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Volume 9 - No. 48 • 3 Sections – 32 Pages

december 3-9, 2010

Poll: 7 of 10 Pinoys in favor of RH bill DATELINE USA MANILA—Seven in 10 Filipinos, mostly residents of Metro Manila, favor the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, the recent Ulat ng Bayan Survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed.

The survey results also showed a high awareness rate of the bill’s existence among the general public – 80 percent of the 1,200 respondents across all socioeconomic classes nationwide.

A majority of the respondents in all geographic areas

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

have heard of, read or watched something about the bill, broken down as follows: National Capital Region (90 percent), Luzon (82), Visayas (66) and Mindanao (80).

The same is true for a majority of the respondents in all socio-economic classes: Classes ABC (93 percent), Class D (82), Class E (72).

Only 20 percent of respondents learned of the existence of the bill while being interviewed for the survey.

The survey showed that 69 percent of the respondents across all geographic areas and socio-economic classes agree with the bill.

Geographically, this is broken down as follows: NCR (74 percent), Luzon (67), Visayas (66) and Mindanao (72).

Across economic classes: Classes ABC (78 percent) Class D (66), Class E (72).

PAGE A2

EVEN IN DEATH

Cory makes Time power list

NaFFAA elects new leaders, vows to step up rebuilding efforts

by Joanne

Rae Ramirez Philstar.com

MEETING in San Francisco for its 9th Empowerment Conference, members of the 13-year-old National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) elected new national officers and vowed to focus their efforts in the next two years on advocacy, voter participation, forging partnerships and rebuilding NaFFAA’s infrastructure.

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.

PAGE A6

Dallas Court rules in favor of Marcos regime 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 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 StarTelegram, “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 PAGE A4

Aquino on the cover of TIME magazine in 1987

Greenpeace activists wave windsocks as they campaign for the use of renewable energy Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 in Pasay City. The Filipino activists called on President Benigno Aquino III to commit to 50 percent renewable energy by 2020 as one of the solutions to fightclimate change.

AP photo

Lacson won’t surrender Robredo dismisses bounty on fugitive senator

by Gil

C. Cabacungan Jr. & Alcuin Papa Inquirer.net

MANILA—Fugitive Senator Panfilo Lacson will surface only if the warrant for his arrest is lifted, his lawyer told reporters Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Lawyer Alex Poblador claimed ignorance of the whereabouts of Lacson who, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Nov. 30, was hiding in the country.

He said that his last conversation with his client was in December 2009, and that his moves were being made in consultation with the senator’s family.

Despite a request from the Philippine National Police and De Lima’s endorsement, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo is not inclined to approve the proposed P2-million bounty on Lacson’s head.

The reward may neither be “worth it” or “necessary,” Robredo told the Inquirer. He added: “They have been saying we are close to getting him (Lacson). Then what might be needed is for law enforcement units hunting him down to just do the job given to them.”

De Lima had said the proposed reward might help hasten Lacson’s arrest or surrender.

Lacson has been on the lam since January, days before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 issued the warrant in connection with the 2000 abduction and murder of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito. “[Lacson] has made it clear that so long as the warrant is pending, he is not going to surface,” Poblador said. “But if the warrants are withdrawn, he is going to surface and participate in the reinvestigation. I have advised him to respect the judicial process, but I think he has made a decision. I doubt if he will change his mind.”

Finding the money Robredo said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) had to find the money for the proposed reward. “[And] we can put that money to better use,” he said.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, the PNP spokesperPAGE A4

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 PAGE A2

PNoy sees continued high growth for BPO

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—Profitable business process outsourcing companies in the Philippines will enjoy multibillion-dollar profits and will continue to help pump prime the local economy in the years to come, President Aquino predicted.

At the inauguration of IBM’s three new delivery facilities at the UP-Ayala Technohub in Quezon City, the Chief Executive said statistics from the local BPO industry is “highly encouraging” and is expected to “generate even greater revenues in the

coming years.”

“The government predicts around $12 to $13 billion (USD) in revenues by 2011. By 2020, your profits are expected to rise to as much as $100 billion, comprising 20 percent of the market share in the global industry,” he projected.

This is good news, according to him, because BPOs were a “virtual nonentity in 2001.”

“Your sector has earned the sunshine industry status by generating over $9 billion in revenues, and employing close to 550,000 full-time individuPAGE A2

‘Pacquiao effect’ on Pinoys subject of study

by Elmer

AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

BAGUIO CITY—Even psychologists are intrigued by the so-called Pacquiao phenomenon.

Filipinos worldwide rejoice every time Manny Pacquiao brings down an opponent, but can Pacquiao, who is also a politician, boost the Filipinos’ sense of their national identity?

This was what Adrianne John Galang, a De La Salle University psychology professor, said he hoped to find out in a study

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he presented the other day at the 35th Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Philippine Psychology) conference at the University of the Philippines Baguio.

Galang said low crime rates during Pacquiao’s fights were some of the “anecdotal evidence” that the boxing champion influenced the national behavior.

“I wanted to find real evidence of a Pacquiao effect,” Galang said.

Filipino or American?

In March, Galang gathered 18 of his students to test how strongly they saw

themselves as Filipinos. The test was done for three consecutive Mondays after Pacquiao’s victory over Ghanaian Joshua Clottey on March 14.

Galang said he used the Brief Implicit Association Test (BIAT), which measures how a person associates words with concepts shaped by his or her experiences.

He required his students to sit in front of a computer monitor, where he flashed in sequence English words like “self,” “I,” “me” and “mine.”

Each time the words were flashed on

the screen, Galang asked the students to describe whether each word was a Filipino or an American concept.

He theorized that the impact of Pacquiao’s fights on behavior would determine the speed by which the students responded.

Automatic response “They responded faster and quickly associated the words ‘self,’ ‘I,’ ‘me’ and ‘mine’ with ‘Filipino.’ This means that the students are closer to the Filipino PAGE A4

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The Front Page

Poll: 7 of 10 Pinoys in favor...

PAGE A1 Only seven percent of respondents, mostly in Mindanao, disagree with the bill; 24 percent, on the other hand, remain undecided.

Pulse Asia said the disagreement may be attributed in part to a provision seeking to include reproductive health and sex educa-

tion in the school curriculum.

The minority who disagree with the bill were asked for their opinion regarding specific provisions.

Respondents in the group agree with the following provisions: recognizing the rights of women and couples to choose the family planning method that they want on the basis of their needs and

include “Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education” in the school curricula; 39 percent, however, agree with this provision.

Fifty percent of the minority in personal and religious beliefs (79 Luzon and 55 percent in Mindanpercent); promoting information ao are not in favor of including sex about and access to natural and education in schools; 47 percent modern family planning meth- of the minority in socio-economic ods (70); and stipulating the use class E disagree to this provision. of government funds to support Opinion among the minority in modern family planning methods socio-economic classes ABC and (55).

D is split, with 41 percent to 43 Forty-four percent of the minor- percent expressing agreement ity disagree with the proposal to and 42 percent to 43 percent sup-

Cory makes Time power...

PAGE A1 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 Presi-

dent 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 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

porting the provision.

Fifty percent, however, of the minority in Metro Manila and Visayas favor the inclusion of reproductive education in schools.

Public indecision on the provision is more prominent in Visayas at 32 percent.

The survey has a plus or minus error margin of three percent at 95 percent confidence level.

Lawmakers with a pro-life stance said the conduct of the survey was misleading because most of the respondents have likely not

read the bill.

“I understand at least 90 percent of the folks have not read the RH bill. How can someone who has not read the bill have an informed opinion on the bill?” said Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez.

“If it is about reproductive health as a general issue, just like cardiovascular health, or pulmonary health or gastric health, etc, the answer will be positive. In fact, who would go against reproductive health as a general health issue?” he added. (Philstar.com)

senator, Benigno Aquino Jr. His Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) assassination in 1983 led her to Rachel Carson (1907-1964) take up his crusade, saying, “I Coco Chanel (1883-1971) would never be able to forgive Julia Child (1912-2004) myself if I knew I could have Hillary Clinton (1947-Present) done something for my country Marie Curie (1867-1934) and didn’t.”

Aretha Franklin (1942-Present) Of her style as President, she Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) told a joint session of the US Estée Lauder (1908-2004) Congress in 1986: “As I came to Madonna (1958-Present) power peacefully, so shall I keep Margaret Mead (1901-1978) it. That is my contract with my Golda Meir (1898-1978) people and my commitment to Angela Merkel (1954-Present) God. He had willed that the blood Sandra Day O’Connor drawn with a lash shall not in my (1930-Present) country be paid by blood drawn Rosa Parks (1913-2005) by the sword but by the tearful Jiang Qing (1914-1991) joy of reconciliation. We have Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) swept away absolute power by a Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) limited revolution that respected Gloria Steinem (1934-Present) the life and freedom of every FiliMartha Stewart (1941-Present) pino.”

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) The Full List of Time’s 25 Most Margaret Thatcher Powerful Women of the Century. (1925-Present) Leading Ladies Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present) Jane Addams (1860-1935) Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)

PNoy sees continued...

PAGE A1 als in 2009 alone,” Mr. Aquino acknowledged, noting that this contributed to 10.2 percent of the growth in the services sector.

This particular (services) sector “comprises about 49.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.” “In the second quarter of 2010, you have already contributed 3.2 percent to the GDP growth of the country,” he said.

The President thanked IBM, which is celebrating its centennial next year, for giving trust to the country by investing and putting up BPOs. “Congratulations to IBM for achieving another milestone in your ever-growing business venture in the Philippines. The opening of IBM’s three new facilities is symbolic not only of your long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to business, but also your continued trust and confidence in the Filipino people,” he said.

“For years, you have been the country’s leading information technology partner, and your extensive IT services network has provided IT and business solutions to the government, financial institutions, telecommunications, and retail and distribution sectors, among others,” he added.

“I am certain that these three new facilities will set up more developments for your company and, at the same time, help the government greatly in its job generation initiatives for Filipinos,” Mr. Aquino maintained.

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front Page PAGE A1

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Dallas Court rules in favor of Marcos...

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)

Lacson won’t...

PAGE A1 son, said the reward proposal was submitted to the DILG as early as October 1.

Cruz said the proposal was based on an appeal of the group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption that the PNP put up a P900,000 reward for information leading to Lacson’s arrest.

He said that after an evaluation by the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, the proposed reward was raised to P2 million and duly forwarded to the DILG for approval.

“It would be good if the request for the reward is approved. This would speed up the arrest of the senator,” Cruz said.

Robredo confirmed that the DILG had received the reward proposal. “But it’s not detailed why the reward money would be

necessary,” he said.

Cruz cited the reward put up for the capture of suspects in the Maguindanao massacre, which has led to the arrest of a number of the alleged perpetrators.

But Robredo countered that the amount of P250,000 for information leading to the capture of the massacre suspects was small enough.

Cruz refused to say if the PNP had information on Lacson’s whereabouts, and whether the senator was in Metro Manila.

He said the PNP had its own “tracker teams” searching for Lacson.

‘Focused critic’ Poblador assailed the justice department’s purported misplaced priorities and treatment of Lacson as an “ordinary criminal.”

He expressed surprise that it had refused to reinvestigate the Dacer-Corbito case.

“They should give due deference to the stature of Senator Lacson. He was a focused and very vocal critic of the past administration,” Poblador said.

Poblador said the justice department was duty-bound to take a second look at the evidence, especially after the testimony of the prosecution’s main witness, Cezar Mancao, was put in question by the testimony of Michael Ray Aquino and Reynaldo Oximoso.

The lawyer also noted that another key witness, Glenn Dumlao, had exonerated Lacson of participation in the double murder.

Aquino and Oximoso have disputed Mancao’s claim of hearing Lacson and Aquino discussing a plot to kill Dacer during a car ride, and denied ever riding in a vehicle together.

‘Pacquiao effect’ on Pinoys...

PAGE A1 concept cognitively,” he said.

Galang also said the tests indicated that the students responded much faster on the Monday (Nov. 29) that preceded Pacquiao’s win, compared to the tests he conducted two weeks after the fight.

“They reacted much faster right after Pacquiao’s bout. It became automatic to them to say that they are Filipino,” Galang said.

More studies needed The test to determine the “Pacquiao effect” is still in its early stages, he said.

Galang said he conducted a

new set of tests after Pacquiao’s win over Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 14. He said 128 subjects were tested online.

He has not released the results of the latest test.

“This is just a glimpse. There may be or there may not be [a Pacquiao effect]. It is subject to further studies,” Galang said.

A different study In contrast to Galang’s findings, another study presented at the forum indicated that the sense of being a Filipino wanes after a tragedy has befallen the country.

Diwa Malaya Quiñones, a UP

Baguio professor, conducted this other test among 110 students two days after a dismissed policeman killed eight Hong Kong tourists during a hostage drama at Manila’s Rizal Park on August 22.

The respondents were asked how they ranked their “being Filipino” on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) when faced with a statement like: “I don’t feel good about being Filipino.”

The respondents mostly agreed with the statement “I don’t feel good about being a Filipino,” Quiñones said.

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Dateline USA

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 3-9, 2010

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Ray Parks Jr., Playing for Georgia Tech University

Like Father, Like Son

by Joseph

Pimentel / AJPress

FIL-AM Ray Parks Jr. has a long way to go before he catches up to his father, a Philippine basketball legend, but he’s well on track on doing that.

The 18-year-old Parks Jr., a 6’3” point guard, who had been playing at National University in the Philippines, recently signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at Georgia Tech University, a school known to produce top flight NBA point guards.

Photo by Mim Brown-SGGryphons.com

“We’re very happy to welcome Ray to our program,” said Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt in a statement the school released on November 22. “He’s a combination guard who is an excellent three-point shooter, and he has improved rapidly over the last six to nine months with his point guard play. He made a very positive impression on everybody around our program, and we feel fortunate to have had him sign with us during the early signing period.”

To die hard Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) fans, if his name sounds familiar it should be. He is the son of PBA Hall of Famer Ray Parks Sr., who many consider the Michael Jordan of the PBA. Parks Sr. was a star at Memphis University before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the mid-1980s. He never played in the NBA. He bounced around professional teams in the CBA and Europe before settling in the Philippines.

In 12 scintillating seasons in the PBA, Parks Sr. played in 220 games, scored 9,000 points, grabbed over 3,000 rebounds and dished out more than 1,000 assists. In 1989, his best season, Parks averaged 52 points per game. He was also named the PBA’s Best Import player of the Year a record seven times. He was recently inducted into the PBA, becoming the second American to do so.

Those are high basketball achievements but his son may surpass him.

The younger Park is the 32 ranked shooting guard in the nation, according to Rivals. com a basketball recruiting website. Another recruiting service, Scout.com, ranked him 26 and a four star recruit.

An ESPN scout describes Parks as a guy who “continues to grow on us the more we see him. He brings it every time he touches the court. The lefty plays with a reckless abandon from the shooting guard position. He has one of the better strokes we have seen to this point knocking down long jump shots with consistency. When you crowd him at the line he is skilled

enough with the ball to create something off the dribble, preferring to get all the way to the basket.

The scout said one area Parks’ needs to improve on is his defense but overall, “Bobby has a good body with a strong frame which allows him to defend and rebound at a high level. When you look for a guy to come into your program and compete from day one I don’t think you will find anyone more competitive than Bobby.”

Born and raised in the Philippines, Parks Jr. left the island for better basketball competition at the age of 13. The family moved to Memphis when Parks was 13, and he played basketball his ninth and 10th-grade years at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tenn., where he was the state private school player of the year in 2009.

He transferred to Melrose High School for his 11th-grade year, and helped his team win a class AAA state championship in 2010.

He went back to the Philippines for his senior year and played ball for National University where he also led them to a basketball title.

He also played on the All-Asian team in the 2010 Nike Global Challenge in Hillsboro, Ore., and for the Philippine National Team in 3-on-3 basketball in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

According to reports, he wants to eventually play for the Smart Gilas Philippine National Team.

Parks Jr. has a long way to go before he can match his father’s achievement but he’s well on his way. n

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Dateline USA

december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Deficit panel’s painful budget draws challenges

by Andrew

Taylor and Tom Associated Press

Raum

WASHINGTON—A painful package of spending cuts and tax increases drew sharp challenges from both the left and right on President Barack Obama’s deficit commission Wednesday, Dec. 1, putting approval in doubt. However, both parties’ Senate budget point men embraced the plan, and even opponents called it a starting point for efforts next year to control the nation’s ballooning debt.

“It’s a template that gives people an opportunity to start discussing what we have to do to get our fiscal house in order,” said Rep. Xavier Becerra, a California Democrat on the panel who hasn’t said whether he’ll support the package.

The 18-member bipartisan commission scheduled a vote on the plan for Friday, Dec. 3. But as the meeting demonstrated, the co-chairmen, Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson, face a difficult chore in rounding up the 14 votes needed to officially send the plan to Congress for consideration.

Winning over lawmakers who are also panel members appeared to be the biggest remaining challenge, given the politically incendiary nature of many of the proposals. The tax increases it includes are dealbreakers for some Republicans, likewise social program cuts for some Democrats.

The plan calls for sweeping tax changes that would affect millions of Americans, including trimming or doing away with many popular tax breaks such as the home mortgage deduction. It would also make deep cuts in military spending, slash the federal work force, raise the retirement age for full Social Security benefits and make cuts in Medicare. It aims to reduce federal red ink by nearly $4 trillion within a decade.

Although prospects for the plan are unclear, the attention it has received has helped awaken the nation to the depth of the economic hole the country is in and the need for bold action to dig out, suggested Bowles, who was former President Bill Clinton’s White House chief of staff. Simpson is a former Republican senator from Wyoming.

“The American people get it now. People want this to happen,” Bowles said.

While the deficit commission grappled with longer-term economic woes, congressional Democrats and Republicans worked separately to strike a deal with the White House on a more immediate financial issue: extending Bush-era tax cuts that expire Dec. 31. And despite talk of finding common ground, neither side seemed willing to yield much as negotiations began with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Budget Director Jacob Lew. Both Democrats and Republicans seem willing to extend most of the

WASHINGTON—The US economy improved this fall as factories produced more goods and shoppers spent more money.

A new survey by the Federal Reserve finds that 10 of the Fed’s 12 regions reported economic growth picking up.

Five regions—Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta, Dallas and San Francisco—said growth increased at a “slight to modest” pace. Another five—New York, Richmond, Chicago, Minneapolis and Kansas City—said economic activity was increasing at a “somewhat stronger” pace. Only two regions—Philadelphia and St. Louis—reported business conditions as mixed.

All told, the new survey offered a marginally brighter picture of the economy over the past six weeks.

In the Fed’s previous survey, for instance, the regions around Philadelphia, Richmond and Cleveland had reported economic activity as mixed or steady. Atlanta and Dallas regions said growth had slowed.

Stronger production at factories helped propel growth in most parts of the country, the new survey said. Makers of fabricated metals and autos and related goods saw the biggest gains.

Retailers also reported better sales in many regions, the Fed said. However, merchants in the regions of Boston, Cleveland, Richmond and St. Louis said results were mixed. Still, retailers’ expectations for holiday sales were mostly positive.

Sales of new cars and light

trucks, meanwhile, were largely higher. And tourism improved across the country, the report found.

All of those factors contributed to modest job growth.

“Hiring activity showed some improvement across most districts, although employers are waiting for clearer signals of expanding business prospects before adding significantly to payrolls,” the survey found.

The country did see a burst of hiring in October when private employers added 159,000 net jobs. That still wasn’t enough to lower the 9.6 percent unemployment rate.

The Fed survey found that companies in the Atlanta and Chicago regions, for instance, showed a preference for part-time and temporary workers. However, employers in the Boston, Richmond and Minneapolis regions reported having difficulty finding skilled workers.

With the goal of invigorating economic growth and lowering unemployment, the Fed on Nov. 3 announced a $600 billion program to buy government bonds over an eight-month period. The Fed hopes that the program will spur more spending by lifting stocks and making loans cheaper.

The Fed meets next on Dec. 14 and will examine what impact the program is having on the economy. The Fed has left the door open to scale back the bond purchases if the economy were to strengthen in the months ahead. Or the Fed could buy more bonds if the economy were to weaken.

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 Community 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 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 conference 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)

Aversa AP Economics Writer

Debt Commission co-chairmen Erskine Bowles, left, and former Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson, speak during a meeting of the commission on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010.

AP photo by Alex Brandon

tax cuts. But Democrats want to let cuts for the wealthiest Americans expire, citing damage to the federal deficit from lost revenue as a main argument.

Meanwhile, as the deficit commission—formally the president’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform—began moving toward a final decision, Sens. Kent Conrad and Judd Gregg, the Democratic chairman and top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, threw their high-voltage support behind the plan. Still, both expressed some misgivings.

Gregg, the New Hampshire Republican who is retiring from the Senate, took issue with some proposed tax hikes in the plan, sounding a familiar GOP theme that taxes should be lower, not higher, to promote growth. Still, he said, the overall plan was “moving dramatically in the right direction.”

Conrad, D-N.D., said there were “things in this plan that I dislike intensely.” Yet, he said he was prepared to support it “and support it strongly. I don’t see another alternative.”

They were joined in supporting the package by panel members Alice Rivlin, White House budget director in the Clinton administration,David Cote, CEO of Honeywell International,and Ann Fudge, a former chief executive of Young & Rubicam.

“This is the framework for us to move forward,” Fudge said.

Counting Simpson and Bowles, that put seven of the panel’s 18 members on the record in support for the proposal. House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt Jr., D-S.C., who lost a re-election race last month, said he’s leaning toward supporting it, and Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., seemed to lean in favor as well.

But Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a liberal Democrat from Illinois, told the panel she could not support the plan, contending it proposed disproportionate cuts in social programs, particularly federal help for seniors.

She said it should have paved the way toward “a more robust Social Security.”

PAGE A1

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

Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

Fed survey: Economic growth picks up in most areas

by Jeannine

NaFFAA elects new leaders...

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

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Automatic 30-minute deductions for lunch may be illegal

Q: I AM an hourly employee who works are not busy or when they have an available in the retail industry from 8 a.m. to 4:30pm. reliever. Since they may always be too busy We were told by our manager that we are to leave their assigned posts and there is entitled to a 30-minute unpaid lunch break no reliever available, employees may simevery day. Thirty minutes is automatically ply work through their lunch or skip lunch deducted from our daily work hours. But altogether. If they do so, employers cannot there are days when we are so busy that claim as excuse that the employees “waived we cannot take lunch or we take our lunch the right” to their breaks. while working. Should we still be deducted Companies who ignore break time rules for 30 minutes if this is the case? eventually learn the hard way that they canA: No. If you did not take your lunch break not sacrifice the employees’ welfare for or ate while you worked, you should not be the company’s bottom line. In 2005, one of deducted for 30 minutes at all. In fact, not the world’s largest retailers was ordered to only should there be no deduction, your pay over $170 million in damages to about employer should also pay you an additional 116,000 of its former and current Califorone hour at your regular hourly rate for be- nia employees for this violation. Several ing unable restaurant to take an c h a i n s Under California law, a 30-minute uninterrupted have faced uninterr u p t e d meal period must be provided for each employee for s i m i l a r 30-minute suits every 5 hours of work. During the meal period, the ltoa wrecover meal peemployee must be relieved of all duties. If the em- c o m p e n riod.

A d d i - ployee is not relieved of all duties, the employee is sation for tionally, workers’ w o r k i n g considered to be ‘on-duty.’ The meal period will m i s s e d t h r o u g h then be counted as time worked and must be paid. breaks. your lunch These period while completing your 8-hour shift lawsuits serve as an important lesson to may result in you working 8.5 hours for the employers everywhere: The needs of the day. Any work performed after 8 hours en- business do not justify violations of lunch titles you to overtime pay. break laws. The employer has an affirmaUnder California law, a 30-minute unin- tive obligation to provide workers with terrupted meal period must be provided for these breaks. This duty requires the emeach employee for every 5 hours of work. ployer to implement procedures that eduDuring the meal period, the employee must cate employees of their rights and which be relieved of all duties. If the employee is allow them to exercise these rights. *** not relieved of all duties, the employee is :% Af\ JXpXj# Ai%# <jh% `j Xe \og\i`\eZ\[ ki`Xc Xkkfie\p n_f considered to be “on-duty.” The meal period will then be counted as time worked and _Xj jlZZ\jj]lccp fYkX`e\[ j`^e`ÔZXek i\jlckj# `eZcl[`e^ j\m\iXc must be paid. Therefore, if the employee is d`cc`fe [fccXi i\Zfm\i`\j ]fi Zfejld\ij X^X`ejk `ejliXeZ\ ZfdgXe`\j Xe[ \dgcfp\ij% ?\ `j X d\dY\i f] k_\ D`cc`fe able to eat but is not relieved of duty (for ;fccXi$8[mfZXk\j =fild $ X gi\jk`^`flj ^iflg f] ki`Xc cXnp\ij example, waiting to answer phones while n_fj\ d\dY\ij_`g `j c`d`k\[ kf k_fj\ n_f _Xm\ [\dfejkiXk\[ eating), the employer has still failed to com- \oZ\gk`feXc jb`cc# \og\i`\eZ\ Xe[ \oZ\cc\eZ\ `e X[mfZXZp% ?\ ply with its obligation under the law. _Xj Y\\e ]\Xkli\[ `e k_\ Zfm\i f] Cfj 8e^\c\j ;X`cp AflieXcËj If the meal break is not provided as re- M\i[`Zkj Xe[ J\kkc\d\ekj ]fi _`j gif]\jj`feXc XZZfdgc`j_d\ekj quired, the employer shall pay the employee Xe[ i\Z`g`\ek f] eld\iflj XnXi[j ]ifd Zfddle`kp Xe[ d\[`X one hour of pay at the employee’s regular fi^Xe`qXk`fej% ?`j c`k`^Xk`fe giXZk`Z\ ZfeZ\ekiXk\j `e k_\ rate for each workday that the meal break ]fccfn`e^ Xi\Xj1 nX^\ Xe[ _fli fm\ik`d\ c`k`^Xk`fe# j\i`flj is missed. The employer who violates the g\ijfeXc `eali`\j# nife^]lc [\Xk_# `ejliXeZ\ ZcX`dj# Xe[ le]X`i meal break rule may also be liable for pen- Ylj`e\jj giXZk`Z\j% ?`j cXn Ôid `j Zlii\ekcp ZcXjj Zflej\c kf k_fljXe[j f] \dgcfp\\j j\\b`e^ gXpd\ek f] nX^\j `e :Xc`]fie`X alties.

Zflikj% ?\ `j X ^iX[lXk\ f] >\fi^\kfne Le`m\ij`kp CXn :\ek\i Employers whose business necessities NXj_`e^kfe# ;%:% Xe[ k_\ Le`m\ij`kp f] k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j% Pfl prevent them from giving lunch breaks can- ZXe m`j`k _`j n\Yj`k\ Xk nnn%af\jXpXjcXn%Zfd fi ZfekXZk _`j not simply ignore the lunch break law as if f]ÔZ\ Yp ZXcc`e^ kfcc ]i\\ Xk /// ,+0$''//% @ehl`i`\j kf _`j it does not exist. Some employees are told cXn f]ÔZ\ Xi\ n\cZfd\ Xe[ Xk ef Zfjk% that they can get their breaks only when they

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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 onetime 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 nationally-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. 1921. Among the highlights:

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A

Dateline Philippines

Biweekly hearings for Maguindanao massacre finally begins

by Aie

Balagtas Philstar.com

See

MANILA—The biweekly court hearings for the Maguindanao massacre begand on Dec. 1.

Prosecution lawyers led by Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon are also set to present two witnesses each trial date.

The 9am hearings are scheduled every Wednesday and Thursday of the month or Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at the makeshift courtroom in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Court Branch 221 earlier approved the new schedule in order to expedite the year-old trial, which was predicted by litigation lawyer and Sen. Joker Arroyo to last for 200 years.

The prosecution and defense panels requested that the new schedule continue until January next year, but Reyes rejected the proposal because of lack of staff.

She added that her pairing with judge Vivencio Baclig of Quezon City court branch 77 will only last until the end of this month.

Prosecution lawyer Harry Roque, meanwhile, said the Aquino administration has not given reparation to the families of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre and the absence of assistance from the government might just force some of them not to pursue the case.

The forum centered on the anguish and the trauma experienced by victims of violence like the Maguindanao massacre. Roque said continuous psychosocial counseling for the families of the victims was never provided by the government from the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo up to the present.

He said there was a group therapy that was conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development during Arroyo’s term but it was held only once.

DOLE rules out OFWs’ insurance scheme moratorium that local recruiters are planning to file a petition before the court MANILA—The Department of to stop the law’s implementaLabor and Employment (DOLE) tion.

Local recruiters and foreign has ruled out the possibility of a moratorium on the implemen- employers from Taiwan and the tation of the insurance scheme Middle East are strongly opposfor overseas Filipino workers ing the insurance requirements, claiming they are already pro(OFWs).

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said without a restraining order from the court, the government, particularly the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), cannot stop the implementation of the new policy.

Baldoz said the government is obliged to implement the new law even with Vice President Jejomar Binay’s call for the DOLE to undertake a review of the hiring requirement.

She said Binay met with the members of the POEA board and they discussed the possibility of calling on Congress to prioritize the review of the amended Migrant Workers Act. Baldoz said Congress can look into the possibility of accepting, as compliance to the law, the insurance coverage already being provided by some foreign employers.

The labor chief also noted that they have received reports

by Mayen Jaymalin Philstar.com

viding such protection for their workers.

“But unless there is a temporary restraining order from the court, we will continue to require insurance coverage for departing Filipino workers because that is already in effect,” Baldoz explained.

TOWERS OF PROGRESS. ‘The Transformation’ is a masterly sculpture of glass and granite by architect Lor Calma not only to brighten Bonifacio Global City but also to showcase the country as progressive, with the 3 towers representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Each night, a blast of colors lights up each tower. The sculpture bested 69 entries from all over the world.

Inquirer.net photo

A

December 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Features

Safety first PYONGYANG’S shelling of the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong last November 23 has been considered by the government of South Korea as a clear-armed provocation. South Korea now warns North Korea that it will ‘sternly retaliate’ to any further provocation. On the other hand, North Korea viewed the joint military exercises by the US and South Korea as a “prelude to invasion, ” igniting conflict.

The ongoing hostility between South Korea and North Korea is now a world issue. This incident gave us a new reality to an impending historical event that seemed virtual and made us aware about the seriousness of this matter. We don’t need to be there to be haunted of the implications of this conflict. What we see and hear in the news is enough to make us take part in this story that is burdening the world.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, there are approximately 60,000 Filipinos in South Korea. Many of them are young workers for small and medium employers in the industrial zones. Meanwhile, very few Filipinos are working in North Korea, most of them are NGO workers involved in food aid.

The fear of hostility is an enough encouragement to have Filipinos in Korea sent home—before things get worse. Right now the trauma of separation and isolation plus the fear and anger lingers in the Korean nations.

With the possible escalation of the Korean conflict, Filipinos in Korea have started to pray for peace. The South Korean government provided basic knowledge such as location of bomb shelters, how to wear gas masks, convergence points under different scenarios, and other basic sur-

vival tips. However, the instructions are not as helpful to most Filipinos because they are mostly in Korean.

This is why the Philippine Embassy posted an advisory of the possible convergence areas if evacuation is necessary. The local government will also provide for food and lodging in the convergence areas.

Transportation back to the Philippines will also arranged by plane or ship, and the Embassy promised that there would be no distinction between documented and undocumented Filipinos in Korea. The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is already prepared to offer emergency flights to evacuate Filipinos in South Korea.

It is ironic that the world recently celebrated the 60th year anniversary of the Korean War. There are enough civilians who suffered unspeakable anguish during wars in the past. No one should go through that kind of experience anymore. Intense prayers for peace are now needed.

Although people around the world fervently hope for the dispute to end the possibility of the scenario getting worse still lingers and should not be taken for granted. Ensuring the safety of our kababayans in Korea should be a top priority.

(AJPress)

Philstar.com photo

Moving past the culture of ‘walang pakialam’ ”BIGGER than our problem of poverty in the Philippines is the problem of apathy – walang pakialam The Fil-Am – among many of our kababayans,” were the words of our very own Efren Penaflorida, CNN hero of the Perspective Year for 2009.

While we are proud of our bayanihan spirit – tried, tested and proven during major disasters and tragedies – fire and enthusiasm seem to be lacking Gel Santos-Relos among many of our kababayans during normal everyday life. Some do not vote during elections and hardly participate in civic activities. Many lack the spirit of volunteerism to go out of their comfort zone and lend a helping to people and families in need.

Such attitude of indifference may have been caused by people not knowing enough to be involved, or probably have tried reaching out but have not seen the effect of their efforts in the cause they were fighting for.

Some kababayans grew up not seeing enough good role models to emulate, shaped by the very same apathy or ‘walang pakialam” mentality among their own families, neighbors, and the bigger society.

Some Filipinos think other people will be helping out and participating anyway, so what difference will it make if one doesn’t – a classic example of diffused responsibility. Others, on the other hand, have tried lending a hand, doing something for people in need and the community, only to find out they have been used and abused by the people they were trying to help, or by others who have vested personal interest.

Sadly, many of our kababayans are not moved to action and become part of the solution because of helplessness brought about by all the negativities we hear among us about Filipinos. While some criticisms may be painfully true, others have been reinforced and magnified further because of our own prophecies – “wala nang pagasa ang Pilipino, bakit pa ako kikilos?”

This is exactly why as a people, we need to be careful about the kind of “self-talk” we do to ourselves. I am not saying we should be in denial and be oblivious of our shortcomings, faults and weaknesses. But the best way to help ourselves and our people in conquering our own ‘demons,’ as well as the problems of society is to give them

a feeling of faith and hope – that they have what it takes to be better, to make a difference.

We need to celebrate our own strength, we have to remind ourselves of how we have succeeded in the past instead of just focusing on our faults and weaknesses. This affirmation will give us the strength and confidence to know we still can make a difference. This will be our impetus to break past the apathy and to take the lead in being part of the solution and not the problem.

In closing, let me share this inspiring piece written by Hazelyne M. Elgar through GoodnewsPilipinas.com: ‘Through the Eyes of a Filipino’ Listen to me!

You might think we are a poor nation, but when I look around me I do not see just poverty.

Instead, I see farmers, back bent from sun up till sun down nurturing the land.

I hear fisherfolks heaving, as they gamble with their lives amidst angry winds and rough water just to nourish their families.

I feel the weary legs of children from far-flung barrios, as they cross rivers and mountains and walk for miles, just to get to school because they still dream.

I see determination in the eyes of street children playing tag with cars flying past on a ruthless highway in order to augment their parent’s meager earnings.

In the face of destitution the Filipinos are steadfast.

That is courage.

You rebuke us for the graft and corruption plaguing our government, but when my eyes skim the front pages of broadsheets I do not see hopelessness.

Instead, I am inspired by stories about pushcart classes and strangers swimming in deep murky flood waters to save nameless individuals.

I immerse myself in news about how my countrymen unceasingly believe in the spirit of unity.

I revel because millions of Filipinos still voted for change.

95 million copywriters

Street Talk Greg B. Macabenta I used to complain about 60 million copywriters. That was the population of the Philippines decades ago, when I was 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 Philippines, 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

At times when we are at the receiving end of the world’s censure, I choose to see the noble intentions of fallible men to help.

In tumultuous situations, when the urge to hold others culpable is difficult to resist I hear a leader embracing the liability just like a leader should.

In the face of adversity, the Filipinos are united. That is courage.

You chastise millions of my countrymen for leaving our motherland to seek greener pastures.

Answer me this: have you ever listened to how they whimper at night because they long for home?

When Filipinas, forced to work away from their dear ones, shed silent tears as they lull to sleep infants not their own I begin to understand what unconditional love is.

You lure away our engineers, artists and teachers with a promise of a good life.

The loving hands of our nurses tend the health of your people.

Do no dare ask why we need to fill the void in your labor force!

The Overseas Filipino Worker is intelligent, ingenious, hard working and resilient.

I see that, and in my eyes they are heroes.

In the face of obligation, the Filipinos are self-sacrificing.

That is courage.

You are at liberty to express your opinion about my country, but you can never take away my pride, for I belong to a people united in faith and love.

I am Filipino, and no matter where I go I will always be one.

I do not doubt that the time for change will one day come for the Philippines.

Our flag, cast in the sun’s glorious light, will be waving high.

My countrymen’s sacrifices will not be in vain.

We will face the future with courage.

As one, we will reach out to the world and the world will embrace us.

Believe me, because I will take the lead. *** 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.

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 PAGE A9

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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Dateline Philippines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 3-9, 2010

A

Palace distances from ‘PH can offer humanitarian aid to ease Korea tension’ leaked US memos

by Delon

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 today, 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.

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.”

95 million copywriters

PAGE A8

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 Defensor-Santiago 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 president), 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 vari-

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 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,”

ous 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 doublespread 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)

he added.

For his part, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad gave assurance that the government could cover the expenses should there be a need to evacuate or repatriate Filipinos in Korea.

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.

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.

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 Koreans.”

A10 December 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

Slain Maguindanao vice mayor was Ampatuan poll bet

by John

Unson Philstar.com

BARIRA, Maguindanao—Slain Vice Mayor Alexander Tomawis was supposed to be the candidate for governor of Maguindanao of the Ampatuan clan in the 2013 elections.

However, relatives of Toma­wis are reluctant to connect his murder to the elections three years from now.

Tomawis is known in Maguindanao as an adopted son of detained former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. Sources from the Ampatuan clan said Tomawis was being groomed to run for Maguindanao governor in 2013.

“He was our last hope,” said a local official in Shariff Aguak, the victim’s hometown. “We know he can stand for us.”

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police urged relatives of Tomawis against speculating on the circumstances surrounding his death and let the Davao City police determine the identities of the killers.

ARMM Police commander Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag dissuaded relatives and supporter of Toma­wis from retaliating.

“They should not take the law into their hands,” he said.

Davao Region police commander Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango has created Task Force Tomawis and named Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 11 director Senior Superintendent Pedro Cabatingan as head, with Davao City police director Senior Superintendent Rene Aspera as assistant.

TF Tomawis spokesman Superintendent Querubin Manalang said Tango has ordered that the investigation be fast-tracked to solve the murder case immediately.

Tango also directed the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory in Davao Region to do a cross-matching on the slugs and empty shells re­covered from the crime scene with those of other shooting incidents in the city, he added.

TF Tomawis is not discounting the possibility that the killing has something to do with politics.

Manalang said the task force is coming out with an artist’s sketch of the two killers whom Tomawis allowed into his home after they pretended to seek his signature for a docu­ment.

An inter-agency task force was also created to thwart escalation of violence related to the killing of Tomawis last Sunday, Nov. 28.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the inter-agency task force is composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Headed by Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno, the task force will investigate all political killings in Mindanao, especially those involving elected government officials, he added.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima will send a representative to help the two task forces in the investigation, Robredo said.

ROYAL INTERVENTION. President Benigno Aquino III’s Special Envoy to the Gulf Countries Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V met with Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani last October 18 when he negotiated for the release of two Filipino religious leaders. They were freed a day after the meeting.

Inquirer.net photo

Vizconde cop now a free man

by Aie

Balagtas Philstar.com

See

MANILA—Gerardo Biong, a former policeman convicted for destroying evidence in the 1991 Vizconde massacre case, walked out of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, even as he insisted on his innocence.

“I never destroyed anything. Those are just insinuations,” said Biong, whose conviction by the Parañaque City court in 2000 was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2005.

He walked free shortly before noon. He was met by his wife, Jocelyn, and lawyer Ricardo Valmonte. The couple, clad in white, was emotional as Biong prepared to go.

“I’m really happy that my ordeal inside the prison has finally ended,” he said.

Biong, 60, was among the 124 prisoners freed from NBP following the recommendation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

His release was supposed to be postponed indefinitely pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on a review of his case, according to Bureau of Corrections chief Ernesto Diokno.

No basis to extend detention De Lima, on the other hand, rejected a request

by Lauro Vizconde and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) asking her to recall the release order.

Vizconde said he was not informed of Biong’s release beforehand. He and the VACC asked De Lima to hold Biong until they are duly notified “about the computation of the sentence served by Biong.”

De Lima said there is nothing in the rules requiring that victims be notified prior to the release of inmates from the NBP. De Lima said that based on records, Biong had already served his sentence of 12 years and should be released already “unless the Court orders the Bucor otherwise.”

She believes that Biong’s appeal before the SC

is no longer relevant – if the High Court affirms his conviction, he has served his sentence so it would be “moot and academic.”

Negligent, innocent Former senator Freddie Webb, father of one of the convicts, welcomed Biong’s release.

“He’s a guy who had been accused wrongly. It’s a pity that he has lost 15 years because of accusations based on the testimony of a bogus witness,” he told The Star.

He believes the former policeman was only negligent in his job when he cleaned and burned some of the evidence recovered from the crime scene and was not an accomplice to the crime.

Biong was the case investigator in the killings of Estrellita, Carmela, and Jennifer Vizconde on June 30, 1991 and was accused of tampering with the evidence based on the instructions of prime massacre suspect Hubert Webb.

He was detained on Sept. 5, 1995 at the Parañaque City Jail together with Hubert, Peter Estrada, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II and Miguel Rodriguez. They have repeatedly denied the accusations.

The eight were transferred to NBP after Parañaque Judge Amelita Tolentino convicted them on Jan. 6, 2000. Biong was ordered to suffer 12 years in prison while the rest of the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Their conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeals in 2005 and is still pending before the Supreme Court. Two of the accused—Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura—remain at large.

The case became sensational because of the prominence of the respondents, who were arrested based on the testimony of Jessica Alfaro.

Hubert, who was also accused of raping Carmela, is a son of a former senator; Lejano is a son of actress-singer Pinky de Leon; Fernandez is a son of a retired commodore; Gatchalian and Rodriguez are sons of prominent lawyers; and Peter Estrada is a son of a wealthy businessman.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

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A11

A12 December 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

Government satisfaction rating at 73%

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA—Public satisfaction with the government hit a record high during the first three months of the Aquino administration, according to the latest survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey found 73 percent of Filipinos satisfied with the government’s performance while only nine percent were dissatisfied, giving the new administration a “very good” net satisfaction rating of 64.

This was the highest satisfaction rating ever received by the government since the SWS started rating the national administration’s general performance in 1989.

SWS said that the Aquino administration’s score surpassed the previous record of a “good” +36 obtained in November 1998 during the term of former President Joseph Estrada.

Satisfaction with the government improved in all areas and classes from “bad/very bad” to “very good,” according to the results of the SWS poll published in the newspaper BusinessWorld.

It rose to +68 from -57 in Metro Manila, +66 from -45 in the rest of Luzon, +61 from -44 in Mindanao and +60 from -39 in Visayas.

The government received a net satisfaction rating of +66 from -47 among the class D or masses, +65 from -47 in class ABC, and +57 from -41 in class E. The new administration got “very good” net scores, both +52, in two key issues, foreign relations and helping the poor, while it obtained “good” ratings in promoting human rights (+42) and fighting terrorism (+30).

The survey, conducted from Sept. 24 to 27, used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults.

President Aquino expressed elation over his administration’s net approval rating as shown by the latest SWS survey, saying the people seemed to be dropping their cynicism and hopelessness now.

“For a long time, the people, before we assumed (office), they are jaded, cynical. It’s like, whatever happens, we can’t do anything, so why should we bother protesting? There was the exhaustion of people power. Now, the people power that put us into position

has led us to the changes that the people are feeling and experiencing at this time,” Aquino said.

“Nakakagalak (exhilarating). So where do they see that (change)?

Maybe I can explain it best this way: I was given this text message from one of our allies, who had a classmate based in Singapore. The classmate who is based in Singapore packed his bags and returned to the Philippines even without the expectation of a sure job here. But the sense of optimism, the sense that he wants to contribute, overwhelmed this person, so much so that he decided to come back home,” Aquino told reporters.

“I understand we already have reverse migration to a certain degree. People who are, shall we say, comfortable already in other countries have decided to come back. So where can you see that?

Isn’t it from day one, we were saying there would be no street sirens, no privileged sector, everyone will be equal, and our push for programs like conditional cash transfer because you don’t depend on trickle down (effect) but directed assistance,” Aquino said.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

News Briefs 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

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Journal

Humanitarian reinstatement

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Robert Reeves Lorena Larios Shah THE death of a loved one is a tragic event in anyone’s life. The death of a petitioner in immigration law is a legal event that automatically revokes a visa petition.

However, there is hope for those family members living abroad that waited patiently for their immigrant visa petition to become current prior to the death of their family member. A humanitarian reinstatement request of an approved petition may allow a beneficiary to continue with the immigrant visa process and reunite with his/her family in the United States.

Under 8 C.F.R. 205.1(a)(3)(i)(C), the Attorney General will not revoke a family-based immigrant petition upon the death of the petitioner where he “determines that for humanitarian reasons revocation would be inappropriate.”

The United States Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 42.42 PN2) provides a list of factors the USCIS should consider in evaluating requests for reinstatements.

– Disruption of an established

family unit – Hardship to US citizens or lawful permanent residents – Beneficiary is elderly or in poor health – Beneficiary has no home to go to – Undue delay by INS or consular officer in processing petition and visa – Beneficiary has strong family ties in the United States In addition, on March 13, 2002, H.R. 1892 became Public Law 107-150. This law amended the INA by permitting an alternate sponsor for the affidavit of support if the original sponsor has died and the Attorney General has determined that the petition should not be revoked for humanitarian reasons. The amendment specifically permits the substitution of a close family member, i.e., the spouse, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister, brother, son, daughter, sonin-law, or daughter-in-law. As in the case of other financial sponsors, the sponsor must maintain an annual income equal to at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This law applies to deaths triggering visa revocation occurring before, on, or after the enactment of this law.

Where the beneficiary is living in the US when the petitioner dies,

a separate law may apply and allow a beneficiary to adjust status.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) was amended with the passage of Public Law No. 11183. Section 204(l) of the Act provides that an alien’s application for adjustment of status shall be adjudicated “notwithstanding the death of the qualifying relative” if the alien resided in the US at the time of their qualifying relative’s death and continues to reside in the United States.

The death of a loved one can leave a family feeling hopeless.

But not all hope is lost. An immigration expert can evaluate whether a request for humanitarian reinstatement or adjustment of status pursuant to section 204(l) is proper. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.

*** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

Humanitarian reinstatement granted ON June 7, 2010, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) reinstated, on humanitarian grounds, the family petition filed by the late Mr. Rogelio C. Poblete (Rogelio), a US citizen, on behalf of his brother Mr. Catalino Poblete (Catalino), who resides in the Philippines with his wife and son. Revalidation of the instant petition will finally enable Catalino to obtain an immigrant visa and reunite with his United States citizen siblings, daughter, grandson and son-in-law in the US. Growing up in the Philippines, Catalino was very close

u PAGE B3

Political empowerment is still a treasure that eludes us as a community here in America. While we are the second largest Asian American community in the United States, we have yet to harvest the power that comes from our numbers. The Voice of FilAmerica features elected and appointed officials—regardless of political affiliation—in the different US states who are of Filipino ancestry. As your Filipino American community newspaper, the Asian Journal recognizes the fact that we all have a responsibility towards bringing political empowerment to fruition, especially for our future generations. It is our hope to have our voices heard all over America.

Robert ‘Rob’ Bonta

Newly elected Member of Alameda City Council

by Cynthia de

AJPress

DURING the recent elections, Filipino American Robert “Rob” Bonta, won a seat in the Alameda City Council. He also holds elected public office as a Director of the City of Alameda Health Care District.

Rob has been on the Alameda Hospital Board, where he oversaw the greatest financial turnaround in the Hospital’s history, turning a deficit into a surplus, while preserving critical, high quality health care services.

He is the Chair of the City of Alameda Economic Development Commission where he has promoted economic growth in Alameda to improve Alameda’s quality of life.

He is also the Co-President of the City of Alameda Democratic Club, and President of the Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County. Before the elections, Rob Bonta served as a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office.

Bonta is also the President of the City of Alameda’s Social Service Human Relations Board, where he helps ensure a “safety net” for the most vulnerable members of our community.

“I grew up the son of an immigrant mother and working class father. My parents wanted a good life for their children. I benefited from a strong California public school education growing up, and, with the help of financial aid and work study, was fortunate to attend some of the world’s finest universities,” Bonta stated in his webpage. “I grew up in a home where the values of public service, activism and the common good were instilled in me from an early age. My parents dedicated their lives to social justice and the service

Castro

of others. That commitment to public service has taken root with me and only grown stronger over time.”

Rob’s Filipina mom, Cynthia Bonta, said of her son, “My son was born Robert Andres Bonta -- Andres after Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino hero of the people’s revolt against Spain. Our family became involved in the farmworker movement as volunteers. Rob was only a year old when we moved into our trailer home at La Paz, the UFW Headquarters, home of Cesar Chavez. Rob and his siblings were often with us at meetings, marches or picket lines. At Yale College, my son acted on his social consciousness. He founded and coordinated a Bilingual Tutoring Program; insured the provision of social and educational services to poor Connecticut youth as program coordinator with LEAP. During the summers he served the needs of Mexican and South American sweatshop workers; interned in the San Francisco mayor’s office dealing with criminal and juvenile justice issues.”

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Yale University in 1993. He attended the University of Oxford in 1984 where he did graduate work in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He entered Yale Law School with a clear vision of leadership in public service and received his Juris Doctorate in 1998. At graduation, Yale awarded him the prestigious Roosevelt L. Thompson Prize for dedication to public service.

Rob has been very active in the Filipino AmeriPAGE B4

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Homeowner’s Highlights Atty. Crispin Lozano Question: Who are the derivative aliens?

Answer: Derivative aliens are the spouse and minor children of the principal alien who was petitioned for immigrant visa or labor certification.

Question: What is adjustment of status under Sec. 245(i)?

Answer: Aliens who are in the United States may adjust status to permanent resident. Adjustment of status under Sec. 245 (i) allows beneficiaries of visa petition or labor certification to adjust status despite (1) entering the United States without inspection, (2) working without authorization, or (3) violating the terms of any nonimmigrant visa he or she may have possessed by paying a fine of $1000.

Question: Who qualifies for adjustment of status under Sec. 245(i)?

Answer: To qualify for adjustment of status under Sec. 245(i) the applicant must (1) have an immigrant petition or labor certification filed by April 30, 2001, (2) and if the immigrant petition or labor

Legal Rights Atty. Johnson Lazaro Who is “Me?” According to figures used by the United States Congress, an estimated 65,000 undocumented immigrant students graduate from American high schools every year.

Imagine being the child of immigrant parents. You are brought to this land through no action of your own. Your parents overstay their visas or otherwise slip into the shadow land of undocumented immigrants.

Meanwhile, you proceed to learn the language and come to appreciate the culture and opportunities of this new nation-home.

You graduate from high school and enroll in your local community college or a university. Then your parents are discovered. You now face the prospect of being expelled to a country you barely know.

“The only Tagalog words I know

Community Journal

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

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

Calendar of Events across

certification was filed between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001, the applicant must prove physical presence in the United States on December 21, 2000.

The derivative spouse and children of the principal beneficiary also qualify if the petition or labor certification was filed by April 30, 2001. Derivative aliens do not have to prove physical presence in the United States on December 21, 2000.

Question: What are examples of derivative aliens who may qualify for adjustment of status?

Answer: Peter is a US citizen who filed an immigrant petition for his brother Primo in 1983. At the date the petition was filed in 1983, Primo has an 8-year-old son named Derek. Derek is a derivative alien of an immigrant visa petition filed for Primo. If Derek is in the United States he qualifies to adjust status under Sec. 245(i) because at the time of the visa petition Derek is a derivative child below 21 years of age.

Example 2: In the above example, Maria is the spouse of Primo when the petition by Peter was filed in 1983. Maria is a derivative beneficiary of the petition for

December 3

Primo. If Maria 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 another case, PAGE B6

The dream for young immigrants are ‘xxx’ and ‘xxx’!” lamented one young female college student whose parents are Filipino. (These words are merely Filipino menu items.) Unless you were born in this country, your citizenship is legally determined to be that of your parents.

What is the “DREAM?” Some young immigrant folks have studied their way through American schools. They know the American language and culture inside and out. They now face deportation to places where they will fit in physically, but those will be places where they will be strangers. After all, they are de facto Americans.

Although the US government may formally view it as subterfuge, these youngsters have probably benefited from the investments the government has made in the public school and health systems.

Is it wise to expel a young person who is a product of that investment? Why not allow that young educated person to become a happy and productive American – to become a return on that in-

vestment?

The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act – The DREAM Act – would provide for that return on investment to be realized. It would also relieve the anxiety and expense of deportation for both the individual and the state by paving the way to American citizenship.

How to dream the “DREAM” Of the 65,000 high school graduates mentioned earlier, estimates are that only 7,000 to 13,000 young people would be able to fulfill all the obligations of the bill; this bill does not give carte blanche citizenship to every young undocumented person.

Conditions to qualify, while not extreme, do require the sacrifice of complete freedom. They also humanely make allowances for those who are not college-bound, but who could otherwise become happy and productive citizens.

• The young person must have entered the US before the age of 16; • Must have been present in the PAGE B4

America

‘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.

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.

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.

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

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Immigration Corner Atty. Michael Gurfinkel As most people know, green card holders may apply for US Citizenship after five years residence in the US. However, if married to an American, there is a special “fast-track” route to citizenship, whereby a lawful permanent resident (LPR) is eligible to file for naturalization three years after obtaining his or her green card, instead of the normal five years.

However, there is a catch: the LPR must still be living with his or her American spouse in

You must still be living with your American spouse to avail of three-year citizenship “marital union” in order to avail of the three-year citizenship.

This basically means living under the same roof, or actually residing together. If the couple is divorced or separated, even an informal separation (i.e. the couple split up and are living in different locations) the person may not be eligible for the three-year citizenship.

Recently, I have come across several cases where the USCIS intensely investigated the “marital union” in cases where the people were seeking three-year citizenship. And it makes sense.

After all, if they are claiming fast

track citizenship, you can bet that the naturalization examiner is going to question them about whether or not they are still living with their American spouse.

In several cases, some LPR’s who were no longer living with their American spouse were impatient to wait for 5 years, and thought they could trick or fool the USCIS. However, they were investigated, got caught, and were placed in removal proceedings. Not only were their naturalization applications denied, but the USCIS went after them, to take away their green cards.

ACCUSED OF FRAUD AND ALMOST DEPORTED FOR NOT DISCLOSING HIS CHILDREN AT HIS VISA INTERVIEW! Jerry (left) claimed he was single (which he was) and childless (he had two children with his girlfriend) when he first came to the US under a family petition. Five years later, when he applied for US citizenship, Jerry claimed his two children as his dependents and he was accused of fraud. See how “Attorney-of-last-Hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) saved the day on a brand-new episode of your most popular immigration program on television—’Citizen Pinoy’—this Sunday, December 5th at 5:45 pm PST. Also—Kapamilyas in Houston and surrounding neighborhoods in Texas have the chance to get their Immigration questions answered live when leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel brings your most popular immigration program on television—’Citizen Pinoy’ to KTBU Channel 55, 11150 Equity Drive, Houston TX 77041 on December 12th, Sunday. Audience call times are at 12nn / 3pm / 6pm. As a public service from TFC and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, seats are FREE, but you need to reserve now at www.citizenpinoy. com or you may call toll free 1-866-487-3465.

TELECAST SCHEDULE TFC

Sunday Sunday

5:45pm PST 12:10am PST

original replay

ANC US

Sunday Thursday

11am PST •7pm PST

original replay

ANC PHIL

Monday Friday

3am Phil •11am Phil

original replay

*aired within TFC regions only

Failure to list his children almost ended up in his deportation/removal The resolution in this Sunday’s brand-new episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ REDWOOD CITY, CA—The Lazaro family lived a quiet but happy life in Davao. Eventually, the family was petitioned by their grandparents in Hawaii. It was a family petition, but three siblings, including Jerry, had to be left behind.

They aged-out and that meant waiting for another 11 years.

In the meantime, Jerry had two children with his girlfriend.

When Jerry was processed for his immigrant visa (and upon the advice of his well-meaning mother), he told the consul that he did not have any children.

Jerry was, therefore, recorded as single and childless.

Jerry arrived in the US and started living his American dream. Life was good for the next five years, until Jerry decided to apply for his citizenship. At that point, he declared his two children, in order to be able to later petition them. Of course, it was discovered on record that he entered “single and child-

less.” Jerry was accused of fraud.

In a month’s time, Jerry’s naturalization application was denied, and he was served with a Notice to Appear, which starts the removal process. This came as a shock to Jerry and his entire family—how could his illegitimate kids cause his deportation?

He went to consult with a lawyer, but after several meetings, Jerry lost faith in his initial lawyer. He was about to lose hope, until a friend referred him to “attorney-of-lasthope” Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Upon hearing his story, Atty.

Gurfinkel declared with confidence—“I will fight for you!”

Hope sprang anew for Jerry and his family.

This Sunday, watch another successful immigration story unfold when leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel brings you a brandnew episode of your favorite immigration program Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel will also

answer viewers’ immigration questions on everyone’s favorite segment: Your Tanong, My Sagot.

Don’t miss this brand-new episode on an all-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday (December 5th), at 5:45pm (PST) with a replay the next Sunday, at 12:10am (PST) on TFC. And for kapamilya in Houston and neighboring areas— Citizen Pinoy will be going there for the first time this December. So save the date on Sunday, December 12th at KTBU Channel 55, 11150 Equity Drive, Houston TX 77041.

Audience call times are at 12nn / 3pm / 6pm. As a public service from the TFC and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, seats are FREE, but you need to reserve now at www.citizenpinoy.com or you may call toll free 1-866-4873465. More updates will also be made available on the website so be sure to click and visit www.citizenpinoy.com.

Humanitarian reinstatement...

PAGE B1 to his brother, Rogelio, and two other siblings, Edgardo and Nunila. Edgardo and Nunila both had the opportunity to immigrate to the United States in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Rogelio immigrated to the US as a physician in 1965. Their father who was a widower, however, had to remain behind in the Philippines due to health problems. Catalino selflessly opted to remain behind with their father to care for him during his last years. This separation was extremely difficult and painful for all of them as they had always been a very close family.

All three of Catalino’s siblings immigrated to the US knowing full well that thanks to their brother’s sacrifice they could begin a new life full of opportunities.

The petitioner, Rogelio, became a citizen of the US on June 12, 1974. Rogelio filed a relative immigrant visa petition on behalf of his brother, Catalino on June 7, 1985, as a brother of a US citizen. The relative petition was approved and sent to the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines.

While awaiting the availability of the visa, Rogelio passed away on November 22, 1997, a legal event that automatically revoked the visa petition.

To make matters worse, On December 27, 2003, Catalino’s only daughter, Ann Catherine married a US citizen and immigrated to the US Although, Catalino was happy that his daughter found a good and responsible husband, he and his wife were saddened to be separated from their only

daughter and grandchild.

The Poblete family consulted with Reeves & Associates (R&A) and retained R&A to represent them for humanitarian reinstatement of the approved immigrant visa petition, as authorized by 8 Code of Federal Regulation § 205.1(a)(3)(i)(C).

Under this provision, the Attorney General will not revoke a family-based immigrant petition upon the death of the petitioner where he “determines that for humanitarian reasons revocation would be inappropriate.” R&A’s attorney Lorena Larios Shah prepared and presented the request for humanitarian reinstatement before the USCIS and highlighted Catalino’s equities as factors the USCIS should consider in granting the reinstatement request. Some of the equities listed included disruption of an established family unit, hardship to US citizens or lawful permanent residents, age and health of the beneficiary, undue delay by the USCIS, and strong family ties in the US Catalino waited for over 25 years for this opportunity. His dream of becoming a US legal permanent resident and immigrating to the US to be reunited with his siblings and daughter and bond with his grandson will finally become a reality.

Atty. Reeves personally met with Mr. & Mrs. Catalino in the R&A’s Manila Office and gave them the good news. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the firm for making it all possible.

They felt as if it was a miracle.

(Advertising Supplement)

In one situation, a Filipina married a US citizen, who petitioned her. However, she had moved out soon after the marriage. She got lucky and was able to obtain a conditional green card. She was even able to have the conditions removed two years later, even though she was no longer living with the American. (Ordinarily, to obtain a conditional green card or have the conditions removed, the couple is supposed to still be living together, and demonstrate that the marriage was “bona fide” (meaning not fixed)).

After securing her unconditional green card, she decided to try her luck once again. Rather than waiting out the five years and applying for naturalization the regular route, she decided to apply for the fast-track citizenship, by again claiming she was still living with her American husband.

Well, the USCIS investigated, by going to the house in the early morning, talking with neighbors, interrogating the Ameri-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010 can spouse, and noting in that some of the “joint” documentation she submitted, she and her American spouse had different addresses. So, USCIS uncovered that she had not been living with her spouse for some time.

Eventually, the USCIS denied her naturalization application, based on her misrepresentations about living together with her spouse. In addition, the USCIS also uncovered that she had not been living with her spouse at the time she obtained her green card. Therefore, not only was her naturalization application denied, but USCIS concluded that she had made misrepresentations in connection with obtaining her green card, and accused her of marriage fraud. The USCIS sought to have her deported/removed, for having obtained her green card through misrepresentation.

The bottom line is you should certainly apply for benefits if you’re entitled to them. But don’t try and play games or look for improper shortcuts or quick fixes. If you are still living with your American spouse, then by all means apply for citizenship after three years. But if you are not living with the American

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anymore, not only do you risk having your naturalization application denied, but you also risk being put in removal proceedings.

That is why it is so important that a person seeks the advice of a reputable attorney, whenever applying for immigration benefits, to make sure that they are truly eligible and that their eligibility can be properly documented, with the proper proof and evidence. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

(Advertising Supplement)

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Health & Wealth Art Gabot Madlaing The day after Thansgiving DAY was called “Black Friday.” On this day, millions of Americans rushed to the shopping centers and malls to buy stuff and many things using their credit cards. With the arrival of the Holiday Season, more shoppers will buy stuff using credit cards up to the limit.

Is it okay to buy stuff while I’m still in debt? This pertinent and timely question must be answered honestly and sincerely by everyone. I would like to share to our readers and the general public the answer of Dave Ramsey, a personal money management expert.

Dave Ramsey knows first-hand what financial peace means in his own life—living a true riches to rags to riches story. By age twenty-six he had established a fourmillion-dollar real estate portfolio, only to lose it by age thirty. He has since rebuilt his financial life and now devotes himself full-time to helping ordinary people understand the forces behind their financial distress and how to set things right—financially, emotionally and spiritually.

The vision and mission of JCC Alliance Network (JCCAN) in educating and helping ordinary people become debt free compliment what Dave Ramsey is now doing. Here’s the answer of Dave Ramsey to the above-mentioned

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

Is it okay to buy stuff while I’m still in debt? JCPenney welcomes the Christmas question.

“I recommend waiting. Sometimes things are necessities, but most things are not. If you want to purchase a leather couch, you should wait until you pay off all your debts. The couch is not something you need. Being out of debt so that your family can live and save is more important than buying the leather couch. I look at priorities. As long as you have what you need to physically survive, very few things are more important than getting out of debt as quickly as possible.

“Sometimes people borrow money to pay off debt, and they just go deeper and deeper into debt. When you have more money going out than there is coming in, you are simply borrowing to pay your bills.

“This is the point where you need to take the bull by the horns.

You need to be sacrificial, crazy, and you need to make some painful decisions. You need to sell the car, the house, have a garage sale, and so forth. These are not pleasant things, but you need to make these decisions yourself or someone will make them for you.”

Free Financial Workshop: Readers and the general public are cordially invited to a Financial Workshop on Monday and Friday, 7pm sharp at the Fremont Business Center , 42808 Christy Street, Suite 101, Fremont, CA 94538. You will learn the Three Simple Steps To Become Debt Free. You will also learn how to pay off all your debts (credit

The dream for young...

PAGE B2 US for at least 5 years prior to the enactment of the bill; • Must have graduated from high school or earned a G.E.D.; • Has been accepted to an accredited higher education institution; • Or, must be eligible to serve 6 years of military duty (at least two active); • Is between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of application; • And must have good moral character (a clean arrest record).

Conditional status, for those who meet the above qualifications, would last for six years, and would permit recipients to work and go to school, or serve in the military, and travel in and out of the country. At the end of that period, they must have at least two years toward a bachelor’s de-

Community Journal

gree, or honorably served two active-duty years in the US military, all while maintaining their good moral character. They could then petition for permanent status.

Passage of the “DREAM” will prevent many nightmares Variations of the DREAM Act have been fluttering around the US Congress since 2001. Mainly Republicans, responding to growing xenophobia among their constituents, have seen fit to thwart the bill’s passage since then.

Democrats, though, have not been entirely immune to anti-immigrant sentiments. The White House has now asked this lame duck Congress to reconsider the bill before the present session expires. This may be the last good chance for passage.

Republicans, many swept into office by the Tea Party movement,

cards, mortgages, car loans, student loans, business loans, personal loans) in half the time or faster, at ZERO Net Cost, using EASY Points.

“We are glad we attended the financial workshop and the Super Saturday special Workshop and Training in Fremont, California.

At the workshop, we discovered the amazing solutions to our financial problems,” affirmed the couple Kurt and Mary Williams.

“The JCCAN financial programs, products and services can help everybody. I encourage everyone to attend the workshop and special training and check for yourself how your financial problems can be solved,” said Mary Williams.

Seating is limited at the workshop! For seat reservation, call (510) 550-1404, (650) 438-3531, (415) 584-7095, (408) 888-7197, (707) 478-3192, (626) 963-8711, (702) 580-1207 or e-mail:info@ jccalliance.com. Check for special Workshop & Training in Las Vegas, Nevada; West Covina, California; San Francisco, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois and other cities.

Bottled Water PH Level Testing: Due to many requests and as a continuing public service to neighbors, readers and the general public, JCC Alliance Network (JCCAN) is hosting PH Level Testing at the JCCAN Corporate Office: 42808 Christy Street, Suite, Fremont, CA 94538 on Monday and Friday, 6pm and

at the GGCC Hall, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 on Tuesday and Thursday, 6pm.

Make sure that the brand of bottled water and the tap water you are drinking are safe and healthy by bringing sample water for PH Level testing. You can also enjoy shopping for all your daily needs (beauty, home appliances, nutrition products, coffee, tea, etc.) at the JCCAN mini-store in Fremont, California on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm to 5pm while waiting for the bottled water PH Level Testing.

Condolences: I am extending my condolences to the family of the late Notary Public and Realtor Stanley Austria ; and to the family of the late Freddie Coh, brother of fellow Realtor Ben Coh, who died recently. May God’s comfort, strength and assurance be with the Austria and Coh families.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – AIMS: “Brethren. I do not count myself to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - APOSTLE PAUL, Philippians ***

will control the House in upcoming sessions. The Tea Party movement has little patience with considering immigration reform in a moral and pragmatic way. Should the bill not pass this session, it will be introduced again, but tacked onto a defense spending bill that will also seek repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

According to a New York Times editorial, “thousands of students, calling themselves ‘undocumented and unafraid,’ have led an admirable campaign of advocacy under the threat of arrest and deportation.” Indeed, activists have held marches, participated in sitins, fasted, and held tearful mock graduations. Still, Republicans in the next Congress will probably be hell-bent on squeezing out every last undocumented immigrant.

Passage of the act will allow young college students and po-

tential soldiers – who didn’t ask to come here without papers in the first place—to stay. These young people should be allowed to better themselves and serve their country. They should be allowed to give good return on the investment—an investment already made by a country they already love. ***

ART GABOT MADLAING is a commissioned Notary Public and DRE licensed Real Estate Broker (ID #006635976) since 1981. He is the Chief Operating Officer of JCC Alliance Network. He can be reached at (650)438-3531, (415)584-7095, (510)550-1404 Ext. 104 e-mail: agmadlaing@hotmail.com visit his website:www. jccalliance.com/art

Lazaro Law Group, Professional Corporation represents immigrants all over the United States and US Embassy in Manila. The firm’s offices are located in San Francisco, Makati City (Philippines), and Fremont, Union City California. Telephone (415)278-9577. E-mail: Law@LazaroLaw.com; Website: www.LazaroLaw. com.

*** This article should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information is intended to be general and should not be relied upon for any specific situation. This is not meant to create a lawyer-client relationship.

(Advertising Supplement)

season with gift-giving ideas for everyone on your list

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 quotient!

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 Lego-Mutton-sleeve 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, brown-multi 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 PAGE B4

(650) 583-6818 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

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Around Central Valley Across Central Valley Calendar City seeking applicants to fill vacancies on Citizens December 3 Housing & Community Development Committee Senior/Disabled Swim A drop-in program for seniors and disabled persons designed to stretch their muscles, work their joints and get them moving in an indoor heated therapeutic pool until December 16, Monday to Thursday, 3:30 to 5pm. A swim card is required. Cash is not accepted at pool site. Pool closed on major holidays. Location at Burris Pool, Sonoma Elementary, 1325 Sonoma Ave. For more information, visit www.modestogov.com.

‘Market on the Mall’ Certified Farmers Market Open air Farmers Market will feature fresh fruits and vegetables at the Fulton Mall at the corner of Mariposa from 10am to 2pm. Sponsored by City of Fresno, Fresno County EOC, Downtown Association of Fresno. For more info, contact 490-9966, e-mail info@downtownfresno.org or visit www.downtownfresno.org.

December 4

Clovis Children’s Christmas Parade Join this Clovis holiday favorite! A spectacular display of holiday floats and glittering lights in Old Town Clovis. For more details, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/christmasparade.

Book Sale The Oakhurst Branch Library will have a Book Sale from 10am to 2pm. Free coffee will be provided by The Grind.

Oakhurst Community Tree Lighting Ceremony Starting the Christmas spirit early, the Oakhurst Community Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at Ditton’s Talking Bear Corner, Hwy 41 & Road 426, Oakhurst, CA 93644 from 5 to 8pm. For more information, contact Rima Runtzel at (559) 642-0313 or e-mial rimar@stcg.net.

Cocktail for a Claus Celebrate Holiday Season in Downtown Stockton. A $50 ticket includes a cocktail and appetizers with a front row view of the “Delta Reflections” Lighted Boat Parade, and then a ride in Santa’s Limo “Sleigh” through downtown to enjoy three more cocktails and three more courses! ($90 per couple). Call (209) 464-5246 for details. Proceeds benefit the United Way of San Joaquin County and the Tidewater Art Gallery. This event is best suited for participants over 21.

Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade in Modesto The City of Modesto will host the annual Celebration of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 4. Each year the parade draws thousands of spectators to downtown Modesto to attend the annual celebration.

The parade begins at 5:30 pm at the corner of 15th & I Streets. For more information on the parade, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department at (209) 577-5344.

Delta Reflections, Lighted Boat Parade A gift to the community from the Marina West Yacht Club, the 31st annual “Delta Reflections” Lighted Boat Parade will arrive in Downtown Stockton’s McLeod Lake by 6 pm. Last year’s parade featured 57 lighted boats and took about an hour to view from start to finish. The parade is best viewed from the Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel, Chitiva’s Bar and Grill, Sass Bar and Grill or Weber Point Event Center. Arrive by 5 pm to find a front row seat and dress warmly – this is a rain or shine event. For more info contact Marina West Yacht Club at (209) 477-7653 or log on to www.mwyc.org.

December 5

Christmas at Fresno Flats Father Christmas will be there for the children and the young at heart. Enjoy soup tasting with corn bread, Russian tea with Christmas cookies, a bake sale, pony rides and a Chritmas music sing-a-long. Docents will be available for tours of this historic site and the best gift shop will be open to simplify your Christmas list from 11am-4pm. For more information call (559) 683-6570.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parade Organized by St. Mary’s Church, the parade starts at the McLeod’s Lake and end at the Church of St. Mary’s on Washington St. This colorful parade with floats and singing is open to public. Overnight vigil is followed next day with a mass and live entertainment by a mariachi band. For more information, call (209) 948-0661.

December 11

Open Air Asian and Farmer’s Market The market has been around since 1979 and is considered one of California’s oldest and most successful. It draws more that 80 vendors and up to 9,000 customers nearly every Saturday. Get up early and search for fresh flavors, produce, herbs, fish and sweets from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, China and India. The market will be under the Crosstown Freeway, between San Joaquin and El Dorado Sts. For more information, please call (209) 943-1830.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession Organized by the Stockton Parish, this colorful procession includes parishes from all over Stockton. The parade route is from the Church of St. Mary’s on Washington St. to the Stockton Arena. For more information, contact Jose Lopez at (209) 466-0636.

December 13

Christmas Home Tour 2010 The Mountain Community Women presents the 2010 Christmas Home Tour and Luncheon from 10am to 3pm. Come and tour beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. Admission is $17 (adults only, suggested donation). Lunch will be served at the Oakhurst Community Center from 11:30am to 1pm. Tickets available at Kraft and Lee Insurance MCW members or call Melanie at (559) 683-3068. All proceeds benefit the Oakhurst Community Center.

The City of Modesto is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the City’s Citizens Housing & Community Development Committee. Upon recommendation by the Economic Development Committee, the selected applicants will be appointed by the City Council to a four-year term as a Citizenat-Large.

The Citizens Housing & Community Development Committee provides overall re-

view of the City’s Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funds. The committee makes funding recommendations to the Modesto City Council regarding the HUD Community Development Block Gran, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME Investment Partnership Grant programs. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. at Tenth Street Place, 1010 Tenth Street.

Citizens Housing & Community Devel-

opment Committee applications may be acquired from the City Council’s Office at 1010 Tenth Street, Suite 6200, by phone at (209) 571-5169, or online at http://www. modestogov.com/council/boards/.

Applicants must be registered to vote in the City of Modesto.

Applications will be accepted through December 23, and are maintained for at least one year.

‘How We Once Were: A Pinoy Story from Filipino America’ at the Cesar Chavez Library AUTHOR Peter Bacho will speak on the Filipino experience in America at the Cesar Chavez Central Library, 605 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton on Saturday, December 11 from 1 to 2:30pm. Bacho’s first novel, Cebu, won the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. His other works include Dark Blue Suit, Boxing in Black and White, and Leaving Yesler. Copies of his books will be available for sale and signing. For more information, please contact the Cesar Chavez Library at (209) 937-8221 or log on to www.stockton.lib.ca.us/chavez.

Safe routes to school program for ten elementary schools STOCKTON, CA—The City of Stockton presented the Safe Routes to School Program at Taft Elementary School located at 419 Downing Avenue in Stockton on Wednesday, December 1. The presentation included an introduction to the program including demonstrations of pedestrian and bicycle safety. Students made a role play safe bicycle and pedestrian behavior and visited by a giant stop sign to promote safety awareness.

The Safe Routes to School program is a nationwide initiative designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safer, more appealing and healthi-

er alternative for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The City of Stockton’s Safe Routes to School Program will encourage children to embark on a healthier lifestyle and support that goal by providing increased safety education, enforcement and infrastructure improvements that will help keep children safer when walking or biking to school.

The City of Stockton in cooperation with the Lodi Unified School District, Lincoln Unified School District, Manteca Unified School District and Stockton Unified School District will implement an educational program focused on

Leisure Bucks Financial Assistance Program

• Leisure Buck ID cards must be obtained before registering for classes.

• Processing time is 10-14 working days.

Who: Low-income youth, seniors and disabled persons living within the Modesto city limits who wish to participate in Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department programs or City-approved youth

sports organization leagues. Must meet age and income guidelines.

Information: Brochures available at the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department office at 1010 Tenth Street, Suite #4400, Neighborhood Center at Marshall Park at 420 A. Chicago Avenue, Maddux Youth Center at 615 Sierra Drive or by calling (209) 5775344.

SANTIAGO VILLANUEVA’S 90TH BIRTHDAY. Santiago Villanueva of Hanford, CA, celebrated a milestone in his life when he recently turned 90 years old. In photo are (L-R, seated) Lorna Aquino, Lolita Manaoat, Santiago Villanueva, Adelina Aquino, Mary Manaoat, (L-R, standing) Jimmy Mayo, Lydia Mayo and Norma Mascarinas.

bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as promotional activities to encourage walking and biking as a safe and healthy choice. The Safe Routes to School Program will help reinforce good traffic safety skills for children and remind adults to drive safely in school zones.

The Program aims to help create and maintain safe places for children to walk and ride and encourage families to walk and ride to school whenever possible. The following elementary schools have been selected by their school districts to participate in the Safe Routes to School Program: Ansel Adams

Elementary School, Clairmont Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Komure Elementary School, El Dorado Elementary School, Fillmore Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School, Taft Elementary School, Washington Elementary School and Wilson Elementary School.

This program is made possible through a federally funded Safe Routes to School grant and administered by the City of Stockton Public Works Department. To learn more about the Safe Routes to School Program, contact Jodi Almassy, Public Works Department at (20

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

JCPenney welcomes...

PAGE B4 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) 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 fauxfur 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) 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) 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

Community Journal 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 Energy-Saving 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 musthave 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 cocktailready

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

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)

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

Robert ‘Rob’ Bonta PAGE B1 can community, like his immigrant Pinay mother, Cynthia Bonta. On the Board of Filipino Advocates for Justice for many years, Rob is proud to be following in his mother Cynthia Bonta’s footsteps advocating for social justice for the Filipino American community. Robert is also involved with Filipinos for Affirmative Action, Alternative in Action. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, which he joined in 2003. He has been in the Advisory Board since 2006.

Rob lives in Alameda with his wife Mia and three children Reina, Iliana, and Andres. n

How may the derivative aliens...

PAGE B2 on October 29, 2009, our request for waiver of misrepresentation for entering as single but actually married for our client Mr. D in Fresno, CA was approved by the Immigration Judge.

Tips of the week 1. Petitioner’s death is not a problem if the beneficiary is in the US when the petitioner died and at the time of adjustment of status.

2. Abused spouses of US citizen or permanent residents can self petition even if there is a problem with their passport and entry documents.

3. Income tax filing is required

in the proposed legalization. Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) can be used for filing tax returns and is required before bank accounts can be opened. It is also needed by employers to charge to expense payment for contractual job. Our office assists clients in obtaining ITIN. *** Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of California and he specializes in immigration law. His offices are located at 17057 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 205, Bellflower, CA 90706 and 1290 B Street, Suite 205, Hayward, California 94541 and at 777 N. First St., Suite 333, San Jose, CA 95112. You can contact him at telephone (562) 461-1355 and (510) 538-7188.

(Advertising Supplement)

(650) 583-6818 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 3-9, 2010

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december 3-9, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

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FILIPINO

SOMETHING

THE ASIAN JOURNAL

MAGAZINE

I N

N O R T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

Friday, December 3, 2010

Anthony Ruivivar

Breaking barriers on prime time television

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cover story

The Asian Jour nal S F M A G A Z I N E - D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 0

Anthony Ruivivar

Leading the way for Fil-Am actors NBC’s ‘The Whole Truth’ lead actor changes the perception about minority actors

by Joseph Pimentel

F

AJPress

or Fil-Am actor Anthony Ruivivar, acting is all about breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

As one of the few ethnic minorities (and maybe the only Fil-Am) with a leading role in a prime time network show, Ruivivar said it’s time for people to accept the changing world around them and that would eventually force Hollywood decision makers to hire more minority actors.

“It’s up to the people. They are the ones who have to support it. That’ll be the driving motivator,” said Ruivivar to the Asian Journal. “We’re always the best friends or written as the bad guys or villains. There are great roles out there for minorities but ultimately; it’s the studios and the powers that be and public perception.

You have to follow the money.

The question you have to ask is what’s the perception of Middle America? The moment they are willing to walk up and watch movies where we are the leads, then the studios will follow.”

Minorities—Asians and Latinos especially—remain

significantly under-represented in film and TV roles, according to studies from the Screen Actors Guild. Several major networks and movie production companies have strived to include more diversity in their cast. Most have set up diversity initiatives to hire more minority actors, writers, and directors but it hasn’t reached an acceptable point. In this past year’s Emmy Awards, only four minorities were nominated, according to the NY Daily News.

The 39-year-old Ruivivar is doing his part in changing the perception of minority actors.

He’s one of the lucky few Asians to have had steady lead acting gigs and not just play a villain or stereotypical roles.

Ruivivar is currently one of the lead actors in ABC’s new legal drama series The Whole

Truth. He plays Alejo Salazar, a gay high-powered attorney.

“He’s an openly gay lawyer, something you don’t see on TV,” he said. “It’s just part of who he is and I like that they don’t make a big deal of it.”

Prior to that, Ruivivar played almost himself—a Hawaiian Filipino—in NBC’s Third Watch for six seasons.

He said Asians and other minorities just have to keep knocking on the doors of Hollywood casting directors and companies and hope the public perceptions change.

“Sometimes we’re put in boxes but I think it’s important that we keep pushing the envelope,” he said.

Born to act For Ruivivar, growing up in a show business family has its perks.

On the road with his father, Tony Ruivivar, a known musician in the Filipino community and member of the Society of Seven and watching his uncle Francis Ruivivar, an actor whose Broadway credits include Miss Saigon and Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, allowed him to experience the life of a performer early on.

“I knew right away I wanted to be an actor,” said Anthony Ruivivar. “I was lucky enough to have dad in the entertainment business. I would be on the road with him when he toured in Canada, Las Vegas, and Chicago. I grew up in that mix so when I decided to go into acting my family was very supportive.”

He said that one of his good family friends is Martin Nievera.

“He’s like an uncle to me,” he said. “I remember he helped build my first cardboard fort.”

Born and raised in Hawaii, he left the island to study acting at Boston University.

“I felt it was very important to focus on acting and attend an acting conservatory,” he

said of his decision to attend BU. “I did nothing but theatre and study Shakespeare.”

When asked why he didn’t have a fall back career, he said actors that tend to have a back up plan end up doing them.

Ruivivar said he was one of the fortunate few not having to struggle like many actors after graduating in the early 1990’s.

One of his first movies was White Fang 2. Then he starred in Race the Sun and Star Ship Troopers. He had two appearances on All My Children in 1997 and bit roles in Simply Irresistible and other B-level movies.

His big break came in 1999 when he was cast as Carlos Nieto for NBC’s show Third Watch.

“That’s when people began to recognize me and my abilities,” he said.

He said he’s been fortunate to have had a steady career and hope things continue to look up.

Advice There aren’t a lot of Fil-Am actors playing a leading role in a primetime show or a movie but Ruivivar hopes that’ll change.

Aside from acting, he also directs and writes. He recently wrote a play titled, SAFE, which was picked up by theatre publishing firm Samuel French.

He said it’s time for minorities especially Filipinos, who are interested in the entertainment industry, to step up.

“My advice to them is work on your craft,” he said.

“Work on the skills that you need to do the job…there’s a lot of people who want their 15 minutes of fame but if you don’t have a background and skills you won’t have longevity.

Don’t this for celebrity. Just learn their craft and train and keep at it and keep working on their work.”

One other thing that he does want to do, something that he’s expressed to Nievera, is to go back home to the Philippines and possibly act in a movie there.

Ruivivar has never been to the Philippines but said, “I would love to reconnect with my father’s motherland. That’s where we’re from.”

“I need to make it back there and bring the family,” he said.

Charice sings at Rockefeller Center ‘Noli, Korina are my friends’

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

M

ANILA— If Mel Tiangco ever considered going into politics, she would have crossed over a long time ago.

“Ambushed” during the 20th anniversary dinner for the GMA Kapuso Foundation—of which she is executive vice president and chief operating officer—Mel discussed her charity work and how she feels about Korina Sanchez.

How do you prioritize the foundation’s projects?

Mel Tiangco There are calendar activities, but calamity projects are impromptu. Our 2009 annual report is focused on what we did in response to “Ondoy.”

When you get frustrated, how do you pick up your enthusiasm again?

I get a little low sometimes, like when a patient dies. But for me, this really is a calling, a vocation.

For you, what is the biggest reward?

Knowing in my heart that we have changed lives.

How do you feel now that Korina Sanchez and Noli de Castro are back on TV Patrol, rival program of your 24 Oras?

Noli and Korina are my friends. I worked with them for a long time. It’s good that they’re back. I’m very happy. (Inquirer.net)

Viewfinder

By Nestor Torre Inquirer.net

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ANILA—Last Tuesday, Nov. 23, the new game show Willing-Willie marked its “monthsary” (first month anniversary), and host Willie Revillame was visibly elated as he celebrated his controversial program’s “survival,” despite all sorts of legal moves and countermoves to nip it in the bud.

He also made a big deal of how his surprise choice for

MANILA—More than a month after she drew a standing ovation with her heart-stopping rendition of David Foster songs at a Big Dome concert a month ago, Charice made the audience teary-eyed Tuesday night, Nov. 30 during the lighting of America’s famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

“More than a million people gathered at the Center to watch the lighting,” reported Felix Manuel, Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent (and one of the “beauty experts”). “Inclement weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of audience, most of whom didn’t mind waiting for hours for the ceremony to start.”

Charice sang her first number, My Grown Up Christmas List, so beautifully touching that many in the audience were seen wiping tears even as they gave her an ear-splitting applause. Charice then sang Jingle Bell Rock. She was accompanied on the piano in both songs by Foster, her mentor, who also backed up Charice at the Big Dome concert titled Hitman David Foster and Friends which also featured

Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera, American Idol graduate Ruben Studdard and the Canadian Tenors.

It was Foster who composed My Grown Up Christmas List which is popularized by Michael Buble who, like Charice, is a David Foster protege.

Security at the Rockefeller Center was very tight because of a terror scare during the lighting of a Christmas Tree in Oregon recently, added Manuel.

Other performers during the Manhattan ceremony were Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Susan Boyle, Kylie Minogue, Jessica Simpson, Sheryl Crow and Katherine Jenkins.

A technical glitch before Charice started singing her second song didn’t spoil her performance.

“She managed to sing fantastically,” added Manuel.

Manuel was among several Filipinos who braved the rain and the winter cold to cheer for Charice who is known to fans of Glee, the hit TV musical-drama in which she plays nerd Filipino exchange student Sunshine Corazon, as “the little boy lady with a powerful voice who hails

Singer Charice performs during the 78th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, in New York.

AP photo

from the Philippines, home of the greatest boxer in history,” referring to Manny Pacquiao who has just won his eighth title after seven in different divisions.

As a fitting finale, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped turn on the 30,000 energy-efficient lights that dress up the Christmas Tree.

Manuel learned that the 74-foot Norway Spruce was donated by a firefighter from new York who was one of the first to respond to the World Trade Center during the Sept.

11, 2001 terror attack in New York.

Incidentally, even if she wanted to, Charice might not be home for Christmas due to

previous commitments in the US. She was supposed to do a Christmas special for GMA but she begged off at the last minute. Her Philippine manager, Grace Mendoza, said that Charice is recuperating from dehydration. Together with Foster and those in the entourage, Charice suffered from food poisoning after having lunch at a Japanese restaurant in Singapore where they flew from the Philippines to mount the same show at the Big Dome.

But all of them recovered soon enough and went on with the show.

“With her Rockefeller Center performance,” said Manuel, “Charice has again painted a nice picture of the Philippines.”

Does Shalani have more surprises up her sleeve? co-host, Shalani Soledad, was “blooming” as local TV’s biggest and brightest discovery of the year.

Indeed, Shalani has come a long way since she first cohosted the show some two weeks ago, dressed in an all too simple outfit, exuding sweetness but precious little confidence in herself. Sometimes, she even looked like a timid forest creature startled by an intruding car’s headlights—no, not about to become road kill, but distinctly unhappy about its survival prospects, and definitely not enjoying itself!

On Nov. 30, Shalani was dressed stylishly, looked great and appeared to be much more upbeat about doing the show. Sometimes, she even cracked a little joke or two that endeared her to

the show’s studio audience even more.

Her performance was still a far cry from its being described as ebullient and hugely entertaining, which is what most other gameshow hosts do their darndest to be. But then, if you watch Willing Willie sort of regularly, you know by now that Ms Soledad is her own person and thus has set her own rules behavior for herself—like it or lump it. And, based on the studio audience’s reactions to her, many people like it well enough to keep watching.

Viewed more objectively, however, Shalani’s participation in the show is sometimes too quiet, to the point of being boring, so we hope that she’ll perk up in the coming weeks. No, we don’t

want her to come on like a house on fire and scream like a banshee, as many TV game hosts do; we just wish that she’d get more interested in what she’s doing, and enjoy it more.

Fact is, we like it that the new TV host has quietly but firmly provided a calming alternative to the otherwise overly ditzy and loud TV hosting scene.

In this regard, she reminds us of another beauty who’s now unexpectedly successful as a TV host, Lucy Torres-Gomez. When Lucy first agreed to host a TV show, she also had a numbing effect on viewers with her super-sweetness. But she’s perked up since then and is now doing so well as a public personality in her own right that she’s even became a

politician—a member of Congress, no less!

Which leads us to another, perhaps, even more speculative point we want to make, and it has to do with the question that many people have been asking themselves: Why did Shalani finally decide to accept Willie’s invitation for her to co-host his new game show?

Shalani herself has revealed that she had initially decided to turn the “scary” offer down—but had changed her mind when she realized that she could use the show as a platform to help others, which she was already doing as a councilor of Valenzuela City.

But, we think there’s more to it than that: She may not have realized it fully at the start, but it’s now apparent

Shalani Soledad has come a long way from that first time on ‘Willing Willie.’

that the show has helped her become even more popular than when she was still PNoy’s girlfriend.

Now she can eventually use that popularity to aim for greater public service and higher political office like—let us be the first to speculate about it here—a run for senator, as early as the next elections. What do you think?

features

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – December 3, 2010

Paskong Pinoy

San Francisco

By Monet

A traditional Filipino household would have a lantern or parol hanging outside their houses, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. There are variations to the types of parols that Filipinos make but the most popular of which is the Pampanga lantern made up of capiz and illuminated by lightbulbs, which sometimes have a built in music that plays popular Christmas carols.Most households and malls back in Manila also display a creche or nativity scene called belen. The streets of Manila are well decorated with lanterns and bright Christmas lights all throughout the season. All shopping malls display giant Christmas trees and the most popular of which is the one found in Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

Being predominantly Catholics, Filipinos begin a nine day novena on December 16th called Simbang Gabi, which literally means “Night Worship or Midnight Masses”, wherein Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and share the breakfast together afterwards.

There is always a time for fellowship after each masses depicting the hospitality of the Filipinos. At the end of the nine-day novena, which falls on December 24, the night before Christmas--- every Filipino family looks forward to the Noche Buena--- the grand family dinner after the midnight mass.

Lu

W

C

hristmas is the most wonderful time of the year for Filipinos, as it may be for people in other countries. The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season. As soon as we hit the -ber months, we start hearing Christmas carols being played i n stores and households on the first day of September! The holiday season doesnt end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6. People excitedly prepare for this special occasion by doing their Christmas shopping, decorating their houses with beautiful Christmas ornaments and planning for Christmas parties and get togethers.

Hot style hair treatment for winter

A traditional drink during this season is a warm ginger tea called salabat--commonly paired with a rice cake called bibingka, which is traditionally cooked by using a clay pot and charcoal. Another declicacy that is also being served during Christmas season is called puto bumbong, made from a special variety of glutinous or sticky rice called pirurutong which is purple in color. It is cooked inside bamboo tubes called bumbong and served with butter or margarine, shredded coconut and sugar.

For the month of December, Isla Kulinarya will feature Christmas dishes that are sure to wow your appetite! Our featured Chefs will share mouth watering recipes that will be a delight at your family get togethers, office Christmas parties and your school reunions. Watch out for Isla Kulinarya next week as we share with you these Christmas recipes.

Wherever you go , wherever you look the spirit of Christmas is upon us----the season of merrymaking has indeed began!

Isla Kulinarya lets you explore the islands, taste the food, relive the memories -- all made possible by Island Pacific Supermarket. Go and visit an Island Pacifc near you with branches in Southern California located at Cerritos, Canoga Park, North and South Vermont in Los Angeles, Panorama City and West Covina; Union City and Vallejo in Northern California.Check out our website at www.islandpacificmarket. com. Stay connected with us-- like us on Facebook (island pacific market), follow us on Twitter (islandpacificUS) and Blogger (island pacific market). For your comments, suggestions and request for recipes that you want us to feature, please email info@islandpacificmarket.com. Presyong Sulit...

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT sa Island Pacific.”

hen you treat your hair well, it usually returns the favor.

This means, make sure your hair gets the nourishment needed according to demands of each season.

Now that we’re in the in the winter zone, and in preparation for the spring weather, it’s a good idea to get started on upping the hair’s moisture levels.

I’d love to tell you that shampooing and using regular conditioner will do the trick but it’s simply not enough.

There are different solutions for different types of hair but in most cases, it pays to take a more aggressive stance when it comes to hair hydration.

It’s a must to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

I’ve designed hydration solutions to combat dryness, flakes, frizz and static. They’re available at my salon branches throughout California and Las Vegas.

The Monet Salon Joyful KC treatment was inspired by actress, KC Concepcion. It involves deep conditioning with the use of IRTreatment product that reverses the symptoms of damaged hair. The treatment particularly addresses problems with tangles, dryness, frizz, chemical overprocessing, breakage or unmanageable curls.

Further, it utilizes thermal heat produced by a flat iron which will subsequently activate vital ingredients on the hair and seal the cuticles. It should not to be confused with hair rebonding.

This treatment, despite being a similarly tedious process, will not straighten your hair. It’s geared towards repair and hair regeneration.

Another treatment that might perk up your fall is Lorna Tolentino’s Passion, which was

Ruffa Gutierrez

KC Concepcion

With Lorna Tolentino

inspired by the award-winning actress.

LT’s Passion involves enriching the shade and shine of hair that has been color-treated.

Otherwise known as The Shimmer and Shine Treatment, LT’s Passion provides unparalleled shine and conditioning with the use of Sebastian Professional products. This treatment will provide the ultimate lipgloss for your hair!

LT’s Passion is specifically targeted for those who have had color treatments. It should not to be confused with another popular hair conditioning treatment—Ruffa’s Delight or the Hair Reborn System.

Ruffa’s Delight is temporary hair maintenance which aims to revive and restore your hair’s health and natural shine. It’s used to rejuvenate hair that has undergone a lot of processing, but unlike Shimmer and Shine, this process takes a shorter time

and is recommended everytime you get your monthly haircut.

But for extremely dry damage, wavy, frizzy hair I highly recommend, the Brazilian Blow Me Away Keratin Treatment.

It will instantly bring back lost shine and your hair will feel and looks healthy... works better than hair rebonding.

We also recommend an after hair care shampoo,conditioner and treatment so it will have a long lasting shine and brilliance.

Services for Ruffa’s Delight, Continued on Page 8

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celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal S F M A G A Z I N E - D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 0

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

8-time Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao heads list of December celebrants

S

aranggani Representative and eight-time boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao heads the list of prominent celebrities who are celebrating their birthdays in this merry month of December. Pacquiao will be turning 32 years old on December 17. Since it is almost the end of 2010, it is my privilege to name Manny Pacquiao as the most popular Filipino celebrity in the whole world (Celebrity of the Year) this year.

Other birthday celebrants for this month are: December 4 – Former Miss RP-USA winner Sarah Gabriana Atienza, former Club Royale Queen Aurora Viray; December 6 – Philippines Today Vice President for Operations Thelma Cruz; December 7 – Harris Jewelry Gold Manufacturer proprietress Josie Harris, Susan Gonzales of Dr. Roco’s Medical Office; December 9 – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim (now in San Francisco for a much-needed vacation); December 10 – Senator Aquilino Pimentel; December 11 – former president of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California Dr. Camelo Lim Roco; December 12 – Daly City businesswoman Guadalupe (Upeng) Abad Sy, Concert Queen of the Philippines Pops Fernandez, actor-singer Carlos Agassi; December 13 – Philippine Senator Manny Villar, who will be turning 61 years old; December 15 – United Claverianos president Rema Zafrani Vasa; December 16 – former Movie Queen Gloria Romero, the late Rosa del Rosario who is the original Queen of Philippine Movies;

December 18 – Patio Filipino co-owner Johann Yuzon; December 20 – Pilipinas Win Na Win cohost Valerie Concepcion, Born-Again & Bible Study teacher Connie B. Gaspar; December 21 – former Mrs. RP-USA International Marilen Bernardo, former Mrs. RP-USA World Christine Acha; December 23 – Hotel executive Marc Garvida, former Channel 2 scriptwriter and movie director Noel Nuguit, Hollywood-trained makeup artist Christine Pacifico Paul (whose clients include TV/film artists and commercial models), businessman Manny Rufino; December 24 – Multi-awarded Philippine actress Lorna Tolentino; December 27 – Trans-Fast Remittance Chief Operations Officer Bradley M. Roxas, auto mechanic Dar Rabonza; December 28 – LBC-Mabuhay International Cargo finance officer Fely Ruiz, former Mrs. RPUSA-Las Vegas Nina Alberto; December 29 – San Ramon businesswoman Flora Enriquez; December 30 – Star Cinema artist Jake Cuenca, businessman Robert Marabella.

To all the December birthday celebrants, Many Happy Returns!!!

Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, the most popular Filipino in the world, celebrates his 32nd birthday on December 17. He is my personal choice for ‘Celebrity of the Year’ for 2010 (Year of the White Tiger), and is one of the real, true heroes among our kababayans throughout the world.

Marc Garvida, a very energetic hotel executive, will celebrate his birthday on December 23 with his wife Cora in Las Vegas.

Bradley M. Roxas, Chief Operations Officers of Trans-Fast Remittance, will celebrate another chapter of his wonderful and colorful life on December 27. He will be celebrating with wife Susan in their Daly City residence.

Noel Nuguit, former scriptwriter and movie director for Channel 2 in the Philippines, will be celebrating his birthday two days after Christmas with his family in Sacramento. Noel is shown in photo with former protégé Piolo Pascual whom he discovered as a student at the University of Santo Tomas.

Rema Zafrani Vasa, the grand lady of the United Claverianos of California, will celebrate her birthday on December 15 with her husband Surish at their residence in Cupertino.

Jasmine Trias, former 3rd placer at the American Idol competition, is the guest performer and one of the judges at the Ichiban Singing Idol contest at Cache Creek Casino on December 4.

Susan Gonzales of the Roco Medical Clinic in San Francisco & Daly City celebrates her birthday on Tuesday, December 7. Susan will have a quiet celebration with her family.

former Mrs. RP-USA International Marilen Bernardo culminates a beautiful and successful year as a pharmaceutical representative by celebrating her birthday on December 21. Rest assured, Marilen says she will be with family at their San Bruno residence during her natal day.

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco, former president of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California, will celebrate his 54th birthday on December 11. Dr. Roco, one of the most loved Filipino physicians in Northern California, resides with his wife, the former Bernadette Munoz, in a beautiful house in Alameda. Photo shows Dr. Roco with the one and only Superstar Nora Aunor, who resides now in Los Angeles.

Christine Pacifico Paul of San Jose, who was trained as a make-up artist in Hollywood specializing in TV/film artists and commercial models, will celebrate her birthday on December 23 at her mom’s house in Silver Creek Colonial Homes.

Wendell Roth, a hotel executivd and entertainment hospitality coordinator, is shown with Star Cinema’s Mateo Gudicelli, an up-and-coming young actor of Filipino and Italilan heritage, and one of the lead actors in the recently-concluded ‘Agua Bendita.’

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 3, 2010

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entertainment

The Asian Journal SF MAGAZINE - December 3, 2010

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ABS-CBN dominates 19th KBP Golden Dove Awards

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ANILA—The Kapamilya network dominated the 19th Golden Dove Awards arranged by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP).

ABS-CBN brought home a total of 22 awards on September 25, capping it with the Best TV Station recognition. The broadcast giant’s News and Current Affairs programs received several recognitions.

Bandila got Best TV Newscast. The highest recognition given by the KBP was awarded to Ces Drilon, who was named as the Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year. (Ka Doroy is the late Teodoro Valencia, widely regarded as the Dean of Filipino Journalists).

Bandila and Drilon’s triumphs followed the successful debut of the program’s new format last November 22. With more and more viewers getting hooked to its fast-paced and interactive format, the new Bandila is all set to change the landscape of late night newscasts.

Headlined by the triumvirate of acclaimed journalists Drilon, Julius Babao, and Karen Davila, the new Bandila not only offers comprehensive reports on the day’s biggest news but also allows viewers to immediately react on news reports.

Drilon, Babao, and Davila can be seen during the newscast using their own tablet and laptop computers to read comments that viewers send in through social networking and microblogging sites.

Bandila executive producer Paul Henson said this is ABSCBN’s way to empower Filipinos to take part in issues that matter to them. Henson added, just like the award-winning Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula citizen journalism campaign, Bandila is a platform where ordinary citizens can be heard.

The four-year old newscast is currently enjoying positive reviews online, with posters commending its “revolutionary,” “hip and informative” concept, as well as its powerhouse combination of anchors.

Rated K for the Best TV Magazine Program, Sports Unlimited for Best TV Sports Program, while Salamat Dok was named Best Public Service Program.

ABS-CBN’s Harapan: The Vice Presidential Debate bagged the Best TV Special Program recognition and Studio 23’s Y-Speak got Best Public Service Program.

It was a double win for Maalaala Mo Kaya as it won Best Radio and TV Drama Program.

For radio categories, dzMM’s Sa Kabukiran was named Best

Radio Science and Technology Program while Ka Louie Tabing won the Best Radio Science and Technology Journalist award.

Pasada 630 of Karen Davila and Vic Lima again won the Best Radio Public Service Program, and Radyo Patrol Balita of Alex Santos and Jasmin Romero got Best Radio Newscast Award.

The Best Radio Jock award wento to China Heart of 101.9FM. For individual awards, Henry Omaga-Diaz was named Best TV Newscaster while Alex Santos was honored as the Best Radio Newscaster.

Boy Abunda was named the Best Public Affairs Program host for The Bottomline, Ted Failon as the Best Radio Public Affairs host, and DZMM’s Edwin Sevidal for Best Radio Field Reporter.

Judy Ann Santos was also recognized as the Best TV Drama Actress while Coco Martin got the Best TV Drama actor award.

KBP holds the annual event with the aim to give tribute to the best programs on TV and radio.

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aroundreno

The Asian Jour nal S F M A G A Z I N E - D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 0

Notes from RENO John “Romy” Rose

W

inter sports lovers in Reno have the chance to be some of the first to experience one of the most exciting new ski films of the year. The Ski Channel brings The Story film premiere, featuring the most famous names in skiing, to the Eldorado Hotel Casino on Monday, December 6 at 8pm.

From the steeps of Alaska to the top of Mount Everest, skiers like Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn and many more help share ski legends and famous tales of the mountains from around the globe. The Story

Ski Channel to hold HD movie premiere at the Eldorado ‘The Story’ features skiing celebrities Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn isn’t the average ski film, but more of a collection of some of the most risky, unbelievable and interesting stories from the greatest of winter pastimes.

The film also includes portions of epic skiing, snowboarding, river surfing and flight that will get athletic extremists’ blood pumping and awe those who dream to push the limits of mountain sports.

As a part of the Ski Channel’s Film Tour, this featurelength HD film premiere will also serve as a fundraiser for the University of Nevada Winter Sports Club. Portions of the raffle and general admission tickets will benefit programs like the Nevada Ski Team. The Story also premiered in Hollywood and North Lake Tahoe

to sell-out audiences.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about the greatest legends in skiing history with The Story in the Eldorado Showroom on Monday, December 6. Doors open at 7pm. with the film beginning at 8pm.

Tickets are $15 for adults which includes 5 raffle tickets, and $5 for kids 13 and under. A special Room and Show Package is also available for $59.

Reserve seats to see “The Story” online at www.eldoradoreno.com or over the phone at (775) 786-5700. Find more information on the film at www. skichannel.com. You can also find more information on the Eldorado’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages or by downloading the free Eldorado

iPhone App from the Apple Store. This is an epic, HD experience you won’t want to miss! *** The holidays are right around the corner and this year the Eldorado Hotel Casino is capturing a little slice of the Big Apple with “Christmas on Broadway,” a celebration of the sights and sounds of the season in New York City’s famous Theater District.

From headlining the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, Christmas on Broadway now comes to Reno. This flurry of holiday fun enchants the Eldorado until December 26 with performances nightly except Mondays.

Featuring everyone’s favorite seasonal songs, glittering holiday scenes and the highest

Rex Navarette: ‘Lost in San Francisco’

R

ex Navarrete, the funny guy who made Pinoys and foreigners alike roar with laughter with his shows like the SBC Packers and his Manny Pacquiao parody episodes is all geared and “packed” up once again to send audiences into a fit of hysterics.

Rex’s grand comeback show at South City this December, dubbed as Lost in San Francisco, is another expected hit following the success of his sold-out shows in Los Angeles, the Warfield Theater also in San Francisco, and a lot more.

Born May 27, 1969 in Manila, Rex was raised by his grandparents in Cavite and Batangas after his parents migrated in the US and settled in Chicago sometime after his birth. Together with his sister, Rex then migrated and finally joined his parents in the US when he was three and then moved to South San Francisco, California where he grew up.

Rex told the Asian Journal in an interview that his friends were the ones who came up with the idea of the title Lost in San Francisco. The comic said that he found the title rather hilarious since he basically grew up in San Francisco back in high school.

During college, when everyone was at a stage of finding their own niche in the corporate world, Rex decided to major in film and Asian American studies. It was also during that time when the young comic’s flair for jokes started to get noticed.

According to Navarrete, It was Dan Gonzales, his Asian American Studies professor, who encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian.

Driven and inspired to express himself in the form of stand-up comedy, Rex initially performed in before a crowd of 800 at the annual Asian Pacific Islander Student Union conference at UC Santa Cruz at the tender age of 19.

Mainly geared towards the Filipino audience and their different experiences in the US, Rex gradually discovered his unique ability of using his sense of humor as a way to express his personal thoughts and opinions about current issues and events that mostly concern Pinoys.

The success of Navarrete’s shows in different colleges, universities, and community events all over the US has allowed the comedian to release several albums containing his recorded satirical pieces. His CD albums: Badly Browned (1998), Husky Boy (1999), and Bastos (2001) were all considered hits.

His first ever live standup DVD concert from his Asian and North American tour entitled Hella Pinoy was his major follow up from his former albums. This was then followed by the release of his second DVD Badass Madapaka.

Soon, Rex Navarrete conquered even the television scene and has been a household name not only in the US but in the Philippines as well. In 2006, Rex debuted in MTV Philippines’ Rex In The City—the firstever stand-up/Sit-com in Asia. His animated series entitled The Nut Shack was also aired on Philippine music channel Myx and The Filipino Channel in the US. Because most of Rex’s jokes were taken up from personal experiences, it also mirrored most of the Fil-Am audience’s experience. It is also because of this that Rex has found genuine connection with his audience that gained him fans of all ages.

“I had fans who started listening to my stuff since like, Jr. High School and they’re in their mid 20’s or late 20’s now. They couldn’t even come to my shows early in the day now they’re comin’ to the real club shows.You know, they’ve grown up with my stuff. I’ve grown—I’ve grown up a lot. I think I got a lot better. Bringing a lot more people, or not

just more people, keep a hold of the people that started listening to me years ago and haven’t left,” Rex enthused.

The comic found the support really surprising and gladly shared with the Asian Journal that he had fans of all ages---from “high schoolers, college-aged, all the way up to their grandparents.”

The comedian says there’s a lot in store for people who will come to his show this December.

Excited to perform for the first time at Intramuros, Rex said that he cannot wait to try out the “cool venue” as its owners are “pretty hip” themselves. He also said that he has prepared a mix of materials off of his recent album—Komik Organik and “the classics that people love to keep hearing.”

The comedian assured that Lost in San Francisco will be a blast as he comes with a treat for his audience. Rex shared that his good friend who will also be performing with him at Intramuros.

“I’ll be joined by my buddy, Dan Gabriel.

You’re gonna get two good Filipino-American comics from right here. He’s (Dan) from Pacifica originally, and you know, me from South City. So you’re gonna get two local grown fil-am comics under the same roof. A nice back to the fog kind of show and uhm we’ll see what happens but I’m excited about it. It’ll be good to see a lot of new faces and folks that have been coming out supporting me all these years,” Rex elaborated.

The much awaited Lost in San Francisco show will be happening at Intramuros Music Hall on December 3 and 4 at 8:30pm. For tickets, please call Valerie (650) 455-3912, Zita (650) 892-9471 or Sonia (415) 203-8111 or visit www.theintramuros.com. Intramuros is located at 101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080.

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kicking dance line this side of the North Pole, Christmas on Broadway is a delight for audiences of all ages. Experiencing this glamorous mix of song and dance will make the holiday season truly special for you and your loved ones. Who knows, Santa Clause may even swing by to join in the fun!

Take extra delight in the holidays this year; see Reno’s only Broadway-style show! It’s Christmas on Broadway in the Eldorado Showroom now!

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KID FIT

Reinventing ‘Batibot’ for today’s children

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

MANILA—Batibot is back—and ready to adapt to the times.

The well-loved children’s educational TV program returned to the airwaves, after signing off for more than a decade.

The show, a co-production between TV5 and the Philippine Children’s Television Foundation Inc., will introduce the latest approach in storytelling that is sensitive to the changing landscape, said executive producer Feny de los Angeles-Bautista.

“Its comeback is attuned to the needs, interests and learning styles of the present generation,” said Bautista who plays Teacher Feny in the show.

The show also features Ningning and Gingging, the sister muppets who discuss relationships; Manang Bola, the fortuneteller who relies on her “perlas na bilog” for answers to children’s questions; and Kapitan Basa, who guides children at the start of their journey as readers.

But Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing are no longer on board due to contractual constraints, since the two were originally part of Sesame!—a co-production venture between PCTF and the United States-based Children’s Television Workshop (CTW)—the precursor of Batibot.

Bautista pointed out that all the characters which were created during that co-production belongs to CTW. But Kuya Bodgie and Ate Sienna have been asked to appear as visiting characters.

“We’ve already taped their segments,” said Bautista. “The new crew members, who grew up watching Batibot, were star-struck. I teased Bodgie about making the letters in the idiot board bigger kasi malabo na ang mata niya.”

As for casting child celebrities, Bautista said that the policy has always been to show real children: “We’re not show biz. Fortunately for Batibot, stars also want to join the cast. There will be room for that. We already shot a segment with Tuesday Vargas. She’s a Batibot fan.

She came through very well.”

Batitbot’s new cast

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