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Vol. 2. No. 29
LOS ANGELES
A Balita Media Publication
Wednesday - Tuesday, April 3-9, 2013
N. Korea declares ‘state of war’ with South BY LIM CHANG-WON
President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the briefing on the status of passenger volume, traffic, airport security and assistance measures by Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado during the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Area, 2nd Floor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (MNS photo)
SEOUL, March 30, 2013 (AFP) – North Korea on Saturday declared it was in a “state of war” with South Korea and warned Seoul and Washington that any provocation would swiftly escalate into an allout nuclear conflict. The United States said it took the announcement “seriously”, but noted it followed a familiar pattern, while South Korea largely dismissed it as an old threat dressed in new clothing. It was the latest in a string of dire-sounding pronouncements from Pyongyang that have been matched by tough warnings from Seoul and Washington, fuelling inSee STATE OF WAR, page 7
White House: PHL identifies evacuation sites No N. Korean troop action to for Pinoys in South Korea MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – or Alert Level 1 for the estimated back up rhetoric The Philippine Embassy in Seoul has identified two possible evacuation sites for the thousands of Filipinos in South Korea should conflict escalates in the Korean Peninsula. Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said although the situation remains normal in South Korea, Manila’s embassy has imposed a “state of heightened alertness”
40,000 Filipinos working there. Hernandez said the embassy is looking into the Southeastern cities of Gimhae and Daegu as evacuation areas for the Filipinos. Hernandez could not confirm if there are still Filipinos in North Korea, but said as of last year, there were between five to seven Philippine nationals working for non-
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 (AFP) – The White House said Monday that despite days of bellicose rhetoric, North Korea had yet to back up its threats to the United States and South Korea with mass troop mobilizations or movements. With tensions on the Korean peninsula rising ever higher, Washington reiterated that it took
See EVACUATION, page 7
See WHITE HOUSE, page 7
The US military said two F-22 Raptor fighters like the one shown here arrived in the South on Sunday to participate in the annual “Foal Eagle” exercise that will last until April 30 amid threat from North Korea of an “impending war.”(Leading Edge Images photo/Glenn Bloore)
US Navy ship removed from Tabbataha reef MANILA, March 30, 2013 (AFP) - Salvage teams on Saturday removed the last piece of a US Navy ship that was stuck on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reef in the Philippines for more than 10 weeks, the coast guard said. The stern of the USS Guardian was lifted off the Tubbataha Reef after the 68-metre (223-foot) vessel was sliced into portions for easier removal, Philippine coast guard spokeswoman Lieutenant Greanata
Jude said. Bad weather had earlier delayed the recovery operations but once the skies cleared, a salvage ship used a huge crane to lift the bow, the deck, the funnel and other pieces of the ship off the reef. “The salvage ship will still remain in the area. After the lifting, they will clear the area of debris. It will take three days maximum,” Jude told AFP. See US NAVY SHIP, page 7
NDRRMC recorded 12 dead, 531 hurt, 2 missing during Holy Week
US Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the “Gang of 8” that’s crafting an immigration bill during an undated border fence tour with Customs and Border Patrol officials (Photo: US Sen. Marco Rubio’s official website)
MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday reported that 12 people died while 531 were injured and two were missing in various incidents occurred during the Holy Week. NDRRMC identified one of the latest fatality as Roland Deo, 33, resident of Caloocan City, who drowned in Sitio Batog in Barangay Arnedo in Bolinao, Pangasinan at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. NDRRMC said that Deo was
brought to the Rillera Medical Hospital but eventually died. The NDRRMC also cited a belated report that two cousins died at Taal Lake in Barangay Wawa in Tanauan City in Batangas province last Thursday. It said Junior Redondo drowned after tripping from his lifesaver, while his cousin Richard Matanguihan, who tried to save him, also drowned. Both drifted to the deeper part of the lake and drowned. Their bodSee HOLY WEEK, page 7
Rubio: No final agreement on immigration legislation yet Washington, D.C., April 1 – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (RFL) issued the following statement regarding the status of immigration reform legislation being developed in the Senate: “I’m encouraged by reports of an agreement between business groups and unions on the issue of guest workers. However, reports that the bipartisan group of eight senators Ousted president Joseph Estrada (second from right) with (from left) son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay and Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile during a political rally of old. Estrada is running against incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. (Balita file photo)
have agreed on a legislative proposal are premature. “We have made substantial progress, and I believe we will be able to agree on a legislative proposal that modernizes our legal immigration system, improves border security and enforcement and allows those here illegally to earn the chance to one day apply for permanent resiSee IMMIGRATION, page 7
Identified as a “public figure” on a Facebook page that bears his name and his photo which also posted that he is a “California Criminal Defense and Immigration Lawyer”, Atty. Joel Bander (in photo) will face trial after being sued once again by the California State Bar. Bander served a 3-month suspension last year in a separate case, but of similar nature relating to a botched loan litigation program.
Atty. Joel Bander faces the court as ‘the accused’ BY RHONY LAIGO
People, mostly slum dwellers, bathe in the polluted waters of the Manila Bay during Easter Sunday in Manila March 31, 2013. In spite of health risks warnings issued by the local government, people still flock to the harbor to spend their Easter holidays. (MNS photo)
‘Last hurrah’ in politics for Estrada MANILA, March 31, 2013 (AFP) – In typically colorful fashion, graft-tainted former Philippine president Joseph Estrada launched his campaign for mayor of Manila Sunday in what he described as his “last hurrah” in politics. The one-time movie actor, who turns 76 on April 19, said he wanted to end his political career as the mayor of a city where he was born
and in whose sprawling slums he remains hugely popular. “I was born in Manila, I first became a famous actor in Manila, so my career has come full circle,” Estrada told AFP in an interview before addressing thousands of supporters donning shirts in his trademark orange. “But this is my last hurrah in See LAST HURRAH, page 7
(Editor’s note: Atty. Joel bander is the publisher and senior columnist of Pinoywatchdog.com, a new tabloid whose editors published numerous articles maligning the author, his co-employees, his publisher and the publisher’s family. Balita Media is the only Filipino-American newspaper outfit that exposed how Bander’s loan litigation program obtained over 800 victims who were subsequently listed in the Bander Law Firm bankruptcy as creditors.) In June 2012, the California State Bar suspended Attorney Joel Bander, though only for a brief time. He served a three-month suspension that ended in September after pleading “no contest” to charges involving 20 cases, mostly See ATTY. BANDER, page 7
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Wednesday - Tuesday, April 3-9, 2013
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H1-B visas spark new debate on tech workers By Rob Lever
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 (AFP) – As the US government opened up visa applications Monday for highly skilled immigrants, debate flared anew on the tech sector’s demands to be able to hire more foreign workers. The US tech sector has long complained of a shortage of workers with specialized skills, but the debate is further complicated this year by fresh attention to a broader immigration law aimed at bringing millions of undocumented migrants out of the shadows. In what has become an annual rite for the tech sector, the US government opened applications for 65,000 spots for highly skilled workers under the so-called H-1B visa program. US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it expects to receive more requests than available visas by April 5, and if so will set up a lottery. “It will be a frenzy, because the cap of 65,000 visas is nowhere near high
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Labor Certification (PERM) Nurse and P.T. Petitions Specialty Workers (H1B) Treaty Traders & Investors (E) Adjustment of Status (I485) Family Petitions (I130) Employment Petitions (I140) Intercompany Transfer (L1) Extraordinary Ability (O1) Investor Visa ($1M. $500K) Artists & Athletes (P1, P3) Religious Workers (R1) AAO Appeals & MTR
• • • • • • • • • • • •
enough to meet demand,” said Robert Holleyman, head of BSA/The Software Alliance. “If you didn’t know better, you might think the H-1B petition-filing frenzy had something to do with April Fool’s Day. But it’s no joke.” Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith said the squeeze has led to “increased anxiety” at many companies since the visas for the next fiscal year are likely to be filled in the first week. Smith said in a blog post that the situation highlights a shortage in “STEM talent” – people with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “The American economy creates 120,000 new computer-related jobs annually that require a bachelor’s degree, but we are currently producing about 51,000 graduates with a degree in computer science each year,” he said. “We have first-hand experience with the challenges. Currently, Microsoft has 3,400 high-paying, highskilled job openings in core technol-
Request for Evidence (RFE) Notice of Intent to Deny/Revoke Fiancé & Spouse (K1/K3) Student Visas (F1/M1) J1 Waiver (212e) Visitors (B1, B2) Crewman & Transits (C1, D1) Battered Spouse/Child (VAWA) Child Status Protection (CSPA) Removal of Conditions (I751) Citizenship and Naturalization All other Related Matters
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ogy areas that we cannot fill.” But sentiment on the issue is far from universal. Some critics claim the visa program tamps down US wages, while others say the system is abused by companies that outsource jobs to countries like India. According to the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, the top 10 users of H-1B visas in the past fiscal year were companies specializing in shipping American jobs offshore. Vin O’Neill, a spokesman for the IEEE-USA, said there is a long history of companies using the H-1B visas for short-term jobs, only to later transfer those functions elsewhere, often to India’s booming tech sector. “If companies need workers, they should bring people in as legal permanent residents rather
than (on) a semi-permanent basis,” O’Neill said. “As legal residents, the workers are able to quit and move around. Their spouses can work. There are a lot of advantages.” O’Neill said using H-1B visas depresses wages because the workers are at the mercy of the employer, unable to seek a new job unless they find a new sponsor. Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced a measure that would tighten controls for the H-1B program. “The program was never meant to replace qualified American workers, but it was instead intended as a means to fill gaps in highly specialized areas of employment,” Grassley said in a statement. Grassley’s proposal would requires companies to make a good
faith effort to hire Americans first, and would bar companies from outsourcing visa holders to other companies. It is unclear how the broad immigration overhaul will fare in Congress, but many see a hightech component in any reform package. Analysts say the momentum is positive now that Republicans are anxious to improve their image with Hispanic voters after last year’s election loss. Marshall Fitz, director of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress think tank, said he sees a “synergy” with the tech sector and backers of a more broad immigration bill. “This is the best opportunity for the tech sector get their provisions addressed and I think they know that,” Fitz said.
4 million Pinoys still dream of living in the U.S. MANILA, Mar 26 (Mabuhay) – Amid the challenges facing the U.S. economy, it seems many Filipinos still think of it as the land of milk and honey. A survey done by U.S.-based Gallup showed that 4 million Filipino adults want to leave the Philippines and move permanently to the U.S. The Philippines is on the top ten list of countries where migrants would likely come, next to China, Nigeria, India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Mexico. “Potential migrants who would like to the U.S. are logically the most likely to come from some of the most populous countries in the world,” the think tank said. US remains the top desired destination for potential migrants. This was followed by United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Germany and Australia. “The US remains the most popular destination in the world for potential migrants. This is likely because of economic opportunities in the country and the es-
Roman Catholic nuns use ash to mark a cross on the foreheads of believers during Ash Wednesday in front of a Catholic church in Paranaque city, metro Manila February 13, 2013. Roman Catholics make up about 80 percent of the population, which is hitting 100 million, the 12th largest in the world. (MNS photo)
tablished networks of potential migrants,” Gallup said. It also stressed that US is still “the country with the highest leadership approval ratings in the world,” which greatly attract migrants.
The findings are based on a rolling average of results from the interviews between 2010 and 2012. 154 countries were taken as samples, representing too the “98% of the world’s adult population.” (MNS)
PHL says 5,000 have fled Sabah unrest MANILA, March 30, 2013 (AFP) – Almost 5,000 Filipinos have fled the Malaysian state of Sabah since security forces launched an offensive to root out Islamic invaders loyal to an obscure Philippine sultan, a government agency said Saturday. The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said it had recorded 4,983 adults and children who had arrived in the south of the archipelago after fleeing Sabah due to the ongoing fighting. Paslur Abdullah, executive director of the government centre in charge of caring for the new arrivals, said the total was likely to be higher as many would have returned without registering. “They arrive on small vessels. Some of them disembark without registering and they are met by relatives. We cannot detain them,” he told AFP, adding that it was not know if any
of the invaders were amongst those fleeing. The Filipinos began arriving in early March after clashes broke out between Malaysian forces and followers of the self-declared Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III who claims Sabah as his territory. Some 200 followers of Kiram, some of them armed, arrived in Sabah in February in an attempt to claim the Malaysian state for the sultanate, reviving a centuries-old territorial row. The incursion and a Malaysian counterassault has left more than 60 militants dead along with 10 security personnel, according to Malaysian authorities, and strained relations with Manila. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has previously expressed concern that the unrest in Sabah might displace the estimated 800,000 Filipinos working there.
AFP promises to cooperate in Burgos case MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine military said it will continue to submit to legal processes in the case of missing activist Jonas Burgos amid the alleged discovery of new evidence in the abduction. In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said: “Rest assured that we will continue to monitor the developments of the case, and we will remain open shall the higher civilian authority requires our cooperation and service.” A photo of missing activist Jonas Burgos taken days after he was allegedly abducted on April 28, 2007 has surfaced. The Burgos family on Monday filed a motion asking the Supreme Court to order the Court of Appeals to receive the new evidence on Jonas’ abduction. “That photo was taken after the abduction of Jonas. But along with the photo are documents which are confidential which I submitted to the court in a sealed envelope,” said Jonas’ mother, Edita Burgos. She added: “That picture showed that he was probably blindfolded just before the photo was taken. You can see there’s a piece of cloth draped around his neck, it was probably the blindfold that they used. You would notice also that there were also markings under his left eye which would show that he was blindfolded previously.” The AFP, meanwhile, said: “It is well with-
in their constitutional rights to file such motion in the proper court.” It said the AFP “does not tolerate unlawful acts.” “The AFP submits to the legal processes, adheres to the rule of law and continues to uphold and respect human rights,” the AFP said. Meanwhile, one of the authors of the antienforced disappearance law said the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) should immediately take hold of the new evidence in connection with the Burgos case. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said that in light of the new evidence, the ball is now in the court of the government in ensuring a speedy resolution of the Burgos case. Perpetrators of involuntary or enforced disappearances will be penalized with life imprisonment under Republic Act 10353 or the Law against Enforced Disappearance, the Senate bill that Escudero had authored. “The act of involuntary disappearance was considered a crime under the law. We bear witness to cases of forced disappearances which are often left in oblivion without putting those persons responsible for the commission of the disappearances accountable before the law,” he said. (MNS)
THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 3-9, 2013
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PHL tourism achieves back-to-back record growth International visitors to the Philippines for the first two months of the year closed at another record high of 854,187 or a double-digit growth of 10.5% from 772,989 of the same period in 2012. The country extended its record-breaking run by surpassing the 400,000 arrival mark for both January (436,079 arrivals) and February, making it three months in a row since December 2012 with 442,088 arrivals – an uptrend that is expected to continue until the summer months. Visitor arrivals for February 2013 soared 15.52% with 418,108 arrivals, marking the first time that this month achieved more than 400,000 visitors. The Chinese New Year stimulated the growth during the month, with Hong Kong posting a 93.80% growth rate, China registering 69.87%, Macau at 44.05%, and Taiwan at 20.67%. Countries from the ASEAN region likewise registered double-digit gains. For the period January to February 2013, Korea remained the top contributor with 241,116 visitors, growing by 25.6% and cornering slightly more than a quarter of the total inbound traffic. The second largest yield came from the United States with 120,868 or 14.2% of the visitor count. Arrivals from Japan comprised the third biggest arrivals of 73,621 visitors. The list is followed by China with 69,610; Taiwan with 37,921; Australia with 34,095; Singapore with 25,800; Canada with 25,338; Hong Kong with 23,097; Malaysia with 18,947; United Kingdom with 18,563; and Germany with 13,774. Double-digit gains were also experienced in significant source markets such as India (24.99%), Russian Federation (23.97%), Malaysia (23.42%), Hong Kong (18.92%), Singapore (14.47%), and Australia (11.43%) from January to February 2013. By regional grouping, the ASEAN market posted an 18.5% overall growth with the
East Asian region recording a 14.57% increase. “Our tourism numbers are now reaching unprecedented heights. We have a target of 5.5 million this year and 10 million by 2016. Our efforts are in full swing to raise greater demand, facilitate entry and access to the different destinations, and for our suppliers and host communities to come together and create fun-filled experiences. We need to seize this momentum of rising global attention to reach more markets and bring about conversion,” said Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr. “At the same time, front-loading infrastructure projects should address connectivity and multi-modal access. Market development will also work to punch deeper into the segments of traditional markets while creating interest in high-potential emerging markets,” the tourism chief added. With the recent lifting of the Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) by the United Nations – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines can look forward to regaining Category I status from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the subsequent lifting of the European Union (EU) ban. The rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax (RA 10376), which was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier this month, is also seen to aid in improving and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the international travel arena. “With these two major milestones, we shall see greater traffic to and from more destinations, stimulating more business for both foreign and local carriers. With the upward trend in visitor arrivals and recent surge in real estate development, airline companies will begin to see the viability to fill our capacities and make the Philippines a part of their primary route offering. It will be an interesting four years in the run up to our 2016 goal,” Secretary Jimenez added.
A critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City turns 33 years old this year after it was illegally captured in Talakag, Bukidnon in October 1982. Photo taken on Monday, April 1, 2013. (MNS photo)
Aquino orders DOTC, Coast Guard to enhance security in seaports MANILA, Mar 26 (Mabuhay) – Presi- City to inspect security preparations. dent Benigno S. Aquino III ordered on He commended the government agenTuesday Transportation and Communica- cies concerned and the bus operators for tions Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and implementing initiatives in ensuring the Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear safety of the riding public. Admiral Rodolfo Isorena to enhance the “ Andito ‘yung testing for drugs and security and emergency procedures in the alcohol ingestion. So mukhang very seaports to ensure the safety of the passenthorough ang ginagawa nila MMDA gers. Chairman (Francis) Tolentinto, volunThe Chief Executive issued the directive following his visit to Pier 12 in Port Area, tary on the part of the drivers and conManila, the Ninoy Aquino International ductors and naging positive. Ngayon, they found one person out of Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to oversee the everybody who’s driving or conducting preparations being undertaken by various the buses. So nakaka-impress na meron concerned government agencies. tayong ganitong equipment that is alLast week, the Department of Transpor- ready being utilized to enhance the safetation and Communications (DOTC) of- ty of our people,” he said. (MNS) ficially launched OPLAN Ligtas-Biyahe: Kwaresma 2013 to ensure convenient, affordable, INVITATION FOR BIDS reliable, efficient, and safe travel for motorists (IFB) No. 1735-A and commuters this Holy Week. THE RESTORATION AND “Doon sa ship itself, may mga signs that tells PAINTING OF THE you where you are suppose to go, pero all in EngEXISTING WROUGHT IRON SECURITY DOORS lish. Tapos, sabi ko baka naman dapat mas simAND WINDOW BARS plehan ang instructions in the event that there’s an emergency.... These are being taken cared of now The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles by both MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) (HACLA) invites vendors and by the Coast Guard,” President Aquino said. to submit firm fixed price The President, however, cited the enhanced efbids for the restoration and painting of the existing forts initiated by both the shipping and governwrought iron security ment authorities to prevent the shipping of drugs doors and window bars, and prohibited items. perimeter fencing, “Talagang thorough ang ginagawa nila to prehandrails and guardrails at the following public vent all of this contraband from getting on board,” housing developments the President said. located at: Rancho San The Chief Executive was informed that the Pedro Housing Development, 275 W. 1st law enforcers, together with the vessel’s security Street, San Pedro, CA personnel, arrested a passenger who was found in 90731, Estrada Courts possession of shabu. Housing Development, 3232 Estrada Street, Los After his visit to Pier 12, President Aquino proAngeles, CA 90023, ceeded to NAIA Terminal 4, at 10:15 a.m. and Pueblo Del Rio Housing immediately inspected the operations and secuDevelopment, 1801 E. 53rd Street, Los Angeles, CA rity preparations at the airport. 90058, San Fernando The President inspected the ticketing booth, Gardens Housing x-ray area, check-in counters of the Sea Air and Development, 10995 Lehigh Ave., Pacoima, CA pre-boarding gate at the departure area of NAIA 91331. Copies of the IFB Terminal 4. He then went to NAIA Terminal 3 may be downloaded from and inspected the airport facilities. the internet at www.hacla.org under Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) “Doing Business with General Manager Jose Angel Honrado briefed the HACLA”, then click on President on the status of passenger volume and “Procurement traffic, airport security and assistance measures. Opportunities” and click “Construction Goods and The President reminded the government agenServices”. Bids will be cies namely, the Metropolitan Manila Developaccepted by the General ment Authority, Department of Transportation Services Department at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, and Communications, Philippine National Police, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, 90057, until 2:00 P.M., Bureau of Fire Protection, among others to enPacific Daylight Saving Time, May 7, 2013. hance the implementation of their respective tasks 4/3, 4/10/13 to protect the travelling Filipinos and tourists. CNS-2463553# From NAIA, President Aquino proceeded to BALITA MEDIA the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on EDSA, Pasay
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SWS: Majority of poor Filipinos are satisfied MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – Despite the problems they have to face, four out of five Filipinos or 81 percent are satisfied with their lives, a new survey by pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. Even among Class D and E at the bottom of the income scale, the rates of life satisfaction were at 82 percent in Class D and 74 percent in Class E. 95 percent of those surveyed among the better-off Class ABC were satisfied with their lives. The SWS said the fourth quarter 2012 survey conducted among 1,200 adults nationwide on Dec. 8 to 11 showed that of the 81 percent, 33 percent were “very satisfied� and 48 percent “fairly satisfied.� But 20 percent said they felt dissatisfied with life, including 14 percent who said they were “not very satisfied,� and five percent who said they were “not at all satisfied.� The fourth quarter 2012 survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 45 percent of Filipinos who were very satisfied expected an improvement in the quality of life for the next year. The results were posted Monday on the website of SWS’ media partner BusinessWorld. Still, the SWS said this was an improvement from the 76 percent satisfied in March, including 31 percent who said they were very satisfied and 45 percent who said they were fairly satisfied. Also in March, 24 percent of Filipinos had been dissatisfied, including 18 percent who were not very satisfied, and five percent who were not at all satisfied. Also, the SWS noted those satisfied with life were optimistic of the improvement of their lives the general economy this 2013. It added 45 percent of those very satisfied expected an improvement in the quality of life in the next 12 months. Some 40 percent of those very satisfied with life are optimistic the economy will improve in the next 12 months. In past SWS surveys, life satisfaction was above 80 percent four times since September 2010. This fell to 76 percent in November 2010 and March 2012. But the record-high life satisfaction was recorded at 86 percent in December 2011. The lowest, 61 percent, was tallied in September 2002 and November 2003. Satisfaction highest among Class ABC In the SWS survey, 95 percent of those surveyed among Class ABC were satisfied with their lives. Eighty-eight percent of college graduates surveyed, meanwhile, said they were satisfied with life. Among Class D and E, the rates of life satisfaction were lower, at 82 percent in Class D and 74 percent in Class E. “Satisfaction was almost the same for both sexes with 81 percent (30 percent very, 51 percent fairly) among men, and 80 percent (36 percent very, 45 percent fairly, correctly rounded) among women,� SWS said. Also, it said satisfaction was highest among respondents aged 25-34 at 85 percent, and among those married at 82 percent. Satisfaction, however, was lowest among those in the 35-44 age bracket at 76 percent, and among those single or without a partner at 77 percent.
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OPINION Country reaping the fruits of government reforms, says Aquino in Easter message MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – The country has progressed a lot when the true power of government was given back to the people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said in his Easter message Saturday. In his message, the President said the resurrection of Jesus Christ mirrors the hope of the Filipino people to rise from the ill effects of corruption and despair. “Mula nang naibalik sa mga Pilipino ang tunay na lakas ng pamahalaan, at naiwaksi ang kultura nang pagkakanya-kanya at panlalamang, nagawa nating buhatin sa landas ng kaunlaran ang ating bansa,� the President said. For the past several years ago, many Filipinos left the country to find better opportunities elsewhere, but today, the President said there is a renewed interest for them to return to the Philippines because of an improving economy. Also, millions of marginalized and poor people are being prioritized by government to improve their living condition through the Pantawad Pamilyang Pilipino Program, he said. More than three million households are receiving assistance from the government under the program. The government also has made strides to remedy the shortage in classrooms in the country, the President said. The government has been expecting to eliminate the 66,800 classroom backlog before the end of this
year. There is also sufficient food supply for Filipinos today, he said. In the past, the country was importing millions of metric tons of rice that eventually rot in government storage facilities, he said. “Kung dati, ilang milyong metrikong toneladang bigas ang inaangkat at binubulok lang sa mga bodega, ngayon, natatanaw na natin, hindi lang ang pagiging self-sufficient sa bigas kundi ang pagiging exporter nito,� he said. The government is now truly a government by the people that selflessly focuses on their welfare, the chief executive said. With the ongoing initiatives, the government was able to save the country from chaos and hopelessness and in the future will start to reap the fruits of its labor. The President also highlighted in his message the spirit of volunteerism that strengthened the country’s unity. “Ang pagtulong ay nagbibigay-lakas at kalayaan hindi lamang sa natulungan, kundi maging sa nagabot ng tulong. Muli’t muli nating pinatutunayan: wala tayong hindi makakamit kung imbes na magkakanyakanya ay magsimula tayong magbigayan. Sa ating kolektibong pagtutulungan, tiyak na magdudulot ito ng pag-asa at kaunlaran para sa lahat ng mamamayan,� he said. (MNS)
S. Korea leader vows to strike back at North BY JUNG HA-WON
an important display of our commitment to the South Korean alliance,� Pentagon spokesman George Little SEOUL, April 1, 2013 (AFP) – South Korea’s new told reporters in Washington. president on Monday promised a strong military re“The North Koreans have a choice. They can consponse to any North Korean provocation after Pyong- tinue to engage in provocations, with bellicose, overyang announced that the two countries were now in a heated, irresponsible rhetoric, or they can choose the state of war. path of peace,� he said. President Park Geun-Hye’s warning came as North North Korea has already threatened to strike the US Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament formalized the coun- mainland and US bases in the Pacific in response to try’s status as a nuclear weapons state and appointed the participation of nuclear-capable US B-52 and B-2 a sacked economic reformer for a fresh term as prime stealth bombers in the exercise. minister. Monday’s gathering of the North’s Supreme People’s It also coincided with a US announcement that it Assembly, or parliament, was notable for the promohad deployed stealth fighters to South Korea as part of tion of a former premier who was sacked in a reported an ongoing joint military exercise. backlash against his pursuit of economic reforms. At a meeting with senior military officials and DePak Pong-Ju, 74, was unanimously returned to the fence Minister Kim Kwan-Jin, Park said she took the post of prime minister which he had previously held near-daily stream of bellicose threats emanating from from 2003-2007, when he spearheaded modest ecothe North over the past month “very seriously�. nomic reforms of state enterprises. “I believe that we should make a strong and immeAn apparent backlash from the party and the milidiate retaliation without any other political consider- tary saw him suspended from duty in June 2006 and ations if (the North) stages any provocation against our sacked the following year. people,� she said. The parliament also adopted an ordinance on “conHer defense minister made it clear that the South solidating the position of nuclear weapons state for would carry out pre-emptive strikes against the North’s self-defense�, KCNA said, fulfilling the party leadernuclear and missile facilities in the event of hostilities ship’s call a day before for the country’s possession of breaking out. nuclear weapons to be “fixed by law.� “We will... establish a so-called ‘active deterrence’ Sunday’s gathering of the central committee of the aimed at neutralizing the North’s nuclear and missile ruling Workers’ Party, which was chaired by leader Kim threats quickly,� Kim said. Jong-Un, had also insisted that the nuclear arsenal be The Korean peninsula has been caught in a cycle of beefed up “qualitatively and quantitatively�. escalating tensions since the North’s long-range rocket On Saturday the North announced it had entered a launch in December which its critics condemned as a “state of war� with South Korea and warned that any ballistic missile test. provocation would swiftly escalate into an all-out nuUnited Nations sanctions were followed by a nuclear clear conflict. test in February, after which came more sanctions and It also threatened to shut down the joint-Korean apocalyptic threats from Pyongyang as South Korea Kaesong industrial complex, which is a crucial source and the United States conducted joint military drills. of hard-currency revenue for Pyongyang and has been Those threats have run the gamut from warnings of shielded from previous crises. limited artillery bombardments to pre-emptive nuclear The border crossing to Kaesong, which lies 10 kistrikes, and have been met with counter-warnings from lometers (six miles) inside the North, was functioning Seoul and Washington of severe repercussions. normally on Monday. The US military said Monday it had deployed F-22 The operating stability of the complex is seen as a Raptor stealth fighters to South Korea as part of the bellwether of inter-Korean relations, and its closure ongoing “Foal Eagle� military exercise. would mark a clear escalation of tensions beyond all “The F-22s are advanced fighter aircraft and they’re the military rhetoric.
US strategy takes Korean crisis into new territory
jgk8okm8flol5B (5Francisco)
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SEOUL, March 31, 2013 (AFP) – Soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula have seen dire North Korean threats met with an unusually assertive US response that analysts warn could take a familiar game into dangerous territory. By publicly highlighting its recent deployment of nuclear-capable B-52 and stealth bombers over South Korea, Washington has, at times, almost appeared to be purposefully goading an already apoplectic Pyongyang. “There certainly seems to be an element of ‘let’s show we’re taking the gloves off this time’ about the US stance,� said Paul Carroll, program director at the Ploughshares Fund, a US-based security policy thinktank. And the North has responded in kind, declaring on Saturday that it was now in a “state of war� with South Korea. Security crises on the Korean peninsula have come and gone over the decades and have tended to follow a similar pattern of white-knuckle brinkmanship that threatens but finally pulls back from catastrophic conflict. North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong-Il were both considered skilled practitioners of this high-stakes game of who-
blinks-first diplomacy. And they ensured Pyongyang had enough form to lend its threats credibility, having engineered provocations that ranged from blowing up a South Korean civilian airliner in 1987 to shelling a South Korean island in 2010. The current crisis, with Pyongyang lashing out at a combination of UN sanctions and South Korea-US military exercises, diverges from precedent in terms of the context and the main characters involved. It follows the two landmark events that triggered the UN sanctions and re-drew the strategic balance on the peninsula: The North’s successful long-range rocket launch in December and its third – and largest – nuclear test in February. Both may have emboldened North Korea to overplay its hand, while at the same time prompting Washington to decide there was already too much at stake to consider folding. “Rhetorical salvoes are one thing, while rocket launches and nuclear tests are quite another,� said Carroll. In addition, both North and South Korea have new, untested leaders with a strong domestic motivation to prove their mettle in any showdown.
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Native California butterflies taking flight in NHM’s ‘Butterfly Pavilion’ Outdoor exhibit features 53 butterfly species and more California plants – A preview of the Nature Gardens opening in June 2013 Pavilion Open Sunday, April 14 – Monday, September 2, 2013 Los Angeles – The Butterfly Pavilion, the living habitat where hundreds of butterflies flutter among nectaring plants, returns for its 15th year at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) on April 14, 2013. This year, in addition to hosting its usual far-flung travelers from across North America, the Pavilion will also have a distinctive California feel. Of the 53 species of butterflies, 20 will be native to the Golden State. The Museum’s gardeners have also made a shift toward incorporating native plants — a natural source of food for the California flutterers – in order to tell the story of how butterflies survive in the wild. Visitors to the Pavilion may see the state butterfly, the California dogface, munching on the foliage of the desert false indigo. Other native Southern California butterflies and plants include the painted lady, which eats the leaves of the bush mallow. The buckeye butterfly will have the nectar of the lilac verbena flowers to drink and the native black-and-cream colored mourning cloak may be seen snacking on arroyo willow leaves. Telling Butterfly Stories Once inside, visitors can learn about the migration, defense mechanisms, and plant interactions of the Pavilion’s winged inhabitants. The Museum’s staff is interested in showing not just the butterfly — but the creature’s whole life cycle. With more nectar plants and more host plants for caterpillars, careful observers can see the eggs, caterpillars, and some of the pupae of the butterflies. NHM’s Gallery Interpreters, schooled in butterfly facts and carrying iPads loaded with images of each transformational stage, will be in the Pavilion daily to answer visitors’ questions about metamorphosis, butterfly anatomy, and breeding habits. Come in for a Landing Some lucky visitors to the Pavilion may find that curious butterflies alight delicately on their arms, or shoulders. There are many theories about why some people make more attractive perches than others, including clothing colors, and smells. While there’s no sure-fire way to get a butterfly to land on you, it seems that standing still, being tall, and wearing a hat seems to help. Additionally, the best flight time in the Pavilion is after it opens every day – between 10 and 11 a.m. Butterflies like sun, but by afternoon, many of them are looking for shade. In the New Nature Gardens There’s also plenty of butterfly activity outside the Pavilion this year. The new Nature Gardens, a 3½-acre outdoor exhibit opening June 9, 2013, has been industriously planted with butterfly-friendly greenery on a grand scale. A giant living laboratory on the Museum’s north and east sides, the space will offer a range of activities for visitors to help them discover and engage in the natural world of Los Angeles, a biodiversity hotspot. The butterfly species that can only be seen in the Nature Gardens (because they breed well in open outdoor spaces) include the fiery skipper, Hylephila phyleus, which lays its eggs on some of the new grasses, and the gray hairstreak, Strymon melinus, which lays its eggs on the newly planted buckwheat. At the Nature Gardens’ hands-on gardening workshops, homeowners and school children can learn how to create a butterfly garden in their own backyard or schoolyard as well as pick up tips on edible gardening and water conservation. In addition, the new Erika J. Glazer Family Home Garden will be a showplace of fruit trees, seasonal plantings of vegetables in raised beds, and plants that attract beneficial garden bugs The Nature Gardens and NHM’s new indoor science hub, the Nature Lab, also opening June 9, will be home to the Museum’s citizen science initiatives. One, the Los Angeles Butterfly Survey, is a project in partnership with Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) that aims to extend the Museum’s butterfly experience beyond the outdoor exhibits and into the community. For more information on NHM’s roster of citizen science projects, visit www.nhm.org/citizenscience. Gardening Classes: Learn How to Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden at Home In the Home Garden, NHM’s Master Gardener Florence Nishida will offer a series of gardening classes that focus on different techniques: creating good soil, knowing how much and how often to feed and water, starting your vegetables from seed, and transplanting. When: Sundays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2013; 1-4:30 pm Registration Please call (213) 763-ED4U or e-mail educate@nhm.org for more information. Cost: Members: $25 per class, $80 for all 4 classes in the series Non-members: $30 per class, $100 for all 4 classes in the series Discounted to $15 per class, and $50 for all 4 classes in the series for residents of zip codes 90006, 90007, 90008, 90011, 90015, 90016, 90018, 90037, 90062, 90089 NHM Butterfly Pavilion Ticketing Information Special ticketed admission applies to the Butterfly Pavilion. Prices for general admission plus the Pavilion are as follows: Adults, $15; College students and seniors, $11; Children ages (3-12), $6; Museum members and children under 2 are free. Regular Museum admission is: Adults, $12; Students and Seniors, $9; Children (3-12), $5. Museum Members and children age 2 and under are admitted for free. Save the Date: 27th Annual Bug Fair In further celebration of the winged and creepy-crawly, the Museum hosts the 27th annual Bug Fair on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 this year. The biggest bug festival in North America, the Bug Fair offers visitors an opportunity to buy bugs and bug merchandise from more than 70 vendors, see outstanding collections, and learn about the world of arthropods and arachnids with help from the Entomology Curator Dr. Brian Brown and many of the Museum’s other scientists. Fun activities include live animal presentations, citizen science projects, crafts, live music, and some of the greatest bug chefs in the world. For more information, visit www.nhm.org/bugfair About the Natural History Museum The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County serves nearly one million families and visitors annually, and is a national leader in research, exhibitions, and education. The Museum was the first dedicated museum building in Los Angeles, opening its doors in 1913. It has amassed one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history — with more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. The Natural History Family of Museums includes the NHM (Exposition Park), the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, etc.
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A worker counts U.S. dollar bills, which are being exchanged for Philippine Pesos, inside a money changer in Manila April 1, 2013. The Philippines could attract more capital inflows after winning its first-ever investment grade rating, but any boost to local bonds, stocks or the peso currency is likely to be mild for now, investors and analysts say. (MNS photo)
BIR to taxpayers: Use only accredited professionals when filing taxes MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – Those filing their income tax returns must make sure that the accountants and auditors they use are accredited by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the agency said over the weekend. “The BIR has discovered instances when the tax practitioners hired did not pay the taxes and the taxpayer had to shell out the money to pay for the taxes twice,” said BIR commissioner Kim Henares. “Taxpayers have to be very careful with the tax practitioners they hire and they also have to make sure that they are aboveboard. They have to remember the ‘will-
ful blindness’ doctrine that does not let a taxpayer off the hook for misdeeds done by their accountants,” she also said. The BIR filed separate charges against accountant Vergilio Diaz of Bulacan and Caloocan City in February, and against bookkeeper Annalyn Forbes of Bulacan earlier this month. Both were charged with issuing fake receipts and making it appear that they had paid their clients’ taxes but had instead kept the money for themselves. In both instances, the duped clients had to pay the unpaid taxes to the BIR again. (MNS)
Japan to lend PHL $570-M for rail, airport MANILA, March 26, 2013 (AFP) – The Philippines said Tuesday it would borrow more than $570 million from Japan to fund an expansion of the capital’s light rail system and a new airport for one of the nation’s top tourist attractions. More than three-quarters of the package will be for the Manila Light Rail Transit system’s expansion to two neighbouring provinces, the foreign department and the Japanese embassy said in separate statements. The transport department is expected to tender shortly for the 81.3-billion-peso ($1.98-billion) project, which will provide urgently needed alternatives for people
commuting between Manila and nearby areas. “This project... (will be) contributing to the mitigation of road congestion in Metro Manila,” a Japanese embassy statement said. The light rail expansions, covering 15.7 kilometers (9.7 miles), are due to be completed by 2015. The loan will also provide part of the financing of a $190.5-million airport planned on Panglao island adjacent to Bohol island. This will replace a small airport now in operation on Bohol, which has seen massive growth in tourist traffic in recent years, the embassy statement said. Japanese ambassador to Manila Toshinao Urabe signed and
Heidi Klum saves son from drowning LOS ANGELES, April 02, 2013 (AFP) – Supermodel Heidi Klum plunged into the ocean to save her seven-year-old son from drowning during their vacation in Hawaii, US media reported Monday. The German model, also well-known for her reality television show “Project Runway,” said her son, Henry, and two nannies were swept away by a big wave on the beach in Oahu on March 31. “Of course, as a mother, I was very scared for my child and everyone else in the water,” she told US Weekly magazine in an exclusive statement.
exchanged notes on the projects on Monday, the two governments said. Neither side disclosed details about the terms of the loan, worth 54.03 billion yen ($573 million), nor when the money would be distributed. Japan has accounted for about a third of all official development assistance to the Philippines in recent years, according to the embassy. INVITATION FOR (IFB) No. 1733-A
BIDS
THE EXTERIOR PAINTING OF SEVENTY FOUR (74) BUILDINGS AT GONZAQUE VILLAGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) invites vendors to submit firm fixed price bids for the exterior painting of seventy four (74) buildings at Gonzaque Village housing development. Copies of the IFB may be downloaded from the internet at www.hacla.org under “Doing Business with HACLA”, then click on “Procurement Opportunities” and click “Construction Goods and Services”. Bids will be accepted by the General Services Department at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, th 4 Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Saving Time, April 29, 2013. 3/30, 4/3/13 CNS-2461970# BALITA MEDIA
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UTREACH One in five US teenage boys diagnosed with ADHD: report
(From L to R), Mr. James Worden, CEO of Solectria Renewable (Solren), Mr. Derick Botha, VP Sales and Marketing of MOTECH, Commercial Counselor Maria Roseni “Nini” M. Alvero, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Mr.Winston Mendoza, Chairman/CEO of Mendoza Lim Solar LLC., Mr. WarrenSeehuus, VP Global Operations of Lim Solar LLC., Mr. Scott Bowden, Director for Business Development of Solectria Renewable (Solren), and Mr. Lawrence Rosenthal, Managing Director of ProESCO Group LLC.
Fil-Am firm to bring solar energy solutions to PHL WASHINGTON, DC—A Filipino-American solar power company will be pouring in $119 million in five priority projects in the Philippines this year, the Philippine Embassy said today. In a press release, the Embassy said Mendoza Solar, a United States-based company, will be undertaking the projects with its subsidiary in the Philippines and its American partners. The Embassy said Winston L. Mendoza, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Mendoza Solar and its Philippine subsidiary, Lim Solar, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. on 20 March, where he informed the envoy of his projects that include a $45-million solar power-fuel cell farm in Davao. In addition to the Davao project, Mendoza informed Ambassador Cuisia that his companies and its affiliates will also have solar energy projects for Glacier Cold Storage, De La Salle University, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Camp Aguinaldo. “Our solar energy solutions are quick to deploy and in the future will find applications in smaller communities in the Philippines,” Mendoza told Ambassador Cuisia, adding that he also has lined up projects for some 15 medium-sized companies in various provinces in the Philippines. According to Trade Representative Maria Roseni Alvero, Mendoza will be supplying different types of
solar generation solutions to the Philippines over the next few years. These projects would impact on the electrical consumption of certain government-owned facilities and commercial activities, contributing to decreased reliance on fossil fuel, electrical cost savings and cleaner environment. Alvero said Mendoza Solar’s $45-million project in Davao consists of a 15-megawatt solar-fuel cell farm that will save the city P27 million annually in electric bills. Its project with Glacier Cold Storage would introduce a solar-fuel cell hybrid solution that will generate at least P7 million in annual savings from electricity. The US affiliates of Mendoza Solar-Lim Solar include Pro-ESCO Group LLC, Solectria Renewable, Gexpro and Motech, which are market leaders in high technology, particularly in renewable energy. Mendoza established Lim Solar in the Philippines in 2010 to address the peak energy shortage in the country. He has obtained a standby financing of $800 million from National Standard and $ 500 million from ProEsco Group LLC and a consortium of US banks. To complement the solar electric system, Mendoza is also promoting the use of state-of-the-art portable fuel cell electric system that will address base energy needs in the Philippines. A combination of fuel cell and solar systems, it ensures an uninterrupted 24hour supply of electricity in even the remotest areas.
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 (AFP) – Nearly one in five American teenage boys is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, marking a dramatic rise in the past decade, the New York Times reported on Monday. The condition, for which potent stimulant drugs like Adderal or Ritalin are often prescribed, has been previously estimated to affect three to seven percent of children. The newspaper compiled the data from raw figures provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which took a phone survey of 76,000 parents from 2011 to 2012. The report said that 15 percent of school-age boys in the United States have received an ADHD diagnosis, compared to seven percent among girls. Among those age 14 to 17, the rate was higher: 19 percent for boys and 10 percent for girls. An estimated 6.4 million children ages 4 through 17 have received an ADHD diagnosis at some point in their lives, a 16 percent increase since 2007 and a 53 percent rise in the past decade, the newspaper said. Experts said the figures were surprising and raised concern about the potential for abuse of the medications used to treat ADHD, as well as risks of misuse including psychosis, anxiety and addiction. “We need to ensure balance,” CDC director Thomas Frieden was quoted as saying. “The right medications for ADHD, given to the right people, can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, misuse appears to be growing at an alarming rate.” James Swanson, a professor of psychiatry at Florida International University and a leading ADHD researcher, expressed concern about the findings. “There’s no way that one in five high-school boys has ADHD,” he was quoted as saying. “If we start treating children who do not have the disorder with stimulants, a certain percentage are going to have problems that are predictable – some of them are going to end up with abuse and dependence.” The newspaper also noted that sales of stimulants that treat ADHD have more than doubled in recent years. In 2007, sales amounted to four billion dollars; in 2012 they were to nine billion dollars.
NRA-backed group favors armed guards in
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2013 (AFP) – Putting trained armed guards in US schools would help underpin the safety of their students, a task force launched by the National Rifle Association (NRA) after the Newtown massacre said Tuesday. Releasing a 225-page report in Washington, the National School Shield program echoed the NRA’s position that more guns in the right hands, rather than tougher gun laws, is the best recipe for confronting gun violence. INVITATION FOR BIDS “The specific finding is that the presence of an armed security personnel (IFB) No. 1734-A in a school adds a layer of security and diminishes response time that is THE RE-ROOFING OF SEVENTY FOUR (74) benefi cial to overall security,” said task force chief Asa Hutchinson. BUILDINGS AT GONZAQUE VILLAGE “We recognize that the decision (to deploy armed guards) is localHOUSING LOS ANGELES, March 29, 2013 (AFP) – A local businessman de- ly made. Some school districts decide not to go that direction,” added DEVELOPMENT fended Friday a plan to hand out free guns to people in crime-hit parts Hutchinson, a former member of Congress and Drug Enforcement AdThe Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles of Tucson, where US lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head ministration chief. (HACLA) invites vendors in a 2011 massacre. to submit firm fixed price “We want to make sure our resources are available whenever decision is bids for the re-roofing of As local politicians slammed the plan, former mayoral candidate made. I come from a rural state. The smaller school districts struggle. This seventy four (74) buildings at Gonzaque Village Shaun McClusky told AFP that arming over 30 local people had noth- is a key tool to provide more options for school security and safety.” housing development. Copies of the IFB may be ing to do with the Giffords shooting, which revived America’s perennial downloaded from the The NRA launched the National School Shield initiative in the wake internet at www.hacla.org gun control debate. of the December 14 killing of 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy under “Doing Business with HACLA”, then click on “I think what happened to Ms Giffords was a horrific incident. But Hook Elementary School in affluent Newtown, Connecticut. “Procurement her incident and citizens protecting themselves in their homes are comOpportunities” and click “Construction Goods and pletely unrelated,” he said. Services”. Bids will be accepted by the General “This is about individuals, single parents protecting their families,” Services Department at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, added McClusky, who said he hopes to give guns to 36 individuals, who th 4 Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, March 28, 2013 (AFP) – A groundwill be trained and undergo background checks, to be ready to use them Pacific Daylight Saving Time, April 29, 2013. breaking solar-powered Swiss aircraft is ready to make a coast-to-coast within about 60 days. . 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War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. From page 1 ternational concern that the situaThe North had announced eartion might spiral out of control. lier this month that it was ripping “As of now, inter-Korea relations up the armistice and other bilatenter a state of war and all mat- eral peace pacts signed with Seoul ters between the two Koreas will in protest against South Korea-US be handled according to wartime joint military exercises. protocol,” the North said in a govThe White House labeled the ernment statement carried by the latest statement from Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency. as “unconstructive” and, while tak“The long-standing situation of ing it “seriously”, sought to place the Korean peninsula being neither the immediate threat level in conat peace nor at war is finally over,” text. the statement said, adding that any “North Korea has a long history US or South Korean provocation of bellicose rhetoric and threats would trigger a “a nuclear war”. and today’s announcement follows The two Koreas have technically that familiar pattern,” said Nationremained at war for the past six de- al Security Council spokeswoman cades because the 1950-53 Korean Caitlin Hayden.
STATE OF WAR
ATTY. BANDER From page 1
relating to the failed loan litigation program he had heavily promoted. Three months later, after being reinstated to “active status”, Bander found himself again facing another case filed by the State Bar against him. Although, this time, unlike last time, Bander has elected to go to trial. (Update: A settlement is being worked out after Thursday’s pre-trial conference, after two tries between Bander and the State Bar failed. Judge Richard A. Honn has encouraged both parties to come into an agreement as a trial is “costly.” The State Bar prosecutor alone said he will call 35 witnesses against Bander, including complainants and former lawyers who worked for Bander.) The new set of complaints include 20 counts all relating to the botched “Save Your Home, Sue the Banks” program. These counts were filed on December 20, 2012, almost exactly one year after Bander’s plea of no contest was submitted to the Judge in the first State Bar case that Bander had faced. Previously, Bander agreed not to dispute the earlier charges from the first State Bar case, having pleaded “no contest” – therefore he was culpable of all charges, according to the State Bar. This time, the stakes seem higher. Bander could be facing long years if not permanent disbarment, if found guilty. Bander is representing himself, in what could be the most serious and challenging case of his career. Bander has denied any “culpability” in this latest round of State Bar complaints. Bander is currently facing a variety of allegations that include but are not limited to attorney’s fees paid by clients and claims from homeowners who hired Bander Law Firm (BLF) with the hope of saving their home or reduce their mortgage at the height of the home crisis in 2009 and 2010. The homeowners claimed to have paid the BLF thousands of dollars, but they allegedly didn’t get the legal service they were promised. Also, these individuals claimed to have been misrepresented and ultimately they had to deal with the legal consequences after Bander allegedly took actions without their knowledge. One such case was that of homeowner Eduardo Lorenzo. The State Bar alleged that although Bander filed a case against Countrywide Home Loans, Bander didn’t inform Lorenzo that his lender countered with a demurrer (an objection to Lorenzo’s allegations). The State Bar also alleged that Bander dismissed the case (without prejudice, meaning he could re-file a new case) but that this was without the approval and knowledge of Lorenzo, who paid $2,000 to the BLF firm in advanced fees. “On or about January 28, 2010, the court dismissed the Lorenzo Action. At no time, did (Bander) inform Lorenzo that a request for dismissal had been filed in the Lorenzo Action, or that the Lorenzo Action was dismissed,” in violations of the State Bar’s Business and Professions Code, according to the State Bar. (A few days later, on February 12, 2010, the BLF filed for bankruptcy.) Although Bander did sue Lorenzo’s bank, he didn’t do the same
on behalf of property owner Francis Spoonemore who paid Bander $8,000, the State Bar said. Spoonemore hired the firm in January 2009 and was “assured” that Bander was “planning to file a lawsuit on his behalf.” Spoonemore also alleged that he was assured that the BLF had a “solid ground” against his lender. After ten months had passed, however, Spoonemore claimed that Bander then told him that “mortgage litigation was no longer a viable option.” In the case of Spoonemore, the State Bar alleged that, “At no time during Respondent’s representation of Spoonemore did (Bander) file a lawsuit…or otherwise provide legal services. By failing to file a lawsuit on behalf of Spoonemore or otherwise provide legal services of value, (Bander) intentionally or recklessly failed to perform services with competence.” The State Bar said that by not refunding the $8,000 to Spoonemore and by failing to refund “unearned fees,” Bander violated the State Bar’s “Rules of Professional Conduct.” In his response, Bander said that the Lorenzo demurrer “was not a significant development.” He also stated that dismissing Lorenzo’s case was a “procedural matter.” However, Bander did not answer Lorenzo’s accusation that he (Bander) was never given authorization nor was he given consent at any time to dismiss his case against Countrywide. In other charges, Bander also blamed the lack of forensics that were supposed to have been done by another lawyer – Atty. Rupert Domingo – prior to him investigating and prosecuting the lawsuit against the lenders. Bander blamed Domingo as the culprit in the other cases and he ended up suing Domingo as a result. Bander also disputed the State Bar’s allegations that he (Bander) didn’t provide legal services to his clients. A pre-trial conference was held last week at the courtroom of Judge Richard A. Honn. Daily formal hearings in the case of Joel Bander will begin on April 8. A battery of State Bar lawyers led by Chief Trial Counsel Jayne Kim will try Bander. But it is Deputy Trial Counsel Ross E. Viselman, a product of Harvard Law School, who was assigned to the case. According to a website called LegalHelpMate.com, Viselman has “extensive experience representing clients in criminal defense and litigation matters.” Meanwhile, Weekend Balita learned that at least one former lawyer at the BLF received a subpoena to appear as a witness for the State Bar. Prominent lawyers who had worked at the firm included Atty. Tim Umbreit and FilipinoAmerican lawyers Norberto Reyes III and Mary Lynn Tanawan Sanga. Bander and his firm had about 800 clients who signed up for the loan litigation program, the majority of whom were Filipinos. Fullpage advertisements by Bander appeared in a competing FilipinoAmerican newspaper back in 2008 and 2009, where he also served as counsel. Each homeowner who retained the firm was believed to have paid at least $8,000. In the earlier State Bar complaint, at least one property owner – Justin Kim – said he paid Bander $25,000 for legal services he didn’t get.
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EVACUATION From page 1
government agencies there. “We have not had the chance to verify if they have already left the area,” he said. Tensions between the two Koreas ratcheted up in recent days after Pyongyang on Saturday said it was entering a “state of war” with South Korea following what it called “hostile” military drills being staged by the South with United States forces. South Korea said it will retaliate if North Korea would launch an attack on its territory.
Hernandez said Philippine officials in Seoul are in close and regular contact with the Filipino community leaders as part of efforts to refine the existing contingency plan. In its report to the Home Office in Manila, the embassy said it is “business as usual and that life proceeds normally” in South Korea. Nevertheless, the embassy said it is closely following developments in the Korean Peninsula and is “preparing for any eventuality.” “The embassy continues to monitor the situation in coordination
with South Korean authorities and with the US forces and the United Nations command in South Korea,” Hernandez said. In the meantime, Filipinos in South Korea were urged to visit the embassy website for additional information on the contingency plan, watch TV, listen to radio and read newspapers on the ongoing developments in the Korean Peninsula. A travel ban for Filipino tourists, on the other hand, is not being considered at the moment, Hernandez said. (MNS)
Earlier, the US military said it had deployed stealth fighters to South Korea as part of a joint military exercise that has triggered dire North Korean threats of armed retribution. Two F-22 Raptor fighters arrived in the South on Sunday to participate in the annual “Foal Eagle” exercise that will last until April 30, a spokesman for the US forces in South Korea told AFP. In an earlier show of force, Washington last week dispatched two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers from their base in Missouri on a 13,000 mile round trip over South Korea. On Saturday, North Korea declared it had entered a “state of war” with South Korea and warned Seoul and Washington that any provocation would swiftly escalate
into an all-out nuclear conflict. South Korea and the United States have met the near-daily threats from Pyongyang with their own warnings of severe repercussions, fueling international concern that the situation might spiral out of control. The crisis will be top of the agenda when South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se meets US Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department on Tuesday, officials said. Kerry will also directly intervene in the crisis in his debut trip to Asia since taking over from Hillary Clinton, which begins next week and includes stops in South Korea, Japan and China. “This will be very much front and center, and particularly in Beijing,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
Due to fears that towing it to deeper waters would inflict more damage on the reef, the US government agreed to scrap and dismantle the Guardian, which was worth about $277 million. A team from the Philippine government and major universities has already been assembled to assess the damage caused when the ship ran aground, said Tubbataha Reef marine park superintendent Angelique Songco. Under Philippine law, ships
that run aground on Tubbataha are fined 24,000 pesos ($585) for every square meter of damaged reef, she said. She said the area of the reef damaged by the USS Guardian has been initially estimated at 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) but the assessment team will still check this. “We will inspect the total damage to establish exactly what they have to pay,” Songco said.
Last week, President Barack Obama said that he expected the Senate would start debating comprehensive immigration reform next month, putting an optimistic spin on the legislation’s prospects. In an interview with the Univision Spanish-language television station, Obama praised a bipartisan group of Democratic and Republican senators working to come up with a joint bill on the issue. “The good news is, it seems like they are actually making progress. My expectation is that we will actually see a bill on the floor of the Senate next month,” he said. In a separate interview with Telemundo, Obama said Congress could pass legislation by this sum-
mer. Immigration reform is a centerpiece of Obama’s second-term agenda and would represent a substantial enhancement of his political legacy if he can get it passed. Long-stalled immigration reform efforts gained momentum after the November elections, in which Obama won another term with overwhelming support from Hispanic voters for whom the issue is a motivating one. Obama has courted Republican leaders on the issue and a group of senators from both parties is seeking to wrap up an agreement on a proposed law that would bring 11 million undocumented migrants out of the shadows.
ies were found after an hour’s search by relatives and people nearby. The NDRRMC said that of the 12 fatalities, six were from Region 4-A (Calabarzon), three from Cagayan Valley, and one each from Ilocos, Region 10, and Caraga. The disaster agency added that of the 12 fatalities, seven were due
to drowning, two from vehicular accident, two from gunshot wounds and one due to fire incident. Of the 531 injured, 493 were from Metro Manila, 24 from Region 4-A, seven from Cagayan Valley, six from Region 10, and one from Central Luzon. On the other hand, Apple Joy
Carion, 13, was reported missing in Caguray River at 9 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Tuong, Magsaysay town in Occidental Mindoro; while Cristy Dion, 39, resident of Barangay Cabalaongan, Rosales, Pangasinan was also missing. Search-and-rescue operations are still ongoing. (MNS)
LAST HURRAH
anizer and heavy drinker said he could “still jog a kilometre thrice a week” and was healthy enough for the day-to day-rigours of running one of the country’s busiest city halls. “My public service to the people has no boundary,” he said. “The poor did not leave me and supported me all the way. I am returning the favor.” If he won, Estrada said he would continue his programs for the poor that were halted when an uprising ousted him as president in 2001,
halfway through his six-year term. Following a marathon trial, he was convicted in 2007 of corruption for plunder and taking kickbacks worth tens of millions of dollars while president. He was however quickly pardoned by his successor Gloria Arroyo. Estrada consistently maintained that his ousting was a conspiracy involving the influential Catholic church and the elite who feared his populist ideas. He ran again for the presidency in 2010, coming in second behind Benigno Aquino.
WHITE HOUSE From page 1
Pyongyang’s war talk seriously but also noted that threats and warnings were nothing new from the isolated state. “Despite the harsh rhetoric we’re hearing from Pyongyang, we are not seeing changes to the North Korean military posture, such as large-scale mobilizations and positioning of forces,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said. “We haven’t seen action to back up the rhetoric,” Carney said, adding, “what that disconnect between the rhetoric and actions means, I’ll leave to the analysts to judge.” Washington has warned North Korea that it will take robust efforts to defend its allies in Asia and repeatedly tells Pyongyang to stand down its nuclear program and that its “unproductive” rhetoric is selfdefeating.
US NAVY SHIP From page 1
The minesweeper ran aground on Tubbataha in a remote part of the Sulu Sea on January 17, damaging a section of the reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich marine life. The incident sparked widespread condemnation across the Philippines, a former US colony. The US government has apologized for the accident, which it initially blamed on faulty maps. The Philippines said it would impose fines.
IMMIGRATION From page 1
dency contingent upon certain triggers being met. However, that legislation will only be a starting point. “We will need a healthy public debate that includes committee hearings and the opportunity for other senators to improve our legislation with their own amendments. Eight senators from seven states have worked on this bill to serve as a starting point for discussion about fixing our broken immigration system. But arriving at a final product will require it to be properly submitted for the American people’s consideration, through the other 92 senators from 43 states that weren’t part of this initial drafting process. In order to succeed, this process cannot be rushed or done in secret.”
HOLY WEEK From page 1
From page 1
politics. I just want to clean up Manila and put its affairs in order before retiring,” he said. Estrada said his first priority was to bring urban renewal in the capital city of 1.6 million people, many of whom live in slums plagued by petty crime. He said he also planned to fight rising criminality and end alleged corruption at city hall. The self-confessed former wom-
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Eating fish linked to longer life: US study (WASHINGTON-AFP) – People age 65 and older who eat fish may live an average of two years longer than people who do not consume the omega-3 fatty acids found mainly in seafood, a US study suggested on Monday. People with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids also had an overall risk of dying that was 27 percent lower, and a risk of dying from heart disease that was 35 percent lower than counterparts who had lower blood levels, said the study. The research was led by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health and was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. While other studies have demonstrated a link between omega-3 fatty acids and lower risk of heart disease, this research examined records of older people to determine any link between fisheating and death risk. Researchers scanned 16 years of data on about 2,700 US adults aged 65 or older. Those considered for the study were not taking fish oil supplements, to eliminate any confusion over the use of supplements or dietary differences. Those with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids found mainly in fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, sardines, herring and mackerel, had the lowest risk of dying from any cause, and lived an average of 2.2 years longer than those with low levels. Researchers identified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as most strongly related to lower risk of coronary heart disease death. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was strongly linked to lower risk of nonfatal heart attack, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was most strongly associated with lower risk of dying from a stroke. The findings persisted after researchers adjusted for demographic, lifestyle and diet factors. “Our findings support the importance of ad-
equate blood omega-3 levels for cardiovascular health, and suggest that later in life these benefits could actually extend the years of remaining life,” said lead author Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health. “The biggest bang-for-your-buck is for going from no intake to modest intake, or about two servings of fatty fish per week,” said Mozaffarian.
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Tech obsessed? Go on a digital detox holiday (Relaxnews) – The latest concept aimed at Silicon Valley’s stressed-out tech junkies is California’s Camp Grounded, a summer camp for adults who leave their gadgets behind and get back to basics with bunk beds and bonfires. For US$305, which includes meals and bunk-bed accommodations, campers Put your gadgets away: digital detox holidays are a rising check in their laptops, motrend among hotels and retreat centers. Photo: AISPIX by Imbile phones, social media acage Source/shutterstock.com counts, and work jargon for an “off-the-grid weekend of pure unadulterated fun.” The camps are organized by Oakland, California-based wellness organization Digital Detox, which offers monthly retreats and device-free cocktail parties. The company is also launching, for the first time, three international retreats this spring, with ventures planned for Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Recently the hotel industry has tapping into the digital detox trend by requiring guests to hand over their electronic devices at the front desk. They range from a simple “Be Unplugged” option at the Quincy Hotel in downtown Washington, DC, to more developed unplugged packages like one offered by St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Here guests are asked to leave their devices at home as part of the digital-detox package; also, when reserving, guests receive a booklet explaining how to function without access to technology, and an onsite coach is on hand for extra help. No. 1 Korean Hair Salon
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Beauty blogger Kandee Johnson’s self-tan tips. Photo: Kandee Johnson Youtube screengrab (http://youtu. be/QtnWmqRaEKw)
Beauty tutorials: Self-tanning (Relaxnews) – The importance of exfoliation, application techniques and which body parts to do first: as summer approaches, we take a look at some self-tanning tips. Kandee Johnson Beauty-blogging queen bee Kandee recommends SUN tanner, and uses the brand’s exfoliator beforehand in the shower to remove dead skin. She starts with the face, applying evenly and rubbing it into the skin. She then moves down to the neck, paying special attention not to skip over the skin behind the ears, her chest and arms come next, before the back and legs. Kandee recommends you wash the palms of your hands when you finish,using exfoliator to make sure you don’t end up with extra dark skin.You can top up the effect with a self-tanning moisturizer. http://youtu.be/QtnWmqRaEKw RachhLoves RachhLoves also uses a SUN Labs product. Also freshly showered and exfoliated, Rachel begins by pumping a small amount into her hand, and dots it evenly over the skin on her arms, before rubbing it in. On her face Rachel dabs small amounts “like warpaint” before blending it, and then applying to the neck (again making sure to get the behind the ears spots). She then takes a cotton pad, runs it under water, and wipes off any excess self-tanner on her lips, around her nose, over her eyebrows, along the hairline, and lightly along her jawline. After fully washing her hands,she applies a small amount of tanner to the back of her hands with a cotton pad. http://youtu.be/4HKVOUGZq_U Sali Hughes The Guardian’s beauty writer Sali Hughes decides to try some wash-off tans, an alternative to self-tan as sometimes “it doesn’t Filipina go onactress very well”. For Hughes, wash-off tans are an easier and model and less permanent solution. The products don’t rub off, and “look much more natural”. Sali Winnie Morada also recommends a body scrub to give yourself a smooth base, but make sure you don’t add “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” star any body lotion after your shower. Wash-off tans work best on dry skin and doesn’t mix well with skin creams. Her tip is to bend your knees and stretch out your feet to make sure the color is applied evenly. The wash-off product dries quickly, and you can layer color on for darker tones, just like using foundation. While Sali focuses on her legs, she assures viewers that the products work all over the body. http://youtu.be/jnb3bIXOe9o
Digital kills beauty: Supermodel photographer (NEW YORK-AFP) - Sante D’Orazio, a photographer at the heart of the supermodel era, said Friday the switch to digital cameras means greater detail than ever before, but the loss of something more important: beauty. “The sense of emotion is gone. It creates a detachment from the subject. The character of the personality is gone,” D’Orazio said of the digital production chain and its torrent of perfect, heavily-edited pictures. “That’s the danger of post-production in digital. People kill anatomy. They have no sense of anatomy. The sense of realism takes away from the sensuality.” D’Orazio, speaking at the opening of a sale in New York of some of his most famous fashion shots, knows a thing or two about beautiful women. After getting his first job with Andy Warhol, the New York-born photographer went on to become famous for his late 1980s and 1990s pictures of models like Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, Christy Turlington and Eva Herzigova. The pictures are variously poetic, even sculptural, often smoldering and sometimes borderline pornographic. D’Orazio, 57, said the supermodel era that he’s credited with helping to create is truly over. “The term started with these girls,” he said, gesturing at the huge, provocative prints of models in the private sales gallery of Christie’s in Manhattan. “Everybody else is just usurping the title.”
His former muses are still world famous, but for the most part have moved on. “They’re busy with their kids and that,” he said. But their now iconic images have become “collectible” – a development he hopes will fuel sales at his Christie’s exhibit, titled “Other Graces.” According to D’Orazio, commercial fashion photography is not what it was and the abandonment of film has a lot to answer for. In film, “there’s an emotional quality that the digital loses. Digital creates a facade. Film has depth to it,” he said. “Thank God, I kept all my film cameras. Nobody wanted to buy them anyway.” But a broader loss in quality comes in the shift from the likes of the ethereal Kate Moss to famous-for-being-famous celebrities like Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton. It’s a “trash” world where “the new pop is porn,” said D’Orazio. D’Orazio dropped out of the fashion frontlines for several years, but said he’s found a way to navigate this new terrain while maintaining his integrity: turning porn into art. In his newest works, which he hopes collectors will discover after being lured in by his conventional fashion images, he took “old ‘70s porn and scratched out the faces and their privates and what it did was make a moving abstract,” he explained. “As an artist, you basically do a portrait of what you see,” he said, referring to Western society’s embrace of pornography. “That’s what our culture is.”
Women with less belly fat are better fat-burning machines: (Relaxnews) – Even among fit, young women, those who have a higher ratio of abdominal fat are less efficient at burning fat when working out compared to women with less belly fat, a new French study finds. Researchers gathered a group of 21 healthy, young active women who were at normal weights and grouped them by the ratio of their abdominal fat distribution to their lowerbody fat distribution. Subjects then road a stationary bike for 45 minutes at 65 percent of their VO2 max, meaning they weren’t exercising at a high intensity. While both groups had a similar level of fitness, those with less belly fat used stored body fat better when cycling than the women with more abdominal fat. According to Runner’s World, the findings suggest that the reduced “metabolic flexibility” signaled that, even among the young and fit, their bodies were starting to find ways to conserve fat. Findings were published this week in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Still, while prior studies have found that abdominal fat is less healthy than, say, fat stored on the thighs and hips, the good news is that there is something you can do about it. Experts say the best way to combat belly fat is to keep exercising and reduce stress.
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MOTORING ‘Green’-tinted SUVs at Seoul Motor Show
This picture taken on March 28, 2013 shows a South Korean model posing with BMW i8 Concept during a press preview of the Seoul Motor Show in Goyang, north of Seoul. Gas-guzzling SUVs, eco-friendly electric cars and the odd brave attempt to marry the selling points of both are taking centre stage at the biennial Seoul Motor Show. AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE
like Germany, Japan and the US,” Hyundai Motor CEO Kim Choong-Ho said. Hyundai, which plans to sell 1,000 units globally by 2015, claims it is at least two years ahead of competitors like Honda or Toyota, who are developing their own hydro fuel-cell cars. Infiniti, the luxury brand of Nissan, gave pride of place to its new electric sedan, LE Concept, best known for its wireless battery recharging system. OFFICIAL NISSAN COMMERCIAL VAN &electric TRUCKSmodAlthough leading brands are developing els, the market for them still faces challenges, said one car expert.leading “Hybrid cars have firmly established themselves in the market, but electric cars still have a long, long
Nissan gaining US market share in March NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 (AFP) – Nissan said Wednesday it expects to pick up market share in the all-important US market this month, but it still remains far from its target. The Japanese automaker expects to sell more than 132,000 cars in March, which would take its market share to 8.8-8.9 percent, up from just 7.8 percent in January, Nissan’s director of sales for the US Jose Munoz said on the sidelines of the New York Auto Show. Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the Nissan-Renault alliance, acknowledged that the company remains far from its target of 10 percent market share in the US by 2016. “Unless we hit 10 percent market share in the US, we are not getting a fair return on our investment here,” Ghosn said. Ghosn was hopeful about US sales, but wary of economic trends in Europe. “We are preparing for three years of no growth in Europe to 2016,” Ghosn said. “We hope we will be wrong.” The recent drop in the yen gave a boost to the company’s Japan operations, according to Ghosn. The currency’s retreat has enabled Nissan to keep a promise to manufacture a million cars in Japan. The auto giant hopes to win authorization from the Chinese government this summer to build a plant in China. Ghosn figures that Nissan “lost” about a year’s worth of business due to tensions between Japan and China over contested territory between the two countries. Anti-Japan protests in China, the world’s biggest auto market, pushed sales lower. “We had headwinds, we are now coming back,” Ghosn said. “We are bullish on China.”
US cars post best US sales since 2007
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CHICAGO, April 2, 2013 (AFP) - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler reported their best US sales performances since 2007 Tuesday as analysts predicted the auto industry as a whole would also rack up its biggest month in five years. GM said it posted its best March performance since 2007 “thanks to a strengthening economy and new products” as sales rose six percent to 245,950 vehicles. It forecast that total industry sales would come in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.2 million vehicles once all automakers have reported, which would be the fifth consecutive month with a sales pace over 15 million. “Sales of smaller cars have been robust for some time,” GM sales chief Kurt McNeil said in a statement. “Trucks have improved in lockstep with the housing market and the strength of the crossover market signals that America’s families are more confident about their financial health.” Chrysler said its sales rose five percent to 171,606 vehicles in March despite limited inventory of some of its best-selling models, including Jeep and heavy-duty Ram trucks. It was the company’s 36th consecutive month of gains in year-over-year sales, and the strongest sales for any month since December 2007.
way to go,” Kim Pil-Su, an auto expert at South Korea’s Daelim University, told a forum on the sidelines of the auto show. A lack of infrastructure, including recharging stations, high prices and “misguided” marketing campaigns have resulted in the electric car industry losing its initial momentum, he said. “To make electric cars more appealing to consumers it’s better to fiPRE-OWNED rst marketCERTIFIED them as a second car for downtown NISSAN driving VEHICLES or short-distance AVAILABLE trips, instead of a car to entirely replace gas-fuelled cars,” Kim said. The Seoul show is open to the public from March 29 through April 7.
d. S. Brand Blv
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(GOYANG, South Korea-AFP) – Gas-guzzling SUVs, ecofriendly electric cars and the odd brave attempt to marry the selling points of both are taking centre stage at the biennial Seoul Motor Show. Carmakers including Hyundai, Toyota, GM, BMW, Volkswagen and Ford are taking part in the 10-day event, with nine models making their global debut as Seoul seeks to catch up with betterknown Asian auto shows in Tokyo and Beijing. Sports utility vehicles, including Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4, are still the fore, despite their heavy frames and high fuel consumption – long seen as challenges to luring drivers in Asia’s congested cities. French carmaker Renault gave an Asian debut to its new QM3 crossover – a downsized mix of SUV and passenger car – at an elaborate celebration event. The colorful orange vehicle, first unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show, will hit the market in the second half of this year, said Francois Provost, chief executive of Renault’s South Korean unit. Renault Samsung Motors is hoping the model will mark a “new beginning” for the firm, which has struggled with sagging sales in recent years, Provost said. The company also flagged plans to start production of its electric sedan, SM3 Z.E., at its plant in the southern city of Busan this year. The SM3 Z.E. covers around 120 kilometers (75 miles) on a single charge with a top speed of 135 kilometers per hour. US automaker General Motors gave an Asian premier to the all-electric version of its Chevrolet Spark, heralding it as a “new benchmark” for urban electric vehicles. Production of the electrically-powered hatchback began at the firm’s plant in the southern city of Changwon earlier in March. The car’s 20-kWh lithium-ion battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity in 20 minutes, and its electric motor is capable of powering the car from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in about 9.0 seconds. South Korea’s top carmaker Hyundai Motor showed off its hydro fuel-cell Tucson SUV model which started production in February at its plant in the southern city of Ulsan. The car, which generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen from the air, can travel much longer distances than battery-powered vehicles. “We have achieved the feat of commercial production of hydrogen fuel cell cars for the first time in the world, ahead of nations
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Anne excited over possible teamup with John Lloyd
Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis was all smiles as she talked about a possible teamup with John Lloyd Cruz in an upcoming movie. Curtis said she is more than willing to work with Cruz, who is among the most bankable actors today. “Of course, sobra. I want to work with
John Lloyd. He can do drama, he can do comedy. Puwede din local action, why not ‘di ba? ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ we could do something like that. It would be an honor to work with such a great actor,” she said. As early as now, Curtis said she is already imagining their would-be characters. “Being able to combine two different genres that earned blockbuster hits, like ‘No Other Woman’ is totally different from the genre of John Lloyd, which is romantic-comedy, so maybe finding a way to combine that would be challenging. I would wonder kung ano bang script ang bagay sa amin. That would be a challenge for the director and the scriptwriter if ever,” she said. However, Curtis said she does not want to get excited just yet because nothing is final until they start shooting. “For me, hangga’t hindi pa nagsa-start mag-shoot, hindi pa,” she said. Earlier. Cruz said that his next big project might be a film with Curtis. “Probably another movie, I’m not sure yet. I’m hearing Anne Curtis but you know in this business hanggang hindi pa nangyayari, hindi pa,” he said.(MNS)
Richard Yap wanted to become a doctor the hardest decisions he ever made. Nonetheless, Yap fulfilled his father’s wish for him to pursue a business management degree at the De La Salle University. Despite this, Yap said his dreams of going back to a medical school didn’t stop. “Gusto ko talaga i-continue ‘yung med. Actually, after two terms sa La Salle, I took a leave of absence kasi I wanted to go back to med nga,” he said. At that time, Yap admitted that he was considering applying for a premed course at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). “Pero sabi ng UST, I have to go back to first year college, I have to start all over again. That’s when I thought ‘I Richard Yap wasted two years na. Hindi na lang. Tapusin ko na lang ‘yung business, two Richard Yap, more known as Sir years na lang naman,’” he said. Chief in the daytime hit series “Be With all these at the back of his Careful With My Heart,” revealed that entering showbiz was never part of his mind, Yap said showbiz was never included in the picture. plan when he was younger. And up to this time, Yap wonders Yap disclosed that he actually enviwhat is it in him that people loves. sioned himself to be a doctor. “Naisip ko,’Bakit?’ Parang pumasok Born from a family with a traditional lang ako sa showbiz, naging guwapo Chinese father, Yap said he had to stop na ako. Dati naman, walang nagsasabi studying his pre-medicine course even if he already had his own career mapped sa akin noon, nanay ko lang. There’s nothing naman extraordinary about out. me. I’m just on TV. ‘Yun lang iyon. “I was in the second year of my preThat’s the only difference,” said Yap, med course, medical technology, when who is currently in the Middle East for my father voiced out what he told me the first leg of the “Be Careful With what he really wanted for me. Gusto niya talaga ako mag-business manage- My Heart” world tour. Asked what he thinks is next for him ment. Ako gusto ko mag-medicine,” he now that he’s already in showbiz, he said. said: “Every job has a reason for you “Very traditional Chinese kasi siya to be there. I guess we are all here at so gusto niya lalaki ang mag-take over some point in our lives because we are sa business kasi dalawa lang kaming going to do something better. Hopelalaki,” he added. fully, this will lead to bigger or better But Yap made a deal with his dad. things in the future.” “Sabi niya ‘Mag-business ka, kung Yap rose to fame after he played hindi, hindi na kita susuportahan.’ Sabi Papa Chen in the ABS-CBN series ko ‘Sige, trade off. If you want me to study business, gusto ko sa Manila ako.’ “My Binondo Girl” but he became a household name after he accepted his That was the deal we made,” he said. Born and raised in Cebu, Yap admit- role on “Be Careful With My Heart.” (MNS) ted that living in Manila was one of
Ara Mina
Cristine Reyes
Cristine Reyes, Ara Mina patch things up All’s well that ends well for celebrity sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes, who after months of misunderstanding, have finally patched things up. In her official Instagram account on Monday, Reyes posted a photo of her and Mina hugging each other. Her caption says: “With the gift of listening comes the gift of healing.” Mina also posted a different version of the picture with the caption: “Just like the rainbow after the rain. A good thing will always happen after you experience the pain.” In Reyes’ succeeding posts, it can be seen that the reunion of the previously estranged sisters happened during a family gathering attended by their relatives. It would be recalled that Reyes alleg-
edly asked Mina to turn over an SUV as payment for the remaining P1.8-million balance for a Quezon City townhouse they bought in 2011 for their mother. If not, Reyes allegedly threatened that she will continue her personal attacks against Mina. Then in April last year, Mina filed charges of libel and grave coercion against her younger sister not to claim money but to “teach her a lesson” for her attitude. Mina earlier demanded through her counter-affidavit that Reyes issue a public apology for her to retract the case. Reyes have already said sorry since then, but Mina refused to accept the apology saying she found it insincere. (MNS)
John Lloyd wants reinvention in future projects
John Lloyd Cruz
If it were just up to him, John Lloyd Cruz would love to reinvent himself and play offbeat characters in his future projects. But Cruz also knows that this is easier said than done as he also does not want to turn off his core fans, who are used to seeing him in drama or romantic-comedy roles. “Sana I can reinvent myself more. I really want to make it happen,” he said. “Mahirap eh. I also don’t want to alienate my audience. Hindi ko itatapon ‘yung pag-aalaga sa akin ng Star Cinema for the past how many years para lang sa kagustuhan kong magexperiment. Darating ako sa point na iyon. Naniniwala ako.” Cruz stressed that he values what he’s doing now, such as the latest installment of his trilogy with Sarah Geronimo, “It Takes A Man and A
Woman,” which opened Saturday. “Sa amin, especially when you’re part of a network, madalas sinasabihan kami na ‘You keep doing the same movies.’ Madalas minamaliit ‘yung mga genre na ginagawa namin. Lagi kong sinasabi na try niyo munang gawin bago niyo maliitin,” he said. The 29-year-old actor said it is not easy to play different characters in one genre. “You cannot look at the same person,” he pointed out. “Halimbawa, the way I look at Laida in the movie when I’m so in love with her, hindi puwedeng ganun din ang tingin ko nung na-in love ako sa character ni Toni Gonzaga nung ginawa namin ang ‘My Amnesia Girl.’” Cruz calls this “reinventing himself ” but in a smaller scale. “Mas malaki ang challenge because parang mas mahirap pa iyon eh. Pagawain mo ako ngayon ng totally offbeat, hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero baka mas maginhawa pa ‘yun gawin. Kaysa mabigyan ka na ito lang ang parameters mo pero kailangan iba. Iyon para sa akin ang napakahirap,” he said. “For a time naging trend siya, especially ‘yung paggawa ng indie (movies). In a way, some actors they think it legitimizes you as an actor kapag gumawa ng indie to the point na naging trend siya, na ‘yung independence mismo, nag-suffer, parang nagamit, na-exploit. So now, I’m happy kung nasaan ako,” he added. (MNS)
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Gab Valenciano, Coleen Garcia call it quits CONFLICTING priorities and fear of entering a long distance relationship have pushed television personalities Coleen Garcia and Gabriel Valenciano to end their one-year romance. Gab recently left for the United States to pursue a degree in music technology in Orlando, Florida. Before his trip, Coleen said that they ended the relationship peacefully. “Andun pa rin yung respeto and it’s a beautiful relationship. I don’t regret it because ang dami kong natutunan. It changed me also in a way, I became more responsible and mature,” she said. “Actually, wala naman talagang nag
decide na parang we need to breakup. Sa sobrang daming pressure na nilalagay sa relationship namin, away kami ng away. Pabigat ng pabigat yung mga away. Showbiz pa, aalis siya and we have different goals,” said Coleen. She also believes that a long distance relationship will hardly work. “We’re at the same stage of our lives na paangat pa lang kami. Mahirap na yung long distance relationship, paano pa kaya na dagdagan pa an showbiz kami. Lahat ng hirap na meron ang isang relationship nararanasan namin ngayon,” she said. There was a point that Coleen
wanted to leave her showbiz career and go to the States but she realized that will be unfair to her family and mother network ABS-CBN. “I reflected on it and he’s (Gab) doing this for himself. Kung i-priority yung relationship, dapat hindi siya pupunta, but that’s not how it should be. Dapat next to God and your family, it’s yourself,” she said. “I have a good life here. My family is here. Parang ano yun bigla an lang ako aalis? Bigla ko na lang iiwan yun? He’s prioritizing himself, I’m prioritizing myself also.” Coleen said her love for Gab’s family will not change. (MNS)
Sarah G thanks fans for movie’s success Singer-actress Sarah Geronimo thanked those who supported her movie “It Takes A Man And A Woman” with John Lloyd Cruz, which earned P32.6 million on its first day. “Muli po maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong pagsubaybay sa love story nila Miggy at Laida! Maraming salamat para sa inyong nag-uumapaw na suporta at pagmamahal sa dalawang characters na ito..ganon din sa buong cast,” Geronimo said. She also thanked the production team behind the movie, which was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. “On behalf of the entire production team, sa Star Cinema at Viva Films, sa director namin direk Cathy GarciaMolina... Kay Ate Carmi Raymundo, our scriptwriter at lalo na po sa buong staff and crew, MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO! To GOD be the glory! We thank you Lord for giving us unconditional love. ;) Happy Easter
Sarah Geronimo
everyone!,” she added. “It Takes A Man And A Woman” is the final installment in the romanticcomedy trilogy starring John Cruz and Geronimo after “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life.” In the third and final movie, Miggy
Julia Montes
Julia Montes to be paired with new actor
The tandem of Julia Montes and Coco Martin will temporarily have to take the backseat as the actress is set to be paired (Cruz) and Laida (Geronimo) try coexist in the same company after break- with a new actor in an upcoming project. “‘Yung makaka-partner ko ...may ading up over a character portrayed by ditional so hindi ko alam kung sino ang actress Isabelle Daza. bago. Hiwalay muna kami ni Coco,” she Now with more experience and a “fiercer” attitude after spending years in said. But Montes confirmed that actor the United States, the returning Laida even challenges Miggy, her former em- Enrique Gil will definitely be part of this upcoming project. ployer, in his business decisions. “Hopefully mag-start na ‘yung story The set-up later proves challenging conference. Wala pang title pero may mga for the former couple to withstand, nasasabi na sa aking makakasama ko. Si making it difficult for them to finally Enrique is parang sure na,” she said. come up with a “happy ending.” Without saying whether it is going With the first two movies among to be a new movie or a television series, the highest grossing local films of all time, “It Takes a Man and a Woman” is Montes said their first story conference is expected to replicate the success of the set in April and that’s when she’ll know more details about the project. first two films. “A Very Special Love,” Montes’ most recent project with ABSreleased in 2008, made P179.3 million, while “You Changed My Life,” released CBN was “A Moment Like This,” her in 2009, earned P225.2 million during first full-length movie with Martin after the phenomenal series “Walang Hangits theatrical run. (MNS) gan.” (MNS)
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Bookkeeping By Ruth 213-598-0704 PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - EDWARD
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