LA Weekend Dec 4-7, 2010

LOS ANGELES

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.com T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 20 - No. 97 • 5 Sections – 48 Pages

WEEKEND EDITION

DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

First Filipino sworn in as Cali SC Chief Justice

by JOSEPH

PERALTA AJPress

SACRAMENTO –The Honorable Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye was sworn in as the first minority and Filipino Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court in mid-day ceremonies at the Rotunda of the State Capitol on December 3.

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who wore her judicial robes over a silver blouse and dark slacks, took her oath as the 28th California Supreme Court Chief Justice before Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as her family and her predecessor, Chief Justice Ronald George, looked on.

It was only a few months ago that Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye was nominated by the Governor to the post and was later confirmed by a three-member panel of the California Commission on Judicial Appointments. In the last November elections, Cantil-Sakauye received 4,764,829 yes votes from California voters that sealed the post for the Sacramento native.

In her brief speech, Chief Justice CantilNEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF CALIFORNIA. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulates newly-sworn in California Supreme Court Chief Justice Sakauye told the couple of hundred people, Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye at the rotunda of the State Capitol on December 3, 2010. Looking on are Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye’s family members and who crammed in the rotunda, that she is retiring Chief Justice Ronald George.

AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta aware of the brilliant legacy left by depart-

USA

DATELINE New report shows Pinoys don’t earn high education degrees FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

LOS ANGELES – California Filipino students are likely to graduate from high school but only 30 percent go on to a four-year university, a new report revealed Thursday.

“The report is telling,” said Melany De La Cruz-Viesca, assistant director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC).

“We’re not going on to graduate programs or doctorate programs. I think in a way Filipinos are getting stuck and I’m curious to try and find out why that is. Are more Filipino students going to community colleges first before transferring, or are they being tracked into these high school programs that do allow them to go to a four-year university? More

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AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL IN NY

PH stresses civilian protection in armed conflict IN light of continuing concerns on areas in conflict, around the world, the Philippines has assured the United Nations Security Council that it will place the “utmost importance of protecting civilians.”

“The Philippine Government attaches special importance to the issue of protection of civilians in armed conflict,” Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York Libran Cabactulan said at the open debate of the Security Council last Nov. 22.

The Philippines was among the 53 countries whose representatives each delivered a statement before the Security Council.

“The Philippine Government is firmly com-

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‘DREAM Act beneficial to US economy’

by DYMPHNA

CALICA-LA AJPress

PUTT

THE proposed law that provides eligible undocumented students a path to citizenship is expected to help the US become more competitive in today’s global economy.

At the same time the bill - Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) - is also seen to improve immigration enforcement in the country.

In two separate telephone press conferences from the White House, members of the Obama administration have made these statements to urge Congress to pass the bill that is currently being discussed in its lame duck session.

“Unless we pass the DREAM Act, we will be throwing away investments. It is critical to our economic future,” US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke told media last Dec. 3.

“It complements the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to prioritize our enforcement resources for removing criminal aliens from the country,” US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet

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FASO featured in Daft Punk music video and Dazed Magazine

THE Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) was recently featured in the music video of Daft Punk, a popular French electronic music duo.

Consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and was met with continued success in the years following. They are credited with producing songs that were considered essential in the French house scene and have released three studio albums along with remix and live albums, and the Tron: Legacy soundtrack.

Wes Olson, the producer of the music teaser video, said that one of his assistants referred FASO to him when they were looking for an orchestra to join Daft Punk in the video and the film shoot for Dazed & Confused Magazine.

Photo courtesy of Wes Olson/connectthedotsinc.com

“I got in touch with some members of the orchestra and the meeting went well so we decided to get them for the filming,’ said Olson.

Dazed & Confused is a British-style magazine,that was set up in 1992 and is published monthly, covering topics that in-

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by JOSE

KATIGBAK Philstar.com

CALICA

Philstar.com

WARM WELCOME. US Congressman Stephen J. Solarz is welcomed by President Corazon Aquino in Malacañang in this file photo. Solarz was a staunch supporter of Filipinos against the Marcos dictatorship.

Inquirer.net file photo

clude music, fashion, film, art and literature. Throughout the 1990s, the magazine’s influence grew as its format evolved and the reputations of those it had championed early in their careers blossomed.

The December edition of

Palace confers Legion of PH affected Honor on US Cong. Solarz by leaks – DFA

by AUREA

1150 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017-1904 • Tel: (213) 250-9797 • Fax: (213) 481-0854 101204 - WE SEC A rev w-ads.indd1 1

ing Chief Justice Ron George and how he has, through his incredible performance, imparted the California judicial system with the finest reputation in the world.

Describing the Herculean task ahead of her, she said: “I am fully aware of the monumental, indescribable challenge ahead of me. I also am aware that I am prepared to happily dedicate myself to this task.”

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye revealed that being sworn in at the rotunda of the State Capitol had incredible meaning to her for a number of reasons.

“The first reason is personal. My family, my aunt and uncles and my in-laws were all born near or in Sacramento. We live only a few blocks from here and sometimes, after church, my mother would bring us here to Capitol Park and it never dawned on us to enter the building. We were happy to be near it. And now, here we are, inside, sitting in the front row.

“Personally, also, my dear friends who I see out here. Throughout the years we have been mirrors for one other and we have been the bulb for one another. You’ve kept me sane, and you’ve made me laugh, and I skip than I’ll

MANILA – President Aquino posthumously conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of chief commander on former New York representative Stephen J. Solarz in recognition of his life achievements as an outstanding public servant.

The award is the highest that can be accorded by Malacañang to a Filipino or a foreigner, according to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Solarz, considered a true friend of the Philippines for fighting for democracy in the country during martial law, died on Monday at the age of 70 after a four-year battle with cancer of the esophagus.

Valte said the award would be transmitted to Solarz’s

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

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

As Romulo spoke to Filipino

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Also published in ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY 12/3/10 6:09:12 PM

A DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

From the Front Page

First Filipino sworn in as Cali SC Chief…

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need more than years to come.

“Professionally, it’s important to be in the Capitol because, my colleagues – my Superior Court colleagues, my brethren in the Court of Appeals, and also my future brethren in the Supreme Court as well as my colleagues from the Bar – can be here. And

I call my professional brethren my day family,” Justice CantilSakauye related.

The Chief Justice gave special mention to her most recent day family, the Third District Court of Appeal, for having “graciously shared their experience, statutory interpretations with their views, arch, how to cook spam,

law. We’ve had those discussions, and I am a better jurist for it. So I guess I should say to you, Third, that I think I have you to blame for this.”

“I think that it is the convergence of these three groups of people in my life that gives me great strength,” Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye surmised. “I will bring with me to this task the strength of my family, the kindness and humor of my friends, and the wisdom and experience of my friends and colleagues.”

Before ending her speech, the Chief Justice thanked her parents, in-laws and her husband, Mark Sakauye.

Earlier, Governor Schwarzenegger received thunderous applause when he began his remarks saying, “today is a historic and proud day for California. In just a few moments, I will have the honor of swearing in the first Filipino chief justice in the history of California.”

Schwarzenegger told the audience that the departure of Chief Justice Ron George left monstrous shoes to be filled, and he searched for someone with

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FASO…

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Dazed celebrates radical visions for the future, with a world exclusive feature with Daft Punk in Los Angeles as they unveil their soundtrack for the 3D sci-fi blockbuster TRON: Legacy.

The issue of the magazine comes with specially inserted glasses in order to see the spectacular 3D shoot by photographer Sharif Hamza and styled by senior menswear editor Robbie Spencer. The photos show several members of FASO in the background.

“The magazine supposedly hit newsstands on Nov. 19.... at least in Europe..... not sure if it’s quite out here yet.... but check the newsstands! The one on Cahuenga and Hollywood Blvd (or is it Sunset Blvd?) is a good candidate to find it, or also Centerfolds on Fairfax just north of Melrose. It could possibly take another week or so before it’s out in the US though. But spread the word around,” said Olson.

(AJPress)

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(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

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‘DREAM Act beneficial to US… PAGE A1 t

Napolitano, meanwhile, said in a Dec. 2 press briefing.

Both press conferences, part of the administration’s ongoing information campaign, were attended by Asian Journal, along with mainstream and ethnic media outfits nationwide. The White House had said in an earlier statement that it wants the public “to be informed and engaged about this important piece of pending legislation.”

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

In the Dec. 3 press briefing, Locke said it would benefit the US economy if a path to citizenship is given to these undocumented students.

“These are students who are our future scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers and important business leaders,” he said.

Locke noted that in the past 15 years, 25% of venture capital firms that went public were started by immigrants. “(The DREAM Act) will generate revenue and create economic and business opportunities. It is a driver for economic growth,” he added.

White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Munoz, who was also at the media briefing, noted that the Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill will decrease the nation’s budget deficit in the next ten years.

The briefing was also joined by Carlos

Campo, president of Regent University , Gene Block, chancellor of University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), and Eduardo Padron president of Miami-Dade College .

All three educators showed their support of the DREAM Act and shared their experiences with undocumented students in the learning institutions that they head.

“These undocumented students are all highly-motivated and mature. I am certain they will be great leaders. But many of them struggle right now due to their status,” UCLA’s Block said.

“They are very committed to the future of this nation. They believe in the values of Americans,” Padron said.

“Our country was founded on the ability to dream. It is very important for these students,” Campo added.

Meanwhile, the DHS, in a Dec. 2 briefing, said the DREAM Act will help the government weed out illegal residents who have committed crimes and have them removed from the country.

“The current version of the DREAM Act provides that the students must undergo a rigorous background check,” Napolitano said.

“Only those of good character will be eligible for relief. Those with criminal records will be eligible for removal immediately,” she said in the telephone press conference from the White House.

A salient provision in the bill states that only those undocumented students who have good moral character can be given a path to citizenship.

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

The program will give qualified immigrants conditional status for six years, during which he or she will be required to graduate from a two-year community college or complete at least two years towards a 4-year degree, or serve two years in the US military. After the conditional status, the person can apply for US citizenship.

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

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

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

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

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

EMBRACING THE FACT. A little girl embraces a balloon as Filipino health workers and volunteers, mark World AIDS Day in Manila on Wednesday, December 1. Citing 2008 figures, WHO (World Health Organization) said some 33.4 million are living with HIV, with 2.7 million newly infected with the virus and 2 million dying of AIDS. The Philippines has a low prevalence of HIV infection with 5,729 cases, according to the data from the Department of Health.

AP Photo by Bullit Marquez

First Filipino sworn in as Cali SC Chief… Palace confers Legion of Honor on US…

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strong experience and unimpeachable integrity, and someone who possesses a firm respect for the Constitution and an unwavering commitment to justice which led him to Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

“I could not have found a more capable and qualified nominee,” Gov. Schwarzenegger said after saying that the new Chief Justice is a living, breathing example of the American dream and an inspiring example for young boys and girls, as she put herself through college by waiting on tables.

The Governor then went on to congratulate and thank the family of Justice Cantil-Sakauye for “having raised this wonderful person right here” (referring to the newly-elected Chief Justice).”

Gov. Schwarzenegger also congratulated Ron George for “the extraordinary job he has done for the Golden State,” and told the audience that he had the deepest respect and admiration for George.

He commended George for having led the California Supreme

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Court the last 14 years -- issuing decisions on a variety of issues, including property and criminal law, civil rights, marriage and equality, as well as being a fierce advocate for the courts by tirelessly looking for more money and resources for the California court system.

“Ron, on behalf of all Californians, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for the extraordinary job you have done,” the Governor said, which was met by wild applause from the audience.

Retiring Chief Justice Ron George, for his part, issued his congratulations to both Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye and Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Saying that the new Chief Justice’s story was compelling, George revealed that Tani possesses a unique blend of skills to carry out the duties as the next Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, which is the largest judicial system in the United States.

“Her experience as a judge,

prosecutor, deputy legal affairs secretary and deputy legislative secretary will serve her in good stead. This means she has served in all three branches of government which will help her as the new Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court,” Chief Justice George said.

George also congratulated the Governor for having taken the task of judicial appointments to heart.

“You are unequaled in terms of diversity,” George revealed, referring to the California bench appointments made by Gov. Schwarzenegger. “You have appointed many women to the bench, in fact, more than any of your predecessors.”

“Now there is a majority of women in the California Supreme Court more than any point in its history,” George added. “We are all to be congratulated on our good fortune.”

Chief Justice Tani CantilSakauye begins her term on January 3, 2011. Her term will end in 2020. n

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widow in the United States.

A ceremony to hand the award to Solarz’s family had yet to be set, she added.

In the citation, Aquino said the award was given to Solarz “in appreciation for his solidarity with the Filipino people, as they fought to restore democracy, and his sustained interest and support for the Philippines in the years since the Edsa Revolution” in 1986.

Aquino said Solarz must be commended for his eloquent and principled defense of democracy, his advocacy of good government and his pursuit of a policy for his country that would honor and give life to the shared principles and liberty and democracy of the Filipino and American peoples.

“For all these achievements and for his always being a steadfast friend of the Filipino people, of our democracy, and a mutually-respectful relationship between Filipinos and Americans anchored on self-determination and respect for human rights, it is just proper to pay tribute to his contributions to the restoration and defense of our democracy, by honoring him with the highest recognition a grateful Republic can bestow,” he said.

Solarz was a foreign affairs expert who in 1986 revealed the extravagance of then first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, including her 3,000 pairs of shoes.

He also angered many of his fellow Democrats when, in 1991, he co-sponsored the resolution au-

thorizing President George H. W. Bush to wage the first war against Iraq.

A year later, he lost his seat in a dramatically redrawn Brooklyn district that he had served since 1974.

Solarz’s son-in-law Glen Prickett called Solarz a “great champion of human rights” and a “great opponent of repressive regimes.”

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

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Solarz was a true friend of the Philippines.

“Solarz fought for democracy in the Philippines during the dark days of martial law even when his own government’s policy was to support the Marcos regime,” he said.

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

Solarz said in March 1986 after a visit to Manila that Versailles, the palace of French King Louis XVI, looked like an “Appalachian hovel” in comparison to Malacañang Palace, where the Marcoses lived. n

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

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

our commitment to our ongoing relationship.�

Asked what would make Clinton pick up the phone and make a call, Crowley said, “We have 190 countries, give or take, with which we have diplomatic relations. We only have one secretary of State.� “She has made some calls to world leaders. She is going to make more calls to world leaders. But we have reached out to every government in some fashion to express our regret

for what has happened,� he added.

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

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

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

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

He said in his talks with Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, the main architect of the compensation package for Filipino World War II veterans, Inouye promised to continue sponsoring bills that would benefit the Philippines, in particular the SAVE Act. He said he handed Inouye a personal letter from President Aquino and reiterated an oldstanding invitation for him to visit the Philippines.

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

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From the Front Page the impetus and rational to update the agreement,� he said.

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

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

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

Romulo congratulated Nolasco on his promotion to ambassadorial rank.

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

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

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New report shows Pinoys‌ PAGE A1 t

and more, I think we’re getting stuck at community colleges or they just finish with an AA degree before getting a job.� “It’s really telling because if you see Koreans and Taiwanese, they are going on and receiving their graduate and doctorate degrees,� added De La Cruz-Viesca.

The purpose of the report, The State of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Education in California, released at a press conference Thursday, is to debunk the myth that Asians are the model minority group in the US. The report reveals that with many Asian American and Pacific Islander subgroups like the Hmong, Laotian, and Cambodians, education problems are often masked because they are lumped into “general Asian� or “other category� when it comes to data collecting.

Generally, Asian Americans as a whole have the lowest high school dropout rate and highest proportions of Bachelor’s and Graduate degree earners among all racial and ethnic groups. But when broken down, certain Asian American subgroups have lower

levels of education attainment.

Assemblymember Mike Eng said this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of data-collecting among Asian Americans. “If you ask for information in Sacramento about how Asian Americans do in terms of health needs, education, prisons, how many juvenile youths we have or how many Asians take the mass transit or freeways, you will find the shocking fact that they don’t have information about that. We are part of the ‘Other’ category,� said Eng, who is spearheading a bill AB 1737 that will require state agencies to breakdown data into additional ethnic groups. “They have information about other groups like Latinos, African Americans and Caucasians, which they should, but they have no information on us or our communities.�

Eng added it’s these kinds of data information that non-profit and community organizations rely on so they can seek certain state agencies help or resources when it comes to serving their community. “When data is lumped together it can become dangerous. Not many people know that the high-

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mitted and continues to work seriously and with global stakeholders to protect civilians in its national territory and around the world,� he also said in a separate statement. “We are particularly concerned over the security of Filipinos overseas that may be caught in-between clashes in areas of conflict or in areas of potential conflict,� he added.

The ambassador said the Philippines has taken into account the reports and recommendations of the UN Secretary General on the matter. In fact, the Philippines has “taken appropriate measures to integrate these in the implementation of its national policies and work plan,� he added. “With an estimated nine million Filipinos overseas, it is our duty to ensure that our nationals are protected wherever they go,�

Cabactulan said. “As we continue to work for global peace and security, we must remain vigilant in preventing the outbreak of any conflicts.

In the event of conflict, however, we must make sure that our

nationals are protected. There is much work that needs to be done,� he explained.

Cabactulan expressed appreciation to the Security Council for its consistent and untiring engagement in this issue, both at the thematic level and countryspecific cases.

At the same time, he commended the United Kingdom for its able and competent chairmanship if the Informal Expert Group on the protection of civilians since its establishment in January 2009.

Meanwhile, at the Security Council meeting, Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, Undersecretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay and Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross Yves Daccord gave their respective briefings and shared their perspectives on the latest developments regarding protection of civilians in armed conflict in troubled areas around the world.

(AJPress)

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est rate of offenders in the probation system are Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” he said.

“But if you were to go to an official or head of a church or the person in the street and ask them if they thought Asian Americans are in jail or rank the gang problem in terms of ethnic group, the last group they would say are Asian Americans… They don’t know and this is dangerous.”

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“If we don’t address the problems, there will be more victims,” he added.

Filipino education According to the report, Filipino students in California graduate from high school but are more likely to enroll in a community college than a four-year university.

Two thirds of Filipinos and 62 percent of APIs are enrolled in a California community college.

The study reveals that Filipino

Dateline USA

students, with the exception of whites, are successful in community colleges overall compared to all other racial and ethnic groups.

But it’s unclear whether these students went on to transfer and earn a degree at a four-year university, according to De La CruzViesca.

The report states that in 2008, more Filipinos received associate degrees from a community college than a four-year-university.

The study also reveals that Filipinos who do receive a bachelor’s

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Donaire pumped up for main event fight

degree don’t go on to graduate school. Of the 625 medical degrees awarded at the University of California in 2008, only two percent were awarded to Filipinos. Of the 825 law degrees from a UC school, only 1 percent were Filipino in 2008.

by Joseph Pimentel De La Cruz-Viesca said more AJPress studies are needed to find out why Filipinos don’t go on to purLOS ANGELES – There’s sue higher education. She said that finances might hinder many something different about Filiof them from going to a four-year pino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr. university or graduate school. these days.

There’s a certain hop in his (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress) step and a little more flavor in his punches. His fierceness inside the ring is nothing like his genial demeanor outside of it.

Even his trainer Robert Garcia noticed something different about the Filipino super flyweight champion during training camp.

“We would finish a 12-round sparring session and he’d be laughing and smiling,” said Garcia. “Most guys would be dead tired but I don’t know there’s just something different with him. I was impressed.”

“I’m ready. I’m pumped. This is my shot,” said Donaire Jr. to the Asian Journal.

Donaire Jr. is referring to what he believes is an opportunity to get due recognition. Everyone in the Philippines is aware of Donaire’s boxing skills, but he always felt he wanted something more. He’s begged Top Rank, his promoter, to place him in bigger fights, and in a heavier weight class.

This Saturday, he’ll be one step closer.

Donaire is headlining Top

Pacquiao to decide next match Rank’s In Harm’s Way card this Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Donaire took the top billing in the card after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. suffered an illness in the last week of training camp, forcing the Mexican middleweight to drop out. Chavez Jr.’s illness has paved the way for Donaire to shine in the main event spotlight.

Donaire, who will be moving up from flyweight to bantamweight, will face off against former WBA bantamweight titlist Volodymyr Sydorenko for an interim WBA title.

And the importance of this bout for Donaire is magnified because of the fact that he needs to win in order to preserve a future match – already signed - with bantamweight head honcho Fernando Montiel in February. HBO has already purchased the rights to televise the fight.

“I’m so focused right now. I’m set on beating Sydorenko,” said Donaire during the final press conference at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. “No matter what, I need to go in there and beat him.

I feel like you guys are going to see a different Nonito Donaire.

I’m more motivated than ever and I’m ready to give my all in-

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Dateline USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

A

Pulido kicks off third campaign for Cerritos City Council

by Terence

Calacsan

Cerritos contributed to his reason for running for Cerritos City Council.

“I have so much to be thankful for: for the wonderful childhood that I had, for the great public education that I received here at ABC School District and where I met my future wife, Gloria,” Pulido said. “We wanted to come full circle and come back home, so we can do what so many other families have done, and that’s to raise their children and try and give them an even better life than

MARK Pulido, Board Member of the ABC Unified School District, kicked off his third campaign for City Council Monday evening in Cerritos, California.

Pulido, along with his wife Gloria Pulido, organized a campaign kick-off at Goldilocks Bakeshop and Restaurant. Family, friends, mentors and colleagues were all in attendance in support of Pulido’s new attempt to secure a position in the Cerritos City Council.

Instead of discussing the issues, Pulido regaled the audience with stories of his experience growing up in Cerritos – one being his first jobs located at the then Fedco parking lot and the United Artists movie theatre at Los Cerritos Center.

“Instead of hanging out after school at the mall, I was actually working there to help pay my way through college,” Pulido said.

Of course, these fond memories from Pulido’s childhood and teens spent in Mark Pulido and Family

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we had.”

Pulido’s friends and colleagues were invited to grab the mic and give their best wishes and encouragement to Pulido and his campaign.

“This is not a political event for me,” said Warren Furutani, recently re-elected California Assemblymember of the 55th District. “This is a personal event.

This is a family event. We’re going to get a Filipino elected to City Council, not because he’s a Filipino, but because he’s a darn

good candidate.”

James Kang, a fellow board member of the ABC Unified School District, had some encouraging words to say as well.

“I support Mark because he’s diligent and enthusiastic,” Kang said. “I support Mark because he’s goal-minded. He never gives up!”

Also in attendance was Frank Yokoyama who attended Whitney High School with Pulido.

Yokoyama believes this is the election where Pulido will win.

According him, members of his family will be handling the phone calls for the campaign at their very own real estate office just like last election and the election before that.

“If he was a millionaire, he’d have more signs, more yard signs, more posters, but you have to go beyond that,” Yokoyama said. “You have to look at who’s the best candidate – who’s going to best help our city for today and for the future. And I know it’s going to be him.”

Guests were served dinner courtesy of Maynard Leelin and Goldilocks restaurant.

“We are obligated to do it because this is it,” Pulido said. “We need to do it this time.”

By the end of the evening, Pulido felt grateful for the turnout.

“I am very energized and enthusiastic about this upcoming election,” Pulido said. “And I know that together, when we work hard, anything can happen.

And I believe that we will be victorious come March 8th.” n

Photo by John B. Calacsan

12/3/10 6:18:01 PM

A DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

WH Commission on APIs supports DREAM Act Saying the proposed law is good for the nation’s economy and security, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders expressed its support to the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act).

“Research has shown the potential of undocumented students to contribute to the economy and the US workforce,” US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in a White House statement issued last Dec. 1.

“The DREAM Act would offer a rigorous and lengthy pathway towards earned legalization that would be a powerful incentive for young people to stay in school, graduate, stay out of trouble, and contribute to the economic stability of our country, Locke, who

is also co-chair of the advisory commission, said.

For his part, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “Enacting the DREAM Act would be an important part of our efforts to meet the Administration’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.”

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

“This critical bipartisan legislation will establish a process for

hardworking young people who have lived most of their lives in this country and tend to be bicultural and fluent in English to obtain legal residency if they are able to meet certain conditions,” said Daphne Kwok, Chair of the President’s Advisory Commission.

The Presidential Advisory Commission has embarked on an information campaign to educate communities about of the benefits of the DREAM Act. “We are reaching out to all the different communities so they can be engaged in the process because these might affect them,” Kiran Ahuja, executive director of the commission said in a telephone conference last week. White House Initiative on APIs said. (AJPress)

SSS Overseas Program LOS ANGELES – The Philippine Social Security System (SSS) wishes to announce to all its members that they can continue their membership even when they are abroad. SSS maintains its policy that once a member, always a member, and members will never lose premium contributions for life.

SSS members may continue paying their premiums and avail of the following benefits: · Maternity · Sickness · Partial/Permanent Disability · Retirement with 13th month pay or Christmas bonus · Death

· Funeral or Burial According to Atty. Sylvette C. Sybico, Department Manager, Foreign Branch Expansion and Monitoring Department, SSS has arranged with Lucky Money, Metrobank, Bank of New York, and Western Union for payment of members’ premiums.

Members may also join the SSS Flexi-fund Program or Provident fund by investing any amount (not lower than Php 200.00) on top of the member’s monthly premium contribution. Investment and interest may be withdrawn anytime.

For queries on SSS matters, including application forms, please visit its website at www.sss.gov. ph or send an email to ofw@sss.gov.ph. n

43RD BIRTHDAY. Fr. Albert Avenido with his relatives. Fr. Avenido recently celebrated his 43rd birthday with close family and friends.

AJPress Photo by Andy Tecson

11 stranded Filipinos in US seek gov’t help

by Lira

Dalangin-Fernandez Inquirer.net

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

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

“The Filipino community in Los Angeles is helping them, but we are also seeking assis-

tance from the government, particularly the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, so they can pursue their case here,” Deputy Speaker and Quezon Representative Lorenzo Tanada III said in a phone interview Thursday.

In October, Tanada me with the hapless Filipinos, who expressed their desire to stay in the US while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating their case.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has a legal assistance fund, which is supposedly allotted for the legal needs of overseas Filipino workers in distress. In the 2011 budget, the legal assistance fund has

been appropriated P25 million, even if the Migrant Workers Act states that it should get at least P100 million.

The OFWs – Rufino de Guzman of Bulacan, Norman Paul Yaranon of Pangasinan, Ronilo Cruz of Nueva Ecija, Ricardo Jabagat of Negros Oriental, Vuenas Ian de la Puerta of Iloilo, Mario Abaday of Batangas, Manuel Jusayan of Samar, Imelda Nosa of Cavite, Arlene Dorotan of Ilocos Norte, and Eutropia Velasco and Khalid Anthony Velasco, both of Quezon province – were recruited

by ADMAN Human Resource Placement and Promotions in Manila for a seasonal work pro-

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Donaire pumped up for…

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side the ring.”

Sydorenko has other plans.

The 34-year-old Ukranian (22-22 7 KOs) said if Donaire (24-1 16 KOs) expects him to be a stepping-stone in his career, he has another coming to him.

“I’m not just going to be a stepping stone so he can fight in a bigger match,” said Sydorenko through an interpreter. “I’m a former world champion and Olympic medalist. This is my first fight in the US. People can expect one thing from me – a win.”

Donaire said Sydorenko will be a tough opponent, but he expects to not only win but also win impressively.

“I want to make a statement to Montiel,” said Donaire.

Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said it’s important for Donaire to win -- and win in an exciting fashion, this Saturday. Arum said not only was Donaire not ready to be a main event fighter but also, the major networks like HBO are hesitant to put “the little guys, the 115-118 pound boxer in the show.”

“This fight is very important for Donaire because it leads to Montiel and other bigger fights down the road,” said Arum. “Next year is the year for Donaire. That’s when we’re going to make a big push for him.”

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Arum on Pacquiao’s next opponent Bob Arum said he would choose Sugar Shane Mosley to be Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent but it’s not up to him to decide.

“If I had to pick I’d choose Mosley but it’s not up me. It’s up to Manny,” said Arum.

Arum said he has not heard from the Floyd Mayweather Jr. camp about a possible mega match with the Filipino champion but he has spoken with Andre Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella and although he hasn’t spoken to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer directly because of an ongoing feud, Top Rank has been in contact with Golden Boy regarding a Pacquiao re-match with Mexican lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

Arum said right now, he’s taking in the proposals from the various camps and will discuss the offers in person with Pacquiao in the coming weeks.

Arum said he and Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, will be flying to the Philippines to celebrate Pacquiao’s 32nd birthday.

He expects Pacquiao to have a decision by then on whom to fight next.

“I’m going to show him all the proposals and he’s going to decide,” said Arum. n

12/3/10 6:18:27 PM

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

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11 stranded… US severs computer access

PAGE A8 t

gram in Virginia and Colorado under Aramark.

The workers spent around $7,000 for medical examinations, job placement, and work visas before securing the necessary papers to travel to the US. Aramark is a “leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to healthcare institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world,” according to the company’s website.

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

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

And instead of working in Virginia and Colorado, the OFWs were deployed to Biloxi, Mississippi, allegedly under Royal Hospitality Services Inc. However, Aramark and Royal Hospitality Services said the contract appeared to be forged and that they have no office or outlet in Mississippi, according to a report by ABS-CBN news. ”The employment offer to these individuals was obviously fake. We are now faced with the question: Which government agency should have verified this? Was it in the Philippines or the United States?” Tanada said in a privilege speech on Tuesday.

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

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

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

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to diplomatic messages

by Matthew Lee Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Reeling from disclosures of sensitive diplomatic messages, the State Department has disconnected access to its files from the US government’s classified computer network. The move dramatically reduces the number of employees inside the government who can see important diplomatic messages.

A State Department spokesman, P.J. Crowley, said the decision was temporary, at least until workers correct what he called “weaknesses in the system that have become evident because of this leak.”

Wikileaks, a self-styled whistleblower organization, this week published some of more than a quarter-million diplomatic memos that were never intended to be read outside the US government. n

12/3/10 6:19:13 PM

A10 DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

Dr. Fe del Mundo, World-class Pinay Pediatrician

A Life Devoted to the Filipino Child

by Cynthia de

Castro / AJPress

NOWADAYS, it is very rare to hear of someone still actively working at the age of 99 years old. Thus, it is amazing to see the sight of Dr. Fe del Mundo, still lovingly caring for children at the hospital she founded more than half a century ago, the Fe del Mundo Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Banawe, Quezon City, which is the country’s first pediatric hospital.

Last November 27, 2010, the Philippine’s greatest pediatrician celebrated her 99th birthday with the launching of a coffee table book entitled Dr. Fe del Mundo: A Beautiful Life, with the subtitle, “A Life Devoted to the Filipino Child.”

Dr. del Mundo’s life has indeed been a beautiful one that has been passionately committed to Filipino children. She has never married and has chosen to devote her whole life to caring for countless children in the country. Her life’s work has earned her around 100 service awards and academic and corporate titles, as well as affiliations with medical organizations here and abroad. One whole floor in her hospital is filled with her trophies and awards, while plaques, certificates, magazine clippings (including pieces from Time), photos and other memorabilia are mounted on the hallways of the medical center.

The awards that stand out in Del Mundo’s career are unsurpassed. She was the first woman to be admitted to Harvard Medical School (1936), the first Filipino diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics (1947), first Asian president of the Medical Women’s International Association (1962), first woman president of the Philippine Pediatric Society (1952), and first woman president of the Philippine Medical Association (1972).

In 1957, she founded the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines, which has been named after her.

In 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos named del Mundo as a National Scientist of the Philippines, the first Filipino woman to be so-named.

Among the international honors bestowed on Dr. del Mundo was the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for Outstanding Service to Mankind, handed in 1966

by Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and the citation as Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian by the International Pediatric Association in 1977. Also in 1977, del Mundo was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. On April 22, 2010, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded del Mundo the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani at the Malacañang Palace.

Fe Del Mundo was born on November 27,1911 in Intramuros, Manila, where her family lived just across the Manila Cathedral. Her father Bernardo served one term in the Philippine Assembly, representing the province of Tayabas. Three of her 8 siblings died in infancy, while an older sister died from appendicitis at age 11. It was the death of her older sister, who had made known her desire to become a doctor for the poor, which spurred young del Mundo towards the medical profession.

Del Mundo enrolled at the University of the Phil-

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ippines, Manila in 1926 where she received an associate in arts degree at 17, and her medical degree from the UP College of Medicine in 1933, graduating as class valedictorian.

She passed the medical board exam that same year, placing third in the national medical board exams.

After her graduation from UP, then President Manuel Quezon offered Del Mundo a full scholarship to any school in the United States for further training in a medical field of her choice. She accepted the offer and chose to go to Harvard, arriving at Harvard Medical School in 1936. She was unwittingly enrolled in Harvard Medical School, an institution which did not yet then admit female students. As recounted in her official Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation biography “[Del Mundo] humorously relates that when she arrived in Boston and went to the dormitory assigned her in a letter from the director of the hospital housing, much to her surprise she found herself in a men’s dorm. Unknowingly the Harvard officials had admitted a female to their allmale student body. But because her record was so strong, the head of the pediatrics department saw no reason not to accept her. Thus, upsetting Harvard tradition, she became the first Philippine woman and the only female at the time to be enrolled at the Harvard Medical School.”

Harvard Medical School began to accept female students only in 1945, nine years after Del Mundo was enrolled in the school. She remained in HMS until 1938, completing 3 Pediatric courses. She then took up a residency at the Billings Hospital of the University of Chicago, before returning to Massachusetts in 1939 for a two-year research fellowship at the Harvard Medical School Children’s Hospital. She also enrolled at the Boston University School of Medicine, earning a Master’s degree in bacteriology in 1940.

The petite (barely 5 feet and weighing less than 100 pounds) doctor could have pursued a lucrative career in the United States but she came home in 1941, nurturing a dream to build a children’s hospital.

Del Mundo returned to the Philippines in 1941, shortly before the Japanese invasion of the country later that year. She joined the International Red Cross and volunteered to care for children-internees then detained at the University of Santo Tomas internment camp for foreign nationals. She set up a makeshift hospice within the internment camp, and her activities led her to be known as “The Angel of Santo Tomas.”After the Japanese authorities shut down the hospice in 1943, del Mundo was asked by Manila Mayor León G. Guinto, Sr. to

head a children’s hospital under the auspices of the city government.

The hospital was later converted into a full-care medical center to cope with the mounting casualties during the Battle of Manila, and would be renamed the North General Hospital (later, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center). Del Mundo would remain the hospital’s director until 1948.

Del Mundo joined the faculty of the University of Santo Tomas, then the Far Eastern University in 1954. She, likewise, established a small medical pediatric clinic to pursue a private practice.

Pursuing her dream to establish her own pediatric hospital, del Mundo sold her home and most of her personal effects and obtained a sizable loan from the GSIS in order to finance the construction of her own hospital. The Children’s Medical Center, a 100-bed hospital located in Quezon City, was inaugurated in 1957 as the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. The hospital was expanded in 1966 through the establishment of an Institute of Maternal and Child Health, the first institution of its kind in Asia.

Having sold her home to finance the medical center, del Mundo chose to reside at the secondfloor of the hospital itself. She rises up daily at the hospital at five in the morning, attends mass and continues to make her daily rounds even though she is now wheelchair-bound at 99 years of age.

She also keeps a “3 o’clock afternoon prayer” habit. After dinner, she retires to her second-floor suite.

Del Mundo is noted for her pioneering work on infectious diseases in Philippine communities. In the 1950s, she pursued studies on dengue fever, a common malady in the Philippines of which little was then yet known of. Her clinical observations on dengue, and the findings of research she later undertook on the disease are said to “have led to a fuller understanding of dengue fever as it afflicts the young”.

Del Mundo has been active in the field of public health, with special concerns towards rural communities. She organized rural extension teams to advise mothers on breastfeeding and child care and promoted the idea of linking hospitals to the community through the public immersion of physicians and other medical personnel to allow for greater coordination among health workers and the public for common health programs such as immunization and nutrition. She called for the greater integration of midwives into the medical community, considering their more visible presence within rural communities.

In 1973, she invented an open native incubator to be used in rural communities without electrical power for premature, low-weight or jaundicestricken infants. Lightweight, portable and affordable, the incubator consists of a native crib made

of rattan and a semi-cylindrical lampshade made of bamboo. “I put in hot water bottles all around between them. I put a little hood over it and attached oxygen for the baby,” she says.

“We had to do with whatever was available.”

Del Mundo was also editorin-chief for the only textbook for Philippine pediatrics, and wrote 150 studies on pediatrics published in local and foreign journals.

She also authored Textbook of Pediatrics, a fundamental medical text used in Philippine medical schools.

The heart of Del Mundo shows that her life’s work has not been about making money. She once said: “To be in medicine, you must not expect to get rich. It is more charity work than amassing wealth.” In fact, she made sure that she helped the poor and those in rural areas. She trained the country’s best pediatricians and sent teams of medical personnel to far-flung areas of the country to treat sick children.

In a quote on her biographical book’s back cover, Del Mundo speaks of the value of giving one’s all to what one does: “I believe that if you give the world the best that you can, the best will always come back to you.” And that’s what she has always done when she treated her patients- giving them her best, and giving them lots of hope and care. “I always feel that my patients will get well. I tell the parents to just pray, be hopeful ... and I will do the caring,” she said.

Asked about her prescription for long life, the 99-year old doctor said, “Leave the dining table a little less full, a little hungry, and you will live longer.” The doctor prefers a diet of fish and vegetables and admits that she has not eaten rice for the last 40 years (or when she hit her 50s). “They say that if you want to live long, eat less,” she added.

“I’m glad that I have been very much involved in the care of children, and that I have been relevant to them. They are the most outstanding feature in my life,” says Del Mundo.

“It is a very rewarding task to contribute to the building of a world of happy and healthy children of whom the Divine Physician bespoke his concern and affection: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” n

12/3/10 6:20:08 PM

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

A11

Dateline Philippines

Noy risks being impeached if he signs RH bill into law – solon

by Lira

Dalangin-Fernandez

fertilization, those who gave the contraceptives should be liable, because under our Constitution, MANILA – The House of Rep- they should not be giving that,” resentatives on Wednesday en- Golez said during the hearing. gaged anew in a heated debate He continued, “Will they drag on the reproductive health bill, the President’s name into the with one lawmaker warning that President Benigno Aquino III is at high risk of being impeached if he signs it into law.

At the resumption of the hearing in the House of Representatives, advocates and oppositionists to the reproductive health bills exchanged data and reports anew to justify their stance.

The committee on population and family relations is hearing six bills pushing for a comprehensive law on reproductive health that will promote both artificial and natural family planning means, access to information about reproductive health and other services for maternal and child care.

Bacolod Representative Anthony Golez said the committee should first determine the answer as to when life begins.

“Before we can even decide at all we have to decide whether or not this State, as enshrined in the Constitution, would protect the life of mother and unborn from moment of fertilization or conception? I think we should discuss that first, which should we follow,” Golez told the panel during the hearing.

Cebu Representative Pablo Garcia cited the opinion of noted constitutionalist Joaquin Bernas and Jo Imbong, legal counsel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), both stressed there should no longer be a debate as to when life begins.

Imbong said that during the proceedings of the Constitutional Commission in 1986, it was determined that life begins at conception, which she said is “equal to fertilization.”

“For example, the Department of Health (DOH) released P400 million for contraceptives, and were given to one million women.

We know that this could prevent one million pregnancies . . . to the very least.

Then after our discussions we find out that life begins during Inquirer.net

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controversy? That is a culpable violation of the Constitution, and the President can be impeached because of that.”

In a separate news conference, Minority Leader and Albay Rep-

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A12 DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

OPINION

FEATURES

Acting on a DREAM

EVERY year, many undocumented students face a roadblock to their dreams of building a future in this country.They can’t drive, can’t work legally, can’t further their education and pretty much can’t do anything after school – just because they were brought to this country illegally by their parents or lost legal status along the way.

This classic case of lost potential and broken dreams encapsulates many facets of today’s immigration crisis. Smart, hardworking kids are faced with an uncertain future and are caught in a system where there is little, if any, means to legalizing their status.

The Federal DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act), previously introduced as S. 729 / HR 1751, is a bipartisan legislation that would allow these students conditional legal status and eventual citizenship granted that they meet all requirements – if they were brought to the US before 16 years old, are below 35 years old, have lived in the US continuously for five years, graduated from a US high school or obtained a GED, have good moral character with no criminal record and attend college or enlist in the military.

First introduced in the US Senate in 2001 and reintroduced in Congress in 2009, the DREAM Act has, so far, been unsuccessful in getting support.

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

is unrelated to the Defense bill. It is currently a topic of debate in the Congress lame-duck session.

In a telephone press conference from the White House last December 2, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano re-emphasized their support for the DREAM Act. Napolitano also explained that the proposed law is expected to help improve immigration enforcement in the country.

Punishing children for the transgressions of their parents will not solve the country’s immigration problems. In fact, many feel that the US is in need of highly-skilled workers and entrepreneurs, as well as vital tax revenues and other economic contributions. It would also free some of the backlog that currently plagues the legal immigration system.

However, the DREAM Act in its latest form, does not grant in-state tuition or federal financial aid to any student, so this is not a “free pass” to get into college.

Yet, there is no other pathway to legalize status for these undocumented students. The DREAM Act is their sole source of hope in achieving the American dream. (AJPress)

Editorial

Inquirer.net photo

Wanted: The perfect First Lady for PNoy IT NEVER ceases to amuse me that even while the Philippines is saddled by problems of pov- The Fil-Am erty, unemployment, human rights abuses, manhunt for fugitive Senator Ping Lacson, and many Perspective other pressing concerns, the talk about who President Aquino is dating remains to be trending in the national conversation.

Of course, this observation is valid, not only in the Philippines – we see a lot of juicy sensational GEL SANTOS-RELOS stories about celebrities’ personal lives that banner not only tabloids and gossip magazines, but even the mainstream and social media of the United States as well.

Even before the election, many people have been fascinated, if not obsessed, with the fact that President Noynoy Aquino is still a bachelor. Some even made this as a basis not to vote for him, casting doubt on his ability to commit, raise a family and be responsible.

It seems that to some, being married is equated to having a sense of responsibility. Single professionals even wear fake wedding rings just to be perceived us such – responsible and committed – in order to get prospective people’s business.

And so from pre-election to the present, traditional and new media have been reporting on the lovelife of PNoy; and the people – both in their daily face-to-face interaction or via social media, continue to talk about it.

Before, it was PNoy with pretty, smart and shy Shalani Soledad, who was perceived to be the epitome of the perfect First Lady.

Then, they broke up and immediately after, we read headlines of PNoy allegedly dating stylist Liz Uy and TV broadcast journalist Trish Roque. Now, speculations point him as wooing a stockbroker!

There must be something attractive about power and romance that make their combination a bankable formula for readership, viewership and gossip.

I, myself, am fascinated about films that depict the life of the President of the United States of America.

I love watching Michael Douglas and Annette Benning in The American President, a romantic comedy that explores the “balance between private romance and public Presidency.” I also adore the movie Dave, starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver -- a story about “an uncanny Presidential look-alike recruited as a momentary stand-in for America’s Chief Executive but Dave finds himself continuing the masquerade indefinitely and uses ordinary guy common sense savvy to deal with extraordinary responsibilities.”

Aside from getting a close-up look at the private nooks and crannies of the White House, it is quite interesting to get to know the human side of the most powerful man in the world.

I guess that is why people are curious about the private lives of government officials and celebrities, including President Aquino.

Issues like dating, falling in love, marital woes, getting dumped and getting caught are some of the realities of our day-to-day life as ordinary citizens. In other words, issues like these, no matter

Holding a pigeon in your hand “COMMITMENT is the spirit that you hang on to. Hold it like Rhizomes a pigeon in your hand. Assume the reins of leadership – not too tight, as other folks will want to leave; not too loose, or others will snatch the fruits of your labor and harvest your gains. This is PROSY ABARQUEZnow the controlling metaphor for DELACRUZ, J.D. my life as I exercise leadership whether at home, at work or in my community organizations.” - Prosy Delacruz, 2001 A few days ago, I read these quotes posted in Erin’s Facebook profile page. When I wrote about these in an essay, it came from my reflections and actual experiences of facing challenges. I could not forget the context of how it came to be. I wrote to Erin and asked her if I could be of help with what she was going through. She woke up at 3am, Pacific Standard Time and my words were in her thoughts, and she was trying to figure out their intended meaning. I responded: “It is like nurturing life’s relationships – give importance to the big rocks first, before the small pebbles.” She then asked, “Are big rocks about family?”

Yes, I told her. When you treat folks in your life as big rocks, as family, your life is so much easier.

Folks respond with more trust. I told Erin I would write about these examples in my column. Here is my contribution to this discussion. I also invite our Asian Journal readers to share their insights as well and email me at prosyad@hotmail.com.

Years ago, I was lucky to be invited and recruited to be part of a professional organization, with members from around the world. The officers emphasized effective leadership styles. At that time, they only had members from the industries, none from government. I was the first government recruit.

I watched leaders cycle in and out each year, as their term ended. One in particular, (we will call him T) was quite anal and controlling, and ques-

how mundane they may be, “humanize’ the President – making him just like you and me.

This human nature is even more magnified by our nature as Filipinos – we are a very personalistic people. Seeing PNoy everyday, with his family being part of our own personal history, we feel that he is one of us on a very familial level.

This is true as well in the way we perceive celebrities, people we see on TV, hear on radio – there is that sort of bond that gives a sense of entitlement to intrude into their private lives.

Maybe this is part of our nature and culture, and the media is merely reflecting what is going on. Of course, some will argue that it is the other way around – the media reinforcing and capitalizing on this personalistic nature of ours that is why such penchant for chismis gets perpetuated in our culture.

While I agree there is nothing wrong in being amused by the personal life of the President, I believe we should be aware that we, as a people, need to be more seriously concerned about consequential issues about his policy and governance.

The President needs to be accountable about these things, not his love life. And if mainstream and social media report on and discuss PNoy’s dates and his quest for the perfect First Lady as the headline, then WE are in big trouble! *** 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.

Our unfinished revolution

WHEN a serious, life-threatening illness afflicts a person, Glimpses then a radical therapy is necessary. When that illness has been around for a long time, then an even more radical treatment must be applied. We know about diabetes and injections to manage JOSE MA. MONTELIBANO sugar levels in the body. Injections are radical intervention but must give way to dialysis when the kidneys begin to malfunction from uncontrolled diabetes. And when the opportunity comes along, a kidney transplant is the most radical option – but also the most desired.

I think many Filipinos never realized just how bad it was during martial law, how bad it was during the last nine years. I think the state of corruption that had permeated into mainstream society, by commission and by tolerance, had developed into a real cancer attacking the most noble of our value system and feeding our worst habits. I think the massive poverty enslaving tens of millions of Filipinos had been around too long that those not suffering from it chose to avoid confronting it.

Guilt is a powerful trigger that can make a life turn around, and those who have reason to be guilty often remain in denial about their responsibility and accountability in order to avoid leaving their comfort zones.

The Philippine environment has many aspects, from the very positive to the most ugly. Each Filipino can choose to be optimistic or gravitate to the sour spots of the same reality. Those who wanted Noynoy to be president continue to look at him favorably, and this optimism has spread to others who really just want a better country and brighter future. That is why those who approve of PNoy’s performance and give him their trust is double the number of those who voted for him. At the same time, those who were most against him and for u PAGE A13 other candidates started out the most critical and

tioned every line item in the budget, including every decision that has to be made. T’s turn came to lead, and he made most of the decisions.

During his tenure, members were semi-active, and minimally involved. Folks did not care to be part of the nationwide conference call. When he asked why, their reasons were apparent – “if he had made the decisions already, what else [can] we contribute?”

As he worked harder, the more folks got uninvolved and frustrations were aplenty. When he came to the meetings, he easily got angry and vented his frustrations on the membership -- that they were simply occupying space in the board room. One member challenged him: “ If you occupy fully the operating space for the organization, there is no room left, not even an elbow or a knee for other members to move within.” He was surprised. He felt that he was such a good leader and everyone else slacked off. Sure, he worked hard, but the other members could not work hard as he did, because they had no specific roles.

I encountered a similar controlling leadership style, from a novice leader who felt insecure in losing her power. She controlled the outcomes. She wanted credit for the teamwork’s results. When our team exercised initiative, she sat on our suggestions. She was not ready to process it and move it forward with the higher leadership circles.

She also had no personal capacity to manage our team, though she tried, and instead of being honest with us in sharing her weaknesses, she controlled us. The group lost momentum under her “ lack of leadership” and she could not figure out why. Despite her vigorous follow-ups, she could not revive the group’s momentum at all, though later, she felt ready to assume the reins of leadership. Her timing was off and was not in synchrony

most remain so. They would gloss over the state of corruption of the Gloria administration and even be ignorant that hunger, despite the self-serving proclamations of economic achievements, was highest in recorded Philippine history the last nine years.

It seems that corruption, and the poverty it causes and perpetuates, can be so overwhelming that those who are not poor simply become numb or blind to these.

Even the hierarchy of the Catholic Church is so noisy when it comes to condoms and its ilk but only occasionally so about hunger or poverty as a whole. It really seems odd that elders of a church founded on the life of one who gave priority to the poor, the sick and the oppressed can be more vocal on Cesar’s game than the necessary and constant condemnation of a Christianity in the midst of massive poverty. What is the priority of an RH bill issue that has become an option only because it exists in a context of a runaway poverty?

There are several threats on top of existing evils or societal cancers that hound Filipinos. Poverty and corruption are the visible and accepted perversions of an alleged religious people predominantly Christian with a Muslim minority. Between the two great faiths adopted by children of the biblical Abraham, one would expect that Filipinos would be striving to be loving, peaceful and merciful. Instead, the hierarchies of Church and State have failed to inspire followers to be faithful to religious teachings. But since these major religions have been around for at least four hundred years, and their hierarchies still perched firmly in their positions of power and influence, it can only be assumed that the quality of their leadership and the examples they gave have not been faithful to the spirit of their respective teachings. I suspect that, as in the time of Jesus, such leadership exploited

u PAGE A13

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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Opinion & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

A13

Holding a pigeon in your…

PAGE A12 t

with the rest of the team.

Both of these examples are about leaders who overly invested in themselves and made less efforts in knowing their group members. One wanted credit for the outcome of the teamwork, while another controlled the operational process, yielding a small part of the operational space of the organization to include others.

Both styles drive out the enthusiasm. They also produce less independent initiative and substantive involvement from the rest of the organization.

This is the case of holding onto the reins of an organization too tight, choking off the life out of the pigeon.

It is not unlike a marriage, where there is no trust between the couple -- where both are insecure to allow the other to grow either intellectually, or socially without his or her presence. That marriage feels suffocating to the other partner, who drums up excuses to be free of the other, to allow for his or her individual adventures and explorations.

Gary Hendricks, a psychotherapist, describes this in Conscious Loving as reaching the upper limits of intimacy. He described that couples fight when they reach their upper limits of intimacy, and instead of paying attention to the “content” of their fight, he advised that a couple should recognize their patterns and process.

A couple took this advice to heart. He paid attention not to the content, but to the pattern and the process of what was happening prior to, dur-

ing and after their fight. It turned out that one got super busy with her career that the spouse felt worthless -- without much to contribute economically or emotionally to the family. They discussed patterns of pulling away and distancing themselves from each other. The distancing occurred whenever she needed a time out, from too much intimacy or when she reached her upper limits of intimacy.

So she said, “ Why don’t you just go on a solo trip to visit your friend in the Bay Area and let me know when I can join you?” They did. Whenever he felt like he needed more company, he drove days ahead, and she flew up to join him. Together, they drove back and had a nonstop conversation to their liking. At the end of the trip, they simultaneously met their needs of separation and bonding as a couple.

These words came to mind recently as I reflected on my life as a mother. I had raised my children to be responsible, sensible and independent individuals. So, when they pull away to make their own decisions, they immediately remind me that I raised them to be independent. And I would retort, “But not too independent that you forget your ancestral roots. “ Relationships or leadership is like holding a pigeon in your hand -- hold it too close and you choke off the life of the pigeon; hold it too loose and another family grabs the fruits of your labor as their nest becomes more attractive! Hold the pigeon in your hand just right! This is a lesson I will forever have to learn and relearn. n

AIDS DAY. A beggar waits for good samaritans as Filipinos walk past the Western Pacific Regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) which is adorned with giant red ribbons Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 in Manila to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. Citing 2008 figures, WHO said some 33.4 million are living with HIV, with 2.7 million newly infected with the virus and 2 million dying of AIDS. The Philippines has a low prevalence of HIV infection with 3,456 as of September 2008, according to the data from the Department of Health.

AP Photo by Bullit Marquez

PAGE A12 t

Our unfinished…

rather than empowered, and used obedience to promote superstition rather than enlightenment.

I cannot say that the State, from the advent of recorded history early in the Spanish times, ruled any better than their religious counterparts. In fact, I can say that the rule of the foreign masters had been much better than the Filipinos who took over sixty plus years ago because colonization was quite open about their purpose to exploit the country and people they conquered to serve their respective mother nations. Filipino natives did not have to expect kindness and generosity from their conquerors. From Filipino rulers, however, fellow Filipinos would have expected that what was stolen from them, like their land and natural resources, or what we call patrimony, would be returned to them.

Hypocrisy, then, is a deadly threat. It is insidious and utterly dishonest, using the goodwill of followers for personal gain – whether than gain is material or in the form of power. It is no wonder that hypocrisy was a vice Jesus most often condemned, no wonder that he reserved His worst attacks on the symbols of religious authority. I am sure that Jesus would have done the same to the hierarchy

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of the State if democracy was already a system of governance then.

The hypocrites abound today. They are everywhere, especially among those who hold high positions in Church and State – and the awesome new world called the Internet and email. It is now not a matter anymore of just erring leaders, it is also about erring critics who can bombard their favorite pet peeves from the safety and comfort of cyberspace. I can surely say that many armchair generals are not only those who speak as they are expert in areas where they are not, but some are, in fact, out there to destroy, not build. They aggravate the mess they criticize, now just with their distorted words, but more so by the malice they disguise.

The revolution so needed for the kind of change that most of Filipinos long for has yet to happen, and the present moment is ripening it. PNoy may trigger it by being a symbol of it. He may hasten change by being its foremost model. Or, God forbid, his failure to see the opportunity that is being offered to him can only cause another deluge of frustration. That would be most unfortunate, not just for PNoy, but for us Filipinos, for failing to understand that we, more than PNoy, are the masters of our fate. (Inquirer.net)

12/3/10 6:21:16 PM

A14 DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHILIPPINES

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

Australia revises advisory: Threat no longer imminent

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA – Australia revised and reissued on December 3 its travel advisory on the Philippines, removing the reference to “imminent” threat of terrorist attack in Manila, but the overall level of travel advice has not changed.

The main change in the travel advisory was the removal of the language that was added on the Nov. 2 travel advice referring to imminent threat of terrorist attack in Manila.

In its Nov. 2 advisory, Australia said reliable reports indicate that terrorist attacks may be imminent in Manila, including places frequented by foreigners such as large shopping malls and convention centers.

Australia is among the five countries that issued last month a travel advisory on the Philippines warning their nationals against possible terror attacks in the country.

It urged its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the serious threat of terrorist attack and the relatively rampant crime.

The reissued travel advisory retained the pre-existing language on terrorism and also no change in the level.

“Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating

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terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. You should avoid places known to be terrorist targets,” the advisory said.

Australian nationals are strongly advised not to travel to Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga peninsula and the Sulu archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counterterrorism operations.

France modified earlier its travel advisory on the Philippines, citing risk of terrorist attack only in certain areas in Mindanao and not in the entire country.

The advisory focused on rising criminality in the country during the holiday season.

The advisory said “general crime and kidnappings” are rising throughout the country as the holiday season approaches. It also cited the robbery of a jewelry shop in a mall last Nov. 14.

FLAVORS OF THE SEASON. A woman arranges Chinese ham at a store in Quiapo, Manila yesterday. The Department of Agriculture has assured the public of sufficient supply of pork and chicken during the holidays.

Philstar.com photo by Jonjon Vicencio The Philippines was recently the subject of travel advisories from the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Australia warning against travel to the country after an alleged “cargo bomb” against the United States was foiled.

France and Australia were among the five counit. That is my contract with my

by Joanne Rae Ramirez tries that reassessed and modified their travel adpeople and my commitment to Philstar.com visory on the Philippines.

God. He had willed that the blood The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) weldrawn with a lash shall not in my MANILA – One of the 25 most comed on December 3 Australia’s revised advi- powerful women of the past cencountry be paid by blood drawn u PAGE A15 tury, according to Time Magaby the sword but by the tearful joy of reconciliation. We have zine, is a Filipino – the late Presiswept away absolute power by a dent Corazon Aquino. limited revolution that respected In its 2010 Time 100 Special the life and freedom of every FiliIssue released last month, Time pino.” hailed Aquino, along with the The Full List of Time’s 25 Most late Indian Prime Minister InPowerful Women of the Century dira Gandhi, Israeli Prime MinisLeading ladies ter Golda Meir, the late Mother Jane Addams (1860-1935) Teresa and media personality Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) Oprah Winfrey as among the 25 Rachel Carson (1907-1964) women who most influenced the Coco Chanel (1883-1971) world in the past century.

Julia Child (1912-2004) Only two Asians were on the Nov. 18.

“Weathering both coup atHillary Clinton (1947-Present) shortlist – Aquino and Jiang Qing Marie Curie (1867-1934) or “Madame Mao,” wife of Chi- tempts and corruption charges, Aretha Franklin (1942-Presnese revolutionary leader Mao Aquino was unable to push through much of the social re- ent) Zedong.

Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) The magazine listed the names form that her supporters had Estée Lauder (1908-2004) alphabetically, and also included hoped for. But when she stepped Madonna (1958-Present) Nobel Prize winner scientist down in 1992, she still stood tall Margaret Mead (1901-1978) Marie Curie, fashion icon Coco as the people’s choice,” the arGolda Meir (1898-1978) Chanel, Madonna, German ticle stressed.

Mrs. Aquino, ironically, never Angela Merkel (1954-Present) Chancellor Angela Merkel and Sandra Day O’Connor (1930US Secretary of State Hillary sought political power in her life and was content to be a support- Present) Clinton.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) Mrs. Aquino, who died last ive wife to her husband, former Jiang Qing (1914-1991) year of colon cancer, and whose mayor and governor and then Eleanor Roosevelt (1884only son Benigno III is now Pres- senator, Benigno Aquino Jr. His ident of the Philippines, was cit- assassination in 1983 led her to 1962) Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) ed for her role in the restoration take up his crusade, saying, “I Gloria Steinem (1934-Present) of democracy in the Philippines would never be able to forgive myself if I knew I could have Martha Stewart (1941-Presthrough peaceful means.

“Her sudden ascension as done something for my country ent) Mother Teresa (1910-1997) the first female President of the and didn’t.”

Of her style as President, she Margaret Thatcher (1925Philippines was the battered islands’ first step toward democ- told a joint session of the US Present) Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present) racy,” wrote Rachelle Dragani in Congress in 1986: “As I came to Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) n the tribute to Mrs. Aquino dated power peacefully, so shall I keep

Cory makes Time power list

12/3/10 6:21:56 PM

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

A15

Justice, death Solons, PAL opposed will make to ‘open skies’ policy Lacson surface

by MICHAEL LIM Inquirer.net

by MAILA

AGER Inquirer.net

MANILA – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday said he would only surface when “justice is rightly served or when I’m already dead.”

Lacson, who has been in hiding after a warrant of arrest was issued against him for his alleged involvement in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case in 2000, said he would rather “suffer in pain but with dignity “ than do jail time for a crime he did not commit.

“I will only come out when justice is rightly served, or when I’m already dead,” he said in a statement emailed to reporters by his staff.

“It may not be the best way to spend geezerhood, but unless you get me ahead of my time, I prefer to suffer in pain but with dignity, sitting alone with my conscience for the rest of my life, rather than do time in jail for a

u PAGE A16

UBAC

MANILA – Lawmakers are supporting Philippine Airlines’ opposition to the open skies policy that the Aquino administration is pursuing in order to increase tourist arrivals.

President Benigno Aquino announced the open skies policy at the opening of the public-private partnerships and infrastructure conference last month.

He told foreign and local business leaders that his government would pursue the full implementation of EO 219 (the liberalization of air travel industry) in international aviation.

The Department of Tourism is targeting to attract 3.1 million tourists in 2009, progressively increasing to six million by 2016.

Aquino said the liberalization would be done gradually, starting with “what is called pocket open skies.”

However, PAL and House members at the hearing seemed lukewarm even to a partial open skies policy.

An official of the Civil Aeronautics Board told the hearing that open skies would not ensure more passengers.

Porvenir Porciuncula, CAB deputy executive director, said many foreign airlines have obtained numerous seat entitlements, but have not been actually flying to secondary gateways or key cities outside of Metro Manila like Davao, Cebu or Cagayan.

“It is really a function of the market. Open skies will not guarantee foreign airline flights to the country. The more urgent thing is to address infrastructure, facilities, the image of country abroad,” he said.

A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said that while the country remained in the aviation blacklists, any law that would open up the country’s skies would be toothless because of lingering safety concerns at the airports.

This prompted some lawmakers to raise the possibility of shelving the bills calling for open

u PAGE A16

FREEDOM. Former policeman Gerardo Biong and his wife, Jocelyn, embrace as he is released from the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City on November 30.

Philstar.com photo by Manny Marcelo

Australia revises advisory: Threat…

PAGE A14 t

sory.

“The updated one is more reflective of the actual conditions in the country,” said DFA spokesman Eduardo Malaya. “We urge foreigners to see for themselves the peaceful conditions here and if they come this month, they can also enjoy one of the longest, more joyous commemorations of Christmas.”

The DFA issued a circular to Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Canada New Zealand and France to immediately convey to the Philippines “actionable” information they receive when they issue travel advisory and its basis.

The Philippines strongly urged members of the United Nations Security Council to take a “balanced” approach in the international campaign against terrorism and called on governments to “exercise due care and diligence” in issuing travel advi-

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sories.

The Philippines said that balance must also be achieved in the issuance of travel advisories, particularly those that relate to “possible terrorist attacks.”

While the Philippines recognizes the responsibility of states to protect their citizens, Manila believes that governments must exercise due care and diligence in issuing travel advisories.

“Governments must clearly

distinguish between threats posed by ordinary criminal elements and those by terrorists, two very distinct categories.”

In one of the Philippine’s strongest statements yet on the subject, Manila said that when a travel advisory cannot distinguish between two (ordinary criminals and terrorists), the advisory is “a disservice to the country issuing it and country that is subject to it.” ■

Noy risks being impeached…

PAGE A11 t

resentative Edcel Lagman said that the family planning method his group is pushing is “medically-safe, legally-feasible and effective.”

“The President is on the right track when he is steadfast in promoting responsible parenthood and in advocating freedom of choice, that is the core of the

measure. I don’t think he is risking any impeachment threat with respect to his steadfast advocacy on voluntary family planning and responsible parenthood,” Lagman added.

He also said that the lengthy debates on the issue were meant to “delay” the passage of the measure, which has been pending since the 8th Congress. ■

12/3/10 6:22:47 PM

A16 DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHILIPPINES

One of every 4 HIV-infected Pinoy is an OFW

by Cynthia

Balana

Inquirer.net

MANILA – A record 1,501 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), constituting about 26 percent of the total 5,729 reported cases in the National AIDS Registry of the Department of Health as of end-October.

This means that one in every four HIV-positive Filipinos is an OFW, said Ernesto Herrera, secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). By killing or damaging cells of the body’s immune system, HIV progressively destroys its ability to fight infections and certain cancers.

“This is very unfortunate, because if we look closely at the median age of HIV-positive OFWs, at 36 years old they are at the prime of their lives and productivity,” Herrera said.

He said that 96 percent of the HIV-positive OFWs were infected through sexual contact.

“This underscores the need for government to aggressively encourage safe sex through the use of male and female condoms,” he stressed.

Herrera said OFWs were particularly vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases because of their exposure to foreign cultures that

tend to abet high-risk behavior, including casual sex.

He said Filipino seamen, who spend lengthy periods at sea, are especially susceptible.

“Sailors are often deluged by commercial sex workers at their foreign ports of call, and they have the money to pay for the services,” he said.

Of the HIV-positive OFWs, 75 percent or 1,127 are male, Herrera said.

The Philippine Seafarers’ Union is one of the member federations of the TUCP. Herrera urged the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to include AIDS-preventive education in the free seminars for departing workers.

He said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration should also invest in activities that raise AIDS awareness among OFWs and their families here.

In the local labor front, Herrera said Congress should mandate the inclusion of AIDS-preventive education in all bargaining contracts between management and union.

The TUCP also expressed support for President Benigno Aquino III’s pro-choice family-planning policy, describing it as “a courageous demonstration of political leadership” amid strong resistance from Catholic Church officials.

“We are absolutely behind the President’s deci-

u PAGE A18

Justice, death will make Lacson…

PAGE A15 t

crime I did not commit,” he further said.

Lacson said the facts are too glaring to ignore, citing for instance the testimony of his former aide, Cezar Mancao, who had linked him into the killings after admitting that he had been pressured and promised a good life by the previous administra-

tion.

Mancao then applied to become a state witness by testifying that sometime in September or early part of October 2000, when former president (Joseph Estrada) was out of the country, he supposedly overheard Lacson ordered the murder.

“Never mind that unassailable documents say that I was out

of the country during that time, hence the physical impossibility of having engaged in that supposed ‘car conversation,’” said Lacson.

And just last November 11, Lacson said Mancao manifested before the court through his counsel that “he only learned of the sordid affair ‘ex post facto’” or after the fact.

“He ‘knew’ but he didn’t know.

Should I take his place in jail?” asked Lacson.

“As lawyers like Secretary De Lima would always say, ‘untrue in one thing, untrue in everything,’” he said referring to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

Lacson then appealed to the justice secretary “to exercise what she said is her plenary power to ask the court to withdraw the information and conduct a reinvestigation” of the case. n

Solons, PAL…

PAGE A15 t

skies.

Ma. Socorro Gonzaga, PAL assistant vice president for external affairs, also said that foreign carriers have been enjoying adequate access to Philippine skies.

At present, 47.4 million seats are available to foreign and local carriers, but only 10.97 million seats, or 23 percent, were used in 2009, according to Gonzaga. n

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The Week In Review Manila court issues arrest warrant for hostage-taker’s brod MANILA – A Manila court issued on December 2 a warrant for the arrest of slain hostagetaker Rolando Mendoza’s brother after he failed to attend a hearing on the serious disobedience charges against him.

A Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 11 employee said Senior Police Officer 2 Gregorio Mendoza, who is assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD), said Gregorio was supposed to attend the hearing at 1:30 p.m. on December 2, but he did not appear.

No new hearing was set pending Gregorio’s arrest, said the employee, who requested anonymity. The case is being heard by Judge Ernest Louie Miguel.

Last Aug. 23, Gregorio’s brother, Rolando, held hostage 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos inside a tourist bus in front of the Quirino Grandstand. Eight Hong Kong tourists were killed and several others were injured before Rolando himself was shot dead by a police sniper.

According to reports, Rolando – who held the rank of police senior inspector and was assigned to the MPD before he was dismissed from service – wanted to be reinstated.

The judge had previously postponed Gregorio’s arraignment upon the defense panel’s request because Gregorio’s lawyer said they planned to file a motion to quash the charges. The request was granted in open court during an earlier hearing in September. (Sandy Araneta/ Philstar.com)

Noy renews call for fair reporting MANILA – President Aquino on December 2 renewed his call to the media to report responsibly and maintain their integrity.

“A free media is indispensable if a democracy is to function efficiently, if it is to be real. The people, who are sovereign, must be adequately informed all the time,” he said, repeating a quote by his father, the late senator Ninoy Aquino.

Aquino urged journalists to watch their own ranks and condemn colleagues engaged in corrupt practices.

“It would be a disservice to our journalists and broadcasters, and especially to our countrymen, if it were to be terminally afflicted with the disease of corruption and deceit,” he said in a newspaper’s anniversary celebration.

“Every journalist must focus his or her efforts to ensure that there is a trustworthy, transparent relationship between the government, the media, and, most importantly, the Filipino people,” he added. (Aurea Calica/Philstar.com)

Advisers should protect Aquino from impeachment, says solon MANILA – Bacolod City Representative Anthony Golez said Thursday concerned Cabinet members and advisers of President Aquino should protect him from the possible impeachmen if he signs into law the Reproductive Health Bill.

Golez, who is a medical doctor, said during an on-air interview over Radyo Inquirer, or DZIQ, that the controversial bill was a “culpable violation” of the Constitution, which protects the life of the mother and unborn child from the moment of conception.

He said that from the medical standpoint, the moment of conception starts during fertilization, or when the sperm cell of the father and the egg cell of the mother meet. According to Golez, this was also the interpretation of the framers of the 1987 Constitution as stated by Father Joaquin Bernas, who was one of them.

Golez explained that the fertilized egg then travels for six to seven days to the woman’s uterus where implantation takes place. However, he said, pills, IUD and other contraceptives prevent implantation and are thus abortifacients. “Clearly distributing contraceptives under the RH Bill is a violation of the Constitution,” he said.

He said the President’s men should protect him from “committing error” and possible impeachment.

At the same time, Golez said that the Constitution may be amended to state that the moment of conception starts at implantation of the fertilized egg “so that there is no problem.”

“But we doctors recognize that the moment of conception starts at fertilization,” he added.

(Radyo Inquirer, Inquirer.net)

Sen. Santiago wants poverty fund slashed MANILA – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants the proposed P21.2 billion budget for the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) slashed by P6 billion.

In her letter to Senator Franklin Drilon, chairman of the Senate finance committee, Santiago proposed that the budget should be reduced to P15 billion, citing the administration’s lack of “demonstrated ability to implement such a massive social protection program.”

Santiago said a 50 percent increase in the CCT program, from P10 billion to P15 billion this year, was “generous enough.”

“We want this program to succeed. But the current DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] leaders do not have any track record of an efficient and effective implementation of a project of such large scale – P21.2 billion,” she said.

“Hence, the need for a gradual, monitored implementation. We want to make sure that services are delivered on time and to the intended beneficiaries,” said the senator.

“A small leak in the program, say 10 percent, already represents P2.1 billion. This is an intolerable amount considering the current financial status of the government,” Santiago added.

Some senators have also proposed a cut in the CCT budget. (Maila Ager/Inquirer.net)

House to probe mandatory OFW insurance MANILA – The House of Representatives is set to start an inquiry into the mandatory insurance imposed on overseas Filipino workers amid complaints it will do more harm than good to migrant workers.

Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello, chairman of the committee on overseas workers affairs (COWA), said that based on the inquiry, the body might recommend a moratorium on the implementation of the insurance while under review by joint congressional oversight committee.

Provided for under the amended Migrants Workers Act, the new policy mandates that the departing Filipino worker pay $144 in insurance coverage for a two-year contract, the said amount of which shall be shouldered by the recruiter.

Bello quoted reports that because of the new policy, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency noted a 50 percent decline in the number of contracts processed by various recruitment agencies.

Migrant workers’ organizations and employment agencies also complained that the mandatory insurance is redundant, particularly, in some countries like Hong Kong, where there is an insurance system covering risk areas.

“We will continue to monitor and receive complaints from OFWs and we urge migrant workers groups to participate in finding resolution to this matter,” Bello said.

The hearing is tentatively scheduled next week. (Lira Dalangin-Fernandez/Inquirer.net)

Supreme Court eyeing revival of ‘tourism courts’ MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) is considering reviving special courts to hear cases involving foreign tourists in Metro Manila.

In an overseas phone interview, court administrator Jose Midas Marquez said Chief Justice Renato Corona has tasked him to look into Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim’s request for the revival of tourism courts open 24 hours.

“The Court is now studying this request,” he said.

“We are looking into bringing back these special courts in the cities of Manila, Pasay, Quezon and Makati.”

Marquez said the SC has acceded to Lim’s request despite Malacañang’s move to cut the judiciary proposed budget for next year.

“This revival of tourism courts may entail some funding requirements because we will have to require judges and a skeletal force to come in,” he said.

Marquez said the Special Allowance for the Judiciary and judicial development funds would not suffice to cover the expenses of the judiciary.

The SAJ goes to the allowances of justices and judges and to additional allowances for rankand- file employees of the judiciary, he added.

Marquez said under Republic Act 9227, justices and judges are entitled to an allowance equivalent to 100 percent of their monthly salary. (Edu Punay/Philstar.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inquest came less than a month after the Hong Kong police concluded their investigation into the hostage incident.

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

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ANTI-VFA. Protesters shout slogans as they surge towards the US Embassy in Manila, Tuesday Nov. 30, to protest the presence of American troops for the joint US-Philippines military exercise known as the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA, which they claim has provided legal cover for the occupation of foreign troops in the Philippines.

AP Photo by Bullit Marquez

FOREIGNERS TOLD

Indefinite stay not automatic after marriage to Filipino

by TETCH

TORRES Inquirer.net

MANILA —The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday reminded foreigners that marriage to a Filipino does not give them the right to stay indefinitely or acquire permanent residence in the Philippines.

Thus, William Silas Parlin, 41, will undergo deportation proceedings after he was arrested by Immigration officials last November 22.

Silas, who was given a permanent visa by the BI due to his marriage to a Filipina, is wanted in the United States for mail fraud.

“The fact that he is married to a Filipina does not withdraw him from the operation of our immigration laws nor does it make him ipso facto a Filipino citizen,” said Ledesma.

He said aliens admitted into the country have no

right of indefinite stay, although a foreigner may apply for permanent residence if he or she is married to a Filipino citizen.

“However, since the stay of aliens in our country is just a privilege, even if they are married to Filipinos, Parlin lost that privilege when we found out that he is a fugitive from justice and, therefore, an undesirable alien,” Ledesma added.

Parlin was arrested in his residence in Pateros on the strength of a deportation warrant issued by Ledesma pursuant to a summary deportation order of the BI board of commissioners.

BI intelligence chief Faizal Hussin said Parlin will soon be deported to the US to stand trial for mail fraud before a US district court in Maine, which issued a warrant for his arrest.

Hussin also said the US State Department had revoked Parlin’s passport which made him an undocumented alien. ■

One of every 4 HIV-infected Pinoy is an OFW

by CYNTHIA

BALANA Inquirer.net

MANILA – A record 1,501 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), constituting about 26 percent of the total 5,729 reported cases in the National AIDS Registry of the Department of Health as of end-October.

This means that one in every

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four HIV-positive Filipinos is an OFW, said Ernesto Herrera, secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). By killing or damaging cells of the body’s immune system, HIV progressively destroys its ability to fight infections and certain cancers.

“This is very unfortunate, because if we look closely at

the median age of HIV-positive OFWs, at 36 years old they are at the prime of their lives and productivity,” Herrera said.

He said that 96 percent of the HIV-positive OFWs were infected through sexual contact.

“This underscores the need for government to aggressively encourage safe sex through the use of male and female condoms,” he stressed.

Herrera said OFWs were par-

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RESPITE. A boatman takes a respite after ferrying tourists to the world-famous Underground River in Puerto Princesa City.

Philstar.com photo by Ernie Peñaredondo

De Lima: Gov’t has no other option but arrest Lacson

by Tetch

Torres Inquirer.net

MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the government has no other option but to arrest Senator Panfilo Lacson after the fugitive legislator’s camp dismissed the possibility of surrender.

“Any government concession will have to depend on Lacson’s show of good faith and respect for our laws which apply to everyone, senator and ordinary citizen alike,” De Lima said Thursday.

“Given his stature, Senator Lacson has no reason to fear that he will be treated differently and persecuted by the government,”

she said.

Lacson’s legal counsel Alex Poblador has said the fugitive senator would not turn himself in to authorities even if the Aquino administration puts a P2 million bounty for his arrest over the twin murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.

“What I understand is that he will not allow himself to be arrested and detained for a crime which he did not commit so even if there’s a bounty, I doubt if he will surface,” Poblador told Senate reporters Wednesday.

De Lima said Lacson should heed his lawyer’s advice to “follow the judicial and legal process”

instead of laying down conditions that are not legally feasible.

“He has a standing warrant of arrest and a fugitive from justice.

He knows that his present status does not accord him the privilege of laying down terms with a tenor of finality,” De Lima said in a statement. “(His) refusal to return to the fold of the law and observe the legal processes will only galvanize the government’s resolve to take him into custody, not to persecute him but to enable him both to properly face his accusers and to defend his innocence in the only venue where it can be sufficiently proven in a court of law,” she said. n

One of every 4 HIV-infected Pinoy is an…

PAGE A17 t

ticularly vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases because of their exposure to foreign cultures that tend to abet high-risk behavior, including casual sex.

He said Filipino seamen, who spend lengthy periods at sea, are especially susceptible.

“Sailors are often deluged by commercial sex workers at their foreign ports of call, and they have the money to pay for the services,” he said.

Of the HIV-positive OFWs, 75 percent or 1,127 are male, Herrera said.

The Philippine Seafarers’

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Union is one of the member federations of the TUCP. Herrera urged the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to include AIDS-preventive education in the free semi-

nars for departing workers.

He said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration should also invest in activities that raise AIDS awareness among OFWs and their families here. n

One of every 4 HIV-infected…

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sion (for government) to provide condoms and other modern contraceptives to couples who would prefer to limit their number of children and avoid unplanned pregnancies,” Herrera said.

He said the President’s policy was “a fair and sensible ap-

proach” to human development and population management.

The TUCP is also pushing for the inclusion of family planning and reproductive health clinics and services at the workplace in every bargaining contract between union and management. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal Willie plans to come back to Mega speaks about tiff with Aga the US with an ‘I Love You’

by Jherlyn

Meneses

AJPress

by Julie

Matienzo AJPress

Fans go wild as Willie sings their favorite song.

Willie gets emotional singing ‘Ikaw na nga’ to his fans

Only two weeks after a muchawaited comeback appearance via his new show Willing Willie on TV5, Willie Revillame proved once and for all that no amount of controversy can stop him from entertaining his countless fans.

In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Willie shares his plans for his career, which includes taking Willing Willie abroad. With the United States (US) as his first stop, the returning host is eyeing a Valentine show tour in February 2011 to take place in Los Angeles and San Francisco, dubbing it I Love You Willing Willie in sync with the release of his new album titled I Love You. Willie revealed plans on getting Willing Willie aired and promoted abroad. Currently, there are talks between him and the big bosses of major Philippine television stations that include the Chief Executive of GMA Network, Felipe Gozon and things will no

LAWKEND SEC-B DECEMBER 4.indd 1

doubt be finalized soon after.

According to the host, Gozon commended him during their lunch meeting how he was “such a big hit abroad,” adding that the CEO of GMA 7, along with his Board of Trustees, had a research done to find out how he managed to get the majority of the household ratings and why people are enamored with him.

Willie was amazed that Gozon and his group did a research on him. He was even more humbled when Gozon said that the “number one” reason why people like him was because of his sincerity.

“Sabi ko ‘thank you ho.’ Sabi niya ‘We will work together,’” Willie says.

This, perhaps, excited Willie more. So when he was asked about what he misses most when he performs—especially outside the country, the host could not help but feel nostalgic.

“It will take time [for me to perform again in the US] pero syempre nami-miss mo yung mga yun, gusto ko gawin ‘yun (But of course I missed doing shows like that, I want to do it again),” Willie said as he recalls watch-

AJPress photos by Vince Samson

ing a music video where an artist comes out to perform before a live audience.

“Paglabas mo parang ang daming tao, nami-miss mo yung ganun, napapasaya mo yung mga tao (When you go out there where there’s a lot of people, you miss that—making people happy), he mused.

A bigger and brighter show manifested in the stage set-up and program format of Willing Willie. Last October 30, the Asian Journal witnessed how Willing Willie became a way for Revillame to be reunited with his supporters, as a family of balikbayans endured the long line outside the studio just to catch a glimpse of him and personally offer him their present during the show.

Willie is flattered by such gestures, saying that everybody is welcome to enjoy Willing Willie, regardless of their network preference. The host also said that doing a tour in the US would be much easier and faster now that he is the producer of his own show.

With almost everything copyrighted under his name (from PAGE B4

It is inevitable for any friendship to go through a certain form of misunderstanding. Whether you like it or not, no matter how hard you try, there will come a time when friendships will be tested.

This happened recently to two of the most respected stars in the showbiz industry—Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Aga Muhlach.

It all started at the 20th anniversary concert of Ai-Ai de las Alas last November 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. There was a portion when Ai-Ai mentioned Aga’s name and asked Sharon to say hi to him since he was at the audience watching.

Instead, Sharon responded by saying, “Sino sya?” The audience was astonished, including Aga himself, who was seated next to his wife, Charlene.

Majority of those who have witnessed the incident were shocked and found it very offensive. Everyone knows how close Aga and Sharon are, which made it the more puzzling.

The incident immediately brought about media frenzy and speculations were drawn.

The details of what really transpired and Mega’s explanation unfolded last Sunday at The Buzz.

A video clip was shown, which included Ricky Lo’s article in The Philippine Star on November 23, which said that Sharon apparently “felt rejected” when the actor declined to do a movie with her.

Sharon, on the other hand, explained her side on November 26 at the launch of her perfume line, courtesy of Zen Zest. This is where she poured out all of her sentiments.

“I didn’t mean for this whole thing to happen. I didn’t mean na ang dating pala e negative. Nung sinabi kong ‘sino yun?,’ nagtaka ako ba’t di tumawa yung mga tao. Actually wala namang bago sa tampuhan na ito except na-

dyaryo. Pag tinanong ako bakit kailangan sa Araneta pa ipakita mong me tampo ka, hindi e.

Matagal na nyang alam na marami akong tampo sa kanya. Naaayos namin pero di pa nya nasasagot kung bakit. Bakit nga wala pa tayong movie, sabi ka ng sabi na meron? Actually ang liliit. Hindi naman kailangang palakihin ‘to e. Hindi lang naman yung movie ang issue ko. Yun lang mga maliliit na tampo na kungyari di ka pwedeng pumunta sa concert ko.

Hindi ko naman dine-demand sa lahat ng kaibigan ko na lahat ng ginagawa ko puntahan. Pero you know, I would have appreciated yung sorry I can’t go. Naiinggit naman ako, parang buti pa si Ai. I think parang siguro na-miss ko lang yung kaming dalawa, na di ba nagkaka-missan lang din kayo e. Ako, I just miss yung konting importansya na pinaparamdam ng normal na kaibigan sa kaibigan nya,” Sharon articulated.

She also said that she felt insulted with the written article that she was rejected. “Sa totoo lang parang feeling ko, wala pang nakakainsulto sa akin. Nakakasakit kasi, pinaghirapan ko din naman yung respeto at tingin ng tao sa akin,” the Megastar said.

Sharon also said that it would have been solved right away if she was approached right there and then, instead of not doing anything about it.

“Ang kapalit ng tampo ng leading lady, kahit sa Araneta gawin, karinyo, lambing. Ang daling tapusin nito. Kasi, ngayon lang

Sharon Cuneta

Philstar.com photo

ako nakaramdam ng sobrang pag-balewala. Ang masakit dun, sya pa, e pitong taon ko na syang minamahal na kaibigan.”

Her message to Aga, “Ako I really wanted this to end. Teng (Aga) alam mo, simpleng tampuhan ‘to.

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Entertainment

B DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Kapuso stars for ‘Puso Ng Pasko Artista Challenge’ Revealed!

Puso Ng Pasko Artista Challenge kicks off the merry month of December with 24 Kapuso stars, 12 partner families and communities, several hair-raising challenges to perform, and over five million pesos in cash and prizes!

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

Completing the line-up of the Kapuso celebrity challengers are Carla Abellana and Geoff Eigenmann; Bianca King and Aljur Abrenica;

LAWKEND SEC-B DECEMBER 4.indd 2

Gwen Zamora and Fabio Ide

Bubbles Paraiso and Benjie Paras

Ynna Asistio and Mark Herras; Paolo Contis and Sam Pinto; Kris Bernal and Rocco Nacino; Jennica Garcia and Carl Guevarra; Bubbles Paraiso and Benjie Paras; and Raffy Tima and Mariz Umali.

They will be performing the challenges to win cash and prizes for their partner family and the family’s community. The challenges range from the death-defying to the heart-warming. The teams selected their partner families from among

hundreds of entries that comprise of the “most deserving” families – those that have done good deeds for others or their community.

Over five million in cash and prizes will be awarded to the 12 partner families.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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Flashback: Best Hits of the 80’s

One unforgettable evening of love songs from David Pomeranz, Stephen Bishop and Ms. Joey Albert at Pala Casino on December 5

David Pomeranz

Stephen Bishop

Ms. Joey Albert

LOS ANGELES—Mark your calendar as December 5 will prove to be one magical and unforgettable evening of memorable songs from the 80’s when three mega-hit musical stars David Pomeranz and Stephen Bishop with Ms. Joey Albert, perform together in a special concert on Sunday (4pm) on December 5 at the indoor Events Center of Pala Casino Spa & Resort in Pala, CA. David Pomeranz During the last 26 years, Pomeranz’s love songs have become part of the fabric of Filipino life. His 10-time, platinum album, Born

For You, His Best and More, is the largest-selling international pop album in the Philippines. His bestloved hits include Got to Believe in Magic (from the Scott Baio movie Zapped), The Old Songs, If You Walked Away, Trying to Get the Feeling, On This Day, and Born For You. Stephen Bishop A native of San Diego, CA, Bishop has become a Filipino superstar following his major hit song, On and On, which charted at number 11 in the US, and Separate Lives, sung

by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin for the Hollywood movie White

Nights, which was nominated for an Academy Award. In the Dustin Hoffman starrer Tootsie, he sung and popularized the theme song, It Might Be You, composed by Dave Grusin/Marilyn & Alan Bergman, which was a Top 40 hit in the US, and also a #1 hit on the US adult contemporary chart and won a cinematic Oscar in 1983.

Joey Albert Joey Albert is a Filipino pop and jazz singer who has enjoyed an award-winning solo career for over 25 years that began when one of her first hits, Tell Me received a Gold Record Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, which established her meteoric rise as a major Filipino musical artist. Tell Me became such a mega-hit that other known musical artists, including David Pomeranz, recorded cover versions of the song. Joey’s other hits include Over and Over, A Million Miles Away, I Remember the Boy, Points of View, and Tagalog favorites Yakapin Mo Ako, Iisa Pa Lamang, Ikaw Lamang Ang Mamahalin.

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Features

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A different way to get straight!

– David’s Salon Los Angeles Introducing—the new Smooth Operator System—it will make y o u r h a i r h e a l t h y, straight, manageable, smooth and frizz-free.

The technology behind the “Smooth Operator System” is its active ingredient, ammonium thioglycolate, or “thio.” The No Heat System works from the inside out to restructure the shape of the hair in a lasting way, unlike other straightening systems, were application of heat is a necessary step in the process. It is also lower in pH compared to other relaxers and is considered less damaging to the hair.

It’s easy, customizable and it’s formaldehyde free. Results last up to 12 weeks and root touch— ups are quick and easy. The process takes only about 90 minutes. And you can color (deposit only) on the same day you straighten your hair.

Come visit us now at David’s Salon Los Angeles and seek expert advice from our talented

hairstylists.

David’s Los Angeles also offers a variety of pampering services such as precision haircuts, texturizing, rebonding, relaxing, color, perm, hair & scalp treatments, Brazilian Keratin Treatment, gloss, make-up & occasional styling. We now offer Facial Services!

Christmas Promo: GET $10 gift certificate for every $50 Hair/facial Service to be used on your next visit. (one Gift Certificate per visit, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount.

Call us now to schedule your appointment. (restrictions apply). David’s Salon is located at 132 S. Vermont Avenue, #211 LA, CA, 90004 (beside Seafood City); open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm. You can contact us at (213) 487-7687 or visit our website at www.davidsalonlosangeles. com. Walk-ins welcome. All major credit cards accepted.

(Advertising Supplement)

Lowe’s Energy Center goes nationwide

From energy monitors to leak detectors to solar panels, energy-saving products come to one place

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

Launched recently in all of its US stores, the Energy Center of Lowe’s is the first of its kind for a major retailer. Here, you will find energy-saving products such

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as solar-powered products and Energy Star qualified CFLs in one place, making all your moneysaving and energy-saving plans for your homes a reality.

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

Beauty rescue 911

By Monet

Lu

IT seems my hair-related articles are among the most popular, based on the reactions that I receive from my readers.

Sa dami ng mga katanungan, I apologize if I could only discuss several. I try to pick out the most common questions so that it will help more people out there having the same issues.

In this current economy, I do understand that a lot of us had to give up some things we were used to, when financial times were better. But I hope that despite the challenges, we will not neglect to take care of ourselves. This includes grooming. We have to encourage feeling good on the inside as well as looking good on the outside.

Now on to our hair/beauty discussions: Joan: I have really long hair that falls all the way down my derriere area. I want to cut it for practical reasons but my boyfriend does not approve. He really likes my hair this long. Although I want to please him, I’m concerned that I’m not able to keep my hair healthy this way. I’m seeing a lot of split ends already. I used to enjoy having really long hair but now it’s not that fun anymore.

Monet: I know you feel torn between pleasing your man and the inconvenience of maintaining a lengthy hair. You have to strike a balance between what will make him happy, but also not putting the burden on you. It is your hair after all. There’s a midway point to address this. Why not try layers?

You can preserve a portion of the length while taking out the damaged area. One thing’s for sure, you need to remove the split ends.

I have to assume that your hair is also a bit dry now. You need some deep conditioning treatment. My salon is offering some good deals on moisture enrichment that may benefit you. Good luck!

Fatima: Dear Monet, because of our bad economy and partly because of my adventurous spirit,

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

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

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

Sealing the gaps and cracks, and properly insulating, can save PAGE B1 a homeowner up to 20 percent on PAGE B10 u equipments, to music, concept and even the dancers), Revillame disclosed that although his contract with TV5 includes a “50/50 share” of revenues, he remains solely responsible for the show, especially when he takes it abroad.

Willing Willie also boasts, not only of an extravagant set, but also of a hefty amount of prizes.

One of the show’s game called Spin the Wil—the jackpot round of Wiltime Bigtime—grants a contestant the chance to win the mega-jackpot which includes a new car, a house and lot and a million pesos, should he manage to spin three roulettes that spell out “W-I-L.”

Before

After

I’ve experimented with coloring my own hair at home. I have naturally black hair but I’ve been seeing grays here and there. So I decided to change my entire hair color to light brown hoping that this will also remove the grays.

The result is not what I expected.

My hair color looks gold-ish in the root area but other parts are black. I don’t know what to do.

Any advice?

Monet: You are not the first to come to me with this problem. It appears that there’s a color conflict going on there. The one thing I know, having not seen your situation first-hand, is that we need to strip the light brown color you applied on yourself. The process is a bit technical to explain here.

You need to come see us at the salon because I feel like this issue you have should be handled by a professional colorist!

Dorothy: My wedding is this coming June. I’ve had many trials for hair and make-up but I have not been happy with any of the styles so far. My mother has been the one recommending the hair and make-up artists but our styles just don’t match. None of them could provide the make-up foundation that I need because of blemishes and acne marks that I wish to hide. I’m very stressed because I feel like my mother wants to plan everything but I’m the bride. Shouldn’t I be the one to decide?

Monet: Sweetheart, we need to focus on the important issues at hand, which is your quest for the right stylist who can deliver the look you want. I’m not Dear Abby,

so I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment about the internal issues between you and your mother. But if you were serious about finding the best stylist, you have to push forward with that. If you were my bride, I would recommend that we meet for a personal, one-on-one consultation. I would advice you to cut up pictures of make-up and hair styles that you like from bridal magazines or from the Internet so that I can be on the same page with you. Once you have shared with me your vision, then it would be my turn to offer my professional opinion about what would be the best fit for your wedding makeoever. After all, I have been doing this for many many years. This collaboration will avoid mistakes and stress on the wedding day. It has worked very well for me over the years. As for your specific question about make-up foundation that will give you more coverage, I just happen to have the solution for you. It’s called the Monet Salon Velvet Spray Airbrush Make-up. Call me at (213) 216-4923 and let me tell you all about it! *** The author is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an allaround artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products available at www.skinbymonet.com. He supports many humanitarian efforts to include projects in his native Marikina, The Bantay Bata Foundation, and many more. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com for more information.

Willie plans to come back...

Willie is hopeful that contestants will win a house and lot when he takes the game to the US. He reveals that his business partner Senator Manny Villar has given him 12 houses to give away, assuming one house will be won each month.

Pleased to have a new show in a new home, Willie has nothing but good words to say to the owner of TV5 Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) for being generous and supportive to him. Willie disclosed during the interview how he and MVP will be able to take Willing Willie to foreign countries.

Willie marveled at the idea of a newfound technology introduced to him by MVP, wherein instead of

the usual cable, airborne signals will be used to transmitWilling Willie in the US and Europe by January.

“So we would not be using cables anymore, everything is digital now. By digital, I mean you will have to subscribe via a code provided by the station wherein no subscription will be necessary.

From what I know, you will have to buy a SIM card from them and then insert it in what looks like a Digi-box,” Willie elaborated in Tagalog.

Willie revealed that aside from plans to construct the Wil Tower Mall (with business partner Villar) and plans to establish his own station (with business partner Pangilinan), he is also eyeing to produce his own reality talent search called Born To Be A Star by January or February next year.

According to the entrepreneur, the decision as to whether he will host the show or not is still uncertain. But the concept of the talent will be a Charice-like journey for the contestants.

In Born To Be A Star, contestants will be treated like celebrities according to him.

“Dito ang trato susunduin ka na, hindi yung magbebenta pa kayo ng kalabaw, yung mga nasa probinsya di ba? Mangungutang pa kayo, the usual na mga kwentuhan, mga storya (With the show, you would not have to sell cows [to dress like a star] like what they do in the province, or borrow money like how the usual story goes),” he said.

“Pero this time ‘pag nakapasok ka sa auditions, VIP ka na, star ka na, kaya nga Born To Be A Star’ka na. So kung matalo ka, well, it’s up to you. At least na-feel mo to be a star. (This time, once you pass the auditions, you’ll be an instant VIP, that’s why it’s called Born To Be A Star. If you lose, well, it’s up to you. But what is important is that you felt like a star.)”

With the continuous pouring of blessings in his life, Willie said that there are not enough words to show how grateful he is for his supporters who give him strength and inspiration—the main reason why he has devoted his life to entertaining them and making them happy.

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Features

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

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—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 agedout 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 childless.”

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-last-hope” 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 brand-new episode of your favorite immigration program Citizen Pinoy.

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

Don’t miss this brand-new episode on an all-new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday (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.

TELECAST SCHEDULE

TFC

Sunday Sunday

ANC US

Sunday Thursday

ANC PHIL

Monday Friday

B

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 5:45pm PST original television—’Citizen Pinoy’ to KTBU 12:10am PST replay Channel 55, 11150 Equity Drive, Houston TX 77041 on December 11am PST original 12th, Sunday. Audience call times •7pm PST replay are at 12nn / 3pm / 6pm. As a public service from TFC and the Law Offices of Michael J. 3am Phil original Gurfinkel, seats are FREE, but you need to reserve now at www.

•11am Phil replay citizenpinoy.com or you may call *aired within TFC regions only toll free 1-866-487-3465.

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

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

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

This season is mad about plaid at every price. Wrap up this bargain: the SJB Flannel Plaid Shirt for him ($9.99) For little guys, team up bigboy 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) T h e c l e v e r C o n f e t t i Pe t 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 P l a y a n y w h e re , a n y t i m e 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 walLAWKEND SEC-B DECEMBER 4wads.ind5 5

lets will add pop to a St. John’s Bay Gray, Shawl-Collared Cardi ($17.99) Find the perfect blue: Decree has jeanious fits and finishes for Denim divas; choose from a range of jeggings, premium-look washes, and destructed styles ($24.99) Help him welcome the outdoors with a Dockers Trapper Hat ($19.99) or SJB Orange Puffer Vest ($17.99) Cheer him up with a Claiborne go-with-everything Merino Sweater ($24.99) Top off the trends with her faux-fur lined Trapper Hats in lime, red or sky blue ($14.99) or his SJB Fair Isle Knit Cap seen on the slopes ($12.99) Little girls will rave about the Uproar Faux-Fur Vest ($17.99) Give a little giggle with the Arizona Animal/Critter Hat ($19.99); find your preferred pet: sock monkey, raccoon, koala and panda, among others Try a little sofa pick-me-up with faux-fur pillows from Chris Madden ($14.99) and Studio ($14.99) Serve up chic with the Cindy Crawford Style Textured Red or Gold Glass Serving Bowl ($19.99) Bring out the kid in them with a Remote Control Car ($14.99) or Helicopter($19.99) Fun for the entire family, give a gift like Tabletop Foosball or Air Hockey ($19.99) Fun and Fab Gifts Under $50—Make magic with these fabulous, frugal finds!

Let her go from sporty to sparkly with a wardrobe of Liz Claiborne Watches ($30-$45)

Adorn her wrist with silver and gold with an elegant genuine 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Bracelet ($49.99) Rock her world and wrap up something hot like pure Cashmere Sweaters in a variety of hues from nicole by Nicole Miller ($49.99) A purple Velvet Dress from I Heart Ronson ($40.60) keeps winter’s chill away She’ll be aglow from tip to toe, in a One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress with rosette detail, from Bisou Bisou ($49.99) Olsenboye designers MaryKate Olsen & Ashley Olsen created a strapless confection with ponte bustier and plaid taffeta skirt for teen and tween fashionistas ($29.00) She’ll feel like a rock star in tough-chic jackets: choose a.n.a.’s faux Leather Drape Neck Jacket ($49.99) or the Worthington Black Croco Jacket ($42.99) The nicole by Nicole Miller “Pretty Girl” Satchel ($48.99) with ruffles and 3-D flower detail is a gift that will keep giving as seasons change into spring Add a kick to her Boot collection: The a.n.a “Kat” Scrunch PAGE B10 u

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

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Verizon Wireless launches the world’s largest 4G Lte wireless network on Dec. 5

Laptop users benefit first from fastest and most advanced wireless network, Arriving in 38 major metropolitan areas with new value-priced 4G data plans BASKING RIDGE, NJ—Verizon Wireless announced recently it is turning on the world’s first largescale 4G LTE network on Sunday, Dec. 5. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network will be the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America. Laptop users will be the first to take advantage of the 4G LTE network with speeds up to 10 times faster than the company’s 3G network.

With the launch, Verizon Wireless is also offering new valuepriced 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans starting at $50 monthly access for 5 GB monthly allowance, as well as two new 4G LTE USB modems, the LG VL600 and Pantech UML290.

Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said, “Beginning Sunday, Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better. Our initial 4G LTE launch gives customers access to the fastest and most advanced mobile network in America and immediately reaches more than onethird of all Americans, right where they live. That’s just the start. We will quickly expand 4G LTE, and by 2013 will reach the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area.”

Road warriors using laptops will immediately benefit from Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network with superfast connectivity that’s up to 10 times faster than the company’s current 3G network. The company expects 4G LTE average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

Mead continued, “We are building our 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which we have long been recognized. Our commitment to superior network performance, combined with broad 4G coverage areas and the strong

value of our data plans make 4G LTE Mobile Broadband the best choice for laptop users.”

4G LTE Mobile Broadband Data Plans, Devices and Coverage Areas Verizon Wireless customers can choose from two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: $50 monthly access for 5 GB monthly allowance or $80 monthly access for 10 GB monthly allowance, both with $10/GB overage. For laptop connectivity, two 4G LTE USB modems are available at launch: the LG VL600 and the Pantech UML290, each $99.99 after $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement. Both USB modems provide backward-compatibility with Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. If laptop users travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, they will automatically stay connected on the company’s 3G network.

The two modems harness the power of the company’s 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network to help enterprise, business and government customers make their workforces more productive, providing super-fast laptop connectivity. Both modems are available at launch in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com and through the company’s business sales channels. Additional laptop modems from a variety of partners are expected to be available in the coming weeks.

The company expects consumer-oriented handsets will be available by mid-2011.

Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is initially launching in 38 major metropolitan areas and in more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast – at both airports within the launch areas plus airports in other key cities.

Street level coverage area maps will be available online on Dec. 5.

Customers can go to www.verizon-

wireless.com/4Glte to check if their addresses will be in the initial 4G LTE coverage area.

Spectrum and Network Partners By leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment in the United States, Verizon Wireless is capable of quickly deploying a high-quality wireless broadband network with excellent coverage.

Verizon Wireless’ primary 4G LTE network vendors, Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent, are providing the underlying infrastructure for the 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network.

Visit for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

(Advertising Supplement)

CERRITOS HONORS GOLDILOCKS. The City of Cerritos honored Goldilocks Bakery and Restaurant with a proclamation from the City Council on November 22, 2010 at the Cerritos City Council Chambers. The city supports and highlights Cerritos-based businesses through formal recognition of the business establishments’ success. As the recipient of the city proclamation, Goldilocks is also featured in the Business Spotlight section in the City’s website. Photo shows Goldilocks Director of Operations (LA County) Menard Leelin and CFO Michael Leelin (second and third from left, respectively) accepting the proclamation from Mayor Joseph Cho (fourth from left.) Also in photo, (from left) are: Councilmembers Carol Chen, Bruce Barrows and Jim Edwards./Photo by Charles Vu. (Advertising Supplement)

HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AT 3J’S. Book your next holiday gathering at 3J’s Restaurant and Buffet. The ultimate Filipino restaurant will be open before Christmas to celebrate the holiday with you. Function room is private and can accommodate up to 120 people.They specialize in catering for big and small parties. The new restaurant will be open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All your favorite Filipino foods will be served, with combo and take-outs available. The restaurant is located at 4420 Eagle Rock Boulevard, corner York Avenue. Call now at (323) 535-0031. 3J’s is also hiring. ( Advertising Supplement)

One unforgettable evening...

PAGE B2 80’s is directed by Jet Montelibano and produced by Creative Concepts International in association with Pala Casino Spa & Resort in support of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., and its programs Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig and Text Bata. Sponsors are Seafood City, Celebrity Tiangge, Manila Forwarder, Gano Excel, McFadden Realtors and Xoom.com.

The concert is at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at the Events Center of Pala Casino. Tickets are $48, $58, $78, & $88. Available at Creative Concepts: (888) 886-7889, (323) 327-3483, (714) 319-4870, (818) 219-2009, via email at CreativeConceptsIntl@gmail.com, or log on to www.CreativeConceptsIntl.com. EE Entertainment: (626) 374-4906, (714) 932-7532, EE_Entertainment@yahoo.com, Ditas Yamane: (619) 474-5300, DitasYamane@cox.net, Manila Forwarder: (800)210-1019, (323) 478-1599, (619)434-7191, sales@manilaforwarder.com, Seafood City Supermarket outlets (Los Angeles, Eagle Rock, Carson, Panorama City, North Hills, Cerritos, West Covina, National City, Mira Mesa), Pala Casino Box Office: 1(877)WIN-PALA (1-877-946-7252) or online at www.PalaCasino.com, and at Star Tickets: (800) 585-3737 or at www. startickets.com Pala Casino is located at 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059, in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles. Pala is 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula.

For more concert details, log on to www.CreativeConceptsIntl.com or email CreativeConceptsIntl@gmail.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Features

Charice sings at Rockefeller Center

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

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 tearyeyed 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

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

AP photo

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 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.”

Find your new home in Cebu at La Mirada Residences La MIRADA is the newest addition to Residencia de Vistamar.

Located along the shores of Mactan, Cebu, it converts the dream of an easy and relaxed lifestyle into reality. The Vistamar community warmly welcomes new residents who share their taste for worldclass leisure and fun. With the variety of amenities and facilities available, socializing is never a problem. Even the kids won’t have problems finding friends or having great fun.

Cebu, being a focal cultural site in the Philippines particularly Mactan, provides residents new experiences found nowhere else.

And with Cebu’s flourishing cities just close by, La Mirada provides ease and comfort as well as great abode for businessmen in the area.

Also, there are plenty of five star hotels and resorts surround the area making Mactan a place where fun & sophistication marry.

The first of two condominiums, La Mirada meets the demands and surpasses the expectation of many. With genuine quality found nowhere else, La Mirada is the definition of a modern day home that brings new levels of comfort, contentment and luxury—reflective of the distinctive quality of life lived at Residencia de Vistamar.

La Mirada’s 15- storey Spanish Mediterranean architecture beautifully designed structure and interiors reflect welcoming warmth and luxury with the finest furnishings—right down to the littlest detail. Befitting the ultimate lifestyle, it offers all the services and security that make starting out in a new home a breeze.

The beachfront condominium is a retirement haven for anyone looking to kick back, relax and enjoy the rewards of their life’s work.

With a prime view of the sea before you, the units offer splendid sights

Lowe’s Energy Center...

PAGE B4 heating and cooling costs, according to the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) How much appliances cost

to operate. The Kill A Watt EZ ($34.97) by P3 International measures how much appliances really cost to operate. Simply plug the appliance into this device, which plugs into the wall outlet and ac-

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Where to get a loan for $25,000 and up With the onslaught of the recession having everybody affected, the source of getting a loan has become scarce. Financial institutions, federal banks, union banks, cooperative banks, private lenders and credit card companies have become so strict in lending money to borrowers may it be individuals for personal loans, emergency loans and even small business loans. The question now is where to get the loan that everybody needs.

The answer is here. Unique Financial Services, Inc. is the only company who can help to get you a loan for at least $25,000.00. It is unsecured loan without collateral. There’s no required co-signer and anyone can be approved.

Nowadays, everybody is experiencing financial hardship, having too much bills to pay, credit card bills, mortgage, student loans, home foreclosures, unemployed, underemployed, etc. Everyone is searching for some financial cure to each problem. The time is now.

The time to act is now. There’s no other way, the easiest way to get money but to obtain a loan. What Unique is offering is so timely that everyone needs it. It is the only company that can facilitate a loan for everyone without collateral. It will help individuals to have financial freedom and have Applications are still open for the second batch. Unique’s first batch loan applicants were accepted from May to June. The second batch is still open and applications are still being accepted.

Interested parties may set up appointments by calling (323) 7332190. Unique Financial Services, Inc. also offers Legal Debt Settlement—where they can eliminate 70-100% of debts legally—please call for details. It also offers Credit Repair—it can clean any adverse record on the consumer report guaranteed. Please call (323) 7332190 for more details.

(Advertising Supplemnent)

Mega speaks about tiff...

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curately displays projected costs by week, month or year. It also can measure how much money standby items such as TVs and computers cost when not in use. For more power monitors, including whole-home energy monitors like The Energy Detective ($240) from Energy Inc., visit

Lowes.com.

Reducing energy costs What to do with drafty gaps.

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

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Generating renewable energy When to start using sol ar power. Lowe’s Energy Center is also helping consumers take their first step into solar power. The Solar Lite flashlight ($18.97) by Hybrid Light can hold a charge for up to three years. Charge it once by exposing it to any light source, natural or artificial, and store it until needed. It’s durable and waterproof.

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Lowe’s has won eight consecutive Energy Star awards for its leadership as a retailer of energyefficient products and in 2010 became the first winner of the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in Retail. To get started on saving energy and money, visit Lowe’s in-store Energy Center.

For more inspirational ideas and projects, go to Lowes.com/EfficientHome.

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PAGE B1 Tignan mo, nakikipag-usap pa ako sayo sa camera, ano ba naman to. Nakakahiya, kase simpleng tampuhan lang naman to na di naman kelangang lumaki. So bakit nadadagdagan ng nadadagdagan ang sakit na di naman kailangan.

Basta ko wala akong pagkukulang sayo, naging totoong kaibigan ako

sayo, I still love you, I’m still your friend but ang friendship naman is two ways. It’s a two-way thing. I cannot naman be friends with you [if] you don’t want to be friends with me. The difference is, you hear from me. I don’t hear from you. I hear from people that you know, so sana I hear from you. I want my friend back!”

JCPENNEY welcomes...

PAGE B5 Boot ($39.99) is available in black, grey or beige; the Decree “Boulder” Tall Wedge Boot with faux-fur trim ($49.99) is available in black and dark tan What’s better than the perfect Fair Isle Sweater from American Living he’ll enjoy season after season ($29.99) Man-up his jeans with this handsome Arizona Bomber Jacket ($39.99) Casually tailored, he’ll always be well-dressed in this Stafford Corduroy Blazer ($49.99) Indulge little girl dreams with this Arizona Faux Leopard Fur Coat that will strike envy in all her little gal pals ($34.99) Leopard anyone? It’s the look to give with Chris Madden FauxFur Throws ($29.99) Indulge her sweet side with a Hamilton Beach Single Serve Ice Cream Maker ($29.99) Start their mornings off with a smile; the cooks Smiley Face Pancake Pan promises to do just that! ($29.99) Save on designer cupcakes and let them whip up their own treats with a Baby Cakes Mini Cupcake Maker ($29.99) Trend-Setting Gifts Under $75—Surprise them with more for less!

Share your sentiments with our Sterling Silver faith, hope and love Pendants ($54.99) on a delicate silver chain Every girl needs the Quintessential LBD: this season, it’s a sleeveless black satin stunner with embellishment and rusching from JCPenney ($74.99) MNG by Mango designed a fun knit dress with gold and copper paillettes (available Dec 1) that can serve double duty as a tunic over leggings, for more casual gatherings ($78.99) Designers at a.n.a created a Down-Filled Dream Coat ($69.99) to keep chills at bay on the coldest winter days; this season’s topper is fitted with sleek silver hardware and a faux-fur lined hood Give her gams the hottest black Boot of the season: Worthington’s fierce over-the-knee style ($69.99) Whether hiking to work or trekking through the woods, Skechers’ Suede Verdict Boot promises him plenty of miles ($59.99) Plug in to one of the most innovative iPod speaker ideas with iHome’s LED Color Changing iPod Speaker System ($59.99) Perfect for tucking into a small space, a second home, or when the kids come home---a cooks 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 must-have coats: The iconic Pea Coat from St. John’s Bay is recast in a luscious cashmere-blend ($79.99); a multitude of colors and sizes make this coat a cool-weather essential From Allen B., the waist-length Leopard Faux-Fur Coat ($83.30) goes from casual to cocktail-ready Never miss an important engagement during the season with the iHome App-enhanced Alarm Clock Dock ($99.99) Want coffee for one, here’s your answer! The Keurig B31 Single Serve Coffeemaker ($99.99) For the master of the media room, the Nostalgia Countertop Kettle Popcorn Maker ($99.99) is sure to please For the smallest angel, place the Plush Butterfly Rocker ($79.99) under the tree and watch the magic unfold Splurge – Spoil them with gifts they’ll never forget!

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

To view our gift ideas, visit JCPenney’s fashion and home online look books at: Fashion & Accessories: http://newsroom.mbooth. com/JCPenney/LookBooks/Holiday/main.php/v/Holiday’10; Gifts & Home: http://www.jcphomelookbooks.com/HOLIDAY2010/index.

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COMMUNITY

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 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. 111-83. 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.

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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 to his brother, Rogelio, and

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

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Minding Your Finances Atty. Raymond Bulaon FILING bankruptcy can be very stressful and uncomfortable for people who are facing a financial crisis for the first time in their lives. But a lot of the anxiety involved can be alleviated by simply understanding the process and keeping things in perspective. Oftentimes, people are so focused on their current financial problems that they lose sight of the big picture.

If you are seriously drowning in debt, I am sure chances are that your problems did not happen overnight. If so, then it only makes sense that any solution you choose to implement to correct the situation may also take time. When appropriate for your situation, filing for bankruptcy protection can accelerate the process of financial recovery so this can be your first step.

Creditors will often try to make you believe that filing for bankruptcy somehow makes you a failure and that you are a bad person for doing so. These characterizations are simply ridiculous and they should not stop you from doing what is necessary to change your situation for the better. Your creditors know that once you file, they will no longer be able to call and harass you and so they will tell you all kinds of things in order to humiliate you and discourage you from filing.

Once you are able to regain control of your finances by ei-

Immigration 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. Adjust-

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Community Journal

Bankruptcy: Don’t lose sight of the big picture ther wiping debts you can no longer pay (Chapter 7) or paying creditors over time (3-5 years under Chapter 13), bankruptcy relief helps you break out of the seemingly never-ending cycle of debt. Whether your problems were caused by factors beyond your control or simply a result of poor financial planning, bankruptcy can give you a fresh start by putting your debt problems behind you once and for all. Filing bankruptcy is not financial failure. It is nothing more than financial planning so that you can have a better future for you and your family. Don’t let your current situation make you lose sight of your long-term financial goals.

Some people are so buried in debt that they have no other way of repaying what they owe.

They live from paycheck to paycheck and have zero savings in bank. They are literally only one paycheck away from bankruptcy. You need a financial plan if you are going to retire some day. This could be as simple as participating in your company’s 401K plan if you are employed or maybe putting money into an IRA if you are self-employed. A lot of people who come to me for bankruptcy help are broke every month due to excessive indebtedness that they can’t even put aside a couple of hundred dollars a month for retirement.

How can they when they’re simply in “survival mode” month after month? If you don’t have a financial plan, who is going to support you when the day

comes you can no longer work?

I hope you’re not simply counting on the government to support you. Experts say that by the time most of us retire, social security may not even be around anymore.

If your current debt problems were caused by your failure to set financial priorities, you may feel guilty and embarrassed about having to file bankruptcy.

It is normal to feel this way but what’s important now is that you’ve recognized your mistakes and that you’re taking steps to improve your financial situation.

As one writer said, “Success comes from good judgment.

Good judgment usually comes from experience. And experience usually comes from bad judgment.” There are lessons to be learned from bankruptcy so make sure that you don’t miss them. If you do, you are bound to repeat them again in the future.

Of course, bankruptcy is not for everyone and there are important factors to consider in every case. To schedule a free evaluation of your case, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772.

We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, West Covina and Valencia. ***

Immigration Edge Atty. Daniel Hanlon

RECENTLY, I have consulted an alarming number of people with applications for adjustment of status pending for more than 6 months; and in some cases several years, allegedly for no other reason than the USCIS background clearances have not been completed. The USCIS is routinely ignoring the inquiries of such people at their “InfoPass” appointments to follow-up the status of their cases, telling them that they must simply wait. This type of customer service is unacceptable, especially in light of the USCIS’ stated policy of completing action on such cases within 180 days.

Nearly three years ago, USCIS Associate Director of Domestic Operations, Michael Aytes, issued a memorandum revising CIS’ policy of requiring complete background clearances before an application for adjustment of status may be approved. The Memo sets forth the USCIS’ policy, in which the USCIS, in cooperation with the FBI, will render final decisions on pending I-485 and I601 (waiver applications) within 180 days of receipt. This policy is in accord with Congressional mandate and should have reduced the waiting period for adNone of the information herein is intended to justment of status in most cases. give legal advice for any specific situation.

In the aftermath of 9-11, the Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over Department of Homeland Securi4,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free ty (DHS) implemented strict proattorney evaluation of your situation, please cedures to screen out inadmissicall Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE ble aliens during the adjudication 1-866-477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement) of applications for US immigra-

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

USCIS ‘background clearances’ should be complete in 180 days or less tion benefits, such as adjustment of status, work authorization and naturalization. By regulation, DHS made FBI fingerprint and name checks, as well as Intragency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) checks mandatory prior to the approval of these immigration benefits. As a result, foreign nationals were subjected to delays of several months, and in some cases years, for the adjudication of their green card applications.

Prior to the policy shift, applicants weary of such delays could seek “mandamus” relief in the Federal Courts, enlisting the intervention of a US District Court Judge to order the CIS and related agencies to complete the background checks within a “reasonable time” as required under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). While Mandamus remains a viable tool to obtain long overdue adjudication of green card applications, the USCIS’ 2008 policy should have obviated the need for such litigation in many cases.

Under the 2008 policy memorandum, the USCIS is supposed to initiate the required background checks upon the receipt of applications for adjustment of status. Once the application has been pending 180 days, however, if the application is other wise approvable, the USCIS should adjudicate the application and issue the green card without the background check results. Under this policy, USCIS retains the files of

cases where the application has been adjudicated pending the results of the background clearance. If the background clearance reveals a criminal history or other potential basis for ineligibility, DHS would then render a determination as to whether rescission or removal proceedings should be initiated against the applicant.

The USCIS policy memorandum seems to have been lost in the shuffle of late, as many people are forced to endure inordinate delays in the processing of their applications for adjustment of status. USCIS is informing many of these people that the “background clearance” is to blame for the delay. Given the USCIS’ official policy, if more than 180 days elapses with no decision forthcoming, applicants for adjustment of status should consider filing a lawsuit seeking Mandamus relief to enforce the USCIS policy. Of course, litigation is generally a last resort and an applicant’s Immigration Attorney should exercise diplomacy with the USCIS to obtain a favorable resort for any applicant prior to marching into Federal Court. *** Daniel P. Hanlon is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and a principal of Hanlon Law Group, PC, located at 225 S. Lake Ave., 11th Floor in Pasadena, California; tel. No. (626) 585-8005. Hanlon Law Group, PC is a “fullservice Immigration Law firm.” E-mail: visas@ hanlonlawgroup.com and www.hanlonlawgroup. com (Advertising Supplement)

How may the derivative aliens adjust status under sec. 245(i)? ment 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 she might 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 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 qualified 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 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 The USCIS may check your personal information on Facebook.

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

On March 17, 2010 we received an approval in Immigration Court of adjustment of status for a con-

ditional residence whose status was terminated before. When a conditional residence is terminated the USCIS will refer the alien to removal proceedings.

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.

On Dec. 7, 2009, our client Ms. E was approved for a waiver of misrepresentation in the Immigration Court. In another case, on October 29, 2009, our request for waiver of misrepresentation

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Community Journal

Atty. C. Joe Sayas, Jr.

Are temps entitled to overtime pay and other employee rights?

Q: I WORK for a temp agency and assigned to work in offices doing clerical and data entry tasks. I am required to submit a time sheet to my agency and to the actual business that I temped for. There are times when I would work more than 8 hours per day or more 40 hours per week. However, according to the temp agency, I am not entitled to overtime because I am an independent contractor. Is this true?

A. No, you are an employee entitled to overtime. Temporary or leased employees who perform the same duties as regular employees are covered by the same employment laws that protect regular employees.

Temporary or leased employees, commonly known as “temps,” are those workers who are usually employed from a temporary agency or leasing firm who contracts with businesses to provide workers on an as-needed basis. The temporary agencies or leasing firms may handle payroll, tax, and other human resources functions for these temp employees.

Because of the short-term nature of their work, temporary workers may be misclassified as independent contractors and are denied their rights as employees.

These rights include the right to minimum wage and the right to overtime pay for working more

than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. In addition, employees are entitled to the right to the employer’s share of the social security, unemployment and disability taxes, workers’ compensation protection, additional benefits granted by employers to employees such as sick pay, retirement and profit-sharing plans, protection from discrimination, and protection from wrongful termination of employment.

If the employer has complete control over how the worker should do the work, directs the employee what tasks to accomplish and how to accomplish these tasks, then the worker is an employee and not an independent contractor. As an employee, therefore, the worker is entitled to additional protection, including overtime pay.

Who should pay for the overtime?

It is usually the temporary agency who hired the employee who handles the employee’s payroll. Even so, if there are labor violations, a court could determine that both the temp agency and the employer are legally liable for these violations. This will occur if the court determines that the employer is a joint employer with the temp agency.

Employees of a temp agency who work for various business establishments are considered joint employees of both the

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

Inside Immigration Atty. Darren Silver ON June 26, 2010, the Federal Government made big changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. One of the biggest changes is to the Government’s list of eligible occupations. Several of the most popular job categories were taken off the list, plus several new ones were added.

– Below is a list of the current eligible jobs: – Restaurant and Food Service Managers – Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture) – Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management – Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners – Biologists and Related Scientists – Architects – Specialist Physicians – General Practitioners and Family Physicians

agency and the business establishment in which they are employed. The law considers that each employer to whom the temporary employees are assigned is jointly responsible with the temp agency for compliance.

The temp agency is “primarily” responsible for the payment of appropriate overtime compensation since the agency actually pays the compensation. However, even though the law looks to the agency first for any liability and compliance with the recordkeeping requirements, the employer for whom the employee worked overtime is also jointly liable for the overtime compensation. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant results, including several million dollar recoveries for consumers against insurance companies and big business. He is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum—a prestigious group of trial lawyers whose membership is limited to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience and excellence in advocacy. He has been featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements for his professional accomplishments and recipient of numerous awards from community and media organizations. His litigation practice concentrates in the followaing areas: serious personal injuries, wrongful death, insurance claims, unfair business practices, wage and hour (overtime) litigation. You can visit his website at www.joesayas law.com or contact his office by telephone at (818) 291-0088.

(Advertising Supplement)r

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth Ursua Reyes MOST couples that want out of a marriage in California usually file for Divorce. There are circumstances though that allow a couple to have their marriage “voided” rather than “dissolved.”

There is a big difference between the two concepts. With a voided marriage, it restores the couple to status of unmarried person as if they have never been married before. In a divorce, the couple would always be regarded to as married during the period of the marriage.

Unlike Divorce which can be obtained regardless of the reason.

Voiding a marriage may only be obtained based on certain grounds. It is void in cases of incest and bigamy. It is voidable in cases of minority, Unsound Mind, Fraud, Force, or Physical Incapacity. Marriages between parents, children, ancestors and descendants, brothers and sisters, half brothers and sisters, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews are incestuous and are void from the beginning. So are bigamist marriages where either party was still married to another person when they entered the marriage.

Nevertheless, it is best to obtain a Nullity Judgment to clarify the legal status of the parties under these circumstances.

Certain situations does not necessarily make a marriage void but makes it voidable on

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

A Nullity based on this ground may be filed during the life of the other party.

A marriage may be voided if either party was of unsound mind at the time of the marriage. Unsound Mind means a person is incapable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract and the duties and responsibilities it creates which depends on the degree of mental capacity of the party.

This may not be a ground if the party later on came to reason yet continued to freely cohabitate with the spouse. Fraud is another ground for voiding a marriage. The false representation or concealment must relate to a substantive matter and directly affect the purpose of the party deceived in entering the marriage. The fraud must go to the very essence of the

marital relation before it is sufficient for an annulment. It is not sufficient simply to contend that your spouse turned out to be a lazy, drunken disappointment. Nullity based on fraud has to be filed within four years of discovering the fraud.

Certain marriages that are entered into by force are voidable. Circumstances that meet these standards requires that the forced party’s free will to have been overcome by the spouse such as through the use of threats. These type of Nullity must be filed within four years from the date of marriage. A marriage where the spouse was found to be incapable of physically engaging in copulation may be voided. It can only be filed by the spouse that does not have the physical incapacity and must be filed within four years of the marriage. Before deciding weather a divorce is the appropriate avenue to end your marriage, parties should evaluate if a Nullity is a viable alternative and weather it serves their best interest. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. Law Offices of Kenneth Reyes, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@aol.com. Website kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

An alternative route to Canadian permanent residency: Manitoba – Dentists – Pharmacists – Physiotherapists – Registered Nurses – Medical Radiation Technologists – Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists – Licensed Practical Nurses – Psychologists – Social Workers – Chefs – Cooks – Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades – Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades – Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System) – Industrial Electricians – Plumbers – Welders & Related Machine Operators – Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics – Crane Operators – Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction –Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service There is now a yearly cap of 20,000 applications that will be

considered for processing. Furthermore, only 1,000 applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing yearly. This means that popular occupations, such as nursing, will quickly meet the maximum threshold. The good news is that the cap is still open.

The most exciting alternative for skilled workers who want to go to Canada is the Manitoba General Stream Program. Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. The two most popular provinces for immigrants to move to are British Columbia (major city is Vancouver) and Ontario (major city is Toronto). The Province of Manitoba is right next to the Province of Ontario. The major city in Manitoba is Winnipeg.

The Province of Manitoba is looking for all types of skilled workers. This means that unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, there is no list of eligible jobs. Plus, not all applicants are required to take the English language exam (IELTS).

Applicants do not need a job offer. In order to be eligible ap-

plicants must have one of the following: 1. A close relative in Manitoba; or 2. Two close friends or distant relatives in Manitoba (they must be permanent residents or Canadian Citizens and have lived in Manitoba for at least a year); or 3. Completed education in Manitoba; or 4. At least six months of work experience in Manitoba.

Canada is offering Permanent Residency to those that are approved. Canadian Permanent Residents have access to most of the social benefits available to Canadian Citizens, including free health care coverage. Permanent Residents can also live and work anywhere in Canada with minor

exceptions, this means that the applicant is not tied to a specific employer. Permanent Residents can also apply for full Canadian Citizenship after three years of living full time in Canada.

Furthermore, Permanent Residency is not merely given to the principal applicant. A qualifying spouse and dependent children are also given full Permanent Residency. This means that the applicant’s spouse and their dependent children have the ability to work and study in Canada.

Permanent Residents also have the ability to sponsor eligible family members. This provides immigrants with options to sponsor their aging parents and grandparents. And if these family members are approved, they

are also granted Permanent Resident Status.

Please feel free to contact for a free eligibility evaluation. *** We Look forward to answering any of your questions. You are invited to call our office or e-mail Mr. Silver Directly for his personal response to your immigration question.

Please contact the office for Free Consultation: Darren Silver and Associates Address: 3699 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Telephone: 1-800-971-7013 or 213-384-1900.

E-mail: info@darrensilver.com Go to www.darrensilver.com and sign up for a free newsletter *** This article is not intended to provide legal advice, but to provide general information.

(Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Darren Manibog named to Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum THE Million Dollar Advocates Forum is pleased to announce that Attorney Darren Manibog of Pasadena, CA has been certified as a life member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. The organization was founded in 1993 and there are approximately 4,000 members located throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of US lawyers are members. Forum membership acknowledges excellence in advocacy, provides members with a national network of experienced colleagues for professional referral and information exchange in major cases. Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum must have acted as principal counsel in at least one case in which their client has received a verdict, award or settlement in the amount of one million dollars or more.

Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advo-

cates Forum must be Life Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and must have acted as principal counsel in at least one case which has resulted in a multi-million dollar verdict, award or settlement. Mr. Manibog has been approved for membership in both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Darren A. Manibog is a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law and specializes in catastrophic personal injury law.

(For further information regarding membership and qualifications, see www.MillionDollarAdvocates.com. The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum was established in 2007. There are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (established in 1993) who may have had multi-million dollar cases but who have not applied for membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, although they may be qualified. Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is not intended to imply that a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum may not have had multi-million dollar cases.)

(Advertising Supplement)

Humanitarian…

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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 101204 - WE SEC C.indd 3

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) 12/3/10 2:40:31 PM

C DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Atty. Lawrence Yang

Transfer of $30K to son for college before BK filing fraudulent

THE 341a hearing for this case was held last week on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

I was sitting in the courtroom minding my business waiting for my client’s case to be called. I noticed that the chapter 7 trustee’s questioning of debtor being interviewed had become more aggressive. This change in tone normally means that the trustee has just seen an asset that is worth something and is not exempt. In other words, the trustee believes that the asset belongs to the bankruptcy estate. Upon further questioning, it came out that debtor transferred $30,000 to his son two months before he filed his chapter 7 case.

Question: Why did you give $30,000 to your son?

Answer: I gave the money to him to pay for his college tuition and expenses.

Question: When did you give the money to him?

Answer: I gave him the money in August, two months before I filed my chapter 7 case. Question: Did your son pay you or do anything for you in exchange for the $30,000? Answer: No. Question: Sir, the $30,000 that you gave to your son is fraudulent and I want the money back.

Answer: But he needs the money for college.

Question: Sir, you owe your creditors $170,000 in credit card debt; your creditors also need the money you gave to your son.

Question: Give me the name

and address of your son; I am going to write him a letter to ask him to give the $30,000 to me. If he fails to do so, I am going to file a lawsuit against him to collect the $30,000.

What is going on here? By these questions to debtor and his answers, trustee has determined that a fraudulent transfer of $30,000 to debtor’s son has taken place, and trustee is invoking the trustee avoidance powers to nullify the transfer. Section 548 of the bankruptcy code states that, “The trustee may avoid any transfer (including any transfer to or for the benefit of an insider under an employment contract) of an interest of the debtor in property, or any obligation (including any obligation to or for the benefit of an insider under an employment contract) incurred by the debtor, that was made or incurred on or within 2 years before the date of the filing of the petition, if the debtor voluntarily or involuntarily: (A) made such transfer or incurred such obligation with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any entity to which the debtor was or became, on, or after the date that such transfer was made or such obligation was incurred, indebted; or (B)(i) received less than a reasonable equivalent value in exchange for such transfer or obligation; and (ii)(I) was insolvent on the date that such transfer was made or such obligation was incurred, or became insolvent as a result of such transfer or obligation.”

Debt Relief

Insurance 101

If son does not turn over the $30,000 to trustee immediately, trustee will file an adversarial complaint against son to recover the money pursuant to Section 548. Will son have any defenses against the complaint? Theoretically, if son had given debtor an exchange of value for the money, this would be a good defense.

For example, if son gave debtor a 2009 Lexus 350-R without liens to father for the $30,000, trustee would not be able to prove circumstances required by 548 (B)(i) causing the complaint to fail. However, debtor testified that son did not do anything for debtor to entitle him to get paid $30,000 by debtor. This is strong evidence that there was no exchange of value for the money.

Even transfers made pursuant to a divorce judgment are subject to the trustee avoidance power of Section 548. For example, divorce judgment orders transfer of debtor’s community property share in equity of the residence to ex-spouse and debtor did not receive any exchange of value for this transfer. If transfer occurred within 2 years of the bankruptcy filing, the transfer may be annulled! *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave Bldg A-1 Suite 1125 Unit 58 Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Motorcycles – riding with the right gear

Safety Foundation (MSF-USA), one our every five motorcycle accidents results in head or neck YOU’VE bought that shiny new injuries. These injuries can be motorcycle, taken a safety course reduced by wearing an approved and are ready to hit the open helmet. road. But what else can you do to There are two primary types help protect yourself? Wear the of helmets - three-quarters and right gear - an approved helmet, full face. They provide different face or eye protection and pro- levels of coverage. To make sure tective clothing. you get the most protection from Helmet your helmet, make sure it meets Accidents can happen to any- US Department of Transportaone. According to the Motorcycle tion and state standards, that

Melody Avecilla

it fits snugly all the way around and that it has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps. Whatever type of helmet you chose, be sure to keep it fastened securely while riding or it may fly off your head in an accident.

Eye and face protection Wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and debris thrown up by other vehicles…you can protect yourself from these by wearing a face

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‘Tis The Season To Be Safe – Southern California Edison Offers Holiday Safety Tips

W

ith the arrival of the holiday season, Southern California Edison (SCE) encourages customers to be safe by providing a few simple tips to help you stay out of harm’s way this holiday season. The decorative lighting we utilize during this time of year is more important to monitor than any other time. “We’re encouraging our customers to enjoy this special time of the year, but also be mindful of the precautions that should be taken to reassure safety,” says Charles Basham, SCE’s manager of public safety.

As you begin preparing for the holiday season, we remind you to follow these important safety tips: • Keep electrical connections off the ground and away from moisture. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

• When hanging lights, make sure staples, tacks and nails do not pierce or pinch wires. Use plastic zip cords instead.

• Do not use lighted candles on trees or decorations.

• Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lighting for worn cords, broken wires and loose connections.

• Change bulbs only when the lights are unplugged.

• Keep indoor trees well watered so they will not dry out and become fire hazards.

• Keep lights away from carpet ing, furniture, drapes and other flammable materials.

• Use only three strands of lights per electrical cord or outlet.

An overload could cause a short circuit and a fire.

• Unplug lights and extension cords when you leave home or go to bed. Use a timer so they are on only during the hours you select, which can also help you save energy.

Before you decorate for the holiday, be sure to take time to refer back to these safety tips. Decorating your homes, work places and trees safely and with energy-efficient lighting will brighten everyone’s holiday.

For more holiday safety tips, please visit: www.sce.com/safety.

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

Year-end tax saving tips for 2010

Bridging Financial Gaps Evangeline A. Giron IT CAME almost like a whirlwind. Tax season 2010 is just right around the corner but there are still various opportunities to plan and save on your taxes….. legally and legitimately.

A real tax shelter Purchasing a home is one of the best tax shelters available.

The interest and points you pay for the purchase of your home are deductible as itemized deductions. You may also deduct the property taxes paid on the home as an itemized deduction. Best of all, when you sell the home, you may be able to exclude the gain from income.

There is no other investment that can provide the tax advantages like home ownership. However, great caution is advised before you dive in to buying a new one.

Just consider the high foreclosure rate in today’s times but if it’s truly a good buy, go for it!

Deductible IRA You may be able to benefit from a deductible traditional IRA contribution. The principal benefit from the IRA contribution is being able to deduct the amount of the contribution from your in-

come in your tax return. The second, longer term tax benefit, is that the funds inside the IRA will continue to grow tax-free, which increases the rate of return when compared to a traditional taxable investment.

Hybrid cars and alternative motor vehicles If you plan on purchasing a new car, consider a hybrid vehicle. You may be able to take a credit for certain hybrid, fuel cell, advanced lean-burn, and alternative fuel vehicles placed in service during the year. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. The amount of the credit is based on the Year, Make, and Model of the vehicle as well as when the vehicle was purchased.

Energy star tax credit You may be eligible for a federal tax credit if you purchase an energy efficient product or renewable energy system for your home. If you are familiar with the ENERGY STAR products don’t think they all qualify for the energy tax credit because not all of them qualify. Your energy bills will be lower if you use the products with that label but, make sure your specific item qualifies before

you try to take the credit for it.

Income deferral strategies If you are planning to withdraw some of your retirement accounts such as 401k or 403b, wait until the start of 2011, especially if you’re already at a higher tax bracket.

If receiving bonus, ask your employer if it could be delayed until the start of next year.

Don’t sell any stocks or other investments if you could hold off on the profit.

Increasing deductions It’s the perfect time to add to your church contribution or any other charitable donations.

Sell off investments with losses.

Increase your 401k or IRA contributions.

*** Evangeline can be reached at her marketing location at the Ground Floor of Eagle Rock Plaza (in front of Jollibee), 2700 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041 or at her business address at 450 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 600, Glendale, CA 91203, phone number (323) 356-3803 or (323) 254-6787. * ** The purpose of this article is to provide information of general interest to our clients and prospective clients. The information provided is general in nature and should not be considered complete information on any product or concept described.

(Advertising Supplement)

Is anyone listening?

Problem Solved Atty. Kelly O’Reilly I AM privy to some pretty good jokes about lawyers. Friends, family and fellow attorneys have shared some very entertaining thoughts about lawyers and the individuals who represent the legal profession. Often these jokes revolve around the great lengths that an attorney will go for money or about how hard it is to speak with an attorney once you hire him. Though meant to be funny these commentaries unfortunately find their humor in how close they come to the truth.

To an immigrant in need of a work authorization so the bills can be paid or to a daughter asking for a travel document to see her sick mother in the Philippines there is nothing funny about a lawyer who cannot be reached and the only contact with the law firm seems to be the monthly bill. I know that these scenarios are familiar to many people and to these folks you need to know there is something you can do about it, Maria did.

Not too long ago Maria came to the US with a tourist visa to visit some friends and to get some ideas for her business back in the Philippines. After a few months here she met a man that would soon be her husband. After courtship and marriage Maria applied for her permanent residency using one of the attorneys referred to her by a friend. At first the fees seemed expensive but she was assured that it was

in her best interest as “you get what you pay for.” Confident that her case was being taken care of, Maria signed the retainer with the attorney knowing that she was leaving her life and trust with him. That was the last time she saw him.

Like most of us, Maria had things pop up in her life that required her to speak with her lawyer. Things like her employment where her manager wanted to speak with her attorney, a family illness in the Philippines and the need for permission to travel and other things that required the assurance of her attorney, so that she could have some peace of mind.

However, each time Maria called her attorney she was given the choice of speaking with a paralegal or to leave a voice mail.

At first Maria just left a voice mail thinking she would receive a return phone call. Days would pass and no such call came. Each try seemed in vain as she became very familiar with how the phone system worked in that law office.

When it became apparent that the lawyer would not speak with her she decided to contact the paralegal assigned to the case and through her get the messages to the attorney. The paralegal was polite at first but Maria still did not get that return phone call from the attorney. After a few more attempts with the paralegal Maria was told not to call back and if she did she would be billed.

Despondent, feeling alone, Maria looked elsewhere for help.

Now this type of treatment does not happen to every immigrant and there are many fine law firms

that have made customer service a top priority. However, there is a growing trend where an attorney disappears after he is hired. You can take steps to make sure this does not happen to you and here are few ideas to help.

When you seek that first consultation with your attorney ask him about your right to speak with him, can you call him, will he return your calls, can you have his cell phone number in case of emergency and will he be the one working on your case.

If the attorney who you consult with will not be the one to work on your case ask to speak with the lawyer who will be assigned to you and go over the previous questions again with the attorney actually assigned to work on your case.

After you have hired the attorney you should realize that you are the boss and you do not have to stand for an attorney who gives you the run around. If the attorney will not answer your calls you can use email to try and contact him and if that still does not work call the office and set up an appointment to meet with him or her personally. Make sure to discuss your feeling about your treatment and what will be done differently. If the lack of proper treatment continues you can leave that attorney and find another that will better serve your interests.

Many immigrants are under the wrong impression that if you sign a retainer agreement with a lawyer that you are stuck in that relationship even if you are not happy. This is not true. An immi-

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Immigration Newsweek

US Citizen who did not declare spouse can do so now

by Atty.

Henry Moyal

Q. I’M a US Citizen. I immigrated to the US several years ago, as a dependent of my mother. My mother petitioned me as “single” but I did not declare that I had a spouse. In reality, I was married before I came to New York, but I was afraid that my petition would be denied as I was no longer single. I go back home to visit my husband often, but I was told that he cannot be sponsored to the US because I did not tell the truth. If that is true, can he join me in Canada?

Can I apply for immigration to Canada and include my non-declared spouse?

A. You entered the US as a “single” person.

However, you were married. That is a lie or misrepresentation. Misrepresenting yourself to US Immigration, I am sure, can result in removal proceedings. You cannot petition your spouse to the US. However, that transgression has nothing to do with Canada. Canada is a separate country and you have not misrepresented yourself in any way to Canada Immigration. Assuming you qualify for immigration to Canada, it is certainly possible to add your husband to the application. In fact, this circular route seems to be an ongoing trend and quite popular. I am not saying that a person should benefit from lying and you should not have lied to US immigration. However, the past is the past. With your situation, a solid and common strategy is to apply for immigration to Canada as a married couple and as such you will be one family again.

Q. Is a person required to apply for an open work permit after working 24 months as a caregiver? Is there any rule that demands it? I finished my 24 months as a live-in caregiver on January 2010. My work permit at the time expired in April 2010. I never intended on leaving my employer so I did not apply for an open work permit. I was told by my friends that if you apply for permanent residence then there is no need to apply for a work permit as long as you remain working for the same employer. I just received a letter from Canada Immigration asking me to explain why I did not apply for a work permit.

What do I say?

A. You should tell them that you will be searching for a new set of friends. I have found over the years that the most common cause of immigration application problems is when applicants listen to friends who are not qualified to give advice.

True, the friends may have also been in similar situations but no two cases are the same. Impossible. Therefore, it is very important and critical to not take advice from friends who may or may not have your best interests at heart. Your case is a clear example. If a person has already applied for permanent residence then they do not need to apply for a new work permit (even it expires during the processing) as long as they stay with the current employer and as long as they apply for an open work permit. In your case you seem to have applied for permanent residence but you did let your work permit expire. Why? You have put yourself into “no status” mode. It is not a requirement to apply for an open work permit but the regulations clearly state that you must be the holder of a valid work permit in order to be eligible for permanent residence as a live-in caregiver. In your case, I do not see that. In order to reply to Canada Immigration’s letter, it is best to seek professional assistance. You’ll need it.

Update: New immigration program for spouses of Canadian citizens Effective November 24, 2010, Canada Immigration has started a program that automatically grants an open two-year work permit to a spouse of a Canadian Citizen who returns to Canada.

The key criteria The applicant must be a spouse, common law partner or dependent child of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident Applicant must work in Ontario. Applicant must be sponsored for permanent residence by the Canadian spouse Canadian Citizen spouse or Permanent Resident must be returning to Canada to work as a health professional or educational instructor. *** Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario. The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document. Send questions to Attorney Moyal by fax, phone (416)733-3193 or email www.moyal.com (Advertising Supplement) 12/3/10 2:41:04 PM

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Community Journal

2011 Global Forecasts: East and southeast regions

On Feng Shui Jenny Liu (Part 3 of 5)

COME the Chinese Lunar New Year on February 3, 2011, the stars and planets take on new positions and acquire a different ability to affect and create certain natural phenomena all over the world. Interpreting the Nine Star Charts by understanding the laws of nature through the Yi-Jing, 5 Element Theory, and the philosophy of feng shui, we can get a glimpse of how nations across the world will fare. Knowing which economic sectors will go up or down allows you to focus your efforts on attaining positive results and avoiding loss.

This third article in a five-part series presents an overview of events that may occur in east and southeastern regions of the world in 2011 based on the annual and 20-Year Nine Star charts applied to the world and the United States. Refer to the graphics to identify corresponding regions in each direction. Keep in mind, the Nine Star chart can also be applied to individual countries and states.

EAST – 5, 9, 5 China, India, Washington DC, Virginia

Star 5 is a volatile energy associated with tyrannical leadership, mafia, terrorists, piracy, and the black market. It has been known to bring chaos and malaise.

Star 9 is associated to advanced technology, the internet, art, and entertainment. The combination of Star 9 with the double Star 5 shows that great wealth is still made in these fields, but likely through underground markets and shortsighted or illegal methods. There could be many cases of infringement upon copyrights, patents, and trademarks. Business is good for international intellectual property lawyers.

On the financial front, Star 9 with Star 5 brings high risk and unethical speculative businesses that quickly boom up like fireworks, but come down in ashes just as fast. Investors and businesses need to exercise caution regarding unstable stock market activity in eastern regions such as China.

20-Year ailment Stars 2 and 5 added to annual fire Star 9 and violating Star 5 could trigger fires,

101204 - WE SEC Cwads.indd 5

military attacks, earthquakes, unusual earth or underground activity, high temperatures, or virus.

Still, this brings business for emergency rescue teams, clean up crews, and health care and medical professionals.

20-Year Star 6 is associated to male leaders.

Coming together with annual Star 5, leaders of eastern regions need to think things through before implementing decisions. Rash or stubborn leaders may unknowingly create their own obstacles and failure. Leaders of eastern regions also need to step up their security - especially during travel. Too much stress can bring sickness and bad decision-making, causing these leaders to feel irritable, impatient, and prone to acts of retaliation.

SOUTHEAST – 4, 1, 6 Australia, Southeast Asia, Florida, S. Georgia

Although southeast wood energies are defeated by the metal Star 6, the water Star 1 automatically modifies the negative effects. Both Stars 6 and 4 are associated to scholars, experts, consultants, writers, and intellectual entertainers. Water Star 1 shows that these professionals travel, encounter new opportunities, and attain fame and wealth. A lot of work is outsourced to workers in Southeast Asia.

Spiritual masters will travel to and congregate in southeast regions to teach programs such as aerobic exercise, meditation, feng shui, and natural law. Their mission is to bring awareness that will help the world prevent trouble. Teachers will be traveling to, and coming from the southeast.

Star 7 in the 20-Year chart indicates political issues, leadership problems, possible revolt, illegal trafficking, slavery problems, and prostitution.

Still, special medicines, alternative healing therapies, new surgical methods, and intuitive practices are strong and business is good. 20-Year Stars 3 and 4 indicate an increase of teachers and scholars, as well as hurricanes and typhoon.

Please visit our website Liu-fengshui.com to learn more about the 2011 Nine Star Forecasts. ***

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010

Legal Lifeline Atty. Gene W. Choe QUESTION: My wife and I are having problems with our finances. She is a nurse and brings home about $4,000 per month.

While, I work in a real estate brokerage firm and brings home about $3,000. When the real estate business was booming, we were making a lot of money.

We even used to flip houses, at one point we own five houses.

At that time, we were thinking about running a nursing home as a business. However, my wife was hesitant to leave her stable job. For the last couple of years, however, I was barely making money and all our savings were used up trying to save all of these houses. We hope to sell them for a profit or even just to short sale some of them. Eventually, we lost them one by one.

Our home is our only property right now.

Our financial situation had put a great strain in our marriage that we are seriously considering divorce. I have moved out of our house so that our eight year old daughter will not see us fight. My wife and I had accumulated a lot of credit card debts. Aside from our mortgage debt, jointly we have about $40,000 debts in credit cards.

She has $10,000 credit card debts in her name alone, while I have about $20,000 that is solely my debt. All in all our debt amounts to $70,000. Even just making the minimum payments on these cards, put a strain on our resources. Our savings had been used up and we have even borrowed from my wife’s 401K account. Some of these debts, are spent on flipping houses.

My wife blames me for our fi-

C

Drowning in debt and considering divorce nancial mess.

A friend recommended that we file bankruptcy. My wife does not want to ruin her credit but frankly, since we have a lot of foreclosures, it is already ruined.

I am ready to file bankruptcy but she is not. Can I file bankruptcy on my own. What about our joint debts? Now, I am renting an apartment and have to maintain a separate household on top of my support for my daughter. I want to continue supporting her, but I am barely making enough money for myself and all my debts.

I have been behind on some of my bigger credit cards, and the credit card companies are calling me at work, in my personal cell phone and my wife’s house. She is very annoyed because they are threatening to sue her too. What do you recommend we do.

Answer: It seems that you and your wife have already made up your mind about divorce. You can file for an uncontested divorce or legal separation first.

Then, you can personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 because we can show that you are making less than the state family median income for California based on your income alone.

Please note that even if you are married, you can file for own personal bankruptcy. However, the bankruptcy court will look at your household income to determine the chapter you will fall under. You and your wife joint income, places you under Chapter 13. Under Chapter 13 (Wage Earner’s Reorganization), you need to pay a portion of your disposable income to your creditors. However, under Chapter 7 (straight bankruptcy), you can have a discharge of all your unsecured debts with no payment plan.

Your current income, entitles you to file straight bankruptcy under Chapter 7. I suggest you and your wife set an appointment with a competent lawyer who can handle your divorce and bankruptcy. We understand that filing bankruptcy or divorce is seems so final. Bankruptcy remains in your credit history for about 7-8 years. However, given your financial situation, there is a lot of benefit in filing bankruptcy. First, it will allow you to walk away from your unsecured debts (e.g., credit cards).

Second, it will allow you to provide support for your daughter.

Third, and most important of all, it will give you a fresh start from all these financial mess.

If you file personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you can file your all your debts, including the joint debts with your wife.

This will discharge you from the responsibility of paying them.

However, if she opts not to file for bankruptcy, then these creditors can go after her. Another option is for your wife to also file for bankruptcy under Chapter 13. There is a chance that she may be entitled to file under Chapter 7, but we have to examine her income and expenses and her dependents. It’s best that the both of you seek professional help from a competent attorney so that you can know all your options. *** If you have any impending foreclosure, please call our office at 213-639-3888 or e-mail us at cielo@choicelaw.org. Our office is located at 3699 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 720, Los Angeles, California 90010. *** This article does not constitute any legal guarantee or advice for any individual matter and does not create attorney client relationship with the readership.

(Advertising Supplement)

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for entering as single but actually married for our client Mr. D in Fresno, CA was approved by the Immigration Judge.

Tip of the week Master Jenny Liu holds a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Design Petitioner’s death is not a from UC Berkeley and a Masters Degree in Architecture from UCLA. She is an expert in Feng Shui who shares her knowledge through problem if the beneficiary is in seminars, periodicals, and the internet. Please join Master Liu for the US when the petitioner died a free seminar on “2011 Feng Shui Guidelines” at Cerritos Library, and at the time of adjustment of January 4, 2011 at 7pm. For more information please see Liu-FengShui. status.

Abused spouse of US citizen com or call Jenny at (626) 272-4901.

(Advertising Supplement) or permanent residents can self

petition even if there is a problem with their passport and entry documents.

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.

***

Chris Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of California and he specializes in immigration law. He earned his Juris Doctor at Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He is also a CPA and a Bachelor of Business Administration Cum Laude graduate. His offices are located at 1290 B Street, Suite 203, Hayward, California 94541; at 17057 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 205, Bellflower CA 90706 and at 777 N. First St., Suite 333, San Jose, CA 95112. You can contact him at telephone number (510) 538-7188.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Community Journal

How cosmetic dentistry works

Creative Smiles Dr. Nelly Lyn Montilla PEOPLE seek cosmetic dentistry for a variety of reasons.

Some people simply want to look younger, and cosmetic dentistry is like a dental facelift that can quickly “reverse” the natural aging process of the teeth. Others, the majority, have had unattractive teeth their whole lives and have always felt self-conscious because of them. They will rarely smile, which can often hide a warm side of their personality.

Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options for people seeking to enhance their smile. The options range from porcelain veneers to braces! In many cases, a combination of these techniques is required to deliver the best results.

Porcelain veneers Porcelain Laminate Veneers, or simply “veneers”, are custommade porcelain wafers that the dentist places over the fronts of

the teeth to enhance their appearance and also to repair damage. Veneers can dramatically change a person’s smile and help improve their self-confidence.

In the 1920’s and 30’s, actors, actresses and other performers would often go to the extreme measure of having their teeth extracted and dentures (false teeth) made to improve their smile.

Fortunately, this radical procedure has given way to veneers, a far more conservative approach.

Veneers are what give many Hollywood movie stars that dazzling smile we see on the silver screen.

Veneers can be used to improve a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. They can whiten stained or discolored teeth, close gaps between teeth, “correct” a crooked smile without the need for braces, repair chips and imperfections, and create a more attractive or youthful looking smile. The procedure usually involves removing only a thin amount of the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel. The dentist then takes molds (impressions) of the mouth. Temporary

Is anyone…

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grant can terminate that relationship at anytime and find counsel somewhere else.

When the possibility of leaving is expressed the customer service of the offending law firm usually improves.

It is bad enough that the Immigration Service is this large,

unfeeling behemoth that does not listen that your attorney should mirror its practices. Find a lawyer that you can speak with, that you can trust and put yourself at ease. There are plenty of good firms that do this and you will find that someone is in fact listening. ***

veneers are then placed for the patient to wear while the permanent veneers are being made. The procedure usually takes between one and a half and two hours.

Next, the laboratory carefully crafts the porcelain into veneers.

In about two weeks, the veneers are ready for the dentist to fasten to the fronts of the teeth. This process improves the teeth’s appearance and strength. You can have the smile of the stars without being a star yourself and minus the celebrity hustle. *** Creative Smiles Dental The Ultimate Smile Make-Over and Tooth Whitening Center Dr. Nelly Lyn Montilla 16220 Nordhoff St. / Woodley (Beside Starbucks Coffee) North Hills, CA 91343 Tel. No. (818) 893-1700 www.creativesmilesdental.com *** The following information is provided as a general guideline. It is NOT intended in place of professional care. Since every pregnancy may vary, consult your physician or dentist for advice on your particular situation.

(Advertising Supplement) Kelly O’Reilly is a nationally known immigration expert and former immigration officer. He is a highly sought after speaker on immigration and employment compliance issues. Mr. O’Reilly serves as the current chair of the Riverside County Bar Association Immigration section and is a partner in the full-service immigration firm of Wilner & O’Reilly where he provides free consultations. Mr. O’Reilly can be contacted at (562)207-6789 or he welcomes email inquiries at koreilly@wilneroreilly.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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 four-million-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

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Is it okay to buy stuff while i’m still in debt? 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, 7 pm 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 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, 6:00 pm and at the GGCC Hall, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 on Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 pm. 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 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm 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 3:1314 NKJV

*** 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)4383531, (415)584-7095, (510)550-1404 Ext. 104 e-mail:agmadlaing@hotmail.com visit his website:www.jccalliance.com/art

‘Simbang Gabi’ commences at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels COME and join us celebrate Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral, a once a year event where we gather together as one ethnic community The Filipino Ministry leaders of San Gabriel Pastoral Region (2010 sponsoring region) and the Archdiocesan Filipino Ministry Council would like to invite our whole Filipino community to our traditional Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels with Cardinal Roger Mahony, the Regional Bishops, and the Clergy of the Archdiocese. This will be the last Simbang Gabi for Cardinal Mahony as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and an opportunity to welcome our incoming LA Archbishop Jose Gomez.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 TIME: Parade of Parols – 6:30 pm. Mass - 7pm PLACE: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – 555 West Temple St., LA, CA 90012

ATTIRE: Filipiniana (encouraged but not mandatory) “Simbang Gabi,” (Night Mass) is a Filipino Advent tradition consisting of a novena of masses that will be celebrated by Filipino-Americans in over 100 parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The theme for this year is “Pagkilala sa Presensya ni Hesus, Daan sa Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan.” (Recognizing the presence of Christ, Way to Unity and Peace.)

Families representing parishes, members and leaders of Filipino Catholic organizations are invited to participate at the “Parade of Parols” (Filipino Christmas Lanterns).

“Parol” symbolizes “Christ as the light of the world.” if you need the “Simbang Gabi” flyer and the letter of invitation with the list of “Parade of Parols” reminders be sent to you, please email Cora Aragon Soriano, “Simbang Gabi” Publicity Chair, at coraaragon@aol. com. n

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shield. A plastic shatter-resistant one will also help protect your face in the event of an accident.

And goggles will protect your eyes if you’re not wearing a face shield.

To be effective, your eye and face protection must: – Be free of scratches – Be resistant to penetration – Afford a clear view to either side – Fasten securely so it won’t blow off – Allow air to pass through to alleviate fogging – Permit enough room for sunglasses or eyeglasses if needed Protective clothing The right clothing will help protect you in an accident, as well as providing protection from heat, cold, debris and hot and moving parts of your motorcycle.

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flapping in the wind. Leather is the best protection but sturdy synthetic materials are a good alternative. Boots or shoes should cover your ankles. Soles should be hard and slip-resistant; tuck laces in so they don’t get caught on your motorcycle. Gloves will give you a better grip and help protect your hands in an accident.

Wear the appropriate clothing for the weather you’ll be experiencing. If you’re too hot or too cold, you may not be able to control your motorcycle as well.

There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause you trouble. Making sure you have the right gear will help ensure that you have adequate protection should an accident occur.

*** If you suspect a scam, call the NICB hotline at 1–800–TEL–NICB. For information about auto insurance and insurance fraud, contact your insurance agent.

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MARKETPLACE Journal

You must still be living with your American spouse to avail of three-year citizenship

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

“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 threeyear 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

A LEADER’S WAY

by John

C. Maxwell Inquirer.net

Leading with excellence: Setting personal standards of success

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.

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 American 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 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)

“Success means doing the best we can with what we have.

Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.” ~ Zig Ziglar WISE leaders set personal standards of excellence rather than allowing external forces to define success or failure for them. They set their standards above and beyond what others require, consistently delivering results that surpass expectations. In honoring their standards of excellence, credible leaders go first and give the most, modeling the work ethic they desire to see from teammates.

On the other hand, when leaders accept standards placed upon them by others, they sacrifice self-control. They begin to live inauthentic lives, chasing after “goals” they didn’t set and violating their values in ways they never would have thought possible. In my experience, there are four common culprits that leaders foolishly allow to override their personal standards.

1) Competition Allowing the competition to set your standards pulls you off mission and away from your unique strengths and values.

Being overly concerned with your rivals may cause you to copy their unethical tactics or to engage in unprincipled behavior in an effort to win at all costs. In leadership, you have to chart your own course. Never allow the competition to choose the path for you.

2) Circumstances Since there are so many factors beyond our control, in leadership we cannot gauge excellence solely on short-term results. Outcomes are important and goals have merit, but at times circumstances will conspire to block our progress.

Consider the economic downturn. For leaders with standards of success tied to stock prices or bottom line profits, the last two years must seem like miserable failures. Keep your personal standards independent of life circumstances so that no matter what is going on around you, you can still achieve excellence.

3) Critics As a leader, you will be criticized. You’ll be scrutinized, second-guessed and disparaged. Don’t confuse excellence with pleasing others. If you do, you’ll always feel like a failure, because it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time. Stay true to your personal standards and don’t sacrifice them to pacify your critics.

4) Cheerleaders When you’re successful, you gain the applause of everyone around you. The applause massages your ego and begins to substitute for the fulfillment of meeting personal standards. If you’re not careful, you can develop an addiction to applause. Instead of pursuing excellence you play to the crowd, craving their adoration. Seeking popularity over principle, you allow others to measure excellence for you and to define your worth.

To avoid the trap of pandering to applause, surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. The higher you go in leadership, the harder it becomes for your teammates to give you honest feedback. Make a point to stay humble and approachable so that you do not become self-deluded.

You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don’t see them.

— Jay Abraham, Marketing Expert and author of ‘Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got’

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ON THE ROAD

by Aida

Sevilla-Mendoza Inquirer.net

DESPITE THE year-to-date sales growth of cars in the Philippines, our automotive industry still lags behind other Asean countries—particularly Thailand—on the lane of competitiveness. To catch up with our neighbors in terms of competitiveness, the Board of Investments is drafting the implementing rules and regulations for Executive Order 877-A, the latest evolution of the Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP).

A paper presented by Rafaelita M Aldaba, Ph.D. of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies at the Thought Leadership Forum of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) last Thursday compared the auto industries in Thailand and the Philippines (PH) and showed why the PH is lagging behind. A senior research fellow at PIDS, Aldaba has done extensive research on the competitiveness of the auto industry in the context of globalization and regional integration. The removal of barriers to trade, she said, has intensified competition while international production networks allow access to foreign development funds and new technologies.

Aldaba pointed out that both the PH and Thailand heavily protected and regulated their auto industries in 1973-2003, limited the number of firms, required from 10 to 60 percent domestic content and banned CBU (completely built unit) imports from 1973 up to 1995.

Liberalization The PH auto industry opened up starting in the 1980s, Aldaba said, with trade liberalization, the reduction of tariffs to 5 percent on Asean-sourced imports followed by zero tariffs in 2010, the lifting of the ban on CBU imports

Catching up on competitiveness in 1996 and changes in excise tax policy, such as the 15 percent excise tax on Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) starting in 2000.

Thailand also had 30 years of protectionist policies combined with a local content program.

But while the PH imposed the same high tariffs on all types of motor vehicles, Thailand lowered the tax on pick-up trucks, Aldaba said. This move developed a strong domestic market for pickups and now Thailand is the world’s second biggest market, next only to the United States, for pickup trucks and the regional export production hub for it as well.

PH has six major assemblers: Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan and Ford with market leader Toyota enjoying 35 percent market share. Since 2003 when the Afta (Asean Free Trade Agreement) reduced tariffs on Asean-sourced vehicles to 5 percent, the gap between imports and domestic production has narrowed, Aldaba asserted. When Afta resulted in zero tariff earlier this year, sales of CKDs (completely knocked down units) declined while Afta imports rose.

Problems PH lags behind Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in sales and production volume, Aldaba averred, due to three basic problems. The first is the lack of economies of scale. The PH has a small domestic market, that’s why production volume is below optimal levels. Six assemblers are producing 18 models. At 60,000 units total, the production comes to 3,300 units per model plus the smuggled units.

Aldaba noted that there is a huge data gap from 2004 to 2009 in industry sales versus the Land Transportation Office’s car registration figures.

The second problem, Aldaba

said, is our high production cost: 1.4 times higher than Thailand’s.

The PH has the highest energy cost in Asia and lacks infrastructure—these factors discourage investors from coming in. Third problem: our weak supply base.

PH Tier II suppliers (subcontractors supplying the needs of Tier I suppliers) are limited. While the PH has 124 Tier I suppliers, Thailand has 700 Tier I and 1,100 Tier II and III suppliers. So while Thai local content is 80-90 percent, PH is only 15- 20 percent.

How has the industry responded to rising globalization and economic integration? Aldaba observed that Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) participation in Toyota’s IMV (International Multipurpose Vehicles) program is limited to the production of manual transmissions while the production of diesel engines went to Thailand and gasoline engines to Indonesia. IMV research and development also went to Thailand, the first time that a Japanese carmaker’s R&D was located outside of Japan, the US and Europe.

Exports While TMP exports manual transmissions, Nissan/ Universal

Motor Corp. is turning into a trading firm, Aldaba said. (Incidentally, Nissan Motor Philippines is the only car assembler not included in the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council. And this columnist has been told that Ford Group Philippines stopped exporting cars two years ago and has not renewed its export program. So much for the BOI’s recent statement that car assemblers should export their products to become internationally competitive.)

Regarding EO 877-A and the Motor Vehicle Industry Council’s task to provide policy direction and create an industry development plan, Aldaba advised more coherent and coordinated policies. The government should avoid reverting to tariff increases on non-Asean imports and/or increasing the local content requirement. Raising the excise tax on imports, she said, is disallowed by World Trade Organization commitments. The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) by the way, is due for general review in 2011.

Parts. Aldaba urged the government to develop the parts and

Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Ph.D (left), joins other discussants, Jesse Ang and lawyer Claire CredoCabochan during the Thought Leadership Forum.

Inquirer.net photo

supplies sector, stop smuggling, implement temporary industrial adjustment schemes to improve competitiveness, specialize in niches, significantly improve processes and methods, provide incentives that would promote competitiveness in R&D and new products Previously, for a company to enter the PH auto industry, 60 percent local content was required. This requirement has been abandoned and now carmakers can source parts wherever in the world they want.

While there are certain parts that are still protected because

they require imported materials, globalization and regional integration challenge PH parts manufacturers to deliver on time and with price and quality levels at par with the world.

Noting that the PH ranked 13th and last in a survey on Asia-Pacific competitiveness and 85th among 139 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2010-2011, Aldaba concluded that to promote competitiveness, ”:The MVDP has failed even after several decades of protectionist policies. We need newer types of support that will work.”

Toyota’s 10 stellar months in 2010

by Alvin

Uy

Inquirer.net

TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) recently announced that it broke its 22-year-old sales figure within its first 10 months of stellar sales performance.

The year 2010 has been auspicious in many ways for the country’s top automotive brand—it has enjoyed 10 consecutive months of record-breaking sales, it has sold 5,352 units in the 10th month (October) of 2010, virtually sealing its bid for another Triple Crown title.

The Triple Crown award is given in recognition for an auto company’s achievements in overall market leadership. This will be TMP’s ninth Triple Crown title and with two months left in the year, TMP has already surpassed its 2009 year-to-date sales of 46,193 units as its sales for the months between January to October of 2010 has hit 46,633 units.

Last October, Toyota held a sales caravan where cars were sold at a discount and on easy payment terms. The sales blitz places the brand on a year-todate market share of 33 percent within the 10-month period.

Since the start of its operations in 1988, Toyota has been number one for 20 years in terms of annual sales, according to Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for vehicle sales operations.

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“We are very thankful to our customers, whom we attribute our success to over the last two decades. We have surpassed our record sales in 2009 of 46,193 units with still two months left in the year. Also, we have achieved ten consecutive months of record-breaking sales. We wish to thank our customers for making Toyota the number one brand.

Toyota’s successful formula of QDR – Quality, Dependability and Reliability makes us strive to further improve our products and services. Taking care of our customers is our priority,” said Rodriguez in a candid interview as Lexus Manila celebrated the Thanksgiving Weekend with a round of golf to its loyal patrons at the exclusive Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Rodriguez’s comments during a Thanksgiving weekend reflect Toyota’s thankful and cheerful mode as sales figures derived from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi) places the world’s number car brand also on top of RP’s auto industry list.

Lexus is the premium brand of Toyota and has been in the local market for just two years. It has recently launched its LS600hL and RX450h hybrid models.

Including Toyota’s Prius, it has engaged in the most aggressive green initiative for any brand PAGE E3

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E DECEMBER 4-7, 2010 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Hamer Toyota:

Staying In Touch With The Reality Of Life

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With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, owning a car can be the one of the most common necessities needed by a person to get by with everyday activities such as going to work, fetching the kids from school, shopping for groceries, or just plain hanging out with friends. But with the economy slumping down, one finds it hard to own a car.

Luckily there is an auto-dealing company that understands just how it is to live these days. hamer toyota provides the best selling toyota cars at the most reasonable deals that is fit for any car enthusiast. toyota, being a world leader in the field of research and development in automobile technology, has consistently created intelligent solutions for today’s mobility challenges and taking responsibility for future generations. hamer shares the same vision with its business selling partner, toyota believing in hard work; that good neighbors make a good company and vice versa; and that diversity is what makes life interesting. the toyota brand is a known trusted brand by everyone, the question is where to get the best deals when planning to own one. At hamer toyota what you will spend will be worth your every penny. the mission of the toyota brand drives the hamer toyota in continuously rendering excellent quality service to customers making it the number one toyota dealer in the nation based on last year’s report by tMS. At hamer toyota, an amazing selection of quality and used toyota cars, trucks, and SUV’s are offered to customers with competitive financing to fit everyone’s budget. take for example, toyota’s College Graduate Rebate Program that runs until January 3rd 2011 wherein a qualified

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college graduate can get a $1,000 rebate on a brand new toyota!

One might also want to check out hamer toyota’s new car offerings for the year 2010; 2010 Camry, 2010 tundra 2WD, 2010 Corolla, 2010 Sequioa, 2010 Matrix, 2010 tacoma, or 2010 Yaris—with every car designed to cater to everyone’s different driving preference. the good business visions of hamer toyota implies that it stays in touch with the reality of life, recognizing that not everyone can manage to afford a car right away. that is why it offers programs designed to cater to every person’s needs.

Not to mention, its friendly Filipino Department that are ready to assist customers especially their fellow kababayans, treating them as family.

For a Filipino in a foreign land, a familiar face will surely set the mind at ease. the Filipino Department composed of experts: Matt Morente, Reno Reyes, Paul Nieves, Wency Magno, Arnold Domingo, Nilo Ortiz or Mary Lou Santiago at hamer toyota will be more than happy to offer assistance on helping a fellow kababayan find his or her perfect toyota car. hamer toyota has been servicing the greater Los Angeles and Santa Clarita areas since 1939 in the same convenient location. it continues to offer friendly, honest, customer service. it is committed to customer satisfaction and in building a lifetime relationship dedicated to that person’s automotive needs. So ask your friendly kababayans now for an appointment, call them at 1-888-205-6655 or log on to www.hamertoyota.com. hamer toyota is located at 11041 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission hills and conveniently located where the 5, 405, 118 and 210 freeways meet!

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

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

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

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

The Diamond Honda of glendale, with its accommodating

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

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

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

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

A car onlooker can also take

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

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

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

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Robertson Honda cuts to the chase and caters straight to your needs WHEN choosing the right car, it is easy to get lured into catchy marketing campaigns that are masked with promises of being the best among the rest and making a buyer may feel that he or she is in for a great bargain in buying a car. Yet, no matter how flowery a marketing pitch may be, when it comes to finding the right car dealer, a buyer always resorts to three things: quality service, reliability, and efficiency. Fortunately, such three things are valued and provided at Robertson Honda, where excellence and efficiency meets comfort and luxury.

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The Robertson Honda team, being the number one Filipino Honda Dealership in the San Fernando Valley, is proud to have a group of Filipino team composed of General Sales Manager Danny Reyes, desk manager Mike Reyes and a Filipino Fleet Department—all committed in giving the highest quality of financial services to customers.

Danny Reyes leads the ten strong Pinoy Department, a faithful sector dedicated to giving the lowest possible monthly payments while making sure

Council of Excellence (COE) Award for a strong commitment to a rewarding relationship with Honda Financial Services (HFS) mirrors Robertson Honda team’s perseverance of striving to be the best in the business that earns them the trust of the people—especially the Filipinos in the San Fernando Valley area.

Robertson Honda’s dedication to quality service does not stop with the purchase of a car, rather they take the extra effort of making sure a customer get the service he or she needs D`b\ I\p\j# =`c`g`ef ;\jb DXeX^\i when you needed. They have

that the buyers get the Honda that they want and need. He is also the man behind the establishing of a strong foundation of Filipinos from the various islands of the Philippines who are willing to serve every person who comes in whether it he or she is a Visayan, Bicolano, Kapampangan which a fellow kababayan can effectively communicate with.

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programs that reach out to the community’s needs, going beyond their automotive services.

They Have the Newly gradate Program which help rebuild a buyer’s credit by giving a person a car even if that person is under bankruptcy or repossession at a very minimal down payment.

Aside from going beyond the usual services offered by an average car dealer, Robertson Honda also offers amenities that a customer, especially the Pinoy will love. Robertson Honda’s Parts and Service Department headed by Joe DeRbertis will take care of any service required for Honda vehicles, making sure

it performs at its best. It is also in here that a Pinoy customer can relax and mingle with his or her fellow kababayan as he sits in the waiting area where coffee is complimentary, snacks and reading materials are within reach and a state-of-the-art plasma TV with hundreds of channels to choose from so you will enjoy waiting.

At Robertson Honda, will not only prove through words that it is indeed the “Number One Filipino Honda Store” but will also stand up to its claim through continuous quality services and amiable accommodations.

Visit Robertson Honda now at 5841 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, and experience quality service that will exceed your expectations. For inquiries, please call 1–800–813–3467 or log on to www.robertsonhonda. com.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-7, 2010, 2010

E

November auto sales show industry in recovery

by Sharon

Silke Carty Associated Press

DETROIT—After a year of watching auto sales slowly increase month by month, industry executives are finally willing to firmly declare that the US market is in recovery.

People who had been too afraid to make a big car purchase are finally coming back to dealerships, a little more confident that they won’t lose their jobs. And that’s reflected in November’s auto sales figures: Industry sales were up 16.9 percent for the month compared with a year ago.

Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai all posted double-digit gains.

“We’re starting to see people showing an inclination to go back into the dealerships, to go back into the malls,” said Jim Bunnell, general manager of General Motors Co.’s US sales operations.

For most of 2010, car sales were driven by people who needed a car rather than wanted a car.

Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of consumer website Edmunds.com, says that still holds true at the end of the year: “They’ve been putting it off and they can’t put it off any longer. Some people waited till this time of year to catch the close-out deals.”

Bob Carter, Toyota’s top US sales executive, is seeing customers going even further. As the economic landscape improves, the company is starting to see buyers opting for more highly equipped SUVs, which indicates buyers aren’t just using them because they need them for family transportation, he said.

Still, Toyota was the only

automaker to post a decline, with sales down 3.3 percent. It blamed the drop on a cut in sales to fleet buyers such as rental car companies. Nevertheless, the automaker has been fighting a string of embarrassing safety problems. Toyota has recalled more than 10 million vehicles worldwide mostly for problems with sticky gas pedals or floor mats that can trap the accelerator pedal.

Yingzi Su, GM’s senior economist, said the stable and increasing auto sales mean that consumers with jobs are starting to spend again, and that’s a good sign for the broader economic recovery. Once businesses see increased consumer spending, they will be more willing to hire workers, a factor that has held back the economic recovery for months.

The US auto market is the most critical market for carmakers, because that’s where their profits per vehicle are higher than anywhere else in the world.

In China, the world’s largest market and a place where auto sales are booming, buyers spend about $10,000 less per car than American buyers. In the US, buyers are more inclined to pay for better stereo systems, heated or cooled seats, and other perks that increase the cost of the car and pad the automaker’s bottom line.

Ford says its customers are also adding in some costly extras. Transaction prices are up for the automaker as more buyers pay for options like Sync, the company’s technology that enables drivers to control the

radio and map with their voice, says George Pipas, manager of sales analysis.

Industrywide, transaction prices came down a bit in November, says car buying information service TrueCar.com, with automakers doling out year-end deals and holiday promotions.

Incentives jumped 6.4 percent compared with October, but were just slightly higher than last year.

Automakers are focusing on lowinterest loans and special lease programs to lure in customers, says Jesse Toprak, TrueCar’s vice president of industry trends and insight.

It was that kind of deal that got Nathan Turner, a web designer at Quell Group, a suburban Detroit public relations firm, to buy a car this month. He leased a new Nissan Maxima for $360 a month, $20 a month less than his old Maxima lease for a car with a bigger engine and some upgrades.

Turner says his company is healthy, and he’s not all that worried about losing his job. He has always been a big saver, putting away anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of his income, which made it easier to weather the downturn in the economy.

So when his Nissan dealer contacted him and said he could get a better car for less money, he decided it made sense.

“As long as I budget properly and watch my expenses, I can make purchases like this,” Turner said. His only regret?

Buying a car with a bigger engine: “Now I’m gassing up once a week instead of once every two weeks.”

FANCY. In this Nov. 11 photo released by China’s Xinhua News Agency, a model stands near a convertible compact car decorated with crystals at an auto show in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. The 283,960 crystals on the Mercedes-Benz Smart values about 400,000 yuan (about US$60,400), which costed five workers three month to inlay on the car, according to the owner.

AP photo by Xinhua, Zheng Peng

Toyota’s 10...

PAGE E1 in the country. Lexus accounts for 9.4 percent of the compact to medium and sports luxury segment with it accounts for 18.8 percent in the large vehicle luxury segment.

In the finer analysis Toyota’s October performance gained an aggressive 37 percent market share of 5,352 units as its passenger category captured a 40.4 percent share with 2,050 units sold. This is because of its stronger-than-usual sales of its Vios, Altis and Camry models.

These models took top position in their respective segments. The popular Vios model accounted for 53.2 percent in the sub-compact segment, claiming its post again as RP’s bestselling car with 1,489 units sold in October.

In the equally competitive commercial vehicle category, Toyota accounted for 35.7 percent market share, selling 9,169 units.

The Innova was the bestselling commercial vehicle in the market with total sales of 1,096 units.

With total year-to-date sales reaching 141,218 units, it points to a 33 percent year-on-year growth for the entire industry.

Even as Toyota continues to lead

the pack, its 33 percent yearto-date market share is slightly lower than its 34.9 percent market share in its previous year. The market has grown by one-third of its previous size and with more brands in the market, this can be considered as a slight variance and possibly be attributed to more brands and models that has entered the market. Even if Toyota will sell less than its monthly sales average in its last quarter, all indications point that it will meet its yearend target of 57,000 units, a 23 percent increase from the previous year.

This still proves that TMP will have a banner year for 2010.

Auto Racing Capsules

Johnson celebrates at NASCAR’s annual party LAS VEGAS—Jimmie Johnson is celebrating again at NASCAR’s annual awards party while some of his biggest competitors are beginning to pick up the pieces following the tense race for the title.

Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus began collecting their prizes Thursday for their record fifth straight championship, reveling just a few feet away from a heartbroken Denny Hamlin. The runner-up to Johnson in the championship race lost the title in the season finale.

And scattered throughout the banquet hall was much of Hendrick Motorsports, which underwent a massive personnel shakeup just two days after Johnson gave the organization its record 10th championship.

It made for a series of sideshows outside of Johnson’s spotlight, none more glaring than Hamlin, who has somberly made his way from event to event silently dealing with his disappointment.

“Man, I feel for him. I know how much it hurts to come so close,” said Johnson, who sent Hamlin a “chin up” text the day after the Nov. 21 season finale.

Winning car owner Rick Hendrick sat one table over from Hamlin during Thursday’s annual awards luncheon, and felt the need to offer the rival driver some words of comfort at the end of the afternoon.

“I told him you will win your share, so you shouldn’t be beating yourself up so bad,” Hendrick said. “I’ve lost these things myself and I know what that feels like. It needs to motivate you to come back and you need to bury this and move on.

“I’m glad I spoke to him. I saw him, he looked like he needed a friend, and I told him ‘We’re proud of you, and you did a heck of a job. It’s a shame anybody had to lose.’ Now he’s got to learn not to let it bother him this long.”

Easier said than done for Hamlin, who blew a 15-point lead in the finale. The top prize was his for the taking, but setbacks in the final two races cost him his first NASCAR championship.

He was poised to finish no lower than second at Phoenix, and possibly take a lead of as much as 60 points into the finale, until poor fuel mileage on the last run dropped him to 12th. Then came Homestead, where he began his weekend with a poor qualifying run and early contact with Greg Biffle during the race set the tone for an overall bad day.

It dropped Hamlin, winner of eight races this year, from becoming the guy to unseat Johnson to just another driver who fell short.

“I can’t express the emotion I felt inside the car every single lap that we were about to make something happen that hadn’t been done in a while. But then when it all gets crushed at the end,” he said Thursday.

The heartbreak has silenced Hamlin on Twitter, where he actively engaged with fans, questioned NASCAR and challenged his competitors, and spoiled his mood in one of his favorite cities. He took charge last season in Las Vegas, throwing an elaborate post-banquet party in which he openly told Johnson that he’d be the driver celebrating in 2010.

Now he’s just trying to get through the week and go back home to North Carolina, where he plans to put the season behind him.

“Just every award (Johnson) accepts, everything you think, ‘I should have been in that position,”’ Hamlin said. “It’s more thinking about the what ifs. I feel once I leave Vegas, I’ve got to worry about next year.

I haven’t thought about next year. I knew this weekend was coming, so after this weekend, I was going to move on. I’ve just got two more days of it.”

But next year is already underway at Hendrick Motorsports, which announced a three-driver shuffle last week.

The move put slumping Dale Earnhardt Jr. with crew chief Steve Letarte, where the duo will work in the same building with Johnson and Knaus. Although many believe the sweeping changes were made to snap Earnhardt’s two-year winless streak, Hendrick actually believed his entire organization needed a shakeup.

Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin also were winless, and that wasn’t acceptable a mere year after Johnson, Martin and Gordon led an unprecedented sweep of the top three spots in the final standings.

Now Gordon will work with Alan Gustafson, while Martin moves to Lance McGrew.

“We needed a new direction and I am assuming once all the heads came to the table, there were other people needing a new direction or seeking more success in some way,” said Earnhardt, who picked up his eighth consecutive Most Popular Driver award Thursday.

Gordon praised his time with Letarte, but seemed excited to be paired with Gustafson, who guided Martin to his runner-up finish in 2009.

“I feel really good about what we’re doing,” Gordon said. “Loved working with Steve, he’s been awesome, but I think this is a move that can elevate our whole organization. That’s what I’m excited about.” (AP)

Fans look into five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series-champion Jimmie Johnson’s car at the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Strip in Las Vegas.

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