OCIE Dec. 3-9, 2010

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Volume 17 - No. 50 • 2 Sections— 20 Pages

DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

DFA: Leaks affecting PH

by JOSE

KATIGBAK Philstar.com

WASHINGTON—Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo lamented the disclosure by WikiLeaks of more than 250,000 confidential US embassy cables and said “we will have to confront it.”

Asked if he expected a call from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the leaks, which provide unprecedented insight into US foreign activities, he said, “I expect they will tell each of their allies.”

As Romulo spoke to Filipino reporters at the inauguration of the new consular office of the Philippine embassy here, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley at the Washington Foreign Press Center said the US was mounting a major effort at damage control to contain fallout from the leaks.

Crowley said aggressive actions have been taken to reach out to friends and allies “to express our regret for what has happened... and to dem-

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Dallas court favors Marcos victims

A FEDERAL judge in Fort Worth, Texas recently awarded a $10 million settlement to Filipinos in the Philippines who were human rights victims during former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’ regime.

US District Judge Terry Means approved the class-action lawsuit involving 9,539 Filipino human rights victims during the Marcos regime and seven companies that owned PAGE A3

onstrate our commitment to our ongoing relationship.”

Asked what would make Clinton pick up the phone and make a call, Crowley said, “We have 190 countries, give or take, with which we have diplomatic relations. We only have one secretary of State.”

“She has made some calls to world leaders.

She is going to make more calls to world leaders.

But we have reached out to every government in some fashion to express our regret for what has happened,” he added.

Romulo is on a visit to Washington to lobby US legislators to support the proposed Save the Industries Act and the Family Reunification bill which seeks to allow about 20,000 sons and daughters and minor grandchildren of US Filipino PAGE A2

DREAM Act will improve immigration enforcement -DHS

by DYMPHNA

CALICA-LA AJPress

PUTT

THE proposed law providing eligible undocumented students a path to citizenship is expected to help improve immigration enforcement in the US .

In fact, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) will help the government weed out illegal residents who have committed crimes so these can be removed from the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

“The current version of the DREAM Act provides that the students must undergo a rigorous background check,” US Secretary for Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said.

“Only those of good character will be eligible for relief. Those with criminal records will be eligible for removal immediately,” Napolitano told a telephone press conference from the White House last Dec 2.

NaFFAA vows to step up rebuilding efforts

Philippine Consulate Holiday Notice December 2010

LOS ANGELES—The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will be closed to the public in observance of the following Philippine holidays: 24 December 2010 (Friday) – Special Non-Working Holiday 27 December 2010 (Monday) – Rizal Day 31 December 2010 (Friday) – Special Non-Working Holiday Regular consular services will resume on the following working day.

In emergency cases, the Duty officer can be reached at telephone number (213) 268-9990.

The press conference, part of the administration’s ongoing information campaign, was attended by Asian Journal along with mainstream and ethnic media outfits nationwide.

The latest DREAM Act version allows those who graduated from any US high school to apply for legal residence. They need to show proof that they arrived in the country before turning 16 and have lived in the US for five years.

He or she also has to have good moral character to qualify for the program.

“Nobody who poses a threat to public safety will be able to adjust their immigration status,” Napolitano added during the press conference.

The program will give qualified immigrants conditional status for six years, during which he or she will be required to either serve in the US military for two years or complete two years of college education. After the conditional status, the person can apply for US citizenship.

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11 stranded Filipinos in US seek government help

by LIRA

DALANGIN-FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA—The 11 Filipinos who are allegedly victims of human trafficking in the United States are seeking help from the Philippine government to allow them to pursue their case against their recruiters.

The group is now in Los Angeles and has reportedly been subsisting on support from the Filipino community for their food and daily expenses.

“The Filipino community in Los Angeles is helping them, MEETING in San Francisco for its 9th but we are also seeking assistance from the government, Empowerment Conference, members of the 13-year-old National Federation of particularly the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) so they can pursue their case here,” Deputy Speaker and elected new national officers and vowed Quezon Representative Lorenzo Tanada III said in a phone to focus their efforts in the next two years interview Thursday, Dec. 2.

In October Tanada me with the hapless Filipinos, who on advocacy, voter participation, forging expressed their desire to stay in the US while the Federal partnerships and rebuilding NaFFAA’s inBureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating their case. frastructure.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has a legal assistance PAGE A3

WITH NEW LEADERSHIP

THE RE AMBITION. President Benigno S. Aquino III assisted by Habitat for Humanity Philippines Trustee Margarita Moran-Florendo views the exhibits on the two-day Renewable Energy Conference (REC) and Expo Manila 2010 in Makati City. The conference showcased opportunities for investment and partnerships among local and global renewable energy players. It will provide platform for showcasing the latest technology trends, while at the same time cultivating business relations among key stakeholders.

Malacañang photo by Ryan Lim

fund, which is supposedly allotted for the legal needs of overseas Filipino workers in distress. In the 2011 budget, the legal assistance fund has been appropriated P25 million, even if the Migrant Workers Act states that it should get at least P100 million (app. $2.2 million).

The OFWs—Rufino de Guzman of Bulacan, Norman Paul Yaranon of Pangasinan, Ronilo Cruz of Nueva Ecija, Ricardo Jabagat of Negros Oriental, Vuenas Ian de la Puerta of Iloilo, Mario Abaday of Batangas, Manuel Jusayan of Samar, Imelda Nosa of Cavite, Arlene Dorotan of Ilocos Norte, and Eutropia Velasco and Khalid Anthony Velasco, both of Quezon province—were recruited by ADMAN Human Resource Placement and Promotions in Manila for a seasonal work program in Virginia and Colorado under Aramark.

The workers spent around $7,000 for medical examinations, job placement, and work visas before securing the necessary papers to travel to the US. Aramark is a “leader in professional services, providing awardwinning food services, facilities management, and uniform and PAGE A4

NY congressman Solarz, Filipinos’ BFF dies at 70 WASHINGTON—Former New York Congressman Stephen J. Solarz, a foreign affairs expert who in 1986 revealed the extravagance of Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, died on Monday, Nov. 29. He was 70.

A staunch campaigner for democracy, he last visited the Philippines in August 2009 to attend the funeral of democracy icon Corazon Aquino.

Solarz angered many of his fellow Democrats when in 1991 he cosponsored the resolution authorizing President George H. W. Bush to wage the first war against Iraq. A year later, he lost his seat in a dramatically redrawn Brooklyn district that he had served since 1974.

Solarz’s son-in-law Glen Prickett said the nine-term conUS Congressman Stephen J. Solarz is welcomed by President Corazon Aquino in gressman died at George Washington Hospital in WashingMalacañang in this file photo. Solarz was a staunch supporter of Filipinos against the ton after a four-year battle with cancer of the esophagus.

Marcos dictatorship.

Inquirer.net photo PAGE A4

EVEN IN DEATH

Cory makes Time power list

by JOANNE

RAE RAMIREZ Philstar.com

MANILA—One of the 25 most powerful women of the past century, according to Time magazine, is a Filipino—the late President Corazon Aquino.

In its 2010 Time 100 Special Issue released last month, Time hailed Aquino, along with the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, the late Mother Teresa and media personality Oprah Winfrey as among the 25 women who most influenced the world in the past century.

Only two Asians were on the shortlist—Aquino and Jiang Qing or “Madame Mao,” wife of Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

The magazine listed the names alphabetically, and also included Nobel Prize winner scientist Marie Curie, fashion icon Coco Chanel, Madonna, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Mrs. Aquino, who died last year of colon cancer, and whose only son Benigno III is now President of the Philippines, was cited for her role in the restoration of democracy in the Philippines through peaceful means.

“Her sudden ascension as the first female President of the Philippines was the battered islands’ first step PAGE A4

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DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

DFA: Leaks affecting...

PAGE A1 veterans to join them.

The SAVE Act would grant duty-free status to garments and apparel wholly assembled in the Philippines, on condition that these are made of US-made textiles, fabrics, yarn and cotton.

Supporters said aside from creating some 2,000 jobs in the US, the passage of the bill would create some 200,000 jobs in the Phil-

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ippines.

Romulo said he was confident the US Congress will pass the SAVE Act if not this year, then most certainly next year.

He said in his talks with Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, the main architect of the compensation package for Filipino World War II veterans, Inouye promised to continue sponsoring bills that would benefit the Philippines, in particu-

lar the SAVE Act. He said he handed Inouye a personal letter from President Aquino and reiterated an oldstanding invitation for him to visit the Philippines.

In his wide-ranging talks with reporters Romulo said the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US needed to be updated to “strengthen even more the relationship between the two countries.”

“Lessons of the past give us the impetus and rational to update the agreement,” he said.

Romulo has been foreign secretary since August 2004. Asked how long he expected to remain in his post he replied: “My future is secure.”

But like all Cabinet members he served at the pleasure of the President, he said and should the time come for him to leave “perhaps I’ll run for the Senate again.”

In a short ribbon-cutting speech at the new consular office of the Philippine embassy Romulo paid tribute to Consul General Domingo Nolasco for his leadership in the smooth transition of the consular office from the main embassy building to what used to be the old chancery at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue.

Romulo congratulated Nolasco on his promotion to ambassadorial rank.

The old chancery has been owned by the Philippine government since the US colonial period and was the headquarters of the government-in-exile during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. It fell into disuse in the 1990s when the present embassy at 1600 Massachusetts Avenue was built.

Bureau of Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma, meanwhile, said fugitive WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is unlikely to arrive and hide in the country but stressed his men are ready to hold him just in case he tries to sneak in.

“As of now, we have not yet received an official notice from the Interpol but we are aware of it because it is already posted in the Internet. I have already directed our personnel to make the necessary precautions that in the event he would come to the Philippines, we have to alert our Interpol counterparts so they can act appropriately,” Ledesma said.

12/2/10 4:53:57 PM

From The Front Page

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NaFFAA vows to step up...

PAGE A1 Eduardo Navarra, 66, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan was elected national chairman, succeeding Greg Macabenta of San Francisco, Calif. A systems engineer with Ford Motor Company for 30 years, Navarra retired recently to devote his time to community service. He has served as chair of NaFFAA’s 8 MidWest region states for 8 years.

Also elected were JT Mallonga, 56, of Bloomfield, NJ as national vice chair; and Brendan Flores, 25, of Las Vegas NV as national youth chair. Mallonga is a New York practicing attorney and founder of the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF). He served as regional chair of the Eastern Region for four years. Flores is a business administration student at the University of Phoenix and a vice president at the Wells Fargo Bank. All three executive officers were voted into office unanimously.

Equal partners In his acceptance speech, Navarra vowed to strengthen NaFFAA’s political presence in the nation’s capital through active advocacy and coalition building.

“While we will continue to address Philippine concerns, we will direct our collective energies towards

issues that affect our community here in the US,” he declared. “We will undertake these initiatives not as an umbrella organization but as an equal partner with other national formations and local groups that have a stake in protecting and promoting the interests of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in this country.”

Among the issues that NaFFAA will continue to be engaged in are comprehensive immigration reform and equity benefits for the spouses and widows of Filipino World War II veterans.

“We are grateful to our champions in Congress, like Sen. Daniel Inouye, Sen. Daniel Akaka, and Rep. Bob Filner for securing the long-awaited official recognition of our veterans and the one-time compensation,” he said. “But their widows, and their sons and daughters, also deserve a measure of justice.”

Looking towards the 2012 elections, Navarra stressed that Filipino voter participation is key to community empowerment. “We need to translate our numbers into political power,” Mallonga added.

“This requires getting more eligible immigrants to be naturalized citizens, registered as voters and turning out in the polls.” The na-

tionally-coordinated effort will be implemented through the FilVote program, in partnership with national coalitions and regional organizations.

The 3-day conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame, Calif. from Nov. 19-21.

Among the highlights: State of NaFFAA Address Outgoing National Chairman Greg Macabenta outlined NaFFAA’s achievements in the last two years—from the successful advocacy of Filipino veterans benefits to internal restructuring of the organization—and provided a sober assessment of the NaFFAA national office’s limited capacity.

Intergenerational leadership The Conference theme, “Building the Next Generation of Com-

munity Advocates,” was designed to fully engage the delegates in the total experience of understanding and knowing how to implement the tools of advocacy. “We’ve completed a full cycle of leadership in NaFFAA’s first 12 years,” says Ben Menor, the conference chairman.

“We’ve achieved our goal of igniting the flames of consciousness within our community. We’re on track for the next 12 years and beyond.” Panels led by young Pinoys and Pinays, included sessions on “Early Literacy,” “Mentorship,” “Bridging Our Generations,” “Empowerment in Health” and “Advocacy through Digital Media.”

Memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and NaFFAA

DREAM Act will improve...

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Representing the Philippine Government was Imelda Nicolas, CFO Chair, who signed the MOU with Navarra. It says in part: “We resolve to work together to initiate and undertake the implementation of projects and programs that promote the welfare of Filipinos in the US.” A legacy of pride Delegates honored Filipino Americans who won elected office as city mayors, city council and school board members and state legislators. Special mention was made of the election of Tani Cantil-Sakauye as chief justice of California high court, Rob Bonta as Alameda City Council member, Kris Valderrama and Ron Villanueva as state legislators in Maryland and Virginia respectively; and Ohio Rep. Steve Austria, who was reelected to the US Congress.

Legislative initiatives Advocates for the Save Our Industries Act (S. 3170) urged delegates to lobby their US representatives to support the measure that would help the struggling textile manufacturing in the Philippines.

Activists also asked help in pushing the DREAM Act, a bill that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented youth brought to the US at a young age.

Close to 200 delegates from all over country attended the con-

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ference and listened to speakers including San Francisco Commissioner Dennis Normandy, Hollywood Actress May Flores, NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus Loida Nicolas Lewis, Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr.; Hector Vargas and Rozita Lee, Commissioners on President’s Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders; NAFVE National Coordinator Ben de Guzman and Rodel Rodis of US Pinoys for Good Governance.

Rene “Butch” S. Meily, President of PLDT-Smart Foundation, a major sponsor of the conference, delivered the keynote speech at the Isang Diwa Gala Night program on The Image of the Philippines in the US. In his farewell remarks, Macabenta thanked one of NaFFAA’s founders, Alex Esclamado, whose wife Luly accepted “The Order of the Carabao” Award. Macabenta also acknowledged the “hard work and dedication” of conference organizers Ben Menor and Baylan Megino, Online Coordinator Lorna Dietz and Region 8 Chair Jose Pecho.

The NaFFAA National Board will convene in Washington DC early next year to map out its 2year plan. The 2012 empowerment conference will be held in Detroit, Michigan. (Jon Melegrito)

Dallas court favors...

PAGE A1

The Homeland Security secretary gave the statement to “reemphasize her department’s support” for the DREAM Act which is currently being debated on at Congress lame duck session.

It will be recalled that the Obama administration have been clamoring for bipartisan support for the DREAM Act. Opponents of the measure, which include many Republicans, said the bill is flawed because the “amnesty” would unreasonably add to the nation’s workforce.

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.

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

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

PAGE A1 unrelated to the Defense bill.

Napolitano stressed in the press conference that the bill will help DHS in its immigration law enforcement which has had a “historic push” since the Obama administration took office in 2009.

“It complements the DHS’ efforts to prioritize our enforcement resources for removing criminal aliens from the country,” she said, adding, “This means prioritizing the enforcement of the law for whom it makes the most sense.”

“What does not make sense is the idea of spending our enforcement resources to young people who have no criminal record, Napolitano said.

She noted these young residents were brought to the US through no fault of their own so they have no individual culpability.

“I urge Congress to pass the DREAM Act, set aside old labels that do not mean anything and get to the substance of what this statutory revision would do,” Napolitano said. “(It will) enable these young people brought into this coun-

try, not of their own accord to become legalized members of American society,” she added.

It is estimated that approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year but they cannot go on to pursue their dreams of higher education or continued development. According to the Migration Policy Institute, one in ten potential DREAM Act beneficiaries comes from an Asian country.

Meanwhile, grassroots groups who make up the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) are stepping up efforts to show their congressional representatives that their communities urgently want the DREAM Act to pass.

“This is the best opportunity we’ve had in years to finally bring some relief to our communities,” Marissa Graciosa, FIRM’s coordinator said in a statement.

FIRM, a project of the Center for Community Change, is a coalition comprised of more than 200 of the country’s largest and most active state and local immigration advocacy groups representing nearly every state.

land, believed to have been bought with money from Marcos’ estate, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Attorney Robert Swift, a lawyer who has been representing the Filipino victims for over two decades, told the Star-Telegram, “I think it’s a start. After 25 years, I hope it’s a start.”

The plaintiffs were either victims or heirs of victims of human rights during the Marcos era, which lasted from 1965 until he was overthrown in 1986. The companies involved – Ellesmere Investment Corp., B.N. Development Co., Jason Development Co., Langley Investment Corp., Pender Investment Corp., Revelstoke Investment Corp. and Vernon Investment Corp. – are believed to have been companies started up by Marcos during his reign.

After legal fees, the victims will be awarded $1,000 a person, according to Swift.

This is the second time the human rights victims have been awarded a large sum from cases against Marcos.

According to legal documents of the case, Filipino activist Romulo Del Prado and thousands of Filipino victims, known legally as Class of Judgment Creditors of the Estate of Ferdinand E. Marcos, filed the class-action lawsuits against Marcos after he was deposed in 1986. The former president was served with numerous complaints, claiming damages for human rights

violations.

Between 1992 and 1995, three separate jury trials in Hawaii were held concerning the issues of liability and damages.

Ultimately, President Marcos was cast in judgment for nearly $2 billion in damages to the plaintiff class, according the legal documents of the case.

However, 15 years later, the plaintiffs have yet to receive any money, Swift told the Star-Telegram.

Swift said the difficulty has been tracking down Marcos’ estate through a maze of shell companies.

Swift said it is believed that Marcos began making land deals in the 1950s through a confidant, Jose Campos, who used offshore companies.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Marcos began buying land across Tarrant County, about 22 miles West of Dallas, using money that he pilfered from citizens of the Philippines, Swift told the Star-Telegram.

He added the settlement was the right decision as a means to quickly deliver compensation to the victims, many of whom live in poverty.

“In some respects, the settlement is a no-brainer,” Swift said. “The class receives $10 million, which can be distributed very shortly, and we’re still able to pursue other Marcos properties, which we are doing.”

(Joseph Pimentel/AJPress)

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Dateline USA

DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

NY congressman Solarz...

11 stranded Filipinos in...

PAGE A1

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Prickett called Solarz a “great champion of human rights” and a “great opponent of repressive regimes.”

Solarz’s most well-known battle was in 1986, when he held highly publicized hearings to prove that Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos had looted the Philippine treasury of millions of dollars to buy real estate in the United States. He led the congressional movement to withhold military aid to the Philippines until Marcos could be driven out and Corazon Aquino installed as the President.

During the hearings, Solarz accused Marcos of running a “kleptocracy” and enriching himself and his wife at the expense of his country’s citizens.

Gulf War A few years later, Solarz surprised some with his willingness to play a leadership role in authorizing the first Gulf War after Iraq invaded Kuwait.

Some thought because he had been an early opponent of the Vietnam War, he should have favored continuing sanctions in the Gulf—the position of the Democratic Party leadership.

Solarz, who was a senior member of the House foreign affairs committee, said at the time that the Gulf War was not comparable to Vietnam. Rather, it was more like World War II. “I would imagine that the Kuwaitis must feel today exactly the way the French felt after the Normandy invasion,” he said. “They obviously did not relish having bombs dropped on their homes and factories and fields but they knew this was the price they had to pay to be liberated from the Nazis.”

According to an obituary provided by his family, during the debate on the war, Solarz said, “The great lesson of our time is that evil still exists, and when evil is on the march, it must be confronted.”

Bank scandal Though he was never charged, he was hurt by the House bank check-writing scandal. In March 1992, the House ethics committee cited Solarz as one of the 22 worst abusers in the scandal that forced the closing of the bank. He overdrew 743 checks in a 39month period.

His wife, Nina Solarz, who survives, was fined $5,300 and sentenced to a year’s probation for her role in the scandal, for which she apologized.

Afterward, Solarz’s political fortunes plunged when his House district was dismantled in a congressional remap as New York and other northern states surrendered seats to the states in the south and southwest after the 1990 Census.

His true passion was trying to protect human rights around the world, Prickett said.

In 1981, while serving on the subcommittee on Asian and Pacific affairs, he helped develop a peace plan to end genocide in Cambodia. Also, as chair of the subcommittee on Africa, Solarz worked with President Jimmy Carter to maintain US sanctions against the white minority government of Rhodesia. It helped establish Zimbabwe.

Foreign affairs His work in foreign affairs continued after Congress. He was president of Solarz Associates, an international consulting firm.

In 1995, he cofounded the International Crisis Group, a private, nongovernmental organization designed to strengthen the international community’s ability to anticipate and prevent man-made crises.

Born on Sept. 12, 1940, in New York City, Solarz earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in 1962 and a master’s degree in public law and government from Columbia University in 1967.

His formal political career began in 1966, when he managed one of the first anti-war congressional campaigns in the country, in Brooklyn. The candidate, Mel Dubin, lost, but Solarz met his future wife, Nina Glantz, during the campaign.

Two years later, Solarz was elected to the New York State Assembly from Brooklyn, and served for three terms. In 1974, he defeated incumbent Democratic Congressman Bert Podell in a primary.

Besides his wife, Solarz is survived by his mother, Ruth Robin; brothers Avrom Robin and Seth Robin; stepchildren Randy Glantz and Lisa Prickett and four grandchildren. (AP)

career apparel to healthcare institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world,” according to the company’s website.

It is listed in Fortune Magazine’s 2010 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.”

The OFWs were promised a wage of $7.25 to $8 per hour for cleaning hotel rooms, but were just given $4.75 per room.

And instead of working in Virginia and Colorado, the OFWs were deployed to Biloxi, Mississippi, allegedly under Royal Hospitality Services Inc. However, Aramark and Royal Hospitality Services said the contract appeared to be forged and that they have no office or outlet in Mississippi, according to a report by ABS-CBN news. ”The employment offer to these individuals was obviously fake.

We are now faced with the question: Which government agency

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should have verified this? Was it in the Philippines or the United States?” Tanada said in a privilege speech.

The Quezon lawmaker said that the case of the 11 OFWs could just be the “tip of the iceberg.”

“How many more agencies registered have been practicing this sort of manipulation against vulnerable Filipinos seeking employment for the future of their families? And how many are those agencies which are not registered but still manage to traffic our countrymen abroad?... No matter how many agencies we register and suspend, trafficking in persons covertly occurs right under our noses,” Tanada said.

He said the country has enough laws including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (or Republic Act 9208) and the Migrant Workers Act, but that these are not being fully enforced because trafficking cases such as the experience of the 11 OFWs still happen.

Cory makes Time power...

PAGE A1 toward democracy,” wrote Rachelle Dragani in the tribute to Mrs. Aquino dated Nov. 18.

“Weathering both coup attempts and corruption charges, Aquino was unable to push through much of the social reform that her supporters had hoped for. But when she stepped down in 1992, she still stood tall as the people’s choice,” the article stressed.

Mrs. Aquino, ironically, never sought political power in her life and was content to be a supportive wife to her husband, former mayor and governor and then senator, Benigno Aquino Jr. His assassination in 1983 led her to take up his crusade, saying, “I would never be able to forgive myself if I knew I could have done something for my country and didn’t.”

Of her style as President, she told a joint session of the US Congress in 1986: “As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it. That is my contract with my people and my commitment to God. He had willed that the blood drawn with a lash shall not in my country be paid by blood drawn by the sword but by the tearful joy of reconciliation. We have swept away absolute power by a limited revolution that respected the life and freedom of every Filipino.”

The Full List of Time’s 25 Most Powerful Women of the Century.

Jane Addams (1860-1935) Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) Rachel Carson (1907-1964) Coco Chanel (1883-1971) Julia Child (1912-2004) Hillary Clinton (1947-Present) Marie Curie (1867-1934) Aretha Franklin (1942-Present) Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) Estée Lauder (1908-2004) Madonna (1958-Present) Margaret Mead (1901-1978) Golda Meir (1898-1978) Angela Merkel (1954-Present)

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-Present) Rosa Parks (1913-2005) Jiang Qing (1914-1991) Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) Gloria Steinem (1934-Present) Martha Stewart (1941-Present) Mother Teresa (1910-1997) Margaret Thatcher (1925-Present) Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present) Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)

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Holidays about survival as jobless benefits end

by Tom

Breen Associated Press

Job-seekers wait in line for assistance at a government-run employment center, in Las Vegas on November 9. Unemployment claims fell more than expected last week, compounding a steady downward trend seen in recent weeks.

Shawn Slonsky’s children know by now not to give him Christmas lists filled with the latest gizmos. The 44-year-old union electrician is one of nearly 2 million Americans whose extended unemployment benefits will run out this month, making the holiday season less about celebration than survival.

“We’ll put up decorations, but we just don’t have the money for a Christmas tree,” Slonsky said.

Benefits that had been extended up to 99 weeks started running out Wednesday. Unless Congress approves a longer extension, the Labor Department estimates about 2 million people will be cut off by Christmas.

Support groups for the so-called 99ers have sprung up online, offering chances to vent along with tips on resumes and job interviews. Advocacy groups such as the National Employment Law Project have turned their plight into a rallying cry for Congress to extend jobless benefits.

Things used to be different for Slonsky, who lives in Massillon, Ohio.

Before work dried up, he earned about $100,000 a year. He and his wife lived in a three-bedroom house where deer meandered through the backyard.

Then they lost their jobs. Their house went into foreclosure and they had to move in with his 73-year-old father. Now, Slonsky is dreading the holidays as his 99 weeks run out.

“It’s hard to be in a jovial mood all the time when you’ve got this storm cloud hanging over your head,” he said.

The average weekly unemployment benefit in the US is $302.90, though it varies widely depending on how states calculate the payment.

Because of supplemental state programs and other factors, it’s hard to know for sure who will lose their benefits at any given time.

Congressional opponents of extending the benefits beyond this month say fiscal responsibility should come first. Republicans in the House and Senate, along with a handful of conservative Democrats, say they’re open to extending benefits, but not if it means adding to the $13.8 trillion national debt.

US Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the No. 3 Republican in the House, said extended benefits must be paid for now, rather than later, if they’re going to win support from fiscal conservatives.

“The fact that we have to keep extending unemployment benefits shows that the economic policies of this administration have failed,” said Pence spokeswoman Courtney Kolb.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said that declining to extend the benefits would be a mistake for Congress.

“This is a bad way to start off the new, incoming season of new politicians that said that they wanted to make government work for people in a better way,” she said.

Even if Congress does lengthen benefits, cash assistance is at best a stopgap measure, said Carol Hardison, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte, N.C., which has seen 20,000 new clients since the Great Recession started in December 2007.

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Dateline Philippines ‘Bounty for Ping up to DOJ’

by Aurea

Calica Philstar.com

MANILA—President Aquino need not approve a bounty for the capture of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson since concerned government agencies are the ones that must decide on the issue, Malacañang said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the reward was only a proposal, which would have to be decided by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Normally, these things no longer need the approval of the President because the concerned agencies are really the ones who decide on a reward or bounty,” Valte said.

She said the “finer details” of the bounty for Lacson would have to be discussed and decided on by the DOJ. “Usually, when it comes to rewards, the Secretary (of Justice) can already make the decision,” Valte said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she would support the proposal to put up a P2-million (app.

$45,500) reward for the arrest of Lacson.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier recommended the reward for the arrest of Lacson, citing the gravity of the offense and the level of threat posed on the witnesses against him.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the recommendation was made on the request of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) in claiming Lacson has the capability to do harm to people involved in the case.

“The senator is an influential person and capable of doing (something) to the people involved in the case,” Cruz said.

He said the reward could speed up the arrest of Lacson.

“The rationale behind the reward is to expedite the arrest,” Cruz said.

Cruz said the reward recommendation was submitted to the DILG for approval.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, however, rejected the reward proposal.

“Reward money might not be necessary considering that reportedly they know where Senator Lacson is. We just have to do

our jobs well,” Robredo said.

Instead of offering the bounty for the arrest of Lacson, Robredo said the “reward money can be put to better use.”

De Lima, on the other hand, pressed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to fast-track the arrest of Lacson, principal accused in the murder of publicist Salvador Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito on November 2000.

Reports said Lacson is now in the country and provided safe haven by a businessman friend in places in Batangas, Cebu and Palawan, particularly in places near the shoreline.

Valte, however, said Malacañang is hopeful that Lacson will surrender after having been assured of due process.

“We have said that several times already so it would be up to Senator Lacson to decide on his next step,” Valte said.

“What is fair is fair, whatever is the due process, to friend or foe, that would be followed. That is what we always say right? So whatever is the process, that will be the process,” she said.

Valte said it would be better for the senator if he would come out.

BONIFACIO DAY. Wreaths are laid at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to commemorate National Hero Andres Bonifacio’s 147th birth anniversary.

Inquirer.net photo

Hong Kong court to hold inquest on Manila bus hostage

by Carina

Roncesvalles Philstar.com

THE Coroner’s Court here will hold a public inquest into the Manila bus hostage incident that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead in August.

The hearings are scheduled to last 25 days starting Feb. 14, focusing on the cause and circumstances that led to the bloody deaths of the eight tourists.

Officials said the hearings would not delve into the civil liabilities of the Filipino officials and policemen in the botched rescue attempt.

Hong Kong officials criticized the Philippine government over the handling of the hostage incident triggered by a distraught former police officer that wanted to be reinstated to the service, and the subsequent decision to spare the officials involved in the rescue and negotiations.

During the inquest, witnesses would be called by the Coroner, who however has no power and authority to compel witnesses from other countries to testify.

After the hearings, the Coroner will sum up the case that is expected to contain the findings on the direct causes of the deaths of the hostages.

The inquest came less than a month after the

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Hong Kong police concluded their investigation into the hostage incident.

Last month, the Hong Kong Police submitted its investigation report to the Coroner’s Court.

The Hong Kong police earlier sent a delegation to Manila to gather evidence, including from the bus where the victims were killed and interviewing witnesses.

The hostage taker Rolando Mendoza seized a busload of Hong Kong tourists in Manila on Aug. 23 in a desperate bid to get his job back and be cleared of extortion charges.

Eight of the tourists, as well as Mendoza, were killed when ill-prepared police commandos launched a rescue attempt riddled with errors in a drama played out live on television.

While the Philippine government said the victims were all killed by the gunman, a panel tasked to investigate the incident also said incompetence and negligence on the part of the police contributed to its bloody conclusion.

The Hong Kong government has expressed “disappointment at the Philippine authorities’ decision to lessen the recommended actions against the officers named in the first report by the inquiry committee reviewing the Manila hostage tragedy.”

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OPINION

Taking chances MOST people are used to using the metaphoric phrases such as “winning the lottery” or “hitting the jackpot” whenever they encounter a fortunate incident in their lives.

In the Philippines, however, “winning the lottery” is more than just a phrase—it has become a recent mantra to those people who hoped that they could be the winners of the whopping P 741 million (approximately $16,723 million)—until someone was declared the sole winner last November 29.

After 86 draws, the lucky bettor who placed the combinations11-16-42-47-31-37 at a lotto outlet in Olongapo City, Zambales was declared the winner, thus ending the momentary suspense of other hopeful bettors.

Despite the inevitable disappointments of the nonwinners, the hefty amount of prize money recently won in the 6/55 Grand Lotto seem to be slowly directing the public to prefer the legal numbers game over the unauthorized jueteng, a palace official said.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that although they lack concrete data, they are basing on the “anecdotal statements from people,” thus coming up with the observation that “it seems like jueteng was affected. Because the prize is really big, many are encouraged to bet in a legal way.”

Lacierda also clarified that the favor of lotto over jueteng might also depend on the amount at stake. “How often does a pot reach this high? It’s something that is very, very subject to fortune,” the spokesman added.

The government has long been battling the numbers game jueteng, an illegal numbers game. It has

been participated by the rich and poor alike, with the promise of unlimited bets and quick money.

Likewise, the recent 6/55 Grand Lotto’s lucrative jackpot prize also got people—from housemaids to the officials of the Malacañang—placing their bet on the jackpot prize with great hopes of winning.

Linda Oducayen, 45, a housemaid in Pasay City, said in an interview from the Asian News Network that she is placing her hopes in winning the lotto believing that it is the only way she could lift her family out of poverty.

“I don’t usually pray the rosary, but now I do, especially a few hours before I bet,” Linda said in Filipino.

In a report from the Inquirer, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, also a lotto bettor, said that there is a possibility that lotto will be a “jueteng killer” should the minimum prize be P200 million (or approximately $4,535 million).

Admitted that he himself also placed his bet on the Grand Lotto, Lacierda said that President Aquino is not prohibiting Palace officials like him to try their luck on lotto not only for the possible fulfillment of a dream, but also for additional funds to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Although the funds accumulated by the PCSO will be used in alleviating the conditions of the poorest of the poor, members of the church however criticized government officials who placed their bets on the lotto.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Cruz expressed his dismay on senators who bet on lotto

FEATURES

EDITORIAL

THERE is something about the holiday season that makes us want to dream more, give more, love more! One indicator is the recent report in consumer confidence, showing that the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 54.1 in November, up from a negatively revised 49.9 in October.

People are spending more, hopefully a real sign of optimism in the market.

However, with the job market still in trouble with a 9.6% unemployment rate, and millions more people losing their jobless benefits, many critics remain skeptical that Americans are once again driven by the sentimental urge to splurge, the noble aim to give and share more during the holiday season even if many of them may not really have the means to do it.

Those people who are not liquid with their cash flow will once again swipe their credit cards this holiday season to buy gifts to enable their families to enjoy the traditional feasts of the season. Of course, we know swiping plastic is not free—the money we borrow needs to be paid with hefty interest in the future. While reports show less Americans have defaulted on their credit card payments in the past months, this holiday season may just reverse back the gains we have made from austerity.

Yes, in a way we can view this as a sign of optimism in the US economy, that maybe 2011 will

Philstar.com photo

saying in a local radio interview that he finds it inappropriate for senators to place their bets on lotto for they might send a wrong message to people to rely on luck instead of hard work given their “high positions.”

To risk is one of life’s greatest adventures. Most of

Taking ‘the chance’ route

be better than 2010. But then again, this is taking chances. The Fil-Am For many, taking this leap of faith seems worth it, if only to Perspective create priceless memories for their families here in America and in the Philippines.

Many of our kababayans here borrow money from the banks GEL SANTOS-RELOS using their credit cards just so their loved ones in the Philippines will get a balikbayan box full of gifts and a lavish noche buena feast for Christmas. Despite the recession, not exhausting all possibilities to make our loved ones’ Christmas wishes come true is not an option for many. Naghihirap man tayo, kailangang mairaos pa rin daw ang Pasko.

When we cannot reach our goals through accepted conventional means, such as through our jobs and savings, many of us take the “chance route.” We bet on a better future through the use of loans and credit cards. Some of our kababayans religiously go to casinos to sit for hours in front of slot machines waiting to hit the 7-7-7 jackpot! Others invest on lottery—the superlotto and the megamillions and all sorts of games of chance.

Our kababayans do the same in the Philippines. Recently, the jackpot reached P741 million

pesos ($16.7million). The lotto mania grew as anticipations of winning close to a billion pesos mounted. We hear conversations and dreams of “what will I do if I win the jackpot?,” all around the country.

For some of us the answer may be as lofty as quitting our job and just enjoying life through our winnings, or traveling around the world, or buying the biggest mansion in elite neighborhoods, or high-end cars, designer clothes and accessories. However, for our humble kababayans back home, I hear wishes so basic and so real—things we, who have enough, take for granted. They say if they win the lotto grand prize, their mother or father can already come back to the Philippines and need not work in the middle east or Hong Kong as a domestic helper or contract worker.

Some dream of getting that coveted prize so their parents or brothers and sisters need not become “TNT” in America—running around like a fugitives just to find work and be able to send money back home. I hear kababayans praying to win so they can provide their chronically-ill family member with the medical care he needs to prolong his life. Yes, they too have wishes to make.

times, it takes courage to take a chance. Sometimes, all it takes is a twist of good luck for a person to win a challenge. But no matter what the results may be, it is how a person reaps the benefits or consequences of the chances he or she has taken that will determine his character. (AJPress)

Hindi naman daw masamang mangarap—malay mo ito na ang suwerteng magbabago ng buhay mo. Lately, it was reported that there was one lone winner of the big pot! Who could this lucky Filipino be?

Dreaming, wishing, faithful anticipating—they all have a function to keep us going and fighting in the battlefield that is life during this recession.

They serve as defense and coping mechanisms and may actually be healthy when coupled with vision, planning, real hard work and perseverance. They become toxic when we just leave our fate all up to chance, as we have no control over the results, if we only take this route.

Hopefully the optimism in the air and the reported improved consumer confidence will drive the engine of the economy to higher gear—boosting demand for products and services, creating more jobs in an upward spiral way.

As we prepare for the holidays and look forward to the new year, we can only pray, hope and do our share through hard work so our bet on 2012 being a better year will hit the jackpot! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com,facebook. com/gelrelos, twitter.com/gelsantosrelos.

95 million copywriters I USED to complain about Street 60 million copyTalk writers.

That was the population of the Philippines decades ago, when I was GREG B. MACABENTA working with an ad agency in Manila and was handling the Nestlé account.

It was my way of protesting the way every Juan, Pedro and Maria felt competent to criticize and suggest improvements on the advertising campaigns we created. Invariably, ten different people had ten different ideas on how to improve our work.

Poor Secretary Bertie Lim and Campaigns & Grey.

Now, they’re hearing from 95 million copywriters.

A friend in the US, Wally Reyes, who was president of an ad agency in Manila and, at one time, was Undersecretary of Tourism, sent me an email asking me “what my take was” on the Pilipinas Kay Ganda theme of the Department of Tourism (yes, the one that P-Noy has ordered withdrawn and changed).

I haven’t responded to Wally. But at the time he sent me the email, I had written a piece entitled, Proud to be Pinoy, referring to the fact that Manny Pacquiao and Fil-Ams like California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Giants ace pitcher Tim Limcecum have given us reason to hold our heads high in the world.

But I also added that there are many other reasons to feel proud of ourselves as a people: “And yet, we have many reasons to feel Proud to be Pinoy, and not just vicariously. Not the least, the beauty of our people and our land.

“I guess this is the rationale behind the new campaign of the Department of Tourism revolving around the theme, Pilipinas Kay Ganda or Philip-

pines, the Beautiful.”

“I think it’s a good advertising theme, reminiscent of America, the Beautiful.’ But to make this campaign fly, we need to work on our national psyche and imbue our people with genuine pride in ourselves as a nation.”

That really means creating a culture of tourism.

That, in turn, means improving our tourism infrastructure, ensuring peace and order and security, and investing in advertising and promotions to reach, create awareness and persuade tourists, sportsmen, adventurers, World War II veterans, retirees, businessmen, investors, conventioneers and assorted travelers, as well as overseas Filipinos, to visit our shores.

Whether or not Pilipinas Kay Ganda or any other slogan or theme statement will work will depend on all of the above. Ninety-five million copywriters arguing over the merits of the ad agency’s brainchild will not change that harsh reality.

But I guarantee you: Take care of the basics and any combination of words that describe the beauty of the Philippines or its various tourist attractions will work.

Heck! Why argue that Pilipinas Kay Ganda cannot be understood by non-Filipinos? It’s the easiest thing to add a parenthetical phrase that explains what it means. The more important point is whether or not we can support that statement.

Was Senator Chiz Escudero right in commenting that there is no reason to change Dick Gordon’s WOW Philippines campaign?

Yeah, sure. But if no advertising and promotions money is invested, it won’t work, either. And if the culture of tourism isn’t developed in our country and among our people, there will nothing to be “wowed” by.

The point that the Pedros, Juans and Marias— along with the Chiz Escuderos and the wise guys

in the legislature—should focus their genius on is how make the best of what we now have, with what few resources and promotions budgets are available, while we ALL work on improving our tourism assets.

In this regard, the travel and tourism industry should invest in this as aggressively as the government.

The reason Las Vegas is such a major tourist draw is because the casinos are investing heavily in tourism promotions. The reason Hawaii is such an attractive tourist destination is because the travel and tourist industry in the islands are investing heavily in tourism promotions.

But in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism is expected to do all of the investing, while the travel and tourism industry does the complaining and criticizing.

Guess who benefits from tourist traffic?

And now, poor Bertie Lim and its ad agency are getting it from 95 million copywriters who think that Pilipinas Kay Ganda ain’t got it.

So what are they suggesting?

Are they going to launch a contest on the best tourism slogan? Will they create a committee of creative geniuses to concoct the right combination of words? Will Chiz Escudero and the Senate constitute a committee that will conduct an investigation into the reasons why our tourism industry has been left biting the dust behind Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the rest of Asia? Will Miriam DefensorSantiago demand that Bertie Lim be replaced with “heavyweights?”

Or will someone sit down, do a reality check, calmly assess what resources are available and work on a viable plan that doesn’t depend on the syntax or symbolisms or visual appeal of an advertising slogan?

Several months ago (before P-Noy became presi-

dent), I submitted a plan to Director Rene de los Santos of the Department of Tourism in San Francisco for a sustained media advertising campaign in the US, combining the limited budgets of the various stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, as well as those government agencies desiring to reach out to the overseas markets.

My thesis is that, individually, none of them can afford to sustain a year-long effort—not even Philippine Airlines. But intermittent promotional blitzes and “marketing roadshows” are a waste of money.

Without a follow through, fat chance these efforts will sink in.

Breaking into a market is like pushing a boulder up a hill. If you don’t have enough muscle to push it all the way up to the top, as soon as you run out of steam, the boulder will roll right back to where you started.

So how to fund a year-long campaign? One way is to combine the limited resources of the stakeholders to make them add up to a substantial sum that can pay for such a campaign.

How does that work? Imagine a series of TV commercials and full page or even double-spread full color ads that talk about all of the wonderful things that all kinds of people can discover and relish in the Philippines.

Of course, that brings us back to making sure that all of those wonderful things are in place and worth offering to the world.

But, as far as I can tell, there are enough of them to get a viable campaign started. What I think needs to be done is for all of the interested parties to get together to agree on getting the infrastructure in shape for the follow-up campaign and for the long haul.

Pero, utang na loob, leave the copywriting to the copywriters. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Aquino hands off on P2M bounty MANILA—President Benigno Aquino III will leave it to his officials to determine whether the proposal to put up a P2-million (app. $45,500) bounty for information on the whereabouts of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson should be approved.

The proposal will have to be discussed and decided upon by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Philippine National Police Director General Raul Bacalzo, according to the President’s deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte.

“Normally, [matters about giving rewards] do not need the approval of the President. It’s the

concerned agencies that will have to decide,” Valte told reporters Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Asked if Mr. Aquino was supportive of the proposed reward, Valte said she had not asked him about it.

Asked to comment on the Justice secretary’s favorable position on the proposed bounty, Valte said it was apparently De Lima’s way of showing the public as well as the government teams hunting down Lacson that she was serious in her intent to go after the fugitive senator.

(Inquirer.net)

Majority of Filipinos back RH bill—PulseAsia

by Abigail

Kwok

Inquirer.net

MANILA—Majority of the Filipinos support the reproductive health bill, which has stirred debates within the predominantly Catholic nation, results of a Pulse Asia survey released Tuesday, Nov. 30 showed.

The survey, conducted from October 20 to 29, revealed that 69 percent of those polled expressed agreement with the bill, while 80 percent of Filipinos have shown a “high level” of awareness on the legislation that has been sharply dividing Congress.

Awareness and support for the bill span across the country, but majority of those who said they favor it are in Metro Manila.

The survey showed that 24 percent remain neutral on the controversial issue, while seven percent are opposed to the bill.

Those who disagreed, the survey said, were mainly opposed to the proposal to include the “Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education” in school curricula.

The survey showed that while majority of those who disagreed with the bill have sup-

ported some of its provisions, such as recognizing women’s and couples’ rights; promoting information about and access to natural and modern family planning methods; and the use of government funds to support modern family planning methods, 44 percent opposed the proposal to include “Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education” in the school curricula.

Opposition to make sex education a part of the elementary education systems cuts across social classes, majority of which are residents of Luzon.

13 names added on heroes wall

by Ma.

Ceres P. Inquirer.net

Doyo

MANILA—Human rights lawyers, a pastor, teachers and organizers of students, the youth, peasants and communities—13 men in all, two of them, brothers—were honored on Tuesday, Nov. 30 and their names engraved on the Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani (Monument of Heroes) in Quezon City.

The way they lived and died varied—some were arbitrarily killed or disappeared, while others died of natural causes.

This year’s honorees bring to 193 the names etched on the black granite Wall of Remembrance near the 45-foot bronze monument by renowned sculptor Eduardo Castrillo that depicts a defiant mother holding a fallen son.

The monument, the wall and other structures at the Bantayog complex are dedicated to “the nation’s modern-day martyrs and heroes who fought against all odds to help regain freedom, peace, justice, truth and democracy in the country.”

Close examination The Bantayog recognition is conferred only after close examination of a person’s life and manner of death.

The 13 are Roy Lorenzo H. Acebedo (19511975), David T. Bueno (1956-1987), William T. Chua (1955-2004), Jesus F. Fernandez (19552007), Arthur E. Galace (1942-1993), Eduardo E. Lanzona (1946-1975), Salvador F. Leaño (1921-1986), brothers Alfredo (1947-1973) and

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Armando L. Mendoza (1949-1975), Alex A. Mirabueno (1951-1988), Modesto C. Sison (19471977), Teresito G. Sison (1930-1980) and Rolan Y. Ybañez (1958-1985).

Honors Honors were conferred on these 13 individuals on November 30 at the Bantayog Memorial Center. Located at the intersection of EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) and Quezon Avenue, the Bantayog complex now boasts a P16million (app. $363,000) building, with a floor area of 1,000-sqm which houses a mini auditorium with 72 seats, symbolic of the year (1972) tyrannical rule was imposed through martial law.

A museum and library-archives are also housed in the building. Bantayog’s facilities could accommodate gatherings for special occasions.

(For details please call 4348343 or visit www. bantayogngbayani.net).

Bantayog’s 1.5-hectare property was donated by the government, through Landbank, a year after the Marcos dictatorship was toppled and Corazon Aquino became president in 1986.

Every year names are added to the Wall of Remembrance. The first 65 names were engraved on the black granite wall in 1992. An estimated 10,000 Filipinos are believed to have suffered and died during the Marcos dictatorship that ended in 1986.

Founded after the 1986 People Power Revolution, The Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation Inc. is chaired by Alfonso T. Yuchengco. Former Senate President Jovito R. Salonga is chair emeritus.

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PH can offer humanitarian aid to ease Korea tension

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—A country with “all coast but no guard” and “all air with no force” can only offer “non-military and humanitarian assistance” to South Korea in the event of a full-scale war with the communist North Korea, Malacañang admitted.

“Right now, we can offer our

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humanitarian services to the Korean government. That is something we can be certain of,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“Again, there are concerns, limitations in our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) that we have to be realistic about our capability. What is definite is we can provide humanitarian assistance

to the South Korean government if and when we are asked to provide assistance,” he said.

“So right now, we are sending humanitarian, if and when kailangang magpadala tayo (we need to send), we can offer our humanitarian, and non-military assets,” Lacierda stressed.

Lacierda also said Filipino soldiers are ill equipped against a possible nuclear attack by North Korea.

“In case of a nuclear war, do we have necessary protection for our soldiers? Do we have the suits to protect us from a nuclear war? That’s one of the concerns and they will be in the forefront of the battle with soldiers from South Korea,” he said.

The Philippines sent one of the biggest contingents that helped South Korea repel an invasion by North Korea during the Korean War that ended in armistice in 1953.

But Lacierda said discussions in the security cluster never reached the stage where the sending of troops to South Korea was seriously considered.

He said President Aquino’s primary concern was the welfare of some 60,000 workers in the Korean peninsula.

“The primary consideration is the Filipinos—how do we evacuate them in case of an escalation of tension in South Korea,” Lacierda said.

But Lacierda made clear that the Philippine government would not renege on its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, which is to help the US protect South Korea from an invasion.

“We will honor whatever obligations that we have entered into, the treaty but that will also be subject to the invitation of the government concerned. But there’s still no offer now. Let’s not get ahead of the offer, if any, of the South Korean government,” he said.

“In whatever way we can (to abide by the treaty). Of course, depending on the resources and capability of our assets. We will assess our resources and capability, if we can prepare for it and what kind of resources that we will need for our own AFP,” he added.

For his part, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad gave assurance that the government could cover

HOLIDAY SEASON. Holiday shoppers flock to Divisoria to buy gifts for Christmas.

the expenses should there be a need to evacuate or repatriate Filipinos in Korea.

“We have the capability to respond to any contingency that will be brought about by the tension in South Korea,” Abad said over radio dzXL. Surge of students As tensions rose in the Korean peninsula, the Philippines may have to deal with a fresh surge of students from South Korea, Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas said.

“For the sake of world peace, and the 60,000 Filipino workers in South Korea, we hope there will be no further hostilities on the peninsula,” Gullas said.

“Nonetheless, we expect many South Korean families to take the necessary precautions, and send their children away for schooling here in the months ahead,” he said.

Koreans—many of them students—have been arriving in droves even before the crisis.

Some 200,000 South Koreans are already studying in the Philippines, including those taking up short courses in English, Gullas said.

According to Bureau of Immigration data, for this year alone 27,116 South Koreans were registered in the country as of Sept.

16. They are the second largest foreign ethnic group in the country next to the Chinese.

Gullas said Filipinos should welcome the prospect of more South Koreans staying in the country.

“As potential consumers, they can create incremental demand

for local goods and services, including housing, and thus contribute to domestic economic expansion,” he said.

“As investors, they can help build new factories that can provide badly needed new jobs to our unemployed,” Gullas said.

South Koreans find the low cost of living and studying in the Philippines highly attractive, the lawmaker said.

“A growing number of young South Koreans are also eagerly trying to master the English language, so they like being able to communicate with us in the world’s lingua franca,” he said.

Manila has liberal programs for foreign visitors and students.

A special entity also offers resident visas to foreigners 35 to 49 years old and their qualified dependents who bring in at least $50,000 (P2.2 million), or $20,000 (P880,000) in the case of those 50 years old and above, he said.

Scrap war games Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello said he agreed with President Aquino’s decision to defer the deployment of Filipino overseas workers to South Korea but asked the Chief Executive to demand that the US and South Korea call off their ongoing “war games” near North Korea.

Bello, chairman of the chair of the House committee on overseas workers’ affairs, said the longstanding deployment of combatready US military forces in South Korea, particularly along the 38th Parallel separating the two Koreas, “has been seen as a constant provocation by the North Kore-

Philstar.com photo

ans.”

“Indeed, North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons, which in our view is a tragic mistake, must be understood as a response by North Korea to their encirclement by powerful US forces based in South Korea and Japan and in the waters off the Korean peninsula in the form of the US Seventh Fleet,” he said.

He also said North Korea’s paranoia was “understandable given this military encirclement, though their firing on Yeonpyong Island was not justified.”

“As long as a state of military confrontation dominated the Korean peninsula, there will always be a high risk of war breaking out, with the consequent risk to the well being of the 50,000 Filipinos working in South Korea,” Bello said. “Evacuation plans must be ready, but more effective than evacuation plans must be the return of stability to the region as quickly as possible,” he said.

“An end to the US-South Korea war games would be a key step in this process of de-escalation, and President Aquino can help bring this about by pressuring the two governments to end their provocative military exercises,” he said.

He also urged the US, South Korea, and North Korea to sign a treaty ending the Korean War of 1950-53.

“Until there is a formal end to the state of war between North Korea and the United States, the Korean peninsula will always be a powder keg,” he said.

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Dateline Philippines

News Briefs Manila celebrates 147th Bonifacio Day With the aim to encourage unity, patriotism, and active volunteerism in the country, Gatpuno Andres Bonifacio Music and Policy Foundation, Inc. recently launched a movement that will help promote awareness in the local arts and culture via a concert entitled Mga Awit ng Pag-Ibig sa Inang Bayan held recently at Manila in commemoration of the 147th birthday of Andres Bonifacio.

With several local leaders of Quezon City as the foundation’s head, the movement aims to propagate patriotism through music, songs, and other cultural events that includes active volunteerism by forming and maintaining choirs in the different barangays according to the Manila Bulletin.

The choral concert, Mga Awit ng Pag-Ibig sa Inang Bayan, was held at 8 in the evening of Bonifacio Day, November 30, 2010.

Immigration official returns $10,000 An immigration officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport found and returned an envelope containing $10,000 to a Filipino family that was about to board a plane bound for Canada last November 27 at around 11:15am.

Amando Amisola, the immigration officer designated at the special departure counter said in a report from the Star that the owner of the found money, Patricio Francisco was surprised and “almost hugged” him for joy as he told the owner that he left his money and was surrendered at the airport’s immigration office.

“The money is a family fund for their visit to Canada,” Amisola said.

DOH to request budget for contraceptives, cites Pope’s statement With the suggestive statement from Pope Benedict XVI to use condoms in order to hamper the spread of HIV AIDS, the Department of Health (DOH) takes it as an opportunity to be allowed to purchase contraceptives in line with the department’s family program next year.

Citing the statement of the Pope in his speech, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona together with other health officials justified the planned purchase of contraceptives before the Senate. Ona said in his speech that the allotment of P880-million ($20 million) for the purchase of contraceptives from the P32.627 billion ($758.8 million) budget for next year is just appropriate considering the pontifical statement.

Senator Loren Legarda, meanwhile, questioned the DOH on how it plans to address the Millennium Development Goals, Disaster Risk Reduction programs, and issues that concern maternal deaths and birthing centers with the remaining budget.

One with the Pope’s statement but against the use of other contraceptives other than condoms, Sen. Vicente Sotto also aired out his concern saying that the use of contraceptives violate the provision in the Constitution that pays importance to life, protects, and strengthens the family.

Considered as one of Asia’s most predominantly Catholic nations, a large part of the Philippine society and politics remain to be influenced by Catholic teachings that includes the preservation of life that prohibits contraceptive use believing it encourages abortion.

US PH Embassy honors 23 Outstanding Fil-Am students With the aim to encourage Filipino-American students to learn more about the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, the Embassy of the Philippines in the US recently granted 23 FilAm students the Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards for excelling in academics while also taking part in extracurricular activities.

A project of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) Inc., with the support of the Philippine Embassy, the Dr. Jose Rizal youth awards were presided by the Ambassador of the Philippines to the US, Willy C. Gaa; together with the President of the PAFC, Ms. Rebecca Pagsibigan; and the Vice President of PAFC and Chairman of the Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards, Mr. Robert Tamayo.

According to the Philippine Embassy website, the recipients of the awards were Katherine Argente,Eliza A. Buan,Mavis Joy C. Manaloto, Jenelle Virginia F. Chu,Marc Daniel C. Manaloto, Bernadette L. Ferrer, Jaena Marie F. Chu, Joel James Vazquez, Michael Ramada, Hanna Michelle Montoro, Kelvin Jens Moncera, Amanda L. Andrei, Ruth Joy L. Relador, Krizia-Ivana Tan Udquim, Tatiana B. Lozano, Kevin L. Argente, Mark Ramada,Alfred-Enberg Tan Udquim, Joseph McHenry Cajayon Chavez, Natalia Fernandez, Kayla Argente, Jacob Filon, and Nariella Fernandez.

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Palace distances from leaked US memos

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang washed its hands off the WikiLeaks issue—which revealed that 1,796 diplomatic cables sent by US embassies all over the world came from Manila—for the simple reason that these communications didn’t fall under the term of President Aquino.

“There’s nothing on the Aquino administration on that matter because it’s February 2010 and backwards,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said, pointing out that Mr. Aquino assumed office only in June 30.

Lacierda begged off from making any further comments, since, being a lawyer himself, nobody knows the authenticity of the contents of the diplomatic communications between the US government and many other foreign embassies worldwide.

“We don’t even know if they are authentic. We don’t have any information what those leaks are.

We have not seen the documents.

We have no basis to comment. It’s too early to speculate,” Lacierda told reporters in a briefing.

“Until such time there is truth to it we cannot comment on that.

These are cables pilfered from the US State Department. The cables are with the US,” he added.

Effectively and impliedly, Malacañang is tossing the matter to Mr. Aquino’s predecessor, Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (now a Pampanga congresswoman), who served as president from January 2001 to June 29 this year.

WikiLeaks reported that a total of 1,796 of the more than 250,000 diplomatic cables sent by US embassies around the globe between 1966 and February this year came from the Philippines.

The online whistle-blower, an organization devoted to revealing secret documents, has drawn condemnation from the US government for its revelations.

“The cables, which date from 1966 up until the end of February this year, contain confidential communications between 274

embassies in countries throughout the world and the State Department in Washington DC. 15,652 of the cables are classified ‘Secret,’” WikiLeaks stated in its website.

The American mission in Manila is the 44th among the 274 embassies and consulates around the world and the fourth in Southeast Asia with the biggest number of cables that had leaked.

The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom said that all but two of the total sent by the US embassy in Manila were sent between January 2005 and February 2010. The two remaining leaked cables were dated Nov. 21, 2001 and July 19, 1994. The diplomatic cables have also been sent to other global publications.

For her part, US embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson said “any unauthorized disclosure of classified information by WikiLeaks has harmful implications for the lives of identified individuals that are jeopardized, but also for global engagement among and between nations.”

De Lima hints she’s not interested in moving to Comelec MANILA—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima hinted yesterday that she is not interested in becoming chairman of the Commission on Elections to replace Jose Melo who has recently announced his resignation.

De Lima said she feels that her mission at the Department of Justice (DOJ) is not yet complete.

“I think I still have many tasks to do here in DOJ. There are so many challenges in this position, and I want to face all these even if it is really hard,” she stressed.

“I hope they don’t consider removing me here because I really want to be challenged,” she added.

De Lima, however, clarified that she serves at the pleasure of President Aquino.

“Of course, that’s in the hands of President Noy. It’s his call where to put me,” she explained.

She said Malacañang has not mentioned to her that she is being considered for the top Comelec post.

“I just hope that whoever is floating that idea, it is done in good faith,” she appealed.

The Star earlier reported that De Lima and election lawyer Sixto Brillantes are being floated as possible replacement for chairman Melo whose resignation

would take effect on Jan. 31, 2011.

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle had said he also heard that Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura is being considered to be the next Comelec chair.

Melo, 78, tendered his resignation last Monday, claiming to have succeeded in his mission at the Comelec with the successful automated elections that produced a president whose victory was beyond doubt.

Melo said he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren and play more golf.

De Lima was an election lawyer before former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed her as chair of the Commission on Human Rights and President Aquino appointed her to the Department of Justice in June.

Brillantes had assisted the Liberal Party and Aquino during the May 10 elections.

The one who will take over Melo’s post will continue his unfinished seven-year term until February 2015, and be in charge of the 2013 elections. (Philstar.com)

Bishop warns lotto winner: ‘PH is not the safest place to be in’ MANILA—Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz warned the winner of the P741 million Grand Lotto jackpot that the country wasn’t the “safest place to be in” now.

This was what Cruz told Radyo Inquirer in an interview Tuesday when asked what he would tell the lucky bettor from Luzon who bagged the prize on the winning combination 11-16-42-47-31-37.

At the same time, Cruz, in Filipino, stopped short of admonishing the winner by telling him how his

gambling had paid off.

“Nanalo ka. Ilang milyong Pilipino naman ang kinuhanan mo ng pera [Yes you won. But how much money have you taken from millions of Filipinos],” said Cruz.

When asked to comment on Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s statement that the winner should “thank God and share the money with others,” Cuz said, “Di niya alam ang sinasabi niya [He doesn’t know what he’s saying].”

The jackpot at P741 million was

the biggest in the country’s history.

Liza Gabuyo, PCSO assistant general manager, said the bettor picked the combination, standing to win the pot tax free.

It took 86 draws before a bettor won the jackpot.

The previous biggest jackpot was posted in February 2009, when the pot for the 6/49 Super Lotto game reached P347 million. Two lucky bettors picked the same combination to split the top prize. (Inquirer. net)

Aquino administration seen to attract more foreign investors in 2011 The Aquino administration continues to attract foreign investors as more foreign companies look into putting up a business space in some of the key business cities in the country; not only in Makati, but also in Ortigas and The Fort, according to an international real estate firm.

Rick M. Santos, chairman of CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) in the Philippines said in a report from a local newspaper that foreign investor seem to be the “number one choice of foreign investors” with the demand for business space expected to soar by 10 percent next year because of the recently launched Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

With 250,000 square meters taken for the first 11 months in Metro Manila this year for office space, Santos said during an interview that the local economy has never shown such strength since 1996 and that the decline in office space in the US will mean growth for the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector in the country.

ADB seen to donate more electric tricycles to PH Following the donation of two electric tricycles or e-trikes in Mandaluyong recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that it plans to donate about 20 more to promote the use of electric vehicles around Manila.

The recently donated two e-trikes differ when it comes to the batteries used—one uses leadacid and the other uses Lithium-ion batteries according to Sohail Hasnie, principal specialist of ADB Southeast Asia. Hasnie also said during an interview with the Manila Bulletin that they are hoping that the e-trikes, designed with a 5-kilowatt-per-hour-battery, will be able to reach at least 200 kilometers with one charging but developments are currently underway regarding fine tuning.

Meanwhile, Department of Energy Secretary Jose Almendras agrees with the use of Lithiumion batteries in electric vehicles stating in a separate interview with the same newspaper that components found in Lithium-ion batteries are fully recyclable.

PH to other countries: ‘Follow France’s travel alert’ The local government is hoping that countries like the US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and New Zealand who recently posted travel advisories against the country will soon follow the announcement of France to modify its travel advisory.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said before the press that the government has been exerting efforts to talk to the countries that issued the travel alert to modify or withdraw their travel advisories believing that “the bases for the advisory were not as solid as they should have been.”

Prior to the modification of travel advisory, France was among the major countries that issued a warning to its citizens of a possible terrorist attack in the country. It has been recently reported, however, that France dropped the phrase “terrorist attack” and replaced it with “violence” in warning its citizens when it comes to crimes this holiday season.

Police official calls on the coordination of UN-WFP in local operations Following the death of a relief distributor in Lanao del Norte, a local police official in the province recently called on the leaders of the United Nations World Food Program (UN-WFP) to coordinate with any local government security should there be any relief operations that will take place so as to avoid any similar tragic incident.

Director of the Lanao del Sur Police, Cosanie Derogongan clarified in a report from a local newspaper that the victim, Sadam Basnillo ,who was shot by armed men in Barangay Tuca Ilian,Maul, Marantao town, was a full time employee of the UN-WFP but was a helper of the truck that distributed the goods due to the conflict in Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas.

Citing that some areas in Lanao del Sur are not safe, Derogongan said that coordination with the local security force is very important, whether or not it is connected with the WFP, so that the security of the agency’s employees will be secured.

Meanwhile, the UN-WFP country director Stephen Anderson said during a separate interview that the “WFP staff are in touch with the family of the bereaved and are extending the necessary support in their time of grief.”

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Joel Torre conspires with John Sayles and other big stars in ‘Amigo’

by JULIE MATIENZO AJPress

J

OEL Torre, one of the finest Filipino actors, collaborates with the admired independent film maker John Sayles together with the crème de la crème of actors both local and international, in the period film Amigo, to effectively shed light on what really transpired during the Philippine-American war.

Currently shown in different international film festivals like the Toronto Film Festival, American Film Institute Film festival among others, Amigo centers on Torre’s character, Rafael Dacana, a barangay chief who finds himself torn between sacrificing his dignity in order to maintain peace in his community; and the call for rebellion against the disparaging American troops led by his brother Simon (played by Ronnie Lazaro).

While many people are aware that America has been a great influence over the Philippines ever since 1899, when it set sail on local shores with the intent to “free” the Filipinos from the Spaniards, hardly is it known to many of what really ignited the Philippine-American war that lasted until 1902.

Amigo writer and director John Sayles said in an interview with ABS-CBN North American news that the fact that so little is known about the “important” Philippine-American war (he himself have never heard about it) is what motivated him to pursue the movie project. He also shared that he started to ask some of his Filipino friends if they knew anything about the war and they said to him that they somehow knew it happened “but it was not taught in school.”

Although the project required a lot of research and paper work, Torre said that Sayles became interested in doing the period movie and sought a good place where they can shoot. Torre then offered Sayles a tour in the Philippines which caught the latter by surprise.

“Noong pinasyal ko sila, they were amazed by what they saw sa ating bansa. Our country daw has much character and it’s a perfect location daw for the project,” the actor said.

The crew, both comprising of Filipinos and Americans, shot Amigo in the beautiful island of Bohol for six weeks with only a budget of $1.5million according to Sayles.

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“We went to the island of Bohol which is in Visayas. We built a 1900s rice-growing village—in a 2010 rice-growing village. There were too many things we had to hide and take down. We took down a couple wires and we actually built a church over the one-cinder block of of house that we have to (make) disappear,” Sayles revealed in a Youtube red carpet interview. The director also said that they had to buy rice crop in the village for the demands of the scenes. “We asked them to plant at a certain time so it would mature...and then we could burn it down or trample it, or harvest it, or whatever. And then, quite honestly 80 percent of it was left when we left so they were able to resell it so it was a good deal for the village.”

Introduced to Sayles by a common friend in New York in 1999, Torre shared during an interview with PEP that he finds it a good thing that even Hollywood writers and directors are interested in the Philippine’s history.

Sayles even boasted in the Youtube interview that “very good actors half or more of the actors (in Amigo) are Filipino actors and are the creme of the crop over there (in the Philippines).”

Torre expressed his delight of performing along with the most outstanding actors of the country like Rio Locsin, Bembol Roco, Ronnie Lazaro, Pen Medina, Irma Adlawan, John Arcilla, Bodjie Pascua, John Arcilla, Spanky Manikan, Joe Gruta and Miguel Faustmann side by side the impressive foreign cast that include Oscar winner Chis Cooper, Garret Dillahunt, Stephen Taylor, James Perks, Yul Vasquez, Bill Tangradi, Lucas Neff and DJ Qualls.

Convicted that the Philippine-American war is something worth exploring, John Sayles plans to help expound further the knowledge on Philippine-American war by writing a book titled A Moment in the Sun which will be released next year.

Given that many Filipinos comprises the majority of migrants in the US, Maggie Renzi, Sayles’s long-time producer, told the press in the recently held LA’s AFI Film Festival that Amigo should be distributed by major studios so that the undeniable effect of the colonization of US in the Philippines may better be understood.

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Kapuso stars for ‘PUSO ng PASKO Artista Challenge’ revealed!

PUSO ng PASKO Artista Challenge kicks off the merry month of December with 24 Kapuso stars, 12 partner families and communities, several hairraising challenges to perform, and over five million pesos in cash and prizes!

Joining the main hosts—award-winning broadcast journalist Vicky Morales and Kapuso star Richard Gutierrez—are challenge hosts Rhian Ramos and Drew Arellano and the celebrity challengers: Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano; Heart Evangelista and Ervic Vijandre; Rachel Ann Go and Kris Lawrence; and Fabio Ide and Gwen Zamora.

Completing the line-up of the Kapuso celebrity challengers are Carla Abellana and Geoff Eigenmann; Bianca King and Aljur Abrenica; Ynna Asistio and Mark Herras; Paolo Contis and Sam Pinto; Kris Bernal and Rocco Nacino; Jennica Garcia and Carl Guevarra; Bubbles Paraiso and Benjie Paras; and Raffy Tima and Mariz Umali.

They will be performing the challenges to win cash and prizes for their partner family and the family’s community. The challenges range from the death-defying to the heart-warming. The teams selected their partner families from among hundreds of entries that comprise of the “most deserving” families—those that have done good deeds for others or their community. Over five million in cash and prizes will be awarded to the 12 partner families.

PUSO ng PASKO begins on Dec. 7 for GMA Pinoy TV viewers in the United States, Asia Pacific, and Middle East. Call your preferred pay TV operator now to subscribe.

(Advertising Supplement)

Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz

Geoff Eigenmann and Carla Abellana

Bianca King and Aljur Abrenica.

Ervic Vijandre and Heart Evangelista

Lowe’s Energy Center goes nationwide From energy monitors to leak detectors to solar panels, energy-saving products come to one place

Bubbles Paraiso and Benjie Paras

Jennica Garcia and Carl Guevarra

MOORESVILLE, NC—How can you better manage energy consumption as colder weather creeps in and electricity bills creep up? How about getting the answer to your energy-saving questions in one place?

Launched recently in all of its US stores, the Energy Center of Lowe’s is the first of its kind for a major retailer. Here, you will find energy-saving products such as solarpowered products and ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs in one place, making all your money-saving and energy-saving plans for your homes a reality.

“The Energy Center builds on Lowe’s commitment to bring more innovative products and services to our customers,” said Nick Canter, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising.

“By pulling together comprehensive options to help them manage their energy use, the Energy Center makes it easier for customers to become more energy efficient while putting money back in their pocket.”

Beyond traditional energy-saving methods that influence many Asian homes, the best thing about reducing energy consumption nowadays is that you can measure energy use and even generate renewable energy.

Take your cue from the following amazing products offered at The Energy Center: Measuring energy use How to find energy leaks. The handheld Black & Decke Thermal Leak Detector ($49.99) makes it easy to find energy leaks in the home. An LED light changes color to indicate changes in temperature around windows, doors and in the attic.

Sealing the gaps and cracks, and properly insulating, can save a homeowner up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, according to the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) How much appliances cost to operate. The Kill A Watt EZ ($34.97) by P3 International measures how much appliances really cost to operate.

Simply plug the appliance into this device, which plugs into the wall outlet and accurately displays projected costs by week, month or year. It also can measure how much money standby items such as TVs and computers cost when not in use. For more power monitors, including whole-home energy monitors like The Energy Detective ($240) from Energy Inc., visit Lowes.com.

Reducing energy costs What to do with drafty gaps. Once drafty gaps have been identified with a Thermal Leak Detector, save energy and save money by sealing them with caulk, weatherstrip or insulating foam. These products, along with energy savers such as CFLs, programmable thermostats and dimmer switches that Lowe’s sells throughout the store, have been consolidated in the Energy Center to make it easier for customers to tackle energy efficiency as a project.

What to do with standby-off mode power devices. The average US. household spends more than $500 over five years to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode), according to the EPA. Eliminate that power loss, and the need to fumble around under the computer desk, with Choose Renewables’ Bye Bye Standby ($19.97). The set of remote-controlled outlets easily plugs into a power strip or electronic devices and switches them on and off individually, or together, with the touch of a button.

Generating renewable energy When to start using sol ar power. Lowe’s Energy Center is also helping consumers take their first step into solar power. The Solar Lite flashlight ($18.97) by Hybrid Light can hold a charge for up to three years. Charge it Continued on Page 4

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Grounds for annulling a marriage MOST Barrister’s couples that want out of Corner a marriage in California usually file Atty. Kenneth for Divorce.

Ursua Reyes There are circumstances though that allow a couple to have their marriage “voided” rather than “dissolved.” There is a big difference between the two concepts. With a voided marriage, it restores the couple to status of unmarried person as if they have never been married before. In a divorce, the couple would always be regarded to as married during the period of the marriage.

Unlike Divorce which can be obtained regardless of the reason. Voiding a marriage may only be obtained based on certain grounds. It is void in cases of incest and bigamy. It is voidable in cases of minority, Unsound Mind, Fraud, Force, or Physical Incapacity. Marriages between parents, children, ancestors and descendants, brothers and sisters, half brothers and sisters, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews are incestuous and are void from the beginning. So are bigamist marriages where either party was still married to another person when they entered the marriage. Nevertheless, it is best to obtain a Nullity Judgment to clarify the legal status of the parties under these circumstances.

Certain situations does not necessarily make a marriage void but makes it voidable on the parties option. One such circumstance is when the petitioner was under 18 years old when the petitioner married and the parents did not provide their consent. The Nullity petition based on this ground has to be filed within four years after the party turns 18. The parent of the minor may also file the Petition provided it is filed prior to the minor turning 18. Another situation is a bigamist marriage where the first spouse has been absent and not known to be living for 5 years prior to the second marriage or if the party believed the

is in the United States she can adjust status under Sec. 245(i) with Primo or with other visa categories currently available to her.

Note: This is not a legal advice.

Immigration news 1. The USCIS may check your personal information on Facebook.

2. The Ninth Circuit Court decided that the death of US citizen parent will not be a hindrance to seek waiver of misrepresentation.

3. On March 17, 2010 we received an approval in Immigration Court of adjustment of status for a conditional residence whose status was terminated before. When a conditional residence is terminated the USCIS will refer the alien to removal proceedings.

4. On January 5, 2010, we received an approval in Immigration Court of an adjustment of status based on good faith marriage despite an age difference of 18 years.

5. On Dec. 7, 2009, our client Ms. E was approved for a waiver of misrepresentation in the Immigration Court. In anContinued on Page 5

*** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@aol.com; Website kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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How may the derivative aliens adjust status under Sec. 245(i)?

April 30, 2001, the applicant Atty. Crispin Lozano must prove physical presence spouse to be dead at the time of the second in the United States on Decemmarriage. A Nullity based on this ground may be ber 21, 2000. The derivative Question: Who are the defiled during the life of the other party. spouse and children of the prinrivative aliens?

A marriage may be voided if either party was cipal beneficiary also qualify if Answer: Derivative aliens are of unsound mind at the time of the marriage. the spouse and minor children the petition or labor certificaUnsound Mind means a person is incapable of the principal alien who was tion was filed by April 30, 2001. of understanding the nature of the marriage petitioned for immigrant visa or Derivative aliens do not have to contract and the duties and responsibilities it prove physical presence in the labor certification. creates which depends on the degree of mental Question: What is adjustment United States on December 21, 2000. capacity of the party. This may not be a ground if of status under Sec. 245(i)?

Question: What are examthe party later on came to reason yet continued Answer: Aliens who are in the United States may adjust status ples of derivative aliens who to freely cohabitate with the spouse. Fraud is to permanent resident. Adjust- may qualify for adjustment of another ground for voiding a marriage. The false ment of status under Sec. 245 status? representation or concealment must relate to a Answer: Peter is a US citizen (i) allows beneficiaries of visa substantive matter and directly affect the purpose petition or labor certification to who filed an immigrant petiof the party deceived in entering the marriage. The adjust status despite (1) enter- tion for his brother Primo in fraud must go to the very essence of the marital ing the United States without 1983. At the date the petition relation before it is sufficient for an annulment. It inspection, (2) working without was filed in 1983, Primo has an is not sufficient simply to contend that your spouse authorization, or (3) violating the 8-year-old son named Derek. turned out to be a lazy, drunken disappointment. terms of any nonimmigrant visa Derek is a derivative alien of an Nullity based on fraud has to be filed within four he or she may have possessed immigrant visa petition filed for Primo. If Derek is in the United by paying a fine of $1000. years of discovering the fraud.

States he qualifies to adjust staQuestion: Who qualifies for Certain marriages that are entered into by adjustment of status under Sec. tus under Sec. 245(i) because force are voidable. Circumstances that meet at the time of the visa petition 245(i)? these standards requires that the forced party’s Answer: To qualify for adjust- Derek is a derivative child befree will to have been overcome by the spouse ment of status under Sec. 245(i) low 21 years of age. such as through the use of threats. These type of Example 2: In the above exthe applicant must (1) have an Nullity must be filed within four years from the immigrant petition or labor cer- ample, Maria is the spouse of date of marriage. A marriage where the spouse tification filed by April 30, 2001, Primo when the petition by was found to be incapable of physically engaging (2) and if the immigrant petition Peter was filed in 1983. Maria in copulation may be voided. It can only be filed or labor certification was filed is a derivative beneficiary of between January 14, 1998 and the petition for Primo. If Maria by the spouse that does not have the physical incapacity and must be filed within four years of the marriage. Before deciding weather a divorce is the appropriate avenue to end your marriage, parties should evaluate if a Nullity is a viable alternative and weather it serves their best interest.

Lowe’s Energy Center goes... once by exposing it to any light source, natural or artificial, and store it until needed. It’s durable and waterproof.

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Homeowner’s Highlights

can plug directly into a vehicle’s charging port.

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purchased through special order at all Lowe’s locations.

Lowe’s has won eight consecutive ENERGY STAR awards for its leadership as a retailer of energy-efficient products and in 2010 became the first winner of the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in Retail. To get started on saving energy and money, visit Lowe’s in-store Energy Center. For more inspirational ideas and projects, go to Lowes.com/ EfficientHome.

(Advertising Supplement)

DANIEL’S HOME CENTER 19TH ANNUAL TOY GIVEAWAY. Every holiday needs a kind spirit—and every holiday season for the past 19 years, Daniel’s Home Center has been one such giver. In having our 19th Annual Toy Giveaway, we’re keeping the tradition of giving back to the community, helping those who need a smile, and extending a hand with a present. We can all remember one time when a surprise blessing came and brightened our day, and here at Daniel’s, we like recreating that feeling. Everyone is invited to come and have fun!

Our center, located at 255 S Euclid St. in Anaheim, CA 92802 will be giving free toys for children from Santa on Dec 12, Sunday, from 12 noon to 3 pm. With entertainment and pictures with Saint Nick’laus himself, this is sure to be a blast for the whole family. So come along, spend some time, because here at Daniel’s we’re family—we care.

12/2/10 4:09:35 PM

JCPenney welcomes the Christmas season with gift-giving ideas for everyone on your list New list. New gifts. Who knew!

PLANO, Texas—JCPenney rings in the Christmas season with something special for everyone on your list, from the trendiest teen and tiniest tot, to loved ones near and far. JCPenney’s Christmas 2010 gift ideas celebrate the spirit of giving with the hottest trends, the newest gadgets, sparkling jewels, inviting decor and entertaining essentials. With 1,100 stores nationwide and jcp.com’s 24/7 online site, JCPenney is America’s gift headquarters where customers can shop stress-free throughout this joyful season, knowing they’ll always find affordable gifts of style and quality, at a price that makes sense.

Here’s a look at what’s in store at JCPenney for this season’s smart shoppers: Stocking Stuffers Under $10— Let them think you spent more!

This season is mad about plaid at every price. Wrap up this bargain: the SJB Flannel Plaid Shirt for him ($9.99) For little guys, team up big-boy looks with a Arizona Plaid Woven Shirt ($8.99) She’ll love the latest look in handbags with the Liz Claiborne Flap Bag or Mini Satchel, available in multiple color ways ($19.99) The clever Confetti Pet Handbag will charm little girls ($9.99) Keep your young fashionista looking stylish with Paisley Blue Leggings from Supergirl by Nastia ($9.99) Sassy & snappy Note Card Sets with colorful graphics and messages like “Chocolate is the Answer” and “Give Peace a Chance” are a great way to express the season’s sentiments ($9.99) Share family photos in a fun, unique way with a set of Photo Coasters ($9.99) Go green with Eco-Speakers ($9.99), perfect for road warriors or small living spaces Play anywhere, anytime with Totes Tabletop Ping Pong ($9.99) For the handy man in the family, you can’t go wrong with the Totes Multi-Tool Set ($9.99) Fashion Savvy Gifts Under $25—Give gifts that up the style

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Wrap her wrist in whimsy with candy-colored Digi Tek Watches ($11.99) If she loves retro, she’ll fall for a vintage-inspired Ring from Mixit ($12.99) Dazzle her with a colorful purple-faceted Necklace from Liz Claiborne ($15.99) Big Cuffs and Oversized Bracelets are big news for devotees of fashion jewelry. Treat her to versions in gold, silver and hematite from Liz Claiborne, Mixit and Worthington ($11.99-$18.99) Make a color statement with Liz Claiborne’s Tri-color Glass Necklace ($17.99) Bring on the bling with Mixit’s red or purple statement Necklace ($24.99) Keep her warm all winter with flirty Cardis with ruffles and lace ($17.99) from Decree She’ll go wild for feline and fem: Worthington’s Leopard Blouse ($19.99) or a.n.a’s Leg-o-Muttonsleeve Leopard Turtleneck ($17.99) Polka dots look hot right now: try a Twin Set from east5th; a grey Dot Cardigan ($23.99) pairs perfectly with a sleeveless knit shell in heather ($17.99) Go happy this season with a Wallet (or carry as a clutch) from the Happy Days Collection by Mixit ($19.99). The pink-multi, brownmulti and turquoise wallets will add pop to a St. John’s Bay Gray, Shawl-Collared Cardi ($17.99) Find the perfect blue: Decree has jeanious fits and finishes for Denim divas; choose from a range of jeggings, premium-look washes, and destructed styles ($24.99) Help him welcome the outdoors with a Dockers Trapper Hat ($19.99) or SJB Orange Puffer Vest ($17.99) Cheer him up with a Claiborne go-with-everything Merino Sweater ($24.99) Top off the trends with her faux-fur lined Trapper Hats in lime, red or sky blue ($14.99) or his SJB Fair Isle Knit Cap seen on the slopes ($12.99) Little girls will rave about the Uproar Faux-Fur Vest ($17.99) Give a little giggle with the Arizona

Animal/Critter Hat ($19.99); find your preferred pet: sock monkey, raccoon, koala and panda, among others Try a little sofa pick-me-up with faux-fur pillows from Chris Madden ($14.99) and Studio ($14.99) Serve up chic with the Cindy Crawford Style Textured Red or Gold Glass Serving Bowl ($19.99) Bring out the kid in them with a Remote Control Car ($14.99) or Helicopter($19.99) Fun for the entire family, give a gift like Tabletop Foosball or Air Hockey ($19.99) Fun and Fab Gifts Under $50—Make magic with these fabulous, frugal finds!

Let her go from sporty to sparkly with a wardrobe of Liz Claiborne Watches ($30-$45) Adorn her wrist with silver and gold with an elegant genuine 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Bracelet ($49.99) Rock her world and wrap up something hot like pure Cashmere Sweaters in a variety of hues from nicole by Nicole Miller ($49.99) She’ll be aglow from tip to toe, in a One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress with rosette detail, from Bisou Bisou ($49.99) Olsenboye designers MaryKate Olsen & Ashley Olsen created a strapless confection with ponte bustier and plaid taffeta skirt for teen and tween fashionistas ($29.00) She’ll feel like a rock star in tough-chic jackets: choose a.n.a.’s faux Leather Drape Neck Jacket ($49.99) or the Worthington Black Croco Jacket ($42.99) The nicole by Nicole Miller “Pretty Girl” Satchel ($48.99) with ruffles and 3-D flower detail is a gift that will keep giving as seasons change into spring Add a kick to her Boot collection: The a.n.a “Kat” Scrunch Boot ($39.99) is available in black, grey or beige; the Decree “Boulder” Tall Wedge Boot with faux-fur trim ($49.99) is available in black and dark tan What’s better than the perfect Fair Isle Sweater from American Living he’ll enjoy season after season ($29.99)

DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 www.asianjournal.com

Man-up his jeans with this handsome Arizona Bomber Jacket ($39.99) Casually tailored, he’ll always be well-dressed in this Stafford Corduroy Blazer ($49.99) Indulge little girl dreams with this Arizona Faux Leopard Fur Coat that will strike envy in all her little gal pals ($34.99) Start their mornings off with a smile; the cooks Smiley Face Pancake Pan promises to do just that! ($29.99) Save on designer cupcakes and let them whip up their own treats with a Baby Cakes Mini Cupcake Maker ($29.99) Trend-Setting Gifts Under $75—Surprise them with more for less!

Share your sentiments with our Sterling Silver faith, hope and love Pendants ($54.99) on a delicate silver chain Every girl needs the Quintessential LBD: this season, it’s a sleeveless black satin stunner with embellishment and rusching from JCPenney ($74.99) MNG by Mango designed a fun knit dress with gold and copper paillettes (available Dec 1) that can serve double duty as a tunic over leggings, for more casual gatherings ($78.99) Designers at a.n.a created a Down-Filled Dream Coat ($69.99) to keep chills at bay on the coldest winter days; this season’s topper is fitted with sleek silver hardware and a faux-fur lined hood Give her gams the hottest black Boot of the season: Worthington’s fierce over-the-knee style ($69.99) Whether hiking to work or trekking through the woods, Skechers’ Suede Verdict Boot promises him plenty of miles

($59.99) Plug in to one of the most innovative iPod speaker ideas with iHome’s LED Color Changing iPod Speaker System ($59.99) Perfect for tucking into a small space, a second home, or when the kids come home—a cooks EnergySaving Induction Cook top ($69.99) Special Someone Gifts Under $100 – Gifts for those who hold a special place in your heart!

Let her sparkle plenty with Diamonds from One Kiss by Cindy Crawford. She’ll want to wear the striking Sterling Silver and Color Enhanced Black Diamond Pendant on every occasion ($99.99) Unlock the love with this stunning 14K Gold over Sterling Silver Key Pendant from One Kiss™

by Cindy Crawford ($99.99) Bring sparkle to her eyes with Diamonart’s brilliant 2.35 CT TW Ring ($99.99) Look like you stepped off the runways in this season’s must-have coats: The iconic Pea Coat from St. John’s Bay is recast in a luscious cashmere-blend ($79.99); a multitude of colors and sizes make this coat a cool-weather essential From Allen B., the waist-length Leopard Faux-Fur Coat ($83.30) goes from casual to cocktail-ready Never miss an important engagement during the season with the iHome App-enhanced Alarm Clock Dock ($99.99) Want coffee for one, here’s your answer! The Keurig B31 Single Serve Coffeemaker ($99.99) For the master of the media room, the Nostalgia Countertop Kettle Popcorn Maker ($99.99) is sure to please For the smallest angel, place the Plush Butterfly Rocker ($79.99) under the tree and watch the

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magic unfold Splurge – Spoil them with gifts they’ll never forget!

Shower her with diamonds and gems! Go dramatic with One Kiss by Cindy Crawford Sterling Silver and Color Enhanced Black Diamond Hoop Earrings ($129.99), or opt for a rainbow of color with a JCPenney 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Genuine Multi Gemstone Bangle ($159.99) and a genuine multi-gemstone 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Necklace ($159.99) Let time stand still while you watch his delight when he unwraps the Citizen Eco-Drive Calibre Watch ($356.25) A media room must-have—a Nostalgia Popcorn Cart ($149.99) Little kids--and big ones too—will spend hours of fun with this Lionel Santa Fe O Gauge Train Set ($199.99) Your directionally-challenged friends and family will never get lost again, thanks to your thoughtful gift of the new Garmin Nuvi 4.3 GPS Navigation System ($199.99) This Christmas season, no matter what your budget, JCPenney makes it easy to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. And for those in need, JCPenney and The Salvation Army have once again marshaled the spirit of joy to give on a grand scale online with the Angel Giving Tree Program. From now until December 14, customers can spread the Christmas cheer to tens of thousands of children and seniors facing hardships in communities across America by allowing customers to easily purchase toys, clothing or gift cards for a child or senior in need directly from www.jcp.com/angel.

(Advertising Supplement)

How may the Derivative...

3. Income tax filing is required in the proposed legalization. Individual Tax Identification Number From Page 4 (ITIN) can be used for filing tax returns and is reother case, on October 29, 2009, our request for quired before bank accounts can be opened. It is waiver of misrepresentation for entering as single also needed by employers to charge to expense but actually married for our client Mr. D in Fresno, payment for contractual job. Our office assists clients in obtaining ITIN. CA was approved by the Immigration Judge. *** Tips of the week Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of Cal1. Petitioner’s death is not a problem if the beneficiary is in the US when the petitioner died and ifornia and he specializes in immigration law. His offices are located at 17057 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 205, Bellflower, CA 90706 and 1290 at the time of adjustment of status.

2. Abused spouses of US citizen or permanent B Street, Suite 205, Hayward, California 94541 and at 777 N. First residents can self petition even if there is a prob- St., Suite 333, San Jose, CA 95112. You can contact him at telephone (562) 461-1355 and (510) 538-7188.

(Advertising Supplement) lem with their passport and entry documents.

12/2/10 4:09:11 PM

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alendar of Events

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America

DECEMBER 3

‘Healing is Believing’ Experience the amazing God-given talent for healing of Fr. Suarez which has been recognized by the Vatican in “Healing is Believing,” a Eucharistic Celebration with Healing happening on December 3, 7pm at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church, 320 West Garvey Avenue Monterey Park, California 91754. For more information to the event please call Eddie or Carmen Tolentino (323) 724-1051, Beatriz (626) 429-6617, Richard Pingol (626) 484-4624, Alejandra Arenas (626) 993-4236 or email at the_base@yahoo.com or rpingol624@gmail.com.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi of Greater Los Angeles and the West Coast Sigma Delta Phi will hold their joint Christmas Party on Friday, December 3, 2010 at the Castaway Restaurant, Verdugo Room, 1250 E. Harvard Rd. Burbank 91501. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Duo of Willie Manacsa & Ralph Victoria. For further information, please call (818) 943-8838 (MYA).

December Serenade St. Genevieve Catholic Church presents a December Serenade featuring Joan Cano, Pete Avendano, Gelo Francsico, Bob Shroder and Chamber Orchestra, and the St. Genevieve Music Ministry on Dec. 3, 8pm at the St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City 91402. Donations are $10 Parishioner, $20 non-parishioner, kids 10 years below are free.

GGCC hosts 6th Quarterly ACAPINOY and Gospel Meeting 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.

Fil-AM JazzFest to Feature Living Legend 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.

FAREPA San Francisco Dinner FAREPA San Francisco Peninsula Chapter is hosting its 6th Annual Christmas Party and Installation of Officers for 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burlingame, CA. It will be an exciting evening of fun, food, dancing and entertainment.

Anakbayan 5th anniversary celebration Anakbayan Los Angeles invites you to our 5th anniversary celebration and book launch of four new volumes by Professor Jose Maria Sison. Join us at this momentous community event on Friday, December 3rd from 6-9pm at the Grace United Methodist Church, 2325 E. 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA 90814. Suggested donation of $5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information visit anakbayanla.tumblr.com or email info@anakbayanla.org

Upsilon Sigma Phi and West Coast Sigma Delta Phi Christmas Party The Upsilon Sigma Phi of Greater Los Angeles and the West Coast Sigma Delta Phi will hold their joint Christmas Party on Friday, December 3, 2010 at the Castaway Restaurant, Verdugo Room, 1250 E. Harvard Rd. Burbank 91501. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Duo of Willie Manacsa & Ralph Victoria. For further information, please call (818) 943-8838.

DECEMBER 4

Stars of Hope on 5th Ave. 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

SBPAK 1st reunion 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.

DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 www.asianjournal.com

DiamonD HonDa of GlenDale Building lasting partnerships by offering the perfect car Buying a car can be so confusing especially when one does not know how to determine a good buy from a bad one. With many car dealers around, one may think that getting the perfect car will be easy—only to be disappointed because it was harder than imagined with every car dealer claiming that they offer the best among the lot, a potential buyer is left boggled on who to turn to in search for the perfect car. Sad to say, most car dealers today are more interested in the person’s money and does not focus on what a customer is looking for.

At Diamond Honda of glendale, however, trust among buyers and long-term customer relationships are considered to be the main goals of the business as it shows in its quality service and a hundred percent customer satisfaction. This is the vision of Mr. Tanai Hassoun, the general manager of Diamond Honda of glendale; Mr. Hassoun stresses that the main objective of the company does not lie on making a sale alone, but rather on serving the community and showing them that Honda of glendale cares for them and that it is worthy of its customer’s trust and loyalty.

Mr. Hassoun appreciates loyalty and harmony above anything else. As a person who has accumulated an experience of 26 years in the car dealership business, he says he has met people from different walks of life and that he considers Fil-Am customers as very kind-hearted people and ideal to do business with.

That is why, he also considers Filipino staff like Filipino Sales Consultants Miko Cardenas, John Rodis and Tito Adriosula to be included in the Diamond Honda of glendale because of the Pinoys’ strong, committed, and skilled quality that attracts more customers in the coming years.

The Diamond Honda of glendale, with its accommodating

Philippine Indigenous Music: KALINGA 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.

staff, offers a wider array of brand-new and certified preowned cars where customers can choose from.

“Our team will make sure that your car shopping experience will be enjoyable,” Mr. Hassoun assures. in line with building long -term partnerships with its customers, Mr. Cardenas, who has been in the car business for eight years, believes that providing a fair deal to customers and assess issues that have to do with the vehicle in a timely manner so as to avoid conflict and build stronger partnerships.

For years, the financial staff at Diamond Honda of glendale has offered expert advice for those in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Silvelake, Echo Park, Alhambra, north Hollywood, seeking an affordable Honda car loan or lease. its service doesn’t just stop there. Los Angeles customers can come in and take advantage of its knowledgeable Honda car repair technicians and a fullystocked inventory of Honda auto parts.

The best-sellers at Diamond Honda of glendale are Honda Accord, two cars which are known for its practicality and dependability—qualities which also best describes the Parts and Services department of Diamond Honda of glendale.

A car onlooker can also take

a test drive! All that he or she has to do is to ask the sales staff to help him find that new Honda or quality used car that he has long been searching for.

Diamond Honda of glendale is located at 138 S. glendale Ave., glendale, CA 91205.

Parts and Services are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9am-6pm and Sales are open from Mondays to Sundays, 9am-9pm. For more information, visit their website at http://diamondhondaofglendale.com or call (818) 2448674 for Parts and Services or (626) 354-5513 for John Rodis or (818) 468-3497 for Tito Adriosula.

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Longo ToyoTa:

Annual Christmas Family Party of Kagayanons of Southern California 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.

6

Recognizing excellence through diversities

UPAAGLA celebrates annual Lantern Parade 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.

Philippine Indigenous Music: Palabuniyan 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

Kulinarya: A Filipino Culinary Showdown 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.

Annual Paskong Pinoy Celebration 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.

DECEMBER 5

4th Annual Christmas Concert at St. Kilian Church Everyone is invited to watch the 4th Annual Christmas Concert at St. Killian Church featuring the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles and Bob Shroder and his Chamber Orchestra on Dec. 5, 7:30pm St. Kilian Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. For tickets contact Art Leoncio (714) 323-0015 or Chai Leoncio (949) 933-2387.

UST Singers Alumni USA In Concert Everyone is invited to watch the University of Santo Tomas Singers Alumni USA concert on Dec. 5, 7:30pm at 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood, CA 94513. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will go to the construction of the new Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Hall. For more details call (925) 634-4154. Tickets are available at the Parish Office and IHM Choir members.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com OC RED CARPET DEC 3 w-ads.indd 6

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HOPPING for a new car is just like looking for a friend in a room full of strangers. Everyone seems okay from afar, but when one tries to get to know another person, it becomes hard when that person does not feel naturally at ease talking to a stranger. Likewise, in looking for the perfect car, one goes for comfort and the feeling of familiarity. Same goes in looking for the perfect car dealer. One needs someone who can understand and effectively assess an excited car onlooker.

One company who understands the concept of familiarity and recognizes diversity as a reason for success is Longo Toyota, where the team of men and women reflect today’s Southern Califonia with its rich blend of cultures, races and languages.

Longo Toyota’s more than 550 diversified employees represent 21 countries and speak 30 languages and dialects that favors Pinoys in the area for they even have staff who speak Tagalog, Kapampangan, Ilokano and Bisayan.

The Longo Toyota boasts of a remarkable sales team and are highly skilled and talented Filipinos namely Mel Castelo, Butch Gabutina, Raymond Perez, and Cesar Macalino—all willing to serve customers with great service. These guys never fail to make sure that their customers get the service they deserve, especially when it comes to their kababayans. It is no wonder a record number of Filipino residents in California have visited Longo Toyota for their car needs, including service, parts, and repairs.

Longo Toyota, an affiliate of Penske Motor Group, commits itself to full customer satisfac-

tion and spontaneous guest relations making it the number one Toyota dealer in the US for 42 consecutive years from 19662007 based on TMS total new retail vehicle sales.

Currently, Longo Toyota’s inventory of Toyota vehicles with over 25 mpg EPA rating is the largest in the USA and also has the largest scion inventory.

They have the latest and most sought-after Toyota models including Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Camry Solara, Corolla, Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, Prius, RAV4 and Yaris. Longo Toyota also knows the value of your hard-earned money and offers a Value Zone where fully functional used vehicles under $10,000 are available. Also, a 0% financing on approved Tier 1, 2 and 3 credit with Toyota Financial Services are available for 11 different new Toyota models.

With world-class amenities to offer guests a world-class experience anytime they visit, Longo Toyota offers Starbucks cafe inside the dealership. Its Starbucks offers a variety of coffee specialties as well as teas, juices and an assortment

of pastries for one to enjoy while waiting for the vehicle to be serviced or while a customer looks at the huge selection of new and pre-owned vehicles; an onsite Subway sandwich restaurant offers a variety of healthy sandwiches, salads, and wraps, as well as chips, cookies and drinks.

Longo Toyota also offers a business center, wireless internet access, courtesy shuttle (within 15 miles for sevice guests, excluding Sundays) and an Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) office located in their showroom, open 9am to 9pm for insurance services.

With all these great amenities and services Longo Toyota is surely the best place in picking the right car for a person who enjoys the diversity and uniqueness of life! Visit their office at 3534 North Peck Road, El Monte, CA; their Sales office is open Sundays, from 830am-9pm; Saturdays, from 8am-10pm; and Mondays thru Fridays, from 8am-10pm. You may also call them at 800-617-4516 or log on to www.longotoyota.com for more information.

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DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 www.asianjournal.com

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