Asian Journal Nov 07.2008

Msgr. Gutierrez The Person: God’s Building

Genny Silverio

Entertainment

A new day for politics

Jolina celebrates birthday with less fortunate kids

November 7 -13, 2008

Smooth sailing seen for Pinoy war vets bill after Dems victory What Barack Obama’s victory means to my generation An activist walks on the islands of the relief map of the Philippines in Rizal Park after placing a mini streamer calling for a P3,000 increase in the pay of government workers. JONJON VICENCIO

Luli Arroyo weds investment banker who was the former provincial of the Jesuits in the There were no bells, and Philippines, but has just been appointed assistant for no fanfare, exactly the way Asia of the Jesuit director. A she wanted it. Luli Arroyo, simple dinner reception was the most private among the held at the parish after the members of the First Famceremony. ily, married John Aloysius The “Luigi” couple Bernas chose yesteronly day in a two simple and sponprivate sors: ceremony Mr. at the ParVicente ish of Ina Poblete ng Laging and Saklolo, at Mrs. 5p.m. in Angeles Tagaytay QuimCity. son. Only Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Luli 26 people Arroyo with daughter Luli. and Lu– memigi have bers of been a couple for four years. the bride’s and groom’s Luigi had proposed last Sepfamilies – were present at tember during a surfing trip the ceremony. Luli’s brothers Mikey and Datu couldn’t to Siargao, and rumors were thick about their impending make it due to prior official marriage. But the couple commitments, when told has consistently refused to the wedding date and that give any comment, with Luli it could not be divulged. maintaining that “I never The ceremony was officitalk about my personal life. ated by Fr. Joaquin Bernas, My personal life has never the groom’s uncle, and Fr. been open to media.” Danny Huang, the groom’s schoolmate at Xavier School (Continued on page 2) Philstar, November 6, 2008

Filipino American candidates lose in last election; Voter coalition to be formed San Diego, California - It was a disappointing election for Filipino-American candidates. Ditas Yamane and Fideles Ungab lost in their bid for a National City Council seat while Mitz Lee failed to win re-election as trustee of the San Diego School Board. Scott Vinson, husband of Filipina American business and community leader Carmelita “CL” Vinson also lost in his bid for seat 4 in the Chula (Continued on page 17)

From top left, clockwise: Scott Vinson, Ditas Yamane, Mitz Lee & Fideles Ungab.

Underlying the enthusiasm of these young participants was a sense of urgency. Many people felt saddled with insurmountable debt, carbon footprints, global warming, and wars abroad. We came of age in a prosperous country, but in adulthood would we just watch it decline? Would the path of our lives mirror a quick rise and prolonged fall? If the future really belonged to us, it was time that we weighed in. By Ashley Silverio Assistant Editor San Diego Asian Journal See page 8

The Gawad Kalinga Experience “I saw the beneficiaries of GK very happy with strong positive attitudes in life,” one advocate said. “I felt guilty knowing that I was ready to give up when I lost my boyfriend whom I only knew for a year, while the poor have known poverty all their lives.” – By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr. Publisher & Editor San Diego Asian Journal

(Continued on page 2)

Turban-clad riders need helmets, too

By Eva Visperas Philstar

(Continued on page 2)

Ryan Cayabyab and his singers.

Marikina used to be now a sparkling landmark of known as a quiet town at the the city’s remarkable transEastern borders of Metro formation. Clean, crisp waManila. It was in the 1990’s ters serve as a tranquil backwhen the ground local govto the ernment charming initiated Marikina a major River Park makeover where and this residents pictursafely ride esque their bicymunicipalcles, take ity metaa leisurely morphosed walk and into an Building façade of Marquinton Garden even have industrial- Terraces, Toledo Tower picnics the ized city old-fashpulsing ioned way. with life. Touted as the country’s First to undergo a facelift (Continued on page 9) was the murky river which is

The victory of several Democratic candidates for senator and congressman augurs well for the proposed Filipino Veterans Equity Act pending in the US Congress, Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon said yesterday. He told the Serye Café news forum in Quezon City he believes that the bill would have a smoother sailing in the incoming US Congress than it had in the previous one. “The victory of several senatorial and congressional candidates of President-elect Barack Obama is good news for our war veterans,” he said. Biazon was part of a House delegation that accompanied President Arroyo on her trip to Washington this year. The House team lobbied with American lawmakers for the passage of the veterans’ equity bill. Mrs. Arroyo herself did

DAGUPAN CITY – Someone had better come up with a turban-shaped helmet, since

See page 5

Experience Marikina at its finest through Marquinton GARDEN TERRACES

By Jess Diaz Philstar, November 7, 2008

“My Only U” to screen in 4 U.S. cities this November Much awaited romantic dramedy to be shown in San Diego on November 14-20 at the Horton Plaza

REDWOOD CITY, CA, November 6, 2008 – Following the huge box-office success of “For The First Time”, Star Cinema continues its parade of 15th anniversary offerings with My Only U, a Vhong NavarroToni Gonzaga starrer, which ABS-CBN International’s Stary Starry Store will bring to the U.S. theaters this November. My Only U reportedly made P11 million just on its opening day in the Philippines. Directed by popular director Cathy Garcia-Molina of “A Very Special Love”, fame, the film reunites Vhong Navarro and Toni

Gonzaga. They last starred three years ago in the blockbuster horror comedy, “D’ Anothers”. They

(Continued on page 10)

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Padaca’s group urges Pampanga folk: Reject recall-Panlilio move By Ding Cervantes Philstar SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, Ramon Magsaysay awardee for government service, and other local officials who have formed the group Kaya Natin! have called on Pampanga folk to reject the move to recall Gov. Eddie Panlilio from his post. This, as the recall initiative seems to have triggered a war of signatures. As of noon yesterday, Panlilio’s supporters who launched an online signature campaign (ipetitions.com) had already garnered 1,228 digital signatures. Among the signatories identified themselves as Solita Collas-Monsod and Susan A. Roces. On the other hand, Rosve Henson, president of the Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) which launched the recall move last week, said his group has started its signature drive in all of Pampanga’s 21 towns. While Henson could not say how many have already signed their recall petition, he said that from their original 5,000 members last week, they have issued 1,000 more identification cards for new signatories. “Each of these members has been asked to gather as many signatures as they can, but we are doing this very carefully so that all the requirements of the Commission on Elections will be complied with,” he said. In a statement, Padaca’s group said, “We believe that this attempt to recall him is politically motivated and would only serve to benefit the vested interests of a few politicians in Pampanga.” The group described itself as a “movement for genuine change and ethical leadership.” “We urge the people of Pampanga not to support the recall initiative. We ask the Kapampangans to give Gov. Panlilio a chance to fully serve his term and continue the reforms that he has begun,” it added. One Harvey Keh, a supporter of

Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca Panlilio, started the digital signature drive against the recall move on the Internet. His e-mail is being passed on by Panlilio’s supporters to solicit more signatures not only from Pampanga but also from other parts of the country and apparently, even from Filipinos abroad. Addressing “fellow Filipinos” in his e-mail, Keh said the recall move was “started by people closely affiliated with Lilia Pineda, the gubernatorial candidate that Gov. Panlilio defeated and wife of alleged jueteng lord Bong Pineda.” “If you will recall, just last month, Gov. Panlilio courageously filed plunder charges against Bong Pineda for his alleged involvement in jueteng operations and payoffs in Pampanga. If they succeed in doing this, we can expect that Pampanga will once again go back to the dark ages of patronage politics that has led to the propagation of graft. We cannot just sit back, relax and allow a good and upright Filipino leader to fail. We cannot allow evil to ultimately prevail.” “We cannot allow Gov. Eddie Panlilio to be recalled,” he added, urging Filipinos to sign up in support of Panlilio at ipetitions.com/ petition/supportgovpanlilio. “While we are aware that there are escalating problems in Pampanga such as the continuing conflict between Gov. Panlilio and the Provincial Board, the unresolved issue on the striking Balas quarry workers and the calls for the resignation of the current provincial

administrator, among others, we believe that a genuine effort to resolve them will be more beneficial to the Kapampangans than a political exercise that will further polarize and divide the community,” Kaya Natin! said in its statement. It further said: “We also recognize that there are members of the civil society, church groups, business organizations and supporters of Gov. Panlilio that have expressed disappointment with his performance during the past year.” “Thus, while we continue to support Gov. Panlilio’s crusade to promote good governance in his province, we also believe that he should listen to the voices of these groups and work at immediately addressing and resolving these growing concerns in order for him to become a more effective governor,” it added. Noting that “reforms do not come easy” and “require continuing engagements between the provincial leadership and the other stakeholders in the locality,” Kaya Natin! said, “We do believe that given time, Gov. Panlilio’s initiatives will ultimately result in better delivery of basic services to his constituents.” “We ask all Kapampangans to be patient with Gov. Panlilio because we believe that despite the current situation, he is at the moment still the best person who can govern the province in an effective and ethical manner,” it said. It added: “Should there be a need, the members of Kaya Natin! are willing to help organize and/or facilitate a dialogue between Gov. Panlilio and disgruntled members of the civil society, business groups, people’s organizations and his former supporters in Pampanga.” Apart from Padaca, the signatories to the Kaya Natin! statement included Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, Ifugao Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr., and San Isidro, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sonia Lorenzo.

Turban-clad Luli weds riders need investment helmets, too banker

(Continued from page 1) no one – not even motorcycle-riding Indian nationals who wear the headdress – is exempted from the “No Helmet, No Riding” ordinance to be passed in this city soon. Robert Erfe-Mejia, chief of the city’s public order and safety office, related to The STAR yesterday how an Indian national, who was at Mejia’s office to settle a traffic violation, told Mejia that people like him who wear turbans are exempted from wearing helmets. But Mejia said he was not aware of such an exemption and asked his guest to show him a copy of this order – if it exists – so that he could inform local lawmakers about it. Mejia said the intention of the proposed ordinance as envisioned by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. is to show to all that while Dagupan City is a “friendly city it is also a safetyconscious place.” “While we encourage investors to come in, we would like also to encourage our people and our visitors to observe safety at all times,” he said. Indian nationals living in the country number in the thousands and are very entrepreneurial, often engaged in the business of selling household wares and fixtures, including umbrellas, blankets, electric fans and mats. Buyers are allowed to pay in installments. They also offer “instant loans” paid on installment on a daily basis, and they personally make the rounds of the residences to collect the payments. Last Tuesday, a public hearing on the proposal was held at the city council and was attended by 12 active motorcycle riding associations and 11 motorcycle dealers in the city who strongly endorsed the proposed ordinance. Mejia said the proposed local ordinance seeks to impose tougher penalties on violators who do not wear safety helmets as a way of strengthening the national law to prevent serious head injuries in road accidents involving motorcycles. Once approved, billboards will be placed around entry points in the city to inform motorists and visitors about this ordinance. Currently, motorcycle riders who do not wear helmets are left in the hands of agents of the Land Transportation Office.

(Continued from page 1) The groom is a former investment banker, working with Bear Sterns International and Bankers Trust Co. He is the son of lawyer Antonio Bernas, and was for a time a director at the Ayala Foundation. Luli, the second of the First Couple’s three children, works with the WWF or Worldwide Fund for Nature. She is a passionate scuba diver and environmentalist. She was among the top in the foreign service examinations years ago but did not pursue a diplomatic career because of her mother’s position. – Isaac Belmonte

Smooth sailing seen for Pinoy war vets bill after Dems victory (Continued from page 1) some lobbying work at a dinner with US congressmen. The US Senate has approved the measure, which got stuck in the House of Representatives because several American congressmen wanted to limit its coverage and the benefits for Filipino veterans. One proposal is to have the proposed law apply only to Filipino

November 7 -13, 2008 veterans living in the US. Biazon said Democrats in both the US Senate and House supported the veterans’ equity measure. “In fact, both Senators Obama and John McCain voted for its approval. It was with the Republicans in the House that we had difficulty getting support for the bill’s approval,” he said. “But with the Democrats increasing their numbers in both chambers of the US Congress in last Tuesday’s election, I am hoping this measure will soon be approved,” he said. As for US policy toward the Philippines, Biazon and Rep. Teodoro Casiño of the party-list group Bayan Muna predicted that there would be no substantial changes. By and large, American security and economic interests remain the same despite changes in the US leadership, Casiño said. “These interests transcend administrations,” he said. However, because Democrats are generally more concerned about human rights than Republicans, Casiño said he hoped the Obama leadership would lift the terrorist tag the US has put on the New People’s Army. “This tag has stalled the peace process here. Its lifting would help revive such process,” he added. Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said he does not see a change in US policy toward the Philippines under the leadership of Presidentelect Obama. But Salceda, who is also Mrs. Arroyo’s economic adviser, said he expects the new administration to make the US take the lead in tackling global climate change. – With Celso Amo

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

The idealists’ quest

The other day, a relative was talking about a very prominent businessman who claimed to have no qualms — whatsoever — about doing what is needed to close a To dream the impossible dream deal. The businessman, my To fight the unbeatable foe relative said, was actually To bear the unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go. bragging about it. He is immensely successful and — The Impossible Dream, from the understandably so. He is musical The Man From La Mancha driven and is not about to let something like an inner by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion voice or a conscience stand in the way of his further It’s been 25 years since Ninoy accumulation of wealth, came home and was murdered on the tarmac. It is almost 50 years ago power and prestige, even if it means killing or hurting that a political party called Philippeople in the process. pine Party for Progress ran in a I find it hard to imagine national election and was clobbered. I still remember the people involved myself in such a man’s — the late Senators Raul Manglapus shoes. Logic tells me that, and Manny Manahan, a Gaston from yes, I can “understand” what drives him, and that there are Bacolod and a few other good men such people and that these things do who vowed to clean up the governhappen, but I cannot empathize with ment and make the country move forward. I remember PPP well since it. I can probably intellectualize the concept of being compassionate my mother and a few other people towards him because he is a sentient being, but the feeling part that is supposed to go with it does not easily follow. Perhaps I am not as enlightened as I should be. My brother Gabby says the reason why we are the way we are is because we all carry our own unique moral DNA. Perhaps. I am, after all, the son of my father and mother. I have always been a natural she knew believed in it and actively constituent of so-called idealistic supported it. It was also one of the causes. I can even say I can’t help it. earliest disappointments in politics Some causes, when you hear about that I can recall. them, just feel right and must be We have seen others of this resupported. I have given a lot of time formist mold run in other elections, Brother Eddie Villanueva being one and effort and spent many resources to advance causes like OPM, the enof them. During the last senatorial vironment, human rights, the restorace, we also heard from a group ration of democracy, clean elections, of people who called themselves Kapatiran and who, like their prede- education, electing good people into office and the like. Last Sunday, cessors, did not even come close to being considered electable by much though I was tempted to sleep late, I spent the morning judging a singof the electorate. ing contest sponsored by Gawad The usual take of most people on such idealistic endeavors is that ide- Kalinga, a movement I believe in and support. In the evening, I spoke alism is not enough. One needs the at a rally, also for GK. Somehow, wherewithal to fight the rulers who doing what my inner voice dictates fool the electorate with guns, goons affirms something big and beautiful and gold, which they also stole inside me. from the electorate. In other words, AsianJournalSanDiego_HP4C.pdf 3:55:26though, PM that I do not one needs the same things that the10/22/08I notice, always heed that inner voice. Someenemy has in order to win. HUMMING IN MY UNIVERSE By Jim Paredes Philstar

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times I choose to ignore it because I am tired or burned out. Many of us, in the name of being realistic, live our lives being numb and indifferent, the better to avoid the pain

way of life that will support everyone on the planet. I still believe in the innate goodness of people. As a Filipino, I believe we can rescind the ominous socio-political contract we find ourselves in and awaken to the greatness that we can be. At this time in our national life when every institution — government, the military, the religious, showbiz, teachers, professionals and the elite — has lost credibility and cannot be fully trusted to do the right thing, what are we to do? Where can we turn to for guidance?

What we are going through is not exclusive to Filipinos. It is also occurring in many countries. In the United States, the once unthinkable idea of a black man making as much political headway as Barack Obama is already happening. Put yourself in Zimbabwe where a dictator like Robert Mugabe seems to hold all the cards and is bent on lording it over everyone. What is left of the opposition to use against him except the burning passion to institute the ideals of democracy, no matter the odds? Or take Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected leader of

Burma who has been imprisoned in her home by the military for most of the past decade. Idealism is all she has, and it may not seem like a lot. But judging by how the dramatic turns of history have gone, her idealism may still prove to be enough to overturn the situation. David slew Goliath. The Berlin Wall, which no one could imagine would collapse during his or her lifetime, has vanished. Our EDSA I toppled 20 years of plunder and dictatorship. Japan and many other nations massively (Continued on page 10)

of not following what seems to be right. And I see a massive denial or, at the very least, a compromising of our beliefs and ideals when we discuss national issues or are nearing an election. How many of us have chosen not to vote for the candidates we really believed in because we thought they would not win? How many of us have voted for people we do not trust because we are being “practical?” How many of us have refused the call to mass action even if we knew it was the right thing to do? And how many of us have found fault in the Don Quixotes in our midst by imputing imagined evil motives on them, or jeering them for their futile efforts, and predicting that they will fail? And sure enough, when enough people wish it, it does come true. And once again, our cynicism is affirmed. It’s as if we have lost the capacity to believe that the right thing has a fighting chance, or is worth fighting for. And yet, when we look at the enemies of what we really believe and stand for with all their resources, we ask in true amazement and fear, “How can they fail?” At my age, I have set aside many things I used to believe in blindly, and have awakened to a less fairytale-like reality. No more Santa Clauses, for sure. But this reality that I have stumbled into is, thankfully, not a cynical one. It is a reality that still allows so-called miracles to pull the rug out from under evil and instill goodness in the real world. I still believe that as human beings, we can fashion a sustainable

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

In Perspective by G. Tagudin - Silverio Read Genny Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

A new day for politics

“I

t feels like New Year’s Day!” wrote my sister Cathy, whom I love dearly, in the wee hours of the morning after the historic election. Like Caroline KennedySchlossburg and millions of others who voted for change, she had voted for the aspirations that President-elect Obama represents in the tough days ahead. A friend in New York responded to the email, reporting that in Times Square a crowd was counting off the final minutes before the polls in California were to close.

new cross-section of America. It has changed the way we think of politics. In one swift stroke, we have seen power wielded in the hands of the people, who stood in long lines to cast votes, in order to repudiate and cast down a political hierarchy that at many times seemed at odds and out of touch with its own populace. This is democracy at work. For the world, the election of America’s first African-American president offered a new sense of goodwill across various countries who weighed in on the American elections: South Africa:

The mandate comes from a

“Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,” South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, said in a letter of congratulations to Obama. (Source: Yahoo News) Bangkok: “What an inspiration. He is the first truly global U.S. president the world has ever had,” said Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-yearold Thai sitting at a Starbuck’s in Bangkok. “He had an Asian childhood, African parentage

Obama, his wife and family, Father Lombardi said. “He assured him of his prayers that God would help him with his high responsibilities for his country and for the international community,” Father Lombardi said. The pope also prayed that “the blessing of God would sustain him and the American people so that with all people of good will they could build a world of peace, solidarity and justice,” the spokesman said. (Source: Catholic News Service) Your Victory

Here is an excerpt from Obama’s victory speech: This is your victory. And I know you didn’t do this just to win an election. And I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the and has a Middle Eastern name. greatest of our lifetime -- two He is a truly global president.” wars, a planet in peril, the worst (Source: Yahoo News) financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, Vatican: we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts From Rome, it is reported that Pope Benedict was swift to con- of Iraq and the mountains of gratulate the new president elect. Afghanistan to risk their lives The Vatican has remained neutral for us. There are mothers and fathers in the election campaign. Pope who will lie awake after the Benedict XVI sent a personal children fall asleep and wonder message to President-elect Barack Obama Nov. 5, congratulat- how they’ll make the mortgage or pay their doctors’ bills or save ing him and offering his prayers for Obama and for all the people enough for their child’s college education. of the United States. There’s new energy to harThe Catholic News Service ness, new jobs to be created, new (CNS) reports that Jesuit Father schools to build, and threats to Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said that because the meet, alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. message was addressed personOur climb will be steep. We may ally to Obama the Vatican did not get there in one year or even not plan to publish it. The CNS in one term. But, America, I have article continues: The pope congratulated

(Continued on page 16)

Sol Poetry by Soledad O. Bautista Read Soledad Bautista’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

FOR THE LOVE OF HIM Give a hungry man a fish He will be hungry again Clothe the naked In time, they will be naked again Give a glass of water to a thirsty man Later he will be thirsty again Come Christmas, give packages of food to the poor, The pleasure is short lived Instead of fish to a hungry man Give him fishing gears And you will help him for life That is the Gawad Kalinga way No temporary dole outs That relieve just for a while Gawad Kalinga is charity for life They build sturdy cottages That will last for ages With provisions for health, Education, and a program for livelihood 25,000 families are no longer Living in slums Isn’t it a joy knowing you shared in that great program? The work is still ongoing The compassionate rich, other donors, volunteers and advocates Need as much help as possible To reach that massive goal of 700,000 homes by the year 2012 To eradicate slums and poverty Wow, it is indeed formidable But if all soft-hearted people Will share with love, it can be done Someone said, “When you do this To the least of my brethren, you do it unto Me.” Let’s help and support the Gawad Kalinga For the love of Him.

©2008 copyright by Soledad O. Bautista. All rights reserved.

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Our Life and Times

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr. Read Sim Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

The Gawad Kalinga Experience One woman narrated how a GK volunteer from Europe stayed in her own house for a week just to experience how it feels to be among the poor. He has since sponsored one of her nephews’ college educations.

Page 5

Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com dant meal of Philippine fruits and native dishes with Filipino children on a tree trunk table and GK houses in the background. All the characters in the painting are Filipino except that of Jesus, whom, Joey admits, he drew using a mestizo model. The most prominent and controversial of his paintings, “Hapag PagAsa” shows Filipino street children in loose tattered clothing eating with Jesus. One child is

Touring the Gawad Kalinga Village in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Volunteers and housing recipients work together in constructing their own GK residen(Continued on page 24) tial building.

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mini concert was held last Thursday evening, October 30, 2008 at the historic U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego to raise funds and awareness for Gawad Kalinga, a charitable entity in the Philippines that builds houses for the poor.

ment, from the mixing site to the last person who would put them in place so that you could truly imbibe the spirit of Gawad Kalinga.” He and the other performers have offered their talent and services for free to generate enthusiasm and support from the people in all the places they have been visiting. The audience was delighted Dubbed “The Best for Least,” to hear Kundiman songs perthe concert was presented by formed by the Ryan Cayabyab Gawad Kalinga San Diego and Singers and a medley of popuCo-Chairs Tony and Grace lar songs including hits by the Olaes, Allan and Megan CamaiAPO Hiking Society. It had sa, and Tony and Precy Pizarro. been so long since I last heard It was billed as an “Elegant the beautiful Kundiman music Vintage Cocktail Reception & that I almost got teary-eyed. Extraordinary Benefit Show” The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, by event designer/consultant comprised of four men and Betty Bael. three beautiful women, were Featured in the event were selected from hundreds who Ryan Cayabyab, a well-known pianist and composer in the Philippines, The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, his band, and Filipina-American diva Stephanie Reese. Also featured was Filipino painter Joey Velasco who gained prominence with his controversial depiction of the Last Supper entitled “Hapag ng Pag-asa (Table of Hope)”. It shows Jesus Christ surrounded by twelve poor Filipino street children in place of the apostles. Reese wowed the audience with her renditions of Broadway classics, arias and popular Cebuano and Bicolano songs. Born and raised in the United States with a Filipina mother, Reese shared her testimony on behalf of Gawad Kalinga. She said that at one point, she was in a deep depression when her boyfriend suddenly died in a car accident. She did not have the will to live, until she was prompted by her mother to sing at a Gawad Kalinga event. At the event, the testimonies of people who have volunteered for GK opened her eyes. She agreed to visit the GK Villages in the Philippines and was impressed with what the movement is doing to help the poor in the country. “I saw the beneficiaries of GK very happy with strong positive attitude in life,” she said. “I felt guilty knowing that I was ready to give up when I lost my boyfriend whom I only knew for a year, while the poor have known poverty all their lives.” This life-changing experience led her to volunteer her talent at GK events and share her personal testimony. Musician Ryan Cayabyab, on the other hand, is a musician from the University of the Philippines who gained prominence for several popular hits he composed. He won the top prize in the First Metro Manila Popular Music Festival for his song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (Our music is so beautiful)” sang by Hajji Alejandro. He said that he was indifferent to GK before, despite the fact that he composed the theme song for its movie “Paraiso”. But when he was invited to attend several GK activities, even helping build houses for the poor, he began to understand its philosophy and became an advocate. “You should actually do the physical labor,” he urged the audience that evening. “You should be part of the relay of men and women, young and old alike, who would pass on a hollow block or a pail of ce-

The Computer Center in the GK Village in Taguig.

answered the call for the auditions. Paintings During the evening, several paintings by Joey Velasco, a Filipino “heartist”, were on exhibit, like “Father, Heal Our

Land” that shows Jesus Christ in prayer with a Filipino flag draped across his forearms; “You are my Strength, My Lord” that portrays a naked old man clinging to Jesus Christ in tight embrace while clutching His crown of thorns; and “Hapag ng Pag-ibig” that depicts Jesus sharing an abun-

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A Call to Action

FILIPINO-AMERICAN VOTERS COALITION: The Action Group That Best Promises Political Influence

I

n my previous newspaper writings, I explained why the Filipinos had, for so long, been invisible in public affairs. I then raise the questions of whether a political linkage with the mainstream society did really exist, and what must be done to encourage active Filipino participation in government and the electoral political process. This move becomes even more compelling and timely as no local Filipino candidates emerged victorious in the recent Election Day.

As a practical strategy, I recommended that a non-partisan Filipino Voters Coalition be established in March 1992. Such organization will enable both Republicans and Democrats (and other Filipinos of different political persuasions) to work together for the common interests and concerns of our community. On March 8, 2003 at a sponsored KCS FilAm Forum, John Dauz and Al Villamora suggested that an action plan had to be devised by the group if we wanted to get something

by Miles Beauchamp Read Miles Beauchamp’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Toni Michael A friend has left the room

friend of mine – and over to her friends. many others – passed “I’ll remember Toni for being a woman of many talents and inaway recently. I terests: accomplished flutist who enjoyed Toni Michael’s played in a community orchestra, fluent in French, Sufi dancer, technicompany for many reawriter, genealogist who wrote sons: she didn’t suffer fools cal a book on how to research and list gladly, she could laugh, she your family tree, a mother who encouraged her children to explore was bright, and, well, she (two sons, late teens or barely out of was just fun to hang with. their teens, spent a summer hiking But rather than me tell you New Zealand), a southern Californian who  survived  a number of about Toni I’m going to on a cold, isolated Minnesota turn the rest of this column years farm with few modern amenities.  A

ASIAN JOURNAL

The first Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California An award-winning newspaper, it is San Diego’s most widely circulated Asian-Filipino newpaper! In Pursuit of Excellence Genevieve Silverio Simeon G. Silverio, Jr. Managing Editor Publisher & Editor Santi Silverio Associate Publisher

will definitely be much more effective than those previously based upon individual efforts. Such organization will be in a more advantageous position to bridge the gap between the Filipino community and the broader political establishments. A small but cohesive and dedicated group of leaders can have a major impact on elected officials; strongly make Al Villamora articulating urgent need of PAC the Filipino voice heard (Political Action Committee) in a recent community not only at the pollworkshop. Left to right: Wai-ling Oades-Rubic, Al ing booths on Election Villamora, Larry Brietfelder, Jay Ruiz and Ben Day, but in all levels Macayan. of government meetings, in school board porters — not the other way around. meetings, and community organiza- Thus, it is not uncommon to hear tions of all types; and better follow Filipinos ask the public seekers: up on campaign election promises to “Ano ba ang lagay? (“What is in ensure that Filipinos are represented it for with me?”), with a sense of in appointments at different levels humor. And more often than not, of policy making. they really mean it. . The Truth -- Surprisingly

Few Filipinos actually talk about “politics” with their family, friends, and acquaintances. The large majority does not discuss political issues with other people or follow newspaper ­and television accounts and editorials. They are neither active campaigners nor a It’s time to move forward! listening audi­ence. “In fact,” observes out of the dialogue. John has a UC Prof. Edwin Almirol, ‘political point when he voiced out the need campaigns on television are treated to organize. In this column, I shall like commercials the time to rush to argue again why the group may con- the bathroom.” sider my suggested voters coalition When it comes to fundraising, and what it entails. many Filipinos would rather watch visiting Filipino en­tertainers or go to Action Groups shopping malls than attend political rally. As Filipinos grow into a more The “Get Out the Vote” rally in diverse group, leaders should front of Seafood City on November redirect their conservative responsi- 2m 2008 was a dismal example of bility into a more activist stance in Filipino apathy or lack of concern. community affairs. They ought to Also they are poor contribu­tors. put aside their differences and find Only small groups give financial an organization through which they donations to political candidates. can devote time and energy to help Philippine style of ‘politicking” is their people in need, and not simply still much ingrained in the Filipino use them to gain higher places for psyche. themselves. It is the political candidates that A community-based coalition of dole out money to potential supvoters is the best answer now. It

At Large...

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November 7 -13, 2008

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Miles Beauchamp Associate Editor

Ashley Silverio Assistant Editor Eugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994) Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996) The Asian Journal is published weekly and distributed in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Advertising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2008 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without specific permission from the publisher.

careful speaker and a classy lady; I will miss her.” Barb “When I sat at our Tuesday evening get-togethers, I always thought that Toni knew something about the topic(s) on the table that either she wasn’t saying, or that I didn’t get when she was.  She seemed very spiritual, but not religious in any churchy sense.  I think I have overstepped graceful boundaries in our on-line conversation over the years, and what I recall about Toni is her grace in handling what I put on the table.  Maybe that is what I take away from the years I have known Toni.  The world in which I live is diminished by her absence.” Leif   “When I think of Toni, I picture her on Tuesday evenings at the writers’ gathering, sitting at the table with her two glasses of red wine, listening intently to the conversations, alternately laughing or giving a very passionate reply to something under debate or musing about her days on that lonely northern farm. I don’t think she was anywhere near finished with living since she was always looking forward to the coming events in her life.” Betty “Sorry to hear about Toni. I only met her recently, and only by email, but I am still saddened by the news. 67 seems too damn young.” Rick G “One of the things that I remember best about Toni is the welcome she always gave you if you were away from the group site for awhile for whatever reason. You always got a warm welcome back from Toni as soon as you came back on.  Also, she loved humor--all kinds--jokes, cartoons, anecdotes, and yes, even my horrible puns. And she always responded with encouragement to any of us that were trying any kind of writing venture. Like some of the others, I never met her in person, never spoke to her on the phone, never had any exchange with her except through the writer’s group, but I always felt like I had a real friend in Toni, and I suspect that many others in the Group felt the same.  She will be very much missed by this admiring friend.”  Ed  “When I think of Toni, I’ll always remember her family stories.  Told or written, they were inevitably peopled with the family she loved dearly or folks she had known well and shared moments with.  For all their richness of place and character

Bob Filner is reelected as Congressman for District 51 during the Nov. 4 elections of 2008. A friend of Filipino causes mainly the WWII Filipino Veterans. Empeno for SD City Council Many of us know that it takes money to run for public office. In late l980s, a young UCLA graduate Henry Empeno run for San Diego City Council. The Filipino community was excited with his candidacy. Unfortunately, the Empeno sad experience with them would linger on among potential public office aspirants. Henry, whose father retired from the Navy, was a member of the City Planning Commission. He was probably the first second-generation Filipino to run for a high elective office in San Diego, but decided to abandon his quest for city council seat. and color, her stories never really ended; they just seemed to trail off with no summation and no conclusion, but memorable nonetheless; vignettes, of sorts, a testimony to a life well lived.  And it strikes me that that’s how she left too.  Not solidly or definitively but just sort of suddenly shifting here to there, lots of things and thoughts unfinished, lots of living left to do but now she must be doing it in some other place, a big place with her books and art all around her, and with room once again for the piano she loved.  So we’re left with another Toni story unended because she--and we-didn’t really get to say goodbye.”  JJ “I remember Toni as a kind, thoughtful person. During one meeting, she asked me about “Dirty Pretty Things”, a movie which features Audrey Tautou, the French actress who starred in “Amelie”. After hearing me gushing about the movie’s a great script and great acting, she said it would be on her queue for Netflix. On the next meeting of our group, I asked her if she saw it. With disgust on her face, she said the movie was disturbing because of how brutally the characters acted. “Amelie” was a light-hearted romantic comedy; “Dirty Pretty Things” was a horror thriller movie that turned the urban legend about people waking up missing a kidney into a chilling, plausible story. I felt bad about recommending something that she didn’t like, but with a smile she told it was okay Perhaps that is what I will miss the most, how she could smile to tell me it was okay.” Conrad “My memories of Toni center on her entries and responses to political items on the list. More than anyone else, I think, she would post copies of political “rally” or support emails just about every day. More importantly, she would most likely respond to and support those “please sign this petition” type posts that other folks, myself included, would occasionally contribute to the list. And she would always tell us that she had done so. Her scathing, angry mini-rants on Tuesday nights, almost always aimed at George Bush, were quite often works of art. He probably took several years off her life – she would get so angry, it couldn’t have been good for her heart! That was why, in an earlier email, I mentioned that I felt so sorry that she didn’t live to at least see the election of Obama. She deserved that, at least,

While local leaders were excited about his candidacy, Empeno was unable to collect enough cash from pledges his enthused Filipino supporters made, a bahavioral pattern that would haunt future local Filipino candidates. Jay Ruiz, for example, shied away from running for State Assembly, despite Congressman Duncan Hunter’s persistent urging for him to take the Republican nomination. (Oades, Beyond the Mask, pp. 97-98) Heavily disappointed, Empeno quit the race saying: “Continuing my candidacy would have entailed a great personal sacrifice for me, including loss of income and taking time away from my family.” The experience must have disillusioned the young man and, before long, the family left San Diego for good. Is there lesson to be learned here? A Carry-over from the Philippines Another manifestation of Filipino indifference is their non-membership in political parties. Majority of Filipinos are not registered with any of the political parities. They are not card-carrying Republicans or Democrats. For a few who are party members~ it is a status sym­bol” to be one. One explanation why many Filipinos are not registered with political parties in the U.S. is because they still carry with them the “Filipino” political orientation. “In the Philip­ pines,” further explains Almirol, “when a voter registers to vote, his party affiliation is not asked: in fact, to inquire into one’s political party loyalty could be interpreted as a breach of the ballots’ secrecy.” Thus, immigrant Filipinos are more inclined not to become party

9. To build a financially secure organization. Officers Chairman, Chairman-elect, CoChairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Advisory Board Members. Membership Dues $300 annual fees for organizations; $50 individual membership; $10 College students and Senior citizens Issues & Research Set up a data bank (e.g. Census Statistics and talents pool) to meet the needs of members. Resource Development A. Develop youth leadership training program. B. Organize chapters in different districts in SD County. C. Network with other minority action groups. D. Seek funding for its projects. Suggested Demands 1. Establishment of a position of public liaison officer of FilipinoAmerican affairs in SD Mayor’s Office; 2. Protection from discrimination (e.g. employment and education); 3. Extension of business and administration opportunities to Filipinos; 4. Equal financial assistance in grants and other government entitlements; 5. Appointment of qualified Filipinos in policy-making bodies. Voters from 18 to 24 years are low participators and low party identi-

A friend of local Filipinos, Rosalie Zarate, reelected on Nov. 4, 2008 as National City Councilwoman. Included in the photo are Riz Oades, Ofelia Dirige, Leyte Bustria, Rita Andrew, and Pressy Garovillas. members than the American-born Filipinos and American-Filipino mestizos. One other reason for not joining political parties or political organizations is the perva­sive feeling, of powerlessness among Filipinos though this is now slowly changing. Other factors that explain the feeling of powerlessness among Filipinos include the lack of facility with the English language, a general lack of political information and historical knowl­edge, and ignorance of workings of “interest group” within the political system. Filipino-American Voters Coalition Objectives: 1. To identify Americans of Filipino descent who can energize c and motivate the commu­nity to political action; 2. To register more voters and familiarize them with election process; 3. To encourage active participation of young Filipino students; 4. To encourage more qualified Filipinos to run for public office and support them gen­erously; 5. To support non-Filipino candidates sympathetic with Filipino needs and concerns; 6. To continually work hard with local, state and federal agencies to get more qualified Filipinos appointed to policy-making positions; 7. To promote pride of Filipino ethnicity and heritage; 8. To organize programs with a view to accomplishing the above objectives; after witnessing so many years of something and someone that so angered her.” Simon. “I’ve known Toni well since 1987, and we stayed in close touch even when I’ve lived far from San Diego.  I almost wrote, “Poor Toni,” but realized how ironic that would sound because I cannot see anything “poor” about such a fine lady.  Poor, as in her difficult times in Minnesota?  Perhaps, and yet it provided her a rich cache of stories and experiences that she would unveil, bit by bit, and make connections to her current pursuits of happiness. Poor, as in financial problems?  Toni always found a way to stretch a buck into a thousand dollars worth of laughter--and oh, could Toni laugh.  I’ve always loved to see her tilt her head back and let loose, sometimes with tears rolling down her eyes. 

fiers. If the or­ganization could do something to increase the voting participation of these youngsters, this will be a big accomplishment. The major objective, of course, is to promote increased par­ticipation among Filipino voters across the entire age spectrum. As FilipinoAmerican voters are mobilized, Filipino turnout in Election Day will be great. The strength of this planned coalition can be found in its unified voice around five areas of work: encouraging voter registration, educating voters, getting out the vote, monitoring the polls, and advocating for voter rights. This effort is an unprecedented move to blur the party lines between Democrats and Republicans and set the groundwork for immediate formation and mobilization of a coalition group that would educate Filipino voters and solidify the community countywide as a major voting bloc. As one 2008 defeated candidate said: ‘Let’s not point fingers or play the blame game, but pick up the pieces instead and move on.’ For if we Filipinos can succeed in this country economically, why can’t we politically? Our San Diego Filipino community is still a fractured community. Many leaders have their own agendas, whose implementation would have been better fulfilled if they collaborate with other similar goals. Individual leadership is getting out of fashion; It is communities’ leadership that produces optimal results. It’s time to move forward.-- Riz

Poor, as in chronic health issues?  Nope.  She did more with her life than so many others in this world who possess what could arguably be referred to as good health, yet they do nothing with their lives. On the other hand, Toni filled her life with one accomplishment after another. Nah, Toni was rich in all those ways that truly matter--and it was her ability to be a good friend when someone needed one that put her at an even higher level.  Toni, you’re a class act and I will see you when it’s my time, and you’d better watch out, ‘cause I’m gonna do my best to make you laugh, ‘cause that’s how I will always remember you--a courageous woman who laughed from her soul, and who passed along that laughter to her children so that they will pass that gift along to theirs.” Rick A. Edited for space

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Parents and Tax Credits

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ood parenting is a tough job but we can always try our best to raise responsible kids. Maybe we can learn from each other’s experience or even from our own children. Most of us have better lives now than before and yet our daily lives seem to be a constant struggle. We seem to forget how to enjoy life and even our children. We make our lives too complicated that we tend to get stressed at work and at home. Some can’t even take a needed relaxing vacation anymore. Everything has to be planned and then executed as scheduled. It now becomes a boring routine from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to sleep at night. More parents are working overtime or even on weekends. When are you going to spend more quality time with your spouse and children? Yes, we try to work harder for the sake of our children’s future but, are we forgetting something? Did we ever consider what our kids really wanted from us? Our children tend to emulate us, their parents. We don’t have to be intellectuals to raise smart sons or daughters. They don’t have to look like movie stars to be successful and self-reliant. Every kid is unique so try not to give up on your children. We can help shape their future by spending more quality time with them while they’re still young. It’s not the expensive toys or trips that they will remember about you someday. Most likely they will not forget those moments you shared with them. It can be as simple as walking in the park or helping them build their science projects. Kids grow so fast so try

to enjoy and have fun with them while they are still young. Anyway, your dependent children 16 years and younger are still qualified for $1,000 in tax credit this year. Child care credit is still there for kids 12 years and younger so keep those payment receipts. Don’t forget to take the Providers name, SSN or EIN, address and phone numbers. For those with qualifying children and lower income, Earned Income Tax Credit can mean large refunds. The Franchise Tax Board conducts yearly Head of Household audits so, if you receive one of this letters call your tax preparer. Any wrong answer can be very expensive. If you have children going to colleges, universities or even technical schools, you may qualify for education credits or deductions. Remind your kids to save their payment receipts and the Forms 1098-T mailed to them sometimes in January. Your children can still be your dependents up to age 23 as long as they are full-time students. It doesn’t matter if they have earned taxable income while going to school. They can file their own tax returns claiming the standard deduction but not the amount for exemption. It can be a lot easier if you have the same tax preparer as your students. By the way, if your older children or any relative lived with you for more than six months and you have provided more than 50% of their basic life support, they can also be claimed as your dependents. Their age does not matter as long as their total income is below the exemption amount which is $3,500 in 2008.

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Spanish roommate informed me about Guantanamo Bay. I told my American friends about our conversation. We agreed that the disparity between our beliefs and those of the government was growing too wide to ignore. Still, after Bush won reelection Read Ashley Silverio’s previous articles by visitin 2004, it seemed that we were ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com left in the minority again. After my college graduation, I decided to live abroad. The move was not to disassociate myself with the US, but take ownership of the American image. I wanted to tell people about the country as I knew it and about my experience as an American. I found the Japanese to be a very warm audience, but unwilling to discuss diverging opinions. However, one day my The day after the election, I felt a sense of hope for the country that I could only compare to those days in high Canadian-Filipino friend asked school. I exchanged messages of joy and congratulations a question that floored me. “Are you proud to be American?” he from friends at home and abroad. But the truth is, I’m asked, nonchalantly. I was ofready to return to reality. There are too many problems to fended and answered “of course” dwell on a single victory. Politics must be viewed through without supplying reasons why. I kept up with politics over a critical lens, no matter who is in the lead. the internet. Before I left for hen I cast my vote for Japan, I set a firm time period Barack Obama, I tried of two years abroad. I hoped to to play it down. I kept return to a less polarized counthe TV off for a full day before try that was more receptive to Election Day and made plans to dialogue. As the months passed, attend a class on election night it all seemed politics as usual as the results came in. I was back home. However, the turnreluctant to even talk about the ing point for me was Obama’s election with anyone, because I speech on racism. I could hardly feared it would just contribute believe what I heard. I could to disappointment. After I cast truly identify with his words. It my vote, I feigned indifference was almost unthinkable that it as the poll worker handed me an came from someone who could “I voted” sticker. I stepped out be president. Barack Obama into the parking lot with sticker Still, I was wary. My other between my fingers. Once I was American friends living in Japan I could even memorize our fresh- thought that Obama winning out poll worker’s view, I took men university schedules, 9-11 my “I voted” sticker and tucked the presidency was a long shot. occurred. Uncertain at first, we it away in my wallet. On the Quite a few of them entertained chance that it happened, I wanted just went on with our lives. As the idea of life as an expat. But life continued, my friends and a single keepsake. while we speculated about what I couldn’t gauge the change we Back in high school, I missed life was like back home, the the cutoff age for the 2001 presi- faced. Those of us who didn’t youth movement began to take agree with Bush’s policy had no shape in the US. Through facedential election by four months. better option than wait out the The class star that Election Day book, myspace, and blogs, young four years, because like high morning was the one boy who people gained a voice in polischool students who were a bit could vote. My classmates and tics. My friends’ blogs became I stared at him in wonder, with a too young, it wasn’t our time yet. crowded with virtual campaign I was only forced to really new, “I voted” sticker clinging to pins, non-profit links, and payexamine American actions and his wrinkled T-shirt. We were all pal donation buttons. Online suburban teens dreaming of col- identity when challenges came social networks and grass-roots from the outside. My first lesson community organizations and lege and barely containing our in US image abroad took place desire to go out into the world. fanned the flames of Obamania However, before my peers and in a pub in Madrid, when my

On the move by Ashley Silverio

What Barack Obama’s victory means to my generation

W

(Continued on page 20)

November 7 -13, 2008

AltaMed Hosts a Media Briefing Exclusively for Asian Pacific American Reporters in Celebration of National Family Caregivers Month Leading Adult Day Health Care Provider Recognizes Contributions of Family Caregivers and Offers Valuable Alternatives for Quality Adult Day Health Care at Grand Plaza Facility Los Angeles, CA – Today, AltaMed Health Services, a non-profit leader and provider of Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) services, hosted a media briefing exclusively for Asian Pacific American (APA) media in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month. There are more than 3.5 million family caregivers in California, whose contributions often go unnoticed or unappreciated. At the media briefing, AltaMed paid special gratitude to the millions of family caregivers, and shared with APA reporters information on how AltaMed ADHC programs and services can be a viable alternative to these caregivers at no or low cost to qualified participants. National Family Caregivers Month, in November, is dedicated to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers who provide “free” in-home care to their loved ones. According to National Family Caregivers Association and Family Caregiver Alliance, there are nearly 3.5 million family caregivers in California who provide this “free” care, which translates to an estimated market value of more than $35 billion annually. As life expectancy of California residents continues to reach an all-time high, many families are unaware of what they can do to care for their loved-ones, other than assuming these costly responsibilities alone. “Each family caregiver’s involvement is irreplaceable and their love and dedication can no doubt have a lasting positive impact on the overall health of seniors and adults in need,” said Cástulo de la Rocha, President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services. “In November, AltaMed celebrates family caregivers’ contributions and we want to acknowledge them as the silent heroes of our community. We also want to encourage them to continue the great work they are doing, but to also seek-out help from AltaMed along the way.” Due to strong family values and a deep respect for their elders, the APA community has a high percentage of family caregivers who traditionally assume the role of primary caregiver. Research has shown that family caregivers who provide 36 or more hours of care a week are more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. The rate is twice as high for those caring for a parent. AltaMed’s Grand Plaza ADHC serves as a valuable alternative to relieve APA family caregivers from the mental and physical demands of care-giving. AltaMed’s Grand Plaza ADHC is designed to help seniors and disabled adults enjoy an independent lifestyle in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Health and social care they need are administered in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Supported by public and private funds, as well as a variety of federal, state and local government health programs, the Center’s program and services are offered to seniors and other adults in need of special

Pictured from top row, left to right: Castulo de la Rocha, President & CEO, AltaMed Health Services; Sophia Guel-Valenzuela, Vice President of Senior Care Operations; AltaMed Health Services; Melba Cortes, Center Director at Grand Plaza Adult Day Health Care, AltaMed Health Services; Robin Kung, family caregiver; Patty Fu, Social Worker Supervisor at Grand Plaza Adult Day Health Care, AltaMed Health Services; Elvia Delgado, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Sales, AltaMed Health Services; Po-Hwa Kung, Grand Plaza Adult Day Health Care Center Participant

care at no or low cost. With the recent economic instabilities and increasing costs of health and day care services, AltaMed Grand Plaza ADHC is the perfect solution for seniors and family caregivers looking for both financial and emotional reprieve and assistance. AltaMed Grand Plaza ADHC’s high standard of quality also provides families the emotional comfort of knowing their loved ones are well cared for. AltaMed Grand Plaza ADHC is licensed and approved by the State of California, surpassing the state’s strict safety and health guidelines. It is fully licensed by the California Department of Public Health and is certified for Medi-Cal reimbursement from the California Department of Aging. The program also received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Grand Plaza ADHC has been providing the same quality care to participants and the community for nearly 10 years. A diverse team of certified medical staff, nurses and social workers at Grand Plaza help coordinate and manage a range of health, cognitive and mental conditions of center patients. Services include: medical services; nursing services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; psychiatric and psychological services; social work services; planned indoor and outdoor social activities; daily nutritional programs; and transportation to and from the center. Grand Plaza also provides health education for participants and their

families such as classes on fall prevention – the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries for seniors. The Grand Plaza Adult Day Health Care Center is located at 701 W Cesar E Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The services offered by ADHC’s are available free of cost to individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal or private pay for non-MediCal beneficiaries. For more information on AltaMed Health Services Corporation and its Grand Plaza ADHC center, please call (800) 396-9023. ABOUT ALTAMED HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION AltaMed Health Services, a private nonprofit organization, is a major provider of health and human services in the Greater Los Angeles area and the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the State of California. AltaMed’s mission is to provide high quality, coordinated, comprehensive health and human services to the underserved in Southern California, with particular attention to Latino and multi-ethnic populations. AltaMed began as the East Los Angeles Barrio Free Clinic in 1969, a volunteer-staff storefront providing basic medical services. Today AltaMed’s service area extends beyond East Los Angeles, to the Greater Los Angeles area and Orange County.

November 7 -13, 2008

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

Experience Marikina at its finest through Marquinton GARDEN TERRACES (Continued from page 1)

“Little Singapore”, Marikina also boasts of several historical and cultural sites which visitors find educational and entertaining. There’s the Shoe Museum that showcases the infamous footwear collection of former First Lady Imelda Marcos and the World of Butterflies, where enthusiasts of these lovely winged creatures can bask at the sight of hundreds of butterfly species. Also considered noteworthy destinations are Teatro Marikina, Belen Museum

and leisure choices not only for unit owners but other Marikina residents as well. It has 4 stateof-the-art cinemas, convenience and specialty stores, and a line-up of popular restaurants and cafes such as Dencio’s, Yellow Cab, Shakey’s, Max and Starbucks. It’s time to live better. Come and experience Marikina’s finest through Marquinton Garden Terraces. For more information, call 681-0111 or visit the showroom along Sumulong Hi-way.

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GMA triumphed at the 2008 Catholic Mass Media Awards Philippines’ leading TV station, GMA Network, bagged a total of eight awards at the 2008 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) which was held last Wednesday, October 29, at the Teatro ng GSIS in Pasay City, Philippines.  Established in 1978, the CMMA “pays tribute to those who promote Christian values in an outstanding way, in radio, press, advertising, television, and film.”  GMA programs took home four

Food trip.  Restaurants and coffee shop line up the façade of Blue Wave at Marquinton inviting Marikeños for a gastronomic treat.

and Animal Trail among others. The more sophisticated and urbane Marikeños satisfy their leisure cravings with Marikina’s limitless dining and shopping options. The Riverbanks Mall located beside the Marikina riverbanks houses a supermarket, popular fast-food chains and specialty retail establishments. Its distinctive position makes it a perfect weekend hangout for families: children can frolic at the River Park while parents do their weekend shopping at the mall. Meanwhile, the young adult crowd can “bar-hop” at the numerous night spots located within the city. The throbbing

Shoes galore.  The Marikina Shoe Museum showcases one of Marikina’s pride, the shoe industry.

Marikina nocturnal life showcases popular grilleries, watering holes and specialty restaurants where night owls can gather and hobnob with friends. If “clubbing” is not their cup of tea, coffee shops offer a warm haven for intellectual conversations, business meetings or simply curling over a good book. From a placid municipality in the National Capital Region to a vibrant city hailed many times for its clean and green surroundings, Marikina has indeed come a long way. Further adding dynamism to this city is the rise of Federal Land’s 17-hectare Marquinton community. Located along Sumulong Hi-way, this master planned development is the first project of Metrobank Group’s property arm in Marikina City. It offers residents the convenience of living in high-rise buildings common in densely populated cities amid a serene and safe environment. Since it is located in Marikina, Marquinton residents can live a bustling cosmopolitan life minus the stress, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of nature and celebrate life. The Marquinton Garden Terraces will stand as the first gated vertical subdivision in the area – introducing a fresh concept to urban living. This is yet another testament to Federal Land’s pioneering efforts. Complementing the residential component is the Blue Wave Marquinton mall, an upscale commercial establishment that offers more entertainment

nd o Gibbs a n n a J h c t Ca ez in SOP u q s la e V ); Regine 5PM (PDT 0 : 2 1 t a s Sunday DT) 3:05PM (E

CMMA awards, its sister station Q Channel 11 acquired three, and the Kapuso Network’s AM station, DZBB 594, received one award. The Serviam Awardee, an Institutional Category, is also handed to GMA’s show – Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko. CMMA Awardees include Mel & Joey for Best Talk Show; I-WITNESS “Batang Kalabaw” (episode by Jay Taruc) and Iskul Ko, No.1 (by Sandra Aguinaldo) tied for Best Adult Educational-Cultural Pro-

gram; Mga Mata ni Angelita, for Special Citation in the Best Drama Series category; and Wish Ko Lang for Best Public Service Program.  Q Channel 11 programs that were awarded that night include The Sweet Life, which tied with Mel & Joey for Best Talk Show; Kids on Q for Best Children’s Program; and Day Off which won Best Entertainment Program. Lastly, GMA’s AM station DZBB 594 took home the Best Drama

Page 9 Program award for Nagmamahal, Nanay Gina.  The 2008 CMMA awards night was organized by the Archdiocese of Manila and was attended by key personalities in the print media, radio, television, music, and the advertising industry in the Philippines. In Canada and the United States, you can catch these award winning shows on GMA Pinoy TV, while programs on Q Channel 11 are available on GMA Life TV channel. Call your preferred pay TV operator to subscribe.

Page 10

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Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) host third annual gala awards dinner WASHINGTON, DC – October 30, 2008 --The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) will host its third annual awards dinner, the “Today’s Minds, Tomorrow’s Future®” Gala, on Thursday, October 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the New York Hilton. APIASF will be recognizing J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr., President, Coca-Cola, North America; Bill Imada, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IW Group, Inc.; and Don Thompson, President, McDonald’s USA. Douglas and Thompson will both receive the APIASF Excellence in Education Award for their respective company’s long-standing commitment and support of higher education. Imada will receive the APIASF Inspiring Dreams Award for being the primary visionary whose leadership, enthusiasm and dedication led to the eventual formation of APIASF. The gala is APIASF’s only fundraising event during the year, and all net proceeds go towards

APIASF’s critical and vital mission-- to insure that as many Asian and Pacific Islander American students as possible have the opportunity to pursue a higher education. This year, APIASF distributed 285 scholarships of $2,500 each to high school seniors, bringing the total amount the organization has distributed since its inception in 2004 to more than $1.8 million. Of

those students receiving scholarships this year, 84% were first in their families to attend college and 63% came from underserved communities.  The scholars represented 35 of the 50 U.S. States, Micronesia and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the majority of them had a grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. At the gala, past and present

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APIASF scholarship recipients will share their aspirations and thank the generous sponsors who make our organization possible. Sanjaya Malakar, American Idol Season 6 Finalist, will also make a special guest appearance. WaiLing Eng, Chair, Board of Directors, said, “APIASF is delighted to continue the tradition of honoring corporations and individuals who keep higher education at the forefront. We are proud to be recognizing these gentlemen for their commitment and support of APIASF and for helping to further the education of our future leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander American community.”   The evening’s presenting sponsors are McDonald’s USA and the Asian McDonald’s Operators Association. Other major sponsors/ gala co-chairs include Abercrombie & Fitch, AT&T, ING, Nationwide, USA Funds, Coca-Cola North America, FedEx Corporation, IBM, Macy’s and the United States Navy Diversity Directorate. A silent auction and reception are also part of the evening’s festivities. About APIASF The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is based in Washington, DC, and is the country’s largest non-profit organization devoted solely to providing scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.  APIASF also manages the Gates Millennium Scholars/ Asian Pacific Islander Americans (GMS/APIA).   Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by UNCF, the GMS/APIA program provides outstanding Pell Grant eligible APIA students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose and a graduate degree in specific fields.   APIASF assumed the administration of this program in September 2006. Supporters of APIASF include members of the general public and a wide spectrum of community and professional leaders, organizations and corporations.  Corporate supporters include, but are not limited to, AT&T, Abercrombie & Fitch, The Boston Consulting Group, McDonald’s USA, The Coca-Cola Company, Nationwide, Sodexo, Wachovia, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Wells Fargo.  For more information about APIASF’s mission and program, please visit our website at www.apiasf.org.

“My Only U” to screen in 4 U.S. cities this November

November 7 -13, 2008 Las Vegas, NV 89058 SAN DIEGO November 14-20 UA Horton Plaza 475 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101

(Continued from page 1) LOS ANGELES November 14-20 Cerritos Stadium Cinema also worked together in the TV comedy 12761 Cerritos Towne Center Drive, news program, “Wazzup, Wazzup”. Cerritos, CA 90701 The film injects humor and love in For more information, please call what is otherwise a serious topic: death. Here, the characters are confronted with 1.800.227.9676 or visit www.abs-cbnthe question: What would you do if you globalmovies.com learn that the one you are secretly in love with only has a few days to live? Vhong plays Bong, a tenement manager, who has always liked his friend Winona (Toni) but never summoned the courage to tell her of his feelings. He has no idea that Winona is also interested in him romantically. One day, in the tenement he is manBong (Vhong Navarro) and Winona (Toni Gonzaga) aging, he receives final notes from their star in tackle secret love and the prospect of death in the romantic dramedy, “My Only U”. (Photo from staradlate neighborhood prom.multiply.com) doctor’s assistant: one for him, one for Winona. When he checked his, he found out he was given a clean bill of health. He was worried for Winona who belongs to a family whose women all die before the age of 25. Bong knows Winona is turning 25 soon and the (Continued from page 3) medical notes might just confirm that so-called curse. devastated by war picked have Bong opens the letter from the doctor: themselves up and attained their Winona has lupus and she will die soon. own greatness. Bong vows to make Winona’s remainAs 2010 nears, many of our ing days happy and perfect. In the procountrymen will present themselves cess, they became closer to each other as leaders who promise to guide and begin to fall in love. Then Winona us towards the light at the end of finally turned 25. She didn’t die. She the tunnel. Some will present tried finds the letter sent by the hospital. and tested narratives to ingratiate She discovers her results were actually themselves to the public and dazzle negative. us with money and glitz while sideBong was thrilled to know about the stepping the real issues. And there good news. But then, whose positive will be the others who will have results did he actually read? the right programs and ideas but “With My Only U, we really want no funds, little exposure, a sparse to give our audience here in the U.S. a following — and will still run on the breadth of very interesting themes and steam of their own idealistic fire. characters,” said Kerwin Du, ABS-CBN They will ask for our help. Is this International’s category head for teleanother trap that idealists will fall com, retail and theatricals. “Our goal is into, or is this the true one that will to continue providing them with quality save us? The cynics will again raise entertainment and stories that really the issue of pragmatism. It is really touch the hearts, whether it’s romance, up to us to choose collectively the comedy or drama.” reality we want. My Only U will screen in the followIn these desperate circumstances, ing cities and dates: it is time to put on our idealist’s SEATTLE November 14-20 armor and join those who dare to Parkway Plaza Stadium 12 do what seems impossible... When 5910 South 180th Street there is no other recourse left, relyTukwila, WA 98188 ing on our ideals may not only be LAS VEGAS November 14-20 necessary but may be just what we Regal Village Square Stadium need to pull through. 9400 W Sahara Avenue

The idealists’ quest

November 7 -13, 2008

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

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San Diego News Update

Asian Business Association Announces 2008 Award Winners Alan Camaisa is Business Leadership Award Honoree SAN DIEGO (November 6, 2008) -- The Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABA), a prominent cultural fixture in the San Diego business community, announced its 2008 business leadership, community service, scholarships award winners, and corporate Member and Member of the Year. The winners will be recognized during the organization’s 18th Annual Awards Dinner taking place on November 13, 2008, at the Bahia Resort Hotel from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Allan Camaisa will receive ABA’s Business Leadership Award. Allan is the Founder and CEO of Anakam, Inc., and provides the creative vision and energy that fuels the company’s growth. He is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and currently owns three software related patents. Previously, Allan founded High Technology Solutions, Inc., which he grew to more than 400 employees and more than $45 million in annual revenues. Dennis-Michael Broussard is this year’s recipient of the Community Service Award for his commitment and service to the Asian Pacific Islander community. Dennis-Michael, founder of Silk Road Productions, an event management and production firm that evolved him into an event producer focused on social entrepreneurship. His dedication to the Asian-American community is evident by his involvement in almost every Asian-American event in San Diego, whether as a volunteer, a committee member, or as chair. Dennis-Michael is currently completing his second graduate degree, a Master of Pacific International Affairs, from UCSD’s School of International Relations and Pacific Studies. Cox Communications will receive the Corporate Member of the Year Award. Operating in San Diego County since 1961, Cox was the first company to launch a “bundle” of video, telephone and

Internet services nationwide, and is known for its award-winning customer services and state-ofthe-art fiber optic network. Cox Communications is a committed supporter of the Asian Business Association and diversity throughout our community. As part of its commitment to diversity, Cox formed a Diversity Council of employees who advise the company on initiatives that will encourage diversity. Rosanna Harrison will receive the Member of the Year Award. Rosanna Harrison is the Director of Catering for Evans Hotels at the Catamaran Resort. She has received numerous awards including Catering Sales Person of the Year, and the Spirit to Serve Award by JW Marriott Jr. Rosanna has a wealth of experience ranging from star-studded industry weddings for both film and television personalities to corporate and social events for Fortune 500 companies. Hana Kohin, Aileen Lu, DeAndra Morris, Ifunanya Nwokodi, and Hong Van Pham are this year’s ABA Scholarship Award recipients. Ifunanya, who is a student at U.C. San Diego, is the recipient of the Thomas N. Fat Scholarship Award. Hana and DeAndra are students at St. Miguel High School; Aileen is a student at Mira Costa College; and Hong Van is a student at Preuss School UCSD. All award recipients will be recognized at the ABA’s 18th annual dinner, which is sponsored by Viejas Enterprises, Citi, SDG&E, Union Bank of California, and Wells Fargo. Additional sponsors include AT&T, Cox Communications, Epsilon Systems Solutions, San Diego National Bank, Sudberry Properties, Inc., Sushi on a Roll, Sycuan Resort & Casino, and Westfield. For more information about the annual awards dinner visit http:// www.abasd.org/gala/, or call 858277-2822.

County offers variety of services at rabies vacination, microchipping clinic The County Department of Animal Services will offer a low-cost rabies vaccination, dog licensing and microchipping clinic from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The clinic will be held at the County animal shelter at 5480 Gaines Street in San Diego. “Get the shot, the license and the microchip, and pick up a coupon to spay or neuter your pet,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of County Animal Services. There will be $25 coupons available to neuter male dogs, cats and rabbits and $50 coupons to spay female dogs, cats and rabbits. The coupons are only available for residents who live in our service area of the unincorporated county or the cities that contract with us, which include San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Santee. Rabies vaccinations for dogs (four months or older) and cats (three months or older) will be available for $6. Dog licenses, which are required by law, may be purchased for one, two, or three years. With proof of a dog license, the Department will microchip dogs for a one-time fee of $20, which includes the registration. There is no license requirement for cats, and Animal Services welcomes both rabbits and cats for microchipping as well. A microchip is a small transponder, the size of a grain of rice, which is injected under the skin and remains there for the life of the pet. Animal Services scans all stray animals it receives for a microchip. Staff is then able to locate the owner’s information through the number on the microchip. Owners who have failed to license their dog, or have al-

lowed their dog’s annual license to lapse, will be offered amnesty from any late fees during the event. For the protection of owners and their pets, dogs must be on a leash and cats and rabbits in a carrier while at the clinic. For more information, contact the County Department of Animal Services at (619) 767-2675 or visit www.sddac.com.

Page 11

U.S. EPA decision acknowledges tribal sovereignty for Pala Band of Mission Indians U.S. EPA decision acknowledges tribal sovereignty for Pala Band of Mission Indians SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the “Treatment as State” application for the Pala Band of Mission Indians under a provision of the Tribal Authority Rule. “With this decision, the EPA recognizes the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community’s exceptional environmental program and their dedication to cleaner air,” said Wayne Nastri, Administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Treatment as a state guarantees the Tribe additional authority for several important air programs.” For the Pala Band of Mission Indians, this designation requires major sources

of air pollution within 50 miles to notify the Tribe, in the same manner states are notified, when these sources of air pollution are proposed or modified. This gives the tribe the ability to comment formally as a sovereign entity. The Pala Band of Mission Indians is located in northern San Diego County, where a majority of the 918 enrolled members live on the 12,273-acre reservation. The Pala Band of Mission Indians is governed by an Executive Committee composed of six members elected by the General Council. For more information on “Treatment as a state,” please go to: http://www. epa.gov/tribalportal/laws/tas.htm

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William T. Liu, Ph.D., 78 Professor Emeritus and Pioneer Asian American Researcher

A memorial service for Professor Emeritus William T. Liu, one of the earliest pioneers in Asian American research, will take place this Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, followed by burial at El Camino Memorial Park. He passed away quietly, with his wife Elena by his side, on October 10th, 2008, after battling complications from a quadruple bypass surgery performed in the Fall of 2004. He was 78. Professor Liu was the Director of the first Asian American Mental Health Research Center in the United States which lasted a decade and a half. He developed multiyear training programs for Asian Americans students scattered in U.S. graduate schools with weak or no Asian American Studies programs. At a time when no reliable data existed for Asian Americans and the U.S. Census data did not even allow the separate identification of Asian Americans, Professor Liu advocated for the Asian American community to serve on Census Committees that would later recommend the separate identification of Asian Americans, followed by subsequent recommendations to count the major subgroups within the Asian American community. The inclusion of Asian Americans as worthy of counting by the Census is important because it affects the priorities of research funding by government agencies, the allocation of limited resources at the local level, and the capacity of students interested in the Asian American population to advance their academic careers by doing exploratory studies using readily available public records, as a stepping stone to grant applications and more refined

William T. Liu, Ph.D research on their special population of interest. Professor Liu stressed the importance of developing a rigorous methodological approach to study Asian Americans and provided opportunities to many graduate students to take summer courses on sampling and discuss their plans with statistics professors at the University of Michigan. Professor Liu also promoted international research through his effort to organize a tour for top U.S. psychiatrists and neurologists to visit two leading universities and mental health research institutes in China in the 1980s. That visit invited scientists from both sides of the Pacific Ocean to discuss the possibility of a collaborative research and a large research project on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Shanghai was developed by three institutions: the

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Shanghai Mental Health Center, the University of California San Diego where the late Dr. Robert Katzman was associated with, and the Pacific/ Asian Mental Health Research Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, directed by Professor Liu. Many of the researchers on that team are now successful scientists and professionals. To be an outstanding Asian American social scientist requires working with splintered factions within the Asian American community and addressing broad issues of inequality and social injustice. It is worthy of note that Professor Liu was the first Asian American to ever be appointed to the Chicago Board of Education and the only Board Member re-appointed following the Illinois Education Reform Legislation. After his early retirement from U.S. academic life, Professor Liu went to Hong Kong and was instrumental in developing as well as strengthening the sociology and social science programs of at least three major universities: Hong Kong Baptist College; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Lingnan University. Compulsory age-retirement policy for professors in Hong Kong led Professor Liu to work as a Consultant at a think tank of the National University of Singapore called the East Asian Institute. There he worked on four books, two of which he finished and published. One is The Chinese Catholic Church in Conflict: 1949-2001, which provided detailed historical accounts of how the Chinese Catholic Church survived under communism. The other is Who Cares for the Elderly? —published by the Singapore University Press and which won an Outstanding Book Award in Australia. From Singapore, Professor Liu spent some time at Wenzao University in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, providing a critical direction for the Catholic university to develop by building on its strength as a lan-

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guage-learning institution. Before he could return to put his plan into action, however, his ailing heart demanded that he slowed down. Professor Liu has published at least 12 books and 130 papers. He has also received many awards including the Distinguished Service Award; Chinese American Educational Foundation; Outstanding Community Service Award; Asian Human Services of Chicago, Inc.; Outstanding Service Award for Contributions to Research in Gerontologyby New York City Asian Committee on Aging; Honors for Contributions to Asian American Research by the Chinese American Planning Council, New York City and Asian Task Force on Families and Children, New York City; and Man of the Year Award from Organization of Chinese Americans, Chicago. Everyone who has the privilege of working with him is impressed with his unyielding optimism and wonderful sense of humor. Professor Liu was born in China and came to the U.S. at age 17 under a plan to save the future generation of Chinese from being exterminated by the Communist Party. His plan to serve his country as an Ambassador was crushed when the Communist Party won the civil war in 1947. Overnight, he lost contact with his parents, became penurious, and had no one to turn to but his older sister who also came to the U.S. to study. He worked on many jobs to pay his way through school, including harvesting crops from place to place, cleaning the equipment at Green Giant peas canning factory, serving as doorman at resort hotels, and working as a waiter. Even when he was already an Assistant Professor, Professor Liu continued to work as a waiter in order to pay for a modest life insurance to protect his family. It was only when he became an Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame that he stopped working as a waiter and started building academic programs. From there on, he continually nurtured a cadre of students on how to do research on Asian Americans. A firm believer of democracy, freedom, liberty and equality for all, he volunteered to work as Captain of a Voting Precinct during his retirement years. Even when he became disabled, he delivered lunch to his wife who was working as Captain of a Precinct in 2004. Besides his wife Elena, his survivors include Edwin, who is a physician, and two daughters who are lawyers, Adeline and Beatrice. In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a scholarship fund at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana in his honor. For more information, contact Elena at (858) 405-5175.

November 7 -13, 2008

Laughing Matter Read previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

A week at the gym BUSINESS MATTERS (BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE) By Francis J. Kong Philstar Do you go to the gym? Do you exercise? My wife and I do. It’s part of our non-negotiable task list. And this account is so funny. A guy named Thomas Ellsworth sent this over the Internet so listen to this. It’s entitled: A Week at The Gym. This dude says: For my birthday this year my wife purchased me a week of private lessons at the local health club. Though still in great shape from when I was on the varsity chess team in high school, I decided it was a good idea to go ahead and try it. I called and made reservations with someone named Tanya, who said she is a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and athletic clothing model. My wife seemed very pleased with how enthusiastic I was to get started. They suggested I keep an “exercise diary” to chart my progress. Day 1. Started the morning at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get up, but worth it when I arrived at the health club and Tanya was waiting for me. She’s something of a goddess, with blond hair and a dazzling white smile. She showed me the machines and took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. She seemed a little alarmed that it was so high, but I think just standing next to her in that outfit of hers added about 10 points. Enjoyed watching the aerobics class. Tanya was very encouraging as I did my sit ups, though my gut was already aching a little from holding it in the whole time I was talking to her. This is going to be GREAT. Day 2. Took a whole pot of coffee to get me out the door, but I made it. Tanya had me lie on my back and push this heavy iron bar up into the air. Then she put weights on it, for heaven’s sake! Legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made it the full mile. Her smile made it all worth while. Muscles ALL feel GREAT. Day 3. The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the tooth brush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it.

I am certain that I have developed a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer. I parked on top of a Volkswagen. Tanya was a little impatient with me and said my screaming was bothering the other club members. The treadmill hurt my chest so I did the stair “monster.” Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by the invention of elevators? Tanya told me regular exercise would make me live longer. I can’t imagine anything worse. Day 4. Tanya was waiting for me with her vampire teeth in a full snarl. I can’t help it if I was half an hour late, it took me that long just to tie my shoes. She wanted me to lift dumbbells. Not a chance, Tanya. The word “dumb” must be in there for a reason. I hid in the men’s room until she sent Lars looking for me. As punishment she made me try the rowing machine. It sank. Day 5. I hate Tanya more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. If there was any part of my body not in extreme pain I would hit her with it. She thought it would be a good idea to work on my triceps. Well I have news for you Tanya - I don’t have triceps. And if you don’t want dents in the floor don’t hand me any barbells. I refuse to accept responsibility for the damage, YOU went to sadist school, YOU are to blame. The treadmill flung me back into a science teacher, which hurt like crazy. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like a music teacher, or social studies? Day 6. Got Tanya’s message on my answering machine, wondering where I am. I lacked the strength to use the TV remote so I watched eleven straight hours of the weather channel. Day 7. Well, that’s the week. Thank goodness that’s over. Maybe next time my wife will give me something a little more fun, like a gift certificate for a root canal. Go through it. Then you will love it and you will benefit from it. God has given us a beautiful body but we have to take care of the maintenance work. So go to the gym and don’t look for Tanya.

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

Light & Shadows by Zena Sultana Babao Read Zena Babao’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served Love for country can be expressed in many forms. The highest expression of that love is to serve, honor and defend the country we love, to fight for it, and if need be, to die for it. This coming Tuesday, November 11, 2008, America will honor the 25.4-million military veterans who have served our country. These courageous men and women have devoted their lives to the cause of freedom, and millions have given the greatest sacrifice of all – their lives. In remembrance and gratitude, our nation salutes them this coming Veterans Day. As usual, the focal point for the official and national ceremonies will be at the Memorial Amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services will execute “Present Arms” at the tomb. Our president, George W. Bush, will lay the presidential wreath to symbolize the nation’s tribute to our war dead, after which the bugler will play “taps.” The President’s Veterans Day National Committee will coordinate the ceremonies at Arlington and elsewhere. The committee represents national veterans organizations and will be chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Governors of many states and U.S. territories have appointed Veterans chairpersons who, in cooperation with the National Committee, will arrange and promote local ceremonies.

The Origin of Veterans Day In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reference for America’s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor: Westminster Abbey in England and Arc de Triomphe in France. These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918 – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The day became known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day officially received its name in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Almost 17 million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died, more than 292,000 in battle. The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” which included a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees proposed a bill that

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would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. And thus started the annual event celebrated nationwide. On Memorial Day 1958, an unidentified American soldier who died in World War II and another who died in the Korean War were brought home from overseas and interred beside the unknown soldier of World War I. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps vigil night and day. “In Flanders Fields” and “America’s Reply” My favorite poem about soldiers who laid their life for their country is entitled “In Flanders Fields” by Col. John McCrae, MD. “In Flanders Fields” remains to this day one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is a lasting legacy of that terrible battle in 1915 in a region of Western Belgium and Northern France. The poem expressed McCrae’s grief over the “row on row” graves of soldiers who had died that day: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it

(Continued on page 25)

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Who wants to be nurse nowadays? GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc Philstar, October 27, 2008

Awaiting Jocjoc Bolante’s deportation to Manila, siblings claim he’s innocent of the P728-million fertilizer scam. They may fool themselves all they want, but Jocjoc’s flight to America shows guilt. History has a way of settling scores. Only by having brother Jocjoc tell the truth can they hope to revive the family honor. Eliseo dela Paz’s refusal to face Senate probers of his mysterious P6.9million Moscow baon also exhibits guilt. Here is another comptroller who, like Gen. Carlos Garcia, is about to stain the family name with unexplained, therefore dishonest, wealth. Is it worth it, more so if he’s just taking the rap for a superior? Bolante and dela Paz’s cases are akin in an odd way. On one hand admin Sen. Miriam Santiago is raring to arrest dela Paz to make him explain his misappropriation of public money. On the other, another admin Sen. Ed Angara is reluctant to arrest Bolante who has yet to explain his 2004 plunder of farm subsidies. The difference is that one’s confession can hurt the President, while the other won’t affect her at all except in leadership by bad example. Which is why the Philippines is being compared to Uganda: there the dictator was Idi Amin, here the chief’s motto is Dia Amin. *** The Philippine Nurses Association held a national confab last week during one of the worst times for the profession. Poor employment, poor earnings, and poor education plague them. And they’re getting no help. RP has more than a quarter-million

new nurses. Only a handful have work. Ever since a zoom in nursing school enrolment eight years ago, there has been no commensurate rise in job openings. Hospitals have decreased; so have doctors’ clinics, as medics retooled as nurses. The American dream that fed the

nursing boom suddenly soured. Upon graduation from a four-year B.S. Nursing course, jobseekers found the US Immigration window closed. In 2001-2003 nurses were so in demand that US employers paid to have visas issued to entire families. Today they’re still hot, but processing is in “retrogression”. The 50,000-a-year quota of work visas to Filipinos filled up so fast up to several years ahead that the US simply stopped accepting any more applications till the backlog eases. Then too, other lands aped the Philippine cash-in on the global nursing shortage. As aging populations of Europe, the Middle East and Australia sought new nurses for care homes, other Asians elbowed out Filipinos with cut-rate offers. China and India may have suffered from US retrogression too, but it only meant joining Filipino nurses in the long unemployment queue. Supply and demand kicked in. As nurses begged for jobs, hospitals found an income break. New nurses

November 7 -13, 2008 are now being charged P3,000P5,000 each to be taken in as apprentice in need of an all-important “certificate of work experience.” Ironically the jobless pay to be given jobs. All they get, though, are trainee diplomas that hardly qualify them for coveted postings abroad. State hospitals worsen the trouble, PNA head Dr. Leah Samaco-Paquiz laments. Six years since enactment of the Nursing Act, the pay of government nurses has yet to rise to the mandated P16,093 a month. Most still get less than P10,000, which makes one wonder when politicos will ever stop taking and start giving. Millions of Filipinos in the countryside are in dire need of basic care that nurses can give as front-line experts, Samaco-Paquiz points out. Officials would do well to “hire” nurses as “volunteers”, even for just transport and food stipends. That can ease the nursing unemployment and at the same time the health-care gap. But the attention of congressmen, governors and mayors is elsewhere, on pork barrels. The beast feeds on itself. Families scrimp to send the brainiest sibling to nursing school so the grad can lift up the rest. But colleges have sprouted of late not to train but to trade — charging steep tuitions for four long years to students who hardly learn a thing. And after graduation day they charge some more for review class for the licensure exam. Close to 40,000 nursing grads take the board every June and December. Only 40 percent, or 16,000, pass. They add to the ranks of the unemployed, along with flunkouts. *** Reader Romy Francisco of Tacloban City, believing in peer pressure to keep our public officials on the straight and narrow, suggests: “Most politicians are members of the Jaycees or Rotary. If they stick to the tenets, motto and scope of their organization, we can be progressive and graft-free. On the Presidency, most previous ones came from Congress and so were well versed in lawmaking, but not in good governance. I hope (Quezon City Mayor) Sonny Belmonte considers running for President. Not just an ex-legislator, he is a seasoned (local) executive. He can duplicate for RP what he did in QC.

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In good times and in sad FAMILY JEWELS By Michelle Dayrit-Soliven PhilStar My late father taught me that it is important to be there for others not just during good times, but especially in sad — because that is when they need you the most. My late Abuelita Caring had one peculiar habit. She made a daily ritual of reading the papers, going straight to her favorite section, the obituary. During those days there was no text messaging or Internet. Tirelessly, my grandmother would call her friends one by one on the telephone to inform them of the passing of this and that friend or relative. She then made it her priority to visit the bereaved family. In my youth, I found this habit rather strange, but today I don’t. It seems I have even inherited it. For now I have a strange confession to make. There are times when I have chosen to attend wakes and funerals over parties. To me, it just seems more meaningful since the pain of losing a loved one invites you into the heart of a family. The outpouring of love, comfort and support from family and friends makes this sad occasion a beautiful one. I also love listening to eulogies because they convey the most endearing messages of love, hope, gratitude and goodness. In some cases, death somehow breaks barriers and brings family and friends closer to one another. A peaceful death is just as precious as a blessed life. I had this in mind while I was talking to Mrs. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay who recently lost her mother, Josephine Murphy Cojuangco, at 98. Tita Isabel’s mother, a strong willed woman who was widowed at 42, was able to successfully raise six children. “My eldest brother Danding said, ‘I may carry the name of my father (Eduardo Cojuangco Sr.) but all that I am, I owe to my mother’.” Tita Isabel said her mother was a disciplinarian. “But she was also very loving.” Because of so much love she got from her mother, Tita Isabel gave back the same amount of love to her until her dying day. They were always together, for many moments of their lives, they were hardly apart from each other. Tita Isabel’s daughter Isa also grew up showered with that love. And on the last night of the wake, she couldn’t bear to leave her Lola alone in the chapel. This is understandable because Isa, her mother and grandmother were inseparable — traveling together, living together, loving together. I used to be uneasy during wakes because I didn’t quite know what to say to the bereaved. But 11 years ago, when my own parents passed away, I greatly appreciated those who came to support us. I learned then that no words were even necessary because the presence alone of those who condoled with us already said so much. I also received much comfort from those who came and made me laugh or shared a story or a little anecdote or two about my parents and how they touched their lives. Aside from paying your last respects, the death of someone also gives you the chance to express your gratitude. So, when I heard about the passing of Francisco “Paking” Rabat, 74, former governor of Davao Oriental and well loved former mayor of Mati, Davao, a basketball star of the Ateneo de Manila University and a member of the Philippine team who brought home a bronze medal during the Brazil Olympics in 1954, I came to condole with his widow Edith NakpilRabat, a former beauty queen. Tita Edith was there when we lost our parents. I gave her back the comfort she clothed us with during our loss. In my own little way, I was there to give her family a piece of strength to ease their pain. One of the biggest fears of every child is losing his or her parents. Sadly though, death is one reality of life that we must all inevitably face. I don’t mean to sound like a prophet of doom. I just want to assure you that when this happens, as it did to me, God will provide you the grace to get through the pain. This is the same grace that my good friend Sarina Fores received

when her father Fernando Geronimo Fores, 73, passed away recently. Two years ago, Sarina lost her mom, Tita Noemi, making her and only sister Acie total orphans. During the wake, Sarina told me about a beautiful dream of Paloma, her seven-year-old niece. Paloma said her Lolo and Lola appeared to her in her dream telling her to relay the message to her mom Acie not to worry because they were very happy in heaven. Paloma said her grandparents had wings as they joyfully toured her around heaven. They even bought her a skateboard. Paloma told them she had to be back by 6 p.m. or else her mom Acie would freak out. In this dream, Paloma described heaven as a peaceful place full of snow and everything was white. This dream brought comfort and assurance to Sarina and her family that their parents are now happy together, in their beautiful home in heaven where one day, they would all be reunited. We are all created in this life for a purpose. God provides us certain talents and abilities as well as resources to fulfill all that he wants us to do. And for the father of my batchmate and friend Lizette Banzon-Cojuangco, what the Creator wanted Conrado Pizarro Banzon, 85, to fulfill on earth was to become a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, whose dynamic presence was a source of strength and stability for the lives of people he touched. “He loved his vocation as a doctor, that’s why we call him ‘Papa Doc.’ He loved being a leader and a peacemaker in the medical field. He had always put his God and family at the center of his life,” said son Marcel Banzon, who is also a doctor. Marcel added: “Dad told us, ‘Alagaan ninyong mabuti ang nanay ninyo (Please take very good care of your mother).’ Dad, until the end, expressed his infinite love and fidelity to his wife. He is the epitome of love.” In parting, he shared some valuable lessons learned from his father, which included: “Don’t take your parents for granted;” “Love them always;” “Serve them well;” and “Say you love them as often as you can.” Beyond our sadness, death allows us to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of life. Death ends a life on earth but not our relationships because the memories left behind by our loved ones remain alive in our hearts forever. God gives us the grace of remembering. And as we continue to remember our loved ones, we continue to celebrate their lives.

A new day for politics (Continued from page 4)

never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it’s been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. Task at Hand According to Yahoo Finance Tech Ticker’s Henry Blogdet, President Elect Obama’s first step should be to reset expectations. Writing on the day after the elections, Blodget is suggesting that it will get worse before

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it gets better. Therefore, the new president should set the expectations low. Here are the challenges facing the nation: * The deficit will be more than $1 trillion a year for several years * The country needs a massive new fiscal stimulus * The housing market will continue to decline through at least 2010 * Interest rates and taxes will eventually have to rise (after the economy stabilizes) * Weak corporations have to be allowed to fail * Millions of homeowners will lose their house * Unemployment will probably rise to 10% * The government simply cannot “bail the country out” -- not because it lacks the will, but because it lacks the power Stay Engaged The challenges facing the new president and his administration are daunting. It is in our best

interest to stay engaged in the political process so that we can have a hand in the policies and a voice in the issues that will shape the nation in the days to come. Among the issues not mentioned above are deeper universal constants rooted in justice and love that transcend all of the above. One of these, respect for life, would need your voice as well as mine. It forms the core of the pro-life conscience -- a stance not to be

summed up a matter of numbers, but of wholesome respect for God’s authority according to writer Alan Keyes. Although not all share the same beliefs, we have reason to hope and push on. As Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post wisely framed it, “Even if your candidate did not win tonight, you have a reason to celebrate; we all do. Voters wanted to step into the future -- as if a country exhausted by the last seven-plus

November 7 -13, 2008 years wanted to recapture its youth.” The president-elect is reaching out to the sizable forty-seven percent of America with these words, “And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.” Lets’ find our place in the struggle ahead as President-elect Obama himself stated as America sets out on a new course. - AJ

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

Community

Health Fair 2008 By J’Son, Asian Journal | National City, 11/5/08 - Residents of National City and neighboring cities are invited to join Paradise Valley International Medical Mission in its community health outreach event dubbed as “Health Fair 2008.” The clinic will be held at the conference room and patio of Paradise Valley Hospital, located at 2400 4th. St. in National City, CA 91950, Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Paradise Valley International Medical Mission is reaching and building a healthier community together with its generous sponsors: Paradise Valley Hospital, Pfizer, Paradise Valley Hospital Foundation and Valmar Graphics

& Printing, Inc. Health Fair 2008 will provide free medical screening on the following: Eye screening, Foot Exam, Bone Density, Cholesterol, Diabetic Exam, Hearing Screening, Blood Sugar, Glaucoma, Hypertension Blood Pressure and Body Fat Screening. Come one, come all! This Health Faire is absolutely free admission to all the participants. Refreshments are free. For more details, call Cmdr. Ray Ricario, President, Paradise Valley International Medical Mission, tel. no. (619) 807-2883, Joe Marasigan, tel. no. (619) 474-7531, and Joe Nicolas, (619) 274-1208.

Filipino American candidates lose in last election; Voter coalition to be formed (Continued from page 1) Vista City Council while Todd Gloria, a part Filipino, won a seat in the San Diego City Council. Partly because of this disappointing result, a group of Filipinos is inviting Filipino Americans to a brainstorming session to assess the matter. The group has issued a press release, as follows: FILIPINO-AMERICAN VOTERS COALITION: A Call to Action Why have there been no victories for Filipino Americans at San Diego County in the recent election? In these post-election days you may feel disappointed, frustrated, hopeless, powerless, and even triumphant. After you have lived with those feelings, what comes next? The fact remains there is work to be done; and working together in a coalition makes our voice stronger. There is an urgent need for a Fil-Am Voters Coalition (FAVC), a non-partisan partnership that will be drawn from individuals and organizations - to provide a voice for everyone, regardless of political persuasions and personal beliefs. The strength of this planned coali-

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tion can be found in its unified voice around five areas of work: encouraging voter registration, educating voters, getting out the vote, monitoring the polls, and advocating for voter rights. This effort is an unprecedented move to blur the party lines and set the groundwork for immediate formation and mobilization of a coalition group that works to educate Filipino Americans voters and solidify the community countywide as a major voting bloc. As one 2008 defeated candidate said: ‘Let’s not point fingers or play the blame game, but pick up the pieces instead and move on. It’s time to move forward.’ Join us in a brainstorming session to create a community-based voters coalition at Kalusugan Community Center, 1419 E. 8th Street, National City, on November 12, 2008, 6:308:30 p.m. Let us address and decide together issues relevant to political empowerment. For further information, call Dr. Riz A. Oades, 619-477-3392 or 619917-0728, Mitz Lee, 858-965-8064, Dr. Aurora Cudal, 619-399-9982, and Myrna Reyes, , 619-885-3081.

Attorney General Brown Breaks Up Foreclosure Scam Ring LOS ANGELES—California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the arrests of three members of a fraud ring who preyed on desperate Southern California homeowners by falsely promising to renegotiate their home loans, but instead “ripped them off for thousands of dollars” while their homes fell into foreclosure. “It’s appalling how these scammers took advantage of desperate homeowners and ripped them off for thousands of dollars,” Attorney General Brown said. “Our campaign against mortgage scams masquerading as foreclosure assistance will continue and even intensify.” California Department of Justice Special Agents of the Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence arrested Rosa Conrado of San Bernardino, Saul Amador of West Covina, and Jesus Flores of Baldwin Park, believed to be members of the fraud ring. Law enforcement officers have issued arrest warrants for Juan Perez of Grand Terrace, and David Giron of Ontario, who are also suspected to be involved in the scheme. The Attorney General’s Office filed a 39-count complaint that includes multiple grand theft, money laundering and conspiracy charges against these suspects. The arrests came after an investigation into First Gov, also operating as Foreclosure Prevention Services, uncovered that the company was soliciting hundreds of homeowners with mail flyers offering to help them stop the foreclosure process on their homes. The scammers falsely told homeowners that they would renegotiate their mortgages, reduce monthly payments, and transfer any delinquent loan amounts to the renegotiated principle. The company demanded an up-front fee, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, to participate in the loan-modification program. The company also told the victims to stop any mortgage payments or communications with their lender, claiming they would interfere with the company’s effort to negotiate the loan modification. Typically, the scam initiated with a flyer sent to the homeowner. For example, Eleuteria and Arthur Washington of Redlands responded to a flyer she had received that falsely claimed to offer a way to renegotiate their

Grand Opening!!!

home loan. On May 16, 2007, a representative of First Gov came to their residence. The Washingtons were asked for two cashier’s checks each for $2,023.58 (totaling $4,046.56), which equaled two times the combined total of the monthly payment on their first and second mortgage. Although the checks were deposited that same day into the designated Bank of America account, Mrs. Washington continued to receive letters from her lenders that the house would be auctioned. Mrs. Washington’s numerous calls to First Gov went unanswered. Finally, she received a call from First Gov that her lenders had agreed to the loan modification. Today’s arrests are part of the California Attorney General’s ongoing crackdown on predatory lending and mortgage-fraud schemes in the state. In March, the Attorney General’s Office arrested Eric Pony and other members of Lifetime Financial Corporation for leading a similar mortgage-renegotiating scam that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from California homeowners. Pony led the company in a predatory bait-and-switch loan-modification scam that targeted elderly and nonEnglish speaking homeowners. The case is still pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. For homeowners who are behind in their mortgage payments or their home is already in foreclosure, services are available at little or no cost to help them save their home. For information about these services, consumers can visit www.yourhome. ca.gov or contact HOPE - Center for Foreclosure Solutions, a communitybased organization that is available to assist them with foreclosure-related issues, at (888) 995- HOPE or online at www.995hope.org . Homeowners considering paying for foreclosureassistance services, such as loan modification, should beware of anyone who tells them not to contact their lender or charges an upfront fee. It’s unlawful for companies that promise to help consumers in foreclosure to collect any money from them before they’ve done what was promised. Also, consumers should remember that they may not transfer title on their property to avoid foreclosure without the consent of their lender.

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Spiritual Life

Lower Your Nets by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

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The Person: God’s Building Joke of the week: In frontier days, the little church in an Arkansas town burned to the ground. The owner of the town saloon generously offered his place for Sunday services. Shortly before the service was to begin the preacher started to cover the bar and bottles with sheets. The saloon keeper’s parrot noticed and let out a squawk, “What’s that? A new bar-tender?” When the women of the choir came tripping in, the parrot let out another squawk, “Hey! A new floor show.” But when the parishioners began to file in for the service, the parrot gave another squawk, “Aw, heck! The same old customers.” Scripture: First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12. The prophet Ezekiel saw in his vision a small stream flowing from the Temple. At first instance, the stream looked insignificant, but as it continues flowing through the land, it becomes deeper and brings abundance of life in the fish and fruit of all kinds. This was no ordinary stream; it was the river of God’s delight that promises healing wherever it flows. The prophet who lived during the difficult times of the Israelites saw this river as a sign that where God is present with his people there is grace and wonders. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17. St. Paul speaks of the body of Christ, the Church, the community of believers, as the Temple wherein the Spirit dwells. Gospel: John 2:13-22. The cleansing of the Temple became the occasion for Jesus’ message that he would soon raise up the new Temple that was promised by the

prophets. Since God dwells in the Temple and in Jesus, Jesus rightly refers to himself as the new Temple, the Emmanuel, the God-with-us. Reflections: Solomon built the First Temple in 966 B.C., but it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. After the Exile the Second Temple was constructed and dedicated in 516 B.C. After years of wear and tear, it was renovated by Herod the Great who ruled from 37-34 B.C. It was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.: all that remains today is part of the famous Western (“Wailing”) Wall. This temple is the site of today’s Gospel where Jesus taught about the New Temple, himself. Today commemorates the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica that is the cathedral church of Rome and the pope’s church. Emperor Constantine built it in 313 on property that belonged to the Laterani family. The church was dedicated by Pope Sylvester 1 on November 9, 342. It is called the Mother Church of Rome and of the World and dedicated to Christ the Divine Savior. This basilica used to be the residence of the popes from the 4th century until they moved out to Avignon in 1309. It was the first of the four big churches, the first among equals (“primus inter pares”) in Rome. A big chapel is attached to the cathedral and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. All the baptisms in Rome are celebrated there. The prophet Ezekiel saw in his vision that all life comes from the water flowing out of the Temple. The Jerusalem Temple is the seat of Jewish religious authority, political power and

commercial transactions. The Jewish High Priest resided at the Temple. The Temple was the symbol of the Israelites as a nation and people. It was also the place where commercial dealings were conducted, tithes were collected, and animals for sacrifices were sold. It was a big surprise for the Jews to hear Jesus challenging them to destroy that Temple and in three days he will build it up again. Today’s feast represents the Catholic identity as the Body of Christ in union with the pope. Just as the Jerusalem Temple symbolizes the Jewish religious identity as God’s People, so the Lateran Basilica represents also the presence of God in Christ who is always with the community of believers. His presence, just like the life-giving water that flows out of the Jerusalem Temple in the vision of the prophet Ezekiel, brings forth fruitfulness, healing and miracles. Today’s celebration reminds us that through the graced presence of Christ in the community of believers, the Church, he is also present individually in each one of us. It is our grave responsibility to keep that presence untarnished and witness to it in the world. The Lateran Basilica is not just a symbol of Christian identity in the world, but of Christ abiding presence among us and in each one of us.

Combating child prostitution and domestic sexual abuse Fr. Shay Cullen The case of suspected child abuser, British national, Richard Holden, now held in the Immigration Jail in Metro Manila denied the charges and claims he is being framed up by another jealous and vindictive Briton in Dumaguete City. The case is one that must be investigated with respect for the rights of the alleged victims and the accused. The evidence ought to be gathered. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Celia C. Yangco has assured me that the DSWD officials are investigating the allegations and looking for the alleged child victims. They are in discussion with the officials of the Bureau of Immigration. The roots of child and women trafficking is found in proliferation of the nation wide sex bars and resorts,

the impunity enjoyed by sex tourists that is damaging children and exploiting women and destroying the moral fiber of the country and its image worldwide. We need national and international pressure on the Philippine authorities to implement the anti-trafficking law and close the sex industry down. Sex tourists going to South East Asia and other places develop a depraved appetite for sex with children and then return to their own countries and become abusers of their children in their own country. Officials are ignoring the problem. Sexual exploitation is spreading among the Filipino communities and the legal and moral prohibitions have broken down. Even local officials today act as negotiators between child abusers and parents to arrange a financial settlement when the child has been raped or abused.

November 7 -13, 2008

The official earns a percentage of the payment. The child is left without help and the pedophile goes free to abuse other children. Our Preda Home for Girls has 49 children in care and custody. They are helped to recover by providing a caring and supportive environment with protection. We also help them heal by encouraging them to cry out through emotional expression therapy. The deeply buried emotional pain and suffering they hide inside is opened and brought out. The emotional pain is eased and the anger is removed and psychological healing can begin. Many children have recovered and are reintegrated to their families when it is safe for them. Some have succeeded in past years and finished college and today are Preda social workers and psychologists helping the new child victims at Preda children’s home. The Preda legal officers are filing criminal charges against the abusers but due to weak prosecution, few (Continued on page 25)

Quotation of the week: “It is God who sanctified the Church; men in the Church are not, any more than men in the world, holy of themselves … they are themselves the communio peccatorum (sic community of sinners) totally in need of justification and sanctification.” Hans Kung.

“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965

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Lifestyle by J’Son Read J’Son’s previous articles by visiting our website at www. asianjournalusa.com

An overview of a medical mission “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to the Holy Spirit.” God also said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and for those who give will be rewarded ten-fold.” National City, 11/5/08 - Paradise Valley International Medical Mission is a non-profit organization that promotes the well-being of the poor in underdeveloped communities through a continuous and comprehensive field of services provided during a medical mission trip. A medical mission trip contributes to target mission site communities by

improving health, wellness and medical relief of the people. On every trip medical mission team provides diagnosis and treatments, establish or create a partnership with local medical relief agencies, conduct medical and mass community wellness training, and foster principles of medical relief prevention. Aside from a medical staff of professional volunteers, non-medical volunteer’s participation is also essential to support its medical staff for the intended duration of the medical mission. Kudos to the two most active non-medical volunteers, I know, from Paradise Valley International Medical Mission: Joe

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Nicolas, of Mc Buddies; a Navy retired Chief Legalman, doing all the legworks and statistics; Joe Marasigan, proprietor of Valmar Graphics and Printing, Inc., also a retired Chief of the Navy for database and logistics; and all the other medical professional and non-medical volunteers, who are repeatedly doing a good Samaritan job to payback their blessings to our Motherland. These volunteers above mentioned are now doing their best to put together an early fundraiser on November 23, 2008 for their forthcoming medical mission on September 2009 in yet undisclosed communities in Cavite, Philippines. These medical missionaries devote their time and efforts, professional expertise and even use their own financial resources to make every medical mission worthy and meaningful even at this time of global economic slowdown. For the record, Paradise Valley International Medical Mission has already completed two successful missions in the Philippines, The first medical mission was in Pili, Camarines Sur and Calamba Laguna in 2006. This was followed in 2007, by two more successful trips -- in the Visayan islands of Cebu, Bohol and Negros in February, and to Santo Domingo, Albay in November. In 2008, proposed

medical missions were cancelled due to the demise of Dr. Eduardo Manaig, one of the forerunners of this team. A medical mission only offers a short term medical relief in areas where health care is limited or difficult to obtain. This provides access to medical care in underserved and vulnerable communities in the remote areas of the Philippines. The goal is primarily to improve health care, medical relief and quality of life of our needy kababayans. There are also other medical mission teams in San Diego County and a considerable number of medical mission teams around the world that provide long term health care services. The services may even provide Build Operate Transfer (BOT) turnover of a health care facility to its target community that can afford to maintain a long term operation on its own. Paradise Valley International Medical Mission invites the Filipino community to attend Health Faire 2008 on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the conference room and patio of Paradise Valley Hospital 2400 4th St., National City, CA 91950 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Free medical screening is provided for bone density, cholesterol, diabetic eye exam, blood sugar, glaucoma, high blood pres-

Balintataw by Virginia H. Ferrer Read Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Bumalik ka Ulan Naririnig ko na tilamsik ng iyong mga patak malamig at matamis na halik ang iyong katumbas sa lupa man o halaman, sa bukid na bitak-bitak masaya kami’t bumalik ka na, maraming salamat. Nalilibang ako habang ikaw ay pinagmamasdan at sa itaas tinatanaw ko ang ‘yong pinagmulan maraming bagay kang nais sa amin ay ipaalam na mahal mo kaming tunay lahat nitong sanlibutan. At sa maraming suliranin pag-asa ang hatid mo walang kang itinatangi kapatid man o katoto dadalaw ka sanang palagi huwag kang magtatampo dahil marami kaming laging naghihintay sa iyo. sure, foot exam, eye screening, hearing screening and body fat screening. This is free admission and refreshments to all participants. For more information, please call Navy Commander Ray

Ricario, tel. # (619) 807-2883, President, Paradise Valley International Medical Mission, Joe Marasigan, tel. # (619) 4747531, Joe Nicolas, tel. # (619) 274-1208 or e-mail joenor1@ cox.net.

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

November 7 -13, 2008

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Entertainment

Jolina celebrates birthday with less fortunate kids Instead of a pompous birthday party that is prevalent among celebrities, Jolina Magdangal chose to celebrate hers by spending time with kids who are beneficiaries of GMA Kapuso Foundation in which she is a partner. These kids have just recovered from operation of their cleft palate, heart and hernia. Jolina treated them to a day of fun and play at the Star City theme park. They enjoyed the Snow World where the kids experienced its winter-like

ambience, the Dino Island which is a museum of huge animated dinosaurs and the carousel. She sang and played with them, gave them food and gifts. A true blue role model, Jolina never ceases to provide physical and financial assistance to the less

fortunate, especially the young and the elderly. She also established the Jolina’s Home For Little Angels under an orphanage in Cebu through the help of her fans club and the University of Southern Philippines. She is also a volunteer and was twice appointed as spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation and The Childrens’ Hour. These undertakings were noticed by the Catholic Mass Media Awards

(CMMA). The CMMA bestowed on her the Serviam Award “for consistently making herself a model of responsible behaviour and her active participation in humanitarian endeavors benefiting the youth, the needy and the hopeless”. “The CMMA elevates her as a Paragon Of A Socially Conscious Performing Artist”. She is the first individual entertainment personality to receive such award.

Sa sobrang yaman ng TV host, Upuan pa lang sa bahay P1 million na ang halaga Philstar Ang OA pero nag-swear ang source na ang halaga nang ilan sa maraming chair sa bahay ng super milyonaryong TV host ay nagkakahalaga ng isang milyon ang isa. Super impressed nga raw ang asawa ng isang pulitiko nang makita niya ang bahay ng milyonaryong host dahil sa halaga ng mga kagamitan sa nasabing bahay na karamihan ay galing pa sa Europe. Sabi tuloy ng source, “May umupo pa kaya dun sa sobrang mahal?” O siguro pag may nakapasok dun at nalaman ang presyo, malamang hindi na tumayo hangga’t hindi bitbit ang nasabing chair. Malaking halaga nga naman ang isang milyon at mga anim na bahay yun sa mahihirap na pamilya. *** Naku may dapat daw ipaliwanag ang isang pulitiko sa rami ng kayamanan ngayon. Ayon sa isa pang source, nagiging mabilis ang pagbulusok ng kayamanan nito. May pagka-showbiz kasi ang pulitikong ito kaya napag-uusapan sa mga showbiz functions ang tungkol sa mga naa-acquire niyang yaman sa kasalukuyan. Wa na lang munang clue. Saka na.

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Movies to Watch by Simeon G. Silverio Jr. (Following are movies now showing or soon to be shown in San Diego.) SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - The story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show’s questions. Intrigued by Jamal’s story, the jaded Police Inspector begins to wonder what a young man with no apparent desire for riches is really doing on this game show? When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out... Cast and Credits Starring: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Madhur Mittal, Freida Pinto Directed by: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Produced by: Paul Smith (XVI), Tessa Ross, Francois Ivernel In Theatres: November 21st Check out the trailer at: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire/

Claudine Barretto *** Mismong si Claudine Barretto ang nagti-text sa ginanap na dedication at first birthday party ng anak nila ni Raymart na si Santino na ginanap kahapon sa Blue Leaf sa The Fort. Sayang lang at ‘di kami nakaattend pero ang sipag ni Claudine mag-remind para sa nasabing party. Napanood ko lang sa The Buzz ang coverage at ang bongga talaga. Say ni Claudine, wala siyang mahihiling pa ngayon sa buhay niya dahil sa dalawang anak, kay Raymart at sa magandang takbo ng career niya.

What Barack Obama’s victory means to my generation (Continued from page 8)

(and for some, Palin-mania). But, underlying the enthusiasm of these young participants was a sense of urgency. Many people felt saddled with insurmountable debt, carbon footprints, global warming, and wars abroad. We came of age in a prosperous country, but in adulthood would we just watch it decline? Would the path of our lives mirror a quick rise and prolonged fall? If the future really belonged to us,

it was time that we weighed in. The day after the election, I felt a sense of hope for the country that I could only compare to those days in high school. I exchanged messages of joy and congratulations from friends at home and abroad. But the truth is, I’m ready to return to reality. There are too many problems to dwell on a single victory. Politics must be viewed through a critical lens, no matter who is in the lead. Still, for those days when I’m not happy with the way things are going, I have a reminder of my best Election Day sticking in my wallet. Just one look and it reminds me of hope for the future. It gives me sense of pride and could give a number of reasons why. - AJ

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Health

More Food myths and facts: Health or hoax? CONSUMERLINE By Ching M. Alano

Perhaps nothing is fraught with more misconceptions than food (a topic that’s close to our hearts and certainly, our stomachs). And we have been fed with these myths for ages. For instance, as far back as 1840, an American dietitian named Sylvester Graham had a mouthful to share on food prejudices and taboos, according to Arnold Bender in his book Health or Hoax, to wit: • Food should not be consumed when hot. • Water should not be consumed with meals. • Tea causes delirium. • Condiments and sexual excess cause insanity. • Chicken pie and lewdness cause cholera. • Meat consumption causes sin. We asked Dr. Angel Respicio Jr. to answer some oft-asked questions on food, to separate fat, er, fact from fiction. Here’s Part 1 of our oneon-one Q&A session with Hawaiibased Filipino nutritionist Dr. Jun Respicio: PHILIPPINE STAR: Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? DR. JUN RESPICIO: Fruit specialist JT Stinson coined that phrase in an address to the St. Louis Exposition in 1904 based on Benjamin Franklin’s earlier version 250 years ago. There are nearly 10,000 varieties of apples grown around the world. For every variety analyzed, apple skin offered 2/3 of the fiber and antioxidant (polyphenols) punch over apple flesh. Not to be overlooked are the vitamins and minerals. Sally Fallon, author of Nourishing Traditions, adds, “Apples are rich in boron which helps prevent osteoporosis, and they have a low glycemic index and therefore can be

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safely eaten by diabetics.” Shall we take a bite then? But first you have to realize that the apples in Franklin’s day weren’t treated with toxic or persistent pesticides. Concerned with wax on your apple? The producers of the famous Red Delicious Washington Apples say the natural wax added to protect their apples is usually carnauba or shellac. Today, apples are on the list of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, as published by the Environmental Working Group, based on analysis of over 100,000 government reports. Fallon elaborates, “Apples are rich in a type of fiber called pectin. Studies of rats on diets high in raw pectin show pathological changes to the villi of the small intestine leading to digestive problems.” Remember what happened to Sleeping Beauty when she ate a contaminated apple? Therefore, an organic apple a day (the way they used to be grown) is a great way to keep the doctor away, according to Dr. Greene. Is it true that carrots help us see in the dark? According to the snopes.com website, this was folklore and not based on science. During World War II, British intelligence didn’t want Germans to find out about their superior technology, the airborne reception radar that helped them pinpoint some enemy bombers before they

reached the English Channel. So they ascribed Lieutenant John Cunningham’s cunning ability to shot his prey in the dark, to his love of carrots. The British press helped spread the word. The studies which have posited this link used doses of vitamin A or beta-carotene which were higher than what is found in the standard diet. If a carrot a day won’t brighten the night, what would? Night vision is dependent on the integrity of the millions of specialized photoreceptor cells called rods in the retina. This is where vitamin A comes in. According to Sally Fallon and Dr. Mary G. Enig, most of the foods that provide large amounts of vitamin A are butter, egg yolks, liver, cod liver oil, organ meats, and shellfish. Fruits and vegetables do not contain vitamin A. Unfortunately, the vast majority of popular books on nutrition insist

that humans can obtain vitamin A from fruits and vegetables. At least six units of beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A in carrots, are needed to convert it to a unit of vitamin A. This means you have to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits to obtain even the daily minimal requirements of vitamin A assuming optimal conversion. Diabetics and those with poor thyroid function cannot make the conversion. They must obtain their precious stores of vitamin A from its true source, those food the diet dictocrats want you to avoid! Shall we avoid carrots then? Carrots are rich sources of B vitamins, phosphorous, calcium, and all-important iodine. Many cultures have valued them too as an aphrodisiac.

Will spinach really make you strong? Yes, especially if you are related to Popeye. Sally Fallon hails it as the queen of the dark green leafy vegetables, the least bitter, and most tender. It is exceptionally high in carotenoids, vitamin C, and glutathione. Yes, glutathione can prevent macular degeneration. Spinach is better eaten cooked, but don’t overcook as 30-60 percent of glutathione is lost during cooking. Raw spinach has substances that block calcium as well as iodine absorption. Is malunggay healthier than spinach? You be the judge. Mark Fritz of the Los Angeles Times wrote: Malunggay (Moringa, Sajina) has triple the iron of spinach and more impressive attributes than olive oil. It has quadruple the betacarotene in carrots. The Hawaii Medical Service Association further adds: A cup of cooked malunggay has 400 mg. calcium while a cup of milk has 350 mg. The leaves have significant quantities of vitamin C, iron, protein, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. What about glutathione, are there any other antioxidants aside from this popular product in the Philippines? I noticed in the Philippines that glutathione is everywhere — from billboards to television, print media, and the court room. Glutathione is composed of the three amino acids (protein) cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It acts as an antioxidant. Green leafy vegetables are rich sources. Other sources of glutathione are fresh fruits, fresh meats and low-heat dried whey. Filipinos who eat green leafy vegetables regularly have an edge over people with an unhealthy lifestyle, those who habitually ingest, inhale, or expose themselves to oxidants (free

radicals), thus causing oxidative stress. Dr. Stephen Byrnes describes it as a condition when the available supply of the body’s antioxidants is insufficient to handle and neutralize free radicals. The main sources of free radicals are processed or highly heated oils like refined vegetable oils, margarine, and shortening. They abound in most fast foods and snacks. Excessive sugar intake from any source can contribute to free radical damage. Free radicals are also released from detoxification of drugs (whether legal or illegal), artificial food colorings and flavorings, smog, preservatives in processed foods, alcohol, cigarette smoke, chlorinated drinking water, pesticides, radiation, cleaning fluids, heavy metals like cadmium and lead, benzene and naphthalene (moth balls). Even psychological and emotional stress can contribute to oxidative stress. It has also been observed in athletes after intensive

Page 21

workouts. Aside from glutathione, the other main antioxidants are vitamins A, E and C, beta-carotene, bioflavonoids, selenium, zinc, CoQ10, and phytochemicals from herbs and foods. We also have biochemical antioxidants which not only scavenge free radicals but also inhibit their formation inside the body. These include lipoic acid, catalase, superoxide dismutase, melatonin, and cholesterol. You read it right, cholesterol is an antioxidant. That is probably the reason serum cholesterol levels rise as people age. With age comes more free radical activity and in response, the body produces more cholesterol to help contain and control the damage. Do you have to take extra glutathione? Only if you have an unhealthy (Continued on page 22)

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More Food myths and facts: Health or hoax? (Continued from page 21) lifestyle and if, for some reason, you cannot eat the many different sources of antioxidants. Any other reason to take it? Hmm, if you are not comfortable with your skin color, by all means take your glutathione, but be careful because

too much antioxidant is not good. Really? Why? The free radicals they target have useful functions, too, in the body under controlled conditions. They are used by the body to kill some cancer cells. White blood cells also use free radicals to attack and destroy bacteria, viruses, and virus-infected cells. The detoxifying actions of the liver also require free radicals. But still, they are extremely unstable molecules that can damage cells if left uncontrolled. Are brown eggs better than white eggs? The Egg Nutrition Center ex-

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plains, “The color difference is due to the specific breed of hen. Hens with white feathers and white earlobes will lay white eggs, whereas hens with red feathers and matching-colored earlobes give us brown eggs.” What makes an egg better than the other is the type of food eaten by the hen. Sally Fallon, in her book Nourishing Traditions, said, “Eggs from chicken fed flax or fish meal or, better yet, pasture fed so they can eat bugs and worms have nutritional qualities far superior to those battery-raised eggs. Properly produced eggs have vitamins A and D. They also have special long-chain fatty acid acids called EPA and DHA, which play a vital role in the development of the nervous system in the infant and the maintenance of mental acuity (think of memory) in adults. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids exist in almost the ideal, one-is-to-one ratio. Eggs fed only grains have omega-6 content as high as 19 times greater than the all-important unsaturated omega-3.”

sium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamins A, D, E, and K, carotenes, and all the essential amino acids (complete protein) tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine and valine. Still afraid of egg yolk? You should be, if you’re afraid of cholesterol. An egg yolk has 215 mg. cholesterol. The adult body makes 4,000 mg. per day to maintain a sharp brain and a healthy body. Dr. David Kritchevsky, the number

one and original proponent of the cholesterol scare, conceded in his article “History of Recommendations to the Public about Dietary Fat,” The Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 128 No. 2 February 1998, pp. 449S-452 that, “The role of dietary cholesterol in cholesterolemia and atherosclerosis is unclear, the serum cholesterol levels of men with coronary heart disease bore no relation to their habitual intake of cholesterol. This is explained by the biosynthetic capacity of the liver.” How’s that? If you take in 800 mg., it will only make 3,200 mg. from its normal production of 4,000 mg.

per day. I have seen this work for my two skeptical siblings (and other patients in Hawaii). They were on cholesterol-lowering medications before. It sounded ridiculous when I told them to stop their medication and eat one to two eggs per day. After a few months, their levels now allow them to buy eggs instead! The cholesterol in egg yolk is the same cholesterol in breast milk. Who’s afraid of breast milk? Now, that’s food for thought! Doc Jun dishes up more next week in Part 2 of this interview.

Should we be afraid of egg yolk? Egg yolk is the most concentrated source of choline, a B vitamin found in lecithin that acts as a scrub to the arterial walls, keeping them patent and therefore allowing blood to flow freely. Lecithin from eggs also prevents bile from turning to gallstone. Chris Masterjohn cites the egg (particularly the yolk) which provides consumers with — hold your breath now — EPA and DHA and other healthy fats, calcium, magne-

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Do not look down on the boy BUSINESS MATTERS (BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE) By Francis J. Kong Philstar From the Albany Journal, 1890 comes this material. Let me share this with you. A true Christian never looks down on anybody, and yet this habit of looking down on the less fortunate acquaintances is common enough to make the

following advice, given by the Albany Journal to its young readers, very timely: “Don’t look down on a boy because he wears shabby clothes; when Edison, the inventor first entered Boston, he wore a pair of yellow breeches in the depth of winter. “Don’t look down on a boy because his home is plain and unpretending; Abraham Lincoln’s early home was a log cabin.

Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

“Don’t look down on a boy because of the ignorance of his parents; Shakespeare, the world’s poet, was the son of a man who was unable to write his own name. “Don’t look down on a boy because he chooses a humble trade; the author of the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ traveled from place to place mending pots and kettles. “Don’t look down on a boy because of physical disability; Milton was blind. “Don’t look down on a boy because of dullness in his lessons; Hogarth, the celebrated painter, was a very dull boy at his books. “Don’t look down on a boy because he stutters; Demosthenes, the great orator of Greece, overcame a harsh and stammering voice. “Don’t look down on anyone; not just because some day they may outstrip you in the race of life, but because it is neither kind, nor right, nor Christian.” Many people today are products of their parent’s verbal abuses. When they were kids the only thing they heard from their parents were: • “Is that the best you can do?” • “You are hopeless.” • “Why can’t you be like your sister who is an honor student every year?” • “Why are you so dumb?” • “I should have killed you when you were still in my womb.” These are the constant messages they hear in the home front and then the same children go to school and hear their teachers say: • “You’ll never make it.” • “You lack talent.”

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Page 23

Calendar of Events

Read the complete calendar at www.asianjournalusa.com email [email protected]

7 NOV, FRIDAY 07.NOV.08 - 09.NOV.08 SAN DIEGO’S HEAD-2-TOE WOMEN’S EXPO NOV 7-9, 2008. Southern California’s premiere women’s consumer show is at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Nov. 7-9, 2008. As kids are back in school and the holidays are on the horizon, women throughout the San Diego region can take a quick break from their hectic, overscheduled lives to relax with their girlfriends at the ultimate day out for women – the Head to Toe Women’s Expo! Set for Nov. 7, 8 and 9 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, more than 10,000 women are expected to relax and unwind at the three-day extravaganza. 8 NOV, SATURDAY 08.NOV.08 ANNUAL MATER DEI GOLF TOURNAMENT. Nov. 8: The 4th Annual Mater Dei Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 at the Eastlake Country Club (2375 Clubhouse Dr., Chula Vista, CA 91915). Registration begins at 6:30 AM. The $100 entry fee includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, snack, and beverages. Four-person scramble. Trophies and prizes awarded. Proceeds benefit Mater Dei’s Church Building Fund. To pre-register your team and for more information, contact Art Macario at (619) 370-5313 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Mater Dei Catholic Parish, 1571 Magdalena Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. Tel. (619) 656-3735. website: http://www.materdeicv.org 08.NOV.08 8TH ANNUAL MAGKAISA FILIPINO-AMERICAN STUDENT AND PARENT HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE. The 8th Annual Magkaisa Filipino-American Student and Parent High School Conference will be on Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 8:00am - 1pm at Sweetwater High School. The overall goal of the conference is to engage students and parents in dialogue to maximize their use of the American Educational system. This year’s theme will be “Celebrating Today’s Filipino American” and so presentations and workshops will deal with the image Filipinos project, parenting, generation gaps, culture, college entrance, Filipino-American history and the American educational system. One of the highlights of the conference will be the ceremony honoring the 200+ Filipino American seniors who have Grade Point Averages of 3.5 and above. All students, parents and communities of the Sweetwater Union High School District are invited to this free event. If you would like more information, please contact me at arlene.masuy@suhsd. k12.ca.us Thank you, Arlene Ma Suy. 08.NOV.08 MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC: MUSIC WELLNESS FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY WELLNESS MORNING EXPERIENTIAL MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM. Where: Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad, 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008 United States. Telephone: (760) 438-5996 When: November 8, 2008 at 9:00 AM Angela Neve, from the Music Therapy center of California (MTCCA), hosts an experiential session for children, including special needs children, age 4-10 and their families in the Museum. Come and experience the power of music first hand and explore various ways that music can make changes in the areas of sensorimotor (movement), cognition (attention, academics, social skills) and speech/language (oral motor, articulation etc). Parents and children are encouraged to attend this workshop as we play various instruments, songs and music experiences designed to introduce families to music therapy. This session is FREE, though a $5 suggested donation is greatly appreciated. 9 NOV, SUNDAY 09.NOV.08 MUSEUM PRESENTS TREASURES OF JAPANESE FOLK ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN. SHIBUI — The Subtle Beauty of Japanese Craft, opening Sunday, November 9, 2008, at Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park presents metal, textile, wood and clay from the Museum’s renowned collection of Japanese folk art, craft and design.. In memory of Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007), the renowned potter and Japanese National Treasure, Mingei International will display some of this master craftsman’s classic ceramic works. Located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, and closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students and active military with ID. For information, call 619-239-0003 or visit www.mingei.org. 11 NOV, TUESDAY 11.NOV.08 22ND ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN SAN DIEGO “ The parade will feature all branches of the military, veterans, civic groups and high school ROTC groups and bands. Wave your flag while celebrating those who have served their country at the annual Veterans Day Parade, which begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The parade route starts at. North Harbor Drive and Grape Street, cruising south down to Seaport Village. Expected to participate are high school bands, local dignitaries and representatives of all branches of the service. For more information, call (619) 239-2300 or visit http://www.sdvetparade.org/ 11.NOV.08 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT CHULA VISTA MEMORIAL BOWL. Chula Vista American Legion Post 434, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 will sponsor a Veterans Day celebration 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at the Chula Vista Memorial Bowl, 385 Park Way. Lunch following at Post 434, 47 5th Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910. Information: (619) 422-9309. 14 NOV, FRIDAY 14.NOV.08 THE ASIAN SILK ROAD @ ST. PAUL’S DOWNTOWN. Three Superstars Featured in Asian Silk Road Concert: Min Xiao-Fen on the Chinese pipa (guitar), Masayo Ishigure on the Japanese koto, and Münir Becken on the Turkish oud. San Diego Chamber Orchestra – Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director and Conductor. The San Diego Chamber Orchestra, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, will present a rare concert event, Asian Silk Road, on November 14, 17 and 18, bringing together three superstars with their exotic instruments. Traditional classical music by the masters Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Ravel and Puccini will also be featured. Friday, November 14, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Downtown – 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 858-350-0290 or www.sdco.org. For more concert details, www.sdco.org.

Page 24

The Gawad Kalinga Experience (Continued from page 5)

clutching a handbag, to be true to Leonardo Da Vinci’s original painting that showed Judas Iscariot holding a bag of money. Another child eats on the ground alongside a cat. A girl and a boy are astride on a huge drum while facing Jesus. Joey revealed that he looked for his models in places where street children often stay, like on the sidewalks, under the bridges and by the riverbanks. Each figure is modeled after a real street child. He has since raised funds to help these street children get a better chance in life. Joey offered a heart-rending testimony on how he got involved in Gawad Kalinga, touching the hearts of many in the audience. Unknown to the audience, however, is the fact that Joey suffers from recurring cancer, information shared to me by Ric Bunda, one of the officers of ANCOP, the affiliate organization of GK in the U.S. Gawad Kalinga I first came to know about Gawad Kalinga when Filipina American business and community leader Carmelita “CL” Larrabaster Vinson hosted a reception for former Miss Philippines and Miss International Aurora Pijuan who did a GK presentation at Vinson’s office. Many of those in attendance forked out $1,000 donations each, which covered the cost of building a house for one poor family. The price, I understand, has now risen to about $1,800 per house. A few months later, Gawad Kalinga advocates Tony Meloto and Ric Bunda visited me at my office in the San Diego Asian Journal in National City. I must admit that Tony had disarmed me and my wife Genny with his passion and sincerity in laying out the case for Gawad Kalinga. I must agree with other people who would attest that Tony comes with an aura of a Divine messenger. He speaks like his

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com words somewhat come from Kalinga supporters who atwoman narrated how a GK vol- especially those in the United God, as if he could cast a spell States, spend thousands of dol- tended the affair in San Diego. unteer from Europe stayed in on the people he is talking to. I her own house for a week just Some were big-time contribulars for psychiatric help just to promised him that we will help to experience how it feels to be be able to have a good night tors, donating thousands of spread the word about Gawad dollars of their own money and sleep. among the poor. He has since Kalinga by regularly publishing sponsored one of her nephews’ “All they have to do is to help building whole villages in the a section entitled “Gawad Kalname of their families or loved their fellowmen, especially the college educations. inga Update” in our newspaper ones, while others donated all poor, and they will enjoy the featuring articles about the that they could afford, be that peace and contentment they Value formation movement. We have since kept a hundred or thousand dollars, have long desired without the our promise, never missing a their labor, or emotional supneed to avail of the services Before one is given a GK single issue since we were able house, he is first required to port alone. But for me, one of of a shrink,” the Forbes Park to avail of GK articles to print the most inspiring supporters is attend the GK classes for value resident suggested. from various sources. a personal friend, an old woman There were many Gawad formation. This is necessary, according to the GK advocate Gawad Kalinga visit who was with us, so that the recipients would not only be Last August, during a Philipproud of their home ownership pine trip, we got a chance to but also value the opportunity visit a Gawad Kalinga Village given them and change their in Taguig City in Metro Manila. life positively. This I found out From our hotel in Makati, we to be true when we visited a took a short taxicab ride to a government housing project for Chow King Restaurant in the the poor in the Smokey Mounarea. We were met by a GK tain area in Tondo the next volunteer, an officer of a Traffic day. While we were touring Brigade in Makati, who arrived the place, a group of men folk on a motorbike. We rode in a were drinking liquor inside a tricycle as we followed him to house. The door of the house the site. I almost regretted my was surreptitously closed when decision to do so since my left the homeowners noticed that foot was hanging dangerously there were outsiders taking a from the side of the tricycle, look around the area. Such kind as the reckless driver traversed of behavior is not allowed in a the bumpy dirt road, my foot Gawad Kalinga Village. barely missing the sides of At the next GK site we visited other vehicles several times. To which is just a few blocks away, my relief, we reached the GK a group of volunteers and prosite safely. spective occupants were conThe multi-colored houses structing a multi-story building. were exactly the same as those Men and womenfolk, some featured in GK website and col- young while others old, were or photos in the newspapers and passing on a hollow block from brochures. We visited the site’s one hand to another. There were computer learning center where also a group of students from several computers were availWomen’s University taking a able for use by the residents of class on Ethics who were on a the village. We talked to a lot field trip to the Gawad Kalinga of residents who shared with Village. us their own personal stories. One Gawad Kalinga advocate, Inside one house, we realized Bobby Rodrigo, a lawyer from why the steps of the stairs were the exclusive village of Forbes inconveniently high. The house- Park, brought along a Finnish owner used the space under the businessman to check out the stairs as a storage room, thus project. Rodrigo, a Rotary Club the high steps became handy. officer, has solicited a lot of doThis was the same practice in nations for GK from his friends the old ancient houses in Japan and associates and is considered which we saw and visited just a one of the biggest fund-raisers week ago at that time. of Gawad Kalinga. A group of residents tagged “I have traveled all over the along with us from one village world,” the lawyer said, “but to another. Some even spoke in my greatest joy has been my influent English with our nonvolvement in Gawad Kalinga.” Tagalog speaking daughter. One We talked about how people,

November 7 -13, 2008 who wants to remain anonymous and is suffering from a serious ailment. She visited a GK Village during her last Philippine trip despite her frail condition. She saves money from her meager earnings as a caregiver and donates them to Gawad Kalinga. This year alone, I was told, she hopes to reach her goal of $5,000 to help ameliorate the living conditions of our country’s poor. AJ

November 7 -13, 2008

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588

Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

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artists may be raising funds for themselves alone. Even if the charity is real, scammers often pocket most of your donation, and just give a tiny portion of your donation to the charity. Avoiding it – Take your time! Insist on getting written information (Continued from page 18) before you agree to give. Verify cases prosper and succeed. There what percentage of the donation are few convictions and abusers goes to the charity and how much are still at large and a danger to the goes to fundraising costs. Ask how children. much of the contribution is tax deMaryann was abandoned in the ductible. Don’t give out credit card streets by her family and she was or bank account information. (5) Phishing – Con artists want to trafficked into the sex club at the catch your personal information on- age of 15. She was exploited and sold to foreigners who sexually line. They send an official-looking abused her. But she was rescued email that tells you to “update” or “validate” your billing information. and recovered at the Preda Home By Zena Sultana Babao Avoiding it – Your best protecand became a high-honored student You’re asked to go to a website tion is not to respond or play. and I am happy to tell you that she that looks like the company’s real It seems that every time we figure Throw away the mailer, and hang is in college and is now a children’s website. You will be asked to give out how to avoid one scam, con up on the caller. Do not disclose rights advocate and has just returned your Social Security or credit card artists find another way to separate your checking account number or from a speaking engagement at an us from our money. Even as scams credit card account number over the numbers, passwords, or bank acinternational conference on chilcount information. If you provide change, the basic points are the phone. Check out the sweepstakes dren’s rights in Canada sponsored it, the scammers will use your same: con artists will try to fool promoter’s reputation with your by Unicef. information for their own gain. consumers into giving up their Better Business Bureau, an your Evelyn was abused as a child Avoiding it – Never follow hard-earned money, and consumers state or local consumer protection before she runaway from home to the link provided in one of these must stay on guard. office. Be aware, however, that escape the abuse and was trafficked Scam artists often target older many questionable prize promotion emails. Instead, contact the comabroad into prostitution in Hong pany using a telephone number or adults for a variety of reasons. The companies don’t stay in one place Kong. She was used in making porelderly are more trusting, leaving long enough to establish a track re- website address that you know is nography and suffered violence and them vulnerable to whatever pseucord, and the absence of complaints real. Check your credit card and sexual abuse. This month, she was bank statements to be sure that all do good news are given to them, doesn’t necessarily mean the offer rescued by a colleague of Preda and the activity is yours. And if you get such as “winning a prize” or “getis legitimate. was flown back to the Philippines spam of any kind, forward it to the ting something for nothing.” Also, To File a Complaint – The FTC since the elderly lives alone, they works for the consumers to prevent Federal Trade Commission at uce@ and is slowly recovering at Preda. Thousands of young girls are trafFTC.gov. It will help their investicrave for attention and excitement fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair ficked like this every day. We can all that these scammers may bring. business practices. Call FTC-HELP gators track spammers’ activities. do much to change this situation (6) Foreign Lotteries – This is Education is key when it comes (1-877-382-4357) or log on to May all people of good will, another scam that prey’s on our to foiling fraudulent marketers or www.ftc.gov. If you believe they defenders of children, protectors dreams to be the big winner. A letstopping scammers in their tracks. have been victimized, you should of human rights, all of us, never ter or a call comes to tell you that Here, according to the Federal contact your local postmaster or turn a blind eye to the suffering and you may have already won a big Trade Commission, are the top cons the U.S. Postal Inspection Service exploitation and injustice done to prize. But the next thing that they and scams, and suggestions on how by phone, toll-free, at: 1-888-877will do is ask for your bank account children, may we always have the to avoid being conned or scammed. 7644, or online at: www.uspoig. number, or a check or money order courage to take a stand and speak gov. to pay “fees” for processing or out and defend the helpless and Top Frauds and Scams (2) Internet Auctions – Though taxes. most vulnerable. most auction transactions are leAvoiding it – Simply ignore this (1) Lottery Scams – This scam gitimate, complaints about auction plays on our dream of hitting the frauds are on the rise. Auction fraud come-on. Any prize that you have to pay to retrieve is no prize. In jackpot one day. They can go under is a misrepresentation of a product the U.S., it’s illegal to sell or buy the name of genuine lotteries, unso- advertised for sale through Interforeign lottery tickets. If you play, licited telephone calls, letters, and net auction sites, and the failure to emails. Usually the scammers say, deliver products purchased through you’re violating federal law. If you respond even once, you will get “Congratulations, it’s your lucky such Internet auction sites. more offers. Con artists buy and day! You’re guaranteed to win a Avoiding it – Anytime you buy sell “sucker lists” – the names of fabulous diamond ring, luxury online, first check the seller’s vacation, or a brand-new car!” feedback rating and understand the people that they can convince to give them money. If you receive a letter, email, or sale terms, including whether you (7) Work-at-Home Scams – These phone call with a message like this, can get your money back and how ads promise a great living for not be skeptical. The $5,000 “prize” much will it cost to ship the item. may cost you hundreds of dollars Know what you are bidding on, set much work. The ads claim that stuffing envelopes, medical billing, in taxes and service charges – and your top price and stick to it. Pay never arrives. Or your “fabulous” with a credit card, or use an escrow or assembly or craftwork will allow you to make a living. They don’t prize may not be worth collecting. service. tell you that there may be up-front The diamond is likely to be the size (3) Foreign Money Offers – charges for materials, training or of a pinhead. The “vacation” could These frauds take the form of an supplies. Many consumers who be one night in a seedy motel, and offer, via letter, email or fax, to have responded to these ads actuthe brand-new car, nothing more share a huge sum of money in ally lost money. than a lounge chair on wheels. return for using your bank account Avoiding it – Check out the Scam artists often use the promise to transfer the money out of another company with your local consumer of a valuable prize or award to country. The scammers will then protection agency, State Attorney, entice you to send money, buy use the information you give them overpriced products or services, to empty your bank account. Often, and Better Business Bureau. Get in writing what tasks you will have or contribute to bogus charities. they convince you that money is People who fall for their ploys end needed up front to pay fees or bribe to perform, how you will be paid (salary or commission), who will of getting no prize at all! What they officials. pay you, when you will get your are likely to get are more promoAvoiding it – These letters are first paycheck, the total cost of the tions in the mail, more telemarketalways a scam. Ignore, discard, or program, and what you get for your ing calls, and more unsolicited delete them. money. email or “spam.” This is because (4) Charity Fraud – Many of us First Asian Weekly Newspaper in Southern California & San Diego’s Most Widely Circulated Asian-Filipino Newspaper many prize promoters sell the infor- give generously to charity, espe550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City CA 91950 • Tel. (619) 474-0588 • Fax (619) 474-0373 mation they collect to advertisers. cially in times of special need. Con

Top Frauds and Scams Con Artists Use And Ways to Avoid Being a Victim

Asian Journal

MARKETING SPECIALIST SANDAG’s Communications Department promotes a broad range of programs and initiatives to the San Diego region. The Marketing Specialist will assist with marketing, public outreach, and business development efforts. Qualifications: Two years relevant college coursework and one year experience in marketing/public relations. This is a limited term position. SANDAG offers competitive salaries and benefits. Visit www.sandag.org/jobs or call (619) 699-1900 for information. Closes: Friday, November 21, 2008. EOE.

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Page 25

Looking for Caregiver for Elderly Care Facility in Vista. Partime and weekends only. Call Natalie (760) 696-6595 May we all work for justice and make this a better world for all and especially for children, that they be recognized as God¹s children worthy of love and care. Let us end the abuse and jailing of children and the trafficking and slavery of children into the sex industry. END Visit www.preda.org for more related articles. Contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines. e-mail: [email protected]

Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served (Continued from page 13)

high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.” The poem resonated in the hearts and minds of freedomloving people everywhere, most especially here in America. America took up the challenge, and here is “America’s Reply” written by R.W. Lillard: “Rest ye in peace, ye Flanders dead The fight that ye so bravely led We’ve taken up. And we will keep True faith with ye who lie asleep, Each with a cross to mark his bed, And poppies blowing overhead,

Where once his life-blood ran red So let your rest be sweet and deep, In Flanders Fields. Fear not that ye have died for naught; The torch ye throw to us we caught, Ten million hands will hold it high, And freedom’s light shall never die! We’ve learned the lessons that ye taught In Flanders Fields. The Red Poppies – the Flower of Remembrance The poem by John McCrae and the striking image of the red poppies blooming among the rows of white crosses became the rallying cry to all who fought in the First World War. Red poppies was adopted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as its official memorial flower, and came to be known as “the flower of remembrance.” The red poppies were sold to raise money to help orphans and others left destitute by the war. Later on, because of the shortage of fresh poppies, artificial poppies were sold, and donations received have helped countless veterans and their widows, widowers and orphans over the years. The poppy itself continues to serve as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation’s freedom.

Page 26

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