Bo Xilai: His wife is being implicated in a murder case

American policymakers would do well to keep a close eye on the latest developments in the South China Sea involving China and the Philippines, a formal U.S. security treaty ally. It could have major implications for the U.S.

Since early April, Chinese and Philippine government ships have been confronting each other off Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The shoal, 124 nautical miles from the main Philippines archipelago, is distinct from the dispute over the Spratlys several hundred miles to the south.

The current confrontation first arose when the Philippine navy began to arrest Chinese fishing boats involved in harvesting protected marine life. The Chinese countered with a number of fisheries protection vessels, as well as additional fishing boats. For its part, the Philippines withdrew its naval vessel for replenishment and, in a diplomatic gesture to avoid escalation, determined not to send it back. It is now represented at the shoal by only civilian government vessels.

The South China Sea is rife with disputes over sovereignty. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam dispute the Paracel islands; there are six claimants to the Spratlys (Brunei, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam). In general, these disputes have been fairly low-key, although in 1988, China sank three Vietnamese freighters to underscore its claims.

But several recent developments suggest that the Scarborough Shoal situation could be much more dangerous. China, the fourth largest source of tourists to the Philippines, has halted tours and called upon Manila to safeguard the safety of those Chinese tourists already in the archipelago. At the same time, the Chinese have begun to quarantine shipments of Philippine bananas on the grounds that they may be carrying agricultural pests.

Neither of these developments might be directly linked to the Scarborough Shoal situation, but they smack of an attempt to bring China’s economic power to bear on a diplomatic cause—similar to the heavier-handed economic measures the Chinese took against Japan during the 2010 Senkakus/Diaoyutai incident. At that time, China cut off all shipments of rare earth minerals to Japan, seeking to exploit its dominant position in that market.

Thus far, the Chinese navy has not played a direct role—the Chinese vessels have all come from civilian agencies. But China has assets at sea, including a naval task force comprising two guided missile destroyers, two frigates, and an amphibious ship operating near Okinawa on exercises. Any diversion of this force to Scarborough Shoal would constitute a major escalation of the situation.

With the Chinese leadership focused on their internal succession struggles, to the point of possibly delaying this fall’s Party Congress (when the new leadership will be officially announced), few senior leaders are likely devoting their full attention to this situation. Recent reports that head of internal security Zhou Yongkong has been forced to relinquish his powers as part of the ongoing Bo Xilai drama only further underscores how many things are on Chinese leaders’ plates—and therefore how little attention they may be paying to this.

Given the internal political situation, though, it is unlikely that anyone would be willing to appear “weak” by being conciliatory. This may explain the Chinese rejection of the Philippine proposal for arbitration of the dispute under the Law of the Sea Treaty, which both Manila and Beijing have signed.

One would hope that both parties to the dispute at Scarborough Shoal find a peaceful, face-saving way to back out of this crisis. But it bears watching by American policymakers in case this does not prove to be the case.

Dean Cheng is research fellow in Chinese Political and Security Affairs in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation.

The new dean for Science at NYU. Photos: The FilAm

In January, Michael Purugganan, 48, was named dean for Science at NYU. For the former Collegian features editor who rose to become a leading plant biologist and now a distinguished New York science educator, the journey began quite inauspiciously — with rice.

The tussle-haired Michael welcomed The FilAm to his comfortable office encased in glass and chrome. Two paintings by Filipino artists hang on his wall, and on his table a wooden figurine of the ‘bulol,’ or the Ifugao god of rice. Why wasn’t I surprised?

'I'm not a rice expert.'

TF: Were you in the middle of a research when you moved from North Carolina to NYU?
MP: We’re constantly in research mode.

TF: Why did you decide to come to NYU?
MP: NYU has changed dramatically. It is the largest private university in the U.S., but it had a reputation in the last 30 or 40 years of being just a commuter university, maybe regional. But about 20 years ago it started to become a national university and invested a lot in the effort.
In 2001, we had a new president and the new administration invested heavily in what made NYU what it is today: a major research university. They recruited an additional 20 percent of their faculty. I was part of that wave. One of the big expansions was the genome sciences, although there was expansion across the board in arts and sciences.

TF: Your research on rice. What is the significance of that study?
MP: Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world. It provides a third to half the calories consumed in the world. It’s grown primarily for food. There’s a huge international interest in it. For a long time, I’ve been interested in studying major crops in the world and how they originate, how did they evolve.

Rice, from the point of view of genomicists, is very good because it has a small genome and we can read the entire genome very easily.

TF: Genome, meaning the DNA?
MP: Yes, the DNA in the cell that has all the genes that allow an organism to develop and survive. Just to give you an idea, humans have about 3 billion letters in its genome. Rice has about 400 million basepairs or letters, which makes it easier to study.

TF: When you began your study, what did you want to find out?
MP: Research goes wherever it goes. One of things you need to understand as a scientist is where the research is leading you, and going there. We have a research proposal, we have a plan. It is highly unlikely you are going to stick to the plan.

TF: What got you interested in rice?
MP: Very interesting story actually. I was at North Carolina, involved in plant evolution. We’ve been studying the origin of crop species looking at origins of cabbage, broccoli, etc. I wanted to find an excuse to go home to the Philippines. I looked at one of the post-doc researchers in my lab and said let’s look at the project. One thing I was interested was sticky rice or ‘malagkit’ which is all over Asia. We knew from past research the gene mutation that gives it its stickiness. I said let’s look at it and study it.

TF: We all know rice packs a lot of calories. Are there studies on how to make it more of a health food with fewer calories?
MP: We don’t do that kind of research, and the reality is rice is pure starch.

TF: Are you a rice expert?
MP: No. I’m an evolutionary biologist. I study different types of plants. I was trained in plants, but if someone came to me one day and said, Michael I will give you this grant to study, um, birds, then I would.

TF: What’s the common reaction when people find out you’re a scientist?
MP: See, I’m always surrounded by scientists, so for me science is not that special. I have a lot of friends from the Philippines who are artists. They’re intrigued by the fact that I’m a scientist, and I’m intrigued by the fact that they’re artists. What it is is that science is also a very creative process.

Obama's endorsement is 'merely one step.'

“I am just in awe. I am just in tears,” said film critic Mau Feria on hearing Obama come out in favor of same-sex unions after years of hedging his comments.

Comedian Rich Kiamco, who recently married his partner of many years, wrote on Facebook: “Had a little teary-eyed moment from Obama standing up for marriage equality. Took guts to do the right thing.”

Many lauded Obama for bravely adding his voice to the debate on whether people of the same gender should be allowed to marry and be eligible for the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. He becomes the first sitting president to make his position known unequivocally, which stunned many even within the gay rights community. He also adroitly framed the issue as one of equality as social conservatives have always labeled same-sex marriages as unnatural.

Earlier, Vice President Joe Biden openly endorsed same-sex marriage, prompting speculation that his statement was either a trial balloon or that Biden had spoken out of turn.

“It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama said in a May 9 interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts. Obama admitted his views were inspired by his daughters Malia and Sasha who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, and who are beginning to question why those parents are being treated differently.

Kevin Nadal, a professor, psychologist and activist, cautioned against a surplus of exuberance, saying Obama’s declaration will not end the persecution of LGBT people. He said LGBT and gender-nonconforming people “continue to be discriminated against on systemic, institutional, and interpersonal levels.” He told the story of how a transgender friend was strip-searched and humiliated by airport security as the friend was coerced into choosing a gender.

“Same-sex marriage isn’t just about allowing LGBT Americans to get married to each other; it’s about advocating for basic human rights for all people,” he wrote for PolicyMic. “So while I believe that President Obama taking stance on supporting same-sex marriage is a step in the right direction for LGBT rights, I believe it is merely one step.”

Gerry Balasta

Gerry, whose first film, “The Mountain Thief,” has won honors in festivals in San Francisco and France, has a quick follow-through in “The Solar Champion,” a comedy about a light bulb invention that changes the life of a hopeful family that will not allow poverty to crush their spirit. The Solar family patriarch, a 70-year-old dreamer and a hopeless romantic, encourages his children to follow their dreams. One of their projects is the search for the next Manny Pacquiao. In the end, they find inspiration from their father and discover the persevering prizefighter within themselves.

“Although it is a comedy in a narrative format,” said the New York-based filmmaker, “it is a classic ‘social issue’ film.”

His two films share the same cast of performers, who are real-life scavengers living in the Payatas landfill community in Manila.

Lea Dizon

Lea is working on the project with University of Southern California alumni who founded Fifth Floor Balcony Pictures, an organization focused on promoting young film talent. Said Lea: “In school there is an excitement: an atmosphere of getting things done no matter what. It is easy to lose that once you are out of the school environment because it becomes so much more difficult. We hope to act as proof to our peers and the industry that the youthful spirit we all felt in film school can be powerful and profitable in Hollywood.”

The film centers on a man who has lost his job and home in the current economic crisis before being launched into a violent new world. “A lot of the rage and dissatisfaction we are seeing in protests during the Occupy movement inspired our characters,” said the co-writer of the film, Alex George Pickering.

Both Gerry and Lea enlisted the help of Kickstarter, a crowd-funding website to raise funds and also to get the word out about their films.

For more information visit “The Solar Champion” and “Impulse Control.”

'Wanna be a world power? First be a citizen of the world and follow the rule of law,' says Lewis. Photos by Elton Lugay

Edwin Josue may be Filipino-Chinese, but during the May 11 protest rally against China, he was “first and foremost” a Filipino.

Josue, a real estate broker, was one of about 75 FilAms who marched to the Chinese Consulate building on 42nd Street and 12th Avenue to protest alleged Chinese incursion into Philippine territory. The protesters, led by community and business leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, chanted “We want China out, now!”

Anti-China rallies were held simultaneously in the Philippines, New York, Washington D.C. and other cities around the world where Filipinos have a major presence. The rallies called on China to leave the Philippine waters and stop “bullying” the country.

“Mga walanghiya,” said an angry Lewis to the Chinese government, using the strongest language in Tagalog to mean “you are shameless.”

“Sabihin natin sa China hindi tama yan! Gusto mong maging world power? Then be a citizen of the world and follow the rule of law. Mahiya sila! Napaka-walanghiya na aangkinin lang yung atin. Hindi tama yan,” she said through a megaphone.

The standoff between the Philippines and China has intensified after Beijing asserted its claim over the Bajo de Masinloc (or Scarborough Shoal) as part of its “historical territory.” Lewis said the Bajo de Masinloc has always been part of the Philippine map since 1734. A Jesuit priest who studied the Philippine islands made the map that showed the Bajo de Masinloc is part of the Masinloc town in Zambales, she alleged.

Edwin Josue

And as if this was not enough, earlier this week, reports say a Chinese news anchor on state TV was quoted as saying “China has unquestioned sovereignty over the Philippines.” The remark incensed many Filipinos.

Lewis said the Philippines is set to file on June 12 a dispute against China’s alleged imperialist tactics before the International Tribunal.

“China may not listen to us but we’re making noise urging other nations to help us,” said Hermie Aczon, president of the Philippine Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, an umbrella of 24 organizations.

Josue said he wished the international community would rally behind the Philippines and that China leave Scarborough Shoal. “It is our right to defend our territorial limits,” he said.

The hour-long rally ended peacefully at 1 p.m. after the yellow-shirted protesters spoke out against Beijing and sang nationalist songs.

The latest exchange rate is posted at a remittance outlet

The event is geared towards owners of small and mid-sized businesses of all types, said Roy V. Lim, senior vice president for Commercial Banking of Citi, which is organizing the seminar. It will provide an opportunity to meet, listen to and talk with experienced bankers about how to access financing in these economic times.

“Accessing capital is one of the primary challenges facing all types of businesses today, but opportunities exist,” said Lim. “Whether you have an established business or a start-up enterprise, you are looking to buy or lease property, or your company imports or exports goods and is dealing with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, this seminar will provide valuable insight on how you can access the capital you need to achieve your business goals.”

The speakers are Eileen Thornton, Business Banking director; Donald DiMartini, Small Business Administration director; Bindi Sood, vice president for Trade Finance; and Lim.

For more information, contact Wendell Gaa of the Philippine Consulate at 212-764-1330 ext. 601 or Citi’s Roy Lim at 718-748-3445 or roy.lim@citi.com.

Philippine Scout survivors Frankie Ramirez (left) and Eulalio Arzaga answer questions. With them on stage is John Oliver of the Far East Air Force.

In the film, narrated by Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips, 10 Philippine Scout survivors describe the battles of Bataan and Corregidor, and the Death March itself, over photographs, reenactments, and actual footage of the events. Much of the film was captured from the Japanese at the end of the war.

Museum Programs Director Helen McDonald opened the afternoon presentation and welcomed guests who had traveled from Houston, Fort Hood, Austin and San Antonio for this regional premiere of the film. Historian Chris Schaefer, who wrote the script for the film, introduced the movie.

Two Philippine Scout veterans, Eulalio Arzaga of the 26th Cavalry Regiment and Frankie Ramirez of the 91st Coast Artillery, were present at the event with members of their families, some of whom traveled from Arizona, California and Louisiana to participate. The two Scouts were joined onstage by John Oliver, a veteran of the 19th Bombardment Group on Mindanao Island, to take questions from the audience.

Visitors to the museum were able to tour the extensive exhibits of the new George H.W. Bush Galleries, where the story of the Pacific War is told in detail, beginning with the early histories of competition and animosities in the Asia-Pacific region that ultimately culminated in World War II.

The fall of Bataan and Corregidor and the Bataan Death March can be explored in detail in the galleries’ exhibits.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Pacific Theater of World War II in order that the sacrifices of those who contributed to our victory may never be forgotten. The museum was originally established by the Nimitz Foundation. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was commander-in-chief in the Pacific during World War II, and then lieutenant George H.W. Bush flew an attack bomber in his command.

'I love New York, love my job.' Photos by Elton Lugay

No matter how she tried to submerge her fame, former actress Dindi Gallardo will remain a recognizable face. At a festival she attended with her boss, Filipinos reached out and asked for her autograph. Her boss, an artist who had no clue who his assistant was, gasped, “Who are you?”

Dindi left Manila at a time when serious acting roles were few and far between. In 1989, she went to school in San Francisco to study fashion design and merchandising and met her future husband there. She traveled to Europe for a bit of “soul searching,” then settled in New York in 2003 where she has very quietly recast herself. She is still working in films, but more on the business side of the industry. Without disclosing details – a condition of her contract – Dindi works for a famous artist whose blockbuster movies many of us are familiar with.

TF: Your boss didn’t know you were an actress?
DG: I don’t talk about that. If they know you’re an actress chances are they’re not going to hire you because they’d think you just want to be in this industry. Double life talaga. Well, now he knows.

TF: Ten years in New York. What’s that like?
DG: I love New York. I love my job. I can’t get into major details. My boss — he’s pretty big. I’m like his right-hand person. I work with his team of lawyers, agents, accountants. I’ve been with him 3.5 years.

TF: How did you get started?
DG: My first job, I was working for Bond No. 9 fragrances. They sell perfume at $300 a bottle. I was in the product development department. A lot of Filipinos worked there.

TF: And after Bond?
DG: With Bond, I was lucky I had a job when I was just new here. I did really well and then I stayed and realized it was not for me. I wanted to go back to the world of film, which is my first love and my passion.

I needed to go back to production, but the only way I could do that was start out as intern or a PA and I didn’t have the time. I thought maybe I could learn from the business end of things, so I worked as an executive assistant for a talent agency called Buchwald. They’ve been around 35 years. I had a wonderful time there. I’m like the frontliner, the gatekeeper. I learned the different aspects of the industry. I got to meet a lot of agents and their talents. Madami. Howard Stern was one. They also repped Dante Basco.

TF: Did it ever occur to you to try out for Broadway?
DG: No. I arrived here and didn’t want to have anything to do with acting, showbiz and that stuff.

TF: How did you land this current position with this artist?
DG: I quit Buchwald to get another job with a bigger production company. But it didn’t happen. I was really upset. Then boom, this job fell on my lap. I didn’t even know who (my future boss) was. We clicked so well. I got promoted two times. We’re about to film a big, big film with a full cast.

TF: You had a promising career when you left the Philippines.
DG: I was frustrated because our economy was bad. There were no more good movies. Showbiz was down.

TF: If you stayed in Manila what do you think would have become of you?
DG: Maybe I would have done 50 bomba films. (laughter)

TF: How do you look back at the Gabby episode? Is there a teachable moment there?
DG: A blessing in disguise. All I can say is if I’m happy today or at peace with so many things that’s because of all the good and the bad that’s happened in my life. That relationship made me a stronger person.

Dindi and Eric are fashionably Gatsby-esque at their wedding.

TF: At 41, what’s next?
DG: I feel like I’d like to give back. I want to help filmmakers, especially the indie ones, to support them as they attend international festivals. We have amazing filmmakers, they win in filmfests, and then what? Who helps them to go to other festivals? These guys who go to Cannes, who helps them find a hotel, find a sponsor? I want to do something in that sense. With the contacts I’ve made here I’d like to set up a sort of development group in a production company where, for example, someone has a screenplay submission, and then you work to find the budget to finance that. I’m glad the indie film industry is growing.

Age doesn’t bother me. There are people younger than me and they’re like the living dead. It’s how you live your life. I know people who are older and so full of joy.

TF: Have you experienced being racially discriminated in New York?
DG: Oh yes. In one of the companies I worked for, my boss wanted me to work on Thanksgiving and this person said, why should you get a holiday? You don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines.

TF: Why did you come to New York?
DG: I wanted to live just a normal life, breathe some air.

At the High Line Park where the interview continued.

First Filipino and first Asian elected in Jersey City

The councilman of Ward E said the rest of the six candidates to comprise Team Fulop will be named in late fall. Those candidates have not been selected yet, and the team continues to interview candidates interested in running for office.

The first three council candidates are:

- Rolando Lavarro – Independently elected in last year’s special election to Councilman-At-Large. Lavarro is the first Filipino and Asian American elected in Jersey City.

- David Donnelly – Independently elected Councilman in Ward B at a special election.

- Candice Osborne – Ward “E” community activist.

Steven Fulop

“This energetic team, led by Steve Fulop, has a shared vision of a thriving city that is safer, more affordable for families, and is responsive to the diverse and urgent needs of all its residents,” said Lavarro. “I’m excited to be part of a team with an unwavering commitment to transforming our neighborhoods and city government.”

“I have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion of underrepresented communities like Filipinos who have contributed so much to Jersey City,” said Fulop. “It is a big deal that we now have the first Filipino and Asian American councilperson in Jersey City in Rolando. I’m glad to have him on the team, and to work with him in creating a better future for Jersey City.”