Filipina American concedes Texas congressional race

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Gina Ortiz Jones during a press conference last week.

VIRGINIA'S REP. BOBBY SCOTT will remain the lone Filipino American in the U.S. Congress after Gina Ortiz Jones ended her quest in Texas.

While Scott was unopposed in his Nov. 6 midterm contest, it took almost two weeks to determine the winner of Congressional District 23. Ortiz Jones ran a tough aggressive campaign narrowly losing to Republican incumbent Rep. Will Hurd by a little more than 1,000 votes.

“Our campaign was based on the belief that everyone is equal – equally deserving to be heard at the ballot box and served in our communities. We worked hard to make this a reality, understanding this is the only path toward the more perfect union that our founders envisioned," Jones said in a statement sent out via social media.

Hurd, whose campaign received massive amounts of PAC funds is the only African American Republican in Congress issued a statement thanking his family and supporters.

"I want to thank my opponent and her supporters for engaging in the democratic process. To thrive, our democracy needs a vigorous competition of ideas, and whether you voted for me or not, I will need your help," said Hurd.

Ortiz Jones' concession thus skipping a possible recount surprised some supporters because she showed no sign of giving up, accepting the invitation to attend the freshmen orientation session in Washington last week. 

If Ortiz Jones had won, she would have been the first Filipina American to serve in Congress. She was one of five Filipino Americans running for Congress in the midterm elections. Scott was the only one to win, running unopposed for his 14th term. Republican Christina Osmena and Democrats TJ Cox of California and Jennifer Mijaris-Zimmerman of Florida did not succeed in their bid to unseat incumbents

(UPDATE: As of Nov. 21, the race for California's District 21 with TJ Cox running against a Republican incumbent is still too close to call.)

From left: Rep. Bobby Scott, Christina Osmena and Jennifer Mijares-Zimmerman.

Texas's sprawling 23rd District stretches from the western suburbs of San Antonio to the eastern suburbs of El Paso in the far-west tip of the state and includes 800-miles of the Texas-Mexico border.

A week after Election Day, Jones said Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen had not made public the list of provisional voters in the race, making it difficult for voters to ensure their ballots officially counted.

“We’ve had issues in Bexar County providing information that should be a matter of public record,” Ortiz Jones said in a news conference. “This includes the list of folks that voted via provisional ballot.”

Last week, the former Air Force intelligence officer, sued the Bexar County election administrator for not making public a list of provisional voters and asked for a 48-hour extension for the counting of their ballots.

Ortiz Jones' hopes were dashed when a Bexar County judge denied the deadline extension to validate provisional ballots. She had to depend only on the validated votes by the deadline.

The Blue Wave that swept through some Republican-held Congressional seats, especially in California, didn't have as huge an impact in Texas although Democrats were able to unseat two House Republicans. However, that was tempered in the State Legislature where Republicans increased their majority in the Senate.

Although Democrats were able to win over 54% of Latino voters, Democrats needed a better turnout and a greater percentage of Latinos to overcome the traditionally conservative state. 

Nevertheless, the impressive showing of Beto O'Rourke in challenging incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz, and the performances of Gina Ortiz Jones and Sri Preston Kulkarni in the 22nd Congressional District give Democrats hope that changing demographics of the Lone Star state may turn Texas purple by 2020.

"Turning Texas blue is not an event, it's a process," state Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in an interview with the Texas Tribune, "and I think 2020 will put us, if not blue, purple — deep purple."

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this article did not have the results for TJ Cox running in California's District 21.

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Black Eyed Peas address rumors that Fergie is being replaced by Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger toured with the Black Eyed Peas earlier sparking rumors that she had joined the group.

THE BLACK EYED PEAS addressed widespread speculation that Fergie has been replaced by Filipino American singer Nicole Scherzinger.

“Black Eyed Peas is me, Will and apl.de.ap. That is who Black Eyed Peas is," stated Taboo, one of the group's original members. "We are the sole members.”

"We have a lot of singers that are a part of the family."

However when he was asked if Nicole Scherzinger has replaced Fergie, he said: “Nicole is part of The Black Eyed Peas family just like Fergie is part of The Black Eyed Peas family. Jess Reynoso (singer), is a part of the family."

The hip-hop group, who were on an 8-year musical hiatus, have reunited for their new ‘Master Of The Sun’ album without Fergie. Former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger is featured on a few of the new tracks, he said.

Fergie, who joined BEP in 2003, features on a number of the band’s biggest hit songs including ‘Where Is The Love’, ‘I Got A Feeling’ and ‘Pump It’.

However Will.I.Am, Taboo and apl.de.ap, have chosen to recruit former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger to sing vocals on the project, as well as K-pop star CL of the K-Pop girl group 2NE1. ‘We love her as a family as a person and as an individual,’ the rapper said. ‘We got to meet the rest of the girls but we really built a friendship with CL.’

Addressing the speculation that Fergie had been replaced, Taboo clarified to Metro: “Nicole has been a family member of Black Eyed Peas for many years now and she was actually the first person that we asked to join the band prior to Stacey Ferguson (Fergie).

"Next in line was Fergie," he added, explaining that Nicole was busy with other projects during the early-noughties when the band rose to prominence.

Fergie confirmed that relations with BEP are amicable and she is available for more collaborations. “'I've always just been the little sis and part of groups and like that and I got to have a moment with 'The Dutchess' and such and amazing four albums with The Peas and hopefully more,” Fergie told SiriusXM.

BEP has always been able to combine their social consciousness with their music. apl.de.ap, (aka Allan Pineda) a Filipino American, sang "Bebot," as a tribute to the Filipino farm workers of the early part of last century. After a successful release with a slick contemporary video, years later, the group redid the video to reveal the real intent of their hit sung in Tagalog. 

Just for the hell of it, and because it is Filipino American History Month, here is the  original vision that was filmed partially in Stockton's Little Manila.

For the English translation, click here. You'll see it is the Filipino equivalent to James Browns' "I'm Black and I'm Proud."

You’re Filipino, shout it out c’mmon!
If you’re beautiful, shout it out, c’mmon!
If your life is valuable, c’mmon!

Filipino! Filipino! Filipino!

Black Eyed Peas is set to release their anxiously awaited "Master Of The Sun" album on Oct. 26  through Interscope Records. 

"Master Of The Sun" is their first album in eight years, the songs on this political album are 

inspired by the social climate of the United States. Following is a powerful video for their single "Big Big Love" which takes on some pretty big issues, the Parkland High School shootings, the opioid epidemic and the separation of kids from their families at the border.

There's a warning before the start of video, "It's hard to watch. No kid should have to live through this."Just in time for the Nov. 6 elections.

By the way, the new single features another Filipina singer, Jesica Reynoso, rormer The Voice of the Philippines finalist, who has apparently joined the Black Eyed Peas family.

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Addison Russell suspended 40 games for domestic abuse

After he serves his 40-game suspension, Addison Russell's future with the Cubs is uncertain

WEDNESDAY MORNING, Major League Baseball announced that Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has accepted a 40-game suspension without pay for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

Russell's suspension is retroactive to Sept. 21. Russell has agreed not to appeal the discipline.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement regarding the suspension

"My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Addison Russell violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Russell violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will cover 40 games."

On Sept. 19, Russell's ex-wife, Melisa Reidy-Russell, a Filipina American, detailed the alleged domestic abuse in a long post on her personal blog where she wrote: 

"The first time I was physically mistreated by my spouse, I was in shock. I couldn't wrap my head around what just happened ... Why did he get so angry? What did I do for him to want to put his hands on me?" the author wrote. "Of course I forgave him and assumed it would never happen again. I just thought he had let his emotions get the best of him, he loves me and he's sorry.

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Melisa Reidy Russell .was interviewed on television Wednesday.

Reidy Russell continued:

"After he would calm down from his angry spells, I’d always get the most sincere apologies, making me believe how sorry he was & he’s working on bettering himself. One of his favorite excuses was that he was “young” & he’s still learning how to live right, he basically raised himself, he didn’t have nurturing parents like I did & he didn’t know how to love the way I did. But, somehow he could ALWAYS find a way to make me feel like it happened because of me, or because I wasn’t listening to him. It was ALWAYS my fault – You don’t realize it, but its a sick mind game that you get sucked into – All your source of happiness somehow is controlled by that one person, depending on how they decide to treat you on a daily basis. Feeling the need of affirmation from him became the main source of how I felt happiness. Always trying to please him to show him I was good enough, strong enough, worthy enough… it consumed me & before I realized it, I was so far gone from the person I used to be."

Through his attorney, Filipino American ballplayer Russell released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying: “After gaining a full understanding of the situation I have concluded it’s in the best interest of my family to accept MLB’s proposed resolution of this matter. I wish my ex-wife well and hope we can live in peace for the benefit of our child.”

After the suspension, it is uncertain whether or not the All-Star shortstop will return to the Cubs, which ended its season when it lost its one-game wild card playoff with the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday.

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Sunday Read: Battle renewed over Bells of Balangiga

Two of the Bells of Balingiga are in display at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

DEPENDING ON which side of the Philippine-American War you study, the Bells of Balangiga are either a memorial to the American war dead; or, a tribute honoring Filipino patriots. 

That -- in a nutshell -- is the central argument over a set of three church bells taken from a church in the Philippines by American soldiers during the Philippine-American War, a little known chapter that hardly gets a paragraph in U.S. history books.

Desperately looking for an ally in Asia, the Trump administration wants to appease Philippine strongman President Rodrigo Duterte by returning the set of bells that have been in U.S. hands since the Philippine War 

Wyoming's congressional delegation is deadset against returning the church bells seized as war trophies over a century ago.

Wyoming officials reiterated their continuing opposition to returning the Bells of Balangiga amid reports that the war prizes were to be returned to the church where they were seized during the Philippine-American War. 

"These bells are memorials to American war dead and should not be transferred to the Philippines," the all-GOP delegation made up of U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, said in a joint statement August 12.

However, this time, the U.S. Defense Department appears intent on returning the church bells.

Defense Secretary James Mattis wrote members of Congress last weekend saying it was "in the national security interest of the United States" to return the bells.

Following Mattis' notification to Congress of intent to return the bells, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement last week, "No specific date has been identified for the return of the bells. We've received assurances that the bells will be returned to the Catholic Church and treated with the respect and honor they deserve."

Two of the  hurch bells are at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The third is with the U.S. Army in South Korea.

Requests for the return of the bells have been made by every Philippines administration since the term of President Fidel Ramos in the 1990s to no avail.

AYALA MUSEUM

A diorama shows the attack against the American soldiers.

U.S. Army soldiers took the bells following an attack on the island of Samar in which 48 American troops were killed in 1901. At that point, it was the worse defeat of the U.S. military in the Philippine-American War.

While Americans see the bells as war trophies and a memorial to the American soldiers who died in that forgotten war, Filipinos see the bells as a symbol of resistance to the war artrocities committed by U.S. troops during the Filipinos' war for independence.

The Philippines, a colony of Spain for 300 years, began fighting for independence in 1896. By 1898, Spain had been defeated everywhere in the Philippines except in their stronghold in Manila. The U.S. declared war against Spain in May of 1898. By the end of the year, in an agreement with the U.S., (perhaps out of pride), Spain surrendered to the U.S. rather than to the Filipino freedom fighters.

After Spain's defeat, the U.S. took possession of the Spanish colonies that included the Philippines, Cuba, Guam and Puerto Rico. With the aim to create its own far-flung empire, the U.S. refused to give up the Philippines to the Filipinos. The Filipino revolutionaries, who felt betrayed by their former ally, continued their war for independence, but this time, against the United States.

On Sept. 28, 1901, Company C of the 9th Infantry was sent to Balangiga to cut off supply lines to the freedom fighters. The unit was attacked by bolo-wielding Filipinos, with the ringing bells allegedly signaling the attack.

The church in Balangiga was rebuilt after being burnt to the ground by U.S. soldiers. The adjoiing belfrey
was constructed with hopes to house the bells..

In response, U.S. Brig. Gen. (Howling) Jacob H. Smith ordered that Balangiga and Samar be turned into a "howling wilderness" and allegedly said that any Filipino male above 10 years of age capable of bearing arms should be shot. The result was a 6-month long campaign resulting in the massacre of thousands of men, women and children.F

Smith later faced a court-martial with testimony coming from some of the men under his command. He was found guilty, admonished and forced to retire.

According to the Defense Department, nearly 4,200 U.S. troops died, mostly from disease, in the 1899-1902 Philippine-American War and the guerrilla resistance to U.S. colonial rule that continued into 1913. Facing superior firepower, the Philippines' lost the lives of 20,000 soldiers and over 100,000-250,000 civilians in the 3-year long conflict.

Two of the bells are on display at F.E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The third is with the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Regiment in South Korea.

In a statement issued Friday (Aug. 17), the Philippines' Department of National Defense said the return of the bells would serve as a symbol of the United State’s sincerity and commitment to its long-term alliance with the Philippines.

“The return of the Balangiga Bells will be a strong indicator of the sincerity of the Americans in forging a lasting relationship with the Filipino people and truly symbolic of what their government has referred to in the past as an ironclad alliance between our two countries,” the DND said in the statement.

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10-year-old Fil American breaks Michael Phelps' record

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Salinas' Clark Kent Apuada broke a 25-year old swimming record Sunday.

I CAN'T WAIT until the 2024 Olympics! Clark Kent (Yes, that's his real name!) Apuada broke one of Olympic legend Michael Phelp's swimming records at the Far Estern Long Course Championship in California last Sunday (July 29).

Did I mention that Clark, whose friends call him Superman, is only 10-years-old?

The Salinas fifth-grader swam the 100-meter butterfly in 1.09:38, besting Phelp's record by more than a second. Phelps' record has stood for 25 years.

Phelps went on to compete in the Olympics at age 15 and by the time his Olympic career was over, he won 28 medals, the most of any Olympian - summer or winter.

CLARK KENT APUADA

As if that accomplishment wasn't enough, Clark won first place for all seven swimming events he competed in at the Far Western Championships held in Moraga, Calif. this year.

The determined young man isn’t resting on his laurels, however. Clark said he has an even bigger goal in sight ― the Olympics.

He'll still be too young to compete in the 2020 Olympics that will be held in Japan.

“Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028,” he told HuffPost. “This record has motivated me to keep swimming, to keep striving and do everything I can to get to that elite level.”

Cynthia Apuada, Clark’s mother, said that her child seems to be “living by his name at this point.”

She explained the origins of her son's name. She always liked the name Clark and her husband, was a Superman fan so Clark Kent was a logical outcome. Of course, the nickname of "Superman" was a natural result -- especially considering his exploits in the pool.

"He's a musician, he's a scientist, he's an artist, he's a martial artist, and he's an incredible human being," said his coach, Travis Rianda. "He's what I strive to achieve."

Today, as word of Clark's feat began to spread, he received a message from his hero:

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Filipino boxers making history ... in Fresno?

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Filipino boxers Jerwin Ancajas, left, and Jonas Sultan stare down each other at the weigh-in over the weekend
 at the Filipino Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

IT''S BEEN almost a century since the last time two Filipino fighters fought for a title. IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will defend his title against Jonas Sultan will fight for the title Saturday (May 26) in Fresno, Calif.

Their fight in Fresno State University's Save Mart Center will be the first world title bout between two Filipino fighters in 93 years (when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio on May 2, 1925 in Manila).

Ancajas, 29-1-1 (20), is promoted by international boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. Many are predicting that the polite and humble Ancajas may just be the fighter to step up and take over as the biggest star in Philippine boxing as Pacquiao enters the downside of his history-making career.

Ancalas is on the cusp of becoming a major star. His promoters hope the Fresno fight will give him the exposure to make that step to international fight fans

It will be Sultan's first fight in the U.S. Sultan (14-3) is ranked No. 1 by the International Boxing Federation and is coming off his biggest victory, a knockout of John Riel Casimero on Sept. 16 in Cebu, Philippines.


Before this fight was scheduled, neither fighter had ever been to Fresno. Choosing the place of the fight was no accident.

They probably didn't know of the city's existence. Organizers hope to attract some of California's estimated 3.5 million Filipinos, the bulk who live in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. Fresno sits strategically in the middle, almost equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, each about a three-hour drive away.

Al Perez, a Fresno-area promoter for the event recognizes that Filipinos are big boxing fans. "They mirror the Mexican/American community in terms of their love for boxing. And, of course, having a world champion like Manny Pacquiao ups the profile with the Filipino pride that Manny has brought to the sport."

Perez told ESPN that he traveled with his adviser, Titus Verzosa, a lifetime member of the Filipino American Association of Fresno & Vicinity, on a grassroots tour to spread word about the fight at grocery stores, restaurants and in the nearby farming community of Delano, which has a sizable Filipino/American population.

With the popularity of the sport among Filipinos and Filipino/Americans, it is a wonder that aren't more fights featuring Filipino fighters. Promoters like to use the racial angle -- Filipinos vs. Latinos, Latinos vs. African/Americans, African/Americans vs. white -- to garner more fans.

Fresno doesn't have the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, nor the history and traditon of Madison Square Garden, but the fighters are happy to be fighting in the U.S.

"This is an historical fight for every Filipino out there," said Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of the Ala Promotions team backing Sultan. He told ESPN, "To be here in the U.S., in the boxing mecca of the world, and to showcase our fighters on the world stage, this is it. They have to be inspired to be part of history. I hope Filipinos realize that and come Saturday so they can say, 'I was there watching the first Filipino title fight in 93 years.'"

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Scenes from the Kilauea disaster, Hawaiians muster ohana

USGS

An eruption along one lava flow going through the Leilani Estates community.

(UPDATED May 17, 8:30 PST)

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook the volcano's main caldera of Kilauea Volcano, damaging roads and buildings in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Earlier, ash plumes led to an aviation red alert and raised the threat of acid rain and volcanic smog or "vog" from toxic sulfur dioxide gas that spews forth from the earth along with the lava.

After two weeks of very active volcanic eruptions, new lava flows and fissures emitting noxious gases, Kilauea shows no signs of abating. The largest emission occurred Tuesday (May 16) spewing ashes and gas 1200 feet into the air. Kilauea's activity also created a 4.4 earthquake prompting scientists to issue a red alert warning.

United States Geological Survey scientists from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory still say a massive eruption is still a possibiity. Located on the eastern side of the Big Island, about 2000 people have been evacuated and thousands more remain alert to leave their homes if necessary.

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Leilani Abaya and Kalani Strong thought they had found paradise when they moved to their home in Leilani Estates six months ago.

This week, they are packing up precious pictures, kitchen supplies and their kids' toys.

"There was a few times while we were down there where the sounds coming from the eruption was so enormous that it just stopped all of us that was there in our tracks," she said.

"One moment you break down crying, the next you're just counting your blessings and hugging those around you," Abaya tells KITV. "I feel it's been like that: a back and forth feeling since the moment we evacuated." 

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Kalani Strong and Leilani Abaya: 'Fingers crossed.'

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Filipina/American Ashley Kierkiewicz helped launch the Pu’uhonua o Puna, shortly after the first volcanic eruption. Pu'uhonua o Puna acts as a collection and distribution agency for those displaced from the Kilauea eruptions and lava flows.

“In times of distress and trauma, the community really just pulls in together to take care of each other,” said Kierkiewicz.

Under a cluster of tents at the edge of the affected area, there are stacks of food and clothing people have been donating, bringing them in on pickups and other vehicles. Most of the staff is made up of evacuees volunteering at the site. '

“Everything the you see here is a result of people’s kindness and generosity. We’re 100% community driven and funded,” she said.

Every day, their Facebook page announces what the center needs, as well as verified accounts of displaced families’ GoFundMe accounts.

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Ashley Kierkiewicz helped organize relief efforts.

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At the beloved Keaukaha General Store, is also acting as a relief center for the almost 2,000 evacuees. 

Aristotle Sacramento is ready do his part to help his displaced neighbors from Leilani Estates. “Natural disasters you just can’t do anything too much about, but stay positive, get together, and be one.”

Already and local gathering place, since the eruptions began, the general store has been piling up with goods and donations from locals.

While their location is on safer ground 20 miles away from the lava zone, the store is not immune from the possibility of projectiles, and the poor air quality, but — it won’t stop store owners and workers from taking in items seven days a week.

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Aristotle Sacramento, right, has helped turn his store into an assistance center.

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Hawaii state Representative Joy San Buenaventura, who represents a district by the volcano, led an April 28 town hall on disaster preparedness in the Pahoa community center - now one of the main evacuation centers.

“It was fortuitous that we had scheduled the forum, and I hope people took preparedness to heart,” the Filipina/American lawmaker told Reuters. “What we couldn’t prepare for was the amount and concentration of sulfur dioxide in the air.”

“Their life is kind of put on pause, they don’t know if they should quit their jobs or whether or not they can move back home and keep their jobs. They don’t know whether or not if they have to quit school because they can’t get to school if the lava keeps cutting them off, or the lava will end, which is what happened 2014 and they can move back home.

While Leilani Estates gets most of the impact, San Buenaventura told Balitang America that she is concerned that continued activity may impact the livelihood of a large Filipino farming community.

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Hawaii state Rep. Joy San Beunaventura approaches a fissure splitting open a road.

“If it crosses this way, which is what they’re expecting because the riff zone goes this way and if it goes towards Kapoho village which is the most eastern portion of the state, if it goes that way which is expected then you’ll see the papaya farms over here being decimated.”

"We really don't know the extent of the damage and whether or not people can actually rebuild,"  San Buenaventura told NBC News. 

Another question, she said, "is whether or not you should rebuild" in areas more likely to see lava flows.

* * *

Meanwhile, Abaya, who fled her home in Leilani Estates, was unable to get renters insurance from three different companies because the area is in lava zone 1. The home where she and her family were staying is so far still standing, she said.

"I feel like we're coming to terms that, you know, that house may be taken and you know that we definitely need to restart our lives," Abaya said this week.

Abaya and her family initially evacuated to Oceanside, about two-and-a-half hours away. Abaya and her 6-year-old son planned to stay in a tent on a friend's property in Hilo — he goes to school in Hilo, and she works at the University of Hawaii in Hilo.

"Fingers crossed," she said.

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Transgender Filipina makes history on NBC's 'The Voice'

Angel Bonilla made it through the Blind Auditions of 'The Voice.'

A LITTLE BIT of history was made last March 5 when The Voice had its first transgender contestant sing for a spot in the competition.

Angel Bonilla, a 31-year old Filipina/American, sang an emotional version of the Sam Smith track “Lay Me Down.” That was enough for three-time winning coach Adam Levine to turn his chair around and asked her to join his team fon the next round of the competition.

“As early as five years old, I already knew that I am a girl trapped in a boy’s body,”Bonilla told host Carson Daly. “Growing up in a very conservative family, it was very difficult for my father.”

“When my dad saw me as a girl for the first time, he was puzzled," she continued. "He’s not sure if I am his son, but he embraced me. I promised him that I will do great things. I wanted my father to be proud of me, and I’m doing this to honor him.”

According to her Voice bio, by the time she was 16-years old, Angel had transitioned into a beautiful young woman, and her family moved to the United States a few years later. Angel currently lives in Los Angeles, pursuing her dreams.

It's not the first time she's been in the spotlight. Bonillal also competed on Season 1 of The X Factor where she made it to Boot Camp with a cover of "Killing Me Softly." Earlier, she competed in Bulgaria's Discovery International Pop Song Festival.

Now she's on The Voice.

"The Voice is a great platform," she said. "I will be judged by my voice for the first time in my life! In most cases I am judged by my gender first, before I sing. And also I'd like to represent the trans community. I want to encourage my fellow sisters(transgender) to fight for their dreams."

The Voice airs on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 p.m. EST.

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Lawyer suspected of shooting former clients

Paul Mendoza Allen

ASAM NEWS

THIRTY-FOUR-YEAR OLD Paul Mendoza Allen, a Filipino/American attorney, has been arrested in Idaho March 7 after being accused of attempted murder of a Southern California elderly couple, who were also Filipino/Americans.

According to Baldwin Park,California, police Lt. Melissa Stehly, money may be a motive in the March 6 shooting that occurred in a gated residential cul-de-sac lined with two-story houses.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that police went to the Olive Street home after receiving calls of shots fired at 12:25 p.m. on Tuesday. The elderly couple, a woman in her eighties and a man in his late seventies, were found shot multiple times and were taken by a helicopter and an ambulance to a trauma center. The couple remain in a hospital.

Will Sabalburo, 25, the couple’s neighbor told SGVT that he saw a man walking in the morning at 10:15 a.m.

Sabalburo said the man was a “nice guy” who attends homeowner association meetings. He also said that the husband and wife are “kind of quiet.”

“I just got home from golf and saw all this madness happening,” he said.

After investigators checked different cities and followed leads, they were able to find and arrest Allen and his wife, Pauline Catibayan, in Jerome, Idaho. ABS-CBN News reports that “Local police entered his vehicle license plates into the National Crime Information center and Idaho state police located him along with his wife on Wednesday. They are now awaiting extradition.”

The shooting victims remain in critical condition despite being shot multiple times. Reports suggest that the couple were Allen’s clients at one time. 

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Texas Filipino American running for Congress

Gina Ortiz Jones

A WAVE of first-time candidates are running for office this year, most of them hoping to be able to work in Congress against policies being proposed or enacted by the Donald Trump administration.

Gina Ortiz Jones, 36, a Filipina/American, is one of those novice politicians not satisfied with merely sitting on the sidelines and who wants to become a game changer.

At first, as the new administration came in, she thought that she could still work under Trump as a director in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, But there came a point when she realized that the current administration was working against all that she believed in.

“I knew my time in public service would be different,” says Jones in an interview with Marfa Public Radio and West Texas Public Radio. “I knew it would be different having been a veteran, as a woman, as a member of the LGBT community, as a first-generation American, I knew just how this administration ran their campaign what they would focus on.”

Jones’ single mother had relied on subsidized housing and school when raising her in San Antonio. Trump’s plans to slash education and housing assistance was just too much for her to not do something to counteract the direction Trump was moving the country in. Jones also thought the people Trump was hiring for top posts “were interested neither in the public nor service.”

Jones is trying to unseat two-term incumbent Rep. Will Hurd (R). But first she must win the March 6 Democratic primary over three other Democrats.

District 23 is one of the most competitive congressional districts in Texas, running from San Antonio to El Paso. During the 2016 November election, it was one of the few Congressional districts in the red state and that narrowly voted for Hilary Clinton, while electing a Republican representative. 

Jones has been endorsed by major national groups including EMILY’s List, VoteVets and Victory Fund. Former Texas Democratic state senator and gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis is backing her, so is Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who gave a passionate speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. She’s also running as Democrats have scored notable victories around the country.

"The elections in Virginia, Alabama, and Atlanta have proven that momentum is on our side, and the American people are ready for change," she said.

If elected, she would become the first Filipina/American to serve in Congress. From her campaign website, Jones writes why she is running for office:

My mother came to the United States 40 years ago, because of her belief in the unique promise of America.

As a single-mother, she worked two jobs at times to ensure that my sister and I could achieve the opportunities that only this country could provide.
 I grew up knowing hard work, not circumstances to which we were born, should determine our trajectory. This promise is currently under threat, but I still believe we can be a country whose actions match our highest ideals.

That’s a country equally focused on creating good job-paying jobs, while strengthening our middle class.

That’s a country that is focused on providing quality healthcare to all, while still ensuring we lead the industrialized world in medical breakthroughs.

That’s a country that embraces our immigrant history and our collective responsibility to ensure that the American Dream remains a possibility for all that dare to achieve it. 

That’s a country that understands our exceptional role in this world, yet understands that our exceptionalism is rooted in the opportunities we afford for the most vulnerable amongst us to become our most promising. 

Our state and our country are worth fighting for. It’s why I joined the military, it’s why I served in Iraq, it’s why I’ve dedicated my life to public service, and it’s why I’m running to serve Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.

I look forward to fighting alongside you.

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