The Filipino Express v28 Issue 05

VOL. 28 w NO. 05 w NATIONAL EDITION w NEW JERSEY w NEW YORK w JAN. 31 - FEB. 6, 2014 w (201) 434-1114 w $1.00

This photo taken on October 15, 2012, shows members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels raising their rifles during a ceremony at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province. AFP PHOTO

Gov't plans amnesty for MILF insurgents By Nikko Dizon KUALA LUMPUR -- The government will grant amnesty to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels facing rebellionrelated charges or pardon convicted ones under a newly signed pact in

which the insurgents agreed to have their 11,000-strong force deactivated. Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles said on Sunday, Jan. 26 that the planned amnesty, which would need congressional approval,

February 2, 2014

Seahawks' Fil-Am Receiver goes to Page 9 the Super Bowl u

u Page 6 Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin carried the Philippine Flag last November for the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Photo: Seahawks Twitter

Suspect nabbed in attack on Fil-Am journalist By Carol Tanjutco NEW YORK -- In a quick turn of events, the police authorities in Queens arrested a suspect. No further information was released pending investigation. Theater journalist Randy Gener was on his way home from an opening-night after-party on Jan. 17, between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. when an unidentified man struck him on the head. He was 100 yards away from his home on Seventh Avenue near 54th Street, where he was found. A sketch of the suspect was released based on witness account and circulated on TV news late Monday night. Following a candlelight vigil held by friends of Fil-Am journalist Randy Gener at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue on Jan. 27, his family gave more details of the assault he

Construction will begin in 2014 creating 900 Jobs

Jersey City to be Home of New, Flagship Marriott Hotel

JERSEY CITY -- Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced that an affiliate of Tramz Hotels has entered into a franchise agreement with Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for a new full-service hotel to be built in Jersey City and operated as part of the company's flagship Marriott Hotels brand, with construction slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014. “Jersey City is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the nation, and the addition of a new, flagship, world-class hotel speaks to the vibrancy of Jersey City to continue to attract development and tourism to our Fil-Am journalist Randy Gener. Facebook photo city,” said Mayor Fulop. “This project also illustrates our commitment to bringing development off the suffered a possible hate crime and a waterfront and into the city.” status update on his slow recovery The 16-story hotel, which will be similar to the after a brain surgery health. Marriott Marquis in Time Square, will feature 276 u Page 6 luxury rooms and suites, as well as meeting rooms, u Page 9

Wheel of torture NBI: Vhong Navarro didn't rape Deniece Cornejo based on CCTV

u Page 4 By Tetch Torres-Tupas

PAIN MACHINE. Detainees - mostly suspected drug traffickers - are forced to spin this wheel of torture. For example, “20 seconds Manny Pacman” means 20 seconds of nonstop punches. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/CHR

MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday discounted the possibility of rape in the incident involving actor-TV host Vhong Navarro and Deniece Millet Cornejo. NBI Assistant Regional Director Vicente De Guzman said there was no instance that Navarro and Cornejo were left alone inside the girl's

condominium unit in Taguig City. “Attempt to rape is not possible. The footage is glaring that there was no instance that Deniece was inside her room,” De Guzman said at a press conference. He also noted Navarro's statement that when he went inside Cornejo's condominium unit, two men were already inside. De Guzman said the CCTV footage that they have acquired

corroborates Navarro's statement because while the CCTV lobby showed Cedric Lee, his sister Bernice and three other men entering the lobby on separate instances, the two men were not seen on the video except when the hand-tied Navarro was escorted to the elevator and towards the lobby.

Here is the time sequence of the incident based on the CCTV footage: u Page 5

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 2

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Secluded village in Cebu town identified as cybersex hot spot Agence France-Presse CORDOVA, Cebu -- In the remote village of Ibabao here, toddlers played oblivious at a nursery as the house next door became part of a horrifying child pornography ring, with live footage of children performing sex acts being streamed online to pedophiles around the world. The depraved scenes in the bungalow were being repeated in many homes throughout the secluded community, where Internet child pornography had for some of its 5,000 residents become more lucrative than fishing or factory work. “In the beginning, I was shocked. I could not believe this was happening in my town,” Mayor Adelino Sitoy of Cordova in Cebu province told Agence FrancePresse (AFP) last week, shortly after police announced they had cracked a global live-streaming pedophile ring in which Ibabao was a key source of the child pornography. But while the village is c u r r e n t ly i n t h e s p o t l i g h t , authorities and child rights advocates say the fast-growing global industry is infecting many parts of the mostly poor Philippines, with thousands of children having been abused. At first look, the coastal

community of Ibabao is a typical close-knit rural village, where many of the longtime residents are relatives or enjoy close and longstanding ties. In scenes echoed across the devoutly Catholic country, its residents regularly attend Masses held in quaint chapels along narrow footpaths and dirt roads. Parents sell children But police and authorities said that behind the closed doors of the tiny wooden and brick homes, many parents directed their children for sex videos in front of webcams connected via the Internet to paying pedophiles overseas. Other children were lured into the homes of neighbors and forced to perform sex acts in front of webcams, they said. Sitoy said the trade thrived because children were locked secretly inside homes, Ibabao was remote and some elected village leaders with relatives involved ignored the crimes. But some of the videos eventually found their way into the computer files of a known British pedophile two years ago, triggering a global manhunt to track down the perpetrators. The British man was convicted in March last year and sentenced to eight years in prison. Raids, kids rescued

The now abandoned house that used to streamed live sex acts of children to paedophiles watching online overseas, is seen in the village of Ibabao in Cordova town, Cebu provnce in central Philippines on January 21, 2014. AFP PHOTO /TED ALJIBE Shortly after, police in the Philippines began carrying out raids in Ibabao and nearby areas with the help of British, Australian and US authorities. One of the raids saw dozens of Filipino policemen and social workers break into the bungalow next to the day-care center in September last year, arresting a couple and rescuing their three children, aged 3, 9 and 11.

Two days later, 13 other children, who were being abused in other Ibabao homes, were rescued, according to Philippine police. Residents are generally wary of outsiders but some allowed AFP to interview them on condition of anonymity. Still in operation They said “cybersex dens” remained in operation, but security

Fears and the Filipino tradition of not interfering with a neighbor's affairs helped to ensure that people did not pry further or try to stop it. Homemaker Jennifer Canete, 38, was willing to talk openly about the crimes, confirming many people in the community were involved and that she feared her four young children could become victims.

u Page 4

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 3

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

15 'call center' workers held in NBI raids vs child porn By Nancy C. Carvajal A newspaper ad led them to a “job” that caters to a global market. Fifteen people were arrested late Tuesday in raids by the National Bureau of Investigation on two fake call centers in Manila and Quezon City that sold child pornography online to clients mostly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Ronald Aguto, head agent of the NBI Computer Crimes Division, said one of the businesseslisted as Werrcomm Solutions Inc. on Valenzuela Street, Old Sta. Mesa, Manilauploaded videos and photos of nude girls aged 12 to 16. Special investigator Jay Salanguste said the employees “do not engage in sexual acts but their job was to upload prerecorded sex videos and engage customers abroad in sex conversations.” “They also chat with their clients by pretending to be a child or a young teenager,” Salanguste said. They got paid up to P30,000 a week and were instructed to use foreign sounding names in their chats, he added. Werrcomm advertises itself as a legitimate call center company and its owners were former employees of American Chat Link, “a notorious pornography site in the 1990s,” Salanguste said. “We just responded to a newspaper ad about a job,” said one of the 15 arrested Werrcomm employees when questioned. Aged 20 to 25, they face charges for violating the antichild pornography law. Aguto said the NBI also raided another cybersex call center office in Quezon City but there were no staff members around when the agents arrived. Computers were seized from both shops. The raids came after the police earlier said the country had become a major source of pornographic content in the fastgrowing child cybersex industry, and vowed to crack down on those involved. “They were caught in flagrante (in the act of wrongdoing),” Aguto told Agence France Presse. “Some of the computers contained child pornography as well as adult pornography. Inquirer.net

Jeanne Napoles answers raps - from London By Jerome Aning The daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet LimNapoles on Friday finally answered the P32-million tax evasion complaint filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Department of Justice last year. She executed the affidavit in London before Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile, a DOJ staffer said. The eight-page counteraffidavit of Jeanne Catherine Lim Napoles was submitted by a lawyer to the DOJ preliminary investigation panel h e a d e d by S e n i o r A s s i s t a n t Prosecutor Edna Valenzuela. Napoles, whose mother is being investigated over one of the Philippines' biggest corruption scandals, earned widespread derision for her social media posts featuring flashy cars and a swanky apartment in the United States. High-flying lifestyle Prior to the pork barrel scandal, Napoles regularly took to Tumblr, I n s t a g r a m a n d Yo u T u b e t o document her high-flying lifestyle. But after the Inquirer broke last July her mother's alleged diversion of P10 billion from the Priority Development Assistance Fund ( P DA F ) i n c o n n iva n c e w i t h

Jeanne Catherine Lim Napoles. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/You Tube lawmakers, her posts drew anger across the country where many believe a few families are enriching themselves unfairly. Napoles deactivated her social media accounts, but her photos and videos had already become viral. Done in London The prosecutor's office declined to give reporters copies of Napoles' counteraffidavit. Napoles' basic defense was that the properties being questioned by the BIR belonged to her parents even if they were acquired using her name, the staff member said. The BIR claimed Napoles owed the government P32.06 million in tax liabilities. The agency said she did not declare any income, although she acquired and registered under her name real

properties in 2011 and 2012. Properties Among those properties were an apartment in the swanky Ritz Carlton residential block in Los Angeles, which was acquired in 2011 for P54.73 million, and a farm in Bayambang town, Pangasinan province, bought in 2012, in which she allegedly had a one-ninth share equivalent to P1.49 million. Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano, who te m p o ra r i ly to o k ove r f ro m Valenzuela in the hearing last month, set Feb. 18 as the deadline for the BIR and Napoles' parents to file their memorandums in the separate P61-million tax evasion complaint filed against the couple Inquirer.net. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 4

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

41 detainees maltreated at secret PNP facility

Wheel of torture: 10 cops relieved By Cynthia D. Balana MANILA -- Ten Philippine National Police officers have been sacked following revelations they played a so-called “wheel of torture” game at a secret detention facility to extract information from criminal suspects and also to have fun, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Tuesday. The CHR is looking into the alleged maltreatment of up to 41 detainees in the PNP facility in Biñan, Laguna province, according to the commission. Under the game, detainees mostly suspected drug traffickerswere punched if the “torture wheel” stopped at “20 seconds Manny Pacman,” referring to a nickname of popular boxer Manny Pacquiao, or hung upside down if it stopped at a punishment called “30-second bat,” said A m n e s t y I n te r n a t i o n a l , t h e London-based rights group. It called the practice despicable. “It's horrible,” said CHR chair Loretta Ann Rosales of the revelation more than three decades after the Philippines emerged from the brutal era of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. “They do it for fun, it's like a game for entertainment,” Rosales said. “We're trying to correct this mindset based on a human rights approach to policing but obviously

it may take a lot of time.” Thousands of victims during the Marcos regime won a class action suit in 1992 in Hawaii against the Marcos estate for torture and other rights violations. Marcos was ousted in the peaceful 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. Rosales, herself a torture victim during the Marcos regime, said that she had discussed the torture allegations with top PNP officials. President Aquino has pledged to take steps to prosecute violators of human rights in past years. Rights groups, however, say violations have continued with impunity under Aquino's watch. Multicolored wheel A picture of the multicolored wheel provided by the CHR showed several other torture selections, including “3 minutes zombies” and “30-second duck walk/ferris wheel” but it was not immediately clear how those punishments were carried out. “For police officers to use torture for fun is despicable,” Amnesty International's Hazel Galang-Folli said in a statement. “These are abhorrent acts. Suspending officers is not enough. Errant police personnel and their commanding officers should be held accountable in a court of law,”

she added. The group called on the Aquino administration “to act immediately to put an end to routine torture.” Aquino's communications secretary, Sonny Coloma, said: “We will await CHR's findings and recommendations on this specific matter as it has the primary responsibility for protecting and promoting human rights.” Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, the PNP spokesman, said several officers had been taken into custody and an investigation was under way. CHR spokesman Marc Titus Cebreros said the officers had been summoned to its office in Biñan and told to submit their counteraffidavits within 10 days. The officers, who had been relieved of their posts, were identified as Chief Insp. Arnold Formento, SPO1 Alexander Asis, PO3 Freddie Ramos, PO2 Marc Julius Caesar, PO2 Aldwin Tibuc, PO2 Melmar Baybado Viray, PO1 Nelson Caribo, SPO2 Bernardino Artisen, PO2 Mateo Cailo and PO2 Renan Galang. 41 victims Initial investigation by the CHR revealed the possibility of 41 alleged victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment at the PNP provincial intelligence branch in Biñan.

O n e o f t h e v i c t i m s wa s identified as Greg Montemayor, a detainee who was allegedly tortured sometime in June 2013 and again last Jan. 8. He was hit with a paddle and a baseball bat, his head banged and punched allegedly by respondents Caribo, Viray, Asis and Caesar. Another victim, Leody Camacho, who was arrested on Oct. 17, 2013, was tortured the same

Seclude village ... From page 2 Canete said one of her children attended the nursery located next to the house where the three children were being abused. “We were angry that this could happen just near the day care,” she said. “I was also afraid, we didn't know what could happen to our children if they went to school because there were many here who were doing that.” Authorities say they do not know exactly when the trade arrived in Ibabao. Shadowy outsider But, according to local social workers, a Filipino woman from outside the community believed to belong to an organized crime group relocated to the village several years ago and introduced locals to the get-rich-quick scheme. That woman taught residents how to scout for clients in pornographic chat rooms and receive payments through i n t e r n a t i o n a l m o n e y t ra n s f e r s , according to the social workers, who did not want to be named for security reasons. Some operators lured friends of their children into their homes and abused them, threatening to harm their parents if they told anyone, the social workers said. $100 a session One parent told AFP a neighbor who had tried to recruit her said clients paid as much as $100 a session, a fortune in a region where the minimum daily wage is the equivalent of about $7. She said the neighbor justified the trade by saying that no actual physical contact took place. “I was angry. We were always taught to protect and love our children,” the

day and on Jan. 9, allegedly by the same four policemen who hit him with a steel bar, gun and baseball bat. Other victim-detainees were identified as Rowelito Almeda, Isiah Hadlocon, Jayvee Dimapilis, Neil Castillo, Mark Frederick Lim, Hector Domalaon, Dell Ramos Robertson, Leo Umali Romasanta, Kristofferson Climaco Cesar, Emilio.

woman said. “We are not rich, but we are also not poor and desperate. It was an evil thing to do.” Nevertheless, she said that staying silent and steering clear of those involved in the trade was the best thing to do, to avoid any trouble. In announcing the dismantling of the pedophile network, Britain's National Crime Agency said in mid-January that 11 people had been arrested in the Philippines and 18 elsewhere around the world. Another 733 suspects were being investigated, the British crime agency added. Andrey Sawchenko, Philippine head of the Washington-based International Justice Mission who helped in the arrests, said 39 children had been rescued in Ibabao and elsewhere in the Philippines. Tip of iceberg But this is widely believed to be just the tip of the iceberg, with the British crime agency describing online child sex abuse as a “significant and emerging threat.” “Extreme poverty, the increasing availability of high speed Internet and the existence of a vast and comparatively wealthy overseas customer base has led to organized crime groups exploiting children for financial gain,” it said. Dutch advocate group Terre des Hommes estimates that “tens of thousands” of children are being abused through the cybersex industry just in the Philippines. Over 10 weeks, 20,000 people from 71 countries approached the fake girl asking for sexual performances, according to Terre des Hommes, which passed on the details of the pedophiles to police. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 5

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Cebu execs bare Cedric Lee dealings By Carmel Loise Matus, Connie Fernandez CEBU CITY -- An attempt by businessman Cedric Lee to clinch an energy deal with the province of Cebu that bore signs of irregularities is starting to share the spotlight with the scandal involving Lee, a female friend and comedian Vhong Navarro. Officials of the province, while denying that Lee has a live contract to build a power plant using waste as fuel, also revealed details of what some said were signs of irregularities in the project that Lee, who is now facing a string of cases for beating up Navarro for allegedly trying to rape Lee's friend Deniece Cornejo, has been trying to have the provincial government approve. Lee, owner of Waste Management Inc. (WMI), first sent representatives to Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale when Magpale took over as acting governor when Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended for six-months on Dec. 19, 2012 for usurpation of authority. Lee's representatives wanted Magpale to sign a contract that would allow WMI to develop a power plant using waste as fuel on the controversial Balili lot in Naga town, Cebu. “When I read the contract, I

asked them 'Do you know where the property is?' I told them it would be in the Balili property which is subject to litigation,” Magpale told Inquirer in a phone interview. Former governor Garcia and seven others are facing graft charges at the Sandiganbayan for the purchase of a 24.7-hectare property in Barangay (village) Tinaan, Naga, worth P98.9 million which turned out to be mostly underwater. Magpale said Lee's representatives assured her that the project had been awarded to them. Apparently, the contract was n o t s i g n e d d u e to G a rc i a' s suspension. A few days after taking over the provincial government, Magpale said Lee's representatives again asked her to sign the contract. “No, I didn't sign it. I didn't sign anything,” she said. Last December, Lee approached Gov. Hilario Davide III in an attempt to revive the project but this time, it would be in Danao City, northern Cebu. Lee presented to Davide a copy of memorandum of agreement that baffled provincial officials since the contract was not awarded to any company after a failure of bidding. E t h e l N a t e ra , p rov i n c i a l information officer, said Lee's WMI was supposed to be one of three companies that bidded for the project.

THEN Gov. Gwen Garcia harvests “bangus” from the Balili property that her administration bought for P98 million but which turned out to be mostly underwater. TONEE DESPOJO/CEBU DAILY NEWS But when the bid was opened, only two companies remained, she added. Yet, Natera said, none of the companies, including Lee's WMI, qualified for the bidding. The two companies later decided to form a consortium for the project, said Natera. But based on minutes of the Dec. 17, 2012 session of the provincial board, Board Member Alex Binghay pushed for the deferment of action on a resolution that would have authorized then governor Garcia to seal the deal with Lee's WMI. According to the minutes, Binghay wanted clarification since

For saying he's rich, Cedric Lee arouses BIR's curiosity By Tetch Torres-Tupas MANILA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has already started investigating Cedric Lee, one of the respondents in the mauling of actor Vhong Navarro, to see if he is paying taxes honestly. “It is natural for us to look into it because like we said anytime there is a controversy, we look at the tax compliance because it says a lot about the character of the person whether they comply with laws including tax laws,” BIR Commissioner Kim Henares told reporters Thursday. The BIR's probe was an offshoot of Lee's public admission that he is rich and he owns several businesses. Lee is one of the incorporators of Waste Management Incorporated. He is reportedly engaged in mining, construction and land reclamation. “The reason why we said we are looking into Cedric Lee is because he

mentioned that he is a reputable businessman, he owns all these companies. So, we have to satisfy our curiosity or if there is a suspicion, we have to satisfy that,” Henares said. Henares added that aside from Lee's public admission of his wealth, they learned that one of Lee's business partner is Tyrone Ong, President of Mandaluyong City-based Enviroaire Inc. ,who was slapped with a case for P184-million tax evasion in 2012. Enviroaire has supplied the Philippine National Police (PNP) with motor equipment and the emission testing machines. Currently, Ong is at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame after ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan for violation of the anti-graft law and malversation over the questionable repair and maintenance of V-150 armored vehicles worth P385.48 million in 2007.

NBI: Vhong ...

Justice) entered the lobby together with still unidentified man

From page 1

10:38 p.m. Navarro, in shorts, blue polo shirt and a bull cap entered the condominium lobby

10:43:26 Cornejo entered the lobby

10:40 Cornejo was seen at the lobby going out of the building

10:48 a certain Mike (also a respondent in the complaint filed by the NBI at the DOJ) was seen entering the condominium lobby

10:41 Cedric Lee entered the condominium lobby

10:56 Cedric's sister Bernice entered the lobby

10:43:08 Ferdinand Guerrero (in white shirt and wearing glasses and one of the respondents in the complaint filed at the Department of

11:10 Navarro was escorted inside the elevator with Lee, Bernice, Deniece and five other men (Inquirer.net)

the board had been informed that the project was supposed to be undertaken by a consortium composed of Lee's WMI and Singapore-based Bousted Singapore and Synova. In the contract presented to the board, however, only Lee's WMI was listed as project proponent. Fo r m e r g o ve r n o r G a r c i a supported the project, though. She had made a presentation on the project, called Proposed Tina-an Ecozone Development Plan, to try to win the provincial board's approval. The power plant using waste as fuel would be built under a build-

operate-transfer scheme. The plan for the project shows several facilities would be built including a port, area for light industry and manufacturing, water reservoir and an eco-park. The project would have cost $150 million and required the project proponent, supposedly the consortium Synova led by Lee's WMI, to pay P30 per square meter, or P800,000 a month, in lease. The province, as proposed in the draft contract, would have earned 2 percent from gross revenues of the facility and earn P850 million in 25 years.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 6

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

A Song for Randy Gener By Grace G. Baldisseri Much has been written about Randy Gener, a performing artist, community organizer, multi-awarded journalist, a cheerful friend and a freedom lover. We condemn the horrifying incident on January 17 at 7th Avenue and 54th Street in Manhattan when he was badly beaten by a man from Queens who was recently arrested and identified to be a

resident of Queens, New York. Last night, I have written this poem from the editorial desk of The Filipino Express. Our way of saying, we are praying for Randy's speedy recovery. Our readers are happy to know that Randy Gener is on the way to recovery. It will not be easy and it will not be soon. But if we continue to storm heaven with all our prayers, a miracle will happen.

A Song for Randy Gener We bring you prayers of good cheer With fans and friends who love you dear We were there at your prayer vigil With five layered clothes as we chill When we knew not what tomorrow brings God revealed Himself in mysterious things With pure hearts we offered our thanks Randy, you are safe in His hands Now the angels whom God had sent Came to feel your pulse as they vent All of us here continue to pray That God heals you in a special way Dear friend, miracles work even today In our hearts we know you will be okay When trials come, these will soon be gone Rejoice! Here comes the bright sun

Suspect nabbed in attack ... From page 1 “We are pleased and relieved that a suspect has finally been apprehended and trust that the NYPD and District Attorney will make all efforts to bring justice for Randy,” Stephen Nisbet, Gener's husband, and sister-in-law Jessica Blair Driessler stated. “At this time, we are focusing on Randy's healing and moving forward together as a family.” The family issued a statement t h a n k i n g t h e N e w Yo r k P o l i c e Department, particularly the Hate Crimes Task Force, a non-profit organization NYC Anti-Violence Project and the community at large for joint efforts in raising awareness of the incident, holding a vigil and fund-raising for Gener's medical expense. The Franciscan friars of St. Francis of Assisi NYC condemned the attack against the gay community. “To our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, the staff and friars assert our solidarity with you,” said Fr. Julian Jagudilla, OFM. “We strongly add our voice to the call for everyone's right to live with dignity and freedom, especially freedom from violence of any sort.” In a similar incident in the past, the friars stated, “To the rest of our community, we urge everyone to stand up against this violence in word and deed. Christ stood between the stone-

Stephen Nisbet (left), partner of Fil-Am journalist Randy Gener for 19 years until their marriage two years ago, with Fr. Julian Jagudilla OFM, during the press conference and prayer rally at the Philippine Center, Fifth Avenue, New York. PHOTO BY CAROL TANJUTCO wielding crowd and the woman caught in adultery. He even commanded that swords be put away when the soldiers came to arrest him. Jesus deplores violence and as His disciples we must do the same. Let us all stand up for our gay brothers and sisters in solidarity against any sort of violence: verbal and

Gov’t plans amnesty ... From page 1 would cover only fighters of the MILF and exclude insurgents who broke off from the main Moro group and continue to threaten attacks. A pact signed by government and MILF negotiators in the Malaysian capital on Saturday, Jan. 25 says the granting of amnesty and pardon is aimed at facilitating “the healing of the wounds of conflict and the return to normal life.” The “normalization annex,” as the pact is called, is the final component of a peace agreement expected to be formally signed soon. “ We h ave j u s t b e e n discussing the next steps and our goal is to be able to get a good s c h e d u l e f o r t h a t ,” c h i e f government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. “We have set a time frame of between February and March,” Ferrer said. The talks that began in 1996 with the MILF are aimed at ending an insurgency in Mindanao that has left an estimated 150,000 people dead since the 1970s. After a final deal is signed, the two sides will write a Bangsamoro basic law and submit it to Congress for approval. The basic law will create the Bangsamoro autonomous region. President Aquino has promised to certify the Bangsamoro bill urgent when he

submits it to Congress. MNLF opposition Another insurgent group in Mindanao, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a final peace agreement with the government in 1996, opposes a separate peace with the MILF. An MNLF faction led by Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema did not reject outright the peace accord signed on Saturday, but said it wanted all prior agreements enforced first before the enforcement of the deal with the MILF. On Sunday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal thanked Sema for not rejecting the normalization deal between the government and the MILF. Iqbal, speaking in Kuala L u m p u r, s a i d t h e p e a c e agreement was for all the Moro people. “Of course, we continue to reach out to everybody, including the MNLF, that the agreement that we are going to sign with the Philippine government is for everybody and we are very inclusive,” he a d d e d , re f e r r i n g t o t h e comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace agreement between the government and the MILF. 1996 peace deal Iqbal assured Sema that the annex on power-sharing included the mechanisms on how the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF would be integrated into the agreement with the

MILF. “The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, of which I happen to chair, is tasked to look at the 1996 peace agreement and see the elements [there] that can be inputted in the Bangsamoro basic law that we are crafting,” Iqbal said. Members of the MNLF were invited to join the Transition Commission but they declined, as it could run in conflict with the ongoing tripartite review of the Organic Law of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Sema told the Inquirer that the MNLF's “silence on any impending agreement is not our choice but it is forced upon us, lest we are branded as spoilers.” Sema cofounded the MNLF with Nur Misuari but the movement eventually split, with Sema now leading the Committee of 15. Misuari, on the other hand, is now a fugitive, being hunted for instigating an attack on Zamboanga City last September. He claimed the government reneged on the 1996 peace agreement. Sema's group did not support the Zamboanga attack and urged its fighters not to join Misuari's loyalists. But Sema awaits the next tripartite meeting. “After Zambo, no talks took place but consultations were made by the PCSP (Peace Committee in Southern Philippines) and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). We have posted our preparedness to proceed with the meetings,” he said. u Page 7

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 7

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Signing of annex draws int'l praise, aid pledges MANILA -- The Philippines on Sunday won global praise as well as pledges of support to help in achieving lasting peace and economic development in Mindanao following the signing between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the last agreement needed before the conclusion of a final peace accord. Messages of congratulations poured in from nations and international organizations aiding the peace talks a day after the government and the MILF signed the normalization annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, European Union and United Nations Secretary General Ban KiMoon sent separate statements commending the negotiating panels of the two sides as well as President Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ebrahim for Saturday's achievement. Ban, in a statement on the UN website, commended Aquino and Murad for their “vision and leadership,” and the peace panels for their “perseverance, commitment and courage” in the peace process. Ban also expressed his “sincere gratitude” to Malaysia for its role as negotiator. “The UN secretary expresses the readiness of the United Nations

establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority toward the realization of the Bangsamoro autonomous region. “As Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced during his visit to the Philippines in July last year, Japan will strengthen its support to the Mindanao peace process through the assistance for community development, capacity-building in transition period, sustainable economic development in Mindanao and other methods,” Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, seated left, chairperson of Philippine Government Peace Panel, and Mohagher Iqbal, seated right, chief negotiator for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), sign documents with Malaysian facilitator Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, sitting center, as witness, during the 43rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. AP PHOTO/LAI SENG SIN

to accompany the final phase of the peace process and the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement,” the statement said. Promise of peace US Secretary of State John Kerry said the agreement “offers the promise of peace, security and economic prosperity now and for future generations in Mindanao,” and commended the two camps, Malaysia and the International Contact Group, for their efforts to

Gov’t plans amnesty ... From page 6 The PCSP is chaired by Indonesia, the third-party facilitator for the tripartite talks. Weight lifted Iqbal said it was as if a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders after the final document that made up the peace pact between his group and the government was signed early Saturday evening. “The burden upon my shoulders has substantially disappeared,” a smiling Iqbal told the Inquirer following the signing of the normalization annex. Iqbal has been the MILF chief's negotiator since 2003, facing off with nine government chief negotiators over nearly 10 years to arrive at a peace agreement that ends four decades of fighting in Central Mindanao. The work is not done for both panels, which will continue to work on the implementation of the peace deal until an exit agreement is signed in 2016, they hope before the term of Aquino ends. But Iqbal has another important responsibility: chairing the Bangsamoro Transitional Committee, a

resolve the decades-long conflict in the region. British Foreign Secretary William Hague described the latest development in the peace talks as a “positive news” that was “all the more welcome” after the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas last November. “The courage and leadership shown by the parties gives great hope that [the difficult challenges] can be overcome, and we are ready to provide whatever further

joint government and MILF panel that is writing the Bangsamoro basic law. The law will govern the Bangsamoro region that will replace the ARMM. “Our focus now is the crafting of the basic law. We have to do that and time is running to finish the job on or before May this year,” Iqbal said. After the draft law is enacted by Congress, a plebiscite will be held in in Central Mindanao to ask the people if they want to be included in the new Bangsamoro region. Iqbal does not want to call Congress “the next battleground,” after facing the government on the battlefield with weapons and then moving on to the negotiating table to hammer out a peace agreement. He said he would rather consider Congress “the next avenue of engagement.” Iqbal and the MILF panel met with the lawmakers who attended the signing on Saturday. “The discussion was very cordial and friendly, and we promised them that from time to time we would reach out to them. We told them that we firmly believe that the collective wisdom of Congress would finally pass a good legislation for the Bangsamoro,” Iqbal said. Inquirer.net

Support we can to help the [Bangsamoro people] and the Philippines recover from this devastating conflict,” said Hague, whose government is a member of the International Contact Group that supports the peace talks. Fellow International Contact Group member Japan said it was a “pleasure” to have contributed to the peace process and that it “strongly hoped” the parties would implement the transition process, including the enactment of the Bangsamoro basic law and the

'Historic moment' EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, who is also high representative for security policy and vice president of the commission, said the signing of the agreement was a “truly historic moment” and demonstrated a commitment to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao “through a unique and holistic concept of normalization that encompasses the gradual decommissioning of arms, overall demilitarization and its economic and social development.” “The EU, as a member of the International Monitoring Team and major development partner in Mindanao since 1990, will continue to fully support the implementation of the process,” Ashton said. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 8

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Swedish king wows Tacloban kids By Joey A. Gabieta

TACLOBAN CITY -- Ten-year-old Jobez Timatiga was all smiles. He could not help but feel excited and giddy after receiving a set of boy scout uniforms from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and shaking the hand of the monarch. President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl “It felt great to see the king. It XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music was cool and his hands were so Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first smooth,” said Timatiga, a Grade 5 visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the pupil of San Fernando Central School Philippines. Sweden's reigning monarch will visit the projects of the in Barangay (village) Sagkahan here. Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf (C) salutes as he visits the Boy Scout Timatiga was one of the 100 Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish monument in Tacloban City on January 26, 2014. AFP pupils who received a set of Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the uniforms from Gustaf, the first royal Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (MNS photo) to visit Eastern Visayas. the scouting organization. 9:18 a.m., was with Swedish boy The king received a lei from Jose Before visiting the schools, the scout officials Simon Hang Bock, Amistoso, a Grade 2 pupil. “I'm king of Sweden said he heard reports chair of the World Organization proud to see the king,” he said. that many local scouts had helped Scout Movement, and Vice President Before visiting San Fernando the typhoon victims. “I am here in my Jejomar Binay, national president of Central School, the monarch also capacity as a scout and I heard a lot the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. distributed 75 sets of boy scout about scouting in your country. I am He was welcomed by Tacloban uniforms in San Jose National High [also] here to see the destruction and City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and School in Barangay San Jose. many scouts did tremendous jobs Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Petilla. Eighteen British educational institutions are set to The uniforms consist of a T-shirt, here,” Gustaf said in a press He left at 1:20 p.m. But during his arrive in the Philippines next month to encourage more a pair of pants, a belt and a carabao conference held inside a huge tent of four-hour visit , the Swedish Filipinos to pursue studies in the United Kingdom. slide. Leyte province has about the United Nations. The king said monarch was secured by more than In a statement, the British Embassy in Manila said the 28,564 members and 4,500 in one of the characters of a scout was 500 police, Army and Presidential delegation would include the Cambridge Education Tacloban. Local boy scout officials the willingness to help. This, he Security Guard members. Group, Hult International Business School, London said the king decided to hand out added, emerged during the disaster. Gustaf held a 10-minute news School of Commerce, Northumbria University, Study uniforms to scouts here after “Let us work together. I believe that's conference before he went to San Group, University Of Bedfordshire, University Of Kent, receiving reports that many of them what scouts are good at because they Jose National High School in University Of Northampton, University Of Reading lost their uniforms during the know how to help each other,” he Barangay San Jose. He then visited Malaysia, University Of South Wales, University Of typhoon. said. the Boy Scout Monument at the Sunderland, University Of The Arts London, University Gustaf is the honorary chair of j u n c t i o n o f Fa t i m a D i s t r i c t . Of Warwick, and the University Of West London. the World Scouting Foundation and Security Inquirer.net u Page 12 is said to be one of the top donors of The king, who arrived here at

British schools seek Filipino students

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 9

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Jersey City Launches Branding Campaign to Make Jersey City Best Mid-Size City in America Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin Jr.

Seahawks' Fil-Am Receiver goes to the Super Bowl SEATTLE -- Filipino-American Doug Baldwin Jr. carried an upside down Philippine flag into the football field last November to show that his team, the Seattle Seahawks was at war with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). Seahawks fans donated to the relief efforts and team owner Paul G. Allen matched all the donations to the Red Cross. On Feb. 2 Baldwin and his teammates this time will battle the Denver Broncos at the National Football League (NFL) at Super Bowl XLVIII in New York. Football fans see the championship duel as a traditional holiday. Baldwin told the Seattle Times that he wants to visit his relatives (“too many to count”) including his grandma in Tacloban after the game. “I'm seriously considering taking time out this off-season to make sure I get

out there. Because that's my family,” Baldwin said. Most of his relatives' homes were ravaged and they had to stay with his grandaunt, he said. But for now, the Super Bowl is what's on his and his teammates' minds. After all, this is the Seahawks' (15-3 this season) first trip to the Super Bowl since bowing to Pittsburgh in 2005. In the Jan. 19 playoff with the 49ers, Baldwin made clutch plays that set up scores by his teammates. Baldwin in the second quarter caught a 51-yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson, which moved the Seahawks to the 49ers' 11-yard line. A few plays later, kicker Steven Hauschka nailed a 32-yarder for the Seahawks first score of the game, 10-3. Baldwin later in the third period returned a kickoff for 69 yards that set up a second field goal for Hauschka that cut their deficit to 17-13. Inquirer.net

Jersey City ...

said Tarrunumn Murad, Developer, SLHN. “We are very excited to bring the Marriott brand to Jersey City, which is the state leader in economic development with residential, commercial and tourism development thriving in Jersey City." In addition to creating more than 900 construction jobs, more than 150 permanent jobs will be created once the hotel is operational. “Hotels are known to be one of the best employers for hiring local residents and these jobs will provide great opportunities for Jersey City residents,” added Mayor Fulop. The new hotel is Jersey City's fifth world-class hotel, all of which enjoy occupancy rates in the high 90th percentile. This week, the two NFL Super Bowl teams are staying at Jersey City's Hyatt and Westin hotels as they prepare for Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. (Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Steven M. Fulop)

From page 1

ballrooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar/lounge with views of Jersey City and New York City. Noah Silverman, Chief Development Officer, North America Full Service Hotels at Marriott International, said, “We're pleased to work with SLHN to plant the Marriott Hotels flag in Jersey City, a destination that has reinvented itself and is increasingly a center of economic activity, right across the river from downtown New York City. We look forward to the Jersey City Marriott offering an exciting and relevant new hospitality experience in the city.” The hotel will be located in the Liberty North Harbor Redevelopment Area, near Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Center, as well as the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. “The Jersey City market is one that continues to grow and attract families, young professionals, and businesses,”

JERSEY CITY -- Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced that the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the City of Jersey City, is soliciting proposals from individuals and firms interested in assisting the JCEDC on a branding and marketing campaign of up to $1.2 million to position Jersey City as the best mid-size City in America. Half of the $1.2 million will be paid for through private partnerships. In addition to the branding and marketing RFP, the Jersey City EDC is also asking residents to submit logo designs and taglines as part of a branding contest. The marketing campaign will be comprehensive, featuring a new logo, tagline, and website, as well as social media and taxi and subway advertisements, amongst other print, broadcast and outdoor

Residents Can Compete for Logo & Tagline Contest advertising. “Jersey City continues to attract families, young p ro fe s s i o n a l s , a n d o t h e r residents to our city who are seeking a diverse, metropolitan center with vibrant neighborhoods, culture and recreational opportunities,” s a i d M ayo r Fu l o p . “ T h i s branding and marketing campaign will help us refocus the image of Jersey City to the rest of the region, nation and the world to expand on that growth as we become the best mid-size City in America.” “One of the main goals of the marketing campaign is to

highlight the diversity of neighborhoods and attractions throughout the city to showcase all of what Jersey City has to offer,” added Mayor Fulop. The complete RFP can be found at www.jcedc.org. A panel will review the contest submissions and select five finalists who will be interviewed about their proposal. The winning submission will receive a $5,000 prize. The citizen entry may be used as part of the comprehensive marketing plan. “In addition to having one of the most artistic communities in the nation, Jersey City residents love their city and have incredible civic pride, so we want to hear from all you about how you think we can best rebrand Jersey City,” added Mayor Fulop. - Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Steven M. Fulop.

The broad objectives of the RFP include: a) Distinguish Jersey City from other cities and communities, and establish its role as a regional and national leader, “The Best Mid-Size City in the United States.” b) Reinforce and direct focus toward the City's competitive advantages. c) Increase Jersey City's capacity to attract real estate development and residents. d) Encourage other groups (e.g. hospitals, real estate developers, retail, small business and industry, colleges, community groups, and tourism organizations) to participate in cohesive communications and branding efforts. e) Further enhance a sense of community in Jersey City of Jersey City. f) Promote and market Jersey City as a premier travel destination for both the leisure and business traveler, domestically and internationally.

Contest submissions are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2014 and should be mailed (hard copies) or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope to: Florence Baron Jersey City Economic Development Corporation 30 Montgomery Street, Suite 1400, Jersey City, NJ 07302

[email protected]

Editorial & opinion

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 10

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Peace possible To those who ask what will define the Aquino presidency, today is a defining moment!” That was President Aquino's spokesperson Edwin Lacierda exulting on Twitter last Sunday, minutes after the negotiating panels of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed the fourth and last annex of a proposed peace deal that would pave the way for the cessation of hostilities in Mindanao. The Annex on Normalization, as it is called, mandates the gradual decommission of the MILF's arms and, with congressional approval, the grant of amnesty to its members facing rebellion-related charges or pardon to convicted onesa gesture meant to facilitate “the healing of the wounds of conflict and the return to normal life,” as the document puts it. After a comprehensive peace deal is signed, the two panels will next buckle down to writing a Bangsamoro basic law that will create a new Bangsamoro autonomous region. The measure will then have to be certified urgent by the President and submitted to Congress for approval. Once it's enacted into law, it will be the subject of a plebiscite in which qualified voters in the identified territories of the new Bangsamoro region will take part. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be deemed abolished once the Bangsamoro law is ratified by popular consensus, with a Bangsamoro Transition Authority appointed in the interim to govern the territory. Full normalization will take place with the election of a Bangsamoro government by 2016. Clearly, it's still a long road ahead for the Mindanao peace process, and many substantive hurdles remain. But Lacierda may be forgiven for his excitement last Sunday. Prudence is a good virtue in any exercise with still too many variables, but it would also be churlish to diminish, or deny, the import of what had just taken place. With the signing of the final component of the proposed peace agreement, the Aquino administration has managed to go the farthest than any before it in its quest to find peace for Mindanaoafter 17 years of intermittent negotiations with the MILF and an even longer war that has left some 150,000 dead in the region since the 1970s. All four administrations after the Marcos dictatorship had taken their own swing at the Gordian knotfrom Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos' foundational work to bring Nur Misuari's original Moro National Liberation Front to the fold with the creation of the ARMM, to Joseph Estrada's brutal all-out war against the MILF and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's proposed memorandum of agreement on a n c e s t ra l d o m a i n t h a t wa s e ve n t u a l ly d e e m e d unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. None has come this close to a final peace deal as the Aquino administration appears to have at this time, with optimism running high on both sides of the negotiating table that a momentum has been achieved for the critical final push. His recent caper in Zamboanga City showed that Misuari can still throw a monkey wrench into the peace processthough Malacañang's decisive response to that bloody siege has, for now, made the former ARMM chair even more irrelevant, his followers on the run, and his political standing in tatters. But Misuari's legacy of adventurism still runs rampant in many parts of Mindanao. The breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic

Green Card Is Possible Despite Petitioner's Death Is it still possible for the beneficiary to get a green card even if petitioner dies? Before Section 204(l) of Immigration and Nationality Act was enacted by Congress, the death of the petitioner automatically revoked the petition save for two instances. One was when the beneficiary was the widow or widower of a US citizen who might benefit as the surviving spouse only if they were married for at least two years or the so-called “Widow Penalty” and two, through reinstatement of an approved I-130 petition on humanitarian grounds. With Section 204(l), those eligible for survivor immigration benefits expanded to include the following: the beneficiary of a pending or approved immediate

relative visa petition; the beneficiary of a pending or approved family-based visa petition, including both the principal beneficiary and any derivative beneficiaries; any derivative beneficiary of a pending or approved employment-based visa petition; the beneficiary of a pending or approved Form I-730 or Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition; an alien admitted as a derivative “T” or “U” nonimmigrant; or a derivative asylee. Also, the “widow penalty” has been eliminated allowing widows of U.S. citizens and their children to self-petition even if the marriage was less than two years when the petitioner died. In order to benefit from Section 204(l), the surviving relative must be residing in the U.S. at the time the petitioner or qualifying relative

died and must continue to reside in the U.S. Residence for this purpose means the “principal actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent.” For petitions with multiple beneficiaries, it is not required that all beneficiaries meet the residence requirement. If one beneficiary meets the residence requirement, all other beneficiaries, such as the spouse and minor children of the principal beneficiary, may benefit from this section. Section 204(l) seeks to place the beneficiary in the same position but for the death of the p e t i t i o n e r. T h e U S C I S w i l l adjudicate the petition and other related applications as if the petitioner or qualifying relative did not die. Thus, if the qualifying beneficiary is eligible under u Page 12

u Page 12

Feedback Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Lito A. Gajilan, Jr. Columnists: Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq., Juan L. Mercado, Joseph G. Lariosa Correspondent: Grace G. Baldisseri The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not reflect the opinion of the paper nor that of the publisher.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 201-434-1114 Fax 201-434-0880 2711 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Inquirer columns elicit comments worldwide. On the Internet, the opinion pieces spur heated debates. Here are samples from professors abroad to Ilocos Sur students. “Prof. Paul Stephen Lim sent me Viewpoint's 'Payback,'” emailed University of Kansas Prof. Emeritus Grant Goodman. This recalled then president Manuel Quezon's offer of sanctuary to Jews fleeing Nazis. Today, places and streets bear Quezon's name. But “the man and his accomplishments are unfamiliar to most Filipinos. This is disheartening to one (who)

spent an academic lifetime working on the Commonwealth period… “My research began in 1959 when I worked on the deteriorating Quezon papers in a rat-infested warehouse on Arlegui Street. No one else showed up to do research… Those were the days before xerox. I hired a typist to copy the documents word for word… Because of my advanced age, I have donated all of my Quezoniana to the Bentley Historical Library at University of Michigan.” From Sinait National High School in Ilocos Sur, students Geriennezana Garcia, Precious Azcueta, Louise Tagavilla and

Vanessa Yadao e-mailed: “Our teacher Romelinda de Guzman asked us to react to a newspaper article, as part of our fourth grading period project. We chose Viewpoint column titled 'Relentless surge.'” That piece showed the connection between the pork barrel and the Pine Island Glacier on Antarctica now rapidly melting. The column pinpointed links between climate change and increasingly severe storms even in once typhoon-free regions here. “The P10-billion pork barrel spent on bogus nongovernmental organizations is enough to fund disaster preparedness. Resources u Page 12

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 11

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

The Internet and orphanage - scenes of Opinion child abuse By Fr. Shay Cullen Two major child abuse stories broke last week. The exposé of the deviant criminal behavior of paedophiles in the UK, America, and Australia and the Philippines who are sexually exploiting Filipino children through the internet, has been revealed in a BBC report which staff of the Preda Foundation in Olongapo city help them make. In Lucena City, an orphanage, Sankey Samaritan Mission for poor children and youth was raided by the NBI and an American, Tom Randall and orphanage manager Toto Luchavez and his son, Jake Luchavez, were arrested and are charged with trafficking and child abuse based on strong testimony

Making life worth living Ellen Tordesillas The latest decision by a United States court on the case of blogger Crystal Cox does not say bloggers are journalists as bannered in the Atlantic.com Lawyer Harry L. Roque's analysis of the decision is more accurate: “Bloggers enjoy the same protection as journalists.” Two weeks ago the Ninth Circuit ruled in the case of Obsidian Finance Group v. Crystal Cox that even though someone might not write for the “institutional press,” t h e y ' re e n t i t l e d t o a l l t h e protections the Constitution grants journalists. Judge Andrew Hurwitz said, “the Court expressly noted that 'we

of some of the 31 victims. The web-cam internet investigation, carried out by Tony Smith and Angus Crawford of the BBC shows that these paedophiles not only have thousands (one had 4 million) indecent images of children on their computer hard drives but pay gangs in the Philippines to get children to perform sexual acts online for them to watch. They traveled around the Philippines interviewing police, victims and social workers helping the children. Their next report will be to investigate the companies that allow this to happen and enable and abet the crimes against children through the internet. T h e re p o r t t h a t c a u s e d international reaction showed that even some relatives and parents of

the children allowed them to be trained to perform so as to earn money. The report showed cyberdens in Cebu city slums where poor children are the most exploited. Some people think that such acts before a computerconnected camera will do no harm as the customer is far away but one child victim said that it makes them loose their dignity, innocence and purity. In other child web cam crimes, the children are not alone and sex acts between young boys and girls are ordered up. The children are persuaded that it is just play and fun, but this is severely damaging to children. Besides, the criminals doing this use the web-cam sessions to make child pornography which they transmit across the internet for money to paedophile who will pay

for it. It is clear also that web-cam crime against children is a warm up for sexual assault . The paedophiles soon get so aroused, they will abuse children in their own locality. This is not an evil done far away against Filipino children only but it is putting the children, where the paedophile is residing at greater risk. It is estimated that thousands of children are abused in this way. Philippine police blame the Internet Server Corporations and cell phone companies for flouting the anti-child pornography law which mandates filtering of child pornography and any sexual images of children or illegal content passing through their servers. Republic Act 9775,under Section 9, says “The duties of

Internet Server Providers (ISP) to monitor the content passing through their servers, notify the police of illegal content and provide the authorities the particulars of users who gained or attempted to gain access to an internet address which contains any form of child pornography. All ISPs shall install available technology, program or software to ensure access to or transmittal of any form of child pornography will be blocked or filtered” T h e N a t i o n a l Telecommunications Commission ((NTC) is supposed to oversee this also. The law says the ISPs at fault should pay a fine and have its license to operate revoked for non compliance. But the law is allegedly ignored, flouted and u Page 14

Roque: Bloggers enjoy same protection as journalists draw no distinction between the media respondents and' a noninstitutional respondent.'” This is a reversal of December 2011 by a federal judge in Oregon, U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez who said Cox, who styled herself as “an investigative blogger,” was not a journalist and cannot claim the protections afforded to mainstream reporters and news outlets. The case stemmed from the online articles by Cox against Obsidian Finance Group LLC. She reportedly called Obsidian lawyer Kevin Padrick a “thug and a thief” during the handling of bankruptcy proceedings by him and Obsidian Finance Group LLC.

During the trial, she was asked to name her sources and she sought protection in the Oregon's shield law not compelling media to produce sources. Hernandez said Cox cannot claim that protection because she is not a journalist. He enumerated his understanding of the attributes of a journalist which Cox did not possess: (1) any education in journalism; (2) any credentials or proof of any affiliation with any recognized news entity; (3) proof of adherence to journalistic standards such as editing, factIllustration from checking, or disclosures of conflicts Universal McCann of interest; (4) keeping notes of conversations and interviews u Page 12

Karma at work I, too, do not believe that former Chief Justice Renato Corona can (or should even attempt to) reassume his old post. But I also think that Corona will ultimately be absolvedif not in the Senate records and in the law books, then in the hearts and minds of his thoroughly misled countrymen. One of the after-effects of the privilege speech delivered by Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla last Jan. 20 is an incipient move to revisit the case of Corona, a proposition first discussed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Various legal authorities have weighed in on the matter since then, almost unanimously on the side of the impossibility of a

Corona reinstatement. Noting their arguments especially about the political nature of impeachmentI cannot help but agree. But I think Corona's besmirched name will one day be cleansed and his tattered reputation rehabilitated. I believe that one day, historians will revisit the case of Corona and discover that his only real impeachable “offense” was to incur the ire of a sittingand inhumanly vengeful and pettyPresident. And that, at the very least, compared to the crimes that were committed in order to remove the former chief justice, will make Corona's transgressions look like mere trifles. Corona was removed by the Senate nearly two years ago for failing to declare his assets and

liabilities correctly. There was no official action of his, as a member of the highest court in the land, that were found to have been anomalous or illegal; he did not write any decision or cast any vote that was proven to have unduly favored anyone or to have hurt anyone unjustly as associate and later chief justice. The chief justice did not steal any public funds, unlike some of the people who impeached and convicted him in Congress. He was never accused of using public money in his defense, unlike the President who instigated his impeachment and conviction and who allegedly dipped into the public till to fund his obsession to remove the country's top jurist. And Corona's ouster may even, if there really is any justice in

this world, lead to the ultimate destruction of his foes. The signs are already becoming increasingly clear: the President who worked so hard (like he never worked before or since) to remove him now stands accused of various serious crimes, from misusing public funds to tampering with the senators who stood in Corona's judgment; the senators who supposedly received untold sums to do the deed are practically ruined, politically, for abusing pork barrel and DAP funds. And the strange thing is, Corona need not reassume his old post to gain justice. Like the rest of us, he only has to watch karma at work. *** Speaking of Corona's case, I've been informed that Congress is

seeking to amend the charter of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to allow the central bank to look into bank accounts without the required court order. This is on top of the vast powers already granted to the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which were used extensively in the Corona impeachment hearing to build a case against the chief justice. There are currently six bills in the Lower House and four bills in the Senate that propose the amendments to various provisions of the BSP Charter, but a proposal by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Rep. Nelson Collantes (House Bill 3112) seeks to give BSP the additional power to the BSP to obtain the banks' data and u Page 12

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 12

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Karma ... From page 11 information on any person. The old Central Bank Act (Republic Act 265) and the new Central Bank Act (RA 7653) gave the central monetary agency the authority to conduct economic research for the guidance of the Monetary Board through the gathering and analysis of data and information. But the data that BSP is now authorized to obtain are limited to “balance of payments of the Philippines, statistics on the monthly movement of the monetary aggregates and of prices and other statistical series and economic studies useful for the formulation and analysis of monetary, banking,

Feedback ... From page 10 for essential projects vanished into thin air. We definitely agree with the last sentence of Viewpoint: 'As Rev i lla a n d c o m p a ny d e fe n d themselves in the pork barrel scam, sea levels fed by the Pine Island Glacier's meltdown surge relentlessly.'” “Whistle-blowers' vindication?” dealt with the Inquirer's selection of six whistle-blowers as the collective “Filipino of the Year” for 2013. Three days after the announcement, they linked former senator Ramon Revilla Sr. to the widespread pork barrel scam. That drew spirited comment. “The American 'Deep Throat' (Mark Felt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation) sent to jail five White House officials. And it caused US President Richard Nixon to resign,” Tarkin e-mailed. “The Filipino 'Deep Throat'the late Rep. Romeo Candazoexposed the pork barrel scam in 1996. Yet, no one has been jailedso far. In fact, the [Countrywide Development Fund] scam grew exponentially into the [Priority Development Assistance Fund] up to 2013. That's the glaring difference between American and Philippine justice.” “If People Power worked to unseat Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada, why not the thieves in Congress and the Senate?” e-mailed Eman. “Let's do it again in Edsa. Now na. Because Edsa was a fake revolution,” claimed Mariano Renato

credit and exchange policies.” The major banks have been silent on the Belmonte proposal, but a group of small bankers and lawmakers are already expressing opposition, saying it is not only unconstitutional and may endanger depositors. Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon raised the issue of the possible “unlawful search and seizure” of an individual's bank account once the provisions implicitly lifting bank secrecy are approved in HB 3112. “Even a simple search over private property [currently] requires a court order,” Ridon said after a meeting of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries. Under the proposed measure, BSP will have the “authority to require from any person or entity… any data

which it may require for the proper discharge of its functions and responsibilities.” It will also compel any individual to ask for BSP's permission to transfer at least 10 percent of his/her portfolio of shares of stocks. Former Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafurte said the proposal is unconstitutional because Article III Section 3 of the Constitution expressly provides that “the privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court. Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.”

Pacifico. “Hello Marcos. Are you still alive? You were supposed to be dead,” Eman snapped back. And Boldyak added: “If Edsa was fake, then the overthrow of Marcos was a fake? All this time, we've had fake governments? All elections held after Edsa 1 were fake? Hahaha. Where have you been all these times? OMG.” “Get a seeing eye dog,” suggested john_kruz. “They say it helps those who are also afflicted with a mental disorder.” “Nice one!” Spartan Akon Ismagul wrote to john_kruz. “What part of my comment you thoughting (sic) I have mental disorder?” responded Mariano Renato Pacifico. “Or Filipinos find logic mental disorder (sic). That is why they have faulty decisions on whom to put in public office that is dogging them yesterday, now and forever will be. You Filipinos are totally sick.” Basta. That gives a flavor of the brawl on the Internet. Here are some of the more relevant comments: “Aldous Huxley was not a scientist. He was a fiction and nonfiction writer well-known for his novels like 'Brave New World,'” Jun F. Teoxon pointed out. “Was Benhur Luy's claim that Misamis Oriental has a municipality of Clarin a typographical error?” asked Virgo Yap. There is a Clarin town. But it is in Misamis Occidental. “I remember watching Clarissa Ocampo disputing that (Jose Velarde) signature during the televised proceedings, and thought it was incredibly brave of her,” Walter Paul

Komarnicki recalls. “But it took people power to get things moving at the end of all those proceedings.” Eirons 1043 agreed. “Expect the cases against 'Tanda,' 'Seksi' plus 'Pogi' and other PDAF cases to be forgotten by Jan. 1, 2016. That's when election fever sets in. President Aquino may become like her mother: very honest but clueless.” “Cruel,” said the 83-year-old former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, “Did Imelda mean the US federal court (9th Circuit) who whacked her and Ferdinand Jr. (Bongbong) with a more than $353,000 fine?” asked Manuel de la Torre, a UP graduate now resident of Idaho. “They tried to secretly ship out of the United States paintings and other artworks, from court-contested holdings, for a 25-percent, tax-free share. Or was it belated Marcos contrition for martial law salvaging?” No, she meant the court-ordered detention of former President Gloria Arroyo at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. “She is visited only by her husband, her children, from noon to 9 p.m. Then she has no one. So cruel. So unjust. Not human. I am sorry, so sad to be there.” Did Imelda tell that to the 7,526 victims of martial law abuses across town? They just got a second tranche check, from the $2-billion judgment awarded by a US district court in Hawaii in 1995 to “New Society” victims. Silly question. E-mail: [email protected]

British schools ... From page 8 City University London, Richmond The American International University In London, Staffordshire University and the University of Wolverhampton will be first time Philippine exhibitors. Representatives from these universities will participate in the annual Education UK Exhibition. “Having a degree from a UK university is a mark of prestige the world over. Students are taught with the world's best teaching and research experts and exposed to dynamic, innovative and multi-cultural learning environments. Each year, the UK welcomes international students from 200 nations with more than 5,000 Filipino students spread out across the British Isles,” the British Embassy in Manila said. “Pursuing an education in the UK is within reach and affordable compared to the usual destinations favored by many Filipinos,” it added. Depending on one's focus, length of study and course option, a postgraduate course normally takes only one year to finish while an undergraduate course can be completed in three years. Also, UK degrees are now made more accessible through transnational education arrangements in the Philippines and nearby countries Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. These degrees can be completed fully in these countries or partly in the United Kingdom. Inquirer.net

Green Card ... From page 10 Section 204(l), the USCIS will consider applications for waiver of inadmissibility due to fraud or criminal conviction, for instance. The beneficiary must establish extreme hardship suffered by the qualifying relative if he were alive and must prove that he deserves t h e f avo ra b l e e xe r c i s e o f discretion. If an affidavit of support is required, a Form I-864 of a substitute sponsor must be s u b m i t te d . T h e s u b s t i t u te sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old and must be related to the qualifying beneficiary. The substitute sponsor may be the applicant's spouse, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sibling, child, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughterin-law, sister-in-law, brother-inlaw, grandparent, grandchild or legal guardian.

I f t h e b e n e f i c i a r y wa s residing outside the U.S. when the petitioner died, Section 204(l) will not apply so he has to request for a humanitarian reinstatement of the revoked family-based petition. Only approved petitions may be reinstated and not petitions where the petitioner died before the approval. The following factors are considered in evaluating a humanitarian request: disruption of an established family unit; hardship to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; if the beneficiary is elderly or in poor health; if the beneficiary has had lengthy residence in the United States; if the beneficiary has no home to go to; undue delay by the DHS or consular officer in processing the petition and visa; and if the beneficiary has strong family ties in the United States. (Editor's Note: REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For more information, you may log on to his website at www.seguritan.com or call (212) 695-5281.)

Peace Possible From page 10 Freedom Fighters is at this moment engaged in fresh battles with government forces in Maguindanao, with over 9,000 civilians reportedly having fled the fighting. In a preview of what can be possible with a peace deal in place, the MILF is said to be actively helping the military against the splinter group of its former commander Ameril Umra Kato. That commitment to cooperate with the government will surely be further tested once a final peace deal is signed and the processes of ratification and normalization are under way. This, in other words, is a most delicate time, requiring the greatest transparency and continuing good faith from both sides to resolve whatever new impediments may be posed by vested interests intent only on keeping the status quo in Mindanao. This is a historic moment for the country, and it, not the mauling of a TV celebrity in tony BGC, deserves to be front and center in the public attention. A critical consensus has been reached on how to bring peace to perennially war-torn Mindanao. Filipinos must pay greater attention to this development, or risk losing the chance once again. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 13

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Cigarette firms OK graphic warning bill - Pia Cayetano AP FILE PHOTO

Ex-Marlboro Man dies from smokingrelated disease Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- Eric Lawson, a working actor who portrayed the Marlboro Man in cigarette ads during the late 1970s, has died. He was 72. Lawson's wife, Susan Lawson, said last January 26 that her husband died January 10 at his California home. The cause was respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The ruggedly handsome Lawson portrayed the smoking cowboy in Marlboro print ads from 1978 to 1981. He also had bit parts in such TV shows as “Baretta” and “Charlie's Angels” before injuries sustained on the set of a Western film ended his acting career. A smoker since age 14, Lawson later appeared in an anti-smoking commercial that p a ro d i e d t h e M a r l b o ro M a n a n d a n “Entertainment Tonight” segment to discuss the negative effects of smoking. He is also survived by six children. Inquirer.net

MANILA -- Cigarette manufacturers have “in principle” indicated their support for the graphic warning bill, which seeks to require tobacco firms to print on cigarette packs images of diseases and organ disfiguration, Sen. Pia Cayetano said on Thursday, Jan. 23. With the support of the bill's erstwhile opponents, the chair of the Senate committee on health and demography is confident that the measure, meant to discourage smoking among Filipinos, will finally pass in the present Congress. “I am pleased and surprised because I've conducted this same hearing six years ago, and back then, the cigarette companies were really opposed to this,” Cayetano said in a statement.“But [on Wednesday], they expressed support and acknowledged the bill as a measure that would benefit the public. I would like to assume goodwill on the part of the four cigarette companies when they say that they support this, and I hope I won't have to take back everything I said today in the future,” she added. Cayetano made the remarks a day after the committee took up in a hearing Senate Bill Nos. 27 and 499 that he and Senate President Franklin Drilon authored, respectively. Both measures seek to require cigarette packs in the country “to bear graphic health warnings showing the health

Senator Pia Cayetano risks of smoking and secondhand smoke to discourage Filipinos, especially the youth, from taking up the habit.” Among the industry representatives that spoke at the hearing were Raul Academia, director for trade, fiscal and regulatory affairs of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp.; Augusto San Pedro, legal counsel of Japan Tobacco International; James Lafferty, general manager of British American Tobacco Philippines; and Antonio Ocampo, general manager of Mighty Corp. Cayetano said the industry leaders in principle expressed support for the measure but also

proposed changes to the measure. “The concerns they raised dealt with details, such as the size of the graphic health warning on the cigarette packs, which is understandable. I feel we could work this out with the other side, the health advocates who want a bigger graphic health warning. I hope that we can resolve this and have a law,” she said. Cayetano said issues raised on several provisions, such as the proposed size of the graphic health warning that should take up 60 percent of both the front and back panels, the compliance period for the release of the new packs, and the requirement to print several variations of the graphic health warning and to rotate these periodically. Other concerns from the industry were the provisions on allowable minimum packaging size, and the requirement to remove descriptors from cigarette labels, among others. Cayetano expressed openness to consider the amendments that the industry proposed.“They gave us their position papers which we will incorporate. I will present to them a new version which already includes their comments which I feel are reasonable,” Cayetano said.She said the graphic warning bill reached the plenary in the 14th and 15th Congresses but the versions didn't get beyond second reading. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 14

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Why is the US helping China look for oil in the South China Sea? By Adam Pasick, Quartz

Stormy weather ahead? Political tensions in the South China Sea have seldom been higher, with China's “marine identification zone” deemed a provocative threat to peace by neighboring countries and the United States. The vast area, variously claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other southeast Asian countries, is hotly contested in part because it is thought to hold vast reserves of oil and natural gas. It's easy, then, to foresee some sticky scenarios emerging from an unusual joint research trip set to embark this week. Thirty-one

g e o l o g i s t s f r o m 1 0 countriesincluding 13 from China and nine from the United States - will spend two months drilling rock samples in the South China Sea. The trip is funded mostly by China, but will take place on a US-operated drilling vessel, the JOIDES Resolution, under the auspices of the International Ocean Discovery Program. If the group finds oil deposits, as a previous research expedition did in the late 1990s, it will raise the diplomatic stakes for the countries vying for control of the South China Sea waterways and islands, such as the Spratleys and Paracels. “Oil and gas fields lie close to the coast, but the key is to open the treasure box buried beneath the

basin,” Wang Pinxian, a marine geologist and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told the South China Morning Post. Estimates vary widely, but the South China Sea could hold up to 17 billion tonnes (18.7 billion tons) of oil and 498 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to Cnooc, China's state-controlled energy group. The JOIDES Resolution was previously funded largely by the National Science Foundation, a US federal agency, but thanks to budget cuts last year China needed to step in to finance the South China Sea trip. “The generosity of the Chinese governmentwhich is paying US$6 million, or 70 per cent, of the expedition's cost - was a deciding factor,” the Post reported.

Roque: Bloggers enjoy ... From page 11 conducted; (5) mutual understanding or agreement of confidentiality between the defendant and his/her sources; (6) creation of an independent product rather than assembling writings and postings of others; or (7) contacting 'the other side' to get both sides of a story.” The US District Court found Cox guilty of defamation and awarded the finance company $ 2.5 in damages. In the recent court ruling, Hurwitz said, “ The protections of the First Amendment do not turn on whether the defendant was a trained journalist , formally affiliated with traditional news entities, engaged in conflict-ofinterest disclosure, went beyond just assembling others' writings, or tried to get both sides of a story. As the Supreme Court has accurately warned, a First Amendment distinction between the institutional press and other speakers is unworkable: 'With the advent of the Internet and the decline of print and broadcast media . . . the line between the media and others who wish to comment on political and social issues becomes far more blurred.'” Roque, in his commentary carried by VERA Files, said the

The Internet and ... From page 11 disobeyed. If so, it is a grave injustice to the Filipino people and the children worldwide. The other child abuse scandal broke last week was that of a wealthy American Evangelist preacher, Tom Randall, and his S a n key S a m a r i t a n M i s s i o n orphanage house manager Toto Luchavez and son Jake Luchavez. The three were arrested by the NBI agents and charged in the multiple sexual abuse and exploitation of 31 children and youth. The orphanage is in Lucena city, south of Manila. Seven of the 31 victims are minors; three boys and four girls. Those minors and

dilemma is the differing definition of who is a journalist: “For instance, the United States Congress, in a draft of a Federal shield law, defines a journalist as 'one who works for a traditional media organization for pay or gain', a definition adopted as well by the UNESCO. This will exclude bloggers altogether from the protection of the proposed shield law. On the hand, the Human Rights Committee in its General Comment, defines 'it is a function shared by wide variety of actors, including professionals full time reporters and analysts, as well as bloggers and others who engage in forms of self-publications in print, on the internet, or elsewhere'”. But, Roque said, “all these miss the point. There is protection accorded by the bill of rights not just to freedom of the press, but to freedom of expression in general. The normative values of these two freedoms are identical: to discern the truth and to facilitate “open, robust and even virulent discussion of public issues”. If both freedoms have the same normative content, why should the courts distinguish between an input to the market place of ideas coming from one who earns a living by it and one who does so anyway as a public duty? “The US Court of Appeal's decisions, in my view, correctly refused a distinction between institutional media and bloggers because to recognize such would

also violate the equal protection clause. This is another constitutional guarantee that those similarly situated will be treated alike. Had the court limited the protection of freedom of expression to professional journalists alone, it would send the message that only professional journalists can contribute to the public debate on public issues. This is contrary to the basic tenet that freedom of expression is a human right and not just a right of journalists. “In any case, the fact that journalists are paid and bloggers are not does not constitute a real basis for distinction. In Abrams, Holmes wrote;'the true test of truth is the power of a thought to be accepted in the market place of ideas'. Certainly, Holmes did not write that only paid journalists could contribute to this market.” Blogging now is not limited to blogsites but also cover microblogging which includes social media Facebook and Twitter- that have enormous following in the Philippines. The US Court of Appeals decision should make blogging as well as social media in the Philippines more alive. Freedom is power. But as Uncle Ben told Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

youth over 18 years have made strong statements to rescuers and to the NBI that they were systematically, sexually abused since childhood in the orphanage. Charges based on the strong sworn statements of the many victims have been filed with the prosecutors. The accused deny all wrongdoing. From the holding cell at the NBI headquarters, they amazingly have access to the internet and cell phones and are organizing a defense campaign on social media Facebook, proclaiming they are being set-up and persecuted by the Philippine a u t h o r i t i e s . F ive p re v i o u s investigations were allegedly squashed by higher authorities in Lucena City. The victims say they were abused by the manager and his

son and begged Randall to save them but allegedly he did nothing. Police suspect that Luchavez may have secret video evidence against Randall. This has yet to be ascertained. He might try to turn state witness to cut a deal with the prosecutors. Assistant Secretary o f J u s t i c e G e ro n i m o Sy i s monitoring the case. The victims are under the care of the DSWD although they are asking to go to a private care center where they can get help to finish their studies and get professional therapy. This case is a challenge to the Philippine government, the people and defenders of human rights to see justice done for the victims without compromise, bribery, or skulduggery.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 15

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Bamboo Organ Fest recovers lost Philippine colonial music By Sheila Mañalac When the Spanish friars were forced to leave after the Philippine Revolution in 1898, they took with them books, manuscripts and music scores, which eventually ended up in universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Spain. T h i s y e a r, t h e 3 9 t h International Bamboo Organ Festival aims to contribute to the recovery of the country's music history, especially during the Spanish colonization, and showcase the peak of the country's cultural affluence at a time called El Siglo de Oro. From February 20 to 26, the Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc. (BOFI) will again highlight the grand and glorious sound of the Bamboo Organ, made by Spanish missionary Fr. Diego Cera, at the St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas City. The unique musical instrument handcrafted by Cera, who was the first parish priest of Las Piñas, is composed of 1,031 pipes and 902-bamboo pieces. It was built through eight long years beginning 1816. “Every year, we are reminding everyone that the Bamboo Organ,

The famous Bamboo Organ made in 1816, considered a Philippine national treasure Leo Renier, the German co-founder of Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc.

Eudenice Palaruan, the main conductor for the upcoming festival

which is a Philippine national treasure, is in its best condition, and to show what we can get out of this wonderful instrument: a highlevel of music-making,” said BOFI co-founder, Leo Renier. According to Reiner, the Bamboo Organ is a testament to the country's rich culture, one that is “owned by every Filipino.” Likening it to foreign countries, which have as its treasures the Statue of Liberty in the US or the Eifel Tower in France, Renier said, “The Philippines has the Bamboo Organ as an artifact that defines Filipinos.” The upcoming concert is expected to draw music enthusiasts nationwide to witness the annual occasion when the

Bamboo Organ is featured in a festive concert. Although the instrument is played daily, this coming event will showcase its artistic power that is accompanied by two choir groups, highlyacclaimed vocalists, as well as different musical instruments in the six-day event. “This is the first time that most of our performers are Filipinos. We've had foreign performers beforenow, we have an American organist but everyone else is Filipino.” The gala night on the February 20 will showcase works from El Siglo De Oro, music from the Spanish Golden Age that are composed of secular and sacred villancicos or Christmas carols

from the late Renaissance to the Baroque era. This grand performance will have a repeat on February 21 and 26, which will serve as the conclusion of the festival. With the accompaniment of the guitar, organ, drums, and the Bamboo Organ, songs by the Las P i ñ a s B oy s C h o i r a n d t h e Villancico Vocal Ensemble will fill the Baroque architecture of the church. “The most popular concerts in the Philippines focus on the Romantic, but this time, we will be p e r fo r m i n g L a t i n - A m e r i c a n baroque music that is very much creda or local sounding, much like the Bamboo Organ,” said Eudenice Palaruan, the main conductor of the festival. There will also be a “Concert Under the Trees” on February 22, he most casual

among the festival's activities, and located at the inner courtyard of the St. Joseph Church. This will feature Filipino balladeer Jed Madella who is the first Filipino to win the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA). The “Night of Evening Music” on February 23 promises “a night of pure organ music,” where the Bamboo Organ and the Pipe Organ of St. Joseph Academy will be the main event. The following day will feature the “Night of Two Boys Choirs” with the “two surviving allboys choir in Manila” as headliners. The 39th International Bamboo Organ Festival will run from February 20 to 26. For more information, call 825-7190 or logon to www.bambooorgan.org. Manila Times

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 16

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 17

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

ASIAN FOOD 701 Route 440 HUDSON MALL Jersey City, NJ 07304

201-333-8898

EXPRESSWEEK

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 18

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Build-A-Shelter Project Set to Launch Two Villages in February 2014 24 January 2014, New York Two months after its launch, the Philippine Consulate General New York and the US Northeast community have raised enough funds for its Build A Shelter Project (BASP) to start construction in some of the worst-hit towns of super typhoon Yolanda last November. Philippine Jesuit Foundation (PJF), a 501(c)3 organization with presence in New York and the Visayas, works with the BASP co-conveners in collecting the funds, while Gawad Kalinga (GK), a non-profit organization known in the Philippines for their charitable housing projects, will be the men-on-the-ground and responsible for implementing construction plans in the affected areas. The Filipino community, international organizations, non-profit organizations, private corporations and individuals have so far donated a total of $194,350.00 to BASP. Of that amount , K-Media, a radio network in Queens, gave the biggest contribution of $100,900, followed by 1004 Foundation of Korea Daily

From left: co-conveners Ms Nimfa Tinana and Ms Vivian Talambiras-Cruz; Ms Shirley Domingo and Sonny Ramirez of GK USA; Mr Roger Alama; Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr., receiving a check from Mr. Zultan Bermudez, Jaycees Philippines New York President; Deputy Consul general Zaldy Patron; Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz, Atty. Ferdinand Suba (Photo by Olive Osias-Magpile)

newspaper who gave $24,431. $19,725 was raised on the day of the launch last 26 November, from charitable Filipinos and non-Filipinos who

heed the call of the Philippines for help. More donations kept pouring in after news of the BASP was spread to the community.

GMA Kapuso Foundation receives $15, 000 donation from the City of Carson, California GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), the socio-civic arm of GMA Network, was presented with a check for $15, 000 by the City of Carson in California intended for the victims of typhoon Yolanda. Present during the turnover are (from left): GMAKF Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Mel C. Tiangco, the City of Carson's Mayor Pro Tempore Elito Santarina, and his wife, Anita Santarina, an officer of the Filipino community in Carson. In addition to the said amount, another $2, 500 was donated by the Philippine Independence Day Foundation. The foundation organizes the yearly local

celebration of Philippine Independence Day for the Filipino Community which is a n n u a l ly p a r t i c i p a t e d i n by G M A International. The City of Carson has the highest number of Filipinos than any other community abroad. Donations for the Yolanda calamity will be used to fund GMAKF's ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Leyte. At present, construction has commenced for two Kapuso Villages, with 400 houses and 20 classrooms in Tacloban city and another 200 houses and 10 classrooms in the municipality of Palo.

The first village will be built in Pinasuan, Hernani, Eastern Samar, where 36 houses will be provided to deserving families chosen by Gawad Kalinga

t h ro u gh t h e i r c o m m u n i t y selection system. Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. will witness the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Gawad Kalinga and Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), the implementing arm of PJF in the Philippines. He will as well inspect the site of the first village together with the GK representative in Eastern Samar, and confer with GK on a second village in Giporlos or Quinapondan also in Eastern Samar. More donations are needed, as more villages are envisioned to be built in order to fully restore livelihood and normalcy to the affected areas. Checks may be made payable to Philippine Jesuit Foundation, with “Yolanda Calamity FundBuild A Shelter” in the memo line, and mailed to Philippine Consulate Cultural Section, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036. (Article by Vice Consul Khrystina P. Corpuz, Philippine Consulate General - New York)

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 19

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

8 Homes in 8 Weeks - UNITED SIKHS AID Relief in Philippines PANAY ISLAND, Philippines -- On January 17th, 2013, the UNITED SIKHS Haiyan Relief Team officially handed over the first eight houses to the Typhoon Haiyan Survivors in the village Crossing Lais, Binuntucan, Panay Island. The Vice Governor, Esteban Evan 'Nonoy' B. Contreras, of Capiz, Panay Island, Philippines joined in the presentation of the homes to the new owners. Our team consulted with engineers and decided to proceed to build concrete and plywood houses with solid base. This new type of homes will last up to level 4 typhoon. The bamboo houses would not have lasted another typhoon. Click here for a breakdown of materials. The Governor of Capiz, Panay Island stated, "This has never been done by any NGO here and we are proud to say that only UNITED SIKHS are making proper homes for the village people of Panay today.” “This was an amazing moment for the relief team on this successful completion of the first few homes and a proud day for UNITED SIKHS Haiyan Relief Efforts! We thank all our supporters, donors and volunteers who made this happen.” said Gurvinder Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS AID. Unanimously, all survivors have conveyed their deepest gratitude to our donors for bringing their lives back together one step at a time. The people affected by the devastating typhoon were happy and felt blessed when houses were handed over. They have been living in temporary shelters since November 8, 2013, when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Island. Sponsor a Home and Support a Family for 1000USD / £625 / 725Euros. UNITED SIKHS continues its efforts to fulfill our pledge to build homes for the homeless. Rebuilding one home rebuilds one family's hope for a normal life again. Article submitted by: Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS AID Director, [email protected], www.unitedsikhs.org

BUSINESS & ECONOMY IT revenues estimated at $15.5 Billion The Information Technology Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) yesterday said revenues of the IT business process management (BPM) are estimated to have reached $15.5 billion last year, a 16 p e rc e n t i n c re a s e f ro m t h e previous year. Similar growth was noted in employment generation when the industry ended 2013 with 900,000 full-time employees. “Initial estimates indicate a strong finish for the industry,” the IBPAP said in a statement. Official numbers would be released next month. Those estimates though are short of the $16-billion target in revenues and 960,000 in employees goal for the year. IBPAP targets $25 billion revenues and an estimated 1.3million labor force by 2016. IBPAP president and chief executive officer Jose Mari Mercado said the group strives to ensure that the Philippines continues to strengthen its global leadership position in the IT-BPM space. This is in the wake of a Tholons report citing that Metro Manila has edged out Mumbai as the second most favored outsourcing cite.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Ayalas, Aboitizes to start 15-hectare city center in Cebu By Doris C. Dumlao

“While we are very happy with this achievement, we will continue to proactively undertake initiatives that will further the development and growth of the industry, which we hope will help propel us to the top in the years to come,” Mercado said. Six other locations in the Philippines are now part of the Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations for 2014 as recently released by the investment advisory firm Tholons. Manila is now next only to Bangalore, India, which

continues to occupy the numberone position. The government hopes to add three more cities from the Philippines in the top 100 by 2016. In this year's report, Cebu also figured in the top ten, maintaining its ranking at number eight, while Davao City placed at69th, Sta. Rosa in Laguna at 82nd, and Bacolod at 93rd, all moved up in the rankings this year. Iloilo, however, went down two notches from 93rd to 95th, while Baguio stayed at the 99th spot. Malaya Business

Page 20

The Ayala and Aboitiz groups have signed a deal to develop a 15hectare city center in Subangdaku, Mandaue City in Metropolitan Cebu, solidifying their partnership in the property business. Targeted for launching by 2015, the new city center, which is within the vicinity of Cebu's main business district, will feature innovative residential developments and commercial spaces with retail and office components, a joint statement from the Ayala and Aboitiz groups said. The property also enjoys direct access to major road networks and public transport facilities. It is 20 minutes away from the airport and even closer to Cebu's major sea ports that serve as gateways to the rest of Visayas and Mindanao. “We are very excited to work with AboitizLand in developing another city center that will further boost Cebu's economy. The development shows great promise and will provide new o p p o r t u n i t i e s fo r b u s i n e s s expansion and employment, while providing the community with quality spaces for convergence,” said Antonino Aquino, Ayala Land

president and chief executive officer. Andoni Aboitiz, chief executive officer of Aboitizland, said he was “looking forward to embarking on this venture with a strong partner who shared the same vision, passion and commitment with us, in building Cebu thru what we do best'Place-making.'” The Mandaue City development will be ALI's fourth major mixed-use district in Metro Cebu, following the Cebu Business Park, Cebu IT Park and the upcoming Mactan development. For AboitizLand, it will be the 20th development in Cebu and latest additional to a diverse portfolio of integrated residential communities, commercial pockets and industrial parks such as Pristina North, The Persimmon Towers, Ajoya, Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) and the Outlets. “The partnership brings together ALI's track record in d e ve l o p i n g m a s t e r p l a n n e d , sustainable communities and AboitizLand's vast and deeplyrooted real estate experience in Cebu for the development and operation of a 15-hectare city center,” the partners said in the joint statement said. Inquirer.net

Big oil deposits seen in Cebu P15 Billion poured into Ecozones Industial peace, loyalty and quality of workers as well as overall cost competitiveness have sealed the deal for some P15 billion worth of foreign and local investments approved in the country's economic zones in 2013. Lilia de Lima, director-general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA ) said at least eight companies have embarked on big-ticket projects last year in economic zones with the lowest project cost at P1.2 billion. “Many of these investments were expansion or reinvestments of companies already here,” De Lima said. De Lima could not provide details of each of these companies' projects but that these include the expansion of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. owned by Swiss firm Glencore in Leyte; two new projects of automotive parts maker Toyota Autoparts Philippines; two

Lilia De Lima projects of Japanese syringe and medical supplies maker Terumo; an expansion of printer manufacturing of Japanese firm Funai Electric Philippines which bought Lexmark in Cebu; two new projects of bicycle maker Shimano; projects of Japanese firm Mitsumi Corp. and American firm Sun Power Corp., a precision printer

Australian firm Gas2Grid has found a new oil prospect in its service block in onshore Cebu following an oil discovery there earlier this month. The company said the new prospective resource located in the vicinity of the Malolos oil field under Service Contract 44 (SC 44) has an estimated total recoverable oil of 104 million barrels based on an recently made independent assessment. “The new prospective leads have been identified using a c o m b i n a t i o n o f ava i l a b l e seismic data, satellite imagery and mapping of surface geology,” the firm said. The recoverable oil in the new prospective resource could potentially be bigger than that of the earlier oil discovery in the service block which has an estimated 20.4 million barrels of oil initially in place. The Department of Energy earlier this month granted Gas2grid an extension of 12 months to carry out production flow tests to confirm commercial viability of the oil discovery. “Production flow tests are planned to start at Malolos-1 when all equipment are on site,” Gas2Grid said.

For the new oil prospect, meanwhile, the company is set to drill in the coming months to determine if there is actually oil in place. Gas2grid said it is currently in discussions with various interested parties for funding the complete appraisal and development work at the Malolos oil field wherein it will reduce its current 100 percent interest in the service block. The Australian firm earlier reported that estimated cost for the oil production testing is at $500,000 to $1 million. The DOE is aggressively pushing for investors to find indigenous energy resources in order to lessen the country's dependence to the volatile international energy market. As of the first half of 2013, DOE data showed 69 percent of the country's total crude oil supply came from the Middle East, of which 31.7 percent was sourced from Saudi Arabia, the country's major supplier of crude oil. The country's other biggest crude supply source was Russia with 25.3 percent while locally produced crude only accounted for 0.2 percent. Malaya Business

line of Epson and a car parts plant of Asian Transmission Corp. “Japan is among the top countries investing in the PEZA zones but we continue to be strong in attracting investments from British, Dutch, Korean, Singaporean companies among others,” he said. De Lima said while Chinese firms are now even coming to the Philippines. “China since 10 or 15 years ago has been the Philippines' competitor for investments. But now we are getting interest even from China,” De Lima said. D e L i m a s a i d i n manufacturing, investors are looking at the Philippines for its industrial peace. Two years ago, there were only two strikes in the country compared to Thailand and Vietnam. De Lima said Vietnam had 8 5 7 s t r i ke s i n 2 0 1 2 wh i l e Indonesia had two general nationwide strikes. u Page 21

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 21

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Nobu Hotel to debut in Asia at City of Dreams in Manila By Doris C. Dumlao

Photo from smprime.com

H&M to open store in PH by Q3; Megamall now PH's largest mall By Doris C. Dumlao MANILA -- The Swedish fashion retailer H&M is to open in the third quarter of this year its first store in the Philippines at Mega Fashion Hall, a p re m i u m w i n g t h a t h a s n o w transformed SM Megamall into the country's largest shopping mall. With a selling area of 3,000 square meters which will open by July or August, the upcoming H&M store in this new wing will be the biggest ever retail store in the country outside of SM's own department store and supermarket, Steven Tan, vicepresident for SM Supermalls Premier Division said on Tuesday. Three more H&M stores in other SM malls are set to open, Tan added. Speaking to reporters during the inauguration of the 101,000-sqm Mega Fashion Hall, Tan said that after the first store in this wing, H&M would likewise set up shop in SM Makati, Mall of Asia (MOA) and The Block wing of SM North Edsa. H&M will open in Makati within the year while the stores in MOA and The Block will open early next year, he said. Mega Fashion Hall will cement the identity of SM Megamall the SM group's best selling mall in the country even before becoming the largest in terms of leasable area as a premier shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination. The new wing of Megamall is also home to the flagship stores of fashion brands Uniqlo and Zara. Many other global brands will open their first store in the Philippines at the new wing, including Denmark's Vero Moda, Spain's Pull & Bear and Uno de

P15 Billion ... From page 20 Tra d e S e c re t a r y G re g o r y Domingo companies come to the Philippines because of its competitive position. The most important consideration, he said, is cost, such as labor. He said Philippine labor cost have only moved up by 3 to 6 percent but that of China, it has doubled. Domingo said the work discipline

50, LA based Joe's Jean's, London's Savile Row and Burton, French shoe brand Nao de Brasil, and US skincare label Philosophy. It will have around 125 tenants, Tan said. “I think the world is getting smaller, a lot of Filipinos are traveling and a lot of them demanding (new brands),” Tan said. “The reason why we call it Mega Fashion Mall is we'll put in a lot of exciting, hip new brand, very fashionable, new and fresh.” About 90 percent of new locators at the premium wing will be global retailers while many of the homegrown brands will remain in the main mall, he said. Mega Fashion Mall opened with 51 percent occupancy, with additional 10 percent opening each month thereafter, hitting full occupancy by July or August, Tan said. Apart from bringing in fashion, the new wing is set to bring in international dining concepts Hong Kong's Michelin Star dimsum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, the first Saint Marc's Café of Tokyo, and gyoza specialist Osaka Ohsho. Homegrown specialty restaurants like Abe, artisanal pastries at Chez Karine, and the hearty Viking's Buffet will likewise open in this wing. For film enthusiasts, the new wing will offer an IMAX Theater as well as private screening functions at the Director's Club, which has its own butler service. An Olympic- sized ice skating rink and a fully computerized 14-lane bowling center are set to “complete the new mega lifestyle e x p e r i e n c e ,” S M a n n o u n c e d . Inquirer.net

of Filipino workers -- who already have the edge in terms of education and English speaking is a plus as this is a proof of commitment to their jobs. “They come to work even there is a disaster, even if there is flood.” “The country's neighbors are having problems with weather, labor unrest, high inflation rate. But the Philippines is in a sweet spot of high growth rate but stable inflation, thus increasing the investors' competitiveness and (they get more) value for their money,” Domingo said.

TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-434-1114

MANILA -- Nobu Hotel, inspired by Japanese culinary genius Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, is making its debut in Asia as Macau gaming giant Melco is set to introduce a 321-room hotel under his brand as part of its gaming and entertainment hub City of Dreams Manila. The upcoming Nobu hotel is envisioned to deliver a “thrilling, celebrity-inspired and funluxury experience fused with utmost quality” to the Philippine gaming hub, Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp. said in a press statement on Monday. The boutique hotel in City of Dreams Manila is backed by Academy-award winning actor Robert de Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper. This is the second hotel brand to be announced as part of the $1.3billion City of Dreams Manila, a partnership between Melco and the SM group of tycoon Henry Sy. The new hotel will offer “laidb a c k l u x u r y, h i g h - e n e r g y nightlife” and spa services alongside its guest rooms, Melco said, adding that this would be the ultimate playground for a Filipino, Asian and international client base.

Screen grab from www.nobuhotels.com As a unique offering and as promised by its branding, the hotel is seen as the ideal Ddstination to experience the cuisine of Chef Nobu. The hotel will feature a Nobu Restaurant within an idyllic setting including an outdoor cabana-style dining terrace situated on an exclusive platform deck with views of Manila Bay. T h e h o t e l w i l l o f f e r, exclusively to its guests, a special in-room menu crafted by Chef Nobu. In addition, guests will enjoy the Nobu Tea Lounge in the lobby. Born and raised in Japan, Matsuhisa, who is more

popularly known as Chef Nobu, apprenticed in the sushi bars of Tokyo before he ventured overseas to Lima, Peru. He ventured to Buenos Aires, Argentina, then back to Japan, Alaska, and finally, Los Angeles, where he opened his titular restaurant in 1987. After making waves in the Los Angeles and New York restaurant scene, Chef Nobu has since then opened many more Nobu restaurants worldwide. The first Nobu Hotel opened in 2013 as a boutique hotel within Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas. Inquirer.net

Jollibee hopes to topple Japan firm as Asia's largest Jollibee Foods Corp. hopes to topple Japan's Zensho Holdings Co. Ltd. in two years to become Asia's largest restaurant and fastfood company, a top executive of the Philippine fast-food giant said last week. The target of Jollibee, whose homegrown chain gained popularity selling American fastfood staples adjusted to local tastes, to dominate the region comes faster than initially thought, and may be achieved even without major acquisitions, Jollibee chief financial officer Ysmael Baysa told reporters. “If we enter a new market or make another acquisition, our chances [of becoming the top

fast-food company] are even bigger,” Baysa said at the sidelines of the Asia CEO Awards last week. Established in the 1970s, Jollibee now has a global network of 2,671 stores, mainly in the Philippines and China. It is Asia's second-biggest fast fo o d / re s t a u ra n t c o m p a ny, according to Baysa, who cited data from Euromonitor International. The biggest is still Zensho, with 4,700 restaurants, mainly through the Sukiya chain, which sells gyudon or beef rice bowls. “Jollibee can be the biggest” in all of Asia, Baysa said. It can [happen] “in the next two years.”

The company is now focusing on the expansion of its organic stores, Baysa said. Jollibee is on track to open about 100 stores in the Philippines this year, he said. In 2014, it will likely exceed that expansion count. Despite mounting competition, sales in the Philippines grew by 10.5 percent in the last quarter. But its units outside the country have been growing faster, he noted. We are growing by a doubledigit pace everywhere, Baysa said. In the third quarter, total sales of foreign business were up by 22.1 percent. u Page 22

Gov't calls on business sector: Invest in least developed areas By Bernie Magkilat The government has urged the private sector to help reduce poverty in the country by adopting inclusive business through investments in the least developed areas in the country but offers very competitive salary rates. This was stressed by Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras, who was guest

speaker at yesterday's 65th Management Association of the Philippines Inaugural and Induction of 2014 Board of Governors at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. MAP's theme adopted for 2014 is “Mapping a Future of Inclusive Growth with Good Governance.” “Join government not in inclusive growth but in inclusive business,” Almendras said. Inclusive business means

investing in the country's least developed areas as he showed regions with the lowest salary rates. These regions include the Quezon province, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Leading the list is Quezon province with daily salary rate of P201 but with investment opportunities in retail and u Page 22

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 22

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

EVA to Increase North America Frequency 22% Star Alliance membership leads to greater demand TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Starting in June 2014, EVA Air will increase North American service from 45 flights per week to 55, boosting frequency to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. By adding 22 percent more flights, EVA will also expand capacity, offer passengers greater convenience and provide more flights between North America and Taiwan than any other airline. Travelers can book from the expanded schedule now through travel agents or on the airline's website at www.evaair.com. Since joining Star Alliance in June 2013, EVA has experienced growing demand for its services among business travelers. There has been a substantial increase in the numbers of business passengers flying the airline from North America to Southeast Asia via its hub in Taipei, Taiwan. Bookings for EVA's Royal Laurel Class business cabin have also climbed. EVA launched the luxurious service on the New York Taipei route in June 2012. The average load on EVA's North America flights surpassed 80 percent in 2013 and company officials expect bookings to keep climbing in 2014. It will accommodate this growth and the added frequency by taking delivery of three Boeing 777-

A STAR ALLIANCE MEMBER 300ERs in the second quarter of 2014 and deploying the new aircraft on long-haul flights between North America and Taiwan. EVA is adding the service in two phases. It will increase: Phase 1 Vancouver from three to four flights per week on 2 June, 2014. Los Angeles from 17 to 20 flights per week, New York from five to daily flights and Toronto from three to four flights per week on 4 June, 2014. Phase 2 San Francisco from 12 to 14 flights per week and Los Angeles from 20 to 21 flights per week on 3 July, 2014. North America is a major market for EVA. In addition to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver, it operates five flights a week to Seattle. The airline has seen

EVA 22% Frequency Increase in North America City Current Frequency

stable market-share growth in all six cities it serves, lifted by not only Chinese and Asian passengers but also American business travelers. EVA officials expect the added frequencies to attract even more business travelers and further elevate its North America market share. The newest member of Star A l l i a n c e , E VA l i n k s a n international network of major destinations worldwide, including dozens of cities in China and throughout Asia. EVA offers more trans-Pacific flights from North America to Taipei where, with just one easy stop, it provides onward connections to more major business and leisure centers than any other airline. Business and leisure travelers can access the expanded schedules and book the added flights now through travel agents and EVA's website at www.evaair.com.

Added from

New Frequency

Vancouver

3 per week

2 June

4 per week

Toronto

3 per week

4 June

4 per week

New York

5 per week

4 June

7 per week

Los Angeles

17 per week

San Francisco

12 per week

4 June 3 July 3 July

20 per week 21 per week 14 per week

EEI eyes Myanmar, Cambodia By Bernie Magkilat

Public company EEI Corp., the country's leading construction firm, is looking forward to the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 as the company wants to participate in the huge infrastructure projects in the region, especially Myanmar and Vietnam. Roberto Jose Castillo, EEI Corp. CEO and president, told reporters at the recent ASEAN Comprehensive Investments Agreement forum that once the AEC takes effect it will abolish all barriers to trade and investments for the region. This single market economy will attract more investors into the region and that requires the services of construction firms like EEI, he said. “Investments will not work without builders like us to build facilities, infrastructure. It is boon for us builders, so if you ask if we are ready for AEC 2015 my answer is of course yes we are ready not only in construction but even in manufacturing. Castillo stressed that EEI is big only in the Philippines, but not globally. Despite its size, it has

Gov’t calls on ... From page 21 services. The MIMAROPA region or Region 4-B has salary rate of P205 per day with business opportunities in non-agriculture sector. There are also business opportunities for Region 4-A or the CALABARZON region with salary rate of P208 per day. Other regions with very competitive wages include Regions 3 and 1. “The only solution to poverty is to seek out these areas and provinces with lowest minimum wage rates,” Almendras said. He said that there are spatial or sectoral divisions of poverty reduction and there are opportunities by which the private sector can start to build businesses. Almendras made this call as he stressed that government is not good at sustainable issues but are there to pave the way for the private sector. He cited efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry to put up shared service facilities for micro and small and medium enterprises in the countryside. He further noted that the Aquino government has unpublished goals of reducing poverty incidence by 7 percentage

Jollibee ... From page 21 Jollibee is keen on expanding via acquisitions. But Baysa noted this would be on a smaller scale m ov i n g fo r wa rd , g ive n i t s dominant position. “Our acquisitions most likely will not be as frequent as before,” Baysa said. “We have already established our foundation in China we have three brands [in China] plus one joint venture. And

been able to get good contracts abroad. In fact, 57 percent of EEI business is from its foreign projects particularly in the Middle East where it has 10,000 workers. EEI has had a few projects in ASEAN countries but opportunities have not been consistent unlike the Middle East where construction projects are a plenty. EEI is bidding to become a subcontractor of the $20-billion chemical complex project in Johor Bahru in Malaysia that could employ 75,000 workers during the construction period. “If we will win this contract then we are back in ASEAN,” Castillo said. Once the ASEAN investment sector is opened, Castillo said they are looking at Myanmar and Cambodia, which have lots of infrastructure projects with competitive labor rates. ASEAN is also strategic because it is closer to the Philippines than Middle East, but Castillo said they can work anywhere even in South Pacific. Its biggest project so far is the $350-million clean fuel facility of Exxon Mobil in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia where EEI deployed 6,000 Filipino workers. Manila Bulletin

points from 26.7 percent by 2016. But with the series of natural calamities that happened last year particularly the super typhoon Yolanda, the number of poor Filipinos has substantially gone up. He said that the 300,000 to 600,000 near poor or middle class Filipinos in disaster prone areas, who were gainfully employed or earning farmers, have now gone below poverty level because of Yolanda. Almendras also showed a list of provinces in the country which have the highest poverty incidence and the highest magnitude of poverty. These areas include Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Davao del Sur and Norte, General Santos, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Sultan Kudarat , Southern and Northern Samar, among others. While he urged the business sector to create more economic activities, Almendras, who is now Cabinet secretary after serving as Secretary of the Department of E n e r g y, s a i d t h e A q u i n o administration is a transformative government. It has already implemented reform measures on its structure, people and processes to become more effective and to attain its goal of inclusive growth for everyone. Manila Bulletin

we are already in the largest categories in the Philippines.” The company's brands in the Philippines include the Greenwich pizza chain, grilled chicken chain Mang Inasal, Burger King and Chinese-themed Chowking. In China, it operates Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan and San Pin Wang. It said revenues during the period rose by 12.3 percent to P57.83 billion, while profit was up 26.7 percent to P3.12 billion. Inquirer.net

ENTERTAINMENT

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 23

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Navarro claims Cornejo performed oral sex on him By Bong Lozada MANILA -- The plot has thickened and the characters get in heat. In the affidavit of television host Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro that the National Bureau of Investigation filed in the Department of Justice Tuesday afternoon, he claimed that his supposed rape victim Deniece Millet Cornejo had performed oral sex on him in their meeting before the alleged mauling. According to the affidavit, before the sexual activity, Navarro and Cornejo met at the latter's unit at Forbeswood Heights Condominium at Bonifacio Global City and consumed a bottle of white wine then proceeded to kiss each other. “After consuming one bottle of white wine, they made out and it led to oral sex…,” the affidavit said, though the date when the incident happened was not given. In the affidavit, Navarro and Cornejo met at a sneaker store a couple of years ago wherein they exchanged their contact details resulting to a friendship between the two. It added that their communication abruptly ended but resumed two months ago through Facebook and Viber. It also said that on January 22, the date of the alleged beating up of Navarro courtesy of Cedric Lee and his friends, Cornejo invited Navarro to have dinner at her place. According to the document, when Navarro was inside Cornejo's unit, two men came out of the room and one pointed a gun at the comedian-TV host.

Deniece Cornejo. Facebook fan page photo

Actor and TV host Vhong Navarro. Screengrab from ABS-CBN interview They then tied and blindfolded Navarro and simultaneously rained blows on him. During the beating, Navarro claimed that he heard several people enter the unit who joined in attacking him. Navarro said these men then pulled his trousers down and removed his blindfold. Navarro then claimed that, while he was naked, video cameras were pointed at him and that the perpetrators ordered him to utter “Ako si Vhong, ni-rape ko ang kaibigan ko.” (I am Vhong and I raped my friend). According to the affidavit, Cornejo and Lee conspired on the alleged crime saying that the two “are in harmony in doing their acts.” It said that Cornejo and Lee agreed on their actions to attain their goal of restraining the liberty of Navarro as they threatened to kill him and his family and exact a payment of P2 million from Navarro's alleged rape. Inquirer.net

NBI files criminal raps vs Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, 8 others By Tetch Torres-Tupas MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday filed a criminal complaint against businessman Cedric Lee, his sister Bernice, Deniece Cornejo and several others in connection with the mauling of comedian and TV host Vhong Navarro. “Evidence is glaring that each of them played their own task in order to perpetrate the crime,” the NBI said in a complaint filed with the Department of Justice. The three, together with a certain Ferdinand Guerrero, Zimmer Rance, an alias Mike, a John and a Peter Does, have been charged serious illegal detention, serious physical injuries, grave threats, grave coercion, unlawful arrest and

threatening to publish and offer to prevent such publication for a compensation. “First, Deniece set-up the entry of Vhong and the other p e r s o n s i nvo lve d i n h e r condominium unit…,” the complaint read, adding that Cornejo even informed the condominium guard at the Bonifacio Global City that she was expecting Navarro and her relatives to arrive and that they should be allowed entry last Wednesday. On the other hand, Lee, Rance and Guerrero, a certain Mike and two others allegedly took turns in assaulting the actor while Bernice Lee supposedly joined Cornejo in instructing the guard to bar other people, aside from those she allowed in, from entering the unit.

The NBI also said that the suspects were present “during the video-taking where Vhong was naked and was forced to say that 'Ako si Vhong Navarro, ni-rape ko ang kaibigan ko…'” The NBI's complaint was based on the testimonies of security guard Lero Garvin, Navarro's driver Rommel dela Cruz, and the CCTV footage, among others. Cornejo and Lee failed to appear before the NBI. Lee has denied that they extorted money from Navarro and said that he would file libel charges against the actor. Cornejo, on the other hand, has claimed that Navarro attempted to rape her. Navarro is still being treated in an undisclosed hospital for the injuries he sustained during the alleged mauling. Inquirer.net

Bianca, Vhong's Who is Cedric Lee? ex-wife, speaks up Vina Morales’ real feeling about his ex Cedric Lee?

u Page 24

Bianca Lapus MANILA -- Vhong Navarro's former wife, actress Bianca Lapus, is still in shock after seeing photos of him beaten black and blue. Lapus said she has yet to see

Navarro personally after the incident because she can't bear seeing her former husband in his current condition. "Parang sinasaksak ang puso ko. I can't watch the interview," Lapus said after the interview of Vhong over "Buzz ng Bayan". "I haven't seen Vhong since the incident kasi di ko talaga kaya sa picture pa lang." Lapus said she can't help but cry and be worried for Navarro, whom she described as a "good man." "I'm really not good right now. It's been days since the incident happened and I'm still in shock. Hindi ko mapigilang umiyak, matakot at mag-alala. I'm almost 4 months pregnant now kaya I'm resting kasi di ko talaga kaya ang stress at pagaalala," she said. "Di ko matanggap ang nangyari sa kanya, e mabuting tao 'yun at walang kaaway." Lapus said she is also in pain because her son with Navarro, Yce, is away from them, hiding in fear due to alleged threats by the men who attacked Navarro. The men

By Michael Joe T. Delizo

The recent posts of singer-actress Vina Morales on Instagram have elicited reactions at the height of the controversial mauling incident involving her erstwhile partner Cedric Lee and TV host Vhong Navarro. Amid hullabaloo, Vina shared on Thursday a message that seemingly hinted at the whole rigamarole. “No need for revenge. Just sit back & wait. Those who hurl you will eventually screw up themselves and if you're lucky, God will let you watch,” read her post. Netizens linked the post to her ex's current tussle. One such post added, “Amen ms vina. We love u and happy kami na wala na kayo ni #cedriclee masyado ka ping mabuti para sa ganyang klaseng lalake.” In an interview a few months back, the 38-yearold mother admitted that she's a member of “9262 Club,” which some took as referring to women who are victims of violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children u Page 24 Act (VAWC) of 2004. u Page 24 Singer-actress Vina Morales

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 24

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Who is Cedric Lee? By Bong Lozada MANILA -- Everybody knows the victim, but who is the alleged perpetrator? According to Vhong Navarro, who hogged the headlines after being mauled inside a condominium in Bonifacio Global City, the attacker was a c e r t a i n “ C e d r i c L e e ,” a businessman. Navarro said in a television interview that during the attack Lee introduced himself while several men were throwing blows to his head and body. Aside from Navarro's mauling incident, Lee was also accused of attacking businessman and ex-athlete David Bunevacz. According to an article of the Philippine Daily INQUIRER dated Jan. 18, 2008, Lee and his cohorts identified as Tyrone Ong, Loiue Kau, Chito Ho and Dominquie Sytini beat up Bunevacz, their former business partner, and seized the latter's Porsche, expensive watch and cellular phone. In another report, Lee and Bunevacz were former business partners but it did not say what caused their falling out. Lee, is also the former boyfriend of Vina Morales some two years ago.

Cedric Lee INQUIRER LIFESTYLE FILE PHOTO Professional life In his LinkedIn, an exclusive social networking site for professionals, Lee is a contractor by occupation. He is the Board Chairman and Company President of Izumo Contractors, which built the Davao del Sur Cultural Sports Business Center, the Maasin City Integrated Market Complex. According to his LinkedIn profile, the Izumo Contractors has its office in Robinsons Galleria Corporate Center. Lee also posted several of his architectural projects in the social networking site Pinterest. The alleged NavarroBunevacz attacker is also the managing director of Colossal Mining Corporation, the biggest

iron and sand concessionaire in the Philippines, which in 2004 had tenements totaling 40,000 hectares. Lee is also the chairman and president of Phil-Asia Dredging and Reclamation Corporation, which is on a two-year contract to conduct dredging operations on the Cagayan River. Another of Lee's companies, Waste Management Incorporated, is in contract with the provincial government of Cebu that would manage the province's landfill. Lee has a Bachelor's degree on Business Management from the De La Salle University, his profile said. Inquirer.net

Photo of Vhong Navarro signing blotter report at SPD-DIDMS last Jan. 22, 2014. Photo from SPD

Condo guard: I saw Vhong Navarro's hands tied behind his back MANILA -- Actor Vhong Navarro's hands were tied behind his back and his face was covered by his ball cap when he was taken inside the condominium unit Wednesday night, the security guard said in his statement at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Lero Garvin, on duty security guard at the main g a t e o f Fo r b e s Wo o d s

Vina Morales’ ... From page 23 She refused to divulged details of her “membership,” though.The singer has a daughter with Lee. Her other post suggests that she will keep mum on the issue. “Sometimes, its (sic) best to stay QUIET. The silence can speak volumes without ever saying a word..” she shared. Friends To The Rescue Cosmetic surgeon Vicky Belo has expressed willingness to help in the recovery of Vhong, whose face left was left black and blue. The doctor to the stars disclosed that she already called the TV host's manager, director Chito Roño, to talk about her offer.

Bianca ... From page 23 threatened to harm Navarro's family if he exposed what happened to him. She said that despite being separated from Navarro, they still remain friends. "I told him masakit sa 'kin ang nangyari sa kanya, sobra. Siyempre in the end, whatever happens, pamilya pa rin kami. Naging asawa ko siya, kaibigan ko pa rin siya at mahal ko. And the agony of not knowing where our son is because he needs to be kept in a safe place with a security is really hard for us," she said. Lapus expressed

condominium, appeared before the NBI Monday morning. The members of the NBINational Capital Region have already talked to the actor on Jan. 23, a day after the alleged mauling incident. NBI Assistant Regional Director Vicente De Guzman said Navarro identified six to seven attackers. Inquirer.net

“I was looking at the wounds (of Vhong), it's swelling. Parang (there's) a lot of soft tissue injury. But out of respect naman, I'm sure he just need some peace and quiet now, siguro by next week,” she said of in a report aired on “Bandila.” “It's Showtime” mainstays made their presence at the hospital to show their all-out support for their badly beaten co-host. “All of us are very devastated. The most important thing is we're very grateful that he's safe and sound now and we're thankful for everyone that has been praying for him,” Anne Curtis said. Jhong Hilario on Tuesday got choked up and excused himself from the segment “That's My Tomboy” when friendship was being talked about. Manila Bulletin

unwavering support for Navarro and told him to remain strong amid the difficult situation. "I told Vhong, his family, the kids and his girlfriend, sa pagsubok na 'to, we are one family. We will draw strength from each other through prayers. Malalagpasan din natin ito." Lapus also thanked all the fans and supporters of Navarro who are praying for his recovery. "In behalf of our family thank you for all the overflowing messages of love, support and prayers for Vhong especially during this difficult time. Huwag natin siya iiwan at husgahan. Isa siyang mabuting tao. Together let us pray for his fast recovery safety and justice."

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 25

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Marian savors showbiz success THE CAST members of 'Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at Mga Anak’

'Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak' opens By Crispina Martinez - Belen Almost two years in the making, and almost not pushing through, finally “Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at Mga Anak” is now showing in theaters nationwide. Star Cinema, in partnership w i t h RC P P ro d u c t i o n s , i s releasing the movie described as “the most explosive actionpacked family drama of the year” as part of Star Cinema's ongoing 20th anniversary celebration. Hot on the heels of his Best Actor win in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (for “10,000 Hours”), Robin Padilla plays the lead role of Ongkoy in this period film set in the turbulent '70s that aims to address the truth and the lies that shrouded the “Kuratong Baleleng” controversy. Directed by Jon Villarin, it valiantly proves that love of family and country

will always prevail despite troublesome times. At the press conference, Robin said, “This is a family movie, hindi ito basta action film lang na may mga barilan o patayan. Kung malayo kayo sa pamilya ninyo o wala kayo sa kanila, sobra kayong makakarelate sa film na ito.” Interestingly, “Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak” is pretty much a family affair that features several other members of the Padilla ctlan: Mariel RodriguezPadilla plays the wife of Ongkoy; Rommel Padilla and his three sons (Daniel, dubbed ABS-CBN's Primetime Teen King, RJ and Matt); and Kylie and Bela Padilla, two top Kapuso teleserye stars. Plans to include Rustom Padilla (now BB Gandanghari) didn't materialize; instead, BB will be doing a movie with Robin in the

near future. This is Robin and Daniel's first big screen collaboration, and the former is very excited, knowing how big a star his nephew is now. Daniel, who has remained the same “mabait” and simple guy despite his fame (“ang nagbago sa akin 'yung lang siguro mga damit ko,” he said) starred in “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay,” said to be the highest grossing horror flick in the history of the Metro Manila Film Festival. He is the son of Rommel with actress Karla Estrada, who, incidentally, is also featured in “Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at Mga Anak.” The movie also stars Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Pen Medina, Lito Pimentel, Dennis Padilla, Aljur Abrenica and Bugoy Cariño, among others. Manila Bulletin

MANILA -- She has made a name for herself in the local entertainment scene for her talent and beauty. But unknown to many, Kapuso actress Marian Rivera is also making waves in Vietnam, Cambodia and maybe, in parts of Africa. In November last year, the GMA-7 Primetime Queen visited Vietnam to appear on several shows in Today TV, one of the largest networks and was the first to air Filipino dramas in the said country. Marian was welcomed by a lot of fans, which she didn't expect. She was also hailed "Most Favorite Foreign Actress" by Today TV during its Face of the Year Awards last January 8. Marian wasn't able to attend the event because of showbiz commitments in Manila but she sent a video message thanking all her fans. "Nakakatuwa and masaya (na napapanood ka ibang bansa) kasi hindi ko lubos maisip. Can you imagine na minamahal ka ng tao na di mo kalahi? Doon pa lang fulfilled ka na sa sarili mo na sabihin mahal ka ng tao not kung sino ka pero dahil sa ginagawa mong trabaho," she said during the press conference of her

Kapuso actress Marian Rivera

latest primetime series "Carmela." "Marimar," "Dyesebel," "Amaya," and "Temptation of Wife" were already shown in Vietnam and Cambodia. "Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang" will follow suit. The actress said that "Endless Love," the Filipino version of hit Korean drama "Autumn in My Heart," u Page 26

Robin Padilla planning gay film with BB Gandanghari By Marinel R. Cruz Actor Robin Padilla, whose contract with home network ABS-CBN expired in October, said he was renewing it soon, especially since the bosses agreed for him to coproduce his own projects. “I want to keep making action movies, and be given the freedom to work on materials of my choice,” Robin told the Philippine Daily Inquirer during the press con for the movie “Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at ng mga Anak.” He coproduced the film with his wife, actress-host Mariel Rodriguez. “I'm not getting any younger,” said the 44-year-old actor. “I can no longer work for 28 hours straight. As for TV, I'd like to try father roles. I leave the rom-coms to the younger Padillas.” (Robin appeared in three Kapamilya s h o w s “ G u n s a n d R o s e s ,” “Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw” and “TodaMax”after signing up in 2011.) He'd like Mariel to join him in ABS-CBN. She was last seen as host of the defunct game show, “Wil Time Big Time” on TV5. “I want to see her hosting a show again,” he said. In “Sa Ngalan,” Mariel plays Indang, wife to Robin's character, Kuratong Baleleng crime boss Ongkoy.

Robin Padilla likes being his wife Mariel's “baby.”

Wedding blues Robin married Mariel in Muslim rites in 2010. He said she earlier wished for a church wedding so they flew to the Vatican. He recounted, “We were rejected; she was hurt. That shook her faith.” He wouldn't mind trying again. “I'm only waiting for Mariel to tell me she's ready. A c h u r c h w e d d i n g i s e ve r y woman's dream.” Robin admitted, however, that he wasn't prepared to have a child with Mariel. “I want to be her husband and her baby … I need her more than she needs me. Masyado akong radikal magisip at this point in my life; she keeps me on an even keel.”

Gay film They are going on a monthlong vacation in Stockholm in February. “It's a religious pilgrimage. I'm planning to produce a film about gay marriage that will star BB (Gandanghari, his gay brother). The project has been stalled twice, so I plan to seek divine intervention. I am looking forward to the signs that I hope God will give us.” Asked if he was ready to see BB marry another man, Robin replied, “The family thinks of BB as a child. He didn't grow up as BB, but as Rustom. The progress in our family [dynamics] has to be gradual. 'Wag naman sana niya kami gulatin.” Combat-ready Robin said he'd like his son Ali, 12, to become a soldier. “I wanted to be one when I was young,” he explained. “That was why I trained all of my kids in combat (martial arts).” When his daughter Kylie was hospitalized recently, Robin cancelled all his show biz commitments to spend time with her. “When I learned it was because of migraine, I worried … she bumped her head during gymnastics [training] many times before. But she just needed rest.” Inquirer.net

The cast of 'The Borrowed Wife'

The Borrowed Wife camp responds to issues raised By Rowena Tan A call center agent has reacted over a scene in GMA's afternoon series “The Borrowed Wife” as having supposedly mocked their profession. In its pilot episode that aired on Monday, Jan.20, Rico (played by Rafael Rosell) told Maricar (Charee Pineda), “…Kinukuha nila ako bilang call center agent. Kahit sino naman yata matatanggap dun eh… Hindi ako nag-aral para sumagot lang ng telepono…” JM Cruz, a call center agent and creator of a local call center podcast, alleged in a letter sent to entertainment blog Fashion Pulis that the particular dialog used “sweeping, degrading statements” that discriminated people in their industry. “We are enraged, we feel violated… The nerve of these supposed writers to discriminate

against an industry they know nothing about! What about them? How much research have they done to make such sweeping, degrading statements?” the letter read. Hazel Abonita, program manager of “The Borrowed Wife,” has responded to the issue telling PEP in a n i n t e r v i e w, “ We d i d t h e appropriate research naman… Kumbaga yung mga tao naman, are doing what they are doing for the program… pinag-aaralan naman namin po kung ano ang ginagawa namin, so there is viable data on the terms that we used for the specific programs.” Meanwhile, Jun Rufino, a USbased nurse, is claiming that the theme song used in the series is his composition and that it has been appropriated without his consent. Kedy Sanchez, GMA Records A & R manager, was surprised by this claim and told PEP that they will “clear” the matter. Manila Bulletin

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 26

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Luis and Angel 'kissing' photo goes viral

Pauleen shares what she loves most with Vic Sotto

By Pau Aguilera Have Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano rekindled the flame? Some of their followers are assuming so, based on several now-viral Instagram photos that both have posted recently. In a photo posted by Luis (luckymanzano) on Saturday, Jan. 25, he is seen giving a smiling Angel a peck on the cheek, with the caption, “Kulet and Kiti headed back to Manila .” The photo has garnered over 19,300 likes and almost 1,200 comments as of this writing. Another photo posted by Luis showed him and Angel standing together near what looked like a stage. It now has over 20,800 likes and 1,200 comments. Angel posted a solo photo of Luis on her own Instagram account (therealangellocsin), which was seemingly taken inside a plane, and captioned thus: “Maraming salamat po sa mga nanuod ng asap live dito sa dubai! Pabalik na ngayon ng pinas kasama netong seatmate ko simulan na ang masarap na usapan.” The upload has garnered over 17,300 likes and over 1,000

Actress Pauleen Luna

The two call themselves 'Kulet' and 'Kiti' (Instagram) comments as of this writing. Apparently, the photos were taken during a recent trip to Dubai, where Luis and Angel joined several other ABS-CBN talents for a live taping of an episode of the Sunday variety show “ASAP.” During a press

conference for the show held Thursday, Luis shared to media his feelings for Angel, saying, “I love her.” His statement came only a week after the actress, herself, admitted that she still loves her ex-boyfriend.

MANILA -- KAPUSO actress Pauleen Luna admires boyfriend Vic Sotto's simple living despite his name, status and influence in the local entertainment scene. According to the 25-year-old, the "Eat Bulaga" main man appreciates the little stuff and values quality time more than any material thing money can buy. "If you really know him, makikilala mo kung gaano kasimpleng tao siya. Hindi siya extravagant, hindi siya maluho, ang nakakapagpaligaya sa kaniya are the little things," she said. Pauleen continued, "'Yun ang gusto ko sa kaniya, wala sa ulo niya, sa lifestyle niya kung nasaan man siya ngayon." Vic's latest success is the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "My Little Bossings," which he top billed opposite child star Ryzza Mae Dizon, showbiz newbie James Aquino-Yap, and singer/actress Aiza Seguerra. The movie tops the box-office and reportedly raked more than P400 million during its two weeks

Marian savors ... From page 25 is now being aired in some African nations. Even with the warm reception and success she's experiencing from those countries, Marian remains focused on her job. "Lahat naman ng bagay may pressure, yun e kung paano mo itatake yung pressure. Nililihis ko siya. Mas more on naeexcite ako, mas more on masaya ako kaysa sa ipressure ko ang sarili ko," she said. "Nagiging posible naman ang lahat ng ito dahil sa GMA. Sila ang nag distribute sa iba't ibang bansa para mapanood ako." Marian's latest challenge is the evening series "Carmela," which she top bills opposite Alden Richards. This is her first primetime project after renewing her contract with GMA-7 for three years last August. According to the actress, the station gave her four scripts to choose from, and she was given the liberty to pick her leading man. "Nilatagan nila ako ng mga

airing. If many thought the film's success translates to grandiose gifts during the holidays, Pauleen was fast to dismiss this. She said they don't even have gifts for each other. "Hindi kami materialistic. Hindi kami maregalo and mas mabigat sa amin yung time spent with each other. Kasi anything naman mabibili niya, anything naman mabibili ko, so it's really not that important," said Pauleen. Pauleen was also asked if Vic already gave her a engagement ring as Christmas present, the actress said they're not there yet. "Kung napag-uusapan, napaguusapan naman talaga. But you know, until that day na mayroong solid plans, wala pa." The actress said she doesn't want to assume anything but they are both very happy with the status of their relationship, especially now that they've become very vocal about it. "Ayokong pangunahan ang mga bagay-bagay. But like what I've said, we are very happy with where we are in our relationship. We are very open to each other," she said. She added, "Kung ano 'yung gusto niya and gusto ko, nasasabi namin sa isa't isa. Kaya kung ano man ang mangyayari, hayaan na lang natin mangyari bago natin pagusapan." Pauleen added that her parents are much okay now that her relationship with Vic is out in the open. "For them mas okay 'yung pinag-uusapan kaysa 'yung hindi talaga pinag-uusapan. Wala naman sigurong magulang na may gusto na may boyfriend 'yung anak niya tapos hindi pinaguusapan at all," she ended.

gusto kong gawin and pinapili talaga nila ako," she said. When asked why she chose Alden, Marian explained: "Mahal niya ang trabaho niya and yun ang mahalaga sa akin. Pag mahal mo ang trabaho mo, lahat yan mag follow na." "Si Alden din ang naisip ko nung sinabi na bata na leading man. Alam naman natin na dedicated siya sa trabaho, magaling na artista at mabait." Alden recently turned 22 while Marian is already 29 years old. Aside from the series, Marian will be featured in two movies under Regal Films. She hinted that her leading men will come from rival networks. "Nabanggit 'yan sa akin pero alam naman niyo ang soap opera and movies, hangga't hindi na nagro l l a n g c a m e ra , m a ra m i n g pwedeng magbago. Wala akong reklamo sa leading men ko and mas gusto ko na nag-try ng bago. Hangga't maganda ang pelikula, go lang." "Carmela" premiered last January 27.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 27

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Sharon, Richard reunite - only on TV By Digs Ramos

Stephen Schwartz (stephenschwartz.com)

'Wicked' composer Schwartz soon in PH By Renz Emmanuel Raquion Composer Stephen Schwartz, is scheduled to visit Philippines on Sunday, Feb. 2, to check out the Manila leg of the blockbuster musical “Wicked.” It was Schwartz who scored the magical musical as with other hit shows including “Godspell” and “Pippin.” Schwartz, who has earned several awards throughout his illustrious career including four Drama Desk Awards, three Grammys, three Oscars, and one Golden Globe, has contributed lyrics for a number of

successful animated features for Disney, like “Pocahontas” (1995), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996) and “Enchanted” (2007). 'Wicked' remains one of Broadway's most popular musicals, and features the story of the relationship between two young women who grow up to become Glinda The Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of The West, known in the musical as Elphaba. Catch “Wicked” in CCP Main Theater in Pasay City. Tickets are available in all TicketWorld outlets. Manila Bulletin

“Madam Chairman,” Sharon Cuneta's first prime-time comedy-drama TV series, bids the airwaves goodbye on February 28 after 20 weeks on the air. The show, about a kind-hearted cook who has to deal with a philandering husband and duties as barangay chair, has reportedly settled for singledigit ratings despite a strong support cast. It is directed by Joel Lamangan. News programs and teleseryes on rival channels dominated the prime-time slot. Even so, insiders pointed out, the show, originally slated for only 13 weeks, was extended for another seven. “The cast and staff are sad about this,” says Cuneta, “so we avoid talking about it.” This is Cuneta's second show with TV5. The gabfest “Sharon: Kasama Mo, Kapatid” lasted eight months before the curtains came down. Her only remaining show on air is “The Mega and the Songwriter,” a musical-variety show that she cohosts with Ogie Alcasid. Mega (for “megastar”), as Cuneta is known in the biz, is expected to take a break before working on the planned series with Gomez. First-love role Details of the new show, whose working title is “My Pirated Family,” are being finalized. Insiders say the proposed story revolves around a “fake” family that the lead character (Cuneta) teams up with to claim an inheritance. The actress says she may do a made-for-TV movie at the end of the year. She is also set to sing the theme of one episode of a weekly drama anthology, “Minamahal.” “It's like, there's going to be a song of the week,

Richard Gomez and Sharon Cuneta may be paired anew in “My Pirated Family.” based on which they will write a story that will be dramatized,” Cuneta explains. “Madam Chairman” airs weeknights after “Let's Ask Pilipinas.” Gomez's four-episode guesting started on Thursday. He plays Enzo, Madam's first love. It's the former couple's first teamup in a teleserye. Inquirer.net

2 PH films in Portland fest Two Filipino films will be screened at the 37th Portland International Film Festival in Oregon on Feb. 6 to 22. Brillante Ma. Mendoza's “Thy Womb” will be shown on Feb. 15 and 20; Hannah Espia's “Transit,” Feb. 13 and 15. Apart from established masters, the fest also features first-time filmmakers like Espia. She is one of 28 competing for the New Director Audience Award. Anthony Chen's “Iloilo” (from Singapore) is also lined up Inquirer.net

TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-434-1114 Only $30 for 25 words (deadline for submission is Wednesday noon)

RED HOT Chili Peppers

KASKADE

KENDRICK Lamar

'7107' organizers promise a Red Hot 90-minute set By Allan Policarpio Quelling concerns that Red Hot Chili Peppers - main act for the coming 7107 International Music Festival - was to play only a few songs, event organizers have announced that the iconic US rock band would perform a 90-minute set. “Red Hot Chili Peppers will play a full show. I'm not sure how many songs, but their target is 90 minutes, give or take,” producer Mike Pio Roda told the Philippine Daily Inquirer at a recent press con. The music fest - slated Feb. 22 and 23 at the Global Logistics Gateway City in Clark, Pampangawill feature 11 other foreign acts, including DJ/record producer Kaskade, hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar, alternative rock group Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and electro-synth pop duo Empire of the Sun.

“Kaskade and Kendrick Lamar will each play 75-minute sets; the rest, 60 minutes,” Roda said. The two-day outdoor event likewise boasts an expansive roster of around 40 local bands and artists led by Up Dharma Down, Sponge Cola, Radioactive S a g o P ro j e c t , I tc hy wo r m s , Rocksteddy, Taken by Cars, She's Only Sixteen, Yolanda Moon, Loonie and Abra. Roda assured fans that the possibility of big acts backing out last-minute was unlikely. He pointed out, “They've all been announcing their participation in social mediaTwitter, Facebook…” Diverse genres Executive producer Conchitina Herrera added that most of the bands had already been paid in full, “Otherwise they wouldn't have given us materials for promotion.” The veteran events producer is also behind

Philippine Fashion Week. Herrera said “7107” was patterned after the annual Coachella Valley (California) Music and Arts Festival. The goal for the Philippine event, she said, was to create a full festival experience not limited to a few music genres. “We didn't want to offer just one genre; we have a little bit of everything that the audience can enjoyrap, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, dance rock and indies.” To help them mount “7107,” organizers hired an international festival management team from Los Angeles, who had been involved in Coachella, Ultra Music Festival Miami and the Electric Daisy Carnival, among other events. “We didn't want to do this by ourselves, though we had the option and the experience to do so,” Herrera said. “These guys produce about 60 festivals a year.”

Herrera envisions “7107” to become an annual “global music platform” that will “represent the best of the Philippines” and, hopefully, boost tourism. She said her team tied up with the Department of Tourism to help with the promotion. “We're relying on the global acts to help us [generate] attention for the Philippines. One tweet or one Instagram picture from the foreign artists will give their fan bases a glimpse of what it's like here,” Herrera pointed out. “But it's also about individual experiences - how people will talk about it after.” Part of the festival's proceeds will fund rehabilitation and relief projects for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors through Help PH and EJ Litton Foundation, said Herrera. “We want '7107' to remind our countrymen that music moves, and that help is on the way.” Inquirer.net

SPORTS

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 28

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Bradley: Pacquiao killer instinct gone By Roy Luarca

LAGUNA GOVERNOR ER Ejercito with DepEd Sec. Armin A. Luistro and Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Sanchez-Ejercito (Photo by Mark Balmores)

2014 Palarong Pambansa grand launch held by DepEd By Crispina Martinez - Belen The recent launch of Palarong Pambansa 2014 held by the DepEd at the ULTRA in Pasig City was a grand and star-studded affair. Laguna won the bid to host this year's Palarong Pambansa, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of which was signed by DepEd Sec. Armin A. Luistro and Laguna Governor ER Ejercito. In his pledge of commitment s p e e c h , G o v. E R e x p r e s s e d excitement over Laguna's turn to host the games on May 4 to 10. He stressed that Laguna is all set to welcome 15,000-17,000 athletes, coaches and officials from 17 regions of the country. The athletes will compete in 19 sports disciplines in 399 athletic events in seven days. “This is the time that the Province of Laguna is hosting Palarong Pambansa and this momentous event is the best time to showcase our unique traditions, culture, products, services, tourism destinations, as well as our successes and achievements in local governance,” Gov. ER said. Laguna has six cities and 24 municipalities. “It is a great honor and a

testament of Laguna's capability and preparedness to stage the country's grandest Palarong Pambansa ever, which aims to develop the character of the youth of our nation and instill in them the values of discipline, dedication, humility and self-confidence through sports. These are the same values that our youth need in all aspects of their lives. After all, in Laguna, sports is a way of life.” Gov. ER also said they started the ground works for Palarong Pambansa 2014 last year in order to ensure its success. To start off, the 30-second TV ad of Palarong Pambansa in Laguna has already been aired on major television networks as early as December 2013. “The La Laguna Festival: The Festival of Life, awarded as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and is nowadays DOT-ATOP Hall of Fame Pearl awardee will be incorporated in our historic hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2014.” Gov. ER concluded his speech by saying, “The Palarong Pambansa in Laguna will be the benchmark of future Palarong Pambansa.” Manila Bulletin

Hong Kong fined P1.4M for racial abuse By Jonas Terrado The International Football Federation has fined the Hong Kong Football Association was fined 30,000 swiss francs (P1.4 million) for racial abuse made by its fans during last June's friendly match against the Philippine Azkals. FIFA said that the HKFA is sanctioned for breaching Articles 58, 65 (b and e) and 67 (1 and 3) of t h e wo rl d g ove r n i n g b o dy ' s Disciplinary Code after some fans threw debris and hurled racial slurs at Filipino fans during the Azkals' 10 win at Mongkong Stadium. The incident also saw a group of Hong Kong fans displaying a banner that read “Lest We Forget Manila, 8/23/10”, a reference to the Manila hostage crisis in 2010 when eight Hong Kong nationals were killed by a hostage taker inside a tourist bus at the Luneta Grandstand. FIFA is also requiring the HKFA CHF 3,000 (P150,000) to cover the cost of the investigation that began last November. In a statement, the Philippine

Football Federation praised the decision. “The decision shows that FIFA vigorously implements the non-discrimination provisions of the FIFA Statutes wherever the conduct is displayed and whoever the guilty party is. It also stressed the responsibility of the host Member Association for the spectators' conduct in any friendly match within its territory,” the PFF said. On the other hand, HKFA chief executive officer Mark Sutcliffe was “disappointed with the initial decision and the association has the right to lodge a formal appeal once more information is given.” “In my opinion, the incidents were very minor in nature and there was significant provocation by a number of the Philippine players. Having said that we do not condone any acts of violence or racial discrimination and as I stated publicly before, we will implement stadium bans on any individuals convicted of an offence of this nature.,” Sutcliffe said. Manila Bulletin

M A N I L A - - H a s M a n ny Pacquiao lost his killer instinct? Timothy Bradley thinks so, and believes it will serve him in good stead when they clash anew fo r t h e Wo r l d B ox i n g Organization welterweight crown on April 12 in Las Vegas. “He (Pacquiao) doesn't have that killer instinct,” Bradley told fighthype.com. Sunday. “Yeah, he didn't have that killer instinct in that (Brandon) Rios fight.” Bradley was referring to the Filipino ring superstar's 12round domination of Rios last Nov. 24 in Macau. Though Pacquiao won lopsidedly, Bradley felt there were instances when the Fighter of the Decade could've finished off Rios, but didn't do so. Instead, he said, Pacquiao chose to play it safe and coasted to victory. Bradley said he believed that Pacquiao was a “little scared” of Rios' punching power. The undefeated American noted that Pacquiao's reluctance to mix it up will work to his advantage when he dangles the title he wrested

AP photo from the Filipino by a widely disputed split decision on June 9, 2012. According to Bradley, he will legitimize that victory by beating Pacquiao convincingly this time. Having repeatedly watched the tapes of their first encounter, Bradley said that though he isn't a power puncher in the mold of Rios, he was able to hurt Pacquiao that time. Bradley also noted that Pacquiao turned defensive in that first fight and “only worked like, maybe, a minute in every round.” Bradley, who bolstered his

stock with victories over Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez, respectively, said he expects Pacquiao to be on the defensive in their rematch. “I don't think he's going to engage that much, man,” said Bradley. Boxing pundits have actually noticed Pacquiao's diminished finishing kick in his fights since 2010. They felt that Pacquiao was in a position to stop Antonio Margarito in 2010, Shane Mosley in 2012 and Bradley, but did not go for the kill. Inquirer.net

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 29

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI The challenging Year of the Wooden Horse

By Lea Manto-Beltran Supplements Editor & Photos by Edwin Muli THIS year will be a challenging year for the Philippines,” declared master geomancer Joseph Chau Kam Shing, who has been a primary figure in the practice of Feng Shui in many parts of the world for the last three decades. T h e C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r, specifically the Year of the Wooden Horse, commences on January 31, 2014 at 00:01 a.m., but based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, its formal duration only begins on February 4, 2014, 6:03 a.m., and is set to end on February 3, 2015. The Philippines is fortunate to annually have Master Chau in the country for Chinese New Year, as he leads the celebrated Chinese New Year festivities of The Mandarin Oriental Manila in Makati City. This year, the traditional prosperity parade will begin on the eve of the Year of the Horse on January 30, and will conclude with the midnight Lauriat at the hotel ballroom. “There is too much fire this year, which means there will be more violence, robberies, explosions, and car accidents. Natural calamities like earthquakes, typhoons and volcanic eruptions will also happen this year,”

offers cures and remedies besides interpreting the energy and positioning of the five basic elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, Master Chau assured a news conference this week that there is a very simple solution to all these dangers. “[You can counter them if you] just put fountains everywhere,” he directed. “Fountains represent the water element that douses fire.” With several large-scale calamities already hitting the country in 2013 - from frequent typhoons, the earthquake in Bohol, Super Typhoon Yolanda in Central Visayas, and just this month, the floods from Typhoon Agaton in Mindanao -Master Chau advised the government to continue improving public services and infrastructures so if and when natural catastrophes do strike, the country can better cope with the situation. Master Chau also suggested the use of a number of luck enhancers. For colors: Green, red, pink, violet, peach and maroon are generally believed to bring luck this year, although Chinese Zodiac Sign also has its specific list of lucky colors. For wealth: Treasure Bucket, Treasure Guard, Vivacious Prince of Wealth, and Flying Golden Pei Yau.

Recommendations But since Feng Shui is a practice that

Guarding Malacañang Hong Kong-based Master Chau

is particularly concerned with the fortune of President Benigno Aquino 3rd whose birthdate is February 8, 1960, which falls under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat, and directly “clashing” with the Horse this year. “This year will be very, very difficult for President Aquino. Many unlucky stars are under the Rat. Those born under the Year of the Rat will face lots of problems and hindrances at work,” explained the Feng Shui practitioner. He lamented that Aquino's fortune will directly affect the country, which is also predicted to endure a challenging year. With the Philippines' Independence Day dated June 12, 1898 -“a date that is “full of fire elements,” according to Master Chau - there is a need for Malacanang Palace to be on continued alert. The element of fire for the country is apparently intensified with the formal commencement of the Year of the Wooden Horse on Feb. 4, 2014, which is also full of fire elements. Chau went as far as to suggest to keep Malacanang's fountains running 24 hours every day to douse the “fire.” There is a piece of good reading however, in that the Malacanang's fountain is said to be positioned in the southwest, which is the luckiest direction in the Year of the Wooden Horse. If turned on by the President

EXPRESS SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9

Solution to Issue 04 Sudoku

Solution to Issue 04 Crossword

on Day One of Chinese New Year, Chau believes it will do him -and the country -a world of good. Romantic year On the brighter side, while President Aquino faces a “very, very difficult” year in his post this year, Chau happily added that “his love life should be much better.” The Year of the Wooden Horse happens to be a romantic year for the sings of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit and Rooster. “I recommend that he marries someone who was born in July, August or October. If the President will get married this year, then he will have enhanced luck. If he doesn't get married this year, his luck will decline,” Chau cautioned. He quickly clarified, however, “I cannot certainly say that the President will have bad luck, but his luck will be very weak, it will drop to the bottom. So think about what can happen.” It can be recalled that in 2013, Aquino was romantically linked to lawyer Mariness Ledesma and

beauty queen-turned actress Bianca Manalo. His last officially declared girlfriend was Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad who is now married to Representative Roman Romulo, while his constant dates for a time with TV host Grace Lee was also highly publicized. Lucky businesses Finally, and thankfully, Chau is positive that 2014 will be a “good year” for the Philippine economy. Lucky businesses include gasoline ( f u e l ) e l e c t r i c i t y, e d u c a t i o n , garments and fashion, furniture, health foods, herbs, restaurants, construction and real estate, hotel and tourism and publishing. And as always, despite his mostly ominous predictions for the country's fortune in the Year of the Wooden Horse, Master Chau concluded his annual forecast by stressing that ultimately, a person's fortune will always depend on hard work and a positive attitude. Manila Times

EXPRESS CROSSWORD

ACTION CLASSIFIED Rentals Help Wanted Jobs

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 30

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

u u u Personal u Services

JOBS AVAILABLE

Import/Admin Assistant

GRANITE, MARBLE fabrication workers, polishing, installations. Insurance, good pay. FULL TIME only. Work Permit a must. Call 201-527-6199 Rich

Estd. Garment Import Company in Mid town Manhattan seeks an experienced female assistant with excellent computer and communication skills and able to do multi task. Must be organized.

CNC operators for busy stone fabricator. Experience helpful but we'll train right person with some CAD skills. Work Permit a must. Call 201-527-6199 Rich CONSTRUCTION Helpers and Foreman. Experience helpful. Good pay, FULL TIME. Work Permit a must. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. Call 201-527-6199 Rich

Help Wanted Immediate Opening for Live-in caregiver for DD facility

Fully furnished salon and spa located in busy section of Jersey City 555 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 Contact person: Joy Phone: 201-234-7152 Email: [email protected] PRICE: NEGOTIABLE

Good Salary Email resume, Attn. President:

[email protected]

Cleaning Person Wanted for Motel in Southampton, New York

Full Time Call Christine or Art 760-791-3955 or 760-505-6499 in Oceanside

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Must speak English

Start March 15 Please send resume/references to: [email protected]

TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-434-1114

The Filipino Express is only $40 a year for 52 issues

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 31

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2014

Page 32

THE FILIPINO EXPRESS