in Thursday's
26.
cockpit,” he said.
(March 26) air raids.
Marseille prosecutor Brice
During the final minutes of the
For more than a decade, the
Robin said the commander left the flight's descent, pounding could be
CIA and the military's Joint
cockpit, presumably to go to the heard on the door as alarms
Special Operations Command
lavatory, and then was unable to sounded, he said. In the German
have carried out parallel targeted
regain access. In the meantime, he town of Montabaur, acquaintances
killings in Yemen, and the U.S.
said, co-pilot Andreas Lubitz said Lubitz was in his late twenties
military has trained elite Yemeni
manually and “intentionally” set and showed no signs of depression
counterterrorism units. In
the plane on the descent that drove when they saw him last fall as he
September, President Barack
it into the mountainside in the renewed his glider pilot's license.
Obama cited Yemen as a success
southern French Alps.
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SEPTEMBER 5-16, 2015
Associated Press
Page 3
'Worst' no more? Naia 1 makeover 85% complete
By Jeannette I. Andrade
Amid the hammering and
whirr of tools, the public address
system at Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (Naia)
Terminal 1 tirelessly issues an
appeal: “Please bear with us. We
are undergoing renovations to
better serve you.”
For Sonia, a frequent flyer
since the 1990s, all that work
should have been done years
ago. Still, the 40-year-old
migrant worker is appreciative
of the transformation unfolding
before her.
“It's much cooler now, less
congested and not as dark as
b e f o r e ,” s h e s a i d . “ N o w
everything looks brighter and
more welcoming.”
Not many would have agreed
with her four years ago, when
the 30-year-old terminal made
headlines for supposedly being
the worst in the world. The
ranking was made by a website
that offers a guide for travelers
when sleeping at airports - and
was seen as a validation of what
long-suffering passengers had
been complaining about.
The same site also noted how
a portion of the terminal's ceiling
collapsed in 2011, raising more
serious questions over its
structural integrity.
P1.3-BILLION DIFFERENCE. The Manila International Airport Authority has released these pictures to show
the transformation of Naia Terminal 1 after renovations started in January last year. Upper photo shows the
departure concourse while those below are of the departure lobby.
But 14 months after the
launch of a P1.3-billion
makeover for Naia 1, officials
believe that enough has been
done to erase its woeful image.
In an interview on Thursday,
March 26, Manila International
Airport Authority general
manager Jose Angel Honrado
said the rehabilitation work,
which started in January last
year, is now 85-percent complete
and should be finished by May.
Honrado insisted that the
massive rehab project was not
triggered by the airport being
adjudged the worst in 2011.
“The structure investigation
started in 2010,'' he said.
As to the online “survey'' that
purportedly served as the basis
for Naia's pitiful ranking, he said:
“People keep on referring to it
(but) we do not even know who
made that survey or how many
were surveyed. Nobody knows.”
“We did not react (by
renovating) because of that
survey. The repairs done in the
toilets started even before that
report came out,” he said.
Naia 1 manager Dante
Basanta said the completed
works so far involved structural
retrofitting, aesthetic
improvements, upgrades in
electrical, plumbing, mechanical
(weighing and feeding
c o nveyo r s , e t c . ) a n d f i re
protection systems, and the
construction of lounges for hotel
bookings and transport services.
The interior was refurbished
with the installation of new
lighting fixtures, flooring and
ceiling, and an upgraded airconditioning system, he said.
Passenger areas or sections
generally accessible to the public
may be completed by the end of
the month, in time for the Holy
Week break.
“Overall, the present
rehabilitation will definitely
improve the travel experience of
the riding public,” Basanta said.
Inquirer.net
Page 4
Santiago for
MV Pangilinan;
ad backs ...
private water concessionaires in
Metro Manila. He is also chair of
Manila Electric Co., Philex Mining
Corp. and Philippine Long
Distance Telephone Co., whose
media arm has shares in the
Inquirer and other newspapers.
Asked in a press briefing later
if she was endorsing Pangilinan,
Santiago said, “Yes.”
“People like him should be in
positions of leadership,” the
senator said, adding that honesty,
professional excellence and
academic excellence were the
qualifications that she was looking
for in public officials.
Lacson tandem after she endorsed
Pangilinan, Santiago said, “As a
veteran candidate, I can dismiss it
offhand as part of PR work.”
“In practical terms, you cannot
just think of any person to put
together and spend money on a
full-page ad. It's too expensive to
express a casual opinion,” she said.
11 Filipino
workers ...
the owner to stop abusing my coFilipino workers,” Louise said.
Temporary visas
The E-2 visa provides
temporary work authorization
19 sponsored by Asian Americans for immigrants with specialized
From page 1
Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, or supervisory skills who are
Laboni Hoq, litigation director of employed by a foreign national
Santiago endorsed Pangilinan
as she dismissed a full-page
the advocacy group alleged that who has invested a substantial
Retired men in uniform
newspaper ad urging Sen. Grace
“11 Filipino workers were amount of capital in a U.S.-based
A “manifesto for democratic
Poe and former Sen. Panfilo
fraudulently lured by their business.
discernment , vigilance and
Lacson “to run in tandem for
employer to the United States on
Like other temporary (or
transformation” appeared in the
higher office” in 2016 as the “PR
E-2 visas and then subjected to guest) worker visas, E-2 visa
Inquirer on Wednesday that was
work of a team working for either
exploitative working conditions holders are dependent on their
signed by 35 retired police and
camp.”
including forced labor, severe employers for legal status, with
military officials. Lacson is a
Reacting to the ad, Poe said she
wage theft, immigration-related few - and in this case no former national police chief.
was grateful for the kind words
practices.”
protections against employer
Not a politician
The manifesto cited the
given by the retired military and
exploitation
and retaliation for
After Santiago's speech,
Mamasapano clash, the
police officers in the full-page ad,
Filed in Superior Court
asserting workplace rights.
Pangilinan told reporters: “I thank
devastation of Supertyphoon
while Lacson said he was thankful
The complaint was filed with
“The E-2 visa is especially ripe
her for that but I'm not sure if she “Yolanda” (international name:
for the endorsement.
the Superior Court of California for abuse and employer misuse,
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who was totally serious. I respect her Haiyan), the pork barrel scam, and
Central District Judicial District and is overdue for reform,” said
opinion. Her opinion counts a lot
traffic and port congestion as
wants to run for Vice President
(Case
No. BC576048) listing 27 Advancing Justice's Laboni Hoq.
but
I'm
not
a
politician.”
recent
crises
that
“jarred
the
next year, said Lacson was very
causes of action ranging from
“By offering a largely
Pangilinan was reported last
senses of our people.”
m u c h q u a l i f i e d to r u n fo r
h u m a n t ra f f i c k i n g , ra c i a l , unregulated avenue for wealthy
year as a possible running mate of
“Faced with these crises and
President.
a n c e s t r y a n d e t h n i c i t y foreign nationals to get a
Vice President Jejomar Binay, the
problems, our people need and
As for Poe, Trillanes said she
discrimination and harassment, competitive advantage in the U.S.
first politician to declare that he
deserve a national leadership that
would be a “very formidable
federal and California labor laws marketplace, the E-2 visa allows
is competent, incorruptible and
opponent” should she run for Vice would run for President in 2016.
But Binay said last month he
does not adhere to traditional
violations, illegal immigration- unscrupulous foreign investors to
President.
politics,” it said.
related practices, fraud and bring in immigrant workers who
“She's very much qualified to w a s c o n s i d e r i n g P a g - I b i g
president and CEO Darlene Marie
run for any position and I believe
negligent misrepresentation, can be forced to accept abusive
Berberabe his running mate.
Compassionate leadership
the people's sympathy is with her,”
negligence, intentional infliction working conditions or risk
T h e m a n i fe s to s a i d t h e
he said.
of emotional distress and unfair deportation and retaliation in
“strong-willed, disciplined and
At the Maynilad Leadership Don't count her out
business competition.
their home country.
Despite her expression of
decisive service reputation” of
Talk at the University of the
The accusations stemmed
That is what our clients have
support for Pangilinan, Santiago
Lacson and the “untarnished and
Philippines Asian Center
from findings of the California been facing, but they are bravely
said she wasn't discounting the
compassionate brand of
a u d i t o r i u m , g u e s t s p e a ke r
s t a t e' s D i v i s i o n o f L a b o r stepping forward to shine a light
possibility of her own candidacy.
leadership” of Poe would be the
Santiago said: “What is it that you
Standards Enforcement audit of on the significant gaps in our
“Just because it is an option for best combination to serve the
want for the Philippines in 2016? I
the business, which began nation's guest worker laws, that
me doesn't mean I have to close all
needs of the Filipino people.
want you to think about those. And
December 2013, that the bakery result in inhumane treatment of
options. I'm just thinking aloud to
Among the signatories to the
I want you to think about Mr.
establishment had committed workers.”
the young people what kind of
manifesto were retired Col.
Manny Pangilinan for President of
violations of various California
The lawsuit alleges claims for
candidate
I
have
in
mind,”
she
said.
Mariano
Santiago
(who
led
rebels'
the republic.”
labor laws.
labor exploitation,
Asked to comment on the
takeover of state-owned broadcast
Pangilinan is chair of Maynilad
INQUIRER.net sought d i s c r i m i n a t i o n , u n fa i r
manifesto supporting a Poeu
Page 6
Water Services Inc., one of the two
comments from the owners on immigration-related practices,
Thursday, March 19, at their trafficking, and racketeering
fashionable Beverly Hills location, based on visa fraud, retaliation,
but they were not available. The and seeks to enjoin ongoing
store is patronized mostly by unfair practices.
urban professionals, with the
Some of the wage and hour
f r o n t c o u n t e r m a n a g e d claims alone for the 11 workers
predominantly by Caucasian amount to more than $1,000,000,
workers, one with a French as attorneys said, “We will pursue
accent. The bakery has another additional damages and penalties
branch in Torrance, Ca.
based on the many legal claims.”
In the lawsuit, John Trang,
staff attorney at Advancing Justice Seeking protection
- LA stated the workers were
Adva n c i n g J u s t i c e S t a f f
recruited under false pretenses Attorney John Trang said the
for their specialized pastry chef agency is also seeking immediate
skills, but were forced to do immigration relief for the
menial labor once they arrived in workers. “As victims of labor
the United States. Some of the t ra f f i c k i n g , c o e rc ive l a b o r
violations had been corrected at p r a c t i c e s , a n d p o t e n t i a l
this time, according to Trang persecution if they return to the
because of the audit.
Philippines, the bakery workers
One worker, Louise Luis, said deserve the protection of our
she was terminated after being laws.
interviewed by Labor
“The workers deserve to stay
investigators. She said a person in the U.S. where they can
named Ana had offered her work continue to contribute to the
as a supervisor of the bakery in American economy,” Trang added.
America and promised to pay her
Adva n c i n g J u s t i c e - L A
$2,000 a month. Louise was asked (formerly Asian Pacific American
to sign a document stating that it Legal Center), headed by Stewart
cost $11,000 to process her Kwoh has successfully joined in
working papers
litigating other lawsuits filed on
Robert S. Barnett, CPA, JD, MS (Taxation)
Albert Dumaual, JD, LLM (Taxation)
“As we waited for the bakery behalf of Filipino and Asian
(516) 931-8100 ext. 314
(516) 931-8100 ext. 317
to open within six months, I workers.
Rbarnett@cbmslaw.com
Adumaual@cbmslaw.com
worked as a domestic servant for
One landmark case was the
Ana. I got paid $330 a month national origin complaint by
working 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every nurses filed against the a Delano
day,” Louise said.
hospital, alleging that the
When the bakery opened, employees where prohibited
Louise said she “worked harder from speaking Tagalog at the
seven days a week 12-14 hours a workplace. It is believed to be the
day.” The Filipino workers were largest language discrimination
paid less than the non-Filipino settlement in the U.S. healthcare
workers, she said. She and other industry ($975,000 settlement).
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW
www.cbmslaw.com
F i l i p i n o s w e r e a l l e g e d l y The hospital denied having
threatened with cancellation of violated the law but settled to
their working permits and being avoid further litigation expenses.
sent home. “When I learned about Inquirer.net
my rights as a worker, I wanted
Stop the IRS from
taking your savings!
Report your foreign
bank account.
Offices in New York City and Long Island
From page 1
Page 5
Why it matters ...
From page 2
story when he detailed his strategy
against the Islamic State group in Iraq
and Syria, which involves targeted U.S.
s t r i ke s o n m i l i t a n t s w i t h t h e
cooperation of friendly ground forces.
The loss of Hadi and the splintering
of his military leave the U.S. with fewer
allies on the ground gathering
intelligence and launching raids. The
rise of the Shiite Houthis has also
helped al-Qaida rally support among
Yemen's Sunni majority.
Saudi-Iranian proxy war
The airstrikes have transformed
Yemen into another arena for the
regional struggle between Saudi
Arabia and Iran, which also back
opposite sides in Syria's civil war.
The Houthis generally are a part of
the Zaydi Shiite minority, which
accounts for about a third of Yemen's
population. Shiite-dominated Iran
supports the rebels and has
condemned the airstrikes, but the
Houthis deny receiving arms from
Tehran.
The Gulf Cooperation Council made up of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates,
Qatar and Oman - backs Hadi, and all
but Oman are taking part in the
intervention in Yemen. Senior Egyptian
security and military officials say Saudi
Arabia and Egypt will lead a ground
operation against the rebels and their
allies after the airstrikes.
French
Prosecutor ...
From page 2
“He was happy he had the job with
Germanwings and he was doing well,”
said a member of the glider club, Peter
Ruecker, who watched him learn to fly.
“He gave off a good feeling.”
Lubitz had obtained his glider
pilot's license as a teenager, and was
accepted as a Lufthansa pilot trainee
after finishing a tough German college
preparatory school, Ruecker said. He
described Lubitz as a “rather quiet” but
friendly young man. The Airbus A320,
Indonesian court
rejects ... From page 1
translator during her first trial.
But the Supreme Court’s website
said that judges on Wednesday, March
25, rejected Veloso's application for a
review of her sentence. It did not
provide details about the ruling and a
court spokesman could not
i m m e d i a te ly b e c o n t a c te d fo r
comment.
Veloso was caught at Yogyakarta
airport, on the main island of Java,
carrying 2.6 kilograms (5.73 pounds)
of heroin on a flight from Malaysia.
Jakarta plans to execute all 10 of the
convicts - nine foreigners and one
Indonesian - at the same time, but has
said it will wait for any outstanding
legal appeals to conclude.
Islamic State group
The turmoil has allowed
supporters of the Islamic State
extremist group to gain a foothold in
Yemen, where IS-inspired militants
killed more than 130 people last week
in suicide attacks on two Houthi-linked
mosques.
Such attacks, along with the Saudi
intervention, could add a toxic
sectarian dimension to what until now
has mainly been a political conflict. An
openly sectarian war like those in Syria
or Iraq would likely attract foreign
fighters and external support for the
rival sides, resulting in an even
bloodier and more intractable conflict.
Guantanamo Bay detainees
Obama authorized the transfer of
Ye m e n i d e t a i n e e s f r o m t h e
Guantanamo Bay prison nearly two
years ago amid high hopes that Hadi
could maintain security in the country.
The transfer never took place, however,
because AQAP has thrived amid the
instability.
The Obama administration said
recently that the U.S. is not considering
sending any of the Yemeni detainees
back to their homeland for the
foreseeable future because of volatile
conditions.
That could make it even harder for
Obama to make good on his 2008
campaign promise to close the U.S.
military prison for terrorism suspects.
Nearly two-thirds of the remaining 122
Guantanamo detainees are from
Yemen. Inquirer.net
on a flight from Barcelona to
Duesseldorf, began to descend from
cruising altitude after losing radio
contact with ground control and
slammed into the remote mountain on
Tuesday morning, killing all 150 people
on board.
Lufthansa has not identified the
pilots but said the co-pilot joined
Germanwings in September 2013,
directly after training, and had flown
630 hours. The captain had more than
6,000 hours of flying time and been a
Germanwings pilot since May 2014,
having previously flown for Lufthansa
a n d C o n d o r, L u f t h a n s a s a i d .
Inquirer.net
Australians Andrew Chan and
Myuran Sukumaran, leaders of the socalled “Bali Nine” drug-smuggling
gang, as well as Frenchman Serge
Atlaoui, currently have appeals that are
working their way through the courts.
Chan and Sukumaran have lost two
previous attempts to get judicial
reviews of their cases, but their legal
teams have lodged a further, rare
appeal.
Indonesia has some of the toughest
anti-drugs laws in the world, and
President Joko Widodo has vowed
there will be no clemency for
traffickers on death row, as the country
is facing an “emergency” due to rising
narcotics use.
Jakarta put to death six drug
convicts, including five foreigners, in
January, sparking a diplomatic storm.
Inquirer.net
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201-434-1114
Mohagher Iqbal says MILF will
not withdraw from peace process,
regardless of BBL fate
By JB Deveza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) Peace Panel
Chairman Mohagher Iqbal
has said the MILF will never
disengage from the peace
process, regardless of what
happens to the Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL).
“No matter what happens
to the BBL, the MILF will stay
engaged in the peace
process,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal made the statement
at the sidelines of Thursday's
( M a rc h 2 6 ) U n ive r s i t y
Convocation ceremonies,
part of Xavier University's
76th Commencement
Exercises.
Iqbal, together with
M i r i a m C o ro n e l - Fe r re r,
chairperson of the GPH Peace
Panel for talks with the MILF,
were conferred with the Fr.
William F. Masterson, SJ
award for their contributions
to social development.
Iqbal was cited for his
“conscientious and patient
efforts to engage in
democratic dialogue and
negotiations for peace in
Mindanao, for his untiring
work towards a negotiated
political solution that
eschews the ways of
extremism and terrorism,
and for his unflinching and
heartfelt service to bring
peace and progress to our
country.”
Fe r re r ' s “ exe m p l a r y
contributions to peacebuilding and conflict
management” was
recognized by the University.
The Jesuit-run Xavier
University also bestowed the
Doctor of Humanities,
honoris causa, to OPPAP
Secretary Teresita QuintosDeles who also served as the
commencement speaker.
Deles said the
recognition for their efforts
to build peace in Mindanao
has been “very affirming,”
considering all the flak the
peace process with the MILF
has been receiving following
the January 25 Mamasapano
carnage.
The university President,
Fr Roberto Yap, SJ, lauded the
three negotiators' efforts to
build peace, telling the
almost 2,000 graduates to
emulate their courage to
work for peace despite the
daunting obstacles set before
it. “More than ever, especially
after the Mamasapano
tragedy, Xavier University
signifies its support for
staying the course in
pursuing peace,” Yap said.
The University's decision
to push through with the
recognition of Iqbal, Deles,
and Ferrer was initially met
with some opposition from
Xavier University alumni,
with some taking to social
media to voice their
sentiments. But Archbishop
Antonio Javellana Ledesma
S.J. of the Archdiocese of
Cagayan de Oro said the
opposition to the honoring of
the three and, indirectly, to
the BBL in the city, has been
largely due to a lack of
understanding of the issues.
“We have no other option
but to continue the dialogue
on peace,” Ledesma, who
witnessed the honoring of
the three, said. SFM.
Inquirer.net
Page 6
3 out of 5 Filipinos want
legalization of divorce
By Aries Joseph Hegina
MANILA -- Three out of
five Filipinos, or 60 percent,
want divorce to be legalized
for “irreconcilably
separated” couples, the
results of a recent survey by
the Social Weather Stations
(SWS) revealed on Monday,
March 23.
The survey, which was
conducted from Nov. 27 to
Dec. 1 last year, revealed that
60 percent of 1,800
respondents agree that
“Married couples who have
a l re a d y s e p a ra te d a n d
cannot reconcile anymore
should be allowed to divorce
so that they can get legally
married again” while 29
Santiago for
MV Pangilinan;
ad backs ...
From page 4
Stations in the Edsa People
Power Revolution), Brig.
Gen. Rodrigo B. Gutang
(executive director of the
Association of Generals and
Flag Officers), Lt. Gen.
Edilberto P. Adan (former
executive director of the
Philippine Commission on
the Visiting Forces
Agreement), Col. Guillermo
G. Cunanan (former general
manager of Manila
International Airport), Col.
Victor Erfe (member of the
Reform the Armed Forces
Movement) and Lt. Gen.
Edgardo E. Batenga (former
chair of the Philippine peace
panel).
Santiago said the
proponents did not present a
strong case for Poe and
Lacson. “It's not like they
have experience, some
mileage in working together.
It makes you suspicious right
away.”
Poe to consider tandem
Poe assured the retired
men in uniform that she
percent disagreed and 11
percent undecided on the
issue.
Among the respondents,
16 percent have live-in
partners, 63 percent are
married and 21 percent are
single.
SWS also revealed that
more men and women are in
favor of the proposition, with
62 percent of male
re s p o n d e n t s ( f ro m 5 2
percent in March 2011) and
57 percent of female
re s p o n d e n t s ( f ro m 4 9
percent in March 2011)
agreeing to the measure.
Support for the approval
of the legalization of divorce
also rose in all areas, with 67
percent of adult respondents
from Metro Manila, 62
percent from Balance Luzon,
55 percent from Visayas and
55 percent from Mindanao
all throwing their support
for the initiative.
During the last SWS
survey on divorce in March
2 0 1 1 , f i f t y p e rc e n t o f
Filipinos favored the
legalization of divorce.
SWS cleared that the
survey is noncommissioned
and was released as a “public
service.”
The Philippines and
Vatican City are the only two
states in the world, which
ban the practice of divorce.
Inquirer.net
would continue to do what
she believed what was best
for the country.
“I have high respect for
Senator Lacson's record as a
public servant. And to be
regarded and mentioned
with him in the same breath
is a privilege. This expression
of support among other
equally important factors
will definitely be considered
in whatever decision I will
make in the future,” Poe said
in a text message.
Poe, who was appointed
by President Aquino as chair
of the Movie and Television
Review and Classification
Board before she topped the
2013 senatorial election, has
remained coy on her political
plans despite her high
r a t i n g s i n s u r ve y s o n
possible presidential and
vice presidential candidates.
As chair of the committee
on public order, she has led
the hearings on the
Mamasapano debacle and on
the problems besetting the
Metro Rail Transit.
In a text message, Lacson
said he was thankful for the
endorsement made by his
former comrades “who have
been in the battlefields
themselves at some point
and been vanguards of law
and order.”
Lacson a Poe admirer
Lacson said he was a Poe
admirer. “As I follow the
young political career of Sen.
Grace Poe, I can't help but
admire her for not being a
traditional politician. With
an untainted name and
reputation, her sobriety and
professionalism in showing a
commanding presence and
leadership even in the
presence of her veteran
colleagues in the Senate is
truly commendable,” he said.
Lacson, whose secondstraight term as senator
ended in 2013, recently
resigned as Aquino's adviser
on rehabilitation and
recovery.
He noted that voters had
become more critical and
discerning in the light of
recent events, such as the
Mamasapano encounter. He
said the elections of
President Aquino and Vice
President Jejomar Binay in
2010 and Poe in 2013 “have
shown us how political
landscapes and fortunes can
change overnight and this
other guiding factor I will
consider in firming up my
decision,” Lacson said.
Inquirer.net
Aquino stops
short ... From page 1
While the President has taken
responsibility for the mission, he has
blamed relieved SAF commander
Getulio Napeñas for disobeying his
orders to coordinate with the military
and with groups involved in the peace
process with the MILF.
A recent Pulse Asia poll revealed
that Aquino's approval ratings dropped
by double-digit percentage points, the
biggest drop among the top five officials
of the country.
Still blaming Napenas, Purisima?
Aquino said he could explain the
importance of catching terrorists like
Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was
killed in the said mission.
“I could also detail the problems
and the errors in the operation,” he said.
“But now that I have shared all that I
went through, and the information I
held on that day, is there anyone who
can say, in all honesty, that he can
exceed everything we did in order to
respond to the situation, given the
information we held?”
But without naming names, he
reiterated his earlier complaint that he
was misled into believing that
everything went according to plan.
“The version of the plan presented
to me convinced me that adequate
preparations were made, and that it
would be executed correctly. I also
assumed that all my orders would be
followed, especially since I was dealing
with professionals regarding the
matter,” he said, alluding to Napeñas.
He also seemingly referred to
Purisima when he said that the text
messages he received about the
operation, in the morning of January 25,
was without urgency.
“From what was texted, it appeared
to me as if the operation in
Mamasapano had ended, or was
coming to an end, because mechanized
units and artillery were already
providing assistance,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said he may be
angry with his subordinates and regret
trusting people “who concealed the
truth”
“I can never erase the fact: 44
members of our police force are dead.
And this happened under my term. Let
me stress it: I will bear this basic truth
with me to my grave,” Aquino said.
Amid rumors that he went to
Mindanao during the operation
because he anticipated its success,
Aquino explained that he was in
Zamboanga to visit a site of a bombing
and to discuss the delayed
rehabilitation of communities affected
by the Zamboanga siege with a local
official.
'With God as witness'
He made it clear that there was no
intention to put the SAF troopers on
harm's way.
Recalling a conversation with the
father of a policeman slain during the
operation, the President said he will not
let any of his men embark on a suicide
mission.
“If an operation poses serious
danger, I will always be the very first to
call for its cancellation,” he said.
When he was informed of the
difficulty to reach the SAF units
engaged in a gunfight in Mamasapano,
he said he refused to abandon his men.
“Aren't those who are in a
precarious position our brothers? I
ordered them to craft plans so that they
could link up at the soonest possible
time, and save the 84th. The minimum I
agreed to was to deliver aid, such as
medicine and resupply ammunition,
granted that linking up was
impossible,” he said.
“With God as my witness, I tell you
the truth,” the embattled President told
more than 200 PNPA graduates, as well
as their parents and other government
officials.
Time to heal
A recent Pulse Asia survey showed
that 79 percent of Filipinos found
Aquino's explanation of the
Mamasapano debacle insufficient. The
same percentage of respondents also
said the President's decision to skip the
arrival honors for the PNP troopers
killed during the mission was a mistake.
Aquino, however, explained that his
intention was to “give the families space
to grieve, as they were to meet their
fallen loved ones for the first time.”
“Some people found fault in this by
calling me cruel or without regard for
such loss,” he admitted.
He further argued that he wanted to
“help them heal” and that it would not
have helped if he faced them without
knowing the whole story behind the
botched operation.
“If my response was 'I do not know
(how or why they died),' how could I
help hasten the healing?” he said.
Reacting to the criticisms hurled
against him, he said, “Yes, I am the
President, but I am also human.”
“But as I have promised, I will
continue to do what is right and just. I
will continue to exert every effort to
serve all of you and to faithfully fulfill
my sworn mandate,” he added.
He said he will make sure that due
process is followed and those
responsible for the bloody encounter
would be held accountable. JN/AC.
Inquirer.net
Page 7
Aquino belittles past admins' gains, says 'you ain't seen nothing yet’
By Kristine Angeli Sabillo
MANILA -- President Benigno
Aquino III on Tuesday, March 24,
highlighted the gains of his
administration, including projects
under the public-private
partnership (PPP) program.
“If you will allow me to make a
quick comparison: The past three
administrations combined were
only able to complete six solicited
PPP projects,” Aquino said during
the Philippines Investment Forum
in Makati.
“On the other hand, under our
administration, nine projects have
been awarded; 16 are in the process
of being bid out; and more than 30
other projects are under various
stages of development,” he said.
The PPP has long been touted by
the Aquino administration but it has
also been criticized and questioned
by critics. Some said it is mostly
hype.
According to the PPP Center, the
nine projects that have already been
awarded were the Daang HariSouth Luzon Expressway (Slex) Link
Road Project (P2.24 billion), the PPP
for School Infrastructure Project
President Benigno Aquino III. AP file photo
(PSIP) Phase I (P16.28 billion), PSIP
Phase II (P3.86 billion), Naia
Expressway Phase II Project (P23.9
billion), Modernization of the
Philippine Orthopedic Center
(P5.62 billion), Automatic Fare
Collection System (P2.24 billion),
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Passenger Terminal Building
(P34.33 billion), LRT Line I Cavite
extension including operation and
maintenance (P44.65 billion), and
the Integrated Transport System
Southwest Terminal Project (P3.15
billion).
Aquino deplored that all the
pieces of good news remain
“relegated to the back pages of
broadsheets.”
“While it is true that we have had
our share of setbacks and
challenges, we also have an
impressive number of
achievements under our belt,” he
told hundreds of businessmen
attending the event.
The President said 2014 was a
“banner year for net foreign direct
investment,” which reached $6.2
billion. Meanwhile, gross domestic
product growth from 2010 to 2013
was at 6.3 percent, higher than 4.3
percent under the term of former
President and Pampanga
congresswoman Gloria MacapagalArroyo.
This is in addition to the
Philippines being upgraded to
investment grade by three credit
ratings agencies.
“Our administration remains
hard at work so that we can
maximize every opportunity
available to us, and I think many of
you will agree with me when I say:
You ain't seen nothing yet,” he said.
In addition to improving
infrastructure, Aquino said his
administration has focused on the
power sector.
The business sector has been
concerned with the country's
energy situation, especially with
threats of power outages during the
summer.
Aquino said that while the total
dependable capacity of 15,664
megawatts is enough to meet the
projected demand level for the year,
it still has to take into consideration
the threat of El Niño and the
rehabilitation of the Malampaya gas
field.
“Government has been pursuing
an entire menu of options to address
this projected shortfall,” he said as
his request for emergency powers
remain pending in Congress.
The President said in addition to
the rehabilitation of the 300 MW
Malaya thermal power plant, the
National Grid Corporation of the
Philippines has also been requested
to “optimize the dispatch of
hydropower plants.”
“Partnerships with the private
sector have also proved useful:
Under the Interruptible Load
Program, as of January 2015, 252
participants have signed up to use
their own generators and de-load a
total of 688.67 megawatts during
times when power supply is too
tight,” he said. AC. Inquirer.net
Page 8
Plan for Renaissance of Greenville Announced by Mayor
Fulop, Council President Lavarro, Councilman Gajewski
and the South Greenville Neighborhood Assn
Louie Anthony
Labayen, OCDS, MM
Seattle-based Filipino Carmelite
composer honored in Spain
SEATTLE, Washington -- Among the
new compositions chosen the Order of
Carmelites Discalced in Avila, Spain to
celebrate the 5th Centenary of St. Teresa of
Jesus (1515-1582) was music written by
Washington state-based Louie Anthony
Labayen, OCDS, MM, who wrote under the
pen name Anthony Zebedee Abbot.
Labayen's song, “Song on Nada te
Turbe” (Let Nothing Disturb You), was
among the 16 compositions chosen by
the order's St. Teresa of Jesus 500
Commission, which launched the
antiphon composition competition on
Teresian Prayer last year to produce new
music inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus,
founder of the Order of Carmelites
Discalced.
A jury presided by D. Rogelio Cabado
chose the 16 songs from 82 entries by 34
composers. The antiphons were chosen
based on their suitability for prayer,
beauty of the music and message and
accessibility for singing and
memorization. Many of the winning
songs were written by composers with
master of music degrees.
Labayen's “Nada te Turbe” was a
prayer of St. Teresa of Jesus that was
found as a bookmark in her Divine Office
Breviary after her death. The music was
set to the original Spanish text and will be
part of a larger work for voice, seven
guitars and double bass. The composition
was dedicated to Pope Francis in
gratitude for his 2015 Papal Visit to the
Philippines.
Louie Anthony Labayen, from St.
Nicholas of Tolentino Parish in Gig
Harbor in the Archdiocese of Seattle,
Washington, is a member of the Blessed
Trinity Community of the Order of
Carmelites Discalced Secular under the
California-Arizona OCD Province of St.
Joseph. He is the nephew of Carmelite
Bishop Emeritus Julio Xavier Labayen,
OCD, DD, originally of the Washington, DC
OCD Province and appointed Prelate of
Infanta, Quezon, Philippines.
Labayen studied composition under
Fr. Manuel Benildo Maria Perez Maramba,
OSB at the University of Santo Tomas. He
was conferred the master of music degree
in orchestral conducting and literature by
the University of Northern Colorado and
the bachelor of Aarts degree by De La
Salle University.
The STJ500 Commission's website
w i t h t h e awa rd i s p a ravo s n a c i .
com/musica.
The music can be downloaded and
heard through the composer's website at
ilLouminate.us. E-mail is
CiO@ilLouminate.us. Inquirer.net
JERSEY CITY -- Mayor
Steven M. Fulop, Council
President Rolando Lavarro, Jr.,
Ward A Councilman Frank
Gajewski, and the South
Greenville Neighborhood
Association announced today
plans for the revitalization of
Greenville and the greater
Ocean Avenue South
neighborhood by
implementing zoning changes
to attract new commercial and
residential development as
part of the Fulop
Administration's goal of
expanding investment to
previously overlooked
neighborhoods.
In partnership with the
City Council and the
c o m m u n i t y,
t h e
administration has developed
a draft redevelopment plan for
Ocean Avenue South that
would spur redevelopment in
the southern end of the city,
expanding the Jersey City
renaissance to Greenville. The
concept is to allow greater
d e n s i t y a ro u n d t ra n s i t ,
implement zoning for new,
mixed-use residential
development, and to rebuild
Ocean Avenue as a vibrant
commercial district.
“We want to reestablish
Ocean Avenue as a
neighborhood destination as
we restore our old historic
downtowns to what they once
were,” said Mayor Fulop.
Zoning Changes
Would Allow for New
Commercial and
Residential
Development and the
Restoration of a
Vibrant “Main Street
Feel” in Greenville
“These zoning changes are
the first step in having
Greenville share in the
renaissance that other parts of
the city have experienced. By
working with the community,
we developed a plan that will
jumpstart investment and
bring new stores, restaurants,
and housing to an area that has
long been overlooked.”
I n D e c e m b e r, t h e
administration and City
Council authorized an initial
study by the Planning
Department of Ocean Avenue
from Merritt Street to Cator
Avenue, which has been used
to develop the draft
redevelopment plan.
The redevelopment plan
incorporates smart growth
strategies to encourage
mixed-use residential
development within walking
distance of public
transportation while
preserving important
neighborhood resources that
help define the unique
character of the corridor and
larger Greenville area.
The Ocean Avenue South
Study Area contains 21 acres
and 115 individual lots that
while primarily three-story
mixed use buildings also
includes: one- and two-family
homes, senior housing, light
industrial, places of worship,
and low-rise apartments. With
the Danforth Avenue Light Rail
Station and the NJ Transit Bus
Terminal at Gates Avenue, the
Ocean Avenue South area is a
perfect location for
encouraging transit-oriented
development and has many
unique features that make it a
viable candidate for a return to
commercial and mixed use
zoning.
“One of the first things we
discussed with the community
was a strategy of how we can
bring back the main street feel
of Greenville and create a
platform for future investment
and development,” said Ward
A Councilman Gajewski.
“The Greenville
neighborhood is one with
many unique and historic
characteristics and this
redevelopment plan will be a
tool for marketing those
features and unlocking the full
potential of the area. The
community is energized
around this and has been a
great partner in getting the
plan off the ground.” u
Page 14
Barnert Subacute Rehabilitation Center
presents free Diabetic Management Session
Barnert Subacute
Rehabilitation Center offered a
free Diabetic Management
Session at 680 Broadway 3rd
Floor, Paterson, New Jersey
last March 25, 2015 from 2 PM
4 PM, with Special Guest
Speaker Ms. Jeanette Grimes Manager, Mission Delivery
Programs of American
Diabetes Association.
In support of the American
Diabetes Association Alert Day
2015 celebration, BARNERT
SUBACUTE REHABILITATION
CENTER was honored to bring
this event to the public
adjoining on its' purpose to
create education awareness
about the types of diabetes,
diabetes preventions, risks
and warning signs.
The program was divided
into two parts: It started with a
healthy food preparation
demonstration presented by
Donna Matrone, (Registered
Dietician) followed by the
actual Diabetic Management
lecture. The program formally
ended via question and
answer forum.
This momentous event
was made possible with the
support of the facility
Administrator Margot
Domingo, the Director of
Nursing Virginia Tan and the
From Left: Marlon Zapanta - Director of Activity, Donna Matrone Registered Dietician, Margot Domingo - Administrator, Jeanette Grimes Manager, Community Initiatives, and Virginia Tan - Director of Nursing
teamwork of the Activity
Department's staff and
Activity Director Marlon
Zapanta.
Barnert Subacute
Rehabilitation Center
embraces the importance of
diversity. At present, several
Filipino Americans have
affiliations with this firm, a
true testimony that Filipino
workforce are championing
the healthcare industry in
America and in any part of the
world.
Special acknowledgement
to American Diabetes
Association, celebrating its
75th Year Anniversary and to
our media partner The
Filipino Express.
For more upcoming LIFE
EMPOWERMENT and
ENRICHMENT Programs, you
may call The Activity
Department at 973.754.0999
for details and information.
Page 9
Two Filipinos are awardees of The Paul & Daisy Soros
Fellowships for New Americans
Every year, The Paul & Daisy
S o r o s Fe l l o w s h i p s f o r N e w
Americans program supports thirty
outstanding New Americans,
immigrants or the children of
immigrants, who are pursuing
graduate school in the United States.
Fellows come from all over the
United States and the world, and are
able to study at the graduate
program of their choosing. The
Fellowship gives each Fellow up to
$90,000 in stipend and tuition
support over two years, and it
provides a lifelong community of
over 500 New Americans who are
committed to making significant
contributions to US society and
culture.
In 1997, Paul Soros (1926-2013)
a n d D a i sy S o ro s , H u n ga r i a n
immigrants and American
philanthropists, founded the
Fellowship program. Creating the
Fellowship program was the
couple's way of giving back to the
country that had afforded them and
their children such great
opportunities. They also felt that
assisting young New Americans at
the graduate school level was an
unmet need, and a way to draw
attention to the extensive and
diverse contributions of New
Americans to the United States.
The following reflections are by
two 2014 Filipino Paul & Daisy Soros
Fellows. Jassmin Poyaoan is
pursuing a JD at UCLA, and Mike
Alvarez is working towards a PhD in
communications at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst.
If you or someone you know is
Jassmin Poyaoan
interested in applying for the
Fellowship, please visit
www.pdsoros.org to learn more and
sign up for the program's newsletter.
The application for the 2016
selection process will open in April
of 2015, and the program will also
announce the new class of Fellows at
that time!
Reflection by 2014 Fellow
Jassmin Poyaoan:
Born and raised in the Bay Area,
C A a ro u n d a l a r g e F i l i p i n o
community, it was easy to take my
Filipino identity for granted.
However, my life changed overnight
after my mother died unexpectedly
and my father sent me to live in the
Philippines with my grandmother.
Living in the Philippines taught
me what it means to be
s i m u l t a n e o u s ly F i l i p i n o a n d
American. Witnessing the poverty
my family had endured and learning
the stories of my mother and
grandmother's resilience gave me
pride in my Filipino ancestry. At the
same time, I recognized that as an
American citizen, I would never
struggle in the same ways as they
did.
Recognizing my privileges gave
way to my empathy and passion to
empower underserved
communities. The systemic poverty
in the Philippines and prevalence of
overseas Filipinos workers has
drawn me to the creation of quality
jobs and the enforcement of a livable
wage for the most vulnerable
workers.
The Paul & Daisy Soros
Fellowships for New Americans has
helped me attend UCLA School of
Law, where I am leveraging business
law to assist low-income
entrepreneurs, community groups
and non-profits create workerowned businesses, negotiate
Mike Alvarez
Community benefits
agreements, and advocate for living
wage and wage theft prevention
policies.
Throughout my work, I have
assisted the Pilipino Worker Center
and Filipino Migrant Center
advocate on behalf of low-wage
Filipino workers, many of whom are
undocumented. As I continue my
work, I strive to assist and connect
Filipino communities here in the US
and in the Philippines.
Reflection by 2014 Fellow Mike
Alvarez:
I was born in the Philippines,
and at age 10 immigrated to the US
with my mother and two older
brothers. We lived in Jersey City,
New Jersey, and like many Filipino
immigrants we struggled to make
ends meet. My mother juggled
multiple part-time jobs, and both my
brothers enlisted in the military. I
didn't want my family to have
regrets trading our comfortable
lifestyle in the Philippines for a
financially (and emotionally)
difficult life in the US, so I vowed that
I would succeed academically and
create opportunities for myself and
those in need.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in
Communication and a Graduate
Certificate in Film Studies at the
University of MassachusettsAmherst. Specifically, I'm studying
the impact of emerging technologies
on suicidal behavior, and the
potential of film to raise awareness
about suicide. I'm also writing a
book on the link between suicide
and phenomenal creativity, and
another book (a memoir) on my past
struggle with mental illness.
The steadily rising rate of
suicide, particularly among Asians
and Pacific Islanders, is troubling,
but what is even more troubling is
the silence surrounding it. I want to
break this silence, and The Paul &
Daisy Soros Fellowships for New
Americans has been instrumental in
my mission to turn stigma into
dialogue. It has allowed me to travel
widely so that I can present my
research, as well as network with
mental health professionals and
organizations. With the Fellowship, I
am also able to pursue my work on
changing the way society
approaches mental illness.
Search still on for Fil-Am youth delegates to PH immersion
SAN FRANCISCO -- The search for the
fourth batch of delegates for the Filipino
American Youth Leadership Program
(FYLPro) is still on, the Philippine Embassy
in US announced.
FYLPro is a project conceptualized by
Philippine Ambassador to the United Sates
Jose L. Cuisia Jr. as a way to reach out to the
youth, tap their talents and skills and hone
their potential as future leaders, movers and
s h a ke r s o f t h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i c a n
community.
FYLPro is an immersion program held in
Manila, where delegates are given the
opportunity to meet and dialogue with high
officials and policymakers in the Philippine
government, industry leaders,
entrepreneurs, artists and cultural experts,
as well as innovators in various fields.
It aims to magnify the voice of the Fil-Am
youth, increase their appreciation for
Philippine culture, customs and values and
develop their understanding and empathy
towards the Filipino community both in the
Philippines and in the United States.
First launched in 2012, the program has
produced a group of dynamic and versatile
Filipino Americans who now see the
Philippines as more than a vacation
destination, but as a place where they
belong to and a nation that is part of their
identity.
According to FYLPro Alumni, the
program has enabled them to gain
invaluable insights on Philippine and
Filipino American issues, maintain a global
network of innovative and influential
individuals and realize a life-changing
perspective.
Previous delegates have founded an
organization focused promoting the social,
educational, economic and political
development of the Philippines and the
Filipino communities in the US.
Projects such as Teach for the
Philippines, Panalo Partnership with the
Philippine Department of Trade and FYLPRO 2014 delegates with community members they
u
Page 12 visited. Photo by Bea Querido
vgslaw@gmail.com
Page 10
'All dreams are valid!’
Thus posted a joyful Xyza Cruz Bacani on her Facebook
page, after receiving news that she had been chosen one of
seven Human Rights Fellows by the Magnum Foundation.
The fellowship provides Bacani a six-week scholarship in
New York, as well as mentoring and editorial advice from top
photojournalists, introductions to photo editors, and similar
support that may facilitate independent freelance work with
international media networks.
Life couldn't have turned out better for the 27-year-old
Filipino who works as a domestic in Hong Kong, and whose
striking black-and-white photographs initially posted on
Facebook have drawn a global following for their gritty theme
of isolation amid the crowded cityscape.
But what caught the eye of Magnum Foundation, which
“champions in-depth [images] … that foster empathy,
engagement, and positive social change,” are Bacani's
unblinking look into and documentation of the lives of abused
domestics, most of them overseas Filipino workers like herself.
A Nueva Vizcaya native, Bacani quit her nursing studies
nine years ago to become a domestic like her mother and to
help put a younger sibling through school. Six days a week she
cleans, cooks and babysits for a wealthy Chinese family in Hong
Kong. On her days off, she takes her trusty camera and
transforms into an observer of the bustling city.
“When I'm wearing my camera I'm not a helper anymore;
I'm an ordinary girl,” Bacani says. It's an oddly liberating
experience, she says, adding that her Nikon D90 acts like a
shield, protecting her from the overt racism, stereotyping and
discrimination that Hong Kong citizens often throw at
domestics.
visa to another couple, Maria
beneficiary will have to return
The camera, bought on a loan from her employer, has
Cecilia Limson Gahuman and
back to his/her home country. No
Maria Carla Antonio, a U.S. citizen.
extension of stay is permitted. If
opened doors for Bacani. And her raw images have provided
Since the U.S. Supreme Court
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa process
they get married during that time
another perspective to what has long been touted as a shortcut
struck down Section 3 of the
starts with the filing of a petition
frame, the beneficiary can then
solution to the Philippines' perennial economic doldrums.
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in
made on Form-129F with the
apply for permanent residency
The photos, some of them taken inside the Bethune House
U.S. v. Windsor in June 2013,
United States Citizenship and
here in the U.S. and will be given
Migrant Women's Refuge for abused migrant workers,
immigration benefits available to
Immigration Services (USCIS).
the two-year conditional status.
graphically belie official claims that Hong Kong is one of the
heterosexual couples are also now
Before the USCIS approves the K-1
If the K-1 beneficiary has
friendlier host countries for OFWs, never mind that domestics
available
to
same-sex
couples,
petition,
the
petitioner
and
the
children,
the minor unmarried
there are required to stay with their employers, an
including obtaining a K-1
beneficiary must satisfy certain
children may also enter the U.S. on
arrangement that opens them to long hours of toil and the
nonimmigrant visa for a foreign
requirements.
a K-2 visa and apply for permanent
possibility of sexual abuse.
fiancé(e).
First, the parties have to prove
residence just like the fiancé(e)
(Hong Kong also compels domestics with terminated
The K-1 visa, also known as
that they have previously met in
parent. They should be included in
contracts to go back to their home countries within 14 days
fiancé(e) visa, allows a U.S. citizen
person within two years prior to
the I-129 form as accompanying or
after losing their jobs, and bars foreign domestics from full
to bring a foreign national
filing the petition, unless a waiver
following to join the beneficiary.
citizenship even if they have fulfilled the residency
fiancé(e) into the United States.
is granted. Secondly, they must
U n d e r t h e I n te r n a t i o n a l
requirement.)
Almost six months after the
prove that they have a good faith
Marriage Broker Regulation Act
At the shelter, Bacani's own status as a migrant worker
Windsor ruling, the U.S. Embassy
intention to marry each other.
(IMBRA), K-1 petitioners must
helped seal her ties with her women subjects, resulting in a
in the Philippines granted to Noel
Lastly, they have to prove that they
disclose information about any
series of portraits that expose the bitter fruit of the Philippines'
“Aeinghel” Amaro and Robert
are free to enter into a valid
criminal convictions for specified
Cotterman, its very first fiancé visa
marriage in the U.S. within 90 days
crimes such as domestic violence,
decades-old labor export policy. As a result of that policy, there
issued to a same-sex couple.
from the fiancé(e)'s arrival.
child abuse, stalking and sexual
are now at least 170,000 Filipino workers in Hong Kong, most
Robert Cotterman is a member of
The parties must marry during
assault. They are also required to
of them domestics. Of Hong Kong's 320,000 foreign domestics,
the U.S. military. They also issued a
the 90-day period. If not, the
50 percent are from the Philippines, 47 percent from Indonesia,
u
Page 12
and the rest from Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Bangladesh,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The Philippines' labor figures tell a similar story: Of our 2.2
million OFWs as of 2012, 48 percent are women, who often put
in long hours in domestic work for measly wages to buoy the
economy at home with their regular remittances.
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Page 12
Fiancé(e) Visa for
Same-Sex Couples
Opinion It's not too late
By Peter Wallace
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Lito A. Gajilan, Jr.
Columnists: Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq.,
Juan L. Mercado, Joseph G. Lariosa
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do
not reflect the opinion of the paper nor that of the publisher.
Email: filexpress@aol.com
Phone: 201-434-1114 Fax 201-434-0880
2711 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Last week, I watched the semidocumentary “Churchill: 100 Days
That Saved Britain.” Britain was
about to fall in the face of the
German blitzkrieg through Europe.
France had surrendered, the
British army had retreated in
defeat at Dunkirk, and it was a
matter of weeks before Britain
would fall, so everybody thought.
Except that Sir Winston
Churchill had been elected to head
the government. And he had only
one vision: To win, and never
surrender; Britain never had and
never will.
Then the attack started.
German fighters and bombers filled
the skies, and its huge navy set sail
for final conquest. The British were
dispirited and resigned to defeat.
But one man said NO - Churchill;
with rhetoric that has become part
of the English language, with
statements that world leaders have
repeated ever since in their own
attempts to rouse their own people
from helplessness, despair and
sense of defeat. As Churchill did.
His great determination, his iron
will forced the British to fight back,
and changed everything. And the
German soldiers never got to set
foot on British soil. And the Allies
won the war.
Why am I telling you this?
Because it made me realize
something I never understood
before: How important one man is
in a nation's development. Or how
destructive he could be to a nation
if not stopped and people joined
him.
Hitler is an appalling example.
Some 60 million people were killed
in the world war he started, and
soldiers - simple, decent people went along with him, not repelled
by the horror of of it all.
Today there's Bashar al-Assad
who for four years has wreaked
havoc in Syria, displacing half its
population, slaughtering hundreds
of thousands of its people.
Closer to home, the Kims have
destroyed North Korea. Right here,
Marcos brought one of the most
economically promising countries
in Asia (it's why I came here in 1975
to build a factory) down to near the
bottom of the heap through mindboggling corruption, which put him
on Transparency International's
list of the top 10 corrupt leaders in
the world. (The Philippines is the
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Page 14
Page 11
Fair Trade and the Indigenous People
The most recent discovery of a
human fossil, a jawbone with four
teeth in Ethiopia has amazed
anthropologists because of its age.
It strengthens the theory that the
migration of the first humans out of
Africa occurred about 1.5 million
years ago.
Some of them moved through
Asia and across land bridges into
South East Asia and the
Philippines.
Their descendants could well
be the Filipino indigenous people,
the real survivors of an ancient past
and the true owners of the
P h i l i p p i n e a n c e s t ra l l a n d s .
Marginalized as they are now-adays their valid claims to ancestral
land rights has been largely
ignored by the dominating elite
families that claim ownership and
control 70 percent of the wealth of
the country.
The goal of the Preda Fair Trade
is to help these indigenous people
and the small mango and coconut
growers. We call on all who respect
human rights to support them in
their lawful and rightful claims to
their ancestral land. They need
help to resist the incursions of
mining companies and land
grabbers into the last remaining
lands that they have occupied and
for hundreds for thousands of
years. The rich corrupt politicians
have cut down the once
magnificent rain forests. Fighting
for social justice for the poor, the
oppressed people is an important
part of Fair Trade.
Juan and Maria De Los Reyes is
one of many families that are
members of the Preda Mango
Farmers association in the remote
villages in the Zambales and
Bataan mountains. They have four
children aged 5 to 16 years old and
have lived in poverty all their lives.
They are subsistent farmers
growing their own food and selling
the surplus to the traders in the far
off towns.
Opinion
By Fr. Shay Cullen
PREDA Foundation
The market buyers cheated
them out of the rightful price for
their vegetables, banana, cassava,
honey and wild mangos. They
remained impoverished like
thousands of their tribal neighbors
and their children never went to
school beyond the fifth grade. They
carried sacks of the Pico mango to
the traders in the far off town but
received just a pittance for their
produce. They were cheated and
ex p l o i te d . S o t h ey s to p p e d
harvesting the mangos and what
they could not eat they left them to
rot on the tree or the ground.
That was before the Preda Fair
Trade project developed a new
tasty Mango puree based on the
Pico variety of mangos. The making
of mango fruit juice, jam, and other
products by the German importing
partner DWP changed all that. The
pico mango are soon to be certified
as Organic and farmers are earning
200% more for their Pico mango. It
is hard work to meet the many
requirements of the organic
certification organizations and it's
costly too for Preda Fair Trade and
DWP based in Ravensburg. The
inspection fees are very high and
approval can still be withheld.
For example, every mango tree
has to be have a plate number
nailed on it and each one marked
on a map. The Preda agriculturists
and the farmers have so far hiked
the mountains and tagged as many
as eight thousand mango trees.
The farmers have attended
dozens of seminars and training
sessions to learn organic farming
methods even though the fruit is
growing wild in remote areas
where chemicals like pesticides are
never used. The farmers are too
poor to be able to afford to buy
them.
This and the other Preda
assisted development projects in
their village, like water pumps,
solar lights and bonus payments
are helping make an easier life for
Juan and Maria taking them and
many more out of dire poverty. The
children now go to school to higher
grades.
Honest trading and paying just
prices for products is what
o v e r c o m e s r u r a l p o v e r t y.
Consumers of products ought to
learn about Fair Trade, buy Fair
Trade products and not participate
in the exploitation and oppression
of the poor.
Juan and Maria are proud
members of the Aeta people, the
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Page 14
negative thoughts about our country!
Opinion Banish
When you think of the Philippines, is your glass half full or half empty?
By Mikaella Evaristo
Student Correspondent
Brent International School Manila
Checked my usual socialmedia websites one afternoon,
scrolling absentmindedly, and
came across a Twitter message,
“This country isn't worth dying
for.”
While the pedant in me was
cringing at the use of a preposition
to end a sentence, the young
nationalist in me was offended,
especially since the person
tweeting was not a Filipino.
The comment stemmed from
her limited and biased knowledge
of President Aquino's absence
from the arrival honors for the 44
slain policemen in the
Mamasapano incident, as he
reportedly went to the opening of a
car plant instead. I found her
Twitter message offensive.
Such dark, indifferent words
provide desolation and
hopelessness to 100 million
people.
Thus, 100 million people are
“not worth dying for.” If the
Philippines is a country not worth
the pain of its inhabitants, which
Ninoy Aquino would
vehemently challenge, which
country is?
Is the wealth of a country the
determining factor in concluding
the worth of its people? The extent
of corruption? It's a very heavy
statement, showing the
disenchantment of our generation
with our country. The sweeping,
morbid declaration screams
“cynical.”
People have the freedom to
speak, but with the freedom comes
responsibility and forethought.
The words were not needed and
serve as an example of how media
ruin the Philippines.
Focusing on the bad
Media have always tended to
f o c u s o n t h e b a d . S e ve ra l
psychological studies involving
“eye tracking” have shown that
many people are drawn to
depressing stories. Journalists are
trained to seek the stories that sell
at whatever cost, making for some
kind of consumer pessimism.
When it comes to social media,
where users feel empowerment
and personal satisfaction as they
widen their network of
connections, many people would
rather be “liked” rather than
listened to. We give ourselves an
imaginary pat on the back for
having solicited “x” number of
“likes”; we crave popularity.
There are of course the
exceptions, those who write to
have their voices heard and to
provoke discussion. Taking this
into consideration, there are
n u m e ro u s p o s t s a b o u t t h e
Philippines, our country, on social
media, usually negative and
pessimistic.
For example, during the Pope's
visit, what was highlighted in many
international and local reports was
the cleanup of the streets filled
with poor people.
With social media so accessible
and almost impossible to live
without (for the iGeneration, at
least), we can imagine how
negative thoughts of despair
hinder the Philippines from
Page 12
reaching its full potential. u
encounter. The rebels even denied
that the wounded SAF member
executed by a camera-toting
gunman was killed by one of their
fighters.
Of course, the true test of the
ultimate value of the MILF's
version of what happened in
Mamasapano will be how it stacks
up against the other investigations
that have been completed or are
still in the process of being
completed, like those of the
Department of Justice and the
House of Representatives. And yes,
I'm also waiting for the report of
the Commission on Human Rights,
whose chairman has already
apparently prejudged the incident
ahead of the submission of her
agency's own official findings, to
see how it compares to the other
probes.
But for the moment, I am forced
to conclude that the MILF report
does not really add anything new to
the various investigations on the
incident. The MILF could have
saved us all a lot of time and effort
by just issuing a press release.
***
Over at Malacanang, President
Aquino once again found an
opportunity to rail against his
critics, this time after playing host
to the popular women's volleyball
players of Ateneo de Manila and De
La Salle universities. But to me, the
President's use of the visiting
athletes to once again do some
venting about the people who are
supposedly hell-bent of bringing
him down merely shows how
desperate he has become.
I am also worried about how
increasingly incoherent and
illogical Aquino has become lately,
u
Page 12
Illustration by Mariel Paulino
The SIC report
The 35-page investigation
report prepared by the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front has finally
arrived, by way of Kuala Lumpur,
into the hands of the Senate
committee on local government
headed by Senator Ferdinand
“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The same
report on the Mamasapano
“incident,” as it has been carefully
described by the rebel group, was
submitted to the head of the
International Monitoring Team in
Cotabato City two days earlier, on
March 22 meaning the Marcos
committee is actually third in line
to receive the MILF's muchawaited version of the events of Jan.
25.
As many expected, the MILF
report is actually an exercise in
propaganda, intended to absolve
the rebel group of any liability for
the death of the 44 commandos
belonging to the Special Action
Force. If Malacanang described the
Board of Inquiry report on the
massacre as full of innuendos and
conclusions hastily made, I wonder
what the palace would say about
the document presented by the
MILF's Special Investigative
Committee, aptly shortened SIC.
Of course, I really don't expect
President Noynoy Aquino to rip
into the MILF report like it did the
earlier BOI and Senate documents,
given how biased his
administration and its peace
negotiators have been in favor of
t h e re b e l g ro u p t h a t i t i s
desperately seeking to make peace
with. As this is being written,
Malacanang has not reacted to the
SIC report's release, probably
because it wants to keep up the
pretense that it is not that much
invested in the rebel side.
The details of the MILF's
investigation can be found in the
news pages. My own reading of the
rebel document has me scratching
my head about how dramatically
different the Moro rebel
organization viewed the encounter,
from the supposed use of the SAF
members as human shields to
explain away the number wounds
the commandos sustained to the
lack of knowledge of the MILF that
the terrorist Marwan had long been
living in an area under rebel
control.
The rest of the report hewed to
the MILF's earlier line that it was
not informed about the operation
to get Marwan and that the SAF
commandos were the ones who
fired first, precipitating the bloody
Page 12
Search still on
for Fil-Am ...
From page 9
Industry (DTI), Next Day
Better and dual citizenship
promotion are the products
of FYLPro Alumni.
This year's FYLPro will be
held on July 2-9, 2015. All
Filipino Americans who meet
the following criteria are
highly encouraged to join: a)
Must be between 25 - 40
years old by July 2, 2015; b)
ready and capable to travel to
the Philippines by that date
(i.e. have a valid passport for
international travel), and to
participate both in the
The SIC ...
From page 11
which I will attempt to
illustrate with this direct
q u o t e , t ra n s l a t e d f ro m
Pilipino, from the speech the
President gave to the athletes.
Speaking about the storied
rivalry between the two
schools, Aquino said this:
“I thought about this: I
hope that politicians,
including the people from the
different sectors of society,
should ask themselves, is
rivalry healthy? If there are
criticisms, they should ask
Ambassadors, Consuls
G e n e r a l , a n d To u r i s m
Directors Tour (July 6-9,
2015) and the FYLPro; c) have
potential or demonstrated
leadership skills within their
s c h o o l , c o m m u n i t y,
workplace or other area of
involvement; and d) have
potential or demonstrated
involvement in the Filipino
American community, or in
issues and/or activities that
align with the interests and
issues of the Filipino
American community or the
Philippines.
Application forms as well
as the list of requirements
may be downloaded from
www.fylpro.com. Forms must
be submitted to the Philippine
Embassy or Consulate General
that has jurisdiction in your
p l a c e o f re s i d e n c e . Fo r
applicants from the Bay Area,
Northern California, Northern
Nevada, Oregon, Washington
State, Utah, Colorado,
Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and
Alaska please submit your
a p p l i c a t i o n s t o
sanfrancisco.pcg@dfa.gov.ph
or cultural@philippines
sanfrancisco.org. The
deadline for submission of
applications is on March 30,
2015. Selections will be
announced on April 30, 2015.
For more information on
FYLPro, please check the
website www.fylpro.com or
email fylproinfo@gmail.com.
Inquirer.net
themselves: are they
constructive?”
And then Aquino started
comparing volleyball to the
entire country, which, he said,
should have unity, proper
strategy and coordination if it
is to succeed. Referencing his
own Ateneo roots, Aquino
even called for “one big fight
against poverty and
corruption”; I'm sure the La
Salle athletes turned even
greener in envy.
I expect Aquino to keep on
using any and all
opportunities to speak that
way in the coming days to
attack his critics. Just like his
favorite fashion accessory,
that yellow ribbon on his
chest, his broadsides on his
critics will soon become a
presidential fixture, whether
we like it or not.
But these are just some of
the things we have to put up
with, as we witness Aquino
stumble through the last of
his six years in office. And
until his last day, Aquino will
still be blaming other people
for the things that he did that
he shouldn't have, and that
the things he should have
done but didn't.
Banish negative
thoughts ...
From page 11
In light of the Lenten season, if we
are to give up something, it should be
the dark thoughts that keep this
country from improving. If the
Philippines were a person, how many
times had we stabbed her in the back
with words of disappointment, anger
and profanity? We should be
constructive in our criticism.
Fiancé(e) visa ...
From page 10
inform the USCIS of the involvement
of any international marriage broker.
Approved K-1 petitions are
forwarded to the National Visa Center
(NVC). The NVC will then forward the
cases to U.S. embassies abroad and
will notify applicants by mail when it
does. The NVC reports that from July
to September 2014, it received
around 2,600 fiancé(e) visa cases
every month.
The beneficiary will need to pay
the visa fee before scheduling an
appointment for visa interview. The
beneficiary must bring following
documents during the interview: DS160 confirmation page, valid
passport, birth certificate, evidence of
termination of prior marriages,
certificate of no marriage record, if
applicable, police clearance or
certificate, medical examination
record and financial records to show
that he/she will not become a public
charge, among others.
In instances where the
beneficiary comes from a country
where same-sex relationships are
banned or declared unlawful or
where public knowledge of the
relationship could put the beneficiary
in danger or at risk of physical harm,
the beneficiary or his/her attorney
may request the NVC to forward the
case to a U.S. consulate in another
country other than where the
beneficiary is residing.
According to Secretary of State
John Kerry, “The State Department,
Things take time to mend - a
physical illness, heartbreak or failure.
Why can we not apply this view to our
country? It's much like an illness - if
we were to ignore its presence,
refusing to take the medication
needed to make us better, the result is
an accumulation of the pathogen,
thereby worsening our already sick
state.
For the sake of the Philippines,
one cannot allow the pessimist to
prevail. The Philippines is worth the
hardship. Inquirer.net
which has always been at the
forefront of equality in the federal
government… is tearing down an
unjust and unfair barrier that for too
long stood in the way of same-sex
families being able to travel as a
family to the United States.”
At present, same-sex couples can
marry in 36 states, namely, Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,
Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa,
Kansas, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana,
Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire,
New Mexico, North Carolina, New
Yo r k , O k l a h o m a , O r e g o n ,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia,
W a s h i n g t o n , We s t V i r g i n i a ,
Wisconsin, Wyoming. They can also
marry in Washington, D.C.
Although a federal court in
Alabama struck down as
unconstitutional the state's ban on
gay marriage, the Alabama Supreme
Court on March 3, 2015 ordered the
probate judges to stop issuing
marriage licenses to same-sex
couples. The case will ultimately be
decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Oral arguments on the
c on st it u t ion a lit y of sa m e- sex
marriage bans in Ohio, Michigan,
Kentucky and Tennessee are also
scheduled to be heard before the U.S.
Supreme Court next month.
(Editor's Note: REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has
been practicing law for over 30 years. For
more information, you may log on to his
website at www.seguritan.com or call (212)
695-5281.)
‘All dreams ... From page 10
Which makes Bacani's case even more extraordinary. Even with two
generations of domestics in the family, she has managed to transcend life's
limitations with grit and determination, hard work, and innate talent put
to good use. Her story is also heartening proof that individuals by
themselves can bring about social change, as did her employer who had
loaned her the money for the camera and thus set into motion a cycle of
good fortune that changed this young woman's life.
As if to stoke that cycle into overdrive, the Magnum Foundation
anticipates that the fellowship would further equip Bacani with skills to
create “effective visual stories [to] advance human rights” in her home
country.
Despite the accolade, Bacani, who has had two solo exhibitions in
Hong Kong and was part of a group show in Macau since she started her
hobby four years ago, remains focused on her goal: “I just want to shoot,
and tell [the] stories of those people who [remain] unheard.”
She adds: “I want to be a photographer with a purpose. If my images
can help people, it makes me feel useful to society.” Inquirer.net
201-434-1114
Page 13
US undocumented rely on luck to stay healthy - new study
By Viji Sundaram
B E R K E L E Y, C a l i fo r n i a - U n d o c u m e n te d i m m i g ra n t s '
ability to stay healthy might come
down to a matter of luck. That's one
of the findings of a study released
this week by The Greenlining
Institute, a national research and
advocacy organization.
Prohibitive costs, language
barriers, fear of outing themselves
as undocumented and a perceived
lack of cultural competency among
health care providers were among
t h e re a s o n s u n d o c u m e n te d
immigrants gave for not seeking
timely medical care when they fell
sick.
Those who managed to stay
healthy said it was purely because
of luck, a remark that should make
Americans cringe, given that the
United States has one of the most
advanced health care systems in
the world, asserted Anthony
Galace, a fellow at Greenlining and
the report's author.
“This notion of luck just shows
how unjust and unethical the
system is,” Galace said. “I believe
that as a state we can all be healthy,
and the only way we can be healthy
is if we are all given easy access to
health care.”
F o r t h e s t u d y, G a l a c e
interviewed 13 undocumented
immigrants from difference
ethnicities - four Mexican, two
Salvadoran, two Korean, one
Vietnamese, one Chinese, one
Nigerian and two Filipino - all
between 18 and 52 years, living in
California and from low-income
backgrounds.
Some interviewees said that
they resorted to such home
remedies as lemon and honey and
over-the-counter medications
when they got sick. One woman
said she once endured stomach
pains for as long as she could and
went to the ER only when the pain
became “unbearable.” Doctors
were able to save her life even
though she had checked in with
significant internal bleeding.
Another study participant said
that on more than one occasion,
doctors turned his sister away
because they couldn't understand
her or her parents “and it was hard
for me to translate.”
Youngsters Galace spoke to
said that having student health
insurance “made a significant
difference in their lives.” Some, on
the threshold of graduation, said
they were concerned about going
without health insurance once
again. As one student put it: “If I
(get) sick after my student health
insurance expires, I would have no
way to pay for it.”
Many of the younger
interviewees said the struggle
their families went through living
without health insurance has led
280 Luis Munoz Marin Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07302
them to consider health care
professions. They said it has also
inspired them to campaign for such
bills as SB 4, the Health For All bill
sponsored by Sen. Lara Ricardo, DBell Gardens, that would provide
access to health insurance for
everyone, including
undocumented immigrants who
are left out of the 2010 Affordable
Care Act (ACA).
Nearly 7 million of the nation's
11 million undocumented people
who were barred from the ACA
lived in California at the time of its
passage. But thanks to the
Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) program -
President Obama's 2012 initiative
that temporarily suspended the
deportation of young people
residing unlawfully in the United
States who were brought to the
country as children - around
125,000 of them became
immediately eligible for the statefunded health insurance program
for low-income people, Medi-Cal
(California's Medicaid). Even so,
some 1.5 million undocumented
people in the state continue to be
uninsured.
Even if the courts overturn a
challenge to Obama's 2014
executive action to expand DACA,
as well as provide parents of lawful
permanent residents and citizens
employment authorization for
three years under a program called
Deferred Action for Parents of
Americans (DAPA), the majority of
the 5 million or so who will benefit
won't have access to health
insurance.
But those living in California
will have a shot at getting health
insurance through Lara's bill. The
bill would give all Californians
access to state-funded Medi-Cal
and set up a marketplace similar to
Covered California where they
could purchase insurance, but
without the benefit of federal
subsidies.
Lawmakers are currently
finalizing the language of the bill
and a funding mechanism for its
implementation. It is expected to
be ready for public comment in
about two weeks. Inquirer.net
201-333-8060
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Page 14
Plan for
renaissance
of Greenville
announced ...
From page 8
Since taking office,
Mayor Fulop has focused on
expanding development
throughout the city and has
changed the city's incentive
program to encourage
economic investment in
p rev i o u s ly ove r l o o ke d
neighborhoods. As a result,
Jersey City is currently
experiencing the greatest
construction activity in its
history, with 6,000 units
under construction and
another 18,000 approved.
“For the first time in
decades, we are seeing real
progress in Journal Square
and our vision is to bring
that economic investment to
all communities,” said Mayor
Fulop. “By working together
with the council and the
community, we are tapping
into the existing assets and
developing a framework for
an improved quality of life in
Greenville.”
Ocean Avenue South is
one of the few commercial
areas in South Greenville, is
home to several
architecturally significant
buildings and storefronts,
and includes three high-rise
residential buildings
ranging from 11 to 14
stories, one of which is
within the redevelopment
area.
“The ball is moving
dramatically and it is
extremely exciting at this
point to see this progress
take shape,” said Martha
Larkins, President of the
South Greenville
Neighborhood Association.
“The redevelopment plan
will be a major step forward
in fostering the
redevelopment and
rehabilitation of Ocean
Avenue which is central to
our growth as a
neighborhood. We look
forward to seeing the plan
unfold and for the area to be
bustling with new
commerce, new neighbors
and a renewed sense of
community.”
In the mid-1970's, retail
and other storefront type
uses were prohibited from
Ocean Avenue and other
small commercial corridors
throughout Jersey City.
While the idea was to shift
commercial activity to the
main business districts, the
result was zoning that did
not match land use. In
recent years, Jersey City has
experienced renewed
population growth and an
e x p a n d i n g e c o n o m y,
bringing new life to Jersey
City's neighborhood
commercial streets.
“Greenville has been my
home for nearly all my life
and I want as much as
anyone to see Ocean Avenue
South return to a flourishing
main street. There is so
much history in Greenville
and the community is
hungry to see its
resurgence,” said Council
President Rolando Lavarro,
Jr. “The Ocean Avenue South
corridor is the perfect
launching point for
redevelopment while
incorporating its existing
and rich social, economic
and historic fabric.”
The community will
hear about the study and the
draft plan at the monthly
meeting of the South
Greenville Neighborhood
Association at 6:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at
P.S. 30, 171 Seaview Avenue.
Later this spring, the
South Greenville
Neighborhood Association
and city officials will host a
visioning session with
community stakeholders to
get feedback and finalize the
O c e a n Ave n u e S o u t h
Redevelopment Plan before
presenting it to the Planning
Board and City Council for
adoption. - Jennifer Morrill,
Press Secretary to Mayor
Steven M. Fulop
Fair trade ... From page 11
ancient indigenous inhabitants of the
Philippines. They have strong moral
values and have their own indigenous
herbal medicines and traditional
remedies to treat diseases and wounds.
They are true survivors, their
ancestors walked out of Africa hundreds
of thousands. Like many indigenous
tribal peoples, the newly arrived
migrants from Malaysia and Indonesia
gradually populated the Islands and the
Aeta were soon retreating from the
coastal areas into the deeper forests
where they lived a nomadic life as
hunters and gathers in the forests.
They still live in harmony with nature
and their culture is based on the love and
respect for the natural world. They see
and relate a greater higher power in
nature.
They were wise and had a well
developed knowledge and practice of
using herbal medicines and they
survived the harsh life in the forest for
thousands for years. Their community
life was sustainable and enduring.
They are mostly a gentle and friendly
non-violent people and their DNA will
lead directly back to their African
ancestors.
But then came the Spanish invasion
and conquistadores and colonial period
It’s not ... From page 10
only country that has two of its former
leaders on that list. Erap Estrada is the
other one.)
On the positive side, Lee Kuan Yew
(who, sadly, died this week) is widely
credited for leading Singapore's
transformation from a remote British
outpost into a “global trade and financial
center.”
Since Marcos, the Philippines has
gone through ups and downs, much of it
“downs.” At the moment, we are on an
uptrend, but it seems volatile and the
next leader could take it in the opposite
direction.
And that's why we are all asking:
Who could he possibly be? No one seems
to fully fit the bill, and those who do are so
far off the political radar screen as to
need a miracle to gain countrywide
recognition and acceptance. Those on the
screen have “essential (to us) issues” - on
honesty and competence. I've talked to
many people, no one has an answer.
Thus, “continuity” - which is one of
the more critical factors in attracting
foreign investments - is under a cloud of
uncertainty again. Consistency of
policies and procedures can't be assured,
and without such assurance, investors
won't come.
What would help is if President
Aquino acted forthrightly and met with
Congress to rush through a number of
laws that will institutionalize reforms so the next president will have no choice
but to be committed to them. The
business community has been saying
endlessly what these reforms are. All Mr.
Aquino has to do is read their
p re s e n t a t i o n s a n d a c t o n t h e m
accordingly. I must admit to being
disappointed with his lack of resolve in
doing so.
I believe that some really dramatic,
positive changes could quickly offset the
adverse impacts of the Mamasapano
massacre. His unusual laid-back style of
leadership may have worked - at least, we
and the Aeta and other hill tribes
retreated deeper into the rain forests and
mountains. But the onslaught of Western
diseases with the Spanish was a
devastating blow and many died. They
remained generally ignored and
uneducated and lived outside the
mainstream of modern society.
Their shelters were and are still
today mostly rustic and simple bamboo
and grass one-roomed homes. They
became the poorest of rural poor. Now
they are organizing and Fair Trade is
changing their lives for the better. But
much more has yet to be done to help
them. Buying the Preda Fair Trade
mangos products in world-shops and
asking for them in supermarkets is a
great way for consumers to help.
When the international volunteers
and interns come to Preda they visit the
indigenous people and some stay as
welcome guests in their villages and
experience the simple life of these
people. They absorb the sounds, smells
and peace and quiet of these remote
villages. They see the stars, some for the
first time in their lives. They are far from
electricity, the Internet and cell phones
and closer to the people for the first time
and free from their gadget-obsessed
lives.
They are part of something great,
working for unselfish human
development and for justice.
see the results: Competitiveness is up, so
are the honesty levels, and the economy
is growing although it hasn't exactly
lifted up the lives of the more than half of
the population that needs help the most.
The jobless and those wallowing in
poverty are almost as many now as there
were when Mr. Aquino assumed the
presidency.
As it were, public support for the
President is slipping - way, way down
following his poor reaction to the
dreadful Mamasapano massacre. Yes, it
was a massacre. Calling it anything less
insults the fallen, brave 44 policemen on
a lawful mission. (Massacre, “the violent
killing of many people” - MerriamWebster online)
Mamasapano is a watershed in Mr.
Aquino's presidency, and with his term
approaching its end, instituting longneeded reforms to at least improve a little
the life of the poor has become difficult to
achieve. But he still can do it, although the
task will be more demanding now, or
shall we say, he needs to be more
dictatorial (in a positive way) than he has
acted in the past.
Mr. President , don't tolerate
bureaucratic nonsense, just insist on the
reforms.
And beg the courts to cooperate, it's
the least they can do. I still can't believe
that the Court of Appeals issued a
temporary restraining order to stop the
enforcement of the Ombudsman's order
suspending Makati Mayor Junjun Binay,
despite the slew of evidence linking him
to criminal transactions. Can't the
Supreme Court decide in a more
enlightened way?
Today we have a leader in trouble and
it's only that leader who can get himself
out of that fix.
Either he remains dispirited and
resigned to defeat, or he can say, “We will
win, we will never surrender.”
Fight, fight to put in place reforms
that genuinely create jobs for the poor,
and go out in a blaze of glory. It's all up to
you, Mr. President. Inquirer.net
201-434-1114
Page 15
Davao's Musikademy Teens Represent
PH In International Cultural Fests
DAVAO CITY -- Four teenage
Dabawenyas have recently
been chosen by the Integrative
Center for Alternative
Development (ICAD)
Foundation Inc. to represent
the Philippines in several
cultural festivals across the
globe. All scholars of
Musikademy, the four are:
Janelle Velez, Fatima Malate,
Khennah Landanganon and
Frances Guino-o. They are set to
participate in different editions
of the International Festival of
Language and Culture (IFLC) in
Asia, Europe and the United
States.
The four talented teens are
also voice scholars at
Musikademy, the city's premier
vocal music school. They are
among eleven young singers
selected from all over the
Philippines as representatives
to these festivals.
Janelle Velez participated in
the IFLC in Bangkok, Thailand
and will travel to Washington,
D. C. in May for the US edition.
She is a high school senior at
Precious International School
of Davao.
Fatima Malate is also a
graduating high school student
at the Ateneo De Davao
University. She recently went to
Johannesburg, South Africa this
March to participate in the IFLC
there.
For the IFLC in the French
capital Paris, Frances Guino-o
(a niece of fashion icon Boy
Guino-o) will be leaving this
first week of April. Frances is a
fourth year high school student
at the Ateneo De Davao
University.
F i n a l ly, K h e n n a h
Landanganon will be going to
Jakarta, Indonesia this April as
well. Khennah will graduate
high school this year from the
Precious Internal School of
Davao.
The four Musikademy
scholars participated in the
Philippine edition of the IFLC
last March 3, 2014 at the
Newport Performing Arts
Theater in Resorts World
Manila. Selected young
performers represented fifteen
countries from all over the
world, including Kazakhstan,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, the USA
and others. The event was
a t te n d e d by g ove r n m e n t
officials and foreign dignitaries,
including DepEd Secretary Bro.
Armin Luistro and University of
the Philippines president
Alfredo Pascual.
The ICAD Foundation, Inc.
o p e ra te s t h e Fo u n t a i n
International School in
Greenhills, Metro Manila and
the Turkish Tolerance School in
Zamboanga City, which has 400
students. It aims to establish
schools all over the world, to
promote peace and
understanding through
education among people of
diverse cultures. According to
its Davao representative Ufuk
Balci, the foundation is looking
into the viability of putting up
an international school in
Davao City.
Musikademy is Davao's
premiere music school that
offers competent, intensive and
methodologically unified vocal
and music instruction.
Inquirer.net
Musikademy scholars (from left) Ima Malate, Ella Velez, Khennah Landanganon and Ces
Guino-o pose with Musikademy Director Alvin Aviola during the IFLC gala reception.
Some of the young performers from all over the world pose with distinguished guests.
Taken during the International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) gala reception at
Intramuros, Manila.
Calling all Filipino-American students,
young professionals and youth leaders
in the New England area!
Registration Fee
Student/Senior Citizen - USD 40
Individual - USD 55
Group/Family - USD 50
Association/Corporation - USD 40
Inclusive of Commemorative
T-shirt, Dogtag, Big and Bag.
Learn more:
www.capasfreedommarch.com
On April 11, 2015, thousands
of people from all walks of life will
gather in Capas, Tarlac to
commemorate the agonizing
battle of the heroes of the Bataan
Death March. Local and foreign
military personnel who have
fought in a war, family members
and friends of a veteran, civilians young and old, rich and poor - will
march together united as one in
remembering the sacrifice of the
heroes.
The Capas Freedom March,
which is made possible through
the partnership of Department of
National Defense, Department of
To u r i s m a n d A u t o m o b i l e
Association Philippines, has the
vision to be the biggest annual
gathering of marchers to
commemorate a historical event,
promoting peace and freedom. Its
mission is to honor and
remember the heroes of the
Bataan Death March by tracing
the path they have endured and
for a military cause of building the
Capas Concentration Camp
Replica and provide scholarship
to deserving children of slain
soldiers.
Event Objectives:
1) To honor and remember
the Bataan Death March heroes
who actually made a forced march
as POWs in 1942 under the worse
of conditions;
2) To impress upon the youth
that the price of freedom that we
all now enjoy is the result of the
long arduous ordeal that our
Bataan Death March endured. In
t h e p ro c e s s , t h e va l u e o f
nationalism will be instilled to the
new and the next generations;
3) To recognize the universal
value of democracy, human
dignity, equality, open society and
respect for human rights;
4) To learn that the true
essence of survival is compassion,
sacrifice, mutual aid and altruism;
and
5) To preserve and promote
historical sites and events,
building an edifice of Historical
Tourism.
The Freedom March (actual
walk for the able-bodied and the
young people, and convoy of
vehicles for the veterans and nonmarching participants). It is open
to men and women in uniform,
veterans of all wars and their
families and friends, and the
general public. We suggest that
interested parties register on-line
and contact the AAP organizers,
Ms. Eva Carmona evacarmona@rocketmail.com,
Ms. Maricel Quiestas mcquiestas@yahoo.com, or Dr.
Mina Gabor - minagabor2010
@gmail.com.
U.S.-based participants may
also email Gus Mercado
(gusmercado@verizon.net) if you
h ave g r o u p s yo u w i s h t o
coordinate, and Mr. Mercado will
assist you. - From Gus Mercado,
National Executive Director,
Federation of Phil-Am Chambers of
Commerce (FPACC), on behalf of
the organizers.
Second Generation Filipino-Americans and Filipino
young professionals from the New England area are
invited to attend a Leadership and Mentoring Seminar
(LMS) entitled "Empowerment for the Emerging
Generation." Sponsored by the Philippine Consulate
General New York and the Philippine Society of
Boston College (PSBC), this seminar is designed to
bring together Filipino-American young professionals
and college students to share and discuss how to
advance interests of Filipino-Americans. One of the
goals of the seminar is to encourage larger roles in
community involvement both in the college and
professional setting. The seminar will also include a
networking opportunity for all invited guests and local
Filipino organizations.
To register, please go to:
https://lmsfilam2015.eventbrite.com
Page 16
By Carol Tanjutco
PUERTO GALERA, Mindoro Bridging generational gaps
through music, rhythms and art
installations, Malasimbo Music
and Arts Festival celebrated its
fifth year at Puerto Galera with
the introduction of Malasimbo
Lights and Dance Festival.
For two weeks, the island
was transformed into a new
world not too far from its
Mangyan tribal heritage. Under
a full moon, with towering
coconut trees lit by spotlights in
neon green, pink and purple,
pulsating percussions lift spirits
into euphoria.
The drumbeats of
Gocoo+Goro left the audience,
instantly communing with the
spirits of the mountain, chanting
for more. The energy bounced
from the musicians themselves
as they opened their act with the
sound of an ancient gong. The
island setting is so perfect, with
a kaleidoscope of lights dancing
with every beat.
Four single acts filled the
stage with awe.
Taylor McFerrin of New York
mixed it up with his one-man
ensemble. Filipino guitarist par
excellence Noli Aurillo wowed
the fans with his string prowess.
Brisbane native Tom Thum
The ecstatic crowd enjoying every minute of the Malasimbo fest. Screengrab from www.Malasimbo.com
created sounds of the wild,
mimicking musical melodies
using nothing more than his
voice and the mic. DJ Kentaro
brought revelers to a magical
journey of techno, pop and an
occasional blast of the '80s. It
was “standing room only” with
the crowd dancing all night long.
After all, the only seats in the
open-air amphitheatre were the
grassy grounds.
Two generations apart, jazz
godfather Fred Wesley & The
New JBs “passed the peas” and
kept thousands of party folks on
their feet as the trombone player
showed off mastery of his craft.
In contrast, local talent
young blood Bleu Rascals, barely
in their '20s, strummed equally
awe inspiring original blues
recordings. The group had their
United States tour as teenage
band.
The Aussies teamed up when
The Golden Sound producer and
keyboardist Peter Golikov called
Tom Thum to join them on stage
for an impromptu rendition of
funk, jazz and groove music.
Classically trained pianist
Golikov said his focus was to
create a body of work that
“bathes golden rays of sunshine
u
Page 17
Page 17
What’s next ... From page 16
to those who witness it.” The Golden Sound will be
doing gigs at Makati City.
Finally, the most awaited star of the night, Ky-Mani
Marley, son of the legendary “Father of Reggae” Bob
Marley, dedicated his repertoire of soulful reggae to the
Philippines, spinning new releases and old favorites
from the 75 years of the Marley legacy.
Marley strutted the stage from one end to the other,
almost touching each and every person cheering him.
At past midnight, the new day had just started, no one
was leaving the magic of the full moon festival. It was
like a dream no one wanted to end.
So what's next for the Malasimbo fest? Huber
d'Aboville, personally overseeing all the transportation
arrangements of the foreign artists, appeared to be
uncertain about the future of the Malasimbo festival
because of the usual red tape and difficulty imposed by
the local government. This is the same challenge every
foreign investor faces when putting his money and
time for a worthy cause such as this.
Against the odds, The d'Aboville Foundation
continues to assist in the preservation of the
indigenous Mangyan villages, promoting mangrove
tree planting and the use of solar power, protecting the
endangered tamaraw in partnership with the French
organization Noe' Conservation, while supporting
backyard tourism in the Puerto Galera area.
Puerto Galera is still at the bottom of the
Department of Tourism's list of promotional activities,
except when promoting its world-renowned dive sites
and marine ecology.
Touted as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the
World, Puerto Galera is ready to embrace more than
5,000 tourists on any given day, as proven by the
d'Abovilles themselves. Numerous hotels, from the
American standard The Manor Hotel, to the
convention-type of facility Tamaraw Beach resort, and
the expat family-owned bed and breakfast beachfront
and hilltop hotels, with prices ranging from US$20 to
US$350 per night, there is an unlimited choice for
visitors. Inquirer.net
Art installations by various artists are found
all over the Malasimbo grounds.
Ky-Mani Marley, son of the legendary “Father of Reggae”
Bob Marley, performing at the Malasimbo fest.
Fred Wesley and his funk quartet keep the Malasimbo
crowd dancing.
Brisbane artists Tom Thum joins the Golden
Voice band on stage. PHOTOS BY CAROL TANJUTCO
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Page 18
Oh, what a night !!!
At the Philippine-American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM) Grand Marshal’s Gala held at the
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey last March 21, more than 300 guests enjoyed the 5hour party to celebrate the investiture of Dr. Zorayda De Leon as PAFCOM’s 2015 Grand Marshal. Dr.
De Leon literally floated in the air as she glitzed and waltzed to everyone’s delight. It truly was a
memorable evening of celebration. Oh, what a night!!!! - Sonny Austria/The Filipino Express
PAFCOM Grand Marshal Dr. Zorayda De Leon showcasing her ballroom dancing skills and prowess.
From left, Ambassador Mario De Leon Jr., Mrs. Eleanor De Leon, Grand Marshal Dr. Zorayda De Leon, and Mr.
Leopoldo De Leon.
Doing the ‘Swing’. Grand Marshal Dr.
Zorayda De Leon and PAFCOM President
Atty. Victor Sison.
Guests swinging, gyrating - all night long.
Grand Marshal’s family. Dr. Zorayda De Leon (center) with, from left, husband Pol, daughter Angela, daughter Joy,
and son Lex.
PAFCOM Honorary Grand Marshals introduced. From left, Mario Garcia (PAFCOM 2014
Overall Chair), Ambassador Mario De Leon Jr., Jersey City Councilman Chico Ramchal
(Honorary Grand Marshal), Bergenfield Councilman Atty. Arvin Amatorio (Honorary Grand
Marshal), Dr.Connie Uy ( PAFCOM Board Chair) and PAFCOM President Atty. Victor Sison.
The pride of Filipino Americans. From left, West Windsor Councilman Peter Mendonez
Jr., Bergenfield Councilman Atty. Arvin Amatorio, Jersey City Council President Rolando
Lavarro Jr., and Mahwah Councilman Jonathan Wong graced the event.
Page 19
Thousands reenact Bataan Death March in New Mexico
Bataan Death March. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. paid tribute to Filipino and American defenders of
Bataan by participating in the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico on Sunday, March 22. (Photos by Elmer G. Cato, Philippine Embassy)
ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico -Saying their sacrifice will not be
forgotten, thousands of marchers
from all over the United States and
even the Philippines on Sunday,
March 22, paid tribute to Filipino and
American World War II veterans by
taking part in the reenactment of the
infamous Bataan Death March.
More than 6,000 marchers,
including Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia,
Jr., joined surviving Filipino and
American veterans at the 26th
Bataan Memorial Death March that is
staged at the White Sands Missile
Range near here every year in honor
of the so-called "Battling Bastards of
Bataan."
“Being here with you on the year
th
that we commemorate the 70
anniversary of the liberation of the
Philippines, is the least I can do to pay
tribute to the Filipino and American
soldiers who gallantly fought
together in Bataan during the Second
World War,” Ambassador Cuisia said
in his early morning address to
participants.
Considered to be the largest
commemoration of the Bataan Death
March outside the Philippines, the
annual 26-mile march at White
Sands has been participated in by
more than 72,000 people since it was
started by Army ROTC Department of
the New Mexico State University in
1989.
The event is in remembrance of
the more than 75,000 Filipino and
American soldiers who were forcemarched 65 miles by Japanese troops
following the surrender of Bataan on
9 April 1942. As many as 10,000
men9,000 Filipinos and 1,000
Americansperished in the march
while many more died at the
concentration camps in Capas and
Cabanatuan and in the sinking of
prisoner of war ships that were
transferring them to Japan and
Manchuria. “The Bataan Memorial
Death March began and will continue
to provide a way to honor those who
perished and those who lived
through a horrific chapter of World
War II,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy
Coffin, commander of the White
Sands Missile Range, which hosts the
event.
“The legacy of the march keeps
its history alive and insures the
sacrifices made and lessons learned
are not forgotten,” General Coffin
said before asking Ambassador
Cuisia to address participants.
In his remarks, Ambassador
Cuisia paid special tribute to the
surviving members of the New
Mexico National Guard who were
among the more than 1,800 troops
who were deployed to the Philippine
as part of the 200th and 515th Coast
Artillery Regiments before the
outbreak of the war.
“ M a n y, e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e
Philippines, are not aware that New
Mexico played a crucial role in the
defense of my country during the last
war,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “Not
many are aware that when Japanese
bombers made their first attack in
Luzon on 8 December 1941, it was
the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment
from New Mexico that fired the first
shot in defense of the Philippines.”
Ambassador Cuisia told the
marchers, who included active-duty
service members from the various
branches of the US armed forces that
th
th
members of the 200 and the 515
Coast Artillery also fought gallantly
in Bataan until the order to
surrender was given. They were also
among those who were forced to take
part in the Death March.
“Only a few know that of the
1,816 soldiers that made up the 200th
and 515th Coast Artillery Regiment,
more than half gave up their lives
during the war,” he said, adding that
New Mexico lost more men in the
Philippines compared to any other
state in the US.
“Today, we not only honor the
men and women who helped defend
my country during the Second World
War. We also pay tribute to those who
came after them who until this very
day form the core of the alliance
between the Philippines and the
United States,” Ambassador Cuisia
said. “Today, the Philippines and the
US enjoy a unique relationship based
on our shared history and
democratic values and close peopleto-people ties,” the Ambassador said
as he cited the more than 3.5 million
Filipino-Americans in the US and the
more than 200,000 Americans in the
Philippines.
He said the strong bilateral ties
between the two countries were
evident in the humanitarian
assistance provided by the US in the
aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in
2013. “The US military provided a
much needed lifeline for the
hundreds of thousands of Filipinos
who were displaced by what is
considered to be the most powerful
storm to make landfall,” he said.
Further proof of the strong,
enduring ties between our countries,
according to the ambassador is the
Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement that was signed almost a
year ago.
“The Agreement aims to promote
peace and security not only by
helping the Armed Forces of the
Philippines upgrade its capabilities
but also to allow the US military to
respond more quickly and effectively
to environmental and humanitarian
disasters in the region,” he said.
The Ambassador later took part
in the march. He was accompanied by
his wife Ma. Victoria and Minister
Elmer Cato, Maj. Gen. Delfin
Lorenzana, and Chief Supt. Jose
Gentiles of the Philippine Embassy
and members of the FilipinoAmerican Community in
Washington, D.C. led by former US
Consul General Sonny Busa of the
Philippine-American Foundation for
Charities. - Elmer G. Cato, Minister &
Consul for Public Diplomacy, Embassy
of the Republic of the Philippines,
Washington, D.C.
Fil Ams Urged: Retire in the Philippines
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- FilipinoAmericans should seriously consider
retiring and investing in real estate in
the Philippines especially now that
the country has made it to the top 10
list of retirement destinations in the
world.
This was the message of
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. in his
meetings with members of the
Filipino Community during his
recent trip to San Diego, California
and El Paso, Texas.
Affordable cost of living coupled
with a warm climate and people are
just some of the few things making
the Philippines a top retirement
destination, Ambassador Cuisia said,
citing the recently released 2015
Global Retirement Index.
The Index, published by
International Living, ranks the
Philippines in the top 10 retirement
destinations in the world where
most expats can live comfortably for
about $800 to $1,200 a month.
“More and more foreign retirees
are looking to settle in the
P h i l i p p i n e s . A s i d e f ro m t h e
affordable cost of living, expats enjoy
things the country is known for such
as its beaches, tropical climate, warm
and hospitable people, discounts for
senior citizens, and the duty-free
import of household goods,” said
Ambassador Cuisia.
H o w e ve r, t h e e nvo y s a i d
F i l i p i n o s n e e d n o t wa i t f o r
retirement to experience what the
Philippines has to offer.
“The Philippines has been
receiving a lot of attention as a
tourism hotspot by the international
community,” the Ambassador said as
he cited the influential travel guide,
Lonely Planet, which recently came
out with its list of Top 10 destinations
in the world to visit in 2015 and
ranked the Philippines at number 8.
Ambassador Cuisia also
mentioned the award-winning US
travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler
that named Palawan the “Top Island
in the World” based on over 76,000
votes from its readers. He said the
Department of Tourism has also
proclaimed 2015 as 'Visit the
Philippines' Year.
“We are counting on our
kababayans abroad to help make this
a success,” said Ambassador Cuisia as
he invited them to join the 10th
A n n u a l A m b a s s a d o r, Co n s u ls
General and Tourism Directors Tour
(ACGTDT) in July. He also urged them
to invite their friends and colleagues
to visit the Philippines with them.
During his trip to San Diego,
Ambassador Cuisia, accompanied by
Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and
Honorary Consul Audie De Castro,
met with Mayor Kevin Faulconer and
other local officials as well with
members of the Filipino American
Chamber of Commerce, the
Pampangueno Association, the
Pangasinan Association and the Los
Chabacanos.
Ambassador Cuisia was also
hosted on board the destroyer USS
Kidd by Commodore Brian Shipman
and met with Filipino-American
sailors under Destroyer Squadron
21.
In El Paso, Ambassador Cuisia
was the guest of honor in a gala
dinner organized by the Filipino
Community that was also attended
by Brig. Gen. Timothy Coffin,
Commanding General of the White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Elmer G. Cato, Minister & Consul for
Public Diplomacy, Embassy of the
Republic of the Philippines,
Washington, D.C.
Courtesy Call. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. invites San Diego
Mayor Kevin Faulconer to visit the Philippines during his
recent visit to California. With the Ambassador was Mrs.
Victoria Cuisia, Honorary Consul Audie De Castro, Councilman
Chris Cate and Filipino-American leader Tony Olaes.
Fil Am Sailors. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. talks to one of
several Filipino-American sailors serving on board the United
States Navy destroyer USS Kidd during his recent visit to San
Diego.
El Paso Event. Ambassador Jose L.
Cuisia Jr. receives a plaque of
appreciation from Brig. Gen.
Timothy Coffin, commanding
general of the United States Army
White Sands Missile Range in New
Mexico, during a gala dinner hosted
by the Filipino-American
Community of El Paso, Texas.
Page 20
PH coco exports
soared in January
By Ronnel W. Domingo
58-KM SLEX-TR4 PROJECT. President Aquino with San Miguel Corp. CEO Ramon Ang, also
South Luzon Tollway chair, and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at the briefing in Tiaong,
Quezon province, on the 58-kilometer, four-lane South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLExTR4) Project. The P13.1-billion road will extend from Sto. Tomas, Batangas province, to
Lucena, Quezon. RYAN LIM/ MALACAÑANG PHOTO
SLEx extension to Quezon
Province ready by 2019
San Miguel to start project within a year
By Delfin T. Mallari Jr.
TIAONG, Quezon -- President Aquino
on March 20 said that after several
administrations, dating to the time of
deposed President Marcos, a new
highway linking Quezon province to the
South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) would
become a reality in 2019.
He recalled that the expressway from
Manila to Quezon was first planned
during the Marcos regime and was
approved during the administration of
former President Fidel Ramos. The
project broke ground during the term of
President Arroyo.
“This was promised during the time
of Mr. Marcos, when I just completed
grade school … and now during my
administration, at last it will now be
started,” the President told his audience
during the briefing on the SLEx Toll Road
4 Project (TR4) that will link the
ex p re s s way f ro m S a n t o To m a s ,
Batangas, to Lucena City, Quezon's
capital.
The P13.1 billion SLEx-TR4 project
will make travel from Manila to Southern
BEIJING, China
China's
manufacturing activity contracted in
March at its fastest rate in almost a
year, HSBC said March 19, with its
purchasing managers index (PMI)
suggesting worsening conditions in
the world's second-largest economy.
The preliminary reading for the
key Chinese indicator came in at 49.2,
the British bank said in a statement,
below the breakeven point of 50 and
the weakest reading since last April,
when it hit 48.1, according to the
bank's data.
It also slumped from a final reading
of 50.7 in February, the figures
showed.
here various agribusiness
models and approaches, joint
ventures, and public-private
partnership (PPP)
a g re e m e n t s to p ro m o te
coconut-based enterprises in
t h e c o u n t r y s i d e ,” P C A
administrator Romulo N.
Arancon Jr. said.
“To increase their income,
the coconut farmers must
d ive r s i f y t h e i r fa r m i n g
system, add value to their
coconut products and think
beyond copra,” Arancon said.
The signing of the
agreements commits the PCA
to provide processing
equipment and facilities to its
partners.
The cooperatives and the
local governments will receive
technical assistance, market
l i n ks , c a p a c i t y - b u i l d i n g
activities, and financial
support - all alongside other
assistance provided through
the PCA's regular industry
d eve l o p m e n t p ro g ra m s .
Inquirer.net
Tagalog provinces - particularly
Batangas, Laguna and Quezon - and Bicol
region faster and safer. Also, the fourlane, 58-kilometer expressway project
will cut travel time between Sto. Tomas
to Lucena to just an hour from the
current four hours.
TR4 is divided into five sections: Sto.
Tomas to Makban in Laguna (10.58 km);
Makban to San Pablo City (12.2 km); San
Pablo to Tiaong, Quezon (8.1 km);
Tiaong to Candelaria, Quezon (14.4 km);
Candelaria to Lucena City (12.3 km). It
will have seven interchanges in Sto.
Tomas, Makban, San Pablo City, Tiaong,
Candelaria, Sariaya and Lucena City.
Ramon Ang, chair of South Luzon
Tollway Corp., the project proponent and
San Miguel beer enjoyed by all at a special event for Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.
a unit of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.,
said they were targeting 2016 to
complete the Sto. Tomas-Makban
portion and 2019 to finish the whole
project.
President Aquino said the TR4
project showed the private sector's
continued trust in his administration.
Mr. Aquino arrived here with Public
u
Page 22
IRVINE, CA - March 25,
efforts” said Chris Kaesman.
San Miguel Importer Meets the PH
Ambassador to the United States
2015 -- A representative for
In the U.S., San Miguel's
San Miguel beer from G.K.
brand portfolio includes San
Skaggs Inc. shook hands
Miguel Pale Pilsen, San
with Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., the
Miguel Light, Red Horse
Honorable Philippine
Beer and Cerveza Negra, all
Ambassador to the United
which boast several medals
States on March 19th, 2015
and other citations.
at a special event presented
The San Miguel Brewery
by the Filipino American
is the leader and largest
Chamber of Commerce of Representative for San Miguel,
producer of beer in the
S a n D i e g o a n d T h e Chris Kaesman (left) and the
Philippines and is one of the
Philippine Honorary Consul H o n o r a b l e P h i l i p p i n e
biggest selling beer brands
Barometer of China's health
of San Diego. “It was an Ambassador to the United
in the world. G.K. Skaggs
The index, compiled by
h o n o r t o m e e t t h e States, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (Right)
continues to bring the award
information services provider Markit,
Ambassador and have San
winning beers to the U.S.
tracks activity in China's factories and
Miguel beer as the beverage
brand awareness for San
market and will be
workshops and is regarded as a
of
choice
for
the
event”
said
Miguel.
We
are
dedicated
to
p
articipating and
barometer of the health of the Asian
Chris
Kaesman,
National
supporting
such
affiliations
sponsoring
events within
economic giant.
Sales Manager at G.K.
as much as we can” said
Asian communities
The sluggish reading “signalled a
Skaggs. The Ambassador
Chris Kaesman.
throughout the year.
slight deterioration in the health of
visited
San
Diego
in
efforts
A
s
t
h
e
e
x
c
l
u
s
i
v
e
G.K. Skaggs is the
China's manufacturing sector in
to p ro m o te t ra d e a n d
importer of the Philippines
exclusive importer for San
March”, said Markit economist
tourism between the U.S.
#1 beer to the U.S. market, G.
Miguel. For more
Annabel Fiddes in the statement.
“A renewed fall in total new
and the Philippines, along
K. Skaggs continues to
information contact their
business contributed to a weaker
with supporting the San
develop and foster new
office at 800.578.7521.
expansion of output, while companies
Diego comm unity. “Being
opportunities within the
For more information on
continued to trim their workforce
involved in Consular events
Filipino American
G.K. Skaggs, please visit
numbers,” she said, adding that
is allowing us to forge strong
community. “The Philippine
http://www.gkskaggs.com
“relatively muted client demand” had
relationships with the
Honorary Consulate of San
or the company's Facebook
led producers to cut prices. u
Page 22
Filipino-American
Diego has been most
and Twitter pages.
community while increasing
generous in supporting our
China manufacturing
declines fastest in March;
at 11-month low - HSBC
Agence France-Presse
MANILA -- The volume of
coconut-based exports soared
by 76 percent year-on-year in
January to reach 139,197 tons
in copra terms, according to
the United Coconut
Association of the Philippines
(UCAP).
Based on preliminary
f i g u re s f ro m U C A P, t h e
industry started 2015 with a
surge after ending 2014 with a
52-percent plunge in
December volume.
January exports “rocketed
by 108.7 percent from [the
December volume of] 66,710
tons and bested last year's
monthly average of 122,339
tons by 13.8 percent,” the
group said in a report.
In January, shipments of
to p a g r i c u l t u ra l ex p o r t
coconut oil (CNO) vaulted by
87 percent to 79,250 tons
while that of copra meal fell by
34 percent to 31,700 tons.
At the same time, the
volume of desiccated coconut
rose by 5 percent to 7,437 tons
while that of oleochemicals as
copra swelled by 74 percent to
1,850 tons.
Also, UCAP observed that
for the second time in two
years, there were no exports
of copra in January.
Earlier this month, the
Philippine Coconut Authority
said it had engaged farmers
cooperatives in a bid to
promote community-based
agri-businesses related to
coconut products.
The PCA signed
agreements with an initial
group of four associations
including Kaagap MultiPurpose Cooperative based in
Agusan del Sur; Masisit-Dacal
L ive l i h o o d C o o p e r a t ive
( C a g aya n ) ; C a p i z S m a l l
Coconut Farmers Marketing
Cooperative; and Brooke's
Point Coco Product
P ro d u c e r s ' C o o p e ra t ive
(Palawan).
Also, the agency signed
similar agreements with the
g ove r n m e n t s o f A l a b a t ,
Quezon; and Javier, Leyte.
“We want to showcase
Page 21
A hit at the recent Manila FAME, the Bambike is sturdy, safe and made from the locally-sourced material
This award-winning bamboo bike may
just get you pedaling
By Alex Y. Vergara
It's not exactly a bicycle you'd
choose to start your fitness
program, but the award-winning
Bambike Revolution Cycle is
sturdy, lightweight, flexible and
eye-catching enough to
e n c o u ra g e e ve n t h e m o s t
exercise-averse person to take up
biking.
Made primarily of locally
sourced and treated bamboo with
aluminum, high-grade plastic,
leather and rubber components,
the Bambike was one of several
products which won the Katha
Awards at the recently concluded
Manila FAME.
It comes in several models
and costs from P15,000 up.
Certain models are even
equipped with woven rattan and
abaca seats. Like the bike's
bamboo frame, these indigenous
materials are chemically treated
to make them insect- and UVresistant. The Bambike also has a
waterproof topcoat.
Weighing an average of 2.2
kilograms, the Bambike's frame is
comparable with an all-aluminum
bike. Since Filipinos love to do
things in pairs, customers have
the option to choose from models
with woven or plain wooden
benches to allow them to ride in
tandem.
A Bambike, which also has
aluminum, rubber, leather
and high-impact plastic
components, can cost
anywhere between P15,000
and P65,000.
Certain parts of the bike, like
handles, pedals and spokes, are
made of aluminum alloy, while
wheels are made of rubber. The
frame is all bamboo.
Bryan Benitez McClelland, the
Filipino-American founder of
Tarlac-based Bamb Ecological
Technology Inc., adopted and
brought the technology of making
bamboo bikes from Ghana. He
cites several advantages of
choosing a Bambike over a
conventional bike.
Apart from being strong and
flexible, he considers bamboo the
“greenest building material on
the planet.”
Malakas and Maganda
“The bamboo from which
Malakas and Maganda emerged
evolved for millions of years. It's
strong yet sways with the wind.
These qualities are evident in our
Bambikes,” he said.
Riding a Bambike offers a
unique experience because the
main material itself, which is
bamboo, is “vibrationdampening.” Shock absorption is
thus built into the Bambike's
entire frame.
“A n d o u r m o d e l s w i t h
benches are also quite unique,”
said McClelland. “They could
allow you to make angkas, and
that's very Filipino.”
His company has also come up
with Bambikes grouped under
the Phat line. As their name
implies, the bikes are a bit
broader than regular Bambikes to
enable them to run on sandy
Company founder Bryan Benitez McClelland and his Bambike, winner of Best Eco
Product award. PHOTOS: KIMBERLY DELA CRUZ
beaches.
To further assure the public of
Bambike's safety and
roadworthiness, McClelland
sought certification for his bikes
from an independent company in
Taiwan. Not only did they pass
international standards; each
Bambike also comes with a threeto five-year warranty.
“If you treat your Bambike
well, and with regular
maintenance, it can last you a
lifet ime,” sa id McClella nd.
“Admittedly, our products are not
cheap. They have no price limits
since we can build complete bikes
based on customers' specs. Stock
bikes could cost up to P65,000.
We focus on quality products that
are built to last.”
McClelland, who grew up in
Bambikes are lightweight, and their sturdy and flexible bamboo frames are able to
u
Page 22
absorb shocks and vibrations better than a conventional bike.
For business, more women in charge means bigger profits
Associated Press
LONDON, United Kingdom -When Rohini Anand took over
diversity programs at multinational
catering company Sodexo in 2002,
she had one goal: To prove that it
pays for a company to have equal
numbers of male and female
managers.
Sodexo, which has 419,000
employees in 80 countries, says
she's done just that. A companywide study last year found that
units with equal numbers of men
and women in management roles
delivered more profits more
consistently than those dominated
by men.
“It has become embedded now.
It's not just me talking about it
anymore,” Anand says with “I told
you so” satisfaction.
Good business
Evidence is growing that
gender equity is not just politically
correct window-dressing, but good
business. Companies are trying to
increase the number of women in
executive positions, yet many are
struggling to do so because of a
fa i l u re to a d a p t wo r k p l a c e
conditions in a way that ensures
qualified women do not drop off the
corporate ladder, surveys show.
The case for companies to act is
compelling.
In a survey last year of 366
companies, consultancy McKinsey
& Co. found that those whose
the top jobs in 92 percent of the
companies.
In this photo taken Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, aromatherapist Emma Arkell poses for a
portrait with one of the natural remedies for the skin and body she makes near
Winchester, England. Evidence is growing that gender equity is not just politically
correct window-dressing, but good business. AP
leadership roles were most
balanced between men and women
were more likely to report financial
returns above their national
industry median.
Companies with more balanced
l e a d e r s h i p d o a b e t te r j o b
recruiting and retaining talented
workers, reducing the costs
associated with replacing top
executives, McKinsey found. They
also have stronger customer
relations because management
better reflects the diversity of
society, and they tend to make
better business decisions because a
wider array of viewpoints is
considered.
Diversity complements
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came
out as gay last year, told PBS it was
important to hire people who
“complement you, because you
want to build a puzzle.”
“You don't want to stack
Chiclets up and have everyone be
the same,” he said.
While most big companies now
have programs to increase gender
diversity, many executives express
frustration these programs aren't
working. McKinsey found that 63
percent of the employers it
surveyed had at least 20 initiatives
to address gender equity, but
women held less than a quarter of
Tapering up the ladder
Sandrine Devillard, who has
been studying the issue for the
consultancy for about 16 years, said
companies were nonchalant about
retaining top female talent when
she started. Now they want to know
what programs work. Fast.
That's because a woman's
prospects for promotion fall off at
every step of the career ladder,
according to a separate survey of
130 large companies conducted by
McKinsey in 2012. While women
made up 37 percent of the total
workforce, they comprised 22
percent of middle managers, 14
percent of senior managers and
vice presidents, 9 percent of
executive committee members and
2 percent of CEOs.
In France, Norway, Spain and
m o s t r e c e n t l y G e r m a n y,
governments have sought to
mandate progress by imposing
quotas for women on boards.
N o r way h a d t h e h i gh e s t
percentage of women on boards 35 percent - among 20 countries in
Western Europe, North America
and the Asia-Pacific region last year,
according to data compiled by
Catalyst, which researches gender
equity. The U.S. and Australia were
tied for 10th at 19 percent.
Closing the gender gap
Board quotas alone won't close
the gender gap because they only
address the final step in the career
ladder, researchers say. The real
challenge for employers is to hire,
train and promote talented women
so they have a pipeline of qualified
female candidates when they need
to fill senior roles.
“We're on the cusp of a
revolution,” says Cary Cooper, a
professor at Lancaster University
Management School in Britain. “If
organizations don't allow more
flexibility, more autonomy, they're
just going to keep losing (women).”
The average workplace remains
locked in a post-war factory
mentality with structured hours
and a requirement to be at the office
- and the expectation to keep
working from home even when not
physically present, researchers say.
The use of the Internet has helped
working remotely, but for top
managerial jobs that might lead to
the boardroom, physical presence
in the office and attending workrelated social events remain
crucial. Add in broader social
factors, such as expectations that
moms do domestic duty, and the
pressures can become too much.
Done at home
Take Emma Arkell. As a top
divorce attorney at a large London
law firm, she counted celebrities
and the British aristocrats among
her clients. Her career seemed
certain to soar - until the kids came
u
Page 22
along.
Page 22
China ...
From page 20
The March PMI is likely to
add to fears that Chinese
expansion, a key driver of the
global economy, may slow
further.
Slowest expansion
The economy expanded 7.4
percent last year - the slowest
pace in nearly a quarter of a
century - and official data
earlier this month showed
Filipino-Canadian
behind Bamboo Water
Hamilton, ON. Bamboo Beverages
Limited is excited to launch its
Kickstarter campaign today (March 28,
2 0 1 5 ) f o r B a m b o o W a t e r, a
breakthrough in the beverage industry
which promotes ecological
sustainability by harnessing the
nutritious benefits of the bamboo plant.
BBL intends to raise Cdn$50,000
within 30 days so it can meet the
minimum production run required by
beverage manufacturers and bring the
refreshing low-calorie, fat-free, sodiumfree Bamboo Water to the people. The
First Bamboo Water Kickstarter
campaign can be accessed here:
http://goo.gl/xIEnUY.
The creators of Bamboo Water, the
first beverage in Canada to use Bamboo
as core ingredient, have been working
with the best scientists and beverage
manufacturers to meet the necessary
requirements to market the beverage in
Canada, the United States, and other
countries around the world.
Bamboo Water maximizes the
benefits of the bamboo plant by using its
nutritious leaves which are typically
discarded by farmers during the harvest.
This makes Bamboo Water a healthy and
sustainable drink since bamboos are
hardy plants that grow quickly using
almost all soil types. BBL believes
Bamboo Water can be launched in
almost any country in the world using
local bamboo resources because of these
features.
Dr. Cherla Sastry, mentor and
advisor to BBL who is an expert in
forestry, biology, and forest products,
states that “bamboo is being used to
treat fevers, lung inflammation and
other medical problems in Ayurveda and
Chinese medicine. It is also being used as
a laxative, seminal curative, aphrodisiac,
bladder purifier and astringent.”
Available studies reveal that
bamboo plants absorb CO2 (greenhouse
gases) and release 35% more oxygen
than an equivalent stand of trees.
"Bamboo takes CO2 from the
atmosphere and through the process of
photosynthesis turns it into sugars,”
states Bamboo Living to explain how the
plant sequesters CO2. The natural
sugars produced from this process are
stored in the fibers, including its leaves,
which give Bamboo Water its natural
sweetness.
To f u r t h e r c o m p l e m e n t i t s
environmental objectives, BBL intends
to package Bamboo Water using
biodegradable bottles. The company has
tapped Enso Plastics, manufacturer of
biodegradable and recyclable plastic
bottles, to develop a prototype bottle for
Bamboo Water.
“Bamboo Water fulfills our company
philosophy of “People Planet - Profit.” It
is a product that utilizes the yields of the
earth and at the same time gives back to
it,” says Vincent Villanis, Chief Bamboo
Officer and co-founder of BBL.
Villanis is not new to the Bamboo
movement. He has been a bamboo
farmer in Canada for over five years and
through product development became
the first Filipino-Canadian licensed beer
manufacturer in Canada.
“Bamboo Water is a natural
refreshing drink that's kinder to our
planet. Bringing this product to the
people is synonymous to saving the
planet one bottle at a time. However, we
cannot do this by ourselves. We are
counting on your support to bring this
sustainable drink to the market. Join us
by making a pledge at the Bamboo Water
Kickstarter at http://goo.gl/xIEnUY,”
adds Villanis.
Those interested in contributing to
the manufacturing of Bamboo Water can
pledge a gift to the Kickstarter campaign
at http://goo.gl/xIEnUY. BBL is giving
pledge gifts made from bamboo
materials such as t-shirts, skateboards,
and bicycles. For additional information
about Bamboo Water, visit the website at
www.drinkbamboo.com or e-mail
info@drinkbamboo.com.*
For business,
more women ...
From page 21
After wa tchin g fema le
colleagues struggle to balance
family responsibilities with
demands at work, Arkell realized
she couldn't do both. Instead,
she started her own company
making a line of natural skincare
products after developing a
cream that successfully treated
her daughter's rashes.
“I could do it from home,” she
said of the business. “I had
complete control of it.”
It's not just about hours.
Women often struggle with a
male-dominated culture at
executive levels, surveys show.
Some have accused such a
culture for the aggressive risktaking that led to the global
financial crisis. IMF chief
Christine Lagarde quipped that
if collapsed investment bank
Lehman Brothers had been
Lehman Sisters, the crisis would
look different.
This awardwinning ...
From page 21
the United States, decided to
move to the Philippines seven
years ago. He was inspired to
form a company that would
manufacture his bikes after
volunteering for Gawad Kalinga
in Victoria, Tarlac.
He wanted to give housing
beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga
steady jobs after moving into
their new homes. Since they had
been uprooted from their
SLEx extension
to Quezon ...
From page 20
Wo r k s S e c re t a r y Ro g e l i o
S i n g s o n , Tra n s p o r t a t i o n
Secretary Joseph Emilio A.
Abaya and Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala, a native of
Quezon. The President was
welcomed by provincial officials
led by Gov. David Suarez and
local government officials from
production, consumption and
investment growth had all
fallen to multi-year lows.
The government has
reduced its annual growth
target for this year to
“approximately seven percent”,
the lowest since a similar goal in
2004.
Underlining official
concerns over the economy, the
central People's Bank of China
cut benchmark deposit and
lending interest rates in late
February for the second time in
three months.
Institutional, familial
demands
A recent study at Harvard
Business School urged a re-think
on why more women aren't
getting and keeping top jobs.
The study, released in
December, surveyed more than
25,000 graduates of the school
since 1963, when women were
first admitted to the MBA
program. Harvard researchers
Robin Ely and Colleen
Ammerman, together with
Pamela Stone of City University
of New York, found that while
men and women start out with
similar career goals, women
progress more slowly because of
institutional hurdles and the
demands of spouses for them to
manage family responsibilities.
The report suggests
employers need to move beyond
the idea that “family-friendly”
policies such as flexible working
hours are enough. This means
re-examining “unspoken but
powerful perceptions” such as
the assumption that women are
riskier hires because they are
Authorities have so far
avoided big-ticket incentives to
bolster growth as they seek to
transform the economy from
decades of double-digit annual
growth to a slower but more
sustainable one, a stage that
they have branded as the “new
normal”.
But Premier Li Keqiang
earlier this month signaled that
more measures could be taken
to prod expansion, saying that
Beijing still has “a host of policy
instruments at our disposal”.
Inquirer.net
more likely to give up their
careers for parenthood. Women
also have a role to play in
ensuring that their spouses are
“real partners” in sharing
household and child-care
responsibilities, the authors say.
Social views
Such factors can be hard to
influence at a policy level,
however, as they reflect social
views.
While governments have
focused on the boardroom,
companies like Sodexo decided
they had to start by building a
pipeline to get them there.
Anand, the company's global
chief diversity officer, said
Sodexo's goal is for women to
make up 25 percent of its top 300
managers this year. Women
already make up 42 percent of
the board of directors and 38
percent of the executive board.
“The current workplaces
were made by and for baby
boomers,” Anand said. “If we are
to retain the best and brightest,
we need to look at workplaces
differently.” Inquirer.net
traditional sources of livelihood,
McClelland decided to build his
factory near a rural community
i n V i c to r i a . H e c a l l s h i s
employees “Bambuilders.”
“Bambike is also a product
of necessity because we needed
to create sustainable rural jobs
for people who need them the
most ,” he said. “As their
employers, we pay them fair
wages and give them health
insurance.”
And since each Bambike is
lovingly made by hand, no two
bikes are exactly alike.
McClelland and his
collaborators also take pride in
the fact that they're helping
develop the country's bamboo
industry in Luzon.
On a national level, he's
working on changing an existing
policy that excludes bamboo
from being considered a timber
species. Once it becomes an
industrial product, the
bamboo's use will become more
widespread.
Bambike's main store is at
Plaza San Luiz Complex, Real
Street corner Gen. Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila. E-mail
bryan@bambike.com or visit
www.bambike.com.
Inquirer.net
Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and
Lucena City. Mr. Aquino was also
welcomed by Quezon
lawmakers Mark Enverga,
Vicente Alcala, Aleta Suarez and
Helen Tan.
Meantime, SMC is spending
P168 billion for infrastructure
projects, including “worldclass” tollroads, over the next
five years.
The company, which has
expanded its traditional food
and drinks portfolio to include
expressways, airports and
power plants, announced the
plan as it released details on the
extension of its SLEx project
yesterday.
SMC operates SLEx as well
as the Metro Manila Skyway and
Southern Tagalog Arterial Road
(STAR) Tollway with Indonesia's
Citra Group. It also manages the
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union
Expressway north of Metro
Manila. With a report from
Miguel R. Camus. Inquirer.net
To advertise, please call
201-434-1114
Or send an email to filexpress@aol.com
Page 23
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid shares
unguarded views about her family
life and career
By Marinel R. Cruz
By Rito P. Asilo
We have long admired Regine
Velasquez-Alcasid as a singerperformer. At her peak, no other
singer, male or female, could match
her lovely, supple voice, made more
prodigious by her peerless technique
and wide, stratospheric range.
So, when Jojo Aquio and Rica
Torres invited us to join GMA 7's starstudded merrymaking for Araw ng
Dabaw last weekend, which included
the stellar likes of Dingdong Dantes,
Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo and Tom
Rodriguez, we told them that the
biggest draw for us was Regine.
The legendary singer swept us off
our feet with her honesty, candor and
unguarded views - about her
husband, Ogie, and their precocious
3-year-old son, Nate, her father Mang
Gerry's reassuring guidance, winning
her battle with the bulge, dealing with
her changing voice, etc.!
What has she learned from her
dad (who passed away last year) that
she wants to impart to Nate? Regine
shares, “I was very young when I
started joining singing contests. You
have to accept the fact that you'll
either win or lose. But, every time I'd
fail, he would make me feel good
about myself by saying, 'Ay, luto 'yun' even if I sang badly (laughs). Then,
he'd point out where I could have
gone wrong. So, I didn't grow up
feeling like I had to compete with
everybody.
“Nobody's born a winner - I
wasn't. You start somewhere and
learn the ropes. Syempre, when I was
just starting out, my voice was young.
I had to learn to control it and develop
Velasquez-Alcasid. “Practice makes perfect.”
my style. Experience is still the best
teacher. When new singers come to
me for advice, I always tell them to
keep practising, because that's what I
remember doing as a beginner.
Practice does make perfect!
“We are still together. It's just
negative stuff to bring us down,”
said actor Matteo Guidicelli,
reacting to the rumor that he and
singer-actress Sarah Geromino
have called it quits.
At a press conference for
“Inday Bote,” his new series on
ABS-CBN, Matteo said he and
Sarah have, in fact, become
closer as a couple.
Matteo, a triathlete, said he
and his girlfriend share a lot of
interests, including sports.
Sarah is very supportive of his
work, he said, especially the new
series. He elaborated, “She
knows that acting is my first
love. It helps that she and Alex
(Gonzaga, his leading lady in the
series) are close friends. I'm sure
there will be no jealousy issues.
We're all OK.”
Matteo and Alex met and
first worked together in the
teen-oriented comedy series
“Gokada Go!” in 2007. “I'm very
Matteo and Sarah both enjoy sports. Photo: viva.com.ph
happy to be working with Alex
again,” he said, adding, “I pray we
can also show good on-screen
chemistry.” The two will work
with Calla Lily frontman Kean
Cipriano, who is said to have
courted Alex earlier.
In a separate interview, Alex
said she had a crush on Matteo
while they were working on
“Gokada Go!” Asked about this,
the actor replied, “I was so shy
around girls at the time.”
The television adaptation of
the fantasy-comedy creation by
Pablo S. Gomez is directed by
Malou Sevilla and Jon Villarin. It
also features Alonzo Muhlach,
Aiko Melendez, Smokey
Manaloto, Nikki Valdez, Nanding
Josef, Alicia Alonzo and Bobby
Andrews. The series premiered
on March. 16. Inquirer.net
Voice problems
“You continue to adjust as you get
older. I have not been singing as often
as I used to. I began having problems
with my voice after I gave birth - so, I
had to practice again, and get
comfortable with the changes in my
body.
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
“When I was pregnant, I was so
big that I looked like a cow (laughs) Actor Albert Martinez
and I hate exercising! This is my
vividly remembers that
reality now: I've lost much of my
dreadful Monday, March 9: His
postpartum heft, but I need to lose
wife, Liezl Martinez, had
more. Trouble is, it's harder to lose
suffered a seizure. He was on the
weight when you're older.” For the
set of Joel Lamangan's latest
u
Page 24
film, “Sugo,” in Laguna, when he
received the call. He left in a huff.
On the road, he phoned
mother-in-law Amalia Fuentes
and a few other relatives and
asked to meet them at the
hospital, where his son Alfonso
and Liezl's cousin Arlene
Muhlach had taken his wife.
Albert: I feel lost without Liezl
Kris Aquino. Cathy Miranda/Inquirer.net
Kris Aquino explains how she
moves on from failed romance
MANILA -- Entertainment
celebrity and the President's sister
Kris Aquino talked about the things
she did in order to move on from a
nixed relationship in her morning
show “Kris TV” on Friday, March 20.
Aquino said she gave away all of
her pajamas as she tried to explain to
her guests how she dealt with
heartbreak.
“Syempre 'di ba, meron kang mga
pantulog? Tapos parang start of the
day, sinurprise ka, dinalhan ka ng
kape. Ni-review ko lahat 'yun,
pinamigay lahat,” Aquino said.
She added that she only gave
away the pajamas she wore while she
'Inday Bote' poses no threat
for Matteo, Sarah as couple
was dating Quezon City Major
Herbert Bautista.
Aquino said her short-lived,
rollercoaster romance with Mayor
Herbert Bautista proved that even
with so much experience on
relationships, she found it hard to get
over him.
After being separated from
Bautista for more than a year, Aquino
said she had finally moved on.
In her recent trip to Japan, she
said she bought new pajamas with
heart designs signifying she was truly
over her past heartbreak. Melizza
Jane T. Tacang, trainee. Inquirer.net
Grim September
Last September, doctors
delivered grim news: Liezl's
cancer had spread to the liver
and stomach lining. “She
survived cancer twice; this new
one was aggressive.”
Liezl fought till the end,
Albert told the Inquirer in a
phone interview on Wednesday.
“She had so many dreams still
for our family. She wanted us to
see our grandchildren. She
looked forward to Alissa's
graduation in June.” Alissa,
youngest of their three children,
just finished her MBA program
at the University of Asia and the
Pacific.
After Liezl died on March 14
due to multiple organ failure,
her family found her last will
and testament, which she had
written in 2010, in their safe at
home.
“She left detailed
instructions,” Albert related.
“We followed every one of
them.”
Liezl was the “systematic”
one between the two of them
throughout their almost 30year relationship. “She planned
Liezl and Albert Martinez in Barcelona, Spain, last year. Albert
Martinez's Facebook
everything to the last detail. She
would even make a PowerPoint
presentation sometimes.”
She was so organized,
Albert said, that “she got to
schedule a chemotherapy
session before she left for the
United States last December
and resumed the treatment
upon her return in January.”
Although doctors advised
against it, the headstrong Liezl
traveled to California with
Alissa. It was a sentimental
journey.
Albert narrated, “In San
Francisco, she went to our first
house, where we lived when we
were still struggling. She
dropped by our second home,
too, and visited all our friends
there.” From San Francisco, she
proceeded to Los Angeles and
met up with her father, actor
Romeo Vasquez.
She visited Disneyland and
Warner Studios and watched
“Ellen” during that episode
when all the audience members
were given American Airlines
tickets to any destination in the
airline's route, plus a five-day
hotel stay. “We haven't decided
u
Page 24
Page 24
Boyzone returns to perform May
26 at Smart Araneta Coliseum
What Kim Chiu told aspiring
‘PBB' housemates
Big Dome concert is part of the popular Irish boy band's BZ20 anniversary tour
By Pocholo Concepcion
MANILA -- One Direction may be the
world's biggest boy band at present, but
some 20 years ago there was Boyzone, a
five-member vocal group from Dublin,
Ireland, which made waves globally for its
signature style of covering classic pop
hits as well as its own ability to write
songs.
After its last performance in the
Philippines in 1997, Boyzone returns for
a one-night concert on May 26 at Smart
Araneta Coliseum - part of this year's
continuation of the group's BZ20 Tour
(also known as the 20th Anniversary
Tour) which began in 2013.
Boyzone still has four of its original
members in its present lineup: Keith
Duffy, Mike Graham, Ronan Keating and
Shane Lynch. One other member, Stephen
Gately, died in 2009.
Some of its biggest hits include covers
of “Love Me for a Reason,” “Words,” “Baby
Can I Hold You” and “Father and Son,” and
most especially original material such as
“Key to My Life,” “So Good,” “Coming
Home Now,” “All That I Need” and “No
Matter What.” Inquirer.net
Kim Chiu
Albert ... From page 23
What to do with that,” Albert told the
Inquirer.
From LA, Liezl took a road trip to
Las Vegas, to spend the holidays with
cousin Aga Muhlach. “She was like
saying goodbye to everyone,” Albert
noted.
He said he helped his wife tick off
items on her bucket list: “We went
bungee-jumping in Norway, scuba
diving in Palawan… the only thing we
didn't get to do was skydiving. We
were scared to die mid-air!”
With either Albert or the kids, she
traveled to Spain, France, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Cambodia, Australia. In the
end, though sick, she managed to start
a home renovation project. “Sadly,”
Albert said, “she wouldn't see it
finished.”
Coming home from work without
Liezl at the door would take some
getting used to, he confessed. He has
asked Alyanna to move back. “She has
her own place. When she gets
married, she can [move out again]. I
MANILA -- Are you one of those
looking to be part of "Pinoy Big
Brother" (PBB)? Actress Kim Chiu
has this to say to all the aspiring
housemates out there.
"Go lang ng go. Just be yourself at
magpakatotoo lang kayo," she told
the thousands in attendance at the
Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City,
where the reality television show
held day-long auditions.
The 24-year-old, who first shot to
fame after being named as the "Teen
u
Page 26
feel we should stick together as a
family at this time.”
That's why the scene at the
cremation ceremony on Monday
pained him. (Feeling ignored, Amalia
stormed out.) “We never intended to
leave anyone out,” Albert said. “We
just saw to it that Liezl's directions
were followed. Now, we need to
support one another.”
Sense of humor
In her last days, Liezl, who would
have turned 48 on March 27, kept her
sense of humor, said Albert. “I would
kiss her and she would pucker up,
make funny faces.”
She was his “treasure,” he said.
“She was my best critic, too,
constantly reminding me to take care
of my skin, making sure my clothes
matched. She insisted that I take
breakfast every day, and made sure I
took my vitamins.” He wondered who
would do all these for him now.
“We were together, almost every
day, for 29 years. Suddenly, she's gone.
I feel lost.” Inquirer.net
'Let It Go' is sung, hindi n'ya ako
titigilan, 'Sing ka, Mom!,' until I sing it
with him!
“Like his dad, Nate is musically
Record, Regine's voice was in tiptop
shape when she performed at SM inclined - because I see him stop,
Davao, singing her signature hits, “On listen to a song and say, 'Ganda nun,
The Wings Of Love,” “Hinahanap- ha!' Parang 35 years old na ang anak
hanap Kita,” the PhilPop love song, “Sa ko (laughs)! That is why we let him
'Yo Na Lang Ako,” and Adele's radio- attend a toddlers' school, so he can
friendly but melodically complex interact with other kids his age!
L-R: Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. Image by Jasper Lucena/MMI Live.
“As parents, Ogie and I don't
tunes.
H o w h a v e m a n a g e d a n d practise the 'good cop, bad cop'
motherhood changed her? Regine routine, because we don't want Nate
quips, “I used to wonder what 'being to grow up spoiled! May possibility
settled' means - now, I know. Family kasi na hindi na s'ya masundan, kasi
comes first. I'm glad I took my time to jonders (old) na ang Ate mo (laughs).
settle down, because I was able to do a But, we wouldn't mind having another
lot of things as a single career woman - kid in the house.”
What has she learned from
at na-enjoy ko lahat! I wish I had
By Janine Villagracia
Niall Horan and his strings Philippines.”
become a mother sooner, though - but, hosting “Sarap Diva” on GMA 7? “I
were inseparable the entire
1D then slowed things
have learned not to talk about myself.
that's something you can't plan.”
MANILA -- If Day 1 of One night while Louis Tomlinson down, while still showcasing
Which new singer does she see a You can't help it sometimes, but you
Direction's (1D) “On the Road was seemingly timid even while powerful vocals and soul, with
lot of promise in? “There are so many should realize that you need to focus
Again Tour” in Manila had fans hitting his notes for the night.
“Little Things” and “Night
good ones out there - but, Jonalyn on your guest. So, I always ask myself,
sweating due to the humid
The group then performed Changes.”
Viray ('Help Me Get Over') is my 'Am I talking too much? Is it my turn to
weather, Day 2 was the exact “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,”
But after giving fans some
favorite. She can sing very well, has a share my opinion, based on my
o p p o s i te b e c a u s e i t wa s “Midnight Memories,” and “Kiss serene moments to savor, the
great voice and a wide range - that's a experiences related to the subject
drizzling until the group minus You,” which Liam topped with boys revived the lively mood
matter?' Hosting isn't about you.”
potent combination!”
Zayn Malik came out on stage. “We Want to Kiss You Manila!”
with “Alive,” “Diana,” and classic
How does she deal with bashers in
Her tips for performers who sing
And for this, the boys endlessly
“Stockholm Syndrome,” 1D tracks “One Thing” and
with other singers: “There are social media? Regine sighs, “I'm not
thanked fans for “standing out “Ready to Run,” “Strong” and “What Makes You Beautiful”
arrangements that demand 'banatan' very good at it - because pumapatol
in the rain.”
“Better than Words,” filled the from the group's debut album
(a duel) - but, most duets require ako minsan (laughs). I'm not
But prior to Harry Styles's Mall Of Asia (MOA) Concert “Up All Night.”
b l e n d i n g a n d ' b i gaya n .' Ku n g confrontational, but I speak my mind
proclamation that “In last Grounds next, and then Niall
“Through the Dark,” which
makikipag-duet ka with the intention when people go overboard. I grew up
night's show (March 21) we took fans to a throwback to came next, displayed 1D's
na mangla-mon ng ka-duet mo, huwag in the '80s and '90s kasi, when 'critics'
(1D) fell in love with Manila,” when he wrote the next track mature and country-like sound,
ka na lang kumanta, because that's not were not anonymous.
“I'm still not comfortable with the
what singing is all about.”
and Liam Payne's “Are you which was “Don't Forget Where “Girl Almighty” brought back
In terms of singing, whom does notion that anybody can be a critic
l o u d e r t h a n y e s t e r d a y ? ” You Belong.”
the pop, and then “Story of My
Nate take after? She proudly beams, these days. It's scary to make
challenge to the Day 2 crowd,
Niall said he had fans in Life” served as an open window
“It's hard to tell at this point - because mistakes, because they can easily get
the group first opened the set mind when he was writing the showing more of the member's
Nate is only 3 years old. But, he looks magnified, reposted and shared - for
strong with “Clouds,” followed song because they are the artistry and musicality.
like me, he's singkit - and he loves my all the world to see! - That's when it
by two certified crowd favorites reason why he and the group are
For the encore, 1D played
voice (laughs). Every time he watches becomes destructive!” inquirer.net
“Steal My Girl,” and “Little Black now able to travel to different “You & I” and “Little White Lies,”
'Frozen' and gets to the part where
u
Page 26
Dress.”
b e a u t i f u l c o u n t r i e s “ l i ke
Regine ... From page 23
One Direction whips up
Manila fans under the drizzle
Page 25
Only way Edu Manzano will support
Vilma Santos for higher office
By Marinel R. Cruz
“I have to see her platform first,”
said actor-TV host Edu Manzano when
asked if he would vote for ex-wife
Vilma Santos, now Batangas governor,
if she went for higher office.
In 2010, Edu ran for vice president
with Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro as
running mate.
“These are very sensitive times. We
should all take our votes seriously,”
said the cast member of ABS-CBN's
new drama series “Bridges of Love.”
“There's too much at stake for the
candidates, especially those who
spend a lot on the campaign. She had
better be ready,” Edu added. “I would
also have to consider whom she's
running with. Anyone who aspires for
a national position should have started
campaigning years ago. I don't know
exactly what her plans are, but I wish
her luck.”
Has Luis discussed with you plans
to marry Angel Locsin?
Not really. My son is of age; he can
do anything he wants. I guess he and
Angel see that they are both in a very
good place, professionally. Kids today
are more mindful of their future.
How do you feel about Luis going
into politics?
I've never opposed that. I just
remind him that holding a public office
is a huge sacrifice. When I joined
government, I stopped doing movies
and TV shows. Now I'm free to do as I
please.
Would you say yes to a project with
Luis and Vilma?
The only problem I can see is
billing. I know I will be first; they will
have to duke it out for second billing
(laughs). Seriously, the story has to be
something so remarkable that it would
be hard for us to turn down the project.
Luis and I often discuss a concept for a
comedy film.
How about hosting another season
of “Pilipinas Game KNB?”
The actor-host says, “We should all take our votes seriously.”
I'd have to consult my orthopedic
surgeon about that. I'm not sure my
knees can still handle all that dancing.
“Papaya” had its time. Maybe it's time
to move on.
You're Sen. Bong Revilla's good
friend. Do you know how he is
coping with his son's
hospitalization?
It wouldn't be right for me, even as
a friend, to meddle. We all should
allow their whole family to have
privacy. I visited Bong before this
latest incident - don't know how he is
now. (Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla
underwent surgery at the Asian
Hospital for a gunshot wound).
This latest chapter in Bong's life is
very sad. Personally, I admit I have a
lot of shortcomings as a father, but I
always try my best. I'm sure my friend
is suffering a lot. I'm sure he wants to
be with Jolo as the boy recovers. But
I'm also sure that, at the end of the day,
things will be all right.
“Bridges of Love,” which also
features Maja Salvador, Jericho
Rosales and Paulo Avelino, premiered
on March 16 on ABS-CBN's Primetime
Bida slot. Inquirer.net
Robin Padilla says wife Mariel has
not moved on from miscarriage
MANILA -- TV host-actress
Mariel Rodriguez had not yet moved
on from her miscarriage, her
husband actor Robin Padilla has
said.
In an interview with PEP.ph,
Padilla said having a child was
Rodriguez's dream. “It gave her a
different kind of joy,” he said in the
interview.
“I've been there. With my first
wife we also had that
(miscarriage),” Padilla said, adding
he easily moved on but understood
why Rodriguez was having a hard
time doing so. Padilla had been
married to other partners before
Rodriguez. Padilla said Rodriguez
refused to have the fetus removed
from her womb despite being told
by doctors that there was no longer
a heartbeat. He said she was hoping
a miracle could still happen.
“She said as long as she didn't
bleed normally, she wasn't going to
have [the dead fetus] removed. I told
her it might be dangerous. But the
doctor said her body would
eventually eliminate it on its own,”
Padilla said.
“I hope it doesn't happen again.
Of course we were shocked. We
planned this for a long time,” he said.
“Siyempre sasakyan lang natin
… Ang pangit naman nun kung ako
ang babaril sa trip niya (Of course
I'll give her what she wants … I can't
be the one discouraging her at this
point).” On March 16, Betchay
Vidanes, the manager of Robin
Padilla, confirmed to INQUIRER that
Rodriguez had lost her eight-weekold baby.
Prior to the confirmation,
Rodriguez on March 16 and 17
shared photos on her Instagram
page with the hashtag
“#byecutiepie,” prompting netizens
to speculate that she had suffered a
miscarriage. Inquirer.net
After mastectomy, Angelina
Jolie has her ovaries removed
MANILA -- Actress Angelina
Jolie has revealed that she
underwent a surgery to remove
her ovaries and fallopian tubes
to prevent the risk of having
cancer.
The surgery comes two
years after Jolie underwent a
preventive double mastectomy.
In an article Jolie wrote for
the New York Times on Tuesday,
March 24, titled “Angelina Jolie
Pitt: Diary of a surgery,” she said
that she “carried a mutation in
the BRCA1 gene,” which gave
her an 87 percent risk of breast
cancer and 50 percent risk of
ovarian cancer.
The actress, who is married
to actor Brad Pitt, said her
mother, grandmother and aunt
all died of cancer.
According to Jolie, the
decision came after she received
a call from her doctor saying
that the results of her blood test
showed something that could be
the sign of early cancer.
Jolie revealed that with the
surgery, she would no longer be
able to bear a child as the
operation puts a woman into
“forced menopause.”
“I will not be able to have any
US actress Angelina Jolie delivers a speech during a visit to a camp for
displaced Iraqis in Khanke, Iraq, on Jan. 25. AFP
more children, and I expect
some physical changes. But I feel
at ease with whatever will come,
not because I am strong but
because this is a part of life. It is
nothing to be feared,” she said.
Jolie, however, said that
while she felt good about her
decision, her choice may not be
right for every woman.
“The most important thing
is to learn about the options and
choose what is right for you
personally,” she said.
She admitted that “it is not
possible to remove all risk” and
the fact remained that she was
prone to cancer.
She said she would look for
natural ways to strengthen her
immune system.
“I feel feminine, and
grounded in the choices I am
making for myself and my
family. I know my children will
never have to say, 'Mom died of
ovarian cancer,'” Jolie said. NC.
Inquirer.net
GMA Summer Primetime Treats
GMA Network kicks off the
summer season as it presents an
exciting line-up of new
programs among which are the
faith serye Pari 'Koy, the
romantic drama Let The Love
Begin and the intriguing soap
opera The Rich Man's Daughter.
First on the list is the familyfriendly series Pari 'Koy starring
Primetime King Dingdong
Dantes in his first-time portrayal
of an unconventional priest
known for his non-traditional
ways of bringing the people
closer to God. Dingdong as
Fa t h e r Ko koy m a d e h i s
international debut this March
o n G M A P i n o y T V, G M A
Network's flagship
international channel. Also in
the cast are Sunshine Dizon,
Gabby Eigenmann, Chanda
Romero, Jillian Ward, Luz
Valdez, Dexter Doria, Rap
Fernandez, JC Tiuseco, Carlo
Gonzales, Jeric Gonzales, Hiro
Peralta, Jojit Lorenzo, Lindsay de
Vera, among others. Also, GMA
Network's newest child prodigy
David Remo stars as Pinggoy, the
high-spirited "village's son" of
Barangay Pinagpala who will
put Fr. Kokoy to the ultimate test
of faith.
The Kapuso Network's fastrising love team Ruru Madrid
and Gabbi Garcia topbill the
romantic drama Let the Love
Begin. The program is all set to
make audiences laugh, cry and
fall in love as it presents the
beautiful story of two
individuals who will share a
special friendship that
withstands the test of time.
Last but certainly not least,
the premiere of the compelling
drama series The Rich Man's
Daughter with Primetime Queen
Marian Rivera in the title role.
Marian takes on the challenging
character of Jade Tanchingco, an
heiress from a very wealthy
family. In the story, Jade's father
is looking for a suitor for her and
is willing to pay millions to any
man who can make her fall in
love with him. She will be joined
by Glaiza de Castro, Katrina
Halili and Luis Alandy. The
series also stars Paolo Contis,
Mike Tan, Pauleen Luna, TJ
Trinidad, Sheena Halili, Charee
Pineda together with Al Tantay,
Glydel Mercado, Tony Mabesa
and Ms. Gloria Romero.
Without a doubt, primetime
viewing will never be the same
as GMA-7 continues to chart
new grounds this year. Catch a
preview of GMA's newest
o f fe r i n g s i n t h e s u m m e r
launches plug currently airing
on GMA Pinoy TV.
Willie Revillame's show
airs on GMA 7 in April
By Allan Policarpio
MANILA -- Willie Revillame
is set to mount a comeback via a
new, self-produced Sunday
variety-game show called
“WowoWin,” which will be aired
on GMA network starting next
month.
“Willie is very excited and
happy that he'll be back to doing
what he loves most - helping and
bringing joy to the ordinary
folk,” Elaine Timbol, business
unit head of Revillame's own
production firm WBR
Entertainment, told the Inquirer
in a phone interview.
Revillame's recent transfer
to GMA 7 is a homecoming of
sorts; the 54-year-old celebrity
started his career with the said
station in 1987, as one of singeractor Randy Santiago's so-called
“Hawi Boys” or “bodyguards” in
the defunct noontime show
“Lunch Date.”
“Dito naman ako nagsimula
sa GMA… Kumbaga nag-abroad
lang ako” (I started in GMA… It's
like I just went abroad),
Revillame was quoted as saying
during the contract signing.
In Friday's (March 20)
contract signing, Revillame,
together with GMA 7's top
honchos, sealed an agreement
for the airing of the program.
u
Page 27
Page 26
Why 'The Sound of Music' has 50-year-old 'legs’
By Nestor U. Torre
As viewers of the 87th Academy
Awards recently learned, the film
version of “The Sound of Music” is
marking its 50th anniversary this
y e a r, h e n c e L a d y G a g a ' s
unexpectedly tuneful tribute to it which brought lead star Julie
Andrews to grateful and nostalgic
tears!
(Adding to Andrews' emotional
reaction was the fact that, like our
own “national nightingale” Nora
Aunor, she has lost her golden voice
due to a medical problem that has
yet to be fully addressed.)
Younger filmgoers may wonder
what all the fuss over “S.O.M.” is
about. For many old-timers,
however, the nostalgic “fuss and
bother” over the production's
golden anniversary is exceptionally
merited.
Movie musicals come and go,
but Andrews' starrer has “legs” - as
proven by the fact that it was
performed live in an NBC special
last year, and the telecast was
viewed by many millions.
Contrastingly, NBC's follow-up
musical special, “Peter Pan,” was a
comparative dud, which was
watched by far fewer viewers.
This goes to show that there's
“something special” about “The
Sound of Music” so remember and
THE 1965 MOVIE CAST (from left): Charmian Carr as Liesl; Nicholas Hammond, Friedrich; Julie Andrews, Maria. (Back) Heather
Menzies as Louisa; Duane Chase, Kurt; Angela Cartwright, Brigitta; (Front) Kym Karath as Gretl; Debbie Turner, Marta AP
celebrate it, we should!
In the Philippines, the movie
musical was a long-running hit
when it was first screened, and it
ran for months and months in some
movie houses. Local viewers loved
it so much that some of them
watched it over and over again!
The biggest fan of the hit movie
was a photographer at UP, who
boasted that she had watched it
more than 50 times!
What is it about “S.O.M.” That
elicits such abiding delight from its
“diehards”?
First, it's a movie about family, a
very popular theme with Filipinos.
Next, it has many songs that have
become popular through the years,
like its sweeping and uplifting
theme song, “Do-Re-Mi,” “My
Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,”
“Climb Every Mountain,” “Sixteen
Going on Seventeen,” etc.! If there's
a show that many viewers can
readily sing along with, this is it!
Relevant to sensibilities
A key factor that's relevant to
Filipino sensibilities and
preferences is the fact that, like our
s a r s w e l a s , “ S . O . M .” i s a n
unapologetic mix or halo-halo of
drastically different themes and
production and performance styles.
It has music, drama, comedy,
heroism, spirituality, beautiful
European vistas, child performers,
class conflict - you name it, the hit
show has it - in spades!
The next most popular movie
musical of all time? Viewers'
What Kim Chiu ...
From page 24
Edition" grand champion back in 2007,
also took to Instagram to reflect on her
journey since.
She wrote, unedited: "had a quick
v i s i t a n d g ave s o m e w o rd s o f
encouragement at the bigdome for the
ongoing #PBBTEENS auditions.. super
nakaka bring back the memory yung
nakita ko sa mga teenagers na pumila
One Direction
whips up... From page 24
and then the show ended with what
seemed to be the perfect closing track,
the “Best Song Ever,” which was followed
by a fireworks display.
Before the group performed the final
song, Niall said, “I feel sorry for other
countries because they have a lot to live
up to,” pertaining to 1D's Manila gigs
which the band members themselves
called “one of the loudest” and “one of the
best” they had.
Playful and fun
In between songs, the boys kept
telling fans how they have been
“incredible” and “amazing” in both nights
of the show. Liam even took the
interaction to a whole new level when he
read fan boards with messages saying
“Liam, I am your long-lost daughter,”
“Louis, you put a*s in potassium,” and
“Can you say nakakapagpabagabag?”
Nakakapagpabagabag is a tongue
twister-like Tagalog word for disturbing.
At one point, Liam and Harry even
had a “food showdown” after Liam said
he wanted nuggets, but Harry
immediately countered with “healthy
eating!” and “vegetables!”
Diversity on stage
On a more serious note, despite the
fact that most of 1D's songs are
differing favorites vie for the
runner-up post: “On the Town,”
“Singin' in the Rain,” “Moulin
Rouge,” “The Phantom of the
Opera,” “The King and I,” “Flower
D r u m S o n g ,” “ O k l a h o m a ! ”
“Carousel,” “Man of La Mancha,”
“Miss Saigon,” “Gigi,” “An American
in Paris,” etc.! What's your personal
favorite? Add it to our list, why don't
you?
On the local film scene, hit
musicals are produced only
occasionally - which is a pity, since
we love all-singing and all-dancing
shows, as proven by the popularity
of our sarswelas. In fact, some of
our early musical films, like
“ B i t u i n g M a r i k i t ,” w e r e
“filmizations” of stage hits.
In more modern times “Bituing
Walang Ningning” was an early
showcase for Sharon Cuneta's
musical and acting ability. In the
'70s, Nora Aunor starred in some
musical films like “Guy & Pip” and
“As Long As There's Music,” and
even Joseph Estrada top-billed a
period musical-comedy, “King
Khayam and I,” that featured some
original songs by Levi Celerio.
More recently, of course came
the Apo Hiking Society musical, “I
Do Bidoo Bidoo” and “Boses” - but
many more are needed, like the film
version of “Rak of Aegis” - don't you
think? Inquirer.net
and nakipagsapalaran para maging
housemate..”
"super dami nila around 8500 plus
teens.. good luck sa inyo! always
remember this is not the end of the road!!!
go lang ng go!!! thanks direk lauren and
mama bear for the invite..had so much
fun!" Since winning the ABS-CBN reality
show, Chiu has starred in numerous
movie and television projects, namely
"Sana Maulit Muli," "My Binondo Girl,"
and most recently, "Bride for Rent."
(MNS)
categorized under the pop genre, the
group doesn't fall short in offering
different flavors because the lads
composing 1D are 'of different genres'
themselves.
During “On the Road Again Tour,”
Niall and his guitar were the acoustic
heartthrobs, while Louis and his sweet
husky voice were the natural breathtakers. Liam's “It's getting hot in here”
and swirls with two hands held up midlevel supplied a dosage of R&B while
Harry was the passionate rock star with
the strange yet appealing rhythm.
Truth be told, it was surprising to see
such diversity on a 1D concert stage,
because to a neutral party like this writer,
the group - at first - seemed like your
typical “act as cute as you can on stage”
boy group - but no. Niall, Liam, Harry,
Louis and absentee mate Zayn know who
and how they are as artists, and that's
what seemingly works as the best potion
for them and their fans - the lads'
conscious effort to go just toward one
direction despite their differences in
terms of artistry and, perhaps,
personality.
The group may have been one man
short during its two-night show in Manila
but, apparently, it was effortless for the
remaining four to bring the house down
with their “killer tracks,” which had fans
grooving under the rain.
One Direction's “On the Road Again
Tour” was organized by MMI Live and
Ovation Productions, with INQUIRER.net
as media partner. Inquirer.net
Page 27
Pauleen Luna's message to Vic
Sotto's kids, Danica and Oyo Boy
Police Insp. Sofia Loren Deliu is one of the candidates in this year's Miss Philippines
Earth. Screen grab from Deliu's Instagram account
Another police officer
tries luck in pageant
By Julliane Love de Jesus
MANILA -- After a hunk
policeman carved out a name for
himself in the pageant industry, a
female police officer is set to do the
same.
Police Insp. Sofia Loren Deliu, a
graduate of the Philippine National
Police Academy Mandilaab class of
2014, is included in the official list of
candidates of Miss Philippines Earth
this year.
Filipino-Romanian Deliu has
confirmed to INQUIRER.net that she
is joining the beauty pageant after
PO2 Neil Perez bagged the Mister
International title in a competition
in Seoul, South Korea, in February.
According to the Philippine
National Police's Police Community
Relations Group, Deliu is assigned to
the Police Regional Office 1 (Ilocos
Region).
Before entering the police
academy, Deliu joined Miss Teen
Philippines in 2006 and Miss Baguio
in 2008.
The pageant, whose reigning
queen is Jamie Herrell from Cebu, is
set to have its coronation night on
May 31. RC. Inquirer.net
Willie Revillame. Inquirer file photo
Willie
Revillame’s ...
From page 25
The controversial television host
will not be a contract talent, but a
blocktimer - he will be purchasing
airtime from the network.
“WowoWin,” debuting on April
26 at 3:30 p.m, will be directed by
Santiago, his and Revillame's “minireunion.” “We're both very thrilled
because since we both started in
GMA 7. We'll be with the people that
we used to work with way back,” he
told the Inquirer in a phone
interview.
Revillame headlined different
variety shows thereafter, including
“Magandang Tanghali Bayan” (1998)
on ABS-CBN, which he cohosted with
Santiago and John Estrada. Revillame
got his own program, “Wowowee,”
which ran from 2005 until his
unceremonious exit from the
Kapamilya network in 2010, due to
legal tussles.
He then jumped ship to TV5,
where he produced and hosted
subsequent incarnations of
“Wowowee” from 2010 to 2013:
“Willing Willie,” “Wil Time Big Time”
and “Wowowillie.” In October 2013,
Revillame decided to take a break
f r o m t h e b i z “ t o r e c h a r g e .”
Inquirer.net
MANILA -- She has been
branded a “gold digger.” It has
been said that she is too young
for him. But for Pauleen Luna, it
is all about loving Vic Sotto.
More than money, Luna said
there were “a lot of reasons, too
many to mention” for being with
Sotto, one of the pillars of the
long-running noontime show
Eat Bulaga and one of the
country's more successful
television and movie
personalities.
For the actress-TV host, her
“true intention” is love.
Luna made the revelations
in a recent chat with media in
Quezon City for Eat Bulaga's sixepisode Lenten presentation
this 2015.
According to her, she rarely
g o t a f fe c te d by b a s h e r s '
accusations that she was only
after Sotto's money, but still she
noted some charges that were
“below the belt.”
If at all, Luna said, she was
more affected for Sotto, with
whom she has been
romantically engaged for three
years.
It's so “unfair” to Sotto, the
actress said, for some people to
think that he could be loved
“only for money.”
Money not only reason
“Yun lang ba ang dahilan
Pauleen Luna
and
Vic Sotto.
Inquirer
file
photos
Para magustuhan siya?” Luna
asked about Sotto, an
accomplished actor-comedian
and producer who is known as a
third of the highly popular Tito,
Vic and Joey trio and who is
fondly called “Bossing” on and
off screen
“It's so easy for some people
to judge,” she lamented.
Luna acknowledged one
reason for the bashing: hers and
Sotto's age gap of 34 years.
“It's a fact,” she said,
referring to her being 26 years
old and Sotto being 60.
The actress said she
u n d e r s to o d by s o m e a re
uncomfortable about that especially the children of Sotto.
Sotto has two children with
Dina Bonnevie: Danica SottoPingris and Oyo Boy,
In a recent interview by
PEP.ph, Danica, the eldest child
of Sotto, expressed
apprehension over the age
difference. The actress said she
was “slowly” trying to get closer
to Sotto's children but was not
forcing the issue.
“Ayaw ko namang ipilit ang
sarili ko,” Luna said.
Luna only hopes that Sotto's
children would see her “true
intentions” about the actorcomedian.
“I love their father,” she said.
“Sana nakikita na nila (yan),”
Luna added, calling out to
Danica and Oyo Boy. CB.
Inquirer.net
Fe and Rodil:
The unlikeliest
of singing
duos.
Rodfil, veggie vendor get standing
ovation at Asia's Got Talent
MANILA -- Rodfil, one half
of the comedic duo Moymoy
Palaboy, and 54-year-old Fe
Garcia, a vegetable vendor,
recently auditioned at Asia's
Got Talent and got a standing
ovation from three of its four
judges.
During the second episode
of the talent show, Rodfil and
Garcia performed Bonnie
Tyler's hit song “Total Eclipse
of the Heart” which got
Anggun, Melanie C. and
Vanessa Wu on their feet.
David Foster told the pair
that they were very
entertaining and that Rodfil
was “very funny” during the
performance. He also praised
Garcia's “very great” voice.
However, Foster stumped
the vegetable vendor when he
asked if she was willing to drop
Rodfil in order to advance to
the next round.
“But he's my partner,”
Garcia told Foster.
The hit music producer
gave them a “no,” saying that
he would like to see Garcia
advancing alone.
“Love the loyalty, it's a
beautiful thing, but I'd rather
see you go through alone so it's
a 'no' for me,” Foster said.
All the other judges gave
them a “yes” vote.
The duo has been
collaborating in various
videos since 2013.
Aside from the pair, other
Filipinos also advanced to the
talent show's next round: 10year-old Gwyneth Dorado and
hip-hop dance group Junior
New System.
Asia's Got Talent is hosted
by Marc Nelson and Rovilson
Fernandez. AJH. Inquirer.net
Page 28
Official poster of Mayweather vs Pacquiao
The pay-per-view phenomenon in boxing
By Bong Lozada
Major sports usually have a
fascination with three-letter combos
like NBA, NFL, WBC, UFC, EPL.
Boxing, meanwhile, has been
involved in the phenomenon that is PPV
since time immemorial.
PPV stands for pay-per-view, which
is that extra fee that cable companies
ask for so fans can watch shows, like
sporting events or glamorous awards
shows, live and in private.
PPV will also allows boxing fans
experience the mega fight between
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather
Jr. on May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena
in the comfort of your own home, with
commentaries and no commercial
breaks.
And why are the PPV numbers
sought after in the boxing world?
Well, the bigger the PPV buys, the
bigger the boxers paycheck becomes.
Whatever fans shell out to afford a PPV
event, part of that goes to the boxers on
top of the millions they're going to earn
after squaring off each other.
Large PPV buys also bring in an
added dose of pride for boxers.
On record, Mayweather owns the
record for the most lucrative match in
terms of PPV buys.
His September 2013 fight against
Canelo Alvarez pulled in a staggering 2.2
million buys to the tune of $150 million,
according to ESPN.
The second most lucrative one?
Mayweather's fight against Oscar De La
Hoya in May 2007.
Hey, when you put one guy whose
nickname is Money against the Golden
Boy you can rake in major dollars, like
$137 million in 2.46 million PPV buys.
Pacquiao, on the other corner, is at
ninth all-time.
His fight against “Sugar” Shane
Mosley generated 1.3 million PPV buys
and a revenue of $75 million where
Pacman was seen to gobble some sugar
cubes in a fairly interesting fight.
The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is
not only historic because of the two
boxers, it is also just the second time in
history where HBO and Showtime will
work together to bring a fight.
They worked in unison for the first
time in June 2002 when Mike Tyson
fought Lennox Lewis in a fight that
generated 1.95 million PPV buys and
$112 million, according to ESPN.
It was one of the fights that really
showed how dominant Lewis was as he
defended his WBC, IBF, IBO and The
Ring heavyweight titles and rightfully
defeated Tyson in the eighth round by
way of technical knockout.
Unlike the civil, but nonetheless
epic, stare-down and press-conference
in for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, it
could not be said for Lewis and Tyson as
a brawl ensued with WBC President
Jose Sulaiman getting knocked out with
a table and Tyson biting Lewis' leg.
In a report on boxingnews24.com,
the PPV phenomenon was first
introduced by Don King in 1975 for the
mega fight between Muhammad Ali and
Joe Frazier dubbed “Thrilla in Manila.”
From there, a slew of PPV boxing stars
were born followed by today's PPV
kings. Inquirer.net
Screengrab from Manny Pacquiao's Facebook account
Manny Pacquiao gets visit from
‘brother in Christ' QB Tim Tebow
By Bong Lozada
Both are religious men and both
have been the center of the sporting
world.
While Manny Pacquiao was busy
training for his mega fight against Floyd
Mayweather Jr., Tim Tebow, the religious
NFL quarterback, paid a visit to boxing's
only eight division World Champion.
“Good to be with my brother in
Christ Tim Tebow!” Pacquiao posted on
Facebook.
Pacquiao and Tebow are both
Christians and the boxer once compared
himself to the former New York Nets
quarterback.
Of course, Tebow, who was a backup
quarterback with the Denver Broncos in
2012, unleashed “Tebowmania” with
clutch plays after another.
Tebow was the backup for legendary
quarterback Peyton Manning.
Inquirer.net
Manny Pacquiao goes through his shadow boxing routine inside the Wildcard Gym in General Santos City. Photo by Bong Lozada
Pacquiao: We're making sure no injury happens
By Roy Luarca
MANILA -- Training and
sparring are said to be
proceeding smoothly for
Manny Pacquiao in Los
Angeles that they are no
longer the main concerns of
his team.
What the eight-division
world champion is wary of is
getting injured in the course of
preparations for his super
fight with Floyd Mayweather
Jr. on May 2 at MGM Grand in
Las Vegas.
“We're on constant guard
f o r p o s s i b l e i n j u r i e s ,”
Pacquiao told Philboxing.com
in Filipino. “Freddie (Roach)
and his training assistants are
making sure nothing (bad)
happens from now (March 22)
until the fight.”
Injuries could happen
during Pacquiao's sparring
sessions on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays with
Roach lining up six partners
against the Filipino superstar
at training camp at his Wild
Card Gym in Hollywood.
No untoward incident has
happened during Pacquiao's
first week of sparring even
though all the sparmates have
followed Roach's instructions
to the hilt.
Pacquiao sparred for
seven rounds last Saturday,
March 21, including three with
Canadian Dierry Jean and two
rounds each with Kenneth
Sims and newcomer Gibson
Keandri from Chicago.
“ M y s p a r m a t e s h ave
different talents representing
Mayweather, so they all have
given me samples of what will
be coming on fight night,” said
Pacquiao. Inquirer.net
Page 29
5 Steps To Becoming A Baller
Living Streetball Legend 'The Professor' Says Passion Is A Must
There are many would-be
athletes in their adolescence, but
factors such as size and ability
often preempt their efforts.
Today, legendary streetballer
Grayson “The Professor” Boucher
stands 5'10” tall and weighs in at
150 pounds not exactly big by
today's basketball standards, even
for a point guard. But what he
lacks in stature Boucher more
than makes up for in dedication,
drive and love of the game.
“I was smaller in high school,
which meant I really had to prove
myself to earn the starting varsity
position at point guard,” says
Boucher, who won the position
and later was given the moniker
“The Professor” for his uncanny
ability to “school” opponents,
whether while playing organized
basketball or while playing pickup
streetball games.
Many of The Professor's antics
have been cataloged and can be
found on YouTube. At the heart of
his “lectures” on the court is
superhuman ball-handling skills
and an ability to control the
basketball when opponents least
expect it.
“Basketball was always going
to be part of my career, but you
don't have to be a professional
streetballer to make mastering an
athletic skill worthwhile,” he says.
“Sports teach young people
discipline and confidence, offer a
form of expression, and keep kids
in shape and out of trouble.”
The Professor offers tips for
how to improve a kid's game.
Footwork is key. When trying
to master certain aspects of the
game, especially when it comes to
offense, mastering the footwork is
key. Once the footwork for a move
is understood, it becomes easier to
practice and emulate the move.
Things to help understand great
footwork are watching great
players play with a close eye,
taking note of how they execute
moves with their feet and
watching footwork in slow motion
on TiVo or a smartphone.
Get used to staying low. In
basketball you want to protect
the ball. Tall players are taught to
keep the ball high and out of reach
for smaller pickpocket defenders.
If you stay low when making your
move to the basket, this will
maximize explosion and
quickness, but it also makes
stealing the ball much more
difficult against defenders. Also,
some of the best moves are made
below the knees.
Power your hands; check
out POWERHANDZ (POWER
HANDZ.com). Some of the best
players spent a considerable
career was winding down. Same
can be said of many of the NBA
greats. That goes to show no
matter what level you're at or
where you rank among your
teammates and pears there is
always new things to be learned in
order to improve your game.
amount of time, as kids,
concocting gear to help with one's
game, usually with mixed results.
“I absolutely could've
benefited by training with the
POWERHANDZ gloves and slick
wrap growing up,” he says. “Both
actually make it more difficult to
handle the ball, which ultimately
yields better ball-handling skills.
You adapt to the lack of friction,
which decreases dexterity and
ultimately improves your
technique.”
Train at the speed of the
game. Don't get stuck in practice.
Your muscles won't be ready to
take on full speed motions come
game time if you don't match your
training with the actual speed of
the game. Here, you may also want
EXPRESS SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY: Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each
row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9
Solution to Issue 12 Sudoku
Solution to Issue 12 Crossword
to c o m b i n e o t h e r t ra i n i n g
t e c h n i q u e s : s t a y l o w, g e t
comfortable dribbling the ball
while stationary (which your
coach may not like during an
actual game) and add the
challenge of reduced friction with
gloves and a slick wrap over the
ball.
Student of the game. Being a
constant learner is key to
becoming a great ball player.
Always realizing that no matter
what level you're at there's always
something new to learn to become
a better player. Look at Michael
Jordan a guy considered by many
the best to ever play the game. He
was still making massive strides in
his skill set offensively and
defensively into the mid 90s as his
About Grayson “The Professor”
Boucher
Grayson “The Professor”
B o u c h e r, ( w w w. t h e
professorlive.com), is known
worldwide for wowing crowds in
streetball games with his amazing
ball-handling skills, and he is
arguably the most popular
streetball player ever. After many
years and countless hours of
training at the gym, in his
driveway, at basketball camps, at
youth leagues and AAU basketball,
he has developed first-rate skills,
which so many developing players
seek to emulate. Boucher has
played in more than 40 countries
and has been a prominent
basketball icon. He now
showcases his game with
streetball's latest and most talked
about company, Ball Up Streetball.
Most recently he partnered with
P o w e r h a n d z I n c . ( W w w.
Powerhandz.com), which
produces performance-enhancing
training products for athletes.
EXPRESS CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Magicians
6. Desiccated
10. Mobile phone
14. Watchful
15. At the proper time
16. Hodgepodge
17. Noteworthy
19. Exploded star
20. Renter
21. Disencumber
22. Hurried
23. Pertaining to burning
25. Sows
26. Timbuktu country
30. Sour
32. Ex-spousal support
35. Terrestrial
39. Treeless plain
40. Scanty
41. Sightseeing industry
43. Cite
44. Inveigle
46. Feudal worker
47. Platform
50. Change gears
53. Alert
54. An Old Testament
king
55. Seat of power
60. Dogfish
61. Instigator
63. Encounter
64. Ancient Peruvian
65. Mendicant
66. Doing nothing
67. Matured
68. Canvas shelters
1. A crumbling earthy
deposit
2. Away from the wind
3. Precious stones
4. Historical periods
5. Caused by
streptococci
6. American Dental
Association
7. Direction
8. Unlawful
9. Not the original
color
10. Sanctify
11. Run away to wed
DOWN
12. Survived
13. A lot
18. It unlocks doors
24. Beam
25. Femme fatale
26. Spar
27. Countertenor
28. Place
29. Make pregnant
31. A Greek territorial
unit
33. Express a thought
34. Where a bird lives
36. Auspices
37. A noble gas
38. Sea eagle
42. Lost
43. Japanese apricot
45. Opportunity
47. Mystic
48. Domesticated
49. Disney mermaid
51. Faster than light
52. Larceny
54. Operatic solo
56. Unusual
57. Norse god
58. Tidy
59. Makes a mistake
62. Wander aimlessly
Page 30
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Interested in
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property in the
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NEW YORK -- With nary a ticket available for the May 2 Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight in Las Vegas,
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"We are so grateful to be included in this unique and exciting opportunity to raise funds for foster
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Page 31
Paris . Versailles . Lourdes . Zaragoza . Barcelona
Montserrat . Lisbon . Fatima . Santarem
Batalha . Nazare
Plus
NEVERS (St. Bernadette - Incorrupt Body)
US$3,499.00
(13 Day Journey)
May 14 - May 26, 2015
Page 32
EXPRESS

201-434-1114 - Filipino Express

Transcription

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