New York/New Jersey Edition - Nov. 26, 2010

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Volume 4—Issue 8 • 16 Pages

USA

DATELINE Filipino biz among Asia’s top 100 tech firms FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

LOS ANGELES—Red Herring, a business technology magazine, named Philippine-based Morphlabs to its 2010 Asia Top 100 Tech Company list. Morphlabs, a provider of private and public cloud infrastructure, is the only Philippine company to be named on the distinguished list.

“We are pleased to accept this distinction to be among the Top 100 Tech companies in Asia”, said Winston Damarillo, CEO of Morphlabs.

“Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat,” said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring.

“After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across Asia to the Top 100 winners. We believe Morphlabs embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture.

Morphlabs should be proud of its accomplishment, as the competition was very strong.”

Red Herring’s Top 100 Asia list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work.

The online business magazine evaluates companies on on both quantitative and qualitative G8>< 8)

State agencies fail to comply with Bilingual Law LOS ANGELES—When Mrs. Li lost her job as a janitor earlier this year, she found filing for unemployment difficult.

Li, a Chinese immigrant resident from San Francisco, couldn’t understand the government documents from the state unemployment agency, which were all in English. Confused by the process and the paperwork, she often relied on her family and local non-profit agencies to have them look at the important documents.

But little did she know that the state government is required to have translated the materials for her.

Li’s problem is not uncommon especially in the immigrant communities in California.

A recent statewide audit found state and local agencies are failing to provide vital government services to many Californians with limited English speaking skills.

The California State Auditor’s report released Thursday found that many agencies either do not know of their responsibilities or are not fully meeting the legal requirements to aid limited English G8>< 8)

NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010

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by VERONICA

Inquirer.net

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MANILA—The government is prepared to “evacuate all” 60,000 Filipinos in South Korea “if and when needed,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos said Wednesday.

“Everything is in place. We have an updated plan that addresses the security contingent arising in Korea. We will evacuate all if and when needed,” he said in a phone interview with Inquirer.net.

The constant tension in the Korean Peninsula

starting with the North Korea’s nuclear testing about two years ago prompted the Philippine government to draw up a plan that includes mobilizing its “extensive network” of Filipino community leaders in dangerous situations, Conejos said.

The plan is regularly updated and the last update was on June 9, he said.

“Right now, the Philippine embassy in Seoul has raised alert level 1, which means heightened security for our nationals,” Conejos said. The plan involves four alert levels.

In his phone conversation with Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Luis Cruz, Conejos said the situation as of posting time was “quiet.”

“There have been no new [artillery] exchanges,” he said.

Asked if the Filipinos in South Korea were feeling anxious, Conejos said they were “concerned about the situation, hoping that it would de-escalate soon.”

The DFA official also said that he has not received any report of an unusually high number of OFW departures from South Korea.

“We have the usual number of returns,” Conejos said.

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US condemns N. Korea attack WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama is telling his South Korean counterpart that the US stands “shoulder to shoulder” with its close ally and will work with the international community to strongly condemn what the White House branded as an “outrageous” attack by North Korea that killed two South Korean marines.

Obama called South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (lee myuhng bahk) following a meeting with his national security advisers to discuss the attack early Tuesday on a South Korean island that set off an exchange of artillery.

The White House says the two presidents agreed to hold combined military exercises and enhanced training in the days ahead to continue the close security cooperation between the two countries.

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Can PH win war Marquez ready for Pacquiao rematch without US?–senator

by JOSEPH

PIMENTEL AJPress

by MAILA

AGER Inquirer.net

MANILA—Can the Philippines win a war without the United States?

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile raised this question on Tuesday during the hearing of the legislative oversight committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement on the Palace’s move to review the country’s agreement with the US. “The question that must be answered first is what’s our capability? Can we do it alone in this world if we are going to cut off our relationship with the US? Because the VFA is simply an implementation of the mutual defense treaty. Are we ready to really discard the mutual defense treaty?” asked Enrile, directing his questions to G8>< 8)

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Juan Manuel Marquez says he’s ready for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao and believes he’s the only one capable of beating the Filipino champion.

“I’ve proven myself in the last two fights with him and I’ve showed that I have the techniques and element to beat him,” said Marquez through an interpreter during a media day workout at the Trinity Boxing Club in West Hollywood Monday.

Marquez, though, has to get through a tough opponent in Michael Katsidis first before even being considered in what many call the Manny sweepstakes.

Marquez is in the last stages of preG8>< 8+

Int’l media outfits try to make sense of massacre

by MIKO

MORELOS Inquirer.net

MANILA—As the infamy of the Maguindanao massacre transcended Philippine borders and stunned the world, international media outfits tried to make heads and tails of the story by piecing together information and airing it, as History Channel Asia did last month.

But the episode, which was aired several times in October, prompted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to issue a disclaimer to clarify some parts of the account.

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DREAM Act to be discussed in Congress next week

by DYMPHNA

CALICA-LA AJPress

PUTT

the process because these might affect them,” Kiran Ahuja, executive director THE proposed law providing undocu- of the White House Initiative on APIs mented students in the US a path to legal said. residency will be brought to the floor next She noted the participation of Asian week, US Sen. Harry Reid said. groups are important because in CaliAlready, the White House Initiative on fornia alone, some 40% of undocuAsian American and Pacific Islanders wants mented students are Asian Americans. different communities “to be informed” of Ahuja spoke last Nov. 24 to more the benefits of the Development, Relief and than a hundred callers in a community Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM telephone conference call organized by Act). the White House Initiative on APIs and “We are reaching out to all the different the White House Initiative on Educacommunities so they can be engaged in G8>< 8+

Valid for new Auto-pay customers who subscribe to a Direct Dial, CellConnect or CellConnect Prepaid plan between April 20th and December 31st, 2010, who are in good standing at the time of the award and who have a valid email address. FREE MINUTES: To qualify, post-pay Customers must complete an international call of 5 minutes or more to any international destination, excluding the U.S. or Canada. Prepay Customers must make a qualifying minimum purchase of $25 and complete an international call of 5 minutes or more to any international destination, excluding the U.S. or Canada. FREE MINUTES award will be in the form of a call balance that can be used to call any destination. The call balance will be valued at $5.00 (US) if the international call is to Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia or the Philippines. The call balance will be valued at $3.50 (US) if the international call is to any other qualifying international destination. Customers access their call balance by using a PIN number that will be sent to Customer’s email address. GIFT CARD: Customers will receive a $10 Persona MAX Card from American Express upon a qualifying minimum purchase. Post-pay Customers must have $50 (US) in per minute call charges within the first 3 billing cycles of their service. Pre-pay Customers must recharge $50 (US) to their accounts within the first 60 days of their service. Persona MAX Cards may be used at participating retailers and terms may apply. Offers are available for a limited time and are subject to change. STARTEC PLANS: US rate applies to state-to-state calls and excludes Alaska and Hawaii. International calls to some cellular numbers may be charged at different rates. Carrier Cost Recovery and USF Fees apply. By subscribing to or using Startec’s service, you agree to Startec’s terms and conditions found at www.startec.com/terms.

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A NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

PH ready to evacuate...

From the Front Page US stands shoulder to shoulder...

PAGE A1

PAGE A1

enforce compulsory evacuation if we reach alert level 3,” he added.

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies concerned with migrant workers and other overseas Filipinos to ensure their safety.

“We are closely monitoring it and I have tasked the relevant agencies to review their plans concerning the safety of our citizens there,” the chief executive said.

Conejos said the plan involved a two-step movement. “In case of escalation, we will move our people out of harm’s way from the danger zone to converge halfway in relocation sites. If the security situation deteriorates, we move them to evacuation centers, from where we will airlift them to safety,” he said.

The DFA official, who has been in charge of overseas Filipino workers in dangerous situations as in Somalia and Iraq, said Philippine military planes and ships, as well as commercial vessels, would be used in case of an evacuation.

Most of the 60,000 Filipinos in South Korea work in factories or as service workers deployed through the government-to-government Employment Placement System. Conejos pointed out that the same system puts the responsibility of repatriation on the employer.

its neighbor. Its options limited, the US sought a diplomatic rather a military response to one of those most ominous clashes between the Koreas in decades.

Working to head off any escalation, the US did not reposition any of its 29,000 troops in the South or make other military moves after North Korea fired salvos of shells into the island, setting off an artillery duel between the two sides.

The president, speaking to ABC News, would not speculate when asked about military options. He was expected to telephone South Korean President Lee Myung-bak late Tuesday night. He met earlier with his

Filipino biz among Asia’s...

PAGE A1 criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, execution of strategy, and integration into their respective industries.

Morphlabs has offices in the Philippines, US and Japan and is the third Red Herring award for CEO Winston Damarillo.

Damarillo has founded and

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

top national security advisers to discuss next steps.

Washington has relatively few options when dealing with Pyongyang. Military action is particularly unappealing, since the unpredictable North possesses crude nuclear weapons as well as a huge standing army.

North Korea exists largely outside the system of international financial and diplomatic institutions that the US has used as leverage in dealing with other hostile countries, including Iran.

North Korea has also resisted pressure from its major ally, China, which appears to be nervous about the signs of instability in its neighbor.

“We strongly condemn the

State agencies fail to...

PAGE A1

sold three companies, Gluecode to IBM in 2005, LogicBlaze to Progress Software in 2007 and Webtide to Intalio in 2009. Damarillo has now been CEO to three Red Herring awardees including Exist Global, which won in 2006, Simula Labs in 2007 and Morphlabs in 2010. (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress)

Can PH win war without US...

PAGE A1 the members of the presidential commission on VFA. “Today, we may not have any visible opponent around us but I ask you, each one of you here, can you match the military capable of Singappre? Can you match the military capability of Indonesia?

Can you match the military capability of Malaysia? Vietnam?” he said.

Enrile said the US was the country’s “security umbrella and the arguments about Constitution or sovereignty were meaningless “unless you have the capability of balance.”

“The truth of the matter...we don’t have any bargaining chip,” he said, “We are nothing. Let’s just accept it.”

But if the majority pushes through with the abrogation of the VFA, then the Senate leader said he would also go for it “but be ready to be a slave of other countries.”

Senator Joker Arroyo enumerated, however, the many reasons why he believed the agreement, which he described as “defective,” should be abrogated.

“The mutual defense pact is so defective that we don’t know why it still exists,” Arroyo said during the same hearing.

The senator also questioned why undersecretary Edilberto Adan, executive director of the commission, would claim that the country has been benefiting from the US especially in terms of military assistance, which is only $100million or P5 billion a year when the current budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is close to P90 billion.

speaking residents whom they serve.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised by the findings of the report,” said Assemblymember Warren T. Furutani (D – South Los Angeles County), who requested the audit. “The audit shows that while the policy is in statute, the practice is not, and we must hold administrators accountable to implement the law.” “[Thursday’s] audit underscores what the community already knows—that even though California has a model law requiring government agencies to communicate effectively with all of their clients, the reality is far different,” added Karin Wang, vice president of programs and communications at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC). “APALC sees first-hand that many limited English speaking Californians are not able to actually access critical services – emergency services, employment benefits, nutrition programs – that they pay for through their taxes. Without effective enforcement of Dymally’s requirements, our community members continue to be denied or delayed vital services.”

Signed into law in 1974, the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, is intended to ensure that Californians with limited English speaking skills are able to access critical government services such as food assistance, health care, and police, fire and other emergency services.

State and local agencies that serve a substantial number of nonEnglish speaking people are required by law to have materials trans-

Int’l media outfits try to...

PAGE A1 copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer.

The disclaimer centered on three issues which the DoJ sought to clarify: the reconstruction of key events in the massacre, the killing of a certain “Jessie,” which the documentary claimed to have been “a blow to the prosecution,” and the commentary of a prosecution lawyer who was identified in the episode as the lead counsel in the case.

The episode, which ran for over

40 minutes, relied heavily on “reconstructions” of the events leading to the massacre, with actors playing henchmen and victims.

The scenes appeared to have been shot in a remote area to simulate the place where authorities found the bodies of 58 unarmed civilians on Nov. 23, 2009.

Some of the scenes to which the DoJ took exception were those showing “a convoy of vehicles, an armed man appearing to be walking on a verandah/balcony keeping watch, and that of the Ampatuans

attack and we are rallying the international community to put pressure on North Korea,” Obama said in the ABC interview, specifically citing the need for China’s help. Obama said every nation in the region must know “this is a serious and ongoing threat.”

An administration official said Tuesday evening that US officials in Washington and in Beijing were appealing strongly to China to condemn the attack by arguing that it was an act that threatened the stability of the entire region, not just the Korean peninsula.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Defense Secretary Robert

Gates phoned South Korea’s defense minister to express sympathy for the deaths of two of the South’s marines in the artillery shelling of a small South Korean island and to express appreciation “for the restraint shown to date” by the South’s government, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Obama called North Korea’s action “just one more provocative incident” and said he would consult with Lee on an appropriate response.

In his phone call to South Korea’s defense minister, Gates said the US viewed recent attacks as a violation of the armistice agreement that ended the Korea War in 1953, and he reiterated the US commitment to South Korea’s defense, said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell. (AP)

lated in that language to explain available services and also employ qualified bilingual persons in positions that routinely contact the public.

However, the audit Thursday shows little compliance. According to the report, the State Personnel Board, the entity charged with monitoring and enforcing compliance with the law, failed to implement key recommendations from an earlier audit in 1999 and is failing to meet most of its responsibilities under the Act. With over six million Californians or 20 percent of the population limited English proficient (LEP), it’s important for these Californians to have access to vital government services, said Titi Liu, executive director of the San Francisco-based Asian Law Caucus.

“Our state is only growing more diverse, both ethnically and linguistically,” she said. “We must break down the language barriers preventing many Californians from accessing services that should be equally accessible to all. We must also concentrate on creating greater opportunities for immigrants to learn English.”

Advocates of the law hope that the report serves as a wake-up call to state and local agencies.

“The audit confirms what we see daily – that limited English proficient individuals have unequal access to public services because agencies are not complying with the law. With a clear picture now of these problems, California must create a roadmap to correct these deficiencies immediately. California agencies are not really working if they aren’t working for all residents,” said Vincent Pan, executive director for Chinese for Affirmative Action. (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress) and their men allegedly having a ‘pot session.’”

De Lima said that these scenes were not properly labeled as “reenactment” or “reconstruction,” and that she feared these could be “passed off as true recordings of the event.”

The DoJ also pointed to inaccurate parts of the episode, particularly one showing the convoy of vehicles being stopped by armed men, which was marked as a reconstruction during the airing. “[The scene] runs counter to witnesses’ testimony already on record that the convoy was flagged down at a police check-

point where hundreds of armed personnel have been deployed to await the convoy,” the document said.

At face value, the scene “was made to appear that armed men just suddenly ran onto the road and stopped the convoy,” it said.

The DoJ likewise wanted to clarify the death of one “Jesse,” which the episode described as “a blow to the prosecution.”

In June, a man police identified as Suwaib Upham was shot dead in Parang, Maguindanao, the man who adopted the alias “Jesse” and gave select reporters an interview in March.

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010

A

A NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

US CAVALRY’. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington leads an American naval flotilla steaming into Korean waters, a move likely to enrage North Korea.

Inquirer.net photo

Marquez ready for Pacquiao...

PAGE A1 paring to defend his WBO and WBA lightweight championship belt against the Australian Katsidis this weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And if defending his championship belts weren’t enough, another match with boxing pound-forpound king Pacquiao has really motivated Marquez.

Pacquiao and Marquez last met in 2008 where the Filipino champion narrowly won a split decision victory. The two also fought in 2004, which was an entertaining draw.

Since the two last fought, Pacquiao’s boxing fame has risen tremendously as he’s moved up several weight classes with marquee wins against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and recently, Antonio Margarito. Meanwhile, Marquez moved up one weight class and had signature wins against Joel Casamayor and former champion Juan Diaz, one of which was voted Fight of the Year. He also moved up from lightweight, 135 pounds, to welterweight, 144 pounds, but lost against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Marquez said he’s been very impressed with Pacquiao’s wins against bigger opponents like Joshua Clottey and most recently, Antonio Margarito.

“He’s proven that he’s a very good fighter,” said Marquez. “His speed is still there. He’s also shown he’s more mature. He’s used all of his experience from his previous fights.”

Marquez also downplayed a Pacquiao statement saying that fans would not be excited watching a Pacquiao-Marquez III rematch.

During a news conference in Manila where he received a medal, the eight-division world champion and Sarangani congressman Pacquiao said, “I would not watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez.”

Marquez said fans do want to see another match.

“Everything is up to him [Pacquiao],” said Marquez. “I know the people want to see a third fight.

Maybe his company doesn’t want to make the third fight but like I said everything is up to him.

I’m ready. I’m ready to fight him and he knows we could make a good fight.”

No contact from Top Rank Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum or any official from Top Rank has not contacted him regarding Pacquiao’s next opponent. Golden Boy has spoken on behalf of Mayweather promotions and also represents two names being thrown around in the Manny sweepstakes – Sugar Shane Mosley and Marquez.

Schaefer said Pacquiao should fight Mayweather Jr. next but if negotiations fail again, Marquez is the next best option.

“Styles makes fights and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best counter puncher ever in the history of the sport or at least considered in the top three,” said Schaefer. “Manny Pacquiao knows that and he knows how difficult of a style Juan Manuel Marquez has for him so I’m not surprised Top Rank hasn’t called us yet.”

Regarding Sugar Shane Mosley, who reportedly is a free agent from Golden Boy, Schaefer had no comment.

“Unlike Shane, we won’t be discussing his contractual status with the media,” said Schaefer.

With two failed negotiations for a super mega bout, Schaefer urged Pacquiao’s promoters to do everything it takes to get a deal done for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout.

“Fight fans want to see the Mayweather fight and I know Manny wants the Mayweather fight. I think that has to be the top priority of the sport,” he said.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Economic data reveal a hint of consumer merriness WASHINGTON—Americans are earning and spending more, companies are shedding fewer workers and hopes are rising for the economy as the holiday shopping season starts.

Still, with businesses spending less on manufactured goods and new-home sales near their lowest level in 47 years, consumers alone might not be able to invigorate the economy and drive down unemployment.

All told, government data released the day before Thanksgiving suggest an improving economic picture. But it is increasingly dependent on the consumer, even with U.S. companies having reported record profits in the July-September quarter.

“Households are spending more, and that may signal they are starting to feel better about economic conditions,” said economist Joel Naroff of Naroff Economic Advisors. “It is the consumer that holds the key to the recovery and it looks like households are starting to turn the lock.”

On Wall Street, the mostly encouraging news on the economy buoyed stocks. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up 150 points.

Many retailers depend on the holiday shopping season to make their year. The November-Decem-

ber shopping season can account for up to 40 percent of retailers’ revenue and profits.

Consumers boosted spending 0.4 percent in October, up from a 0.3 percent increase in September, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

Many are benefiting from thicker paychecks. Americans’ incomes rose 0.5 percent in October, pulled up by a 0.6 percent rise in wages and salaries. That was after incomes didn’t grow at all in September.

At the same time, the pace of layoffs is slowing. Initial jobless claims dropped by 34,000 to a seasonally adjusted 407,000 in the week ending Nov. 20, the Labor Department said. Applications have fallen in four of the past six weeks.

Last week’s figure was the lowest since July 2008 and the first time that claims have fallen below 425,000 since then. Economists generally believe that weekly firsttime applications for jobless aid would need to drop consistently below 425,000 to signal sustained job gains.

Even with last month’s pickup in spending, consumers are shying away from the type of buying needed to significantly lower the 9.6 percent unemployment rate. And economists expect

more modest income gains in the months ahead. That’s why some doubt incomes will grow consistently and keep consumers spending enough to invigorate the economy.

“Households have started to pick up the baton of growth from businesses,” said Paul Dales, U.S. economist at Capital Economics.

“Whether or not households will be able to shoulder the burden of growth on their own is another matter.”

Americans have become more frugal, saving 5.7 percent of their disposable income in October, compared with just over 1 percent before the recession hit.

They are also resisting the urge to spend money they don’t have.

According to Associated PressGfK Poll, Americans are more likely to pay off their credit-card balances right away than they were last year, and fewer say they make credit card purchases if they lack enough money at the time.

The poll also found that debt isn’t stressing people as much as it had been, but consumers remain leery about holiday buying binges. Just 9 percent said they plan to spend more this year on holiday purchases than they did a year ago; 37 percent plan to spend less. (AP)

DREAM Act to be discussed...

PAGE A1 tional Excellence for Hispanics.

“The vote is imminent in the next couple of weeks,” Stephanie Valencia, White House Office of Public Engagement associate director said in the same conference call.

The bill has received major backing from President Obama earlier this month, saying he wants it passed within the year.

Sen. Reid said the proposed legislation will be a stand alone bill that will be tackled in the ongoing lame duck session in Congress.

“The students who earn legal status through the DREAM Act will make our country more competitive economically, spurring job creation, contributing to our tax base and strengthening communities,” Sen. Reid said in his statement.

The DREAM Act would allow undocumented high school

graduates in the US to apply for permanent resident status and eventually citizenship.

The proposed legislation was introduced unsuccessfully at various times in the House and Senate since 2001. In 2009, Sen. Majority leader Harry Reid said the DREAM Act will be part of a planned comprehensive immigration reform bill. This also fell through due to lack of bipartisan support.

Many Republicans oppose the bill, saying it is flawed and would unreasonably add legal workers to the workforce at a time when many Americans are out of jobs.

Last September, the DREAM Act, along with a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, was incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2011. But this, too, was shot down by Republicans in Congress who said the DREAM Act is unrelated to the Defense bill.

The latest DREAM Act version allows those who graduated from any US high school to apply for legal residence. They also need to show proof that they arrived in the country before turning 16 and have lived in the US for at least five years. He or she also has to have good moral character to qualify for the program.

The qualified individual will be given conditional status for six years. During this time, he or she would be required to graduate from a two-year community college or complete at least two years towards a 4-year degree, or serve two years in the US military. After the conditional status, the person can apply for US citizenship.

An estimated 65,000 undocumented students graduate from US high schools every year. But these residents cannot go to college because they cannot apply for financial aid or scholarships due to their status.

Dateline Philippines

20 teams formed to track massacre suspects

by Paolo

Romero Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed 20 tracker teams to go after the 112 accused in the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province exactly a year ago today.

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, Task Force Maguindanao director, said the teams were grouped according to four categories of the accused – relatives of the Ampatuans, police officers, military personnel and members of the civilian volunteer organization (CVOs), which reportedly acted as the clan’s private armed group.

“Each tracker team has its own specific target.

Some are based in Maguindanao, GenSan (General Santos City), North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat,” said Estipona.

He noted that two teams are based in Camp Crame since there was information that some accused sought refuge in Metro Manila. Accused Moctar Daud, a CVO member, was arrested in Pasay City early this month.

Estipona explained that there were more tracker teams going after the relatives of the Ampatuans because they are armed.

Estipona, concurrent deputy chief for operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), added that joint police and military forces are hunting 21 Ampatuan relatives, 10 policemen, four military personnel, and 78 former CVO members.

Since June this year, the CIDG in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao headed by Superintendent Jack Malinao has accounted for 11 accused who used to work in CVOs of the Ampatuans.

Malinao said police and military forces had to plan for the terrain in the region since the fugitives are obviously familiar with the lay of the land.

Estipona said the P28 million offered by the Depart-

ment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the arrest of the accused was also a factor in the apprehension of the CVOs. Meanwhile, the Defense department under the Aquino administration gave assurance that it would not allow killings similar to last year’s Maguindanao massacre.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Eduardo Batac said the government is stepping up measures to prevent abusive practices by influential clans and to professionalize existing paramilitary units.

“We will see to it we will not allow any abuses. We like the military to be insulated form political influences,” Batac said in a press briefing.

“We are taking steps to professionalize special CAFGUs (Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Units).

We don’t want this (massacre) happening again. With this administration, I don’t think any of this will be allowed to happen again,” he added.

Batac said efforts are being undertaken to enhance the recruitment, training, and supervision of CAFGUs, which some sectors claimed are being used by powerful clans to intimidate constituents.

The Defense department believes that maintaining CAFGUs has its advantages due to the limited strength and budget of the armed forces.

“Many of those in areas affected by insurgency are the ones requesting that they be equipped and be given these CAFGUs,” Batac said.

“Remember, we are operating under a tight budget right now... It is important that there are forces in place in affected areas because of the limited strength of the AFP. If you leave these areas unprotected then the insurgents will come back,” he added.

Batac also assured the public that there would be no cover-up in the Maguindanao massacre case and that those involved in the bloody incident would be punished.

Church urged to soften stand on condom use MANILA—A government official called on the local Catholic Church Monday to follow the example of Pope Benedict XIV who had softened his stand on the use of condom in the fight against the spread of HIV-AIDS. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Ramon Carandang told reporters Monday, “I think our own clergy should be informed by the views of the Vatican because they’ve always referred to the Vatican when they stated their position. Now that the Vatican’s position is such, then I think that should result in a corresponding flexibility on the part of our Church. The local Church cannot be more popish than the Pope.”

He added that the use of con-

dom and other forms of contraceptives is not as controversial in other parts of the world as it is in the Philippines.

Pope’s position would also boost the Department of Health’s earlier project of distributing free condom to the public as part of its anti-HIV-AIDS program, as well as the bid to pass the Reproductive Health bill, he said.

The Pope during an interview for the book “The Light of the World” had said that the use of condoms maybe justified to stop the spread of HIV-AIDS. He, however, acknowledged that it is not the only way to handle the spread of the HIV infection.

He also clarified that his comments does not weaken their stand against the general use of artificial contraceptives.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said they prefer to waiting until the book is published this week but acknowledged that the Pope’s comments focuses on the use of condoms as one of the tools to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS and not as the main measure.

Abortion is illegal in the Philippines, but condoms and birth control pills are available despite church objections. Philippine church officials are against contraception which is banned by the constitution.

Like four out of five Filipinos, Aquino is a Catholic. But he supports the right to contraception in the country with an aim to slow the country’s annual population growth of 2 percent. (Philstar.com)

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010

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In Memoriam: Hernando G. Golez, Ph.D, The Philippine Mango King (1951-2009)

How exemplary work bears the sweetest fruit

by Cynthia de

Castro / AJPress

DO YOU know that in 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the Carabao Mango as the sweetest fruit in the world and that the sweetest variety of the Carabao Mango is produced in the island province of Guimaras in the Philippines?

These mangoes could only be the result of the exemplary work and research done by Filipino scientist Dr. Hernani G. Golez – the Philippines’ top expert in the development of the fruit industry, particularly the high-value crop mango, and the most awarded researcher in the field of mango pest management and production. Among the many awards he received included the 2007 TOFIL (The Outstanding Filipinos) Award for Agriculture, the Outstanding Agricultural Scientist of the Philippines Award from PCARRD (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development), the 2008 Ten Outstanding Filipino Award, the 2008 Outstanding UP Centennial Alumni Award, and the LA TriMedia Award for Science and Technology.

Dr.

Golez’s contribution to the mango industry was immense. He spent more than 25 years conducting research to improve the variety, increase production through proper pest management and post harvest handling of mangoes. His work led to the establishment of the National Mango Research and Development Center (NMRDC) in Guimaras. NMRDC assists mango growers in producing superior-quality mangoes through developed technologies in pruning, chemical flower induction, fertilization, irrigation, crop protection and post-harvest handling. These have also helped lessen their expenses, and protect the environment.

Golez was also renowned in his work in mango pests, which resulted in the international proclamation of Guimaras as mango pulp and seed weevil-free. His researches on mango seed weevils and fruit flies and in pest control also made possible the eradication of the mango fruit fly and resulted in the declaration of Guimaras Island in the Visayas a zone free of mango pulp and seed weevils.

Guimaras became known as “Mango Country,” the only province capable of exporting mangoes to US and Australia, which immensely improved the quality of life of the Ilonggos.

With Golez’s expertise, many of the technical requirements for export have been addressed like pest risk analysis, survey, bio-assay, and export protocols.

The Philippine mango has traveled as far as Korea, China and New Zealand with Golez’s integrated pest management strategy for mango that utilizes other control procedures involving pruning, clean culture, fruit bagging and biological control.

Golez’s IPM book for mango published in 1997 has become the “bible” of Filipino mango grow-

PNoy on withdrawal of amnesty proclamation: We never said we’re perfect

by Delon

Porcalla & Marvin Sy Philstar.com

CALAMBA, LAGUNA—President Aquino acknowledged the mistake his legal team committed in drafting the amnesty proclamation for detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and other soldiers that mutinied against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seven years ago.

Speaking to reporters at the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council at Yazaki-Torres manufacturing plant, Aquino said the requirement that Trillanes and the others seeking amnesty should admit guilt could be integrated into the implementing rules and regulations of the amnesty proclamation.

“We recognize the fact that we’re all human beings and things made by human beings can be improved,” he said.

Aquino said he is open to amendments to the amnesty proclamation.

“Hindi naman po kami nagsabi ni minsan na kami po’y kaisa-isang anak ng Diyos na kami lang ang may dunong (We never said that we had a monopoly on wisdom),” he said.

Aquino said the idea to grant amnesty to Trillanes originally came from the Senate, not from him.

“Number one, we want to close that chapter,” he said.

“Number two, hindi naman nagmula sa amin ang amnesty. Nagmula ho sa Senado. Inaasa-han po natin nasa paguusap naman po iyan. We have three branches of government. Iyung inputs ng Congress ay atin pong pakikinggan (The idea of amnesty did

not come from us; it came from the Senate. We’re listening to inputs from Congress; this can be discussed),” he added.

Aquino issued the statement after his political ally and former Ateneo classmate Sen. Teofisto Guingona III expressed disappointment over reported flaws in Proclamation 50.

Guingona said section 5 of Proclamation 50 was the same as the one contained in Proclamation 80 issued

by President Corazon Aquino in February 1987.

“But you must remember that when President Cory made that proclamation… it was a revolutionary government so that’s why it took effect immediately.

But now it’s a different regime, we have a functioning legislature, we have a functioning Senate and Congress.”

He had to withdraw the report after Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. informed him that Proclamation 50 will be amended, Guingona said.

The Senate was supposed to approve it the other day.

Guingona heads the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation.

He was supposed to present before the plenary the committee report that was to pave the way for a vote on the amnesty proclamation.

The Senate would now wait for the new proclamation, which is expected to come out this week, before conducting a new hearing.

Aquino signed Proclamation 50 last October, which granted amnesty to military personnel accused of trying to oust Arroyo.

ers. Access to proper mango production and propagation has become easy.

As a result, mango cultivation has become widespread, especially in Mindanao, which supply large volumes of mangoes during the off-season production in Luzon and Visayas.

The limited government support for the development of the NMRDC has never discouraged Golez. Instead, he sought the help of foreign institutions to help fund the construction or improvement of the Center’s facilities, as well as the acquisition of needed laboratory equipment and additional manpower. These have made the Center one of the most respectable research institutions in the country.

A native of Guimaras Island, Hernani G. Golez completed his undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Agriculture from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He obtained his Ph. D from the Ohio State University in US as a Department of Agriculture-World Bank Scholar.

Golez’s pioneering works in agriculture earned him several accolades from different organizations, such as the Outstanding DA Employee Gawad Saka Award from the Department of Agriculture; Hall of Fame Award from the Bureau of Plant Industry; Lingkod Bayan Award by the Civil Service Commission; the Pantas Award’s Most Outstanding Researcher/ Scientist; Dungog Sang Iloilo by the Iloilo City Government and the Pest Management Award by the Pest Management Council of the Philippines.

Last year, 2009, the Philippines lost a great man when Golez suddenly died. Before his death at the young age of 58, he was working on a Mango Tree Encyclopedia, an Oman project, and a national survey of mango pulp and seed weevil in the Philippines funded by the US Department of Agriculture.n

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OPINION

FEATURES

‘Blow out’ THE new WBC super welterweight champion and Saranggani representative Manny Pacquiao returned home last November 20 from the US. The “people’s champ” was greeted with a hero’s welcome by his colleagues when he returned to work at the House of Representatives last November 22.

Pacquiao was conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction for bagging the eight world ring title against his Mexican opponent Antonio Margarito. But more importantly, the honor was given in recognition of his humanity amidst possession of immense strength when he gestured at the referee to stop the fight as intolerable pain became evident upon Margarito’s face.

The lavish awarding ceremony that his colleagues prepared seemed a tad extravagant in this economically-challenged nation that these legislators are tasked to improve.

A report from a local newspaper said the conferment ceremony was followed by a suspension of Session at 4:30pm last November 22 to pave way for the welcome victory party for Pacquiao later in the evening.

The pending work at the lower house for the day was attended to before the Session was suspended, a TV Patrol report said.

But Waray Rep. Florencio Noel, chairman of the accounts committee said that celebrations will not involve any cost on the part of the House. It was noted that Speaker Belmonte had also asked every member of Congress to contribute P1,000 ($23) for the snacks like sandwiches and drinks during the party.

The accounts chairman also said during the same interview that some congressmen even pledged to

bring lechon (roasted pig) and other food for the celebration.

In a separate interview with Radyo Inquirer Noel admitted that P200,000 ($4,600) will be spent on sandwiches alone and the amount of money pledged by some congressmen even exceeded the standard P1,000 contribution. He said the biggest contribution was P10, 000 ($229) from Mandaluyong Representative Neptali Gonzales II so far, while he himself contributed P5,000 ($115).

The accounts chairman meanwhile refused to give the exact figure on the total contributions of all the congressmen and instead gave the closest description that the total was very lavish.

Should there be an excess from the contributions of all the congressmen for Pacquiao’s victory party, the unused fund will then be donated to the poor families of Payatas, Quezon City.

Noel also reiterated in the Star interview that a hero’s welcome party is a welcome that Manny Pacquiao deserves. He also said that it their “first time” to have a colleague who has won the worldboxing champion eight-times in a row.

It is everybody’s prerogative to honor a hero and be honored as one. Regardless if the award is given in a luxurious or modest manner, the most important thing in recognizing a true hero is the latter’s ability to accept all means of gratitude—even if it does not come at all. (AJPress)

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Filipinos celebrate Thanksgiving Day MANY Filipinos who are new in the US are The Fil-Am amazed at how important Thanksgiving Day Perspective is to Americans.

While the predominantly Christian Pinoys in the Philippines look GEL SANTOS-RELOS forward to Christmas as our big day for family reunions, the more diverse American people really mark Thanksgiving Day as that day in a year when family and friends of different faith and social backgrounds travel far distances just to celebrate and express gratitude and appreciation to God, family and friends and for blessings of material possessions and relationships.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving was a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, tracing back to the time of the Pilgrims who left Plymouth, England on September 6, 1620 to head to the New World that is America, in search of both civil and religious liberties.

After more than two months of navigating the rough seas aboard the Mayflower, a 17th Century sailing vessel, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts in late November, and sought a suit-

able landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the “Mayflower Compact”—America’s first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

The Pilgrims faced the harsh and bitter cold New England winter, which brought about starvation and sickness, causing the death of nearly half of them before Spring. Yet, they persevered in prayer, and with the help of American Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), historians say it was America’s first Thanksgiving Festival.

According to Thanksgiving-day. org, there is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the firsthand

account written by the leader of the colony, the food included ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc. Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first Thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin.

Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.

In 1789, America celebrated its first Thanksgiving Day following a proclamation issued by President George Washington under the new Constitution. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln’s precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. However, it was not until December 26, 1941 that a bill was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt—making Thanksgiving a national holiday and setting it to the fourth (but not final) Thursday in November.

Today, the holiday of Thanksgiving fills people with memories of families gathering together, giving thanks to God for all the blessing received in the past year, and feasting over the tradi-

tional roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, herb stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and eggnog or apple cider.

Filipino families in America create a yummy fusion of the traditional feast with Filipino cuisine, substituting roast chicken (lechon manok) or chicken relleno as the star of the feast, but bigger family or community gatherings always give the traditional lechon the center stage. The usual hamon, kaldereta, pastel, embotido, morcon, adobo, menudo, pancit, lumpia, karekare, crispy pata, leche flan, ube, cassava cake and buko pandan, always get requested during potlucks as well to complete the multi-cultural celebration of Thanksgiving.

In this era of consumerism, however, the “After-Thanksgiving Sale” has become as popular as the feast. People line up in the wee hours of the morning to avail of doorbusting deals, hoping to get the biggest discounts for their Christmas/holiday gift shopping.

Of course for us, Pinoys, stretching their hard-earned dollar means more presents to stuff the balikbayan box with—to be sent to families in the Philippines as aguinaldo. For some

Trial and error

WOW, Mali! This was the title of the defunct TV program starred in by popular comedian Joey de Leon that was previously aired on Channel 5. The show featured hidden cameras that caught people trapped in funny situations as well as those who figMarichu A. ured in unintended boo-boos. A very witty writer, De Leon, by the way, also writes a regular column for The Star entertainment section.

The TV show became the craze of the Filipino audience and its title Wow, Mali! has become a household expletive when something goes wrong. But this expression is only used if the mistake turns out to be funny and harmless.

Committing one Wow, Mali! after another may be tolerable during the first 100 days in office of the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. In fact, even the opposition ranks are willing to give a year in office for Aquino to learn the ropes and allow a margin for errors if they fumble along the way.

It’s quite acceptable and even understandable that such Wow, Mali! mistakes come with the new territory. These are expected and is part of the usual birthing pains of any new administration.

But after five months in office, Aquino administration officials should stop the seeming trial and error method by which they try to run our government. It’s not funny anymore at this stage to commit such Wow, Mali! mistakes at the expense of our people.

In fairness, though, to the President, he has no illusion of infallibility. The Chief Executive said: “We recognize the fact that we’re all human beings and things made by human beings can be improved.”

How I wish his Palace aides and Cabinet officials would closely hew with the presidential attitude.

In his usual candor with Palace reporters, he admitted that his Palace legal team has erred in certain provisions of the Amnesty Proclamation that he signed and forwarded to the 15th Congress for their concurrence. Because of these defective provisions, the Palace was forced to withdraw the presidential Amnesty Proclamation that Congress was ready to approve en toto. The corrected draft will go

back to square one of the legislative mills of both chambers of Congress.

The Palace legal team headed by Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa will have to do better Villanueva than having to say sorry each time such serious lapses occur. They should have learned from the first time such sorry mistake has been committed last July in the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) No.1 signed

by Ochoa.

An over eager presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda “prematurely” released and announced to the press the first Palace directive. MC1 ordered the removal from their post of many government executives who were co-terminus with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. However, MC1 was vaguely worded to indicate how this applied to career executive service officers (CESO) whose tenures in office are protected by laws of the land.

The very next day, the Palace had to make a quick retreat from the previous announcement by Lacierda who clarified that what he gave to the press was supposedly just a “draft.” A revised MC1 gave affected Arroyo appointees until Oct. 31, 2010 to pack up their things and leave their offices.

What the Palace bright boys failed to realize was that it was not easy to fill up as much as 1,500 vacancies.

This faulty amnesty proclamation was the latest blunder that came about after the controversial launching of the Pilipinas, Kay Ganda tourism promotion campaign by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

After initially defending his agency’s big-time boo-boo, DOT Secretary Alberto Lim grudgingly admitted the program was prematurely launched last week.

The new campaign slogan and logo were supposed to phase out the Wow, Philippines! that our country’s tourism promotion program has been using for the past nine years already. At the height of the furor against the new country brand that DOT has proposed to adopt, I heard an interview of the DOT Secretary on his explanation why they wanted to discontinue using Wow, Philippines! as our

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enterprising Pinoys, the big discounts during this sale period mean a bigger profit margin when they resell their bargain goodies either here in America or in the Philippines!

In the midst of our celebrations, parties, reunions, parades and serious shopping, however, Christiananswers. net reminds Americans to “retain the original gratefulness to God displayed by the Pilgrims and many other founding fathers, and remember that it is to those early and courageous Pilgrims that they owe not only the traditional Thanksgiving holiday but also the concepts of hard work, ethics, self-reliant communities, and devout religious faith.”

Happy Thanksgiving, mga kababayan. Let us remember to count our blessings, and to always look at the glass as half-full instead of half-empty—no matter what the circumstances are. God bless us always! *** >\c JXekfj I\cfj `j k_\ XeZ_fi f] K=:Ëj È9Xc`kXe^ 8d\i`ZX%É M`\nj Xe[ fg`e`fej \ogi\jj\[ Yp k_\ Xlk_fi `e k_`j Zfclde Xi\ Xi\ jfc\cp k_fj\ f] k_\ Xlk_fi Xe[ efk f] 8j`Xe AflieXc Xe[ 89J$:9E$K=:% =fi Zfdd\ekj# ^f kf nnn%K_\=`c$8dG\ijg\Zk`m\%Zfd#]XZ\Yffb%Zfd& ^\ci\cfj# kn`kk\i%Zfd&^\cjXekfji\cfj%

country brand. He said potential tourists in Germany mispronounced it as “VOV, Philippines.” This is because the letter “w” in the German alphabet is pronounced as “v.” I don’t think Lim was joking when he said it.

Then the worse came out. Netcitizens found out that the new DOT logo appeared to be a copycat from Poland’s. It was a good thing that President Aquino suggested some improvements in the logo by adding a tarsier and a “smiling” coconut tree in the logo to give it the local Philippine colors.

But a smart aleck remarked: “But tarsiers don’t climb coconut trees. They live and thrive on eucalyptus trees.” Still, Wow, Mali!

While the embattled DOT Secretary was trying to salvage the situation, everyone else who had something to do with it, including the ad agency commissioned to do the new tourism campaign slogan and motto, have washed their hands off. They blamed their client, the DOT, for not heeding their advice that it is still subject for testruns. The local and foreign stakeholders of the DOT complained in unison, which is unusual—they were not consulted at all.

As one popular saying goes, success has many fathers but failure is an orphan.

Finally, the brains behind the flubbed DOT promotion campaign, Undersecretary Vicente “Enteng” Romano III, offered to resign.

While Romano may have helped a lot during the campaign in the last May 10 presidential elections through his social networking skills and talents, President Aquino had no choice but to promptly accept it.

These were the latest in a string of blunders so far chalked up under the new administration which is obviously still groping its way.

The learning curve is dangerously getting longer instead of shorter.

The Wow, Mali! Expression could very well be the words of caution that the Chief Executive could issue to the men and women of his administration. A complete staff work may have done the trick and a lot of consultations and consensus-building could have helped them detect potential trouble spots.

The time for trial and error is over. However, it would be asking too much to be error-free. But doing their homework more diligently can get the error-prone Aquino administration officials to run this government out of trouble. (Philstar.com)

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(212) 655-5426 â&#x20AC;˘ http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline Philippines

DOT forms slogan team

by Mayen Jaymalin Philstar.com

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Having junked the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pilipinas kay Gandaâ&#x20AC;? tourism campaign, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has formed a committee to select a new catchphrase.                                                        In a statement, DOT said the committee would include experts from the tourism sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The committee will shortlist brands suggested by the public and the final list would be subjected to market tests and group discussions prior to selection of the final brand,â&#x20AC;? the DOT said.

The tourism department has admitted it erred when it rushed the concept to the market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Past brand conceptualization efforts took many months to develop. We were impatient and wanted to jumpstart our program. That was a mistake,â&#x20AC;?

it said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A majority of the stakeholders and general public do not support this concept.â&#x20AC;? The Tourism Congress said the use of the slogan was not consulted with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are at a loss on why this (Congress) has never been tapped by the current DOT leadership. There is widespread perception among the private sector that Secretary (Alberto) Lim is unwilling to work with the Tourism Congress despite the clear mandate by the Tourism Act of 2009,â&#x20AC;? said Tourism Congress president Alma Jimenez.

The congress was created under the Tourism Act of 2009 as a consultative body in the private sector that will assist the government in the development of policies and programs.

She said Lim has not even given feedback on the proposed Tourism Agenda. The consulta-

tive body submitted the paper more than four months ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We only want to help. This is our industry. We must focus on the tourism agenda and set aside petty differences that impede its progress,â&#x20AC;? Jimenez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diversity of opinion can be irksome for the leadership but it is a necessary ingredient to a successful partnership between the public and private sectors towards the implementation of policies and programs.â&#x20AC;? On Friday, the Tourism Congress will have a general assembly, during which a Special Action Committee would be formed to discuss effective branding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The general assembly of the Tourism Congress on Nov. 26, 2010 will be the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest gathering of industry stakeholders to discuss policy issues affecting the tourism industry,â&#x20AC;? said Jimenez.

Aquino one with nation mourning Maguindanao massacre

by Christine

O. AvendaĂąo

Inquirer.net

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wearing a black armband, President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday joined the nation in marking the first anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre and promised that giving justice to the victims was â&#x20AC;&#x153;on top of our list.â&#x20AC;?

For the first time since he assumed the presidency, Mr. Aquino mentioned the reported 58th victim who â&#x20AC;&#x153;remains missing.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;His body has never been found,â&#x20AC;? he said in reference to journalist Reynaldo Momay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will not rest until justice has been served.â&#x20AC;?

The barong-clad President showed up with the black armband on his right arm in two events he attended in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas.

He declared Nov. 23 a National Day of Remembrance for the 57 victims, including at least 30 media workers.

The massacre in Maguindanao, said to be the worst political violence in Philippine history, is being blamed on members of the powerful Ampatuan clan, their private army and militiamen.

But the President Tuesday rejected calls to disband statefunded militias, saying the government did not have enough

money to rely solely on overstretched regular military and police forces to fight insurgencies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you hire more people [in the military and police] you increase the pension obligations that we obviously cannot support,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Aquino told reporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the interim, each community has a right to protect itself, especially those in far-flung areas, and the key to that are these CAFGUs (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units),â&#x20AC;? he said.

But he conceded that there had been complaints over alleged abuses by the paramilitary forces, which total 50,000 people, and pledged stricter military and police supervision over them.

Litmus test A number of close-in aides, including Presidential Security Group head Ramon Dizon, was seen also wearing a black armband along with Mr. Aquino when he led the ground-breaking ceremony of a facility of NestlĂŠ Philippines Inc. at the First Philippines Industrial Park in Tanauan, Batangas.

The President continued to wear the black armband when he spoke an hour later before the third annual Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, this

time at the plant of Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing Inc. in Calamba, Laguna. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wearing a black armband today in sympathy with all those who perished,â&#x20AC;? he told reporters in Laguna.

In a statement he issued later in the day, the President said the resolution of the cases against the accused in the Maguindanao massacre would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;a litmus test of our justice system.â&#x20AC;?

He said the resolution of the cases filed in the Quezon City Regional Trial Court was one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice.

Of the 197 accused, 81 have been arrested and 49, including the principal suspect, Andal Ampatuan Jr., have been arraigned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today we again offer our condolences to the families of the victims and vow to do everything in our power to achieve a timely resolution of this case and ensure that this does not happen again,â&#x20AC;? the President said.

He said authorities continued to hunt down those accused of involvement in the killings.

Mr. Aquino also said the state of emergency would continue in Maguindanao because authorities had yet to account for loose firearms as well as 21 other accused in the province.

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A NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2010 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

NOV. 26-DEC. 2, 2010

Bailey ‘Bailrok’ Munoz

people events arts culture entertainment

ROCKING THE B-BOYING WORLD

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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FIL-AM B-BOY

by DYMPHNA

ROCKS TO THE BEAT

CALICA-LA PUTT / AJPress

LIKE most American kids, he lives for basketball and soccer and is thrilled whenever he is allowed to watch movies.

And like most kids who are raised in Filipino homes, he loves tocino and longanisa for breakfast and often requests for his favorite adobo, kare-kare and lumpia. He goes to church every Sunday and greets his grandparents with the traditional mano.

But this 10-year old Fil-Am who lives in Las Vegas is far from typical. For one, Bailey Munoz is exceptionally talented in the rare art of b-boying—or break dancing—at a very young age.

Not surprisingly, Bailey—known on stage as B-Boy Bailrok—has charmed a lot of audiences.

His numerous performances are very diverse, ranging from a New York Knicks game to a recent political sortie of US Senator Harry Reid.

He was also featured in Chris Brown’s latest music video Yeah 3x.

B-boy Bailrok has also competed in several contests across the country, the latest and most-widely watched of which, was NBC’s America ’s Got Talent, where he advanced to the semi-finals last August.

“You are the whole package,” celebrity judge Howie Mandel said to Bailey who, for that competition, performed as part of the Future Funk duo with five-year old Miles Brown.

While he and his partner failed to bag the top prize which included a chance to headline a show at a Las Vegas Strip hotel, Bailey went on to wow audiences in a host of other venues.

These included competitions and exhibitions across the country from California to the East Coast and even one in Paris, France.

Last year, he was ceremoniously inducted as the youngest member of the legendary Rock Steady Crew, the decades-old b-boying and hip-hop group established in New York.

The dizzying pace of Bailey’s prodigious career, which started barely a year ago, will amaze everybody. But no one could be more surprised than his parents Ferdinand and Barbra.

Ten years ago, physicians had told the would-be parents that their baby might be born with severe handicaps because of complications. The doctors even suggested that the pregnancy not be completed.

But the strongly religious couple believed a child of any circumstance was a blessing.

They insisted on continuing with the pregnancy against their doctors’ advice. Proving his parents were right, Baby Bailey showed resilience at a young age. He overcame a premature

birth, three years of recurring health scares and a score of highly invasive medical testing that followed.

By 2004, Bailey’s health began to stabilize.

He and his parents left Fremont, California to move to Las Vegas where a baby girl was also added to the family.

Two years ago, Bailey who was growing up to be a basketball fanatic “secretly” joined a local dance competition with an eye—not for the honor—but for winning tickets to the 2007 NBA All Stars, which was in Las Vegas that year.

“We didn’t know he was going to enter the dance competition presented by Toyota,” Barbra told Asian Journal in an interview, adding “It was really just for fun to him.”

The then eight year old whose “training” came from avidly watching MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew on television was ecstatic when his freestyle dance performance scored him four tickets to his beloved basketball game.

For Bailey’s parents, however, the dance competition was a realization that that their child’s interest in dance needed encouragement and his natural talent needed nurturing.

The young b-boyer’s parents spent about a year trying to find a local Las Vegas studio that taught break dancing. In October 2008, they went to Studio One in Summerlin where BailRok began formal training.

Rock Steady Crew’s Artson immediately took Bailey as his protégé, after seeing the young boy’s uncanny sensitivity to intricate rhythms and melodies. It was Artson who christened Bailey with the name Bailrok because “he rocks to the beat.”

B-boy Bailrok also learned moves from different members of the crew and added skills by attending various dance workshops.

Since then, he has electrified audiences in several performances such as the 2009/2010 Rock Steady Crew Anniversary in New Jersey and the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards held in Las Vegas .

He is also earning respect within the b-boying community as he showed confidence and creativity that matched those of his older and more experienced contemporaries. He won the Up and Coming B-boy award at the 7th Vegas Shake Down and the competition at MTV’s 2009 ABDC concert.

Some of his performances as a solo artist were at the Hip Hop Battle Fest, the Billionaire Mafia Event, the Formula, Magic Show and

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Rally for the Kids hosted by Jerome Williams.

Bailey also performs with various dance crews of which he is a member. These include the hip hop dance troupe The Prodigy directed

by Kay More and Future Funk.

Hawaii and Oxnard, CA are his next scheduled stops, while the UNLV Rebels’ halftime shows will be his upcoming local gigs. Updates of upcoming events and other information can be found at www.bailrok.com.

This dedicated dance artist have performed, competed, and won in various b-boy dance floors in his young career, his only wish is to keep doing it for a long time.

“I have been blessed to have such a supportive family and dance community… I promise that I will always do my best in everything that I do whether it is my school or my passion for entertainment,” Bailey told his followers in a recent statement.

He continuously hones his craft by rehearsing avidly and taking several different dance lessons every week. The b-boy community all agree he will reach far.

But no matter how far he has gone and how much he has already achieved, this young Las Vegas local manages to still live a typical Fil-Am boy’s life. When he is not b-boying, he divides his time doing homework, taking in a movie, listening to Michael Jackson’s songs and asking for his mom’s pansit.

John Lloyd, Toni make beautiful memories in ‘My Amnesia Girl’ Star Cinema’s holiday romantic comedy to screen in 7 US cities starting December 3 REDWOOD CITY—Amnesia in the movies is a subject that, believe it or not, has done pretty well in the Hollywood box office. It has driven plots in action films like The Bourne Identity, science fiction like Total Recall, thrillers like The Forgotten, romance dramas like The Notebook, and romantic comedies like 50 First Dates and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Memory loss is at the heart of Star Cinema’s newest romantic comedy for the holiday season, My Amnesia Girl. However, fans are not likely to forget to watch this movie that stars two of the Philippines’ most beautiful faces, bankable and in-demand stars— John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga—in their first ever team-up on the big screen. Filipino moviegoers are in for a wonderful treat as ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store brings My Amnesia Girl to seven cities in the US starting December 3: Las Vegas, NV, Seattle, WA, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA, Bergenfield, NJ, San Francisco and Milpitas, CA. Can human love ever be powerful enough to overcome amnesia? In this heartwarming story about second chances and making things right, how much of one’s past is worth remembering? How much is worth forgetting?

When Apollo (John Lloyd) finds himself surrounded by friends who are beginning to settle down, he feels the pressure to do the same thing. But he has a phobia for commitment. He had fallen hard before: with Irene (Toni). Apollo and Irene made a perfect couple until circumstances led them to fall apart about three years ago. To Apollo, she is the one that got away and he could only blame himself for it.

Before people think this has become too serious, do not forget that the film is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, a master of romantic comedies, having helmed mega-blockbusters with John Lloyd like A Very Special Love and You Changed My Life and with Toni in You Are the One, You Got Me and My Only U. Joining John Lloyd and Toni in the cast are Joross Gamboa, Carlos Agassi, Ketchup Eusebio, JM de Guzman, Nico Antonio, Cai Cortez, Beatrice Saw, Dianne Medina and Atoy Co. “To rise above the clutter of attention-grabbing stimuli during the holiday season, we made sure to offer a film with true star power and surefire quality entertainment content,” said Kerwin Du, ABS-CBN International’s head of theatricals. “It’s hard to forget My Amnesia Girl with all the charm, talent and chemistry of John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga. And with Direk Cathy at the helm, this love story revolving on the complications of memory loss is guaranteed to strike a memorable chord among audiences in various cities.”

:fdg\k`k`fej )''/ E98 8cc JkXi N\\b\e[ N`ee\i CXj M\^Xj# EM )''0 DKMËj 8d\i`ZXËj 9\jk ;XeZ\ :i\n :feZ\ik N`ee\i CXj M\^Xj# EM )''0 M\^Xj J_Xb\[fne Lg Xe[ :fd`e^ 9$9fp N`ee\i CXj M\^Xj# EM )''0 ?`g ?fg @ek\ieXk`feXc n`k_ Gif[`^p LJ8 J\d`$ =`eXc`jkj CXj M\^Xj# EM )''0 =li`flj Jkpc\j 8ee`m\ijXip HlXik\i =`eXc`jkj G_f\e`o# 8Q )'(' =lcc =fiZ\ 8ee`m\ijXip HlXik\i =`eXc`jkj CXj M\^Xj# EM )'(' Nfic[ f] ;XeZ\ n`k_ <dXefe K_`i[ GcXZ\ GfdfeX# :8 )'(' Aljk\ ;\Yflk HlXik\i =`eXc`jkj GXi`j% =iXeZ\ )'(' ?`g ?fg @ek\ieXk`feXc n`k_ Gif[`^p LJ8 J\d`$ =`eXc`jkj CXj M\^Xj# EM )'(' Nfic[ f] ;XeZ\ n`k_ <dXefe J\Zfe[ GcXZ\ JXe ;`\^f# :8 )'(' E9:Ëj 8d\i`ZXËj >fk KXc\ek$KFG )+ J\d`$=`eXc$ `jkj Cfj 8e^\c\j# :8 KiX`e`e^ 9i\Xb ;XeZ`e^ Gi`mXk\ J\jj`fej n`k_ IfZb Jk\X[p :i\n D\dY\ij ?`g ?fg &:_fi\f^iXg_p Jkl[`f Fe\ n`k_ ;`i\Zkfi BXp Dfi\ :_fi\f^iXg_p G8C n`k_ ;`i\Zkfi 9pife 9lZXf >pdeXjk`Zj Gi`mXk\ J\jj`fej >iflgj&Fi^Xe`qXk`fej IfZb Jk\X[p :i\n 9$9fp CXj M\^Xj# EM K_\ Gif[`^p 9$9fp&?`g ?fg ;XeZ\i CXj M\^Xj# EM <dXefe 9$9fp&?`g ?fg ;XeZ\i GfdfeX# :8 =lkli\ =leb 9$9fp&?`g ?fg ;XeZ\i LJ8 Jb`ccj 9i\Xb [XeZ`e^ 9$9fp`e^ # =i\\jkpc\# ?flj\# CfZb`e^ Xe[ Gfgg`e^% ?`g$?fg :_fi\f^iXg_p 8Zk`e^ <$dX`c YX`cifb7pX_ff%Zfd

23 Fil-Am students receive Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards, learn more about Philippine National Hero WASHINGTON, DC – The 18th Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards was held at the Embassy of the Philippines on November 20, 2010.

A project of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) and supported by the Embassy, the youth awards aims to give recognition to outstanding FilipinoAmerican students The 2010 Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards display their certificates signed by Ambassador Willy C. for achieving excellent grades while being active in extracur11. Bernadette L. Ferrer ricular undertakings. Through the Dr. 12. Alfred-Enberg Tan Udquim Jose Rizal Youth Awards, young Filipino13. Jaena Marie F. Chu Americans are encouraged to learn 14. Mark Ramada more about the Philippine national hero.

15. Joel James Vazquez This year’s awardees received a 16. Kevin L. Argente medal and certificate signed by His 17. Michael Ramada Excellency Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador of 18. Tatiana B. Lozano the Philippines to the United States; Ms. 19. Hanna Michelle Montoro Rebecca Pagsibigan, President of PAFC; 20. Krizia-Ivana Tan Udquim and, Mr. Roberto Tamayo, Vice Presi21. Kelvin Jens Moncera dent of PAFC and Chairman of the Dr. 22. Ruth Joy L. Relador Jose Rizal Youth Awards. They are: 23. Amanda L. Andrei 1. Katherine Argente In his welcome remarks, Consul Gen2. Nariella Fernandez eral Domingo P. Nolasco, congratulated 3. Eliza A. Buan the awardees and urged them to make 4. Jacob Filon the extra effort of studying the history 5. Mavis Joy C. Manaloto of the Philippines. The Consul General 6. Kayla Argente added that understanding their Filipino 7. Jenelle Virginia F. Chu culture gives young Filipino-Americans 8. Natalia Fernandez a unique advantage over their American 9. Marc Daniel C. Manaloto peers. Ms. Margaret Datiles-Watts, Esq., 10. Joseph McHenry Cajayon a 2004 awardee, delivered the inspiraChavez tional message.

An Asian Journal Magazine

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Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N ov. 26 , 20 1 0

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4 Verizon joins American Express Small Business Saturday

Th e A s i a n J o u r n a l N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N OV. 26 , 20 1 0

Lowe’s opening its doors in Vallejo, CA Home improvement store brings 32,000 products and community support to neighborhood

Vallejo—Lowe’s has just recently opened a brand new store in Vallejo, Calif., which is home to many Filipinos. Vallejo is within an easy commuting distance of San Francisco, Oakland-Berkeley as well as Walnut Creek/Concord and the Tri-Valley area.

Lowe’s of Vallejo opened its doors to the public on last November 12. Grand Opening Festivities including Lowe’s Board Cutting ceremony and Gift Card Match Day were held on Thursday, November 18. The Gift Card Match Day allowed customers to purchase a Lowe’s Gift Card with Lowe’s matching the purchases of gift cards up to $5,000 to support Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity’s next building project.

Lowe’s of Vallejo has 103,000 square feet of retail sales space, with an adjacent garden center, stocking 32,000 different items to help customers build, improve and beautify their homes. A store of this size represents an average investment in the community of about $12 million and creates up to 120 new jobs.

Lowe’s strongly supports communities where it does business.

In 2009, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation contributed more than $30 million to support education and community projects across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Lowe’s also makes specific nationwide efforts to reach out to the Asian American community by interacting with them at relevant Asian-themed events, addressing their home improvement needs and offering relevant merchandising, such as the first-ever Asian Gift Card.

Visit Lowes.com to get easy, step-by-step instructions, helpful information and tips on home improvement, or come to the new store #1871 at 401 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo, CA 94591.* (Advertising Supplement)

American Express has launched a national movement called Small Business Saturday, urging the public to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.

For more info on Small Business Saturday go to: (http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/) Verizon is joining the Small Business Saturday movement to urge small businesses to support one another and to shop at a local small business in your neighborhood. To further

support Small Business Saturday, Verizon will give a $25 American Express gift card to each of the first 800 small businesses that post a comment on this site: http://forums.verizon. com/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Take-Action-Today-SmallBusinesses-Here-s-Your-Chance-to-Support/bap/248001 or use http://bit.ly/bbib50 It’s simple, in the comments section of the blog just write a short note about how another small business can use your services or shop in your store. Be sure to include your full name, the

name of your business, your business’ address and website.

Only US-based small businesses are eligible.

The first 800 small business owners who post a qualifying comment with all of the information noted above on or before December 20, 2010 will receive a $25 American Express gift card.

Limit one gift card per business, address and/or email. The gift card will be mailed within 4-6 weeks.

(Advertising Supplement)

Mango Tours now offers mobile application Now, you can check airfares, book your flights and check on flight schedules on iPhone, iPad and other Apple mobiles with Mango Tours Mobile.

Mango Tours is a travel consolidator based in the U.S. that specializes in Asian destinations, especially the Philippines. With 11 branches in California and Las Vegas, Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. It also has a BSP-accredited agency in Manila, enabling it to assist passengers anywhere in the US or Philippines. Moreover, with its Philippine office, it is able to issue Philippine domestic ticket, travel packages and fares to various international destinations.

“Starting last Nov 24, Mango Tours Mobile has been available to everyone,” said Juan “Jappy”

P. Francisco III, Mango Tours Business Development Manager.

“We have the same technology as big companies in the US Travel Industry. Since the average market now has smart phones, we decided to open this service. While other companies have a hard time getting approved by Apple, Mango Tours was approved the first time we applied. Our efficient Filipino developers made it possible.”

With Mango Tours Mobile, flying has never been this easy.

Passengers can now check airfares, book flights online, check flight status, pay with credit cards and get e-tickets using their iPhone or iPad. “We’re the only FilAm travel agency that offers this mobile application service right now,” added Jappy.

Our technology provides global access to the best fares and most reliable and bookable travel content. It ensures that access to

content and fares is an efficient process so that you are able to obtain and organize your travel needs while spending the least amount of time browsing and searching.

Passengers may contact Mango Tours through its 24/7 US tollfree number 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2626452).

Travel packages, hotels and flights may also be booked online through Mango Tours Mobile.

Check out its very popular Balikbayan packages, especially the bestselling “Island Escape”

which includes roundtrip airfare from SFO/LAX/LAS to Manila via Philippine Airlines, plus 13 days and 11 nights tour of Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, domestic flights, 5-star hotel accommodations with free breakfasts etc. (Advertising Supplement)

AJPress photo by Miko Santos

Walmart announces three days of unmatched holiday savings and delivers the industry’s best price match guarantee BENTONVILLE, ARK—Walmart is kicking off three days of savings, typically reserved only for the Friday After Thanksgiving, on this seasons’ must-have holiday gifts, including the strongest “price match” guarantee in the market. In fact, Walmart is one of the only retailers that will price match competitors’ ads on “Black Friday.”

Customers simply bring in competitors’ ads and Walmart will match the price of any identical product right at the register, making Walmart the easiest place to save this holiday season.1 The retailer’s three days of savings will commence with Thanksgiving Day online-only specials followed by unbeatable prices on Friday, Nov. 26 on electronics, home and apparel items. Also on Friday starting at midnight, Walmart will offer

treats and entertainment to customers including 5-Hour Energy, Great Value Breakfast Bars, donut holes, Trident Gum and Hershey Holiday Kisses.2 Electronics savings in store will continue on Saturday, Nov. 27 including the largest shipment of new Kinect sensors and Xbox 360 bundles while supplies last.

“We’re making this year’s Friday After Thanksgiving a special, festive event with big savings starting at midnight, and lots of food and fun for our customers while they shop and wait for the electronics deals starting at 5am,” said Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart. US. “Walmart’s ability to easily price match competitors’ ads right at the checkout registers mean our customers will save time and money on Nov. 26.”

Thanksgiving Day Online-Only Specials Customers can shop nearly 150 onlineonly specials this year at Walmart.com with savings up to 40 percent on many of the season’s top gifts, including electronics, video games, toys and more. Walmart. com has been the top-visited online retail website for the past five years3 and has tripled its number of online-only specials for Thanksgiving Day this year compared to last year allowing customers to get more savings and shop earlier from the comfort of their home. To help customers save even more, the retailer will offer free shipping to home on all electronics4 and also offer free shipping with Site to Store on the majority of the items available for the Thanksgiving Day online specials.

(Advertising Supplement)

, Calendar of Events across

An Asian Journal Magazine

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A time for giving thanks

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL THANKSGIVING is when people take a step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such a key role in helping us achieve them.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.

Thank you to all of my clients.

I realize that you are the reason I am able to remain in business.

I also know how important your immigration matter is in your life and in the life of your family. I appreciate your trust and confidence in my office, in allowing us to handle such an important matter.

Thank you to the entire Filipino community. I truly appreciate your warmth and support, and I thank you for all of your letters telling me how you enjoy my articles and television show, Citizen Pinoy. I am happy to be of service to you, and I will continue to support Filipino events and causes.

Thank you to ABS-CBN,

TFC, and the entire crew of Citizen Pinoy, who share my vision of providing a publicservice program to the Filipino community concerning immigration laws, procedures, and information. It makes me so proud and happy when people come up to me, saying that they watch Citizen Pinoy every single week, and have learned so much from the real life stories and questions and answers presented. I thank all the crew of Citizen Pinoy for their hard work, dedication, and passion for this worthy public service.

Thank you to all of our friends in the media, who through their prestigious publications, enabled us to reach those who need our services and inform the Filipino community about newsworthy immigration information. You serve as an avenue to help “BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER” and help “MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.” Thank you to my staff. Your tireless efforts and dedication to our clients are the main reasons we can continue to provide quality service to our many loyal clients.

Thank you to my wife, Millie. People say that behind every successful man, there is a Filipina wife. After many

TELECAST SCHEDULE TFC

Sunday Sunday

5:45pm PST 12:10am PST

original replay

ANC US

Sunday Thursday

11am PST •7pm PST

original replay

ANC PHIL

Monday Friday

3am Phil •11am Phil

original replay

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On December 3 at Catalina Bar and Grill Jazz Club 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Annie Brazil will headline a concert featuring Bo Razon, Johnny Alegre, Abe Lagrimas, and introducing Carlo David and 2010 Talent Search winner VJ Rosales. Tickets for the 6th Annual Fil-Am JazzFest Presented by ABS-CBN are now on sale through the JazzPhil-USA Website: www.

JazzPhil-USA.com.

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suffered through many years of failure, “attorney-oflast-hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel never gave up.

This Sunday, watch another successful immigration story unfold when leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel brings you a brand-new episode of your favorite immigration program Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel will also answer viewers’ immigration questions on everyone’s favorite segment: Your Tanong, My Sagot.

Don’t miss this brand-new episode on an all-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday (November 28), at 5:45pm (PST) with a replay the next Sunday, at 12:10am (PST) on TFC. And for kapamilya in Houston and neighboring areas, Citizen Pinoy will be going there for the first time this December. So save the date on Sunday, December 12 in Houston, Texas. Audience call times are at 12nn/3pm/5pm. As a public service from the TFC and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, seats are FREE, but you need to reserve now at www. citizenpinoy.com or you may call toll free 1-866487-3465. More updates will also be made available on the website so be sure to click and visit www. citizenpinoy.com.

Citizen Pinoy is made possible with the generous support of sponsors who are also dedicated to giving back to the Filipino community: Asian Journal —with circulation in Northern and Southern California, Nevada, and in the East Coast; and Arko Foods, the oldest existing Filipino-owned business in Southern California. Citizen Pinoy is also supported by ABS-CBN Global’s key product offerings: Star Kargo, Starry Starry Store, and Sarimanok One.

Bicolandia Association, Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard USA (BAES) 41st anniversary on Nov. 28 USA 2011.

According to President Erlinda R. Arellano, CPA, “BAES was organized 41 years ago primarily to create and sustain a scholarship program that will help needy but deserving Bicolano students pursue college education.

Proceeds of Sunday’s fundraising will go to this project and BAES’ other socio-civic programs. We keep BAES viable so that it can respond quickly when disaster falls

9`ZfcXe[`XËj +(jk 8ee`m% 9Xcc The Bicolandia Association, Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard USA will hold its 41st anniversary and coronation ball from 2pm to 7pm at The Fiesta, 255 State Highway 17 South (Route 17 South), Wood-Ridge, New Jersey 07075 (201.939.5409). Formal attire. Cash bar. Donation $65.

Music: DJ. RSVP Nov. 15. Net proceeds will go to the scholarship program of Bicolandia Association.

Find out on this Sunday’s brand-new episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’

The Bicolandia Association, Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard USA (BAES) is holding its 41st Anniversary and Ball on Sunday, November 28, 2010 2-7pm at The Fiesta 255 Route 17 South, Wood Ridge, New Jersey. Highlight of the event will be the coronation of MEDY SOLERO TAEZA, Mrs. Bicolandia USA 2011; VICTORIA MARIE CABAERO, Miss Bicolandia USA 2011 and ALEXA RENEE PENA, Little Miss Bicolandia

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years of marriage, I know it’s true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your help, support and dedication to our business.

You are the “wind beneath my wings.”

And most of all, thank you to the Almighty. Without His blessings, benevolence, and guidance, none of this would be possible. May He allow me to continue to be able to assist people with their problems, and allow the prayers of all people to be answered and fulfilled. ***

Can an innocent name change result in fraud?

REDWOOD CITY, CA—Growing up, Yolly and her siblings knew poverty. Their parents did laundry for their neighbors and this is what saw them through the years. While they did not have material things, Yolly and her brothers were bonded by a strong affection for each other. Yolly had the chance to come to America as an adult. Things were looking bright, until she applied for a green card through her employer. She discovered that she was born and registered under the name Jesusita. Throughout her life, however, she went by the name Yolanda—the name she was baptized under. Imagine the anxiety and the fear that Yolly had to go through. Her green card was at risk. She had to act fast to prove that Jesusita and Yolanda were one and the same—and more importantly, that there was no intention of fraud whatsoever.

It was an innocent name change that happened shortly after Yolly was born. Her parents did not quite like the sound of the original name they picked as the nickname for Jesusita was “Chita,” which sounded like Tarzan’s chimpanzee, “Cheetah.”

To avoid the child being teased at school, the parents changed her name to Yolanda in time for their child’s baptism. That proved to be a major obstacle in Yolly’s attempt to obtain a green card.

Back in Manila, her brothers helped Yolly acquire the necessary documents to prove her name change. It was a daunting, expensive and time consuming task.

Her case was denied, and she was accused of fraud, all over her name change at birth. Yolly was about to give up but her brothers reminded her to persevere.

And then she found herself at the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel. And despite the fact that her case

America

on Bicol and the Philippines.

As a chapter member of the Bikol National Association of America (BNAA), BAES contributes to BNAA’s charitable endeavors like building pump wells, scholarship and disaster funds.”

For more information, call: Linda (201) 240-0872; Buddy (201) 660-0149; Gidget (201) 983-1335; Francia (201) 4329893; Lita (201) 232-1742; Medy (646) 415-3040; Dina (201) 794-0999.

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>>:: _fjkj -k_ HlXik\icp 8:8G@EFP Xe[ >fjg\c D\\k`e^ Golden Gate Church of Christ (GGCC) will host the 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY and Christian Evidences Gospel Meeting on December 3-5, 2010, at the GGCC Auditorium, 701 8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118. For more information and direction to the 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY and Gospel Meeting, call (415)221-2631, (415)584-7095 or (650)438-3531. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

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JkXij f] ?fg\ fe ,k_ 8m\% Please join us for the parol-lighting for the “Stars of Hope on Fifth” Project at 5pm at the Lobby of the Philippine Center, and the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at 6:30pm

J9G8B (jk i\le`fe Samahang Basketbolistang Pinoy sa Amerika at Karatig (SBPAK) will be holding its 1st reunion at Las Vegas on Dec. 3-4. All professional and amateur basketball players who played in MICAA, NCAA, UAAP, PBA, PBL, MICABA, BIBLE, Inter-Barangay, Inter-Plant, and Palarong Pambansa are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Enrico ‘Kado’ Rivera (626) 2905751 or Bobot Salas (818) 335-2417.

8eelXc :_i`jkdXj =Xd`cp GXikp f] BX^XpXefej f] Jflk_\ie :Xc`]fie`X All are invited to attend the Annual Christmas Family Party of Kagayanons of Southern California at the Whaley Park Community Center, Long Beach, CA. For inquiries call (626) 912-0883.

G_`c`gg`e\ @e[`^\eflj Dlj`Z1 B8C@E>8 In collaboration with SIPA and Kayamanan ng Lahi Series 1 of Philippine Indigenous Music: Kalinga will be presente ad the SIPA Community Center, 3200 West Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, LA. For more info, visit www.jazzphilusa.com or call (323) 521-3588.

LG88>C8 Z\c\YiXk\j XeelXc CXek\ie GXiX[\ The University of the Philippines Alumni Assn. of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) is celebrating its annual Lantern Parade at 6pm on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Dance Village, 1925 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA. 90026. The public is invited to this event, which commemorates the UP tradition of celebrating Christmas with a parade of colleges. The event cost is $20.00 per person.

For more information, please contact the following officers: Myrna Aquitania - (626) 289-1209; Nati Matitu-Mercado - (818) 378-3451; Alma Onrubia - (213) 446-5513 and Dors Maligalig - (323) 547-4802.

G_`c`gg`e\ @e[`^\eflj Dlj`Z1 GXcXYle`pXe Traditional Maguindanaon Kulintang Ensemble Music, in Collaboration with SIPA & Kayamanan ng Lahi. Tickets: $5 minimum donation suggested; Free to those who purchase two-night JazzFest package More Info: www.JazzPhilUSA.org; TELEPHONE 323-521-3588 or EMAIL info@ jazzphilusa.org

Blc`eXipX1 8 =`c`g`ef :lc`eXip J_fn[fne Come and witness the culinary prowess of the six finalists who will do actual cooking. Selected Filipino restaurants will also offer food samples while local artists will provide entertainment. Tasting ticket can be purchased online and at various outlets at $20 per booklet. Participants will also have the chance to win fabulous raffle prizes. For more information, please call 415.956.4060 415.956.4060 , send email to pdotsf@aol.com, or log on to www.experiencephilippines.org. Event will be held at the Metreon, 4th and Mission St in Downtown San Francisco.

8eelXc GXjbfe^ G`efp :\c\YiXk`fe You are cordially invited to a Filipino Tradition of Christmas Presentation of beautiful Lanterns and some with caroling music already in the lanterns with so much bright lights - Homemade Lanterns and Commercial Lanterns Made in the Philippines. The event will be held at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Aquinas Center, 12627 West Bellfort Ave., Sugarland, TX 74478.

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BXcXpXXe ZfeZ\ik Felipe P. de Leon Foundation Inc. proudly presents Katrina Saporsantos, soprano, Anthony Lim, tenor and Cynthia de Leon, pianist. 7 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York.

Donation: $20. Seating is limited. For tickets please call Fatima Griffith at 201-902-0978 or Cynthia de Leon at (201) 790-2735 or (201) 652-4435.

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/k_ 8eelXc JXe =iXeZ`jZf GXifc CXek\ie =\jk`mXc A must-see event during the holiday season, the San Francisco Annual Parol Lantern Festival and Parade begins with a series of parol lantern-making workshops held at the Bayanihan Community Center (1010 Mission St. on 6th Street), every Friday night from 5:30pm to 8pm and in other community centers. The parol-making workshop is open to the public. The parols made during these workshops are then displayed during our anticipated parade & festival held in Yerba Buena Lane, Jessie Square and St. Patrick’s Church. This year, we expect marchers from over 25 local organizations to gather for a lively parade and festival which includes performances, community presentations and the annual Tala Awards for the best parol lanterns. For more information, contact Parol Festival at 415-348-8042, email parolsf@gmail.com or visit www. bayanihancc.org.

Mf`Z\j f] Nfij_`g All are invited to attend the Voices of Worship (VOW) dinner concert on Dec. 11 at the River of Praise Tabernacle, Bayonne, NJ from 7-9pm. Songs will be rendered by Ellen San Miguel, Kats Alvir, Samuel Sonsona, Ptr. Allan Del Mar, and Ptr. Chyril Nicose. All proceeds will go to Missions and Church fund. For more info contact Ptr. Chryil Nicose (9170 575-6282; Ptr. Allan Del Mar (551) 221-0903; and Sam Sonsona (201) 456-6082

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J`elcf^ )'(( DXi`Xe G`c^i`dX^\ Fr. Albert Avenido invites everyone to to experience The centuries-old Sinulog Celebration in Cebu plus pilgrimage to Miraculous Marian Shrines in the Philippines. The last day of our pilgrimage will be a special day of prayer and healing with Fr. Fernando Suarez, C.C. at the new Montemaria. For more information please contact Fr. Albert Avenido fr.albert@yahoo.com

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=8JF Xk k_\ :Xk_\[iXc Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, has invited the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) to perform as part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his priesthood. The concert is expected to be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles on January 21, 2011. For tickets and for more information call Amirah Limayo (213) 250-9797

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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6th Quarterly ACAPINOY, Gospel Meeting in San Francisco All systems go for the 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY and Christian Evidences Gospel Meeting to be held on December 3-5, 2010 at the GGCC Auditorium, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, California.

The 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY will be hosted by the Golden Gate Church of Christ on Sunday, December 5, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Christian hymns and Gospel songs originally sand by Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Pat Boone and other popular singers will be led by song leaders from various congregations in Northern California.

“If you are visiting San Francisco on December 3-5, 2010, you are cordially invited to join the 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY. This is your rare opportunity to hear and sing Christian hymns and Gospel songs in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Ilokano, Pangasinense and Cebuano,” echoed Art Gabot Madlaing, General Coordinator.

ACAPINOY has three main objectives: 1) To foster camaraderie, cooperation and unity among Christians and sister congregations; 2) To serve as natural outreach to the fast-growing Hispanic, Asian and Filipino population; 3) To promote evangelism and outreach to the diverse neighborhood of host congregation.

The double event will include the Gospel Meeting series of lessons on “Why Christianity” by Michael Hildreth, an evangelist who successfully debated recently with David Smalley, Editor of the American Atheists Magazine. The Gospel Meeting speaker is married to Myla Catacutan Hildreth, a Filipina who is a member of the Mazuri Church of Christ in Gerona, Tarlac, Philippines.The couple are blessed with their newborn son Abraham C. Hildreth.

On Friday, December 3, 7pm, Michael Hildreth will speak on “Evidences for the Existence of God.” On Saturday, December 4, 5pm, he will speak on “Evidences for Creation.” On Sunday December 5, 11am, the visiting evangelist will speak on “Evidences for the Resurrection of Christ;” and at 6pm, he will speak on “Evidences for the Reliability of the Bible.”

For more information and direction to the 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY and Gospel Meeting, call (415) 221-2631, (415) 584-7095, (650) 4383531. Snacks and refreshments will be served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Lunch will be served on Sunday afternoon.

Holiday roads and traveling with Fido

by Susan

Marsing, ID—Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go. No doubt, millions will trek to the abodes of family and friends as the holiday season approaches. Just how many are traveling with Fido this holiday season?

PetRelocation.com released recently the results of its first annual Holiday Pet Travel Survey of more than 7,000 pet owners worldwide, finding that sixty-three percent of pet owners say they travel at least 50 miles with their pets during the holidays.

Leave No Dog Behind® is the FIDO Friendly mantra and getting there safely is of utmost importance. In some states, seatbelts are mandatory for dogs. From a safety perspective, unrestrained pets are responsible for more than 30,000 accidents every year according to the ASPCA. FIDO Friendly shares a ‘Holiday Road Warrior Survival Guide’ as we take to the highways and byways for holiday gatherings with family and “fur-ends.”

Vaccination Records Keep a copy of all vaccination records in your doggy’s duffel bag. Should an emergency arise once you are on the road, you will have the important information you need. You will also need these records when boarding Fido for the day or overnight if you take in an excursion where your furry companion is not allowed.

Collar and leash Remember that taking Fido out of the car for potty breaks must include his collar being secured and him being leashed (don’t forget the poop bags). A foreign territory brings unique smells that are oh so hard to resist, and your little darling can escape before you can say, “Sit, stay.”

Harness With the lives of you and Fido on the line, isn’t it important then to consider a safety harness when traveling? The back seat is the safest place for Fido to avoid air bag deployment in the event of an accident.

Sims and Carol Bryant

Acclimate Fido to the harness by allowing him to wear the harness around the house for a few minutes at a time. Graduate to short car trips in the area. Work into longer trips and never scold Fido in the process. He’s getting used to it just as you are. If he could thank you for saving his life, right now he is.

Things to look for in a good safety harness? Strong webbing such as nylon, strong stitching, allow the pet to sit and stand comfortably, and comfort combined with reliability if an accident occurs.

Tags Fido won’t want to get lost, so be sure that he has a current tag with an emergency phone number firmly attached to his collar or harness. Most people travel with a cell phone, making this the perfect number for your dog’s tag.

First aid kit There are a number of doggy first aid kits on the market, and if you have the time, you can even put together your own. Check out the FIDO Friendly vlog for a walk-through to get you through. Some essentials to include are: Tweezers to remove ticks Styptic powder to stop toenail bleeding Eye wash to flush wounds Gauze bandage Adhesive tape Scissors Antiseptic moist wipes Food and water Be sure to bring along Fido’s favorite food so as not to upset his stomach. There are great roadworthy foods and treats on the market. If you will be cooking for Fido, make the food ahead of time, and pack it along with your own goodies. Your dog is used to drinking water from your hometown, and when traveling it’s a good idea to bring along as much of Fido’s drinking water as you can, and rely on bottled water as back-up.

Nothing puts the damper on holiday spirits

like an emergency visit to the vet.

Seat Covers and Blankets Holidays are supposed to be fun, and nothing says fun like four muddy paws…not!

Protect your seats with covers and blankets made especially for your type of automobile.

Be proactive: Always carry additional towels and wipes to clean off your rambunctious Rover when visiting with family and friends.

Beds and crate Don’t leave home without Fido’s favorite blankie or bed. You don’t want him sleeping on the guest bed—or do you? Bring sheets, too, so if your furry companion is accustomed to sleeping on the furniture, he won’t leave any tell-tale signs. If Fido calls his crate his den, then bring it along for a good night sleep during your Thanksgiving trip.

Fun stuff Don’t forget the toys! If Fido is a nervous Nelly when away from home, help ease his discomfort by bringing as many toys from home as you can. Familiar smells and chew toys will help calm even the most anxious pet. If Rocky is a Rachmaninoff aficionado, by all means pack his favorite CD for his and your listening pleasure.

Double-Check hotel reservations You are ready to go—but before you back the mini-van out of the driveway, call your hotel to confirm your reservation and that they are expecting Fido. Nothing says bummer like a newly implemented “no pets allowed” policy since you made your reservation.

FIDO Friendly is the only magazine dedicated to the Travel & Lifestyle of our canine friends and according to APPA, (American Pet Products Association) spending on pets has increased from $34 billion in 2004 to $47.4 billion now, partly because people are spending more to travel with their pets. The Travel Industry Association of America says 78% of the pets taken on vacation are dogs, with cats coming in second at 15%.

BAYANIHAN helps connect Filipino students to the Internet

by Marilyn ANCOP Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) Director Roger Santos, extreme right, with wife Josie Santos, 2nd from left, are shown with ANCOP scholars in Tanay, Rizal. The couple, also leaders of Couples for Christ in New Jersey, are currently in the Philippines visiting CSP scholars around the country.

Parent Leadership Project Seeking Bilingual Asian Pacific American Parents For Parent Leader Position New York—The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), the nation’s only pan-Asian children’s advocacy organization, is seeking 12 applicants to become part-time bilingual Parent Leaders for Parents Organized to Work for Equal Rights (POWER), a parent leadership project that trains bilingual Asian Pacific American (APA) parents to become advocates and community leaders around education, child welfare, and health issues in New York City. This unique parent project will bring together a core group of diverse Asian Pacific American immigrant parents to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills with the purpose of strengthening the voice of underrepresented Asian Pacific American communities.

Today, parents face many barriers when participating in our city’s education, health, and welfare systems. The needs of immigrant and Asian Pacific American communities are often underrepresented and misrepresented. With 26% of Asian Pacific Americans living in poverty and 1 in 3 Asian Pacific American students not graduating on time or at all, change needs to happen and CACF recognizes that Asian Pacific American parents need to be at the decision making table now.

CACF is looking for 12 Asian Pacific American bilingual parents who speak English (limited English speakers encouraged to apply) and one of the following: Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, or Vietnamese. By developing a core group of bilingual Asian Pacific American parent leaders, the leadership in various ethnic communities will be strengthened and knowledge of supportive systems and resources in the Asian Pacific American community will be increased.

Being a POWER Parent Leader requires a 2-year commitment and includes a stipend of $600 each year. POWER begins February 2011 with orientation meetings in February, March and April.

Regular meetings are 3-hours every 2nd Saturday of each month starting in May. Food and childcare will be provided at meetings, which will be located in Midtown Manhattan. Parents will meet to share knowledge, build advocacy skills, and learn about New York City’s education, child welfare, and health systems. By joining POWER and becoming a Parent Leader, parents will learn how to better support their children and families, advocate effectively for the needs of the diverse Asian Pacific American community, and work together to improved policies, services, and funding that support the resources needed for healthy and safe families.

There will be a Parent Leader Information Session on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6:30-8pm to learn more about POWER and what it means to be a Parent Leader. For more information and to RSVP please call Elizabeth Lee at elee@cacf.org or 212-809-4675 x.108 by Tuesday, November 30th.

Abalos

The New York Team of PhilDev successfully hosted a benefit for GILAS at the NYC performance of the Bayanihan Dance Company on Friday, Nov. 19. Friends and fans filled the 750 seat Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue to see the national dance company of the Philippines on the New York stage. Celebrating the music and dance traditions of the Philippines, funds raised

by PhilDev NY will connect 50 students in the Philippines to the internet.

The program opened with a marvelous collection of all time favorites Fil Ams would expect. It was delightful to see this world class troupe perform the Pandanggo Oasiwas to the Tinikling to the Vinta Sinkil.

More fascinating was the new works that featured the fusion of new technology and folk

Members of PhilDev NY Team and the Philippine Consulate General meet with dancers and staff of the Bayanihan Dance Company at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Photo by Marilyn Abalos

GILAS (Gearing Up Internet Literacy & Access for Students) is a multi-sector initiative headed by the Ayala Foundation that aims to provide internet access and basic internet literacy programs to all 6,786 public high schools in the Philippines. To date, 2,894 schools have already

been connected serving over 1,447,000 students. A portion of your Bayanihan GILAS ticket will connect a student to the internet.

For more information about GILAS, contact Marilyn Abalos, the PhilDev NY GILAS Lead, at maeclips@aol.com or (347) 767-8896.

Puertollano returns to Pafcom leadership role Grand Marshal & new officers to be announced at turnover ceremony

Kalusugan Coalition Community Forum & Open House on Dec. 4 Kalusugan Coalition invites you to a Community Forum & Open House! Join us for our open house at our new office in Woodside, Queens. Also participate in our community forum to receive an update on one of our main heart health projects, AsPIRE, and find how you can partner with us to better serve the health of the Filipino community in New York.

Saturday December 4, 2010 10am to 4pm Kalusugan Coalition Office 39-04 63rd St., Woodside, NY 11377 (between 39th Ave. and

dance, observing cross cultural traditions and Philippine festivals as well as honoring National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. How clever to portray through dance the picturesque vistas of Amorsolo’s rural countryside and alluring simplicity of the Filipino woman. Loved the new works.

Especially enchanting was Ms. Mary Anne Luis who sang wonderful Filipino songs.

She was a sublime interlude.

Equally enlivening were the dances and music of Spanish influence. The evening ended with entertaining bright spectacles of some fiestas of Iloilo, Noveleta Cavita and General Trias. Truly the Bayanihan Dance Company are excellent ambassadors of the Philippines. And the coolest thing is that you can find snippets of their performances on the Internet. How fortunate that 50 students can also check out the Bayanihan online at their GILAS PC Labs.

37th Ave.) 9:30am - light breakfast served 10am - KC and AsPIRE Overview Community Health Worker Role 10:30am - KC Partners’ Voices, Q&A 12pm - Lunch 12:45 - Community Feedback 2pm - 4pm - Open House for General Public Please RSVP by Nov. 26 at info@kalusugan coalition.org. For more info, please contact Rhodora Ursua at (212) 263-3776. Visit www. kalusugancoalition.org.

Jersey City, NJ—The Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. is inviting the public to its Turnover Ceremony on Thursday, December 2, at the Our Lady of Victories Church Auditorium (West Side Avenue & Ege Avenue), starting 7pm.

Outgoing Overall Chairman William Pineda will be passing on the mantle of leadership to ChairmanElect Isagani “Gani” Puertollano , who is no stranger to this role, as he led the organization back in 2002.

Puertollano will be announcing his slate of officers and the highly-coveted title of Grand Marshall for the Grand Parade & Festival that is now in its 21st year.

A native of Iloilo and currently a resident of in Union, New Jersey, Puertollano has gained prominence as a consummate volunteer and an avid supporter of the general welfare of the Filipino American community. PAFCOM is not the only organization that Puertollano has led more than

once. He served as 2-term President (2006 & 2007) of the Philippine Independence Day Committee.

Other notable leadership positions he has held include: Founding President of the Bayanihan Club of Union Township and Union County; New Jersey Chapter Chairman of the Philadelphia-based International Network of Filipinos Overseas (INFO), Inc.; Past President of the Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey, Inc.; Past Deputy Commander of the Knights of Rizal, New Jersey Chapter (20062008); Former Vice President of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce (East Coast); and Former Executive Vice President of the Iloilo Society of America Foundation.

“Malugod kong inaanyayahan ang ating mga kababayan at mga pinuno na dumalo, makilala ang bagong grupo ng PAFCOM officers at malaman kung paano kayo makakatulong at maging kabahagi ng pinkamalaking parada at pagdiriwang ng ma Pilipino

sa New Jersey,” said Gani Puertollano. “Mayroong mga magandang pagbabago na tiyak na ikatutuwa ng madla na taon-taon ay dumadalo sa ating pagtitipon.”

(I am pleased to invite our community members and leaders to attend and meet our new set of PAFCOM officers, and learn how you can help and be part of the biggest Filipino parade & festival in New Jersey,” said Gani Puertollano.

“There are exciting changes that are sure to delight the public who have been attending our gathering each year.)

Aside from announcing the new set of officers, Puertollano will be sharing some of the planned improvements to the celebration, which in 2010 moved its location from downtown Jersey City to the West Side Avenue area, where more Filipino residents and businesses are located.

Dinner and refreshments will be provided. The evening’s guest of honor is Philippine Consul General Cecil Rebong.

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