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Volume 9 - No. 49 • 3 Sections – 34 Pages

december 10-16, 2010

WB praises PH drive vs smuggling fiscal constraint in many donor countries it was important to spend every development dollar as intended to overcome poverty and boost growth and opportunity.

“Stealing is bad enough; ripping off the poor is disgusting,” he said in his opening address.

Giving a few examples to illustrate what can be accomplished with the right leadership, Zoellick said a public tip-off campaign launched by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima “in its first six months has already netted dozens of tax evaders and smugglers who have defrauded the government.”

by Jose

Katigbak Philstar.com

WASHINGTON—World Bank president Robert Zoellick singled out for special mention the Aquino administration’s campaign to stamp out smuggling and tax evasion.

At the first meeting of the International Corruption Hunters Alliance here on Dec. 7 attended by senior government officials from across the globe including Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Zoellick said at a time of

DATELINE

Some 240 government officials and business leaders from 134 countries are attending the three-day meeting organized by the World Bank in its efforts to deter corruption in projects it finances. The aim is to craft a truly global enforcement program.

De Lima in her speech said the issue of transnational corruption has taken centerstage in the Philippines with the assumption into office of Aquino, who campaigned and won on his vow “to bring corruption down to its knees.”

PAGE A2

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

by Cynthia de

AJPress

White House reiterates bill is not an amnesty

at UN Security Council in NY

DECORATION. A vendor arranges poinsettia, popular as Christmas decoration, at a roadside stall in Tagaytay City on Dec. 7.

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A GROUP of 52 former and current Filipino-American hospital employees filed a lawsuit against their employer, Delano Regional Medical Center (located in the Central Valley) for discrimination and harassment on the basis of national origin.

The complaint was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California last December 7, 2010.The action was filed against Central California Foundation for Health/ Delano Regional Medical Center and Delano Health Associates, Inc. (collectively referred to as “DRMC” or “Defendants”). The employees are PAGE A2

First Filipino sworn in as CA SC Chief Justice

by Joseph

L. 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

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 committed 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

52 Fil-Am employees sue hospital for discrimination and harassment APALC and EEOC file lawsuit vs Delano Regional Medical Center

‘DREAM Act will improve US military readiness’ IN A bid to sway Congress that will vote on the Development, Relief and Education for Minors (DREAM) Act on December 7, the Obama administration said it will improve the country’s military readiness.

At the same time, the government has emphasized that the bill—which will provide undocumented students in the US a pathway to citizenship—is not an amnesty.

“We believe prospects for the DREAM Act should be good if we move past politics and look at what is good for the country, and one benefit is military readiness,” Cecilia Muñoz, White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs said.

PAGE A6

Wilma Lamug and Elnora Cayme, two of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that decided to stand up for their rights and speak out against discrimination and harassment.

AJPress photo by Miko Santos

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

In her brief speech, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye told the couple of hundred people, who crammed in the rotunda, that she is aware of the brilliant legacy left by departing Chief Justice Ron George and how he has, through his incredible performance, imparted the California judicial sysPAGE A4

FASO featured in Daft Punk music video and Dazed Magazine PINOY CHEFS SHOWDOWN. Amateur and professional Filipino chefs competed in the recent ‘Kulinarya’ showdown at the Metreon in downtown San Francisco.

Nathan Camba (3rd from left) emerged victorious in the amateur division, while Edgar Grajo (4th from left) beat his fellow chefs in the professional division. With Camba and Grajo in photo above are (from left) Clemente Escopete and Aileen Suzara, who both competed in the amateur category, and Kristela Mendoza and Cocoy Ventura, who competed in the professional category.

AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta

Grajo, Camba top ‘Kulinarya’ finals

by Joseph

L. Peralta

AJPress

Hospitality consultant Edgar Grajo and college student Nathan Camba topped their respective divisions in the cook-off contest organized by the Philippine Consulate General-San Francisco and Philippine Department of Tourism at the City View Room inside the Metreon in downtown San PAGE A6

1

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

Photo courtesy of Wes Olson/connectthedotsinc.com

Magazine.

“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 Britishstyle magazine,that was set up in 1992 and is published monthly,

covering topics that include 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.

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december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The Front

WB praises PH drive...

PAGE A1 “President Aquino is serious with our reforms. He is aware that the battle against corruption is crucial to our efforts to attract and compete for more investments,” she said.

De Lima proposed what she described as “a bold step to elevate transnational corruption to the level of an international crime.“ “Transnational corruption is a menace that we can defeat only if we get our acts together,” she said.

“We need to be individually responsible for the culture that allows corruption to fester in our respective countries. But we must also take responsibility for the participation of our respective business organizations in acts of corruption that take place in foreign shores,” she said.

De Lima called for a more systematic and aggressive exchange of information among governments in the investigation and

prosecution of parties involved in transnational corruption.

She said investments from the multinational sector and assistance from global financial institutions play an important role in the socio-economic development of the Philippines.

“And I see a future when those development resources are utilized in our country in a regime of transparency and integrity,” she said.

In his opening address, Zoellick said the World Bank has joined forces with the United Nations to launch the Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative (StAR), a multilateral partnership to help developing nations recover hundreds of millions of dollars of looted funds.

He said he hoped participants in the Washington meeting would draw strength and learn from one another to create a strong corruption hunters’ network.

“For too long, it has been the poor who have been the hunted

and the corrupt who have been the hunters. For too long, those hunters have stalked our communities and preyed on our citizens, wounding and destroying hope of progress and potential. It is time to turn the tables,” he said.

“This International Corruption Hunters Alliance has the potential to make a big difference. Let’s turn this potential into a reality,” he added.

Zoellick said the bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency conducted 238 investigations in fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) and debarred 45 entities— including multinational companies, individuals and non-governmental organizations—from doing business with the World Bank.

Among those debarred were three Philippine companies.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman launches a “shout out” event against corruption in celebration of the 2010 International Anti-Corruption Day. n

Page

52 Fil-Am employees sue hospital...

PAGE A1 represented by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice.

The complaint states that DRMC discriminated against its Filipino-American employees because of their national origin and subjected the Filipino-American workers to severe and pervasive workplace harassment. DRMC prohibited Filipino-American employees from speaking Tagalog and other Filipino languages under a broad-reaching, Englishonly policy. DRMC singled out only Filipino-American employees in enforcing the policy.

Among all their employees of various ethnicities, defendants required only Filipino-American employees to attend mandatory meetings with management. During these meetings, DRMC management told the Filipino-American employees that they were prohibited from speaking Tagalog and other Filipino languages at the workplace.

DRMC reprimanded them, threatened to monitor them with audio surveillance and threatened to discipline and suspend employees who will be caught speaking Tagalog. Defendants also encouraged other employees to report Filipino-American employees to supervisors, which created tension and hostility among employ-

ees. Filipino-American employees were monitored, chastised and threatened by supervisors and other co-workers who constantly told them to speak English.

During the press conference held at the APALC office in Los Angeles December 7, two of the plaintiffs, Wilma Lamug and Elnora Cayme, spoke about the unfair treatment they received from DRMC management.

“DRMC’s actions made us feel humiliated, isolated, and unvalued as employees. Many of us, including myself, had worked hard for DRMC for ten or twenty years. Despite our loyalty and years of service, we were shocked that DRMC singled out FilipinoAmerican workers and blatantly discriminated against us,” said Plaintiff Wilma Lamug, a Licensed Vocational Nurse at DRMC for more than ten years.

Elnora Cayme, a licensed vocational nurse and respiratory therapist who has worked for DRMC for 27 years, said amid tears, “I have lived in Delano since I immigrated to the States in 1978 with my parents and siblings. DRMC is our community hospital. A majority of the hospital’s staff was made up of Filipino health care professionals.

I don’t know why they treated us so unjustly, even if we were all so loyal and devoted to our jobs.”

“DRMC enforced an overly restrictive and draconian Eng-

lish-only policy against only its Filipino-American employees that cannot be justified by a business necessity. As a result, DRMC created a workplace environment that was hostile towards its FilipinoAmerican employees and unfortunately increased tensions between Filipino and non-Filipino employees,” said Julie A. Su, Litigation Director at APALC. APALC, on behalf of the employees, is moving to intervene in a lawsuit that was filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on August 18, 2010. The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that DRMC’s acts of national origin discrimination and harassment violate federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964).

APALC’s complaint alleges that DRMC violated federal law as well as California state law, specifically California ’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent future discrimination, as well as financial compensation from defendants for the employees.

According to EEOC, the hospital prohibited Filipino staff from speaking Tagalog while allowing non-Filipino employees to speak other languages, such as Spanish. “Employers must ensure that company policies are applied equally,” said Anna Park, regional attorney of the EEOC’s Los Angeles Dustrict Office. “Targeting workers of a particular national origin is not only illegal, it also erodes company morale—pitting groups against one another.”

Wilma Lamug said other Filipino-Americans who are victims of discrimination should not be afraid to speak up. “Don’t keep your mouth shut. Seek help like we did,” Lamug said. Elnora Cayme added, “Huwag kayong matakot o mahiya (Don’t be afraid or embarrassed.) Speak up for your rights.”

“An employer like DRMC with a diverse clientele should view an employee’s ability to speak another language as an asset, not a disadvantage. It is reprehensible that our clients were singled out for enforcement of the English only policy and harassed. Employers need to know that this type of discrimination and harassment on the basis of national origin is illegal,” said Carmina Ocampo , a staff attorney at APALC. “We hope this case encourages other immigrant workers to do as these workers did, and stand up publicly and demand their rights.” n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 10-16, 2010

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december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front Page

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First Filipino sworn in as...

PAGE A1 tem 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 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 Cantil-Sakauye 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 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”

NEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF CALIFORNIA. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulates newly-sworn in California Supreme Court Chief Justice 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 retiring Chief Justice Ronald George.

AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta

(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 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 Cantil-Sakauye begins her term on January 3, 2011. Her term will end in 2020. n

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Dateline USA

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 10-16, 2010

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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-

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 editor-in-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

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december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

Grajo, Camba top ‘Kulinarya’...

PAGE A1 Francisco last December 4.

Grajo bested fellow professional chef competitors Kristela Mendoza and Cornelio Ventura III, while Camba beat out fellow amateurs Clemente Escopete and Aileen Suzara in the five-hour event which saw each competitor present a soup or appetizer, two entrees (an adobo dish and their winning semi-final dish) and a Filipino-style dessert to a board of judges.

Grajo, who is Chef Instructor at both the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, Kitchen Academy in Sacramento and the Center of American Studies in Manila, presented Kinilaw na Tuna as his starter, followed by Grilled Squid with Adobo Aioli as the first course and Fish Escabeche as his winning semi-final dish. He finished his set with Halo-Halo Deconstructed as his dessert offering.

The Hotel & Restaurant Management degree holder has been Banquet Chef at the Meritage Hotel & Resort for the last five years.

Camba, who learned his way in the kitchen via his mother and uncles, started with Kang Kong Fingers, then followed this with Chicken Adobo Bicolano as first course and Escabecheng LapuLapu as his semi-final winning course, and finished his presentation with Ginumis with Langka.

Camba is an avowed adventurous eater who says he is always willing to try new foods and cuisines everywhere he visits, and,

so far, has not encountered a dish that he won’t taste.

By winning their divisions, Grajo and Camba each won a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines and a tour of Philippine culinary destinations.

The other finalists did not leave empty-handed as event sponsors also gave roundtrip tickets to Hawaii and the Philippines which was handed out by the organizers via luck of the draw.

Along with the showdown, “Kulinarya: A Filipino Culinary Showdown” featured a tasting area where local restaurants offered tasty treats for attendees for a entry fee, and a bazaar where participants could buy or win products from participating exhibitors. The event also featured a raffle where ticket buyers won gift certificates to local restaurants, and other prizes.

Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr. was on hand to personally greet the contestants, guests and attendees, along with members of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and its attached agencies – the Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.

In his brief remarks, the Consul General said that the event represented their advocacy to bring Filipino cuisine into the mainstream, and highlight the rich heritage and culture of the Philippines and its 7,107 islands.

ConGen Paynor added that they

are hoping to bring this event to other key cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. The plan is to make this annual event a part of the calendar for Northern California residents looking to broaden their knowledge and experience of Filipino cuisine and culture.

The finalists of “Kulinarya: A Filipino Culinary Showdown” were chosen from semi-final competitors who had a cook-off at the Metreon during the Pistahan event last August. The competitors for the first round were chosen from entries submitted through a call for participation announced via the Philippine Consulate General website and local newspapers.

“Kulinarya” is a project of the Philippine Consulate General San Francisco (including the Department of Tourism and Department of Trade & Industry), and the Philippine National Police, with support from the Filipino American Arts Exposition.

Its main objectives include the deepening of acceptability by diners of Filipino cuisine and making it comparable to the popularity of other ethnic cuisines, improving the quality of taste and presentation of Filpino dishes, encouraging residents to explore various Filipino dishes and patronize Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, and making the event a vehicle to publicize various Philippine tourist products and encourage potential travelers to visit Philippine culinary destinations.

Additional information can be found at www.experiencephilippines.org.

‘DREAM Act will improve US...

PAGE A1

Muñoz spoke to media on Dec. 7 via a telephone conference call from the White House, along with Undersecretary of Defense Clifford Stanley.

“We are expanding the pool of those who are available [for military service],” Stanley said in the conference call.

He added,” “To ignore [the DREAM Act] is really unconscionable.”

“We need smart people, whether born here or not,” Stanley said in response to a question on whether the DREAM Act will diminish opportunities for American-born individuals to join the military.

“I will categorically state the focus is on quality. We look at the highest standards when getting people to join the service,” he added.

If enacted into law, the DREAM Act will give qualified undocumented immigrants conditional status for six years, during which he or she will be required to either serve for two years in the US military or complete at least two years in a 4-year degree program. After the conditional status, the person can apply for US citizenship.

The Dec. 7 press conference call was the third in a series that the Obama administration did in the last week. 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.”

In the most recent conference call, the White House also reacted to a statement from US Sen. Jeff Sessions, who implied that the proposed law is an amnesty for

FASO featured in Daft Punk...

PAGE A1 The December edition of 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)

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

Do you lose benefits for being an independent contractor at work?

Q: I AM a registered nurse working for a 4. Whether the type of work done by the nursing registry in California. The nursing reg- worker is usually done under the employer’s istry provides temporary nursing services to supervision; hospitals and care facilities. I am not affiliated 5. The skill required to perform the work; with any other nursing registry. I am consid6. Who provides the instrumentalities, tools ered an independent contractor by my employ- and place of work; er and received a 1099 for the most recent tax 7. The length of time for the performance of year. According to my accountant, I am an em- the service; ployee and should receive a W-2. Does it mat8. Method of payment, or whether payment ter whether I am classified as an independent for work is by time, piece, rate or job; contractor or an employee?

9. Whether the worker may hire others; A. Yes, it does. Independent contractors are 10. Whether the services are part of the emnot employees and, therefore, do not have the ployer’s regular business; same rights and protections that employees 11. Whether the parties believe they are creenjoy. Employees are entitled to the following ating an employment or independent contracrights guaranteed by the Labor Code and the tor relationship.

Wage Orders: The most important factor is the employer’s 1) the right to minimum wage; right to control the worker’s manner and means 2) the right to overtime pay for working more of performing the job. If the employer has comthan 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week; plete control over how the worker should do 3) the the work, right to the directs the Persons classified as independent contracemployer’s employee share of the tors are not entitled to any of the above rights. what tasks social secu- In addition, they are not entitled to significant to accomrity, unemplish and p l o y m e n t benefits provided by employers such as health how to and disabil- insurancem pension plans, or sick and vacation a c c o m ity taxes; plish these 4) work- leaves. It is to the worker’s advantage, therefore, tasks, then ers’ com- that he or she be correctly treated as an employee the worker pensation is an emprotection; ployee and 5) additional benefits granted by employers not an independent contractor. to employees such as sick pay, retirement and Correctly classifying a worker as a true inprofit-sharing plans ; dependent contractor or employee may make 6) protection from discrimination; a big difference in terms of compensation 7) protection from wrongful termination of and benefits for employees and their families. employment.

Those classified as independent contractors in Persons classified as independent contrac- the workplace would be smart to inquire from tors are not entitled to any of the above rights. an experienced employment attorney to know In addition, they are not entitled to significant what they are really entitled under the law. benefits provided by employers such as health *** insurance, pension plans, or sick and vacation :% Af\ JXpXj# Ai%# <jh% `j Xe \og\i`\eZ\[ ki`Xc Xkkfie\p n_f _Xj leaves. It is to the worker’s advantage, there- jlZZ\jj]lccp fYkX`e\[ j`^e`ÔZXek i\jlckj# `eZcl[`e^ j\m\iXc d`cc`fe fore, that he or she be correctly treated as an [fccXi i\Zfm\i`\j ]fi Zfejld\ij X^X`ejk `ejliXeZ\ ZfdgXe`\j Xe[ employee. \dgcfp\ij% ?\ `j X d\dY\i f] k_\ D`cc`fe ;fccXi$8[mfZXk\j =fild Just because the worker receives a 1099 and $ X gi\jk`^`flj ^iflg f] ki`Xc cXnp\ij n_fj\ d\dY\ij_`g `j c`d`k\[ has agreed to be treated as an independent kf k_fj\ n_f _Xm\ [\dfejkiXk\[ \oZ\gk`feXc jb`cc# \og\i`\eZ\ contractor does not mean that the worker has Xe[ \oZ\cc\eZ\ `e X[mfZXZp% ?\ _Xj Y\\e ]\Xkli\[ `e k_\ Zfm\i been correctly classified as one. The indepen- f] Cfj 8e^\c\j ;X`cp AflieXcËj M\i[`Zkj Xe[ J\kkc\d\ekj ]fi _`j dent contractor status is determined by law, not gif]\jj`feXc XZZfdgc`j_d\ekj Xe[ i\Z`g`\ek f] eld\iflj XnXi[j by the parties’ agreement. ]ifd Zfddle`kp Xe[ d\[`X fi^Xe`qXk`fej% ?`j c`k`^Xk`fe giXZk`Z\ How can a worker know that he or she has ZfeZ\ekiXk\j `e k_\ ]fccfn`e^ Xi\Xj1 nX^\ Xe[ _fli fm\ik`d\ been correctly classified? Courts consider the c`k`^Xk`fe# j\i`flj g\ijfeXc `eali`\j# nife^]lc [\Xk_# `ejliXeZ\ following factors to determine whether a work- ZcX`dj# Xe[ le]X`i Ylj`e\jj giXZk`Z\j% ?`j cXn Ôid `j Zlii\ekcp er is an employee or independent contractor: ZcXjj Zflej\c kf k_fljXe[j f] \dgcfp\\j j\\b`e^ gXpd\ek f] 1. The employer’s right to control the man- nX^\j `e :Xc`]fie`X Zflikj% ?\ `j X ^iX[lXk\ f] >\fi^\kfne ner and means of performance; Le`m\ij`kp CXn :\ek\i NXj_`e^kfe# ;%:% Xe[ k_\ Le`m\ij`kp f] 2. Whether the employment relationship may k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j% Pfl ZXe m`j`k _`j n\Yj`k\ Xk nnn%af\jXpXjcXn% be terminated at will; Zfd fi ZfekXZk _`j f]ÔZ\ Yp ZXcc`e^ kfcc ]i\\ Xk /// ,+0$''//% 3. Whether the worker engages in an occupa- @ehl`i`\j kf _`j cXn f]ÔZ\ Xi\ n\cZfd\ Xe[ Xk ef Zfjk% tion or business distinct from the employer’s;

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

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

individuals who are in the US illegally.

“This irresponsible proposal would almost immediately legalize an estimated 1.3 - 2.1 million illegal aliens,” the Republican senator said in Dec 4. letter to his colleagues in the Senate.

“At the same time, the bill would provide safe harbor, and even amnesty, for aliens who have committed serious crimes,” he added in his letter.

Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Muñoz debunked this statement. At the same time, she reiterated the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) statement that the law will aid the government’s immigration enforcement efforts.

“We disagree wholeheartedly with Sen. Session’s assessment. It is very, very far from an amnesty,” Muñoz said adding, “In fact, the DREAM Act will help us put immigration under control.”

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 these people removed from the country.

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

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

“Only those of good character will be eligible for relief. Those with criminal records will be eligible for removal immediately,” she

said in the first of three conference calls the White House hosted for the media.

“Nobody who poses a threat to public safety will be able to adjust their immigration status,” Napolitano also said.

“It complements the DHS’ efforts to prioritize our enforcement resources for removing criminal aliens from the country,” she added.

Meanwhile, the government also stressed earlier that the DREAM Act is expected to help the US become more competitive in today’s global economy.

“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 on Dec. 3, at the second telephone conference call.

“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.

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. (Dymphna Calica-La Putt/AJPress)

PH stresses civilian...

PAGE A1 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 country-specific 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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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 10-16, 2010

A

Dateline Philippines PULSE ASIA SURVEY

Aquino’s rating hits 79% VP Binay, 4 Cabinet execs rate high, too

MANILA—Nearly eight out of every 10 Filipinos expressed approval of the performance of President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay, according to results of the latest Pulse Asia survey.

The survey, conducted from Oct. 20 to 29 and released on Dec. 6, showed that 79 percent of the 1,200 respondents nationwide approved of Mr. Aquino’s performance. Three percent disapproved of his performance and 18 percent were undecided.

This was the first Pulse Asia survey that evaluated Mr. Aquino’s performance.

A total of 78 percent of the respondents approved of Binay’s performance. Three percent disapproved of his performance and 20 percent expressed ambivalence.

“It’s a rating that is high and we believe that the Filipino people repose their trust in the President and the official family,” Mr. Aquino’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters.

Lacierda noted that the President’s approval rating was much bigger than the 43 percent of the votes Mr. Aquino obtained in the May elections.

In a statement he read to reporters, Lacierda said

the survey showed that people could see efforts of the President and his team in “fulfilling (his) pledge to fight corruption and poverty.”

“While there have been naysayers, the survey is an indication that the President and the public are in harmony as to national goals on the way to pursue reforms needed,” he said.

Binay said his high approval rating, along with the President’s, was an indication that Filipinos were more hopeful about the future.

“Vice President Binay gratefully acknowledges the people’s support. He sees it as an expression of optimism and confidence that life will be better in the years to come,” his media affairs head, Joey Salgado, said in a statement.

Enrile Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also scored high with an approval rating of 61 percent, but this was a drop of 3 percentage points as he scored 64 percent in the July survey.

“Senate President Enrile is the only one among the country’s top national government officials with comparative performance ratings for the period July to October. While President Aquino was also perfor-

GDP growth seen easing to 5.4% in 2011

by Lawrence

Agcaoili Philstar.com

MANILA—UK-based Standard Chartered Bank sees the country’s economic growth slowing down next year on the back of overheating concerns after posting a strong growth this year.

In a report, Standard Chartered Bank said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) would grow by a slower 5.4 percent next year from the projected strong expansion of 7.2 percent this year.

“We expect the economy’s strong comeback in 2010 to carry over into 2011, eventually confronting authorities with overheating concerns,” the bank said.

The bank’s GDP forecast next year would be slower than the seven percent to eight percent target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC). This year’s GDP growth projection of 7.2 percent is faster than the target of five percent to six percent set by the economic managers.

The country’s GDP posted a surprising growth of 7.5 percent in the first three quarters of the

year from 0.5 percent in the same period last year. The GDP expansion, however, eased to 6.5 percent in the third quarter after expanding by 8.2 percent in the second quarter and 7.8 percent in the first quarter.

Standard Chartered said investment growth started to recover this year while remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continued to drive private consumption.

“The latest data have shown renewed momentum in export growth in late 2010 as shipments to other Asian markets surge, paving the way for the trade sector to contribute to headline growth in the coming quarters,” the investment bank added.

It said the country’s inflation rate would remain benign this year despite the sharp rise in global food prices.

“We think the biggest threat to medium-term price stability arises not from external shocks but from the narrowing output gap in the domestic economy - especially if the central bank is forced to delay meaningful tightening for fear of encouraging further capital inflows into the country,”

the bank said.

Meanwhile, a New York-based think-tank said the economy may grow anywhere from five percent to 5.5 percent in 2011 on expectations that dollar remittances from overseas Filipinos would remain robust.

Global Source said growth is expected at around “five to 5.5 percent next year given continued robust remittance growth, still strong corporate earnings, and high business confidence and trust in the new administration.”

This projection is within the official forecast growth range set by the interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) next year of five percent.

The report, co-authored by former Finance Undersecretary Romeo Bernardo also said that the low interest rate environment in the country remains conducive to growth as it would encourage banks to lend which in turn would encourage economic activities.

It noted that short-term Treasury yields have been on a freefall over the last month prompted by a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services.

mance-rated in July, he was assessed as a senator and not yet as president,” Pulse Asia said in a statement.

In terms of public awareness, practically every Filipino has read or heard something about Mr. Aquino (100 percent) and Senate President Enrile (99 percent).

Soliman, De Lima In addition to the top five government officials, 16 public officials were rated in the survey. Only four received an approval rating of more than 50 percent—Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman (65 percent), Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (60 percent), Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim (55 percent) and Health Secretary Enrique Ona (52 percent).

Given the survey’s margin of error of 3 percentage points, the approval ratings of Soliman and De Lima were essentially the same, Pulse Asia said.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro received a 49-percent approval rating. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Interior Undersecretary Rico E. Puno and Armed Forces of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David got practically the same approval ratings (40 percent to 42 percent).

Ambivalent The public was largely ambivalent toward the work done by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ramon Carandang, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma, National Food Authority Administrator Angelito

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay take time to talk during the awarding rites for the 2010 Model OFW Family of the Year in Pasay City.

Inquire.net photo

Banayo and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez (44 percent to 52 percent undecided).

Filipinos were most critical of the performance of Puno (21 percent) and Ombudsman Gutierrez (23 percent). In contrast, single-digit disapproval ratings were obtained by Soliman (7 percent), De Lima (8 percent) and Ona (9 percent).

At least 66 percent of Filipinos said they had heard or read something about these government officials. Public awareness was most pronounced in the case of Lim (99 percent), Puno (89 percent), Soliman (87 percent) and De Lima (86 percent).

Lower awareness levels were recorded by Coloma (66 percent), Baldoz (68 percent), Ochoa (68 percent) and Alcala (69 percent). (Inquirer.net)

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December 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Lawmaker wants Pacquiao as tourism ambassador

by Paolo

Romero Philstar.com

MANILA—A lawmaker wants the House of Representatives to adopt a resolution making boxing champion Manny Pacquiao the Philippine tourism ambassador.

Agbiag Rep. Patrick Antonio said the Sarangani lawmaker is the best person to represent the country because of his worldwide popularity because of his excellence in the ring and his humility and magnanimity in victory.

“There’s no doubt that Manny Pacquiao has earned the respect of people all over the world especially after his last fight with Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito,” he said.

By naming Pacquiao the Philippine tourism ambassador, Antonio said the administration will promote the Philippines and present to the world a Filipino who has brought great honor to his countrymen.

As the country’s tourism endorser, Pacquiao will be a “tourism magnet” as proven by thousands of boxing fans who have watched his exploits in the ring, he added.

Antonio also proposed that “Wow Philippines” be retained as the country’s promotional slogan.

“The word ‘Wow’ alone signifies astonishment or admiration and it is a statement of delight which perfectly describes the beauty of our country and people,” he said.

“Wow Philippines” had already gained worldwide attraction and had been in the global travel market for almost nine years since it was launched in 2001, he added.

Many Filipinos see nothing wrong with the “Wow Philippines” slogan so there was no compelling reason to change it, Antonio said.

Dateline Philippines

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

‘With or without bounty, police will arrest Lacson’ MANILA—Police will arrest Sen. Panfilo Lacson even without a bounty on his head, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said last Dec. 7.

“If we would always give bounty so that we could arrest someone running from the law then we would be suggesting that our law enforcement institutions, especially the PNP (Philippine National Police), are not functional,” he said.

Robredo said he was confident that the police could find Lacson.

“I don’t think anyone can be better than the PNP when it comes to performing this task,” he said.

“As of now, the PNP is making progress on it. So we don’t need a bounty.”

The amount intended for Lacson’s bounty could be put to better use, Robredo said.

At the Department of Justice, officer-incharge Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III rejected calls to issue a shoot-to-kill order against the fugitive lawmaker.

Baraan said ordering the killing of Lac-

son is illegal because it is not within the law. “(Lacson) is not a convicted criminal,” he said.

Meantime, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) vowed to arrest Lacson before Christmas.

Malacañang, on the other hand, denied yesterday allegations that Robredo is coddling Lacson. (Cecille Suerte Felipe, Edu Punay, Sandy Araneta, Aurea Calica/Philstar.com)

Govt sets aside 1B for returning OFWs MANILA—The Philippine government has set aside P1 billion ($22.7 million US) for the “re-integration” of returning overseas Filipinos in their home country, President Benigno S. Aquino III said.

Dubbed as the “reintegration fund,” Aquino said that the money will be part of a loan program for the Filipinos who have worked abroad and are coming home already.

The loan will be offered at a low interest rate and is meant to create an alternative livelihood opportunity for returning overseas Filipino work-

ers (OFW), Aquino said.

Aquino said the administration will push for the improvement of the skills of OFWs on financial literacy, money management and other seminars that will help them manage their finances.

The Philippine government said around 300 Filipinos leave for abroad daily in the hope of getting better jobs. Currently, money sent home by the overseas Filipinos accounts for a 10th of the country’s gross domestic product.

(Philstar.com)

BEETLE DAY. Filipinos look at vintage Volkswagen Beetle cars during their annual club meet in Manila Dec. 5, 2010. About 200 Volkswagens gathered from all over the country to participate in the said event.

AP photo

Open skies for PH secondary airports

by Ding

Cervantes Philstar.com

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga—President Aquino is set to issue this month an executive order (EO) enforcing an open skies policy nationwide except Manila, thus opening the country’s secondary airports to foreign airlines.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima confirmed this during Aquino’s visit here for the launching of the first SeaAir Airbus plane and the groundbreaking of the Medical City in this freeport.

Purisima said the EO is ready for signature by the President and should be enforced before yearend.

The EO, he said, will open the country’s secondary airports nationwide to foreign airlines, except the international airports in Manila.

“The economic managers have agreed on this. It is for the interest of the country,” he said, adding that the EO will virtually be a total open skies policy, except for the so-called aviation

fifth freedom of foreign airlines to pick up local passengers bound for a destination in a third country.

“In formulating policies, the interest of the majority comes first,” he said, alluding to opposition from some local airlines calling for protection of the local aviation industry.

“There will be more competition, some will be challenged, but the move will be vibrant for the country’s economy. There are about 40 million Filipinos who are suffering (from poverty) and many are unemployed,” he said.

Lim declined to give more information about the open skies EO, saying he did not want to preempt the President, but he also noted that the presidential fiat would cover all secondary airports in the country except Manila.

Purisima said the Aquino government would like to make open skies more permanent by pushing for legislation on it.

“If the people understand it and the project succeeds, the members of Congress who are

supposed to represent the people will pass legislation to make open skies a more permanent policy,” he said.

Avelino Zapanta, SeaAir president and chief executive officer, said he supported the open skies move because despite competition from foreign airlines, the policy would bring in more tourists and boost local tourism to such extent that, in the long run, even local airlines would benefit.

He said that while some secondary airports in the provinces could not yet accommodate big aircraft, foreign airlines will always have the option to use smaller airplanes.

PALEA can’t go on strike Meanwhile, the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE) said that employees of Philippines Airlines (PAL) cannot go on strike even if they would all vote in favor of work stoppage.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said DOLE has long assumed jurisdiction over the PAL labor dispute, and that prevents members of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) from going on strike.

Dateline Philippines

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 10-16, 2010

NO TO TOXIC TOYS. Filipino boys b l ow w h i st l es as they join an environmental group in calling t h e p u b l i c to exercise caution in buying toys in Manila on Dec. 5. The group said many cheap toys being sold during this Christmas season are unsafe and toxic, and people should check the materials first before buying.

AP photo

De Lima wants guns for judges

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima supported a proposal to allow judges and lawyers to carry firearms to defend themselves amid rising cases of attacks targeting them.

This developed as the Supreme Court (SC) continues with its program to prepare and train judges nationwide to defend themselves from possible attacks that could be related to their work.

In an interview with Agence France Presse, De Lima also called on judges and lawyers to undergo training on practical shooting and driving as precautionary measure against possible ambush attacks.

“Their line of work makes them natural targets of harassment and violence, especially because of weak enforcement of laws and a prevailing culture of impunity,”

she said.

De Lima, however, believes that only judges and lawyers who have established threats against them should be allowed to carry firearms.

She said such a measure should only apply to “a reasonable showing of security threats, and purely for self-defense purposes only.”

The National Union of People’s Lawyers, an association of human rights defenders, has listed at least 15 lawyers and judges who were killed last year in attacks police believe were linked to their work.

Two lawyers were among 57 people killed in the gruesome Maguindanao massacre, the group added.

The SC, for its part, announced that more first- and second-level trial court judges from the first, second and third judicial regions

underwent security training recently.

Selected judges were oriented on threats assessment, crime prevention, facts regarding firearms and personal security measures during a three-day training seminar last Nov. 23 to 25 held at the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Laoag City.

The training-seminar is a joint project of the SC’s Committee on Security, the Philippine Judicial Academy, and the Office of the Court Administrator, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

This project, the ninth of its kind since the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Judicial Security between the SC and the NBI in January 2008, aims to instill in the members of the bench a deeper awareness of the critical role they play in the administration of justice.

Chinese, Philippine militaries vow to jointly safeguard stability A SENIOR Chinese military official said Tuesday, Dec. 7, that China was willing to work with the Philippines military on safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Chen Bingde, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), spoke highly of the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries while meeting with Ricardo David, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in Beijing.

China-Philippines military relations had developed smoothly in recent years, and the two sides have carried out cooperation in various fields,

Chen said.

China was ready to work with the Philippines to promote pragmatic exchange and cooperation between the two militaries, so as to contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, Chen said.

David said he appreciated China’s efforts in helping the Philippines’ national construction, and the Philippines would adhere to the one-China policy.

David said the Philippines would like to advance bilateral military ties with China, hoping the two sides could work together to safeguard stability in the region. (Philstar.com)

9188 5.69x10.55_Layout 1 12/2/10 3:41 PM Page 1

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A

A10 December 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Features

The ratings game IN a survey conducted by the Pulse Asia Survey from Oct. 20 to 29, President Benigno Aquino III garnered 79 percent approval from the Filipino public. Released last Dec. 6, the high approval rating of the most powerful man in the country signaled that the Philippine politics is on its way to redemption.

Malacañang welcomed the high approval rating by saying that the recent results signify something that any head of state would aspire for.

“It’s a rating that is high and we believe that the Filipino people repose their trust in the President and the official family,” Mr. Aquino’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

There is no doubt that in the past administration, politics in the Philippines has been bruised by a lot of controversies.

Although the Aquino administration has been bloodied by the unfortunate events of the past few months, the president still enjoys the support of majority of the Filipinos.

Aquino started his presidency on a high note with 85% of Filipinos expressing trust in him, the highest rating ever recorded by any individual included in Pulse Asia’s trust probes since 1999. Even though the president’s ratings slipped, the figures still reflect very high levels of trust in Aquino’s credibility as a leader—a

sign of a good politician.

By definition, a politician is a person who actively participates in politics or one who holds or seeks a political office. Consequently, the definition of a good politician is someone who does a good job at these things.

Rating a president doesn’t just represent the current standing of a leader. It is actually a gauge on how the dynamics of Philippine politics is progressing or regressing. The Filipino people’s support is very important to a president considering that they are essentially who gets someone into office, and whom the president is leading and representing. On the other hand the president plays a central role in every Filipino’s life. He shapes the system, make crucial decisions about the economy, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino in the world.

Inquirer.net photo Aquino may have gotten the best grade compared to previous leaders but the work obvi- Factors that might take a toll on his standing ergy level to focus on the tasks at hand. After ously doesn’t stop there. The ratings only show with his constituents are yet to come. For now all, good politicians should know that serving how promising his governance will further go. Aquino should sustain an unusually high en- a representative democracy means embracing

EDITORIAL

Obama’s deal with Republicans: Weakness or pragmatism?

AFTER more than two years of debate, bickering and speculation, the question on what to do with the controversial Bush tax cuts has been addressed in Washington. President Obama has just struck a deal with Republicans to lay down bipartisan framework to extend tax cuts to all Americans for two more years, including the top 2% who are the richest of billionaires.

This was his battlecry—repeated over and over again—when he was running for President in 2008: Repeal the Bush tax Cuts for the Rich!

But as Obama himself said, when he announced the compromise, he had to give some to win some. While he would have wanted the rich to pay the same tax rate during the Clinton years to help reduce the deficit while giving tax break to the middle class to stimulate the economy, not reaching a compromise with the Republicans would remove the lifeline support for more than two million unemployed Americans whose jobless benefits are set to expire next month.

“In exchange for a temporary extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans,” Obama announced, “ we will be able to protect key tax cuts for working families—the Earned Income Tax Credit that helps families climb out of poverty; the Child Tax Credit that makes sure families don’t see their taxes jump up to $1,000 for every child; and the American Opportunity Tax Credit that ensures over 8 million students and their families don’t suddenly see the cost of college shooting up.”

Obama reminded his colleagues, particularly the liberal Democrats who were disappointed about this deal, “The American people did not

send us here to fight symbolic And I’m confident that as we battles and win symbolic vic- The Fil-Am make tough choices about tories,” President Obama said. bringing our deficit down, as I “They sent us here to solve prob- Perspective engage in a conversation with lems.” the American people about Republicans praised Obama for the hard choices we’re going reaching out in compromise, but to have to make to secure our many Democrats called this “cavfuture and our children’s future ing in” to so called “Republican Gel Santos-Relos and our grandchildren’s future, tantrums” as “a sign of weakness it will become apparent that we in our Commander-in-Chief.” They said he should cannot afford to extend those tax cuts any lonhave “drawn the line in the sand” and stood up ger,” Obama reassured those who fear this may for what he promised the American people dur- pave the way for the Republicans to make these ing the campaign. tax cuts for the rich permanent, especially with Republicans have maintained they would have the GOP in control of the house in the next two much wanted to make the Bush tax cuts for all years.

Americans permanent, as this policy will give the While the moderates look at this move of rich and the small businesses the resources to Obama as a gesture of “reaching out to Repubinvest more in the economy that will help pro- licans” a signal for the GOP to work with him in vide jobs to jobless Americans. They have always issues like the passing of the DREAM Act , or the argued that raising the taxes for anybody dur- Comprehensive Immigration Reform Law, or bills ing a recession will kill jobs and hurt the ailing that protect the environment, many Democrats economy even more. do not share the same optimism. Republicans, Democrats counter argue that such “trickling they say, have vowed to make ousting Obama out down” of wealth does not work. The Bush tax cuts of office in 2012 as their top priority and there have not stimulated the economy, but instead, is no way they think they will work with Obama have dug us deeper into debt and deficit after now. The Commander-in-Chief, they say, has just having surplus during the Clinton years. They yielded his power to the Republicans. accuse the Republicans about being hypocritical President Obama promised that under his about wanting to reduce our trillion-dollar defi- Presidency, there will no longer be” blue states” cit because this deal, they say, would mean we or “red states,” and that we will be the United would have to borrow money from China add- States of America. While the Republicans may ing further to our ballooning deficit, only to give have labeled him the most leftist polarizing Preswelfare to the rich. ident in history, Obama’s own partymates, ironi“But these tax cuts will expire in two years. cally, have accused him of betraying the ideals

Looking for Ping If we are to believe government authorities, law enforcement operatives have been on the manhunt to capture and arrest Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

The Senator has become a fugitive of the law since he went underground earlier this year after the court issued a warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

Lacson is facing two counts of murder charges as principal in the murders of the late public relations man, Salvador “Buddy” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

Fast forward. The government prosecution panel was able to secure last February this year the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Lacson from the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18. Tipped off about his imminent arrest, Lacson fled the country supposedly for abroad.

Lacson made a disappearing act when he allegedly left the country on Jan. 5. Since then, he is nowhere to be found. With a standing warrant of arrest over his head, government authorities have supposedly launched an international manhunt for the

fugitive Senator.

However, recent reports claimed that Marichu A. Lacson has actually been in hiding here in our country all this time. He is allegedly assisted by his friends, possibly including his former mistahs or classmates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1971. It took vigilant state auditors to detect Lacson’s presence here when they found out he is signing vouchers for his Senate office.

One of the known mistahs of Lacson included fellow Senator, Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. Like Lacson, Honasan was already a Senator when he was again implicated in yet another rebellion charges during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Honasan was implicated in the July 2003 mutiny by the socalled “Magdalo” officers who took over the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City.

Honasan went into hiding for several months but was nabbed by police and military agents

in November 2006 during a raid in Quezon City. He was bail Villanueva granted by the Makati court trying his case in April 2007, about three weeks before election day.

He ran and won as an independent for one of the 12 contested Senate seats during the May 14 elections that year. The Department of Justice (DOJ) headed then by Sec. Raul Gonzalez subsequently dropped the rebellion raps against Honasan for insufficient evidence.

He believes his embattled mistah is similarly placed in that situation. Honasan announced last week he would propose to his Senate colleagues a Resolution that would call for a re-investigation of his case by the DOJ. Like his mistah, Lacson opted the easy way out of his legal predicaments. Lacson, who is on his second and last term, fled on possible fears he would not get a fair shake of his case under the Arroyo administration.

At that time, the Senator has already made a pact with then Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino

commonsense

III that he would support the latter’s candidacy in the national elections in May. In fact, some of the known Lacson supporters were in the thick of Aquino’s presidential campaign.

But more than five months after Aquino has been installed as President, there was still no Lacson to show up and ready to face his accusers. Is Lacson afraid of his own ghosts haunting him?

He once headed the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he sent to jail many hardened criminals, some of them killed in the course of his police operations.

His stewardship of the PNP, though, was shortened by the EDSA-2 when his former boss, ex-President Joseph Estrada was ousted from office. Lacson was forced to early retirement from the police service in January 2001 when the reins of government were taken over by Estrada’s erstwhile Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As history later unfolded, Estrada refused offers made to him

by Arroyo’s emissaries to leave the country to avoid prosecution on the condition he would sign and submit a resignation letter. Estrada stood his ground that he had nothing to run away from, and that he was ready to face the threats of his prosecu-

of the Democratic Party by giving in to the Republicans’ demands. As he moves to the Center, Obama has apparently created more enemies than friends in this divided political world.

In one CNN panel discussion on Parks and Spitzer, Obama was described as making bipartsanship his end rather than his means to get things done in Washington. Crtitics say if Obama does not want to be a Jimmy Carter, he needs to be more like FDR—decisive, strong, combatant in making sure he achieves what he believes will be good for the country. Of course, we know that doing this, as evidenced by his fight on the health care insurance reform, he had been called by the conservatives as a dictator who shoves his socialist agenda down peoples’ throat.

This divisive and fiery debate will continue, and we will be hearing more toxic remarks from the right and the left. The US deficit will also continue to grow. As America finds its way out of the pits, one thing is for sure – Americans who are about to lose their homes or have feared of not having the means to feed their family as their jobless benefits expire next month have found a new lifeline in this deal with the Republicans.

Obama’s “weakness” or “compromise?’ Caving in, or realistic pragmatic governance? It depends what side you are in, or whether you have a check coming in the mail next month. *** 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.

tion in court.

Arroyo indeed proceeded with the plunder case against Estrada and his son, then San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada as co-accused. The dramatic arrest of the Estradas was made by police authorities at his residence at No.1 Polk St. in North Greenhills, San Juan where he proceeded after he left Malacañang at the end of EDSA-2.

Looking back during those dark days of his life, the former President could only conjure a self-deprecating joke about his arrest. “Di naman sila mabiro, kinulong nga ako!”

Like any other criminal, Estrada was made to undergo mug shots and finger printing at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame. He and Jinggoy stayed at the Camp Crame Detention Center.

For a while, the Estradas were detained in Camp Crame until intense pressure from here and abroad forced the Arroyo administration to be kinder with the deposed President. He was given a hospital detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City while undergoing plunder trial at the Sandiganbayan. Estrada was later allowed to be transferred to his own 16-hectare resort in Tanay, Rizal under strict police guard-

ing. He stayed at his rest house detention until his plunder conviction in September 2007, but subsequently given executive pardon by Mrs.Arroyo.

Perhaps, Lacson could do an Estrada. He could do no less if he really believes in his innocence.

Face the music, so to speak.

Last Thursday, Lacson’s media office released his statement where he supposedly took the hardline stand: “I will only come out when justice is rightly served, or when I’m already dead.”

Lacson’s statement came a day before the Court of Appeals (CA) junked his lawyers’ bid to give him provisional liberty pending trial of the Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Speaking for the Palace, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. advised the fugitive Senator to trust in the justice system of the country even as it grinds slowly.

The CA ruling means that legal hurdles for his arrest have been eliminated. Hence, manhunt operations leading to his possible arrest and capture by law enforcement agency should continue.

Lacson remains elusive. Law enforcers seem to be everywhere looking for Ping. But why can’t they seem to find him?

(Philstar.com)

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

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News Briefs Non-EU workers reduced by UK Non-European Union (EU) workers—that include Filipinos—without job offers might find it hard to secure a working visa by 2011 due to the recent statement released by the British Embassy that the number of non-EU workers will be cut due to planned immigration changes that includes the reduction of net migration.

UK Home Secretary Theresa May of the British Embassy recently released a statement reducing the number of issued visas from 13,000 to 1,000 skilled non-EU migrants without job offers under an immigration program called the Tier 1, while an increase of 7,000 to 20,700 visas will be issued to non-EU migrants who fall under the program of Tier 2.

According to the UK Embassy, the Tier 1 program currently entitles non-EU migrants to work and live in the UK for two years and apply for an extension of three years thereafter; while the Tier 2 are for those migrants who are offered a position before coming to the UK and can work and live there within three to five years.

A report from Manila Bulletin said that the 2.2 million migrants in the UK was twice the population of Birmingham alone over the past administration that led to the tightening of the economic routes.

Escudero addresses high placement fees To help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are mostly in debt even before they get deployed due to high fees set by some recruitment agencies, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero recently filed Senate Bill No. 2601 or the Fair Placement Fees for OFWs Act of 2010 that ensures OFWs to get a fair deal in the recruitment process.

The bill, which is yet to be approved by the Committee on Labor and Employment, also prohibits the collection of placement fee higher than the placement fee fixed and determined by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA); collecting placement fee before job availability; not issuing receipts for any fee collected from the OFW; not returning the placement fee when deployment does not materialize; demanding an OFW to issue post dated checks to guarantee payment of placement fee; and forcing an OFW to borrow money only from designated persons or lending institutions.

Should the bill be passed, violators will be punished by six years imprisonment or sanctioned P100,000 ($2,294) to P500,000 ($11,574) or both.

Mandatory tree planting seen for students The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to make tree planting compulsory to students with Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija as a the first area for the project.

The planned mandatory tree planting will involve college students who are currently taking up the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and may even include the elementary students according to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

Paje also said that DENR will supply seedlings to students, eyeing one student to take care of each seedling and use vegetable matter or animal waste as fertilizer. The planting efforts of the students will be compensated by the DENR by providing the students school supplies.

Multimillionaire still unknown - PCSO The winner of the P741.1 million (app. $17 million) from the recently drawn 6/55 Grand Lotto last Nov. 29 is still mystery according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

PCSO publicity and advertising manager, Manny Garcia said in an interview with The Star that as of December 6, the winner of the grand lotto still has not claimed his or her prize at the PCSO office in Pasay City.

Should the jackpot prize remain to be unclaimed after a year, it will be added to PCSO’s charity fund instead.

Tourists expected to flock to Baguio this Christmas season Baguio City is expecting many tourists to visit this month because of the city’s cool weather and different Christmas attractions that is seen to generate an income of P375million (app. $8.6million) from foreign and local tourists alike.

According to Baguio City’s local website, activities such as the Parol on Wheels, wherein one can witness attractive and uniquely-lighted parols as it is displayed via a parade at the town proper; and boat-rowing in the Burnham Lake is one of the many sought-after Yuletide activities expected to draw tourists every month of December.

Foreign riders to participate in Lanao Norte’s Internat’l Motocross Six foreign riders from the American Motocross Association will go head to head in motocross racing against the country’s best riders in Lanao del Norte’s International Motocross Invitationals happening on December 11-12.

The American riders are expected to show off their racing skills against local riders like Glenn Aguilar, Jovie Saulog, and Donark Yuson; while the riders Daniel Blair, Tiger Lacey, Santos C.S., Gayan Sandaruwan, James Robinson and Ron De Jesus will be part of the Lanao del Norte International Motocross Invitationals.

Information Officer Lyndon Calica said that the event, aims to put emphasis to Lanao del Norte as being the “Motocross Capital of the Philippines.”

Solon seeks investments to promote Bohol In an effort to promote Bohol, Former Agriculture Secretary and now Bohol representative Arthur Yap has seen the World Economic Forum in Dubai as an opportunity to promote the province, particularly its third district, which is currently being revamped for food production and more tourist attractions.

The governor said in an interview that he plans to build more jogging trails, nature parks, beaches, scuba diving, and snorkeling that would keep tourists coming back for more aside from seeing the famous Chocolate Hills.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization aimed at worldwide improvement by encouraging leaders to cooperate in forming global, regional and industry agendas.

Dateline Philippines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • december 10-16, 2010

A11

Honasan’s name on mutineers list; senators surprised

by Gil

C. Cabacungan Jr.

“Gringo” Honasan, an ex-colonel who had led a number of failed MANILA—Surprise!

Sur- coups, in Malacañang’s list of prise! alleged mutineers and rebel solSenators, including President diers eligible for amnesty.

Benigno Aquino III’s allies, exSen. Teofisto Guingona III, pressed shock and dismay at chair of the Senate committee the inclusion of Sen. Gregorio on peace, unification and recon-

ciliation, slammed Malacañang for what he believed was an error and immediately suspended Monday’s hearing on Mr. Aquino’s Proclamation No. 75.

Guingona’s patience with Malacañang has been running thin after the first version of the amnesty proclamation was withdrawn and revised because it did not mandate the concurrence of Congress as required by law.

Another Liberal Party memDecember 7th reminds few Americans about the attack on Pearl ber, Sen. Franklin Drilon, said Harbor 69 years ago. (However), there was another island attack in De- that the list was inaccurate not cember 1941. Not only did the Japanese attacked the Philippine Islands only due to the inclusion of Honby air, but a strong Army force invaded the islands less than two weeks asan but also communist rebels. after the initial air attack.

Executive Secretary Paquito By the outbreak of war, only two-thirds of the army had been mobilized, but additional forces continued, with the induction of the Constabulary and a portion of the regular army until approximately 120,000 men was reached. They were assigned to a variety of units, including Headquarters of the 71st Division, Philippine Army and the 3rd Battalion, 1st Philippine Constabulary. From December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942, a substantial number were taken in as prisoners or killed in action. Many were killed in captivity.

Records show that among those survivors that were repatriated in 1945, only a few were recognized for ground combat service.

Recognition continued to 2003, when Congressman Patrick Kennedy (RI) awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) to a veteran of the Army Air Forces.

Attempts to receive recognition by veterans and next of kin veterans who fought have been in vain. The Army refuses to recognize such veterans contrary to guidelines and history of recipients of the Bronze Star Medal [with} the CIB they fought along side with.

Former Secretary of State and retired Gen. Colin Powell during an interview with Harry Smith that aired last Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 on The Early Show said (in part), “We should be so proud of them and never forget what they did.”

Have the veterans of Bataan and Corregidor been forgotten? Not by me.

Inquirer.net

Remembering the defenders of Bataan and Corregidor

Letter to the editor

Sincerely, Robert E. Johnson (sgd.)

Surprise, Arizona

Ochoa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin were present during the hearing but they were not given a chance to explain.

Guingona later said he felt that the two officials, who were supposedly the source of the list, could not provide an explanation based on their “body language.”

But Deputy Executive Secretary Jose Amor Amorado told reporters in Malacañang that Honasan was included in the list from the Department of Justice (DoJ). Honasan, he said, has a pending case in connection with the 2006 Marines standoff.

A12 December 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

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Truth Commission members ‘very disappointed’ by SC ruling

by Christian

V. Esguerra

Inquirer.net

MANILA—Very disappointed.

This was how a member of the Philippine Truth Commission described the prevailing sentiment among members of the body after the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional.

Commissioner Carlos Medina did not buy the argument that Executive Order No. 1, which

created the commission, violated the equal protection clause in the 1987 Constitution.

Told about the argument used by the high tribunal, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., the head of the commission, replied: “I don’t think that would be enough.”

“I still have to read the actual ruling. What would be very interesting to read will be the dis-

senting opinion,” he told the Inquirer.

Davide himself had provided “inputs” in the creation of the commission before Malacañang incorporated them into EO No. 1.

He said they covered matters like the “powers to be exercised” by the body.

Medina said all would not be lost even if the high court scrapped the truth commission with finality.

“You cannot stop the truth from coming out. If it doesn’t come out in the truth commission, it will still come out one way or another,” he said.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said President Benigno Aquino had only himself and his advisers to blame for the debacle at the Supreme Court.

“He better reshuffle his Cabinet and get able ones. I pity them. They’re very incompetent,” the prelate said. “All these mistakes are because he has very poor advisers among his Cabinet members.”

Cruz added: “The creator did not know what it was supposed to do with the truth commission and neither did it know how far it could go.”

Contrary to the Supreme Court ruling, the truth commission would not single out former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in looking into cases of massive graft and corruption, Medina said.

But EO No. 1 makes it clear that the inquiry would cover only cases from 2001 to 2010, the period when Arroyo was the president.

Medina cited a portion in the order allowing the President to expand the work of the commission to cover cases that took place even before the Arroyo administration.

“If that’s the concern, there could have been an amendatory EO that would address the matter,” he said.

Medina also cried foul over claims that the functions of the commission would overlap with those of the Office of the Ombudsman.

“We want to find out what they mean exactly by ‘overlapping,’” he said. “The truth commission has a different focus. There are many objections, which can be addressed once the commission actually operates.”

VIRGIN MARY. A Filipino priest blesses an image of the Virgin Mary during the Grand Marian Procession in Manila Dec. 5. About 80 religious images from all over the country participated during the annual parade inside the historic walled city of Intramuros.

AP photo

Natural birth control method easier to promote, says population officer

by Joey

A. Gabieta Inquirer.net

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte—Amid the heated and often emotional debates over reproductive health, the population officer of this city has expressed preference for teaching the Church-backed natural family planning method more than the government-supported artificial methods.

Population officer Ceilito Esquibel said instructing couples about the natural birth control method would be easier because she would not have to work with medical workers to do so. Esquibel said her office did not have medical staff who she could consult on the risks and side effects of contraceptives like birth control pills and IUD. But by teaching the natural method, Esquibel said she would only have to brief couples on when or when not to have sexual intimacy.

“In a natural planning method, all we have to do is to teach them for example when the woman is fertile or not. In the artificial method, such as using pills,

there could be some contra-indication to (the birth control drug),” Esquibel said.

Esquibel, however, stressed that her office could give information to couples interested in artificial birth control methods.

She said her preference for teaching the natural method was based on practical concerns, i.e. the lack of medical consultants for her office, and had nothing to do with the stand of the Catholic Church.

“It is just that we find teaching the natural family method easy to teach. We don’t need to refer the couples to a health center or a clinic for them to get more information,” she said.

Esquibel, however, admitted that using the natural birth control method would pose certain challenges, especially in so far as the couples trying to discipline themselves and stick to the schedule.

“Resorting to the natural method really requires discipline and cooperation among couples. To me, it is the best method but the most difficult to practice,” she said.

Judges restive over budget cut

MANILA—The Supreme Court on distanced itself from the mass actions judges and court employees have resorted to in protest of the budget cut in the judiciary.

Members of the Philippine Judges Association and the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines (MetCJAP) wore black shirts or black armbands during morning’s flag ceremony in various courts last Dec. 3.

Philippine Judges Association President Judge Antonio Eugenio said they would continue their protest until Congress gives in to their demand.

“We will also try to hold a dialogue with the Chief Justice. This is a symbolic way of showing our position,” Eugenio said.

The judges are protesting the P14-billion budget for the judiciary.

The High Court’s acting chief

information officer Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra said it was the judges’ and court employees’ own initiative.

Lower courts have been complaining about lack of facilities as well as dilapidated courtrooms.

Records showed that in 2007, the judiciary got only 0.76 percent of the national budget; in 2008, 0.88 percent; in 2009, 0.94 percent; and in 2010, 0.87 percent. (Inquirer.net)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 10-16, 2010 A13

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Save money, hindi lamang ngayong Pasko, kundi hanggang sa Bagong Taon!

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1-888-777-2040 *24-MO. LEASE AGREEMENT: Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle. DVR service $7/mo. required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD receiver and HD DVR. Lease for first two receivers $5/mo; additional receiver leases $5/mo. each. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER. IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED EARLY, A CANCELLATION FEE OF $20/MONTH REMAINING WILL APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. **REFERRAL OFFER: Limit 10 referrals per 12 consecutive month period. Referral offer ends 2/9/11. You must refer new DIRECTV customers by providing them with your DIRECTV account number. Referred customers must sign up for service and hardware using the phone number provided (1-866-443-8869) and mention your DIRECTV account number at the time order is placed. Referred customers must order their leased system by 2/9/11 and have their service activated with the CHOICE programming package $58.99/mo. or above; OPTIMO MAS $44.99/mo. or above; Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package at $38.99/mo. within 30 days. Term agreement of 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle is required for lease. Land-based phone line connection required. You and your referred customer will each receive 10 nonrefundable/non-transferable credits of $10 each over 10 DIRECTV billing cycles totaling $100. Allow 2 to 4 weeks after activation for the credits to post to the accounts. Determination of program eligibility and qualifying referrals, as well as any exceptions, are at the sole discretion of DIRECTV. DIRECTV reserves the right to verify and adjust credits at any time prior to or following posting and redemption. May not be combined with other DIRECTV referral programs. Any balance will carry forward on your DIRECTV bill until credit is exhausted. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash. Account must be active and in good standing, as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to receive credit. Commercial accounts/customers not eligible. DIRECTV reserves the sole right to modify, suspend or cancel this referral program at any time without notice. Visit directv.com/refer for more information. †To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD Access fee ($10/mo.), a DIRECTV HD Receiver, a DIRECTV Slimline dish, and HD television equipment are required. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; available at directv.com/legal and in first bill. ©2010 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, and all International service marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

A14 December 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

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

Aussie investments seen to rise rapidly

by Marianne

V. Go

Philstar.com

“good geological resources” and highly-skilled geologist and engineers.

Another advantage, the two cited, is the Philippines good environment laws and the 1995 Mining Act. They also expressed admiration for the country’s good corporate ethics.

However, one area that they felt the private sector should help the government address is “for the private sector industries to work together on their own program. How can they tell the Administration what to do if they don’t have a program plan themselves?” Harcourt said.

Harcourt and Bray were very confident of an increase in the next couple of years in the mining sector, citing the biggest investment of Indophil and Xstrata in the $5.6-billion Tampakan project plus other investments

by Red 5 and Oceana Gold.

While the bulk of the investments will be in the mining sector, Harcourt and Bray also cited other Australian interest in outsourcing, offshoring and Business Process Outsourcing; clean air and environmental projects

MANILA—Australian investments in the Philippines are expected to increase significantly in the next few years specifically in the mining, outsourcing, clean energy and environment, and to some extent in education and the manufacturing sector, according to Australian trade officials.

In a briefing Friday, Dec. 3, Australia’s senior trade commissioner for the Philippines Ross Bray and Tim Harcourt, chief economist of the Australian Trade Commission, disclosed Australia’s favorable trade and investment outlook for the Philippines.

Harcourt, who travels the globe extensively to research on global economic trends, pointed out that many Australians are keenly looking at the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam as potenPRIDE MARCH. Filipino lesbians wear slogans as they participate at a “Pride March” in suburban Quezon city, north of Manila on Dec. tial investment destinations.

4. The event is held to promote AIDS awareness and call for equality and anti-discrimination among genders.

AP photo Bray and Harcourt said that the plus factors for the Philippines include having “the best natural asset of well-educated Filipinos.”

Likewise, the Philippines has mittee targets approval of the budThe committee has authorized

by Jess Diaz Philstar.com get on plenary by Tuesday (Dec. Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, 14) or Wednesday (Dec. 15). appropriations committee chairMANILA—Congress will ap“There are only a few differenc- man, and his Senate counterpart prove the proposed P1.645-trillion es to reconcile. The House largely Sen. Franklin Drilon to prepare (app. $37.5 billion) 2011 national kept the President’s proposal in- the report for the reconciliation budget early next week, House tact, while the Senate proposed of the budget. The two lawmakers MANILA—Former Central Bank governor Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales certain changes,” Gonzales said are expected to submit a report by Jose Cuisia Jr. is the country’s new ambassaII said said on Tuesday, Dec. 7. after attending the first meeting of Dec. 13. dor to the United States.

The bicameral conference com- the committee.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Cuisia told The Star that President Aquino Jr. earlier said the administration signed his appointment papers to replace outdoes not want to operate on a re- going Ambassador Willy Gaa. enacted 2010 budget.

“I’m excited about it,” said Cuisia, who Malacañang did not provide for served during the administration of the Presidebt payments in the proposed dent’s mother. budget even if it is authorized to Friends of the newly appointed envoy said automatically appropriate for pay- he accepted the post because “he wants to ments under a presidential decree serve.” dating back to the Marcos adminCuisia was Central Bank governor and istration. chairman of the Monetary Board from 1990 to In the past, budget propos- 1993, and concurrently chairman of thr Philipals contain insertions of millions pine Deposit Insurance Corp. of pesos for interest payments Prior to that, he was administrator and CEO on loans. Payments for principal of the Social Security System and chairman of amortizations were automatically Union Bank of the Philippines. appropriated.

He is most associated with Philam Life, Last year, the bicameral confer- which he served as president and CEO for ence committee diverted P65 bil- many years. lion (app. $2.7 billion) for interest In September 2005, Cuisia was honored as payments to the congressional the Insurance Personality of the Year at the pork barrel. Of that amount, then 9th Asia Insurance Industry Awards in SingaPresident Gloria Macapagal-Ar- pore, the only Filipino to receive the award, royo released P16.5 billion (app. which is given by two of the most prestigious $383,000) just before the May industry publications, the Singapore-based elections.

Asia Insurance Review and the London-based Budget Secretary Florencio The Review Worldwide Reinsurance.

Abad said these releases have He was cited for his exceptional leadership bloated this year’s budget defi- of Philam Life and for significant reforms in cit. the insurance industry. (Philstar.com) Jose Cuisia Jr.

Congress to approve budget next week

and some manufacturing activities by mostly small to medium Australian companies.

Bray cited one manufacturing activity investment in Subic involving the manufacture of small marine crafts.

The education sector is also an investment opportunity, Bray noted as the Philippines looks at Australia as an alternative education destination to the United States.

However, increasingly because of the economic cost, some Australian educators are looking at tie-ups with Philippine universities.

Trade between the Philippines and Australia is already established but still has opportunity for growth, Bray said, with more small Australian firms hoping to sell their products to the Philippines.

Bilateral trade between Australia and the Philippines fell by more than a fifth in to A$1.554 million in 2009 from 2008 figures.

Bray was optimistic that with the renewed interest in the Philippines, trade between the two countries would increase.

Cuisia named envoy to US

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A16 December 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY

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

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Robert Reeves Jeff L. Khurgel IMMIGRATION Reform advocates around the country were pleased when Senate Leader Harry Reid recently advanced a new version of the DREAM Act. By now, supporters of the proposed law are aware that their optimism must be tempered by caution. Under discussion for almost a decade, the legislation would give certain undocumented immigrants the chance to stay in the US by serving in the military or attending college if they entered the US before the age of 16 and have no serious law-enforcement violations.

Qualified applicants would receive an interim conditional permanent-residency status and many would be on track for gradual naturalization. An estimated 2.1 million immigrants already in the US may qualify for benefits under the act.

The newest incarnation of the DREAM Act is a stricter version, in an attempt to engender bipartisan support. The revised bill would still offer a path to citizenship to immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors if they graduate from high school and pursue college or military service, but the path would take longer and exclude more immigrants. Senator Reid’s proposal lowers the maximum age of eligibility to 30 from 35, creates a 13-year wait for citizenship and closes some of the loopholes that immigration reform opponents have argued were too broad-sweeping and generous.

All prior version of the DREAM Act have excluded immigrants with serious criminal records, but the compromised version also disqualifies immigrants convicted of evading the draft, smuggling, voter and marriage fraud, as well as

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 10-16, 2010

B

Journal Proposed new DREAM Act

other misdemeanor and felony crimes. Qualifying DREAM Act beneficiaries would not be able to become US Citizens until at least 2024, until which time they would not be eligible to vote, to petition certain relatives for immigration benefits, or to receive most forms of public assistance.

serious criminals. As described above, the newest iteration of the bill creates heightened eligibility requirements, making it tougher than before to qualify.

In order to be approved, an immigrant’s entire period of time in the US will be examined, and an officer of the Department of Homeland Security will need

The newest incarnation of the DREAM Act is a stricter version, in an attempt to engender bipartisan support. The revised bill would still offer a path to citizenship to immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors if they graduate from high school and pursue college or military service, but the path would take longer and exclude more immigrants.

Proponents of the bill feel that it would allow young immigrants with clean criminal records and promising futures the platform from which to build a responsible life. In one fell swoop; the law would create legal taxpayers out of people who were once confined to living in the shadows, motivate young immigrants to attend college and attain necessary skills to use in the American workplace, and entice immigrants to join the military at a time when our forces need bolstering.

Critics of the bill hope that it is once again defeated. They have applied the contentious and misleading label of “amnesty” to the bill and have made unsubstantiated exaggerations about the effects of passage, including that the bill would benefit criminals. On the contrary, the DREAM Act is comprised of strict eligibility parameters and would only benefit a very narrow percentage of the immigrant population – excluding

to make the determination that the applicant has been a person of good moral character.

For years, voters have looked to Congress for leadership and wisdom in enacting a solution to the nation’s immigration system. With the passage of the DREAM Act, Congress can make Americans proud by moving beyond petty party politics to fix a system that needs mending, for the benefit of all Americans. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Jose Esteves Mayor of Milpitas

by Joseph

Pimentel AJPress

FIL-AM Jose Esteves is back as Mayor of Milpitas, a town in Santa Clara County. Esteves easily won the mayoral race in a city with a huge Fil-Am population, garnering 4,069 votes or about 41.89 percent of the total votes cast in the recent November elections.

Esteves had held the Mayoral position from 2002 to 2008 but term limits forced him to bow out.

Esteves said his focus is to bring fiscal responsibility, economic development, ethical behavior, quality education, and family values, sound city development and neighborhood pride to Milpitas.

Born and raised in Dagupan City, Pangasinan in the Philippines, Esteves has already established a track record of successes for the city and citizens of Milpitas.

During his term, he led the city’s Public Library construction, as well as the building of a Senior Center that invited many new businesses to the area. He also chaired several boards including the Milpitas City Council New Library Subcommittee, New Senior Center Subcommittee, and Transportation Subcommittee, among several others.

He’s also received several awards for his work with the community including Milpitas Citizen of the Year, Certificate of Merit for Leadership, Knights of Columbus Supreme Assembly, Dr. J. Rizal Community Hero Award, Community Development Council, Inc., and Outstanding Service in the Interest of a Better Milpitas: Service and Dedication to the Citizens of Milpitas, City of Milpitas.Esteves holds two bachelor’s degree—

one in Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering—and an MBA. He also attended Leadership in the 21st Century, JFK School of Government, at Harvard University. n

B

december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Calendar of Events across

America

DECEMBER 1 0

Simbang Gabi Phil Consulate The Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals cordially invites friends, families and followers of Simbang Gabi to join the Filipino-American young professionals of the Tri-State area and the Philippine Consulate General New York as they celebrate their annual nine-evening ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center located at 556 Fifth Avenue New York, New York. The Masses will be held from 2:30pm - 5pm and 630pm - 9pm.

DECEMBER 1 1

8th Annual San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival A must-see event during the holiday season, the San Francisco Annual Parol Lantern Festival and Parade begins with a series of parol lantern-making workshops held at the Bayanihan Community Center (1010 Mission St. on 6th Street), every Friday night from 5:30pm to 8pm and in other community centers. The parol-making workshop is open to the public. The parols made during these workshops are then displayed during our anticipated parade & festival held in Yerba Buena Lane, Jessie Square and St. Patrick’s Church. For more information contact Parol Festival at (415) 348-8042, email parolsf@gmail.com or visit www.bayanihancc.org.

Celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Pampanga Day Celebration) In the essence of celebrating Pampanga’s remarkable history and rich culture, a mass will be held in honor of Pampanga’s Patroness,the Virgen de los Remedios, on December 11 at 10am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary 4950 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90032. The mass will also be the highlight of the event. Members of the Filipino-American community are invited. For inquiries and details, please call Rodel at (818) 424-8882 or Larry (323) 356-6065.

Voices of Worship All are invited to attend the Voices of Worship (VOW) dinner concert on Dec. 11 at the River of Praise Tabernacle, Bayonne, NJ from 7-9pm. Songs will be rendered by Ellen San Miguel, Kats Alvir, Samuel Sonsona, Ptr. Allan Del Mar, and Ptr. Chyril Nicose. All proceeds will go to Missions and Church fund. For more info contact Ptr. Chryil Nicose (917) 575-6282; Ptr. Allan Del Mar (551) 221-0903; and Sam Sonsona (201) 456-6082.

3rd Simbang Gabi at Mater Dolorosa Everyone is invited to attend the 3rd Annual Commissioning Mass and Parol Lighting Ceremony at the Mater Dolorosa Church, 307 Willow Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080 on Dec. 11. Event starts at 9:30am and the Commissioning Mass at 1:30pm. For more information contact to contact Ms. Nellie Hizon at nelliehizon@yahoo.com or Estele Oloresisimo at estele_o@ yahoo.com.

Pasko sa Carson The CONFAA and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation will hold the Christmas celebration, Pasko sa Carson, on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7pm at the church hall of the St. Philomena Catholic Church on Main St. between 220th and Carson St. Admission is free. Those who will come to the holiday concert are encouraged to bring unwrapped Christmas toys for the poor children in the Philippines. For more info, call Joe at (310) 549-3111 or Fe at (310) 513-1030.

STBA Christmas Party The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate their Christmas Party (poltluck) at Alex & Fe Dorado’s house in Chino Hills on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 12nn - 7pm. For directions and other information, please call Willie Manacsa (818) 3413472, Alex & Fe Dorado (909) 896-1980, Myrna Jaurigue (909) 247-4944, Ofie Villanueva (626) 383-4152, Rosie Sancianco (909)519-6626, Nemia Ventura (626)912-2642, Josie Malaiba (909) 374-3251, Dolly Hernandez (626) 735-1222, Ric Malaiba (562) 692-7363 or Jojo Espiritu at (626) 964-4560.

DECEMBER 1 2

UPPAGC Christmas event The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC) will hold its traditional Christmas event on December 12, 2010 at 700 South Barrington Rd, Streamwood, Illinois 60107. Visit upaagc.org for more details or contact Grace Avellana Villamora, President UPAAGC at (773) 973-4260 or president@upaagc.org.

Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ The Philippine Chamber Rondall of NJ would be holding a Celebratory concert at St. Peter’s College’s Roy Irving Theatre, 2641 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Please order your tickets now by contacting (908) 359-3297 or (732) 207-3284. General admission is $15 ($20 at the door). For children aged 10 and younger-$5. Feel free to call us for additional information.

United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. Annual Christmas Dance You are invited to please join us celebrate the Christmas Annual dance on December 12, 2010 (Sunday) at Grosvenor Hotel, 380 South Airport Boulevard , Burlingame, CA from 3pm to 8pm. Music will be provided by DJ Nolly Yamzon and food will be served. Donation is $35. For tickets and reservations, please call Edna M. Roxas at (650) 296-1659, Violeta Abad at (415) 3371891 or Ernie Abalos at (415) 533-8391.

UBSCI Christmas Party The United Batangueños of Southern California will hold its Annual Christmas Party at the Mayflower Restaurant - 679 N Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 on Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 6 - 11pm. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. www.midnightmotionband.com For other details, please call Eric Villafranca (323) 224-8764, Nora Jusi (213) 3246985, Romy Elepano romyelepano@yahoo.com, Willie Manacsa (818) 341-3472, Cely Anuran (805) 530-2836, Liling Emnace (213) 483-6146, Zenny Zoleta 909) 732-9589 or Rose Pascua at (323) 382-1124.

SCV Filipino Ministry Choir’s ‘A Night Of Christmas Carols’ The SCV Filipino Ministry Choir performed magnificently during the OLPH Thanksgiving Concert and commendations echoed all throughout the evening. Here’s your chance once again to experience their musical gift. Join them on Dec. 12, 2010 starting at 5pm, for an evening of Christmas Carols, and let them fill your hearts with the Holiday Spirit! So mark your calendar and don’t miss out on this glorious musical journey! Admission is Free and donation will be appreciated. For further information, please call Roy Remigio at (661) 310-4549.

DECEMBER 1 5

Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral The whole Filipino community is invited to attend the traditional Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 15 at 6:30pm. For any questions, you may get in touch with Ms. Cora Aragon Soriano (213) 999-1993.

DECEMBER 1 7

6th Annual Parol Parade and Contest All are invited to watch the 6th Annual Parol Parade on Dec. 17 at 5:30pm. The parade route will start from the Manila Terrace Social Hall 2328 W. Temple St., Los Angeles CA, 90026. It will then proceed from Temple St to Carondolet St to Council St to Park View St to Beverly Blvd To Rampart to Benton Way and will end at the Center of Hope at Temple St. For more information contact Erlinda Lim (213) 924-4048 or Leo Pandac at (213) 810-0279.

AFAA Christmas Party The Association of Filipino American Accountants (AFAA) New York chapter will hold its annual Christmas party at the Astoria World Manor, Astoria, Queens on December 17 starting at 7pm. Dinner $50 per person. For more information please contact Neva Fajardo, AFAA NY Secretary (718) 275 1422.

Filipino Film Festival Mark December 17 on your calendars for the Filipino Film Festival happening at the Portland Community College Cascade Campus (Terrel Hall 122) at 3am-6am. For inquiries and reservations email cinemalayan2010@gmail.com.

December 18

FASO at the Monrovia Public Library Holiday and classical sounds from the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra at the Monrovia Public Library – 321 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016. Admission is free! Violin and Guitar Duo from 2pm–3pm at the library lobby, Clarinet Quartet from 3pm–4pm and Flute Ensemble from 4pm–4:45pm at the Library Community Room. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Community Journal

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 10-16, 2010

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NVC must send notice ‘to the alien’ before terminating visa registration

Immigration Corner Atty. Michael Gurfinkel On my show, Citizen Pinoy, I always remind people to keep their addresses current with the National Visa Center (NVC) while waiting for the priority date on their approved petition to become current. In many cases, the wait for an immigrant visa can be from 10 to 25 years!

During that time, people move and thus would no longer have the same address as when the petition was originally filed.

The problem is that when the priority date finally becomes

current, the NVC sends the forms and paperwork to the last address the NVC has on file. So, if you move without giving your new address to the NVC, it will be sending the forms and other paperwork to your old address.

Immigration laws and regulations state that once a person is notified that their visa is available, they have one year to apply for the visa. If they fail to do so, their visa registration could be terminated, and the file destroyed, resulting in the loss of that priority date. In fact, the regulations state that it is the alien’s responsibility to keep his or her address current with the NVC, not the NVC trying to track you down.

I know of many people who failed to apply for their visas within one year (because the NVC notices were sent to the old address), and thus their case was terminated under Section 203(g).

However, there was a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit which held that an alien’s visa registration was improperly terminated because the notice of visa availability was not sent “to the alien.” Instead, notices were sent to the petitioner and/ or the alien’s attorney.

In that case, an alien was petitioned by his brother in the F4 category. Twelve years later, when the priority date finally became current, the NVC sent

CITIZEN PINOY FEATURE A STORY OF FAITH AND GREEN CARDS. Rey (left) and Maria (center) are music ministers who surrendered their fate to God as they heeded His call. But the couple encountered several crosses along the way. Witness how miracles happened in the lives of this couple when leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) brings an encore presentation of your most popular immigration program on television—’Citizen Pinoy’ this Sunday at 5:45pm PST. Also—Kapamilyas in Houston and surrounding neighborhoods in Texas have the chance to get their immigration questions answered live, when leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel brings your most popular immigration program on television- CITIZEN PINOY to Houston, Texas on December 12th, Sunday. Audience call times are at 12nn /3pm /6pm. As a public service from TFC and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, seats are FREE, but you need to reserve now at www.citizenpinoy.com or you may call toll free 1-866-487-3465.

TELECAST SCHEDULE TFC

Sunday Sunday

5:45pm PST 12:10am PST

original replay

ANC US

Sunday Thursday

11am PST •7pm PST

original replay

ANC PHIL

Monday Friday

3am Phil •11am Phil

original replay

*aired within TFC regions only

Health dental habits from day 1

Dentist’s Corner Dr. Librada C. Yamat Most people don’t even think about dental health for children until they have a number of teeth in their mouth, but you might be surprised to hear that even babies need dental attention! Ask us about cleaning your baby’s gums and first teeth, dental issues with bottle feeding and pacifiers, the use of toothpaste, fluoride supplements and sealants with young children, and nutritional advice for good dental health at any age.

If your teenager surprises you with a tongue or mouth piercing, keep us in mind so that we can keep an eye out for oral hygiene issues and infections to fractured, cracked or chipped teeth that my result from con-

tact with a tongue stud or other piercing.

As the adult years approach, we continue to encourage both men and women to continue to be vigilant with their dental hygiene, paying attention to preventive dental care before problems arise. Common problems, from bad breath to gum disease to tooth decay and tooth loss, even the identification of oral cancer are all issues that we deal with on a day-today basis in our office.

Women’s oral health can be linked to different stages of life and fluctuating levels of hormones. For example, pregnant women have an increased risk of inflammation of the gums because of a surge in estrogen and progesterone. Rigid attention to dental hygiene and regular cleanings at the dentist are a must in order to keep teeth and gums clean, and to prevent plaque from forming.

Menopause brings its own set of dental concerns; during this time some women can experience dry mouth, burning sensations and changes in taste.

Hormone replacements therapy may cause gums to bleed, swell and become red.

As your dental professional, we’re here to help you and your family through each life stage. Regular visits and open communication about health or medication changes will allow us to monitor any changes in your oral health, and make each stage as healthy and comfortable as possible. *** Dr. Librada C. Yamat is a Family Dentist specializing in Cosmetic Dentistry. She has been practicing since 1992 in her Daly City office located at 187 Southgate Ave. (650) 991-2832. She is president of the MCU Dental Alumni Association and former president of the American Federation of Filipino Dental Practitioners.

(Advertising Supplement)

Savings from Medicare San Francisco—This is the time of the year—the fall annual enrollment period (from November 15, 2010 to December 31, 2010)—when your Medicare health or prescription drug plan change how much it costs and what it covers. You may be eligible for substantial savings in your premium, deductible and co-payment.

In these hard times, as they say, every dollar counts. Extra Help is available! Many people don’t know it, they may be qualify or eligible to get Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). Most who qualify and join a Medicare drug plan may get 95 percent of their cost covered. Extra Help (also known as Low Income Subsidy) and MSP may help make your health care and

drug costs more affordable.

Applying for Extra Help and MSP is easy and free.

Always be informed. There are many changes in health care coverage and how to access. Read latest information from newspapers, government websites and service agencies’ newsletters. If you have any questions, always ask.

Agencies such as Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) have Information and Assistance Specialists who can provide free assistance to seniors and persons with disabilities.

Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that, on average, Medicare Advantage premiums will be 1 percent lower in 2011 than today.

The CMS is encouraging beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans to review their current health and drug plan coverage for any changes their plans may be making for 2010 before the annual enrollment period begins November 15.

To learn more, or for assistance in enrolling in this program, please call the ADRC at (415) 487-3370 ext 13702 or (415) 509-3608. ADRC is the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco located at Canon Kip Senior Center (705 Natoma St on 8th Street, San Francisco) and it is funded by the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services.

Manny Mania brings hefty donation to charity SAN FRANCISCO—Philippine International Aid (PIA) is proud to announce that a donation

by Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, world boxing champion and a member of Philippine House of Representatives, of a pair of autographed boxing gloves drew a record-setting $5,500 at PIA’s annual holiday event, “Holiday Haute Couture 9,” to benefit disadvantaged Filipino youth.

Dozens of the 800 guests snapped pictures alongside the glass-cased gloves, but there was

only one lucky and generous owner at the end of the day.

The gloves were just one of five pairs autographed on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles upon Pacquiao’s return to his second home from the Philippines, after weeks of training for a much anticipated fight against Mexican-American Antonio Margarito in Arlington, TX held ten PAGE B4

an instruction package to the attorney who had helped file the petition over a decade earlier. The NVC sent follow up letters to that attorney in 2001, 2002 and 2003, but the attorney’s records did not indicate that he received any of those notices. The NVC eventually terminated the alien’s visa registration and destroyed all the related records, based on the alien’s “failure to apply” for his visa within one year of notification. The alien sued to have his visa registration reinstated.

The Ninth Circuit noted that the law governing termination of visa registration states that the “Secretary of State shall terminate the registration of any alien who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year following notification to the alien of the availability of such visa...” The court held that the statute was explicit in stating that the notification must be to the alien. Therefore, notification to the alien’s attorney or to the petitioner did not comply with the law. (Of course now, the NVC sends to the alien a

form “Designation of Agent,” whereby the alien can designate his attorney to receive such paperwork. However, at the time this visa registration was terminated, that procedure was not in place.) Accordingly, the court held that because the law and regulations “unambiguously required service “to the alien,” we need not look to the State Department’s interpretation of these materials...

Therefore, any notice sent by the State Department to [the attorney concerning the alien’s] visa eligibility cannot serve as the prerequisite for termination under INA Section 203(g).

Because the government did not send notice “to the alien”, termination of [the alien’s] visa registration was contrary to law.”

If your visa registration was terminated by the NVC, but you never received notice, I would suggest that you seek the advice of an attorney who can evaluate your situation to determine if notice was properly sent and/or whether you should be entitled to have your visa registration

re-instated.

Remember, the stakes are very high. In some cases, a person may have waited more than a decade for the priority date on their petition to become current. It would be a shame that after all that waiting, the case was shredded by the NVC because you did not “apply within one year”. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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Community Journal

december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

What relief is available for misrepresentation of material fact?

Homeowner’s Highlights Atty. Crispin Lozano Question: Mario was petitioned

by Jose, his father who is a Lawful Permanent Resident in 1985.

His father became a US citizen in 1993. Mario got married to Linda in 1988. Mario and Linda have a child born in 1989 named Cindy.

In 1991, Mario was interviewed at the US Embassy, Manila for an immigrant visa. He declared that he was single and has no child. Based on this declaration he was given a visa and entered the US in 1992.

Mario married Linda again in 1993 and filed an immigrant visa petition for his wife and daughter. The petition was denied because the USCIS discovered his prior marriage to Linda in 1988 and committed a misrepresentation of material fact by not disclosing his marriage to Linda in 1988 and the existence of his daughter. Mario received a Notice to Appear to the Immigration Court. What is Mario’s immigration status?

Answer: Mario committed a fraud or misrepresentation of material fact in obtaining a visa at the US Embassy. By entering the US without disclosing his marriage and children is again a misrepresentation to the US Immigration Officer. These two acts of misrepresentation made Mario inadmissible and deportable.

Question: What is the relief available to Mario?

Answer: Mario may request the immigration court for a waiver of the misrepresentation.

Question: Is Mario qualified for the waiver?

Answer: To avail of this waiver Mario must: 1. Have a parent or son or daughter who is Lawful Permanent Resident or US citizen. In this case he has his father who is a US citizen.

2. Mario must be otherwise admissible at the time of admission except for the fraud or misrepresentation. In this case Mario must have no criminal records that will disqualify him.

Question: What is the purpose of this waiver?

Answer: The purpose of this waiver is maintain unity of families by forestalling deportation where it would break up family composed in part of US citizens or lawful per-

manent residents.

Question: What will happen if the waiver is granted to Mario?

Answer: This waiver is discretionary to the Immigration Judge.

If granted the waiver cures the defect in the immigrant visa of Mario allowing him to become a lawful permanent resident as of the date he was admitted as permanent resident in 1991.

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 conditional 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 for entering as single but actually married for our client Mr. D in Fresno, CA was approved by the Immigration Judge.

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

Abused spouse of US citizen 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. *** Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of California and he specializes in immigration law. His offices are located at 17057 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 205, Bellflower, CA 90706 and 1290 B Street, Suite 205, Hayward, California 94541 and at 777 N. First St., Suite 333, San Jose, CA 95112. You can contact him at telephone (562) 461-1355 and (510) 538-7188.

(Advertising Supplement)

Legal Rights Atty. Johnson Lazaro The battle between resilient homeowners and banks rages on as three giant lenders are forced to stop foreclosures in 23 states amid allegations of errors due to “robo-signing.” Plaintiff lawyers are elated when GMAC Mortgage, JP Morgan Chase and Bank Of America voluntarily halted thousands of foreclosures to insure that paperwork are in order. This may affirm what many critics already know—one of the main causes of the mortgage meltdown is sloppy paperwork by lenders. This mess has led to many homeowners questioning who is the true holder of their mortgages?

It is not known for how long these foreclosures will remain halted. However many bank employees have already admitted in depositions that they do not usually check or review important foreclosure documents before signing. It is generally known that ever since the real estate boom, banks and lenders have failed to properly maintain, organize, update, and review important loan documents. Documentation and record keeping are so sloppy that if homeowners called up the lender on their mortgage statements, they will find that the bank is not the actual mortgage holder. In fact, you will have a very hard time getting your bank to tell you who the actual mortgage holder is.

A big part of this mess can be traced to securitization. Securitization is a process by which

Will the real lender stand up Wall Street Bankers pooled hundreds of mortgage loans together, and sold them as a package to wealthy investors all over the world for additional profits.

When the banks securitized your mortgage, they failed to properly maintain documents and comply with certain federal and state laws. Due to haste and carelessness, important documents concerning the ownership of the mortgage, were not properly maintained and transferred according to the law.

This failure to properly maintain crucial documents has led to wrongful and maybe illegal transfers of authority to foreclose. This ultimately means that the entity who is trying to foreclose on your house may no longer have the right to foreclose.

In a real case example, Citibank was trying to foreclose. However, upon closer inspection, the deed of trust that Citibank claims that it has, was assigned to Citibank

by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS). But the original lender was another corporation named Bayrock Mortgage. The Judge ruled, there is no evidence that the promissory note was properly transferred to MERS. If MERS did not have the note then it cannot grant authority to Citibank to foreclose.

The judge’s opinion in this case also said that “several courts have acknowledged that MERS is not the owner of the underlying note and therefore could not transfer the note. Thus Citibank may have wrongfully foreclosed.

This is a California case and may have a significant impact on future foreclosure cases.

This decision means that if a foreclosing party in California,

Manny Mania brings...

PAGE B3 days later. Pacquiao won in a unanimous decision against the much taller and heavier Margarito, fueling Manny mania in the United States and the Philippines.

Days after the fight, the super welterweight champion dazzled San Francisco Bay Area Pinoys with his singing tour for charity. On November 25, Pacquiao returned to his consituents in Sarangani province, his wife Jinkee’s hometown, and was

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

greeted with a hero’s welcome.

PIA has been providing assistance to disadvantaged Filipino youth in the Philippines and in the San Francisco Bay Area in the areas of shelter, health and nutrition, education, rehabilitation and assimilation, and psychological assistance since 1986. Currently, PIA has more than 1,000 children enrolled in various schools in the Philippines, including about 100 deaf and hearing-impaired children.

that is not the original lender, claims that payment is due under the note, and that they have the right to foreclose on the basis of a MERS assignment, they’re wrong… based on this opinion. The bottom line is that MERS has no authority to transfer the note because it never owned it, and that’s a view that even seems to be supported by MERS’ own contract, which says that “MERS agrees not to assert any rights to mortgage loans or properties mortgaged thereby”.

We see many cases where it is very difficult to know the real party who can foreclose on the house. We have argued cases in court and tried to convince judges that upon closer inspection, the party who wants to foreclose may no longer have the authority to do so. There are cases in which a loan servicer acts as if it is the true lender and tries to foreclose. There are cases where an entity would pretend that it can foreclose but fails to properly provide proof that it is the true holder of the mortgage. The true holder of the mortgage note is the one that has the authority to foreclose. Many judges across the nation are requiring lenders and bankers to prove that they are truly the party who can foreclose. As the lender’s dirty laundry becomes more apparent, the homeowner should be constantly asking who is this party trying to take my house ?

In a recent case, after demanding to see the original promissory note before a federal judge, the lawyers for the banks allowed our attorneys to inspect the document in their San Diego office. However after review, the promissory note did not contain

the proper endorsements as required by law.

A common question from homeowners is if we can prove that the party foreclosing is not the real party in interest, can we get our houses “free and clear.” This is possible but very difficult. Of course each case is different and must be examined separately.

However it’s best to take some responsibility for your predicament. You signed the contract that made you a homeowner.

There are many who must take responsibility for the mortgage crisis. The consumer, the bank, and even the government must share the blame. The banks don’t have clean hands but going for the jugular and demanding that you get your house free and clear may not be the best strategy. Try to negotiate a reasonable settlement.

This mortgage mess is far from over. There will be more revelations from the lending industry. More judges will continue to scrutinize the foreclosure process. The homeowner must remain vigilant and realistic. It will be interesting to see what if any would be end game to this whole foreclosure mess. *** Lazaro Law Group, Professional Corporation represents immigrants all over the United States and US Embassy in Manila. The firm’s offices are located in San Francisco, Makati City (Philippines), and Fremont, Union City California. Telephone (415)278-9577. E-mail: Law@LazaroLaw.com; Website: www.LazaroLaw. com.

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

Holiday notice for December THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco would like to inform the general public that the Philippine Consulate will be closed on the following dates: • Friday, December 24, 2010 – PH Additional Special NonWorking Day • Monday, December 27, 2010 – PH Rizal Day • Friday, December 31, 2010 – PH End of the Year Holiday Regular consular service hours will resume on the next working day following each holiday.

For emergency cases requiring assistance from the Consulate during the holidays, please contact the Help Desk at telephone no.

(415) 269-2090.

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 10-16, 2010

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Around Central Valley RALENE’S FILIPINO RESTAURANT

Across Central Valley Calendar The authentic flavors of home December 11

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

‘How We Once Were: A Pinoy Story from Filipino America’ at the Cesar Chavez Central Library Author Peter Bacho will speak on the Filipino experience in America at 1pm. Mr. Bacho’s first novel, Cebu, won the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. His other works include Dark Blue Suit, Boxing in Black and White, and Leaving Yesler. Copies of his books will be available for sale and signing.

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

December 12

The Nutcracker at the Gallo Center Central West Ballet’s Nutcracker makes your Holiday Season complete and a must for the entire family. Come and celebrate with us and take the fantastic journey along with Clara and her Nutcracker. Show is at 2pm at The Gallo Center for the Arts, for more info, contact (209) 338-2100 or log on to galloarts.org

December 13

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

December 15

Gift Wrap Workshop at the Ripon Branch Library Don’t stress about wrapping gifts this holiday season. Join our inhouse professional gift wrapper and learn the tricks of the trade like how to wrap oddly shaped gifts and make your own bows. We will provide the gift-wrapping supplies. 5pm at the Ripon Branch Library.

December 16

Operation School Bell Fundraiser Blackwater Cafe Downtown has been in operation since 1996. For the past 9 years, once a year they have donated proceeds from the whole day of work to a charity helping children in need. This year, they will be raising funds for Operation School Bell, a part of the Stockton Assistance League. This organization supplies kids with new school clothes and backpacks. Blackwater Downtown wil be serving up free drinks all day. All they ask in return is that you pick up some raffle tickets, or put a bid in on a silent auction. There are many fabulous prizes including an Apple iPad! Tickets go on sale December 1. For more information, contact David Qualls at (209) 483-7384 or log on to www. facebook.com/coffee.place.stockton.

December 18

Go Green & Clean in Fresno Go Green and Clean takes place every Saturday from 8am to 12noon at Woodward Park at 7775 N. Friant Rd. (Amphitheater) and Roeding Park (Regional) at 890 W. Belmont Avenue – Dog Park/Palm Point area (Hwy 99 & Belmont Ave.). Every local resident is encouraged to volunteer and get involved in the community taking action to attain a greener and cleaner environment. For more information, please call (559) 237-3101 or log on to www.servefresno.com.

It’s easy to say for a Filipino restaurant that they have “the authentic” Filipino food, but only a few can actually give us the real taste of home. In Bakersfield, Ralene’s Filipino Restaurant is proud to say that nothing compares to their homestyle Pinoy cooking.

Opened in October 2003, Ralene’s has been dishing out sumptuous dishes that are also affordable. Owned by husband and wife team Ramon and Arlene Ronquillo, Ralene’s offers no-nonsense, authentic Filipino food.

“Our best sellers are our Ginataang Langka, Banana Blossom Sisig, Laing, Pinakbet and Binagoongang Baboy, Dilis, Chicharon Bulaklak, Kalderetang Kambing at Kilawin Kambing, ” said Ramon. He also swears by his wife’s magic in the kitchen.

“Nagsimula yan sa paluto-luto

sa mga party. Nagustuhan ng mga kaibigan naming ang luto niya (Arlene) katulad ng pancit at barbecue kaya nag-decide kami na mag-open ng business.”

Arlene, who hails from Pampanga, is also the chief cook in the restaurant. At present, Ralene’s has a staff of four. Although their main clients are Filipinos, Ralene’s is also frequented by a number of Mexicans and Caucasians who enjoy their good and affordable food.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 persons, and they also offer catering services (delivery available only within the Bakersfield area).

However, Ralene’s success is not without challenges. “Dumating din sa amin yung paninira ng competitors,” said Ramon and added, “That is why we believe na ang fair competition is yung gandahan mo ang produkto mo.”

TEAM RALENE’S. Behind the success of Ralene’s Filipino Restaurant is its formidable and hardworking team, (L-R) Rico Guinto, Rowena Castro, chief cook and co-owner Arlene Ronquillo and Janice Tolentino. Not in picture is Ruzel Castro and co-owner Ramon Ronquillo. Ralene’s Filipino Restaurant is located at 704-A Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304. For more information on their menu and services, you can contact (661) 912-4122.

Ralene’s have just celebrated their 7th year anniversary and will be offering more sumptuous food to their loyal customers who prefers good quality food rather than cheap prices.

Ralene’s Filipino Restaurant is located at 704-A Oak Street,

Bakersfield, CA 93304 is open Monday to Friday, from 10:30am to 6:30pm; and Saturdays from 10:30am to 3:30pm (they are closed on Sundays). For more information on their menu and services, you can contact (661) 912-4122.

(Advertising Supplement)

Tips Help Prevent Costly Sewer Back-ups this Holiday Season Parents without Food scraps, fats and oils washed down the kitchen sink can result in clogged sewer lines and expensive plumbing bills, so the City of Fresno is issuing tips to help residents avoid costly problems this holiday season.

Local property owners are responsible for maintaining the pipes that extend from their home to the City’s main sewer line. In most cases, the underground main line is located at about the mid-point of each residential street. The City is encouraging residents to keep their pipes clean by remembering the following

tips for properly disposing of food waste and cooking products: • Pour fat drippings and kitchen greases into sealable containers and dispose of them in a gray residential garbage cart; • Avoid putting leftover food down the garbage disposal whenever possible; • Any waste that can be thrown in the garbage should always be put in the garbage; • Remember, “Scrape It, Don’t Grind It.” Even the smallest amount of fat, oil or grease will solidify and stick to sewer pipes, according to

Vandalism and Theft of Storm Drain Grates The City of Modesto has received a number of phone calls regarding missing storm drain grates; most reports are in the vicinity of S. Conejo and Empire Avenues. All reported storm drain grates are replaced immediately to reduce the potential safety hazards. To date, nearly one dozen 18” round storm drain grates have been reported stolen and subsequently replaced.

The recent rash of theft is of concern to the City of Modesto due to the risk of injury or accident. The stolen grates, which appear to be random acts of vandalism, are likely being taken to recyclers for cash.

Local recyclers have been put on alert to look out for these stolen grates, or any material that looks like City infrastructure. The City is asking citizens to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report any person(s) seen with these grates, or any other potential City infrastructure, to the Modesto Police Department at (209) 552-2470.

For additional information, please contact the City of Modesto Water Quality Control Division at (209) 577-6200.

staff in the City’s Department of Public Utilities. The residue then catches food and other solids that are washed down sinks and other drains in the home. Over time, the debris builds up and eventually causes a complete blockage of the sewer pipe.

“The holidays pose a particular challenge to keeping our City’s sewer pipes clear,” said Rosa LauStaggs from the City of Fresno Wastewater Management Division. “We encourage residents to help keep our system operating smoothly by scraping any remaining food from plates and platters into the trash instead of washing it down the drain.”

More information is available at www.fresno.gov or by calling 6215100.

Partners Open Dance

Parents Without Partners welcome all couples, married and singles to a night of DJ dancing with music music mostly from the 70s to the 90s at Eagles Hall, 1492 Bourbon Street, Stockton from 8pm to 11:30pm. Appetizers will be served to a no host bar.

Members are charged $6, non-members $10. For membership inquiries, arrive at 7:30pm on any dance night.

For more information, call (209) 469-3139.

Dancing the 3rd Saturday each month throughout 2010, same place, same time.

december 10-16, 2010 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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8 4 1 S a n B r u n o Av e n u e W e s t S u i t e s 1 2 t o 1 4 S a n B r u n o , C A 9 4 0 6 6 • Te l . ( 6 5 0 ) 5 8 3 - 6 8 1 8 • Fa x . ( 6 5 0 ) 5 8 3 - 6 8 1 9

SF #36

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501 N. Lake St., Reno, NV 89501

(775) 303-4433

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Friday, December 10, 2010

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cover story

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

Balikbayod’s surfboard-sharing project gives the youth of Siargao Island, Philippines an incentive to stay in school

By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe AJPress

U

SUALLY when we think about surfing, we don’t necessarily put the Philippines on top of the list.

However, professional surfers and surfing enthusiasts would tell you that one of the best waves to ride is at Siargao Island, which is on the eastern shoreline of the Philippines. Also known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to Cloud 9, one of the best surfing destinations in the province because of its thick, perfect, hollow tubes that international surfers call it a special wave. And in this surfing paradise, two Filipino-American surfers found their calling to help.

Lynn Bryant and Victoria Fabella, not only fell in love with Siargao Island, but with its people. Lynn initially went to Siargao for a vacation, while Victoria first learned to ride the waves in Siargao. During their trips, they realized that most residents don’t have access to surfboards, as no surfboards are made there. Most have even never surfed at all. Thus, Balikbayod—or Returning Wave—was born.

But what does surfing have to do with helping kids in Siargao?

Lynn and Victoria explained that the Balikbayod program is an ef-

fective way for kids to stay in school or go back to school.

After talking to teachers in the local schools, they found out that if children are given boards to keeps (usually from visiting surf tourists), they would rather go surfing than to school. Some hope to win in tournaments for money and see surfing as a possible career.

With Balikbayod, kids can borrow boards provided that they are currently attending school or in an Alternative Learning System (ALS). Because of these parameters, local teachers support their program. A partner in Siargao, also known as “the surfboard librarian” checks with the teachers that the kids follow the requirements of the program. Balikbayod is also purposely made as an after-school-program wherein boards can only be borrowed after school hours, school holidays and weekends.

The Balikbayod program has been running for almost 3 years now, and started with a group of 10 kids or so. At present, there about 30 plus kids with the project—all done through personal funds by the founders and volunteer work. Since starting the program, Balikbayod also have had high school drop outs return to school to get their diplomas through the ALS. But like most good intentions, challenges are always in the way. Aside from the lack of funding, there is hardly any support from the Philippine government. In spite of this, Lynn and Victoria look ahead to more future trips with an increase of the number of boards shipped by sending a shipment at least once a year. They also would like to expand in the Philippines and other countries.

Balikbayod continued success in promoting education first for the youth through the love of surfing is dependent on the support of people through donations and volunteer work. Immediate needs are monetary for shipping costs, shipping sponsorship, old surfboards, materials and volunteers for their repair parties. For more information on Balikbayod, log on to http://balikbayod. wordpress.com.

Willie plans to come back to the US with an ‘I Love You’

LAPU-LAPU ESCABECHE*

by Julie

Matienzo AJPress

W

Fans go wild as Willie sings their favorite song.

AJPress photos by Vince Samson

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

elcome back to Isla Kulinarya. For the whole month of December and January, we will be featuring the dishes that were prepared by the 6 finalists at the recently concluded Kulinarya : A Filipino Culinary Showdown held at the Metreon in San Francisco last December 4, 2010. Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco along with the various government agencies, namely, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine National Police with the goal of increasing the awareness and appreciation of Northern California residents on Filipino cuisine.

Kulinarya, which means culinary or cuisine in Tagalog, started in 2005 as a cultural tourism program of the Philippine Department of Tourism . Dubbed as Kulinarya Filipina, the program introduces Philippine flavors to domestic and international tourists to promote the country as a culinary destination. Travelers practically eat their way around the country as they visit destinations that are well-known for their food. There are Kulinarya tour packages that are being offered now to various parts of the country and each region has its own culinary treasure to boast.

O

nly 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 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 watching 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 Continued on Page 7

Kulinarya : A Filipino Culinary Showdown has been organized to discover and showcase the talents and expertise of Filipino chefs and foodies. A total of 6 finalists competed -- 3 in the Amateur Division and 3 in the Professional Division--- in cooking regular meal items that included an appetizer/salad, adobo and another Filipino entree, and a Filipino dessert. The judges consisted of notable culinary experts, professional chefs and food critic such as Chef Thomas Weibull-- an accomplished chef for over 25 years and who has worked in numerous three star restaurants in the Bay Area from One Market, Aqua, Rubicon and Plouf; Chef Kelly Degala--Executive Chef at the Academy Café at the California Academy of Sciences; Lynne Char Bennet- SF Chronicle Staff Writer and Food Critic; Nancy Freeman, President of the Asian Culinary Forum; June Belen-- writer for SFoodie, SF Weekly’s widely read food blog and has been featured at Saveur Magazine’s “The Best of the Web”; and Mrs. Tess Paynor, wife of Consul General Marciano A. Paynor.

Winners were selected according to the cohesiveness of menu, presentation, creativity; and taste/flavor This week we are featuring the recipe of Nathan Camba, the winner in the Amateur Division.

Join us again next week as we share with you the recipe of Chef Ed Grajo, the winner in the Professional Division.

Ingredients: s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s

1 large lapu lapu, sliced 1 1/2 lbs prawns 1 large carrot, sliced 1/2 medium onion, julienned 1/2 red, gree, and yellow bell peppers, julienned 1 can baby corn 1 can quail eggs 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup garlic, minced 1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp patis (fish sauce) 1 cup water 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 1/2 tsp chili flakes 2 tbsp cornstarch Flour and calamansi for the fish

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Squeeze calamansi on the prepared and sliced lapu lapu. Make small slits on both sides of the fish to prevent it from curling while being fried.

2. Coat both sides of the fish with flour, and fry at a medium high heat.

3. Fry until golden brown, and then set aside on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. On separate pan, caramelize julienned onions, and then add the minced garlic and ginger.

5. Add carrots,baby corn, water, soy sauce, patis, and vinegar. Allow to simmer until vinegar boils gently.

6. Add bell peppers, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.

7. Carefully add diluted cornstarch, mixing consistently but gently.

8. Add prawns, and then turn off the heat. The residual heat from the pan is enough to cook the shrimp.

9. Add the quail eggs.

10. Allow eggs and prawns to cook, being careful not to overcook them.

11. Transfer fried fish on a serving platter, and then top with the sauce.

recipe created by

Nathan Camba Winner, Amateur Division Kulinarya : A Filipino Culinary Showdown *Copyright 2010, Philippine Department of Tourism, San Francisco

19 year old Nathan Camba, the youngest participant competing in the Amateur Division, is a college student from San Jose, CA and works as a part-time host at the San Jose Fishmarket on Blossom Hill Road. He inherited his passion for cooking from his mother and his family and he has been whipping up various Filipino dishes since he was little.

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

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT **The featured recipe and some references were taken from Kulinarya: A Filipino Culinary Showdown Event Magazine published by the Philippine Department of Tourism, San Francisco, December 2010. Published with prior consent from the Philippine Department of Tourism, San Francisco.

features

Beauty rescue 911

By Monet

Lu

I

T 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

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – December 10, 2010

Big bully

Power of the Youth

San Francisco

Veronica Louise Mendoza

Before

After

partly because of my adventurous spirit, 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, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around 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.

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H

The beast that we call bullying needs to be destroyed.

AVE you ever been picked on or teased in school? Now the answer to this question is almost— and always—yes.

Well how about this question: have you ever picked or teased someone at school?

Now the answer to this question is yes, even if you are ashamed to admit so (everyone is).

Even adults bully.

Most people get the image of a big 7-foot tall, man-like brute trying to steal your lunch money when they think of a bully. However, even the most calm-natured looking people can be bullies in disguise. Now I know that most kids have already had these conferences at school and they’re probably sick of hearing them (I know I am), but this doesn’t mean that we should just let it slide.

We’ve all heard of the recent deaths of young teens because they were bullied on sexual orientation; and this is bullying, to the extreme. These teenagers have tons of pressure built on them, because they are different from the majority and they dress or act “weirdly.” Even just the slightest comment can make them burst out in tears because of that outrageous mixture of anger, sadness, and embarrassment. All of these tiny comments, piled together, would result in depres-

DIRECTLINE

By BOY ABUNDA Philstar.com

sion, a ruined childhood, and maybe even suicide.

And if you think that one way of resolving this conflict is for them to be more “socially active” for those “socially awkward” ones, well then you’re most likely wrong. By creating an account on social networking sites such as Facebook or Myspace or Formspring would be like having a sign on their backs saying, “tease me.” I’m not saying that these sites are bad, or that these people shouldn’t make accounts on these sites, I’m just saying that there most bullying goes on virally.

How to stop this madness? Just stop bullying. It’s not as simple as you think, but it is possible. Try to think before you speak, or give a compliment instead of a rude comment. If we all stop bullying, one at a time, the point gets across to the whole world, then bullying would cease, saving hundreds of lives. It doesn’t take one person to win, it takes the whole team effort. *** Veronica Louise C. Mendoza, 12, is an 8th grader at St. Joseph’s Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton and was named 2010 TIME Kid Reporter. She appears on ‘V’s Log’ on ‘Adobo Nation’ shown over TFC. She believes that culture is key to knowing who you are. Her dream is to be a professional reporter and host and she hopes to inspire others.

Loving defines Sharon

S

HARON Cuneta grew up smelling the perfume of her mom.

She thought every girl should always smell nice.

“I’ve always had a love affair with fragrances very early on,” explains Sharon. “I remember my mom would always wear perfume even when she just woke up. She would feel incomplete without perfume.”

Sharon has lived with that beauty principle ever since, never leaving home without her trusty bottle of eau de parfum.

“When you grow up like that, you just wanted to smell good all the time. You feel naked when you’re not wearing any perfume.”

was basking in the glow of her successful career, Sharon and her entourage had intended in creating a bottle of scent exclusively for her, setting up several meetings with people in the industry to find the perfect fragrance for her. Unfortunately, Continued on Page 8

Having said that, it became not a surprise when Sharon would one day long for a fragrance of her own. In fact, during her teens, when she

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celebrityworld

California State Commissioner Ray Benitez Satorre and his wife Rachelle head the families who will be the Herman Mayors for the 2011 Grand Fiesta of the Jesus of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

Commissioner Satorre and his wife Rachelle are devotees of the Black Nazarene.

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

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

CA Commissioner & Mrs. Satorre heads Hermana Mayors for the Black Nazarene’s Fiesta

C

alifornia State Commissioner and Mrs. Rey Satorre will head the families who will be the Hermana Mayors for the forthcoming Grand Fiesta of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo, which is celebrating its 32nd anniversary.

Formerly owned by the late Dona Mercedes Angco Syquia de Villar from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the miraculous image was inherited by her son, internationally known beauty impresario, Ferdie Syquia de Villar. Ferdie then personally brought the image when he immigrated here in San Francisco in 1978.

Every January 1st since 1979, the Holy Rosary, Novena and Holy Mass are being held nine consecutive days in honor of the miraculous statue. Devotees of the Black Nazarene all over the Bay Area attend the nine-day festivities held at the beauty impresario’s residence at 140 Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco.

The festivities will start on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 1pm; with a Holy Mass to be officiated by Rev. Father Noel Laput, Pastor at the Church of Nativity in Menlo Park and will be followed by the Holy Rosary and Novena.

Other festivities include January 2 and 9—Sundays, the Grand Fiesta will be at 1pm, while Novena and the Holy Rosary during the weekdays will be at 6pm.

The other Hermana Mayors for the 2011 Grand Fiesta are Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Roxas, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Pacifico, Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Cuaresma, Mrs. Elizabeth Labitoria and Tessie Labitoria, Mr. & Mrs. Gil Navarro (of Club Royale Foundation), Mr. & Mrs. Walter Back, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Reyes (of the LuzViMin Club of Northern California), Mr. & Mrs. Moring Macalinao (of the Buri-Buri Senior Association), Flor Rennock, Annabelle Guevarra of Pampanga Cuisine Restaurant, Clarita “Baby” Byron of Hard Hat Restaurant, Ben and Edna Ramos, Albert Sales of Edna Ichiban Library Restaurant, Noemie Jalindon

and Jean Alfonso, Zeny Cayabyab, Leo and Lina Quiambao of Philippine Delicacies, Edwina Aniag, San Francisco socialite Sylvia Ford, Violet Orence, Eppie Grant and Thelma Cruz.

The Executive Committee in charge of the preparations are – Novena Prayer chairman Ora Seyler and George Paminiane, Rolly Mungues and Beth Pasca; General Arrangement chairman Marc & Cora Garvida, Donavan Vernon, Romy “Buro” Sanchez; Food Arrangement chairman Elaine Estabrooks, Bituin Ignacio, Diva Tirol, Zeny Yolangco, Alice Bowley, Lilet Adriano, Carmen Robles, Gloria Nielsen, Vilma Valenger, and Shirley Ordoveza.

For information regarding the festivities, please call beauty impresario Ferdie Villar at (650) 952-4949, Ray Reyes (650) 455-5176, Susan Pacifico (408) 462-6604, Jett Viray Navarro (415) 994-6949, Tessie Labitoria (415) 504-4837 and Commissioner Rey Satorre (650) 222-2510.

Abel Sales, Managing Director of Edna’s Ichiban Library and devotee of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo, will be one of the Hermana Mayors for the 2011 fiesta of the patron saint from January 1 to 9.

The 18th century miraculous replica of the Nuestro Senior Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo was brought here in San Francisco by beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia de Villar will celebrate its 32nd Annual Fiesta from January 1 to 9 at the Villar residence at 140 Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco.

Two of the biggest Filipino associations here in Northern California – LuViMin Association of Northern California and Buri-Buri Fil-Am Senior Association headed by Rey Reyes and Moring Macalinao – will be the two Hermana Mayors for the forthcoming 32nd anniversary of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo which will start on Saturday, January 1 and will end on Sunday, January 9 to be held at the Villar residence at Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco. Shown in photo are (L-R)Rey Reyes with his wife Ludy, and Moring Macalinao with his wife Edna.

Coco Martin, one of the Philippines’ brilliant actors, recently met his fans at a benefit Meet and Greet sponsored by Lighthouse Entertainment held last Saturday, December 4 at the Newark Pavilion, Newark. Shown in photo above together with the young actor are upcoming hip-hop sensation and songwriter JD “JDC” Charisma from San Jose and beauty impresario Ferdie Villar.

Annabelle Guevara, proprietress of Pampanga Cuisine Restaurant in Daly City, will be one of the Hermana Mayors during the fiesta of the Jesus of the Black Nazarene on January 1 to 9.

Walter and Maria Back, an active religious couple from San Jose, will be one of the families who will be Hermana Mayors for the 9-day Novena offering to the Jesus of the Black Nazarene.

Ora Seyler, a well-known community and religious leader in Daly City, is the chairman of the nine-day Novena Prayer for the Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo which will start on Saturday, January 1 and will end on Sunday, January 9.

Dona Elizabeth Labitoria of San Francisco, a devotee of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo, will be one of the Hermana Mayors for the 2011 fiesta of the patron saint from January 1 to 9.

Hayward community leader Gloria S. Usi recently celebrated her birthday at Max’s Restaurant in South San Francisco. Shown in photo above together with the celebrant (far end) are (L-R) Frank Cabonce Elay Saria, Andrea Espiritu, Efren Velasco, Ramil Ramos Celso and Maureen Ramos.

San Francisco entertainment producer Tessie Labitoria will be one of the Hermana Mayors for the 2011 fiesta of the patron saint from January 1 to 9, 2011.

Romy “Buro” Sanchez, Peace Officer of LuzViMin Association is the chairman of the General Arrangement Committee for the grand fiesta of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo from January 1 to 9.

Deo Edrinal, ABS-CBN 2 Vice President for Entertainment and manager of actor Coco Martin, accompanied his talent at the fundraising Meet and Greet Dinner/Dance sponsored by Lighthouse Entertainment last Saturday at the Newark Pavilion in Newark. Shown with Edrinal are beauty impresario Ferdie Villar and San Jose hip-hop artist JD “JDC” Charisma.

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 10, 2010

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

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

features

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 10, 2010

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

B

ASKING RIDGE, NJ—Verizon Wireless announced recently it is turning on the world’s first large-scale 4G LTE network. 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 compaMOORESVILLE, NC—How can you better manage energy ny’s 3G network. consumption as colder weather creeps in and electricity bills creep With the launch, Verizon up? How about getting the answer to your energy-saving quesWireless is also offering new tions in one place? value-priced 4G LTE Mobile Launched recently in all of its US stores, the Energy Center Broadband data plans startof Lowe’s is the first of its kind for a major retailer. Here, you will ing at $50 monthly access for find energy-saving products such as solar-powered products and 5 GB monthly allowance, as Energy Star qualified CFLs in one place, making all your moneywell as two new 4G LTE USB saving and energy-saving plans for your homes a reality. modems, the LG VL600 and “The Energy Center builds on Lowe’s commitment to bring Pantech UML290. more innovative products and services to our customers,” said Dan Mead, president and Nick Canter, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising. chief executive officer of “By pulling together comprehensive options to help them Verizon Wireless, said, “Beginmanage their energy use, the Energy Center makes it easier for ning Sunday, Verizon Wireless customers to become more energy efficient while putting money is making the best network back in their pocket.” even better. Our initial 4G Beyond traditional energy-saving methods that influence many LTE launch gives customers Asian homes, the best thing about reducing energy consumption access to the fastest and most nowadays is that you can measure energy use and even generate advanced mobile network renewable energy. in America and immediately Take your cue from the following amazing products offered at reaches more than one-third The Energy Center: of all Americans, right where Measuring energy use they live. That’s just the start.

How to find energy leaks. The handheld Black & Decker We will quickly expand 4G Thermal Leak Detector ($49.99) makes it easy to find energy leaks LTE, and by 2013 will reach in the home. An LED light changes color to indicate changes in the existing Verizon Wireless temperature around windows, doors and in the attic.

3G coverage area.”

Sealing the gaps and cracks, and properly insulating, can save Road warriors using lapa homeowner up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, actops will immediately benefit Continued on Page 8 from Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE

DOLLYWOOD Why Aiko-Martin marriage failed

by Dolly

Anne Carvajal Inquirer.net

AT first Martin Jickain was hesitant to open up about the annulment of his marriage to Aiko Melendez. But since we are drinking buddies at Sofra Fort Strip, Martin willingly granted me his first and last interview about the issue.

He is too much of a gentleman to say no to a good friend.

“It’s ironic that our marriage lasted for over a year only,” he says. “But the annulment took three years.”

Martin recalls that their whirlwind romance began when they met in Boracay. After a few weeks they took the plunge. “It was bound to fail because we got carried away by our emotions,” he says. “We weren’t thinking straight. But I will always remember Aiko fondly. Our daughter Martina will keep us eternally linked in a special way, even if we both have respective partners already.”

So who’s the new love of his life? “She’s also a chef like me,” he beams. “Even if she’s younger, we get along well... Funny thing is, A.M. din ang initials niya like

Aiko. But I don’t want to rush into marriage again. That can wait.”

I asked chef Martin: If he, Aiko and his current GF were dishes, what would they be?

“Aiko would be dessert because she is super sweet. My GF is like adobo because she’s yummy any time of the day,” he quips. “And I would be steak because I’m rare.”

Love is best served hot. Bon appetit, chef Mart on your second serving of l’amour! May your heart keep burping!

Blessing in disguise?

The stroke that William Martinez suffered could actually be a blessing in disguise for him and estranged wife Yayo Aguila.

“When I found out that William was rushed to the ICU, I felt guilty,” says Yayo. “Kahit hiwalay na kami, di ko maiwasan mag-worry. In my heart I am still his wife. Sabi nga ng marami baka way ito ni Lord para magkabalikan kami... Ako pa rin nagbabantay kay William. Not because I have to, but I really want to.”

Not everybody is given a second lease on life so I’m sure

William will not put it to waste.

He and Yayo have truly stood by each other through thick and thin, sick and sin!

Forced to disrobe A concerned relative of Denise Laurel comes to her defense.

“She is not pregnant,” her aunt clarifies. “She’s in the United States on vacation. Poor Denise!”

Her aunt adds that “Denise was made to show more flesh in ‘Kristine,’ which she only found out during the show’s taping.

Even if she’s well-endowed, she does not want to project a slutty image. When she didn’t want to disrobe some more, ’di na muna binigyan ng project.”

So the little birdie is wrong about the coming of the stork in Denise’s life.

MMFF now nationwide Through the years, the Metro Manila Film Festival has come up with some of the finest films in the history of Philippine cinema.

This year’s MMFF entries are Ang Tanging Ina Mo Rin (Last Na To!), Rosario, Si Agimat at si Eneteng Kabisote, Shake Rattle and Roll 12, Dalaw, Father Jejemon, Super Inday and the Golden Bibe and the amimated film RPG.

Willie plans to come back...

From Page 2 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 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.” 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 transmit Willing Willie in the US and Europe by January.

“So we would not be using cables anymore,

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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 enter-

Mobile Broadband network with super-fast 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 are available online. Customers can go to www.verizonwireless. 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

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Comcast launches Cinema Asian America on Demand

West Bay honors humanitarians

New On Demand destination brings award-winning films, shorts & documentaries highlighting Asian American culture

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HILADELPHIA, PA—Comcast Corporation, one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information, and communication products and services, announced the launch of Cinema Asian America, a new On Demand destination featuring Asian American content that reflects the diversity and depth of Asian American culture and its cinema. The new offering gives Comcast digital video customers access to classics, award-winning movies featured on the film festival circuit, and short- and feature-length works with genres ranging from documentary to experimental.

“Cinema Asian America is part of our commitment to deliver exponentially more quality content choice and programming that reflects the diverse interests of our customers,” said Diana Kerekes, Vice President of Entertainment Services for Comcast. “Cinema Asian America will also have a special focus on independent films, both documentary and fiction, as part of our commitment to broaden the reach of independent films.”

Each month, Cinema Asian America will highlight various themes that explore a range of topics and experiences and exemplify the diversity of the Asian American community.

For its inaugural month (from 12/1/10 until 1/3/11), Cinema Asian America will offer a rich selection of award-winning films that have received honors both commercially and critically.

The December lineup offers two thematic groupings of

films. The first is titled, “The Life Quixotic,” which presents several films that feature characters who are taking romantic, impulsive and idealistic approaches to life’s challenges.

Films in this section include: • Fruit Fly—Filipino American musical directed by H.P Mendoza • White on Rice—David Boyle’s hilarious Japanese American family comedy • The Rebel—Blockbuster Vietnamese action film directed

by Charlie Nguyen • Treeless Mountain—Moving Korean American coming-of-age tale directed by So Yong Kim • The second thematic section is “Must-See Docs,” a grouping of incredible documentaries that have won awards worldwide. Films include: • Planet B-Boy—Breakdancing documentary directed by Benson Lee • A Song for Ourselves— Tadashi Nakamura’s short film which looks at the life of Japanese American activist and musician Chris Iijima • The Killing of a Chinese Cookie—Derek Shimoda’s oddball history of the fortune cookie Cinema Asian America is being curated by Chi-hui Yang,

a film programmer, lecturer and writer, based in New York.

From 2000 to 2010, Yang was the Director and Programmer of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, the largest showcase of its kind in the United States.

“I am thrilled to work with Comcast to help launch Cinema Asian America,” said Chi-hui Yang. “There are so many incredible films made

by Asian American filmmakers, and Comcast is bringing viewers around the country an opportunity to discover and access cinema that is dynamic, forward-looking and vital.”

Cinema Asian America On Demand is part of the company’s commitment to deliver more choice and control to its customers through its Xfinity services, which include 100+ HD channels, 50 to 70 foreign-language channels, On Demand video choices increasing to 25,000 and increased broadband speeds of up to 105+ Mbps. Xfinity also offers thousands of online entertainment choices through Xfinity TV online as well as applications that enable customers to program a DVR from the Internet or a mobile device, and cross-platform features like Caller ID to the TV and PC. *Advertising Supplement

Yolanda Ortega Stern (2nd from left) is shown receiving West Bay’s Individual Philanthropist of 2010 from Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr. (extreme left). Looking on are (from left) Chester Pelosoo, Rex Tabora and Carmen Colet.

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AN FRANCISCO -- West Bay Pilipino Multi-Services Center Inc., one of the more successful nonprofits servicing the San Francisco immigrant community, honored six Filipino community humanitarians.

The inaugural event, which celebrated the spirit of giving, was attended by friends of West Bay and its board of directors.

Yolanda Ortega Stern of One World Institute received the “Individual Philanthropist of the Year 2010” ConGen Marciano Paynor Jr. (extreme left) is shown with West Bay’s Humanitarian Awards recipients for her philanthropic work on (from left) Chester Pelosoo, Rex Tabora, Carmen Colet, Pearl Parmelee, Yolanda Stern and Esther Chavez. behalf of disadvantaged children and their families in the San Francisco and finding adequate housing for the family.

Bay Area.

The documentary was filmed by awardThe five other recipients of West Bay’s winning cinematographer Benito Bautista 2010 Humanitarian awards were Chester who produced and directed A Gift of Barong.

Pelosoo of UC Community Partnership, Rex Benito’s documentary concluded with a PowTabora of Social Brewery Pub and Restauerpoint presentation of the same family three rant, San Francisco Commissioner Carmen years after the film was made.

Colet of Colet Special Vehicles Design, Pearl West Bay celebrated its 40th anniversary Parmelee of Mama Sita, and Esther Chavez this year. It has served hundreds of Filipino of Inquirer.net. families and veterans, as well as families from Highlight of the awarding ceremonies other ethnic communities. Rudy Asercion, was a presentation of a documentary entiits executive director, is proud of West Bay tled “Rose” that tracked the life of a Filipino children who have been accepted to one family of five, headed by a single parent, of California’s oldest and highly-respected Rose. West Bay impacted their lives by educational institutions, Lowell High School. helping them avail of family and children’s Asercion has also been instrumental in keeping services for the underprivileged and new the plight of Filipino veterans alive and in the immigrants. There was after-school tutoring, minds of the community and Veterans AdminESL for Rose so she can get a better job, istration.

Loving defines...

From Page 3 the plans did not push through.

Fast forward to 2010, Sharon is now realizing that dream thanks to her recent collaboration with Zen Zest beautiful CEO Michelle Asence-Fontelera, whose beauty company exclusively created an eau de toilette for her.

The megastar is now the proud face of her very own fragrance, Loving by Sharon.

“It just came to a point that I realized most of my peers are having their own perfumes and I thought of the days when I had wanted to have my own as well,” recalls Sharon. “Then I met Michelle Asence and I fell in love with her story. I wanted her company to create my scent. Besides, I’ve always loved the products from Zen Zest that I buy in bulk especially during Christmas to give as presents.”

Zen Zest commissioned known French perfumer Philippe Collet to design a scent that would embody the character, strength and yes, the loving personality of the Megastar. Made in Grasse, France, the center of the French perfume industry and known as the world’s perfume capital, Loving by Sharon hints of a harmonious combination of fresh, fruity and floral aromas that are decidedly

favorites of the design inspiration.

“I’ve always liked citrusy, fresh scents. That’s me. I’ve never liked strong-scented perfumes,” reveals Sharon.

Sharon adds that she came up with the name Loving because it basically defines her.

“Loving embodies what I’m feeling. I’ve always been a loving person. (For instance) I was never mean to others. When I give, it is always heartfelt. When I feel hurt by other people, an amorous gesture is all I need,” shares Sharon.

Excited about her fragrance, Sharon made sure that she had a say in everything even from the start of the scent’s creative process. She in fact chose the look of the packaging which showcases a very sexy, seductive, pouty Sharon in a “barely there” ensemble save for the expensive rock on her right ring finger.

“It depends on your photo angle,” laughs Sharon.

Sharon, through Zen Zest, is planning to release a few more scents inspired by her in the coming months. Loving by Sharon is now available in all Zen Zest outlets and in Boardwalk direct sales.

Post script As of this writing, Sharon and Aga have already talked things out. Here’s hoping it will lead to better friendship.

Lowe’s Energy Center goes...

From Page 7 cording to the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) How much appliances cost to operate. The Kill A Watt EZ ($34.97) by P3 International measures how much appliances really cost to operate. Simply plug the appliance into this device, which plugs into the wall outlet and accurately displays projected costs by week, month or year. It also can measure how much money standby items such as TVs and computers cost when not in use. For more power monitors, including wholehome energy monitors like The Energy Detective ($240) from Energy Inc., visit Lowes.com.

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

in the Energy Center to make it easier for customers to tackle energy efficiency as a project.

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

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

waterproof.

When you’re seeking power on the go. Sunforce’s 1.8-watt Solar Battery Maintainer ($19.97) and 5-watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger ($49.97) use the power of the sun to maintain a full capacity 12-volt battery. The maintenance-free panels work with cars, SUVs, RVs, boats and other vehicles, and can plug directly into a vehicle’s charging port.

When solar panel is the way to go. Consumers who own their homes and have ample sunny, south-facing roof space also might be candidates for Westinghouse Solar’s 180-watt AC solar panels ($893 per panel). Winner of a 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Product Award, the panels are available in the Energy Center at select Lowe’s stores and can be purchased through special order at all Lowe’s locations.

Lowe’s has won eight consecutive Energy Star awards for its leadership as a retailer of energy-efficient products and in 2010 became the first winner of the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in Retail. To

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 10, 2010

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