Weekend Balita August 15, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

LOS ANGELES

VOL. XXII, NO. 28

AUGUST 15 - 21, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

LP can’t wait forever for Poe Mar may have to pick somebody else for VP

President Benigno S. Aquino, accompanied by newly installed Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, during the inspection at the Philippine Navy Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Headquarters of the Philippine Navy, Naval Station Jose B. Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila City on Monday (August 10). (MNS photo)

Lawmaker admits marijuana use, claims it has no adverse side effects MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker on Tuesday sought to drum up support for his pet bill legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes by admitting that he had used the drug in his youth. Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III amused several of his colleagues and guests at the hearing of the House Committee on Health

on House Bill 4477 with his colorful tale of marijuana use in his younger years. He opened up about his experience in experimenting with marijuana to dispel misconceptions that it is a “gateway drug” that will cause users to try other illegal substances. “Ang kinatatakutan nilang ito ay magiging gateway drug— ako gumamit ng marijuana noon, hindi ako naadik. Hindi ako nag-cocaine o shabu,” Albano said. Though he had experienced getting various kinds of “highs” after experimenting with different kinds of marijuana, the lawmaker said nothing bad happened to him after trying out the drug. “Wala namang nangyari sa akin because See MARIJUANA, page 10

MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – “Walang forever.” President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesman, Sec. Edwin Lacierda, gave this answer on Wednesday when asked how long the ruling Liberal Party (LP) will wait for Senator Grace Poe to become the running mate of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the administration’s presumptive standardbearer for the 2016 polls. At a press briefing, Lacierda said Aquino and the rest of the LP still want Poe, the top choice for next president and vice president based on recent polls, to team up with Roxas. The President’s spokesman however said that the administration party is also looking at other possible vice-presidential bets, whom he did not name.

“At the moment, we are still hoping that Senator Grace Poe would consider being the vice-president of Secretary Mar Roxas, but there are other people who we feel are appropriate candidates for that particular position,” Lacierda told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. The Palace could not give a definite answer when asked for a time frame on Aquino’s choice for the administration’s vice-presidential bet. Poe has repeatedly said that she has yet to make up her mind on her plans for the 2016 polls. The neophyte senator met with Aquino several times over the past weeks on the possibility of having a “unified ticket” for the upcoming elections. They, however, See LP CAN’T, page 10

LP eyes Kiko, Serge, Leni, et al for 2016 Senate slate MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – Who’s on the Liberal Party slate of potential senatorial candidates? At least four candidates are sure to make it to the list while 11 more are still being considered by the party. Liberal Party political affairs chief Edgar Erice bared four names who are sure to make it to the list. They are Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senators Ralph Recto and TG Guingona III and current food security chief Francis Pangilinan. Meanwhile, those on the “big list” who are still being considered are Sen. Sergio Osmena III, TESDA chief Joel Villanueva, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Tourism In-

frastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority chief Mark Lapid, former energy secretary Jericho Petilla, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Manila ViceMayor Isko Moreno and Mark Villar, son of former presidential candidate Manny Villar. Erice said the LP is still talking to coalition partners including Osmena despite his earlier criticisms of President Aquino. “Typical Serge. Tuwid na daan naman si Serge,” he said. He said a lot of the candidates will be deciding after the ghost month. See LP EYES, page 10

VP Binay’s camp claims billions of govt savings to fund Roxas 2016 campaign MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – At least P303 billion in government savings may have been made available by the ruling Liberal Party (LP) to fund the campaign of its presumptive standard bearer, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, according to a spokesperson of Vice President Jejomar Binay. Lawyer Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesperson for political affairs, said Wednesday it is “perplexing” that the Aquino administration asked for a P2.265-trillion national budget in 2014 then only to declare 13 percent of it or P303 billion as savings. “[Budget] Secretary Butch Abad has said in an interview this will be released in the second half of this year. Why? We can not help but think that the ‘savings’ will be used to fund the campaign of LP presidential candidate Mar Roxas,” Quicho said. “Why release the funds in the second See FUND ROXAS, page 10

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (left) is greeted by Vice President Jejomar Binay (right) upon her arrival at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Tuesday. Arroyo was given a furlough by the court to visit the wake of her brother, Art, who passed away early Tuesday. (MNS photo)

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In debt? If you’re in over your head and are struggling to keep up to date on your credit cards, store cards, car payments and or mortgage, don’t lose hope. There are several strategies you can use, to make things more manageable, while still protecting your credit score. However, ignoring the situation will certainly make it worse. If the problem is temporary, perhaps due to illness, but your credit rating is still good, call your credit card company and ask them to lower your payments for 90 days, and also give you a When you owe money and have diffilower rate on finance charges. There is a culty in making payments, you have three great deal of competition between credit choices: card companies and they want to keep you Declare bankruptcy, Enroll in a creditas a paying customer. counseling program, or Disappear. Of If your problem is more permanent these, bankruptcy is the only option that or unsolvable, if your credit is already gives you a fresh start, and allows you to damaged, you should consider turning to re-establish credit within a very reasonprofessional help to find out which options able period of time. You sometimes hear are right for you. Often, just discussing people say that it takes seven or ten years your credit problems with a professional to regain your credit. Nothing is further can relieve stress and help you come up from the truth. You can qualify for some with a plan that’s just right for your current credit cards within months of a bankruptcy situation. Without a plan, you are drifting. discharge, and get a mortgage within three With a plan, you are back in control. years. Until recently, some mortgage That’s where we come in – many of companies only required a year, but new our clients do not file bankruptcy, they regulations in the industry have tightened simply want a plan or strategy that will credit requirements. help them out of their mess, and back on There are two types of personal banktheir financial feet. Using an attorney to ruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter call your creditors is an excellent strategy, 7 bankruptcies erase all of your unsecured because there are no emotions involved. No debts. You are not required to pay the collection pressure, simply a professional erased debts, you can keep all of your negotiator working on your behalf. When “exempt assets” Chapter 13 bankruptcy is creditors realize they are talking with a a repayment plan, often used to reinstate bankruptcy lawyer, they usually bend over arrears on a mortgage over a three to five backwards to accommodate our requests. year period, or service outstanding taxes. Why? Because with bankruptcy lawyers, It also stops IRS garnishments and levies. some money is better than no money, and So why do you need an attorney? they know that. Some paralegal services charge a miniNo debtors prisons! mal fee to prepare and file the necessary If you owe money, but have no job or as- paperwork to file a bankruptcy. While in sets, you probably do not need the protec- some cases this may not be a major probtion that bankruptcy gives you. There are lem, it has been my personal experience no debtor prisons in America, and creditors that the risk is simply not worth it. Much cannot enforce a judgment, if you literally of what goes into the petition comes from have nothing. It certainly isn’t necessary insight of a qualified bankruptcy attorney. to file for bankruptcy just to get annoying Paralegals cannot see all the potential collection agencies off your back either. pitfalls and problems that may arise. They Under the Federal Fair Collection Practices also cannot represent you in court. Further, Act, you can legally force collection agen- if you list things incorrectly in your peticies to stop calling or harassing you, by tion, or omit necessary items, it is your writing to them and demanding that they problem, not the paralegal’s. You sign all stop, even if you owe them a bundle and your bankruptcy papers under penalty of can’t pay a cent. perjury. I know of several cases, where However, these debts do not go away the debtor has had to appear in front of a by itself, and even if you do not have a job judge, facing the complete denial of their now, you may find one later. Remember, discharge, pleading with the judge to help old debts can trigger wage garnishments! them because they didn’t have an attorney In a situation like this, you may want to representing them. Ultimately, the debtor consider the merits of a bankruptcy. People may have to spend several thousand dolwho choose to file bankruptcy, usually do lars to remedy a situation that could have so, because they have something to protect. been prevented, or at least planned for, at Money in the bank, a car, house or wages the outset. from their job. Even if you do not have curCall me today, and sleep better tonight. rent assets to protect, you can immediately Attorney Paul M. Allen, Law Offices of begin the process of repairing your credit, Paul M. Allen, can be reached at 818-552since the bankruptcy prohibits creditors 4500. We have two convenient locations: from continuing to report negative pay- Glendale and La Palma. ment history. Stop collectors’ calls There is a federal law that protects you no matter where you live in America. It’s called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and it regulates what a debt collector can do. You can stop the Collector from ever contacting you again by sending a ”Cease all Communications” letter. This law also applies to attorneys who collect debts. Don’t be hassled by a debt collector...use the letter. It works...it’s the law! This is a simple and effective letter: Dear Collection agency, As per the Federal Fair Collection Practices Act, I hereby demand that you cease and desist all future communications with me. Do not call or write to me, at home or my place of employment. Failure to stop your harassment will result in a complaint to State and Federal authorities. Sincerely...

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Trillanes: 2 more exposés vs. VP Binay this month MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will be presenting two new allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay when the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee resumes its investigation on the anomalies linked to the Binay family this August. “Merong dalawang bagong exposé,” Trillanes said in a text message to reporters Monday without elaborating. “Sa Aug. 20 at 26 ay may hearing po kami ulit dito kay VP Binay dahil nai-ready na ‘yung ilalabas natin,” he added. On Sunday, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, who chairs the subcommittee, said they will not conclude their investigation until Binay’s trusted aide of Binay, Gerry Limlingan, who has also been linked to the anomalies, shows up. “Hangga’t wala si Limlingan, hindi kami hihinto. Sa dalas mabanggit ng pangalan niya, kailangan talagang mahanap itong taong ito,” he said, adding Limlingan is vital to their investigation. Binay, who linked the allegations to his expected run for the president next year, is accused of rigging bids, overpricing contracts, and involvement in illegal transactions during his term as mayor of Makati.(MNS)

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Trillanes shows up at DOJ probe, says he has witnesses on CA bribery MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) -- Sen. Antonio Trillanes on Thursday claimed he has witnesses to prove his claim that Court of Appeals justices had been bribed to rule in favor of stopping the suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar “Junjun” Binay over corruption allegations. On the sidelines of a preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice, the lawmaker, however, refused to give details on the witnesses and their claims for security purposes. Trillanes showed up at the DOJ to submit his counter-affidavit to a libel complaint filed against him by Binay for having “publicly and maliciously” accused the mayor and his family of bribery and other crimes of irregularities “without factual basis.” Binay’s complaint cited an April 7 interview with Trillanes that he said was aired over several radio and TV programs and quoted in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report where the senator accused him of bribing members of the CA 6th Division “by paying them millions of pesos in exchange for favorable action” on the temporary restraining order against his suspension order. On Thursday, Trillanes, a former Navy junior officer who led several attempts to overthrow the government, said his witnesses are reluctant to come out as of now due to security reasons. “Mayroon po akong basis, mayroon tayong impormasyon, may nagbigay sa atin. Mayroong testigo at ‘yon ang aking basis ng pagsasabi ng statement na iyon,” he said. “Ngayon, mayroon pang reluctance kasi

babaligtad ang kanilang mundo kapag ginawa nila itong [pag-testigo]. Ang sa akin naman, itong paghahayag kong ito would lead to pagbabago ng hudikatura then all these troubles are worth it,” Trillanes added. Witness protection Trillanes also refused to answer questions from the media if his witnesses are court staff or affiliated with the Court of Appeals, saying revealing that information would put their lives at risk. He said while having the witnesses placed under the Witness Protection Program is an option, it is never a guarantee of their safety. “After nito, pag hindi na ito mainit na issue lahat tayo will move on with our lives, pero sila maiiwan and in a few months and a few years kung biglang naitumba na ‘yang mga iyan, paano na tayo?” he said. “May mga testigo na rin na dahil lumabas, nagpa-subject sila sa WPP [pero] eventually mga tinumba. So these are not guarantees. Mabigat itong mga impormasyon na binigay nila,” Trillanes added. Trillanes also confirmed that he is “informally” coordinating and consulting with both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals to investigate his bribery claims. He, however, would not say who among the SC officials he is in touch with. “I am not authorized yet [to say] kung sino. But they know,” he said. “We are not out here to destroy the institution kasi may mga tiwali lang naman. Sila [judiciary] naman yung pwedeng makapag linis ng hanay nila,” Trillanes clarified.

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Mar, Grace in tug of war over NPC? MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – Is the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) torn between Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and neophyte Senator Grace Poe? NPC congressmen on Tuesday showed up at Roxas’ headquarters to show support for the Liberal Party’s (LP) standardbearer. The NPC congressemen include Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Teves, Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado, Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap, Bacolod

Rep. Evelio Leonardia, South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon, Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, Cebu Rep. Gerald Gullas, Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Victor Yu, Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz, Rizal Rep. Isidro Rodriguez and Masbate Rep. Scott Lañete. Also present in the meeting were General Santos Mayor Darlene AntoninoCustodio and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Lou Antonino. The meeting was held following pronouncements from NPC President, Deputy

Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao, that the party is inclined to back the tandem of Poe and Francis Escudero should they eventually decide to run in 2016. NPC spokesman, Rex Gatchalian, however, said the party has yet to decide on the matter. “The NPC as a party has not decided whom it will support in the next elections. Members are free to express their opinions on who they prefer. They are free to explore options and listen to the different declared candidates,” he said.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier declared Roxas as his anointed one. This, after he supposedly failed to convince Poe to be Roxas’ running mate, in an effort to keep the administration coalition intact. Roxas has been meeting with allies since the president’s endorsement. Last week, he met with allies from local government units at a San Juan restaurant. Tomorrow, his mother Judy Araneta Roxas will host a lunch for the Congressional Spouses Foundation at a family-owned mall in Quezon City.(MNS)

Binay camp says Goldilocks cakes smaller, blasts deception MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – The camp of Vice-President Jejomar Binay believes there was deception and possible collusion in the bidding of cakes for Makati senior citizens on Monday. Joey Salgado, spokesperson of VicePresident Binay, said the premise for the bidding is wrong since the cakes purchased from Bakerite under suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay were not overpriced. He pointed out that lawyer Renato Bondal admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that he only made a guess that the Makati cakes were priced at P1,000 each when documents later showed that the price of the cakes was only P306 each. Salgado also insinuated there may have been collusion between acting Mayor Kid Pena and Goldilocks, the lone bidder who showed up on Monday. He said Makati already had a formal bidding but the notice of award has not yet been issued to Bakerite. “This is on record, last month [ViceMayor Pena] said ang magsu-supply Goldilocks na and he even quoted the price

between P260 to P285. Ngayon kahapon ano ang lumabas? Goldilocks was the lone bidder and the price that Goldilocks quoted was along that same price range, from P260 to P285. That raises for us a lot of questions. You express preference for this supplier and the supplier is the lone bidder,” he said. He also said the cakes of Goldilocks are smaller than Bakerite’s, hence the lower cost. He said Bakerite is a reputable bakeshop with headquarters in Quiapo, Manila. “These are smaller cakes. Obviously if you ask for smaller cakes, the quotation and bid would be smaller. That’s clearly a case of deception. Linoloko na naman nila ang media,” he said. Pena earlier said that he would rather have popular bakeshops such as Goldilocks and Red Ribbon to supply birthday cakes to Makati’s senior citizens to avoid controversy over the costs. “Hangga’t maaari para wala na lang shadow of doubt sa lahat ng mga bagay na ‘yan, gusto ko iba na lang ang gumagawa ng cake. Gusto namin i-try ‘yung Red Ribbon or Goldilocks,” Pena said.

A Court of Appeals order freezing 242 bank accounts and other financial instruments of Vice-President Binay and associates also revealed that the Binays have links to Kim Tun Chong, the sole proprietor of a business that supplied the birthday cakes. On Monday, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Danilo Villas said the current supplier, Bakerite, was invited to join in the bidding for the cakes contract but did not join. Gilbert Delos Reyes, new head of the Makati public information office, said the

entry of Goldilocks might have caused other interested bidders to back out. “Dahil Goldilocks iyan, dambuhalang kumpanya, ‘yung mga dating nag-signify baka natakot,” Delos Reyes said. Goldilocks’ bid was P8,666,080.50. This includes delivery of 31,187 cakes for senior citizens of Makati. Based on the bid documents of Goldilocks, each cake will cost from P266P285, depending on the size. The contract covers cakes to be delivered from August 15 to December 31, 2015.(MNS)

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LTFRB suspends entire Valisno fleet after deadly crash MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday afternoon issued a 30-day preventive suspension order on the entire fleet of the Valisno Express bus company, hours after one of its units figured in an accident that left at least four people killed and 16 others injured in Quezon City. In a series of tweets, the office of LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the 30-day preventive suspension will be effective upon receipt by the company. Ginez said LTFRB inspectors will confiscate all yellow plates of the 62 buses of the Valisno Express. He added that the entire fleet will undergo roadworthiness inspections by the Land Transportation Office. The LTFRB chairman also said all of the bus company’s drivers will be required to undergo a road safety seminar, drug test and secure clearances from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. A Valisno Express bus with plate number TXV 715 was speeding along Quirino Highway when it rammed a concrete post at around 7 a.m. Two persons were instantly killed and two more died while being treated in the hospital.

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PAL’s half-year profit soars Manila, Philippines | AFP | Tuesday 8/11/2015 - Philippine Airlines’ parent company saw its first-half profit soar nearly ten-fold, boosted by strong demand during the peak summer months, the Philippine Stock Exchange said Tuesday. Interim net income for January to June rose to 5.8 billion pesos ($127 million) from 560 million pesos during the same period last year, PAL Holdings said in an exchange filing Tuesday. Revenues increased to 55.9 billion pesos from 48.9 billion pesos, with passenger revenues up 15 percent to 47.1 billion pesos, it added. “These results should put PAL back on the radar screens of investors,” First Grade Holdings managing director Astro del Castillo told AFP. The company returned to profitability in 2014 for the first time in three years, with a net income of 129.74 million pesos. Asia’s first airline has struggled in recent years as it has faced increased competition from budget carriers, high fuel prices and a labor strike. The company has embarked on a $7-bil-

lion re-fleeting program, involving over 50 new, more fuel-efficient Airbus jets to replace its ageing fleet. It is also seeking a new investor to help fund its expansion plans. The airline reopened its New York route earlier this year after the United States lifted safety restrictions on Philippine carriers in a bid to expand its profits. It also announced plans to fly to Los Angeles from Cebu, its number-two city, in March next year, bringing PAL’s total weekly flights to the United States to 38. Del Castillo said the company was expected to remain profitable thanks to robust demand and falling oil prices, although the results failed to cheer investors. PAL Holdings shares were down 1.52 percent at 5.20 pesos at noon in Manila, compared to a 0.28 percent rise in the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index. The carrier is controlled by ChineseFilipino billionaire Lucio Tan – the country’s fifth-richest man, according to Forbes Magazine.

Telcos oppose prepaid SIM card registration MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – Citing human rights issues, telecommunications companies voiced their objection to a bill seeking to require the registration of users of all prepaid SIM cards in the country as a crime-fighting measure. The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), a group of telecoms companies in the country, warned that millions of subscribers would be disenfranchised if the bill becomes law. Speaking on behalf of PCTO, lawyer Rodolfo Salalima of Globe/TM Telecoms told the Senate committee on public services that the measure violates the “right to telecommunicate” under UN Convention on Human Rights. “We view it as a restraint on the exercise of the right to telecommunicate as a basic human right,” Salalima said of Senate Bill 2677 during a committee hearing on Tuesday. Salalima also doubted the measure would help combat crime, noting that no empirical data exists to prove it. “It is not an effective remedy at all but will bring about undue hardships to those peoples, millions in remote places, in the hinterlands,” he said. “They stand to be disenfranchised in the use of cell phones as a basic tool of communication.” But Senator Vicente Sotto III, the bill’s main proponent, stressed the bill’s importance in helping law enforcers fight crime by helping them identify the users of prepaid phones. He said mobile phones have been used in the past for unlawful activities such as detonating explosives, but because the phones were prepaid and unregistered, authorities had no way of tracing their owners. “When we trample with the right to life, the right to telecomunicate takes a backseat,” Sotto said. At the hearing, officials of the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation expressed their full support for the bill. Senate Bill 2677, a measure to “eradicate mobile phone-aided terrorism and criminal activities” through cellular phone registration, is one of the priority measures the Senate leadership announced at the start of the chamber’s third regular session. It mandates telecom companies to require ownership registration before selling

prepaid SIM cards to customers. Aside from a registration form, buyers would need to submit proofs of identity such as government-issued IDs. The bill also limits the ownership of prepaid SIM cards to three across all service providers. Sotto said the committee is still working on the details of the registration procedures. Where prepaid customers’ information will go is another issue. Despite privacy concerns, the National Security Council proposed that telecom companies forward the information to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, which will be the data repository. “For law-abiding citizens, if the government knows their SIM cards numbers and their telephone numbers and their address, what could be so fearsome about that?” said Pedro Herrera-Davila, the NSC’s legal affairs head. Sotto, however, is inclined to let telecom companies be in charge of storing information on prepaid users, which he said should be available to law enforcers when needed. To speed up the retrieval of data, police officials called for the removal of a provision in the House-approved version of the measure requiring law enforcers to secure a court order first. Sotto dismissed privacy issues that might be raised against the bill, arguing that registering a prepaid phone is no different from applying for a postpaid subscription, which requires a user’s personal information. “Ibig sabihin, ‘yong mga naka-postpaid, walang right to privacy? At ‘yong mga naka-prepaid, may right to privacy? Malaki naman yatang kalokohan ‘yon (Does that mean postpaid subscribers don’t have a right to privacy and prepaid subscribers do? That’s a joke),” he told reporters after the hearing.(MNS)

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SC asked to stop govt from paying Maynilad, Manila Water

Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers to stay as cool and safe as possible during excessive heat days.

Excessive heat watch issued for Southern California By Caroline Aoyagi-Stom Southern California Edison

August 12, 2015 – It’s about to get a lot hotter in Southern California. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the area starting Friday. Relief from the triple-digit temperatures is not expected until early next week. San Bernardino and Riverside counties and the Inland Empire are forecast to be hit the hardest with temperatures reaching as high as 110 to 117 degrees. Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers to stay as cool and safe as possible and to avoid heat-related injuries during excessive heat days. “Our No.1 priority is to help keep our customers safe,” said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety. “We encourage customers to keep outdoor activities to a minimum and drink plenty of water during the hottest parts of the day.” SCE also offers a variety of programs to help keep electricity bills down, including the Save Power Day and Summer Discount Plan programs. When a Save Power Day is called, customers can earn up to $100 in bill credits

per year for conserving energy between 2-6 p.m. To sign up for the Save Power Day program, go to: sce.com/spd. Customers can select how they would like to be notified, either by phone, email or text. Enrollees in SCE’s Summer Discount Plan can receive bill credits of up to $200 by allowing their central air conditioner to be temporarily turned off or cycled remotely during peak times of the day. Additional SCE residential and business rebates are available at: www.sce.com/summer. Here are a few tips to conserve energy and stay cool: Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods. Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical. Reduce electricity use between noon-6 p.m. – peak hours of energy use. Shut off lights when leaving a room. Limit how often you open your refrigerator door. Avoid air conditioner use when evaporative coolers or humidifiers are running. When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.

MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – Bayan Muna party-list on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to stop the government from paying Manila Water and Maynilad for the alleged losses the concessionaires incurred after they were disallowed from recovering their corporate income taxes by hiking their water rates. In a petition, Bayan Muna party-list Reps Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate insisted that corporate income taxes of the two concessionaires cannot be considered as expenditures and cannot be passed on directly or indirectly to water consumers. The lawmakers asked the tribunal to issue a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction to prevent the water firms from recovering their income tax liabilities from national coffers. The group cited the so-called Meralco ruling in November 2002 that declared that income tax payments cannot be considered as expenses incurred by public utilities when generating profit. Prior to the SC ruling, Manila Water and Maynilad were initially allowed to include corporate income tax as expenditures and pass it on to consumers by way of tariff during the first rate rebasing exercise in 2002. Despite the SC ruling, the water concessionaires argued they are not public utilities but merely agents and contractors of MWSS. The MWSS eventually sided with the concessionaires and declared them not as public utilities but as agents and contractors, allowing Maynilad and Manila Water

to once again recover their corporate income taxes through tariff during the second rate rebasing in 2007. On October 26, 2010, however, the MWSS issued another opinion, this time declaring the concessionaires as public utilities. MWSS also subsequently turned down requests from Maynilad and Manila Water for an upward adjustment in its average basic water charge. Maynilad sought an increase of P8.58 per cubic meter while Manila Water’s request was P5.83 per cubic meter. In 2013, both concessionaires ran to the International Chamber of Commerce to seek arbitration in determining whether the two firms are public utilities and whether corporate income tax is recoverable expense. In December 2014, Maynilad got an arbitral award, but MWSS said it would await the ruling on Manila Water’s arbitration plea before making any pronouncement on applicable resulting water rates. On February 20, 2015, Maynilad claimed the deferment of the implementation of the rate adjustment has caused significant amounts in lost revenues. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, on the same day, informed President Benigno Aquino III that “a call on the undertaking letter may potentially result in the government having to pay Maynilad over P5 billion for the period January 2013 to January 2015, and P208 million for every subsequent month of delay.”

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How can INA section 245(i) benefit you? Certain aliens are barred from adjusting to legal permanent residents by virtue of having entered the United States under the following conditions: Entering the US as an alien crewman (C-1 visa/ jumpship) Accepting unauthorized employment Entering the US without inspection (No I-94 or crossing the border without a visa) Remaining in the US past the expiration of their status (overstays) Status/ Visa violations INA section 245(i) waives these inAdmitted in the US in transit without admissibility grounds for aliens that are a visa grandfathered (covered) by INA section Admitted in the US as a non immigrant 245(i). How does someone get grandvisitor without a visa fathered by section 245(i)? An alien is These bars will prevent an alien from grandfathered if the alien is a beneficiary getting their green card inside the US even of a qualifying petition filed prior to April if they are eligible to receive a green card 30, 2001 and the principal beneficiary through a Petition that is current. Aliens was physically present in the US on that with the above issues who try to adjust 12/21/2000. For petitions filed on or bemay encounter problems with the USCIS. fore 1/14/1998, no physical presence in the

US is required. Qualifying petitions are I130s, I-140s, some I-360s and I-526s, labor certification applications, that are filed and approvable when filed. In addition, under Matter of Jara RIERO and Jara ESPINO L, 24 I&N Dec. 267(BIA 2007), the applicant must demonstrate bona fide marriage for I-130 filed based on marriage. Derivative beneficiaries that existed at the time the qualifying petition was filed are independently grandfathered under section 245(i). They may adjust under a separate petition. After acquired dependents may adjust under 245(i) but are not independently grandfathered. After acquired dependents must adjust pursuant to the original qualifying petition that grandfathered them under section 245(i). If an alien is covered by section 245(i), the alien can adjust to a legal permanent resident by paying a $1,000 penalty and submitting evidence that the alien was a beneficiary of a qualifying petition. Being covered by section 245(i) makes a lot of difference for aliens who lost their I-94. It is a common situation for aliens not to have their I-94 and passports if they entered the US many years ago. Sometimes, the I-94 and old passport are lost through the years when the alien move from one residence to another. The problem with this is the alien might have problem proving inspection into the United States specially if the alien is unable to obtain a replacement I-94 or present other proof of inspection such as the immigration admission stamp or a copy of the visa. Another common situation are crew men under a C-1 visa that were inspected but admitted as “in transit.” Many of these crew men never make it to their final des-

tination. The crew men instead decides to remain in the United States. What they do not realize is that they cannot adjust to legal permanent residence even if they end up marrying a US Citizen. However if they are grandfathered by section 245(i) such as if their parents were petitioned when they were minors, the crew men will be able to adjust inside the United States and get their green card by paying a $1,000 penalty and presenting evidence of the qualifying petition. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail. com. Visit us in the web Kenreyeslaw.com

Weak peso hits San Miguel’s first-half profit Manila, Philippines | AFP | Wednesday 8/12/2015 – Top Philippine conglomerate San Miguel, known best for its beer brewing business, on Wednesday said its first-half profit fell eight percent as a weak peso inflated debt costs. Interim net income dropped to 16.9 billion pesos ($365 million) between January and June, from 18.4 billion pesos during the same period last year, the company said in a stock exchange filing. The 125-year-old conglomerate – which also has investments in petroleum, infrastructure and food – said it took a 1.1 billion peso hit from currency movements compared to the same period last year. Not counting foreign exchange losses, net profit for the period rose 15 percent to 18 billion pesos, it said. Investors were upbeat on the results, pushing San Miguel shares up 0.18 percent in morning trading in Manila, compared to a more than one percent fall in the broader benchmark index. “The outlook for San Miguel remains

positive,” Angping and Associates Securities research head Juan Rafael Supangco told AFP. “There is volatility (in the exchange rate) but if you look at core operating income, it actually grew.” San Miguel and its units have 374 billion pesos in debt excluding interest, more than 70 percent of which is in dollars, according to Bloomberg data. That has become more expensive to service as the greenback has strengthened on hopes for an imminent US interest rate rise, while the peso has weakened as investors have fretted about a fall in exports from the Philippines. San Miguel said net profits in its brewery business rose 10 percent to 6.9 billion pesos while its food business posted a five-percent increase to 1.8 billion pesos. Net income at its oil refinery business, Petron, also rose 13 percent to 3.4 billion pesos, despite weak oil prices, and Supangco said an increase in sales would further boost income this year.

PLDT’s profit falls amid digital struggles Manila, Philippines (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Tuesday reported lower quarterly net profit and revenue as more subscribers abandoned texting and traditional phones in favor of smartphones with a wider range of online services. April-June net profit fell five percent from a year earlier to 18.9 billion pesos ($414.2 million), as the country’s largest telecommunications firm spent more on Internet infrastructure to replace an older system that now brings in less money. “The rapid decline in our toll revenues continues to bear down heavily on our medium-term revenue growth, with the onslaught of the Internet causing adverse substitution,” chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters. The company is keeping its 35-billion-

peso net profit target for the year, lower than the 37-billion-peso profit it posted last year. However, Pangilinan said full-year revenue could drop by as much as five billion pesos as the “legacy” fixed line business shrinks further. April-June revenue dropped two percent to 81.2 billion pesos amid the continued decline in its fixed-line long distance service, the company said. The digital shift will be a “soft spot” for the company in the next two years, Pangilinan warned. “It will be tough as we transition, we have no choice but to hasten that transition,” Pangilinan added. While total data revenue rose 13 percent to 23 billion pesos, this growth was “not enough” to offset the decline in its old revenue sources, company president Napoleon Nazareno said.

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Why some people will never get out of debt This is a common scenario. You’re in debt and you know that you need to do something about it because your financial situation continues to get worse month after month. You keep hoping that things will turn around for the better but things are not improving. As a matter of fact, they’re getting worse because your debt continues to grow. You start having sleepless nights and you can never relax even when you’re not working because you worry all the time about money. situation? You can barely make the minimum Yes, most likely there is. But if your fipayments on your credit card bills every nances need to change, it all starts with you. month. Your whole paycheck is gone the See, a lot of people already know what they same day you get paid because you just need to do but like the proverbial ostrich wrote checks to pay the bills from last burying its head in the sand, they pretend month and they’re already charging you that everything is OK until one day they late fees which keep adding to you debt. realize that they’ve made their situation You’re sick and tired of playing “catch up”; worse by failing to take corrective action. perhaps you’ve even been tempted to use For example, I often wonder what credit cards to pay other credit cards. Is goes through people’s minds when they there a way out of this seemingly hopeless apply for those (loan shark) payday loans

that charge outrageous interest rates (so high you would think it’s criminal) when they’re already buried in credit card debt and they’re already “short” every payday as it is. They know full well that they will not be able to pay back the loan sharks and yet they continue to bite off more than they could chew. Out of desperation, I guess. When they’ve ran out of creditors to borrow from and their credit has been maxed out, they will accept any loan at whatever payment terms from anyone advertising on TV, the radio or the internet without even considering what they’re getting into and with no regard for the immediate consequences. The truth is that you can’t borrow your way out of debt. Trust me, a lot of people before you have already tried- and failed. What you need to do is to stop borrowing as soon as possible and to find a way to reduce or eliminate the debts you already have. Sometimes, bankruptcy may be a solution although it’s not for everyone.

Whatever the solution might be for you, my point is that you need to stop digging every month if you want to get out of the financial hole you’re already in. Sounds simple? Yes, it’s a simple first step but one that most people tend to ignore. Remember what they say: If your goal is to drain the swamp, it’s hard to do so when you’re up to your neck in alligators. If you are struggling with debt, I want to help you figure out your best options. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 and we will help you step by step in finding a solution that’s right for you. We have offices in Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL- FREE 1-866-4777772).

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FUND ROXAS From page 1

half of this year? Palpak na, kahina-hinala pa ang ginagawa,” he added. Sought for comment, Abad said Quicho’s allegation is “completely untrue.” He explained that the declared savings in 2014 have already been carried over to the operating budget this year. “Those appropriations are still being implemented,” Abad said via text. “About 70 percent of those budgets are already within the agencies.”

Meanwhile, Quicho said President Benigno Aquino III’s request for Roxas to stay as Interior secretary despite the latter’s resignation “fuels suspicions that the LP is indeed filling up its campaign war chest.” “The President said he is still looking for a replacement and that he may ask Roxas to ‘finish a lot of things that are being done.’ That does not make sense at all,” he said.(MNS)

LP EYES From page 1

Erice said the LP is not courting Sarangani congressman and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao since he already signified his support for Vice-President Jejomar Binay by attending the launch of the United

Nationalist Alliance. “We want to show him respect,” he said. Also not on the LP’s big list are former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and actor Dingdong Dantes.(MNS)

MARIJUANA From page 1

of my experience with marijuana. Lumakas lang siguro akong kumain,” he said. Albano, the primary author of HB 4477, said he shared his experience to prove that the fuss over the use of marijuana is grounded on “the fear of the unknown.” “Hindi natin alam kung ano talaga itong drug na ito. Dapat huwag muna nating husgahan itong drug na ito. Dapat i-research ito. Kung may beneficial effects ito, dapat ibigay natin sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he said. HB 4477, otherwise known as the proposed Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, seeks to legalize and regulate the medical use of cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, to aid the treatment of patients with debilitating medical conditions. The medical conditions that will necessitate the use of dangerous drugs are: cachexia or wasting syndrome severe and chronic pain severe nausea seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis Albano said the bill is intended to benefit patients and their kin who seek an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical drugs for their illnesses, which sometimes do little to improve their condition. “We’re not espousing the use of recreational marijuana even to the youth because may lethargic effect din ‘yan. Pero ang point ko is, hindi kriminal lahat ng taong gumagamit ng marijuana,” he said. To allay fears on the abuse of medical marijuana, Albano said the bill explicitly prohibits administering the drug through smoking. “The cannabis would be given in purified form. There will be no paraphernalia

used like in shabu to avoid pot sessions,” he said. Albano reiterated that HB 4477 does not decriminalize the use of marijuana but only seeks to create “a limited and narrow exception” to the country’s criminal and civil laws to allow a physician to recommend medical cannabis to qualified patients. “In other words, the bill is only for medical, not recreational purposes,” he said. The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), however, put its foot down and said it is opposed to the bill’s passage because marijuana “is a dangerous drug detrimental to public health and welfare.” DDB Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pedragosa clarified that the board is not against medical marijuana per se but requires such drugs to be registered as such before being imported or administered. He criticized the bill for failing to define medical marijuana. “I’ve been trying to digest the bill. It doesn’t define medical marijuana… [It] should be defined and should be a pharmacological product approved by various authorities,” he said. Dr. Chuck Manansala of the Medical Cannabis Research Center said there is nothing wrong with using marijuana for medical purposes since it is considered a medicinal plant. “Cannabis is medicine, and our people have the right to health,” he said. Manansala noted that several multinational pharmaceutical companies have been investing millions of dollars into research on how to harness cannabis’ medicinal properties. While acknowledging marijuana’s healing benefits, Dr. Minerva Calimag of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery said the plant will only alleviate symptoms of patients with debilitating diseases.

LP CAN’T From page 1

failed to reach a consensus on their political plans. The President eventually endorsed Roxas, his close pal and fellow LP member, as his preferred successor. Meanwhile, Liberal Party political affairs chief Edgar Erice bared four names who are sure to make it to the list. They are Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senators Ralph Recto and TG Guingona III and current food security chief Francis Pangilinan. Meanwhile, those on the “big list” who are still being considered are Sen. Sergio Osmena III, TESDA chief Joel Villanueva, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority chief Mark Lapid, former energy secretary Jericho Petilla, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Manila Vice-

Mayor Isko Moreno and Mark Villar, son of former presidential candidate Manny Villar. Erice said the LP is still talking to coalition partners including Osmena despite his earlier criticisms of President Aquino. “Typical Serge. Tuwid na daan naman si Serge,” he said. He said a lot of the candidates will be deciding after the ghost month. Erice said the LP is not courting Sarangani congressman and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao since he already signified his support for Vice-President Jejomar Binay by attending the launch of the United Nationalist Alliance. “We want to show him respect,” he said. Also not on the LP’s big list are former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and actor Dingdong Dantes. (MNS)

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Is Bongbong Marcos expecting to be “chosen” to run for President? On Wednesday, July 29th, Senator Bongbong Marcos gave a speech at the Asia CEO Forum, where its Chairman, Richard Mills gave him the “liberty to speak on whatever compelling topic” he wishes to impart. So, according to Mr. Marcos, “at this point in time, there was nothing that proves more compelling than indulging in reflection about the current state of our country.” Mr. Marcos added, “we heard the other day, the President’s own version of the state of the nation (SONA) in his 6th and final lenges by drawing on our own strengths SONA, where he brandished to Congress and drawing on our unity. It is the vision and the people the gains of his “Daang Ma- of the Philippines.that is prosperous, rich tuwid” blue print for administration...But in opportunity and home to happy, morrather than engage in a critical discourse ally upright and productive citizens whose and give you a negative-tuned counter lives are meaningful because theirs is a or contra-SONA, allow me to present just society, because theirs is a nation that rather some sort of draft SONA, or admn- has become great again...I will immediinistration blue-print or a make-believe or ately work to restore in all Filipinos the hypothetical President made at a maiden loss sense of pride in themselves in being SONA or at a ‘miting de avance’. One that citizens of the Republic of the Philippines. presents another diagnosis of our country, This administration should govern our a recent opinion if you will, and wherein country with special attention to the needs would contain the plans and programs re- of the more than 26% of our population quired to remedy and respond to the state who are the poorest and about 70% who of problems in which we found ourselves are called “unpoor” but actually meant and the country as that President leads and that they live only precariously above assumes the highest and most powerful the poverty line... I would like to focus office of the land. on two things that I believe we need to And please let me emphasize the word finally banish these disparraging statistics, hypothetical, not hopeful, expectant but unavoidable facts which persist despite our less wishful thinking, lest I be quoted out best efforts to change them. of context and suddenly be reported before First, I believe business should take the we come here to have announced a surprise lead in nation-building, in poverty reducearly presidential bid. But if in case it hap- tion, in developing our shared future...It is pens, you will be able to see it, nowhere alarming to note that, despite our economic else but here at the Asia CEO Forum, and gains of recent years, at least 3,700 Filipiyou’ll be able to say you heard it here nos leave for jobs abroad every single day. first.” Thus, Mr. Marcos went on with his Nearly one in 10 of us are already abroad, “hypothetical” presidential plan. meeting our families’ basic needs with the ‘My vision for our country is one that earnings from foreign jobs. It is distressing can overcome its economic and social chal- to see the most desperate even consigned

to the streets or falling prey to sexual or other forms of exploitation, simply because of lack of opportunities. These people are our workforce and our market. They are our greatest resource, a resource that only grows in strength and does not diminish if it is used for the benefit of all. Asking business to lead us in nation-building is a tall request, and one that government cannot rightly ask if it is not willing to equally share the burden , or take the lead. Which brings me to the second, but no less important point. How can government help business do business? It is perhaps understandable if many doubt whether government actually has the ability to do that, because recent problems have revealed shortcomings to

our efforts to eliminate corruption and improve performance.The P62.3 billion Conditional Cash Transfer Program, directed to the poorest of our poor filipino families has not helped all that it could because of leakages, because of weaknesses in the implementation and because of lack of clarity in principle and in concept as to what the program was meant to achieve... Sound fiscal management has provided the Philippines with billions in accumulated savings, yet deploying those carefullycollected resources into infrastructure, improving the nation’s defense and law enforcement capabilities and other basic development has proved more difficult than it should rightly be. And as a result, See MYRNA, page 13

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Two seniors rely on Chapter 13 to solve different financial problems Get rid of your debts now and get a head start to live up to 120!

Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2018;Ä&#x17D;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x2122; Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x201D;. 1 Client is 65. She presents her financial problem thus. Both she and her husband were gainfully employed for the last 20 years. They are both professionals. Husband was making $100K a year with a cushy job until last year when employer went bankrupt. Fortunately, despite his advanced age, he is still healthy and landed another job but at Although their household lost about $100K 40% of his old pay. So now husband makes of yearly income, they still gross right now $40K a year, instead of $100K. She herself about $6K/mo. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not bad at all. also lost her long-time job 2 years ago. She They have a first and a second mortgage now collects social security of $2,000@ on their house. And their house has equity month. Husband also now collects $1400@ of $400K. The problem is that they have month from social security, in addition to not paid their mortgage for seven months. earning $4,000@month from employment. They have a default of about $20K on the first and about $2K on the second. So a total default of $22K on their house. They filed an application for loan modification in March, but that got denied. They filed a second application for loan modification in May, and that got denied too. They then sent two months of payment to the first mortgage holder but the payments were sent back to them. Last week, they received a letter from the first mortgage holder asking them to update the default or foreclosure proceedings will begin. With their backs against the wall, client consults with me to determine if I can help her solve her problem. First, she says that she loves their house and she wants to keep the house at all costs because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been living there for 20 years, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where her children grew up. Second, she says that their equity in the house is $400K, and she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to lose that equity. Third, she says, but the bank wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept her payments, unless itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a full payment of $20K. Fourth, she says she tried to modify the mortgage payment

through government agencies, and twice they got denied. Fifth, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting really worried that they will lose their house because the bank will not accept their partial mortgage payments. Sixth, can I help her keep their house? Fortunately, I can help her keep her house. Still incredulous, she reiterates to me that the bank wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept her payments. So, I advise her that we can force the bank to accept the payments, and legally stop the foreclosure process. This is how Chapter 13 will work in her case: 1. The $22K default on the two mortgages will get â&#x20AC;&#x153;frozenâ&#x20AC;?. 2. She will be given 5 years or 60 equal monthly installments to pay the $22K default. 3. She will resume the current mortgage payments at the first 341A meeting of creditors. 4. The foreclosure will stop at the moment the Chapter 13 case is filed. So, she will pay about $380 a month for 60 months to update the $22K default, and next month she will resume the current mortgage payments. As long as she is making these payments to the court on a timely basis for the next 5 years, the banks cannot resume the foreclosure process. Therefore, Chapter 13 protects her house from foreclosure until hbecoming current again. She will become current again on the mortgages on the 60Ä&#x2122;Ä? month. She will be catching up on the default amount of $22K at the rate of 20% a year. At the end of the 5Ä&#x2122;Ä? year, the $22K default is fully paid. Since she resumed current mortgage payments the month after filing, both of her mortgage loans will be current again at the end of the 5Ä&#x2122;Ä? year! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple and beautiful plan to allow her to save her house from foreclosure. Lastly, after the court confirms the plan, the bank may take a third look at her loan modification request and she may get a pleasant surprise. Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2018;Ä&#x17D;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x2122; Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x201D;. 2 Client is 74. He owes $25K of credit card debt, which he has kept current for a very, very long time. How long? To start with, it was a slow build up since he arrived in the United States in 1970. He informs me that when he migrated to California, it was so easy to get a job. He decided to work for a construction firm starting 1972. He worked for that construction firm for forty years, until he retired last year! He said that he really enjoyed working for the firm such that he was never late and never absent from work for 40 years, unless he got sick. Since he retired last year, he only gets $1,600 of social security. His wife is also retired, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that he takes care of his own bills and she takes care of her own bills. The problem is that the equity in their house is more than $175K, the exemption allowed for seniors who are at least 65. That said, a Chapter 7 will put the house in jeopardy. The trustee can literally sell the house if there is more than enough money over the $175K exemption, and use that money to pay off his $25K credit card debt in exchange for the discharge. This makes no sense at all. Why would client risk his house with a Chapter 7 just to get rid of $25K of credit card debt? I advise client that Chapter 13 is appropriate in his situation. With a Chapter 13, he will pay about $430 a month over 60 month. At the end of the 60Ä&#x2122;Ä? month, the court will give him a discharge order saying he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t owe the $25K anymore. With a Chapter 13, there is absolutely no risk to clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Client has been paying $800 a month on $25K of credit card debt at least for the last 10 years. He says he has already paid $100K to keep the $25K current in the last 10 years, and today, he still owes the very same $25K, so its about time he got rid of those cards once and for all. He says at 74, he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

care about his credit score anymore. I told him his credit score will be perfect again at 84 and there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any record of his Chapter 7 filing then. WE MAY BE ABLE TO LIVE TO 120 By that time, he can borrow again from new credit cards to buy stem cells to make him younger! Frankly, seniors in your sixties now, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get sick, by the time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eighty, you can probably take pills to reverse aging 20 years from now (They can reverse aging in rats now, lucky Micky and Minnie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Harvard medical report), and you can easily use your own stem cells to regrow your kidneys, heart and other organs when that biotechnology is ripe. You just have to reach 65. If you reach 65 without getting seriously sick, statistics show that you have an 80% chance of living to 84. Maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still be around at that time, looking 45 again. A rising tide lifts all boats. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it make sense to get rid of all your credit card debts now that you are in your fifties or sixties so that by the time you hit seventy or eighty, your credit will be very good again, in fact perfect without any evidence of your previous filing after 10 years, so you can you use that perfect credit to buy your much needed stem cells at that time? You want to become young again, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the Bible says that our God, El Shaddai, made man to live 120 years. And our loving God, Adonai, does not lie. So if you are sixty now, ten years from now, with stem cells, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have another sixty years to live a healthy life with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (El Elohim) blessings and as God, Yahweh, intended. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the Lord said,â&#x20AC;? My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.â&#x20AC;? (Genesis 6:3). This can only mean that even with stem cells, we will not live more than 120 years. But it does mean, with stem cells, we can live to 120 years. Am I right? God, Jehovah, wants us to live a long and productive life. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the ones who want to live like thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no tomorrow so we burn the candles from both ends. And He said 120 years is how long we will live on this earth. Stem cells will make us live longer, but not more than 120. If you want to get rid of your debts without losing your hard earned assets and get a head start to live up to 120, call my office to set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIVE YOUR ENTIRE ATTENTION TO WHAT GOD IS DOING RIGHT NOW, AND DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GET WORKED UP ABOUT WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN TOMORROW. GOD WILL HELP YOU DEAL WITH WHATEVER HARD THINGS COME UP WHEN THE TIME COMES.â&#x20AC;? MATHHEW 6:34 Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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EcoWaste lauds university action vs toxic lead, mercury

Civil society orgs want to intervene in cases vs MILF pacts

MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) – The EcoWaste Coalition, a zero waste advocacy group promoting safe chemicals policies and practices, commended De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) for its newest effort to further “green” the school environment. DLSU-D through its Environmental Resources Management Center (ERMaC) has crafted a university-wide policy for managing the purchase and use of chemical products and services, and other hazardous substances. The policy, among other things, provides for the non-procurement of products containing mercury, and the purchase of lead-safe certified paints. Lead and mercury are among the top “10 chemicals of major public health concern,” according to the World Health Organization. ERMaC Director Marlon Pareja explained that “this policy stems from the Lasallian community’s commitment to promote environmental consciousness and action by integrating sustainable practices into our operations, including toxics use reduction.” “We laud DLSU-D’s latest bid to curb potential sources of toxic pollution within its campus by disallowing the purchase

MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – Thirteen networks of civil society organizations urged the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday to allow them to intervene in PHILCONSA vs GPH, et al., the consolidated cases that challenge the constitutionality of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Lawyer Takahiro Kenjie Amman said the groups, led by the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs (MinCode), are all based in Mindanao, and all in support of the FAB and CAB. “We are stakeholders of peace, collectively aspiring for right to self-determination and are directly working with communities on dialogues, human rights, peacebuilding, civilian protection and ceasefire monitoring. “We believe that the [FAB] and [CAB] is dissimilar and is not the MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain) which was declared by the Supreme Court unconstitutional,” the group’s attached petition read. The petition described the FAB and CAB as “instruments in the attainment of social justice and in transformational developments in the Bangsamoro region which have perpetually suffered both political and economic marginalization.” Two separate petitions that seek to declare the FAB and CAB unconstitutional were filed by the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto Paras. PHILCONSA alleges that both agreements are “the crafty and ingenious revival of the MOA-AD declared unconstitutional, littered with greater and more vicious incursions into the Constitution, the laws and jurisprudence.” As for Paras’ petition, the former lawmaker asserts that both agreements “violated the consultation requirement under EO No. 3, and memorandum of instructions of the president” and were “executed in excess of authority.” The FAB was signed in October 2012, and the CAB, in March 2014.(MNS)

of lead-containing paints and mercurycontaining products,” stated Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect. Such policy is consistent with the “Lead and Mercury Safe Schools for Bright and Healthy Children” statement signed by Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and other officials in June 2014, the EcoWaste Coalition said. “We agree to promote and uphold ‘Lead and Mercury Safe Schools,’ particularly by using lead-safe paints and reducing lead paint hazards to contain and minimize hazardous dust, and by switching to mercury-free alternatives towards a toxicsfree, zero waste educational system,” the statement said. DLSU-D’s policy covers chemical products used in, but not limited to, housekeeping, painting, insect and pest control, and other activities that would require use of chemicals and other hazardous substances. However, chemicals used in the laboratories are not covered since these are sanctioned by other government policies. In evaluating chemical products and services and hazardous substances, DLSUD shall choose the option with minimal environmental impact and least hazardous to human health and other living organisms.

Rules not power in South China Sea, Britain’s FM says in Beijing Beijing, China | AFP | Wednesday 8/12/2015 – Visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told a Beijing audience Wednesday that competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, a key global trade artery, risk boiling over and must be resolved peacefully. China claims most of the South China Sea, overlapping with areas the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan deem to be their territory. Beijing has been pouring massive amounts of sand to expand and fortify small reefs and build facilities in the area, which it says are meant to promote maritime and navigational safety and scientific research, as well as having military purposes. There was “tension and the risk of escalation” in the area, Hammond told students at the capital’s elite Peking University, adding: “We want to see claims dealt with by rules-based, not power-based, solutions in Asia as elsewhere.” As well as China, most of the Southeast Asian claimants have also built facilities in the waters. The United States and South-

east Asian nations have called for a halt to further island-expansion and construction by Beijing, though China’s foreign minister said last week that land reclamation had stopped. Britain depends on global sea lanes for the delivery of 95 percent of its trade and “has a strong interest in the stability of the South China Sea region”, Hammond said, adding $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the area every year. The issue needed to be addressed “in a way which is consistent with the long-term peace and stability of the region, with freedom of navigation and overflight, and in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea”, he said. China has a growing role on the global diplomatic stage and Hammond said that “with increasing power comes increasing responsibility”. Hammond was in China for high-level talks ahead of a planned state visit to Britain in October by Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which he will stay with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

MYRNA From page 11

opportunities to create jobs, to create new areas for business growth and to expand consumer and investment market have been lost. Government as well as business must change. The “trickle-down” concept of economics, pursuit of profit for profit’s sake with the expectation that the benefits will eventually find their way to the lower levels of our society, is a failure. It is something I sensed long time ago while still a student at the university. In a study that we made on the Marshall Plan, which has as its central principle, “a trickle-down theory : throw money at the problem, if you had enough money, it would trickle down to the poorest and you would have taken cared of it.” “While there, I wrote a paper proposing that it is good economioc policy, and ultimately profitable strategy for business to balance those profits with a concern for the common good..” Further, Mr. Marcos said: “In recent years, many others have been awakened by the same realization - from political

leaders, to learned and respected economists, and most recently even Pope Francis who has offered strong words. In 2013, in his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” he argued that “tricklle-down” economics wrongly demand “a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those weilding “economic power.” and as recently as this past July 10, while visiting Bolivia, he condemnd the unbridled greed of naked capitalism.“Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the socio-economic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys the human fraternity, it sets people against one another...Capitalism as we know it, whether we like it or not is becoming socially unacceptble. Do not take it as a damnation of the capitalist society or the capitalist principle . But merely, to say that government must take and must institute and have a mechanism that actively pursue the principle of distribution of wealth...” (More on excerpts of Senator Marcos’ speech to be continued next issue)

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OPINION

US will not tolerate sea restrictions: Kerry

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AFP) Thursday 8/6/2015 – Washington will not tolerate any navigation restrictions in the South China Sea, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday at a regional security meeting dominated by tensions over Beijing’s island building. “Let me be clear: The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea. These are intrinsic rights that we all share,” he said according to a transcript of his remarks. Kerry made his comments at a security meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur. China has sparked alarm by expanding tiny reefs and constructing military posts, steps viewed by some of its neighbors as violating a regional pledge against provocative actions in the area. The long simmering dispute has flared at the Malaysia meet, attended by members of the 10-nation regional grouping as well as more than a dozen others including China, Japan, South Korea and the US. The US and Southeast Asian nations have called for Beijing to halt both reclamation in the South China Sea and construction on reefs, something Beijing has staunchly resisted. “I have urged all claimants to make a joint commitment to halt further land reclamation and construction of new facilities or militarization on disputed features,” Kerry told delegates, arguing such a step would “lower tensions.” Land reclamation in the South China Sea has “increased tensions” in the region, Southeast Asian foreign ministers said Thursday at the close of talks dominated by Beijing’s island-building. The declaration, contained in a final communique, followed a warning by US Secretary of State John Kerry that Washington would not tolerate any restrictions on freedom of navigation in the strategically important waters. The Southeast Asian ministers’ joint final statement noted “the serious concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations in the South China Sea”. It said the land works “have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” without specifically singling out Beijing. The communique was hashed out after two days of wrangling over how hard to pressure China on its controversial drive to expand tiny reefs and build military posts in the disputed waters. The issue took centre stage at the series of diplomatic meetings this week in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They also included envoys from two dozen other nations such as China and the United States. Beijing claims control over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key shipping route thought to hold rich oil and gas reserves. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei—all ASEAN members—also have various claims, as does Taiwan, many of which overlap. Even before the land reclamations, China had sparked rising unease over the years with actions interpreted as seeking to shore up its disputed claims, in violation of a pledge not to upset the status quo. Behind-the-scenes wrangling A day after voicing concern to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over the potential “militarization” of the South China Sea, Kerry said freedom of navigation must be maintained.

Japan PM expresses WWII remorse By Kyoko Hasegawa

Tokyo, Japan | AFP | Friday 8/14/2015 – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed deep remorse Friday over World War II and said previous national apologies were unshakeable, but emphasised future generations should not have to keep saying sorry. In a closely watched speech a day ahead of the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, the nationalist premier appeared to tread a fine line between regret over Japanese wartime aggression while also focusing on what his pacifist country had done since the end of the conflict. “Japan has repeatedly expressed feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for its actions during the war.... we have consistently devoted ourselves to the peace and prosperity of the region since the end of the war,” Abe said. “Such position(s) articulated by the previous cabinets will remain unshakable into the future.” When speaking about China, Abe referred to “unbearable sufferings caused by the Japanese military” and said Tokyo “took the wrong course” in going to war. Referring to those who perished in the war, Abe expressed “profound grief and my eternal, sincere condolences”. He said this was also for millions of Japanese who died, some from the US atomic bombings. Abe, a grandson of a wartime cabinet minister, added that we have “engraved in our hearts” the suffering of Asian neighbours, including South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan. But Abe – who has been criticised for playing down Japan’s war record and trying to expand its present-day military – added that future generations

of Japanese should not have to apologise. “We must not let our children, grandchildren and even further generations to come, who have nothing to do with that war, be predestined to apologise,” he said. China and South Korea had previously made clear they wanted him to stick to explicit prime ministerial apologies. China says more than 20 million of its citizens died as a result of Japan’s invasion, occupation and atrocities, while Tokyo colonised the Korean peninsula for 35 years until 1945. Initial media reaction in South Korea was largely negative, with television analysts noting the general expressions of grief and remorse but no explicit apology for Japan’s wartime aggression. “Abe skips his own apology,” ran the headline on the national Yonhap news agency, which said the speech had fallen short of South Korea’s expectations. The foreign ministry in Seoul said that, after Abe’s speech, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se had received a call from his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, to explain the message. Yun simply responded that Seoul wanted to see Japan’s “sincere action” regarding historical issues, the ministry said. A formal South Korean response to the speech was expected later. China gave no immediate official reaction, but the official Xinhua news agency said that Abe made no “fresh apology”. ‘Clever message’ Much speculation had focused on whether Abe would follow a landmark 1995 statement issued by then-premier Tomiichi Murayama.

Aquino to critics: Don’t use national issues to promote discord MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday told his critics not to use national issue to cause discord in the country. In a speech during the Philippine National Police’s 114th police service anniversary event, Aquino said he will not let his detractors capitalize on past controversies to promote their own interests. “Hindi nga po natin hahayaang gamitin at pagsamantalahan ng iba ang mga isyung hinaharap ng bansa; silang mas pipiling yurakan at sirain ang ating pagkakaisa para muling maghari-harian sa poder,” the President said. Aquino issued this statement days after Vice President Jejomar Binay delivered his so-called “true state of the nation address” (TSONA) criticizing the administration’s supposed failures. Binay said Aquino failed to address poverty, hunger and unemployment in his five years as president. The Vice President also recalled past controversies faced by the Aquino government—including the deadly Manila hostage crisis and the botched Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation—to illustrate the

administration’s supposed insensitivity to the plight of Filipinos. ‘PNP won’t be used during polls’ In the same speech, Aquino also expressed confidence that the PNP will not be used for partisan purposes during the 2016 polls. “Alam kong patuloy lang ninyong tutuparin ang inyong trabaho; na wala kayong kikilingang partido o ilang panig na inuuna ang agendang pansarili, kaysa kapakanan ng nakakarami,” the President told police officers during the event. “Alam kong patuloy ninyong tatahakin ang landas na makatwiran at makakabuti sa ating mga Boss,” he added. Aquino also once again challenged the police force to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections next year. “Ang hamon at atas ko sa inyo: Siguraduhin na patas, payapa at makatarungan ang magiging pagpili ng susunod na pinuno ng ating mga Boss,” he said. He also told the PNP to go after private armed groups as the 2016 elections draw near. (MNS)

Aquino: Mar provided ‘exemplary leadership’ to MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) -- A week after endorsing Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as his presidential bet for 2016, President Beningo Aquino III on Friday continued heaping praises on the Cabinet official, this time for his role in reforming the police force. In a speech during the 114th Police Service anniversary rites at Camp Crame, Aquino said Roxas provided “exemplary leadership” to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa huwarang liderato ni Roxas sa DILG. Kayo na ang sasang-ayon sa mahusay niyang patitimon sa PNP [Philippine National Police],” Aquino said. The President commended Roxas for taking on the DILG post even on short notice, after former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash in 2012. “Pero malinaw naman: Ipinagpatuloy ni Secretary Mar ang mabubuting inisyatiba ni Jesse, at talagang nagsilbi siyang tulay para maipatupad ang

mga reporma sa inyong hanay,” Aquino said. He further enjoined the PNP to continue the reforms started by Roxas, who is set to vacate the DILG post soon. “Ngayon ngang bababa na sa puwesto si Secretary Mar— upang hindi mahaluan ng politika ang pagpapakitang-gilas ng DILG at ng ating PNP—tiwala tayong malalim na ang ugat ng ipinunla niyang mga reporma, na tiyak na yayabong tungo sa higit na pagpapalakas ng ating kapulisan,” Aquino said. Last week, Aquino named Roxas, his close friend and fellow member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), as his preferred successor. After receiving Aquino’s endorsement, Roxas tendered his resignation as DILG chief, but the President asked him to stay longer to finish some projects, particularly the PNP equipment upgrade. LP secretary general Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, whose name is being floated as Roxas’ possible replacement in the DILG, was present during the PNP event. (MNS)

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Is that all we got?

I hope one diligent or conscientious lawmaker will file a bill in Congress to channel part of the P303 billion in government savings to fund the repair of infrastructure damaged by calamities that have struck the country in the past. Once the bill is filed and approved in both chambers of Congress, it will authorize Malacañang to allocate part of the P303 billion for these needed repairs. The ruins caused by calamities, including the destruction caused by typhoon “Yolanda” requires lots of funding. Apart from roads and “Yolanda” victims. bridges these could help rebuild governFr. Edu Gariquez, Executive Secretary ment buildings and facilities to accelerate of Caritas Philippines, said government economic recovery in the affected prov- funds for typhoon victims are repressed inces in the region. temporarily, which I presume will be I hope Senator Bongbong Marcos or diverted to finance the presidential bid Congresswoman Leni Robredo will file of the administration candidate in 2016. the bill if only to prevent the self-righteous Caritas International is the official voice of Aquino government from using the P303 the Catholic Church in serving the poor and billion government savings to prop-up the in promoting charity and justice throughout presidential bid of DILG Secretary Mar the world. Caritas was founded in 1897 in Roxas. Germany. Its aim is to save lives and help My God, this Aquino Administration is people in the poorest and most vulnerable hell bent in pushing Roxas to become the community to survive and recover from next Philippine president. I’m sorry read- crisis and to live in a safe and secure eners, but I don’t favor Mar to be the next vironment. chief executive. It’s been two years now after the super I wish there will be another one who typhoon struck the Philippines yet thouwill run for the presidency aside from sands of families are still living in tents the three stooges in the persons of Vice or makeshift shanties despite the millions President Jojo Binay, Roxas and neophyte of dollars the Philippine government has Senator Grace Poe. So, we’ll see. received from other countries. First, it was the United Nations which Fed up with the slow progress in the chastised the “preachy” Aquino govern- rehabilitation work, particularly in the conment’s slow response in giving the needed struction of resettlement houses for flood support to thousands of homeless families victims, Fr. Gariquez publicly expressed in the flood ravaged areas of Eastern Vi- his displeasure on the apparent lack of sayas, particularly Tacloban city in Leyte. concern by the Aquino administration to Now it is the Catholic church’s turn improve the quality of life of flood victims. to admonish the self-righteous Aquino The Catholic priest was also dismayed administration for allegedly diverting by the lack of transparency in the managegovernment funds intended for typhoon ment of the P170 billion funds for the Com-

prehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (CCRP). Father Gariquez said Aquino should have been more candid or upfront regarding the real and current situation faced by flood victims on a daily basis. Based on government records, only P21 billion of the P75 billion allocated for housing resettlement had been released by the Department of Budget and Management headed by Secretary Florencio Abad.

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The release of funds comes in trickles. I wonder why it took the President a year to approve the P170 billion CRRP funding. Notoriously known for being vindictive to his political enemies, President Aquino waited another year to order Abad to release P52billion to fund the CRRP. It took almost two years again for President Aquino to order the release of P32billion CRRP funds, for a total of 84 billion so far.

Vogue Dance Club, OC’s most watched line dance group on You Tube celebrated their 4th Year Anniversary last August 1. With buffet dinner and several raffle prizes to add to a night of good food and non-stop dancing, everyone went home satisfied and happy and already preparing for VDC’s next event. The VDC Officers, Jim & Marilou Betham and Jimmy & Monica Tan, promise an even bigger 5th year celebration next year. For more information about their events, visit www.voguedanceclub.com or contact voguedanceclub@gmail. com.

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FOOD & DINING Incredible Ingredients Make the Smoothie Besides its creamy goodness, the best thing about a smoothie is the ability to create your own culinary masterpiece. Grab the kids and combine some        

FAMILY FEATURES

ooking for a healthy, convenient and delicious breakfast boost, afternoon refuel or sweet treat? If so, break out the blender and whip up a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Made with fruits and vegetables, smoothies provide important nutrients that our bodies need. When prepared with chocolate milk, they can also be an excellent source of protein — and a tasty treat for kids and adults alike. “Chocolate milk is a delicious and nutritious base for smoothies because it not only contains protein and minerals, it also provides calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health,” said registered dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield. “Plus, combining a nutrient-rich option such as TruMoo Chocolate milk with fruits and vegetables like bananas, berries and kale is a great way to get kids to consume the nourishment they need, all in an enjoyable treat.” Made with fresh white milk — sourced from your local dairy — pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great, TruMoo Chocolate milk is delicious whether it’s a smoothie base or enjoyed on its own. And with no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial growth hormones, you can feel great about serving it to your family. If you’re not sure what to put in your smoothie, you can get creative with the ingredients you already have on hand. If you’re a fan of PB&J sandwiches, simply combine chocolate milk with bananas, peanut butter and jelly for a delicious take on the classic lunch staple. Trying to get your kids to eat their veggies, such as kale, is easier when they’re disguised in chocolate-y goodness. And if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, combine low-fat brownies, ice and chocolate milk. Each of the following single-serving recipes shows you how deliciously easy it is to create a unique and flavorful smoothie to fit any craving. For each recipe, combine ingredients in a blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve. For more delicious recipes, visit www.TruMoo.com, or look for TruMooMilk on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Chocolate-Berry Blast 1 cup TruMoo Chocolate milk 1 cup frozen mixed berries 1 tablespoon golden flaxseed meal

Cookies ’n Cream Smoothie 1/2 cup low-fat fudge brownies or low-fat chocolate cookies, coarsely broken 1 cup TruMoo Chocolate milk 1 cup ice cubes

Fuel Up Smoothie 1 1/2 1/2 1 1

cups TruMoo Chocolate milk cup baby kale cup ice cubes tablespoon almond butter

Banana PB&J Smoothie 1 cup TruMoo Chocolate milk 1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into chunks 2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter 2 tablespoons strawberry or grape jelly Tips: For a colder smoothie, freeze banana chunks one day ahead. If you have a nut allergy, omit peanut butter.

Apricots Baby spinach Blueberries Cherry tomatoes Pineapple Oats Tart cherries Raspberries

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Baking: The hottest new makeup trend Monday August 10 2015 (Relaxnews) – If the term “baking” conjures up images of cupcakes then you’re behind the times – it’s actually the latest big makeup tend. The baking technique has been around for decades but is currently enjoying a revival in light of the extreme contouring craze. A quick scan of Instagrammed photos tagged #bakingtechnique reveals scores of women captured with various amounts of powder patted all over their faces. Baking, in the cosmetic sense, involves wetting the skin after foundation and concealer have been applied by using a damp sponge to dust powder over dark shadows or areas of the face that you want to highlight. As well as highlighting facial features, it also sets makeup to keep your look fresh throughout the day. For perfectly baked under-eyes and covering up dark circles, makeup artist Heidi Hamoud recommends using an eye cream such as Bobbi Brown’s Hydrating Eye Cream ($50) to prep. She then suggests using a thick, pigmented concealer and dabbing it on

the under-eye area, before blending out any creases and tapping the area lightly with a face powder like Laura Mercier’s Invisible Loose Powder ($37) to set the makeup. Former drag queen and makeup artist Mathias Alan also recommends using Urban Decay’s De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray ($37) over foundation and concealer for the ultimate bake. Now it’s baking time! Using a damp sponge, you can then apply a generous amount of powder under the eye, before leaving it to set for five minutes and dusting off the excess with a makeup brush. However, Hamoud’s tip is to use a hard-pressed powder such as the Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Powder ($36) to go over the ‘baked’ area with a brush, using light flicking motions to smooth everything out, buff off the powder and provide extra coverage. It isn’t just eye bags that can benefit from the approach -- the technique can also be used as a method of contouring when applied underneath the hollows of the cheekbones and to the chin or down the bridge of the nose for a baking hot look.

Sleeping on your side could be a wise choice for beƩer brain health, according to a new study. ©baranq /shuƩerstock.com

Sleeping posture could affect brain health: study Thursday August 6 2015 (Relaxnews) – Sleeping on your side rather than your back or stomach might play a role in helping reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases, according to a new study. Side sleeping opens a passage in the brain called the glymphatic pathway that dispels waste and other chemicals, say the researchers from Stony Brook University in the US. “It is interesting that the lateral sleep position is already the most popular in human and most animals – even in the wild – and it appears that we have adapted the lateral sleep position to most efficiently clear our brain of the metabolic waste products that built up while we are awake,” says Dr. Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester. The team’s research began years ago when they used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to observe the glymphatic pathway in rodents. They learned that the waste-clearing process – bathing the brain with cleansing cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) – is most efficient during sleep. What gets flushed out the glymphatic pathway are amyloid β and tau proteins that are unhealthy in the brain if they build up. In the study, lead author Dr. Helene Benveniste and her team used MRI technology and kinetic modeling to measure

the exchange rates of the fluids CSF and ISF in rodents who had been given anesthesia as they slept on their sides, backs and stomachs. Sure enough, technologies called fluorescence microscopy and radioactive tracing that gave the team a view of the glymphatic pathway revealed increased efficiency when the rodents slept on their sides. Dr. Nedergaard says the results of the study serve as further proof that sleep serves a waste-eliminating function. “Many types of dementia are linked to sleep disturbances, including difficulties in falling asleep,” she says, suggesting that such disorders may be linked in some way to brain waste not being properly eliminated. “It is increasingly acknowledged that these sleep disturbances may accelerate memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.” Body posture and sleep quality should be assessed in humans as the scientific community begins to lay the groundwork for further research that could enrich our knowledge of these brain diseases, says Dr. Benveniste. She cautions individuals that the team’s research was conducted on rodents and that further experimentation will be needed to determine whether or not their conclusion applies to humans. The study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Screenshot: “Perfect Under Eye Highlight, NO CREASING + Baking Explained!”

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COMMUNITY

Land grabbing to be discussed in an open field hearing of HFAC By JOEY QUINTO

TORRANCE, California – Land grabbing, a widespread problem which has been in existence for many generations in the Philippines, will be discussed during the Open Field Hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) to be held by the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific in the Ursa Major Suite at Cal Poly Pomona University (3801 West Temple Ave., Pomona, California 91768) on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The subject of the hearing is Property Rights and Development in Southeast Asia. And since the Property Rights, Constitutional Rights, and Human Rights of land grabbing victims are continuously being violated by abusive individuals and the inaction of some officials and employees of the Philippine government, land grabbing will be cited. US Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of HFAC, is a long-time champion of property rights and has been fighting against land grabbing throughout the world, particularly in the Philippines. He has spearheaded specific actions pertaining to land grabbing that could help strengthen the Rule of Law and protect the Property Rights in the Philippines. Like Royce, US Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific House Foreign Affairs Committee, has been focusing on enforcing Property Rights. AREAS OF CONCERN l The Philippines’ ability to borrow and to attract foreign investors is adversely being affected by current corruption in the government that includes land grabbing.

l Is the Philippine government following the US foreign funding guidelines on the Rule of Law and Property Rights? Is it a wasteful spending of the American taxpayers? Foreign funding to the Philippines is a crucial issue. US has given nearly $500 million of grants to the Philippines that come from the American taxpayers so it is necessary that funding is being used for what it is intended for. The US Foreign funding to the Philippines has guidelines: to help the Philippines in infrastructure for better commerce, and what the US could do with regards to the Rule of Law and Respect of Property Rights, among others. It is imperative then for the Philippine government to take the Rule of Law and Respect of Property Rights seriously since they are part of the guidelines of the foreign funding to the Philippines. l What is the Philippine government’s loss of opportunity because of land grabbing? If the victims were able to develop their lands, they could have paid more taxes which could have led to higher income for the Philippines. Hernando De Soto, a Peruvian economist and expert on property rights, reported to Chairman Royce that if land grabbing would be eliminated in the Philippines, it would have more potential on economic growth and more jobs could be created. l Does the Philippines implement its existing laws to protect the victims of land grabbing? President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Daang Matuwid (straight path), Anti-

Corruption Initiative, is a great way to show the world that the Philippines is no longer the ‘Sick Man of Asia’. But, it is not completely being adhered to nor totally being implemented by some national and local government agencies, e.g., the Philippine Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 requires all public officials and employees, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request. But, several government agencies have been disregarding RA 6713. Evidently, something needs to be done to enforce the Rule of Law. With the leadership of Chairman Royce,

together with the assistance of the members of HFAC, USAID, and the U.S. Department of State, Filipinos could now be optimistic that the Rule of Law, transparency, good governance, and government accountability could possibly be enforced. Once they are totally implemented, we could hope that the land grabbing victims will not need to wait for several months to get answers from government employees. More importantly, land grabbing in the Philippines could be minimized, if not completely halted. (For questions or if you plan to attend the Open Field Hearing, please email atstoplandgrabbing@yahoo.com no later than Monday, August 17, 2015.)

A total of 320 infants and toddlers are breastfed by their mothers during a simultaneous latch-on in Mandaluyong on Saturday. “Hakab Na! 2015” aims to raise awareness on the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding in celebration of Breastfeeding Month this August. (MNS photo)

CDPH celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today reminds us that breastfeeding is the first step to a healthy life and forms a lasting bond between mother and child. The 2015 National Breastfeeding Month theme “Let’s Make It Work” sets the goal of empowering all women, no matter where they work, to successfully combine work with breastfeeding. “As National Breastfeeding Month kicks off in August, California should be proud of its efforts to lead the nation in progressive laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed her baby,” said Dr. Smith. “Through public policy, California has committed to ensuring that women who want to breastfeed are given the best chance at being successful.” Not all working mothers in California have access to workplace support for breastfeeding, according to data from the Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA), an annual survey of new mothers. CDPH reports that only half of California mothers returning to work have a place and

time to pump breast milk and low-income women are less likely to have access to these accommodations. Women with workplace support for breastfeeding are twice as likely to report exclusive breastfeeding at three months postpartum than women without accommodations. California law requires employers to provide breastfeeding women with time and private space to express breast milk. Breastfeeding reduces the risks of acute and chronic health conditions for both mothers and babies. Six months of exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding for one year or longer, as long as it is mutually desired by mother and infant, is recommended. Ongoing efforts have resulted in California meeting all of the Healthy People 2020 objectives for breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity. However, additional efforts are still needed to ensure that all women have equal access to lactation accommodations in the workplace and quality maternity care that supports breastfeeding.

FASGI holds Community Day Los Angeles, August 11, 2015 – The Filipino American Service Group Inc (FASGI) in celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” and Historic Filipinotown 13th Anniversary held its Community Day last Saturday, August 08, 2015 More than 300 people mostly community resident veterans and widows attended the FASGI OPEN HOUSE that featured a pre-launch of FASGI’s new programs for the community. Brief Program New FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel explained FASGI’s programs like the Veterans Center, FILVOTE, Community Gardening, Senior Coffee Club, Transitional Housing and Basic Computer Literacy that caters to the needs of the FilAm community. During the brief Program, Albert Bataclan, FASGI’s communications director introduced the new FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel-Alcid. Also present were FASGI Asst, Executive Director Bernie Ganon and FASGI’s Board President Cris Liban.

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Karylle wants mom Zsa Zsa’s BF to do ‘pamamanhikan’ MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) -- Karylle personally requested the boyfriend of her mother to do the traditional “pamamanhikan” before they finally decide to tie the knot. Karylle’s mother, veteran singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, is currently in a relationship with architect Conrad Onglao. In an interview, Onglao revealed he and Padilla are planning to get married in Italy in 2016. Karylle said she sent a text message to Onglao about her request. “I’m really old fashioned, I guess. Even for our wedding, it’s nice to go through traditions as Filipinos. May value siya talaga,

Karylle

‘yung families coming together doing what every Filipino has done for years and years.

Magandang bonding siya na hindi talaga dapat ma-miss,” Karylle explained. Asked how she envisions the “pamanhikan,” Karylle said: “Kailangan ‘yung pamamanhikan nasa Las Vegas ‘di ba? Kasi nandoon ang lolo at lola ko. Tapos sasama ako.” Setting aside her being old fashioned, Karylle said this is also her way of showing her mother that she cares. “Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya para pabeauty lang siya sa tabi. It’s nice to have a protective family I guess. Gusto ko naman ma-feel niya na inaalagaan din namin siya, kahit from daughter to mom, may pagba-

bantay pa,” she said. Karylle is the eldest daughter of Padilla. The singer has two other daughters, Nicole and Zia, with the late Comedy King Dolphy. Meanwhile, Karylle shared that she and her husband, Yael Yuzon, are planning to embark on a vacation soon. Asked if having a baby is also among their plans, she said: “Hindi pa, huwag muna. Vacation muna kasi naka-schedule na lahat ng bakasyon. Importante daw ‘yun sabi ni Kuya Kim, ninong kasi. Sabi ni Kuya Kim, dapat sumusubok daw kapag wala sa bansa para relaks.” (MNS)

Lea-Aga reunion movie set for 2016

Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach

It’s finally happening! The reunion movie of Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga will push through in 2016. This was announced by Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos during the “Chat with the Chairman” event at ABS-CBN on Tuesday, as reported by Star Cinema in its website. Salonga earlier said that she will be very

busy in the remaining months of 2015 and won’t be able to do a movie this year. “I have ‘The Voice’ and then I have a Broadway show. As in the day after the grand finals, I leave for New York. Our finals will be on August 29 and August 30, August 31, I’m on a plane out. So no movie this year,” she had said.

Salonga will be part of the musical “Allegiance” with Japanese-American actor George Takei, which is scheduled to start previews October 6 at the Longacre Theater in New York prior to its official opening on November 8. Last month, Salonga and Muhlach attended the premiere of the digitally restored version of “Sana Maulit Muli” held at the Cine Adarna at University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Salonga hinted that the warm reception at the premiere could help railroad the reunion movie that has been in limbo. “Maraming oras na ang nakalipas since we did a movie and then to receive that kind of reception doon sa screening, talagang hindi ako makapaniwala na ganun ang naging pagtanggap ng very, very young audience,” she said. “I think microcosm siya of a possibly bigger market na siguro tatangkilikin din nila ‘yung pelikula namin kung sakaling gumawa kami ng isa pa,” she added. Aside from “Sana Maulit Muli,” Muhlach and Salonga starred in an earlier movie, “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal.” Salonga had said that she only wants to be paired with Muhlach because she is already comfortable working with the actor. “Minsan lang kasi ako gumawa ng pelikula. As in once every 17 years. I don’t do movies very often so I want to be with people that I’m already comfortable with. There are certain risks that I’d like take when I perform live. But when I do a film, I’d like to stay with a team na nakasanayan ko na,” she explained. (MNS)

UP REUNION: University of the Philippines’ recent joint picnic of the Sigma Delta Phi and Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association at Ryerson Park in Lakewood.

Jackie Forster

Jackie Forster ‘tired’ of waiting for Andre, Kobe “Maybe it’s time to let it go.” These were the words of former actress Jackie Forster when asked if she is willing to wait for Andre and Kobe Paras, her children with basketball star Benjie Paras, to welcome her back into their life. “At this point, I’ve asked for forgiveness for whatever it is,” she said. “If there’s something else bothering them, I’m willing to talk about it.” “But it seems like the doors are closed. Ang dami nang nangyari. Nagkasakit na ‘yung kapatid nila, hindi pa rin lumambot ‘yung puso nila. I feel like tama na,” she continued. Forster revealed early last year that Caleigh, one of her three children with her second husband, was diagnosed with leukemia. “Hanggang saan ako magmamakaawa na pagbigyan nila ako,” Forster said of Andre and Kobe. “Parang mas dapat pagtuunan ko na lang talaga ng pansin ‘yung pamilya ko, yung mga nagmamahal sa akin. ‘Yung mga nagpapakita na kailangan at gusto nila ako sa buhay nila.” Forster said that the two have been raised to think that she “just turned their back and abandoned them” – a claim that she hopes to set straight. “It’s not true...Kahit anong gawin nilang paninira sa akin, wala na eh. Tapos na iyon. Pinagdaanan ko na, pinagdusahan ko na kung ano man ‘yung bintang nila sa akin,” she shared. “I just feel like this is the time that I want them to get to know me and show them that I’m here. If you want to see who I am, just come and try to reach out,” she added. Forster concluded that she will never stop loving Andre and Kobe, and will continue to respect their decision to ask for space. “I will never stop loving them,” she said. (MNS)

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PRAYERS PRAYER FOR SAINT THERESE Oh Glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I invite your miraculous intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul, Our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prodigy of Miraclesâ&#x20AC;?. Now fervently beseech you to answer my petition: (mention here) and carry out your promise of doing good upon the Earth of letting fall from heaven a shower of roses. Henceforth, Dear /LWWOH )ORZHU , ZLOO IXOÂżOO \RXU SOHD ÂłWR EH PDGH NQRZQ HYHU\ZKHUH and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen (Say prayer every day for 9 days. By 4th day, you will see a rose in a magazine, TV picture or receive roses. You can also get strong scent of roses in home even if no roses present. Must promise publication. Thank you Saint Therese. ANA

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Fil-Iranian soccer star eager to make impact vs. Uzbeks Sept. 8 August 12, 2015 – Manila – With the crucial Azkals game against a strong Uzbekistan squad less than a month away, one Azkals player who is feeling the pressure is Filipino-Iranian midfielder Misagh Bahadoran. Although nobody is putting the pressure on him, Bahadoran feels he has to bring his game one notch higher than his outstanding performances in the last two Azkals games where he nailed the team’s first goal against Bahrain and five days later against Yemen in the ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The two wins gave the Philippines six points, second after North Korea in Group H. North Korea is leading the group having scored one more goal (5-4) than the Philippines in two matches. “The expectation (on me) is high. The pressure is there. It’s harder being in that position now,” Bahadoran said in an interview after a morning training session at the Emperador Stadium in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. His goal against previous Azkals tormentor Bahrain last June 11 was doubly significant for him as it was his first international goal in football. But being no stranger to pressure in the past, Bahadoran appears ready for the demands building up around him presently. He acknowledges that the ongoing games are tougher being part of the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world. “I have to be prepared, physically and mentally. I have to be disciplined,” he stressed. The Pampanga-born Fil-Iranian, who

is also a vital cog in the United Football League team Global FC, trains everyday, making sure that he is not only sharp with his striking and dribbling but also physically fit, and shuns unnecessary distractions as much as possible, to the point that he remains girlfriend-less for the past nine months. “I don’t go out with friends. I don’t have a night life. I just want to focus on my football,” Bahadoran said, pointing out that football is his entertainment and happiness. The absence of distractions makes him more focused during practice and games and it is the reason why he remains “single” for nine months now. He admitted that the hectic training schedule, commitments as a budding businessman, model and endorser and constant travel abroad for games make it hard for him to give enough time to his lovelife. His last girlfriend was a Persian and a dentist by profession but their relationship had suffered because of his busy schedule. Without saying it, he had to give up his romantic liaison for his other love, football. Bahadoran also does not go out with friends nor does he watch the movies as he prefers the comfort of home. At home he lies in bed for that needed rest and recovery from a weary training session day and stays on the phone “for two hours.” If positive attitude before games is the barometer for the quality performance of a player, Bahadoran will surely score 100 percent. He specifically shuns negative thoughts and negative people and conditions his mind to win before any game.

Rio set for ‘great’ Olympics: IOC By Sebastian Smith

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | Wednesday 8/12/2015 – Rio will stage a great Olympics, as long as it sorts out “millions” of details first, the head of an IOC fact-finding mission said Wednesday. She even promised to dive into the filthy bay where the sailing events will take place. “Brazil is showing the entire world that it can deliver a great Olympic Games,” Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the International Olympic Committee’s Coordination Commission, told a press conference in Rio. She said that volleyball, triathlon, rowing and riding test events have passed off with no “major problems.” Dozens more competitions designed to check the city’s infrastructure are still to come, with sailing tests starting on the scenic, but heavily polluted Guanabara Bay this Saturday. Despite her effusive praise for the Brazilian organizers, El Moutawakel said Rio was still far from Games ready. It’s “now about dealing in a timely manner with millions of operational details,” she said. “You can imagine the loads of work that is expected from our friends.” El Moutawakel dismissed concerns over the Olympic rowing, windsurfing and sailing venues, saying that organizers are “doing their utmost” to ensure safe water. “We will dive (in) together,” she joked with an IOC colleague, then turned to the journalists covering the press conference and said, “I propose we all dive, all of you.” Best setting ever Christophe Dubi, the IOC executive director for the Olympics, said that while promises by Rio authorities to cut 80 percent of Guanabara Bay’s pollution have been abandoned, at least the competition areas will be clean. Organizers are “ensuring the quality of the water for the athletes and that is what is being delivered,” he said. “We will have competitions with the greatest athletes, with the very best setting you have ever seen in the Olympic sailing competition,” he promised. At least half of greater Rio’s sewage pours untreated into Guanabara Bay, as well as garbage carried in by dozens of rivers that environmentalists have described as effectively dead. At present, raw sewage even flows constantly into the marina that will host the Olympic racing boats. IOC officials also addressed worries that impoverished Brazilians will be left behind by the global mega-event, which comes just as their country is sliding into recession. “The Olympic Games enjoy strong support from Brazilians in the middle of economic and political crisis,” she said. “We are aware what the country is going through.” Rio authorities say that a new metro line, a cross-city bus link, a revitalized port area and clusters of new sporting venues will be a huge boost to the dilapidated, but lively city.

Filipino-Iranian soccer star midfielder Misagh Bahadora of the Azkals squad now competing in the 2018 World cup qualifiers. Photos: Azkals Facebook page and Anton Scheker

“I don’t want to talk about negativity, especially if there is a game. It’s important to be prepared mentally,” Bahadoran said. That’s why it’s very important for him who his roommate will be before any game. “My roommate is important to me because he is the one I will be talking to before the game.” “You need motivation, not someone who will talk about problems or negative things. You need to talk how to win, how to fight, this prepares me mentally and makes me strong,” he stressed. His advice to young people getting into football? “If you have a dream, dream big and follow your dream, work hard, and don’t give up.”

He said anybody can become a football player but what sets the outstanding players apart is their hard work, discipline and the time put into practice. “Some have talents, some work harder, anybody can be a football player but it’s how hard you work towards achieving it that will set you apart. Work harder, be disciplined, train everyday, make sacrifice, and listen to your coach,” Bahadoran said. Tickets for the Azkals vs. Uzbekistan game to be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on September 8, 2015 are now available at www.ticketworld.com. ph. Tickets are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3.

Veteran frontliner Brand retires after 16 seasons

New York, United States | AFP | Tuesday 8/11/2015 –Elton Brand, the top pick of the 1999 NBA Draft, announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons, which included two All-Star nods. The 36-year-old center and power forward was taken first by the Chicago Bulls and earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors for the squad, but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after two seasons in the league. Brand become a tough inside player in seven seasons with the Clippers, twice being named to NBA All-Star Games, but he missed most of the 2007-08 season with

a ruptured left Achilles tendon and was sent to Philadelphia, where he spent four seasons. He went on to play one season with Dallas and two more in Atlanta, but saw only limited action for the Hawks, who had the best record in the Eastern Conference but lost to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference playoff finals. Brand averaged 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocked shots a game over 1,041 NBA appearances. In the playoffs, Brand averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots and assists over 40 playoff games, 30 of them as a starter.

Owners hear update on Los Angeles relocation bids Chicago, United States | AFP | Wednesday 8/12/2015 – National Football League club owners heard updates Tuesday on possible relocations by three teams to Los Angeles, with a decision over who might play there in 2016 possibly coming by January. Owners of the San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders all are looking at moving back to Los Angeles, a market that could see up to two teams playing there as soon as next year. San Diego officials pitched their latest stadium offer in hopes of keeping the Chargers from moving up the California coast. Then owners heard about new stadium possibilities in St. Louis and Oakland. A St. Louis city task force made a presentation to the league for a new venue in April while no such measure has come forth in Oakland, the only city where an NFL and Major League Baseball team share the same field in September.

Chargers owner Dean Spanos and Raiders owner Mark Davis along with former 49ers and Browns executive Carmen Policy reported on their efforts to join forces and build a stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson that would be home to both clubs, much the way the New York Giants and Jets share a home stadium. Rams owner Stan Kroenke presented his plan for a stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan described Tuesday as “really the start of the process. We heard great presentations on what will be great stadiums. We knew things that were happening, but it was new today in the format it was presented. “In terms of timing, we’re probably looking at January when something will be decided. But there can be a lot of twists and turns between now and January. Just let this process play out.”

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Honda Fit is mega hit with buyers and critics alike as 2016 now on sale along with other models at Diamond Honda of Glendale Offering one of the most space efficient and versatile packages in the U.S. market, the 2016 Honda Fit tops it off with fun, fuel efficiency and style TORRANCE, Calif. Launching last year to strong reviews and eager buyers, the third-generation Honda Fit has since set a blistering sales pace while continuing to garner praise. Now the playful and practical 2016 Fit is ready to take the baton, carrying forward best-in-class passenger and cargo space, 41 mpg highway fueleconomy rating1 and sporty yet refined dynamics when it goes on sale July 1 at Honda dealerships nationwide. With a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)2 of $15,790 for the Fit LX with 6-speed manual transmission, the 2016 Fit includes an abundance of class-above standard fea-

tures including roofline spoiler, LED taillights, Bluetooth®connectivity and a rearview camera. All Fits are powered by a responsive direct-injected1.5-liter iVTEC engine from the Honda Earth Dreams Technology lineup, producing 130 horsepower3 and 114 pound feet of torque4, with an EPA fuel-economy rating of 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined)5 for the LX with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). “The new Fit has been a tremendous hit with buyers seeking a fun, practical and stylish transportation solution,” said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda. “It’s a satisfying car for a wide variety of needs and lifestyles.” Outstanding versatility is fundamental to the design of the Fit. With class-leading interior space and clever configurability courtesy of its center-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seat, the Fit epitomizes functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability

to accommodate large amounts of cargo, including long and tall items. The 2016 Fit offers a sophisticated yet sporty ride, with responsive and stable handling dynamics. Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure also benefits handling, as well as safety performance. In fact, the Fit achieves the highest crashsafety ratings in its class for both the U.S. government and the Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety (IIHS). An Earth Dreams Technology™ directinjection 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine powers the Fit. It’s tuned for a fine balance of power, torque and response, and is carefully matched with two recently developed transmissions – a slick-shifting 6-speed manual and a CVT with Honda’s exclusive G-Shift Control. The 2016 Fit has an EPA fuel-economy rating of 29/37/32 (city/highway/combined)5 for the manual transmission, 33/41/36 for the LX trim with CVT and 32/38/35 for the EX and EX-L trim with CVT. The Fit sports a fresh, dynamic exterior design with headlights that integrate into a solid grille design and an aggressive lower intake. Chiseled sides emphasize the wheels and the dynamically tapered roofline that terminates in a color-matched spoiler. Eight colors, including several vibrant options accentuate the design. Inside, the Fit’s interior room and visibility create a sense of airy spaciousness, complemented by soft-touch materials for a quality feel. A high level of standard and available features are offered in three trims –LX, EX, and EX-L. Standard features on all Fit models include auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth, HandsFreeLink and a center storage console with armrest. The Fit also features a long list of standard safety features, including Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA) with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE™) body structure. The Fit has received the highest available crashsafety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – a five-star Overall Vehicle Score – and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the IIHS. Meanwhile, if you want to belong to the select group of Honda owners, all you have to do is visit the Diamond Honda of Glendale and get in touch with our kababayans Tito Adriosula, Cruzella Clemente and Orly Roque, who are more than ready to serve you and find you your new Honda Hybrids or any other Honda vehicle and be assured of top fuel efficiency as well as safety and maintenance. These are just some of the reasons why Pinoys come to the dealership. Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds! That statement is backed up by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multi-ethnic market. “He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito. Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Its toll-free number is 1.866.237.7092.

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Toyota reports more than 200,000 in sales for fifth consecutive month TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported July 2015 sales of 217,181 units, an increase of 0.6 percent from July 2014 on a volume basis. With the same amount of selling days in July 2015 as in July 2014, sales were up 0.6 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota Division posted July 2015 sales of 187,365 units, down 0.6 percent on a volume and DSR basis. “July auto sales showed no signs of slow down for the industry,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Led by Tacoma sales, the Toyota division light trucks posted a best-ever July.” July 2015 Highlights: Camry was best-selling car in July; posted sales of 38,435 units Corolla posted sales of 30,249 units Total TMS light trucks up 8.6 percent, a July record Highlander up more than 12 percent 4Runner up almost 26 percent RAV4 posted sales of 26,709 units Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales up almost 17 percent Meanwhile, when redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or reengineering nearly 2,000 parts. Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology. Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features. In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include: Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents and P225/45R18 tires,

Power tilt/slide moonroof, Smoked tail lamp treatment, Blue Streak Metallic and Blizzard Pearl exterior colors, Sport fabric seats with blue inserts and blue contrast stitching; 8-way power-adjusted driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat; Dark Blue interior trim; Unique meter cluster with TFT Multi-Information Display; Standard Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation; Standard Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start; Standard Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging; Unique Special Edition badge and Camry Special Edition logo floor mats. The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System. The Camry Special Edition will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,715. Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016. Earlier, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., has reported July 2015 sales of 217,181 units, an increase of 0.6 percent from July 2014 on a volume basis. With the same amount of selling days in July 2015 as in July 2014, sales were up 0.6 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota Division posted July 2015 sales of 187,365 units, down 0.6 percent on a volume and DSR basis. “July auto sales showed no signs of slow down for the industry,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Led by Tacoma sales, the Toyota division light trucks posted a

Hurry! Call our kababayans Alfie Alberto (left) and Arvin Aberilla now toll free at 1-800519-2446. Hooman Toyota is located at 4401 East Pacific Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

best-ever July.” But what’s good about buying either a Toyota Sienna, Highlander, a Camry, or any Toyota vehicle now for that matter, you can get super customer service if you purchase them from Hooman Toyota. For

details, call our kababayans Filipino Fleet Sales & Leasing Professionals Alfie Alberto, Arvin Aberilla, Jay S., or DJ Mouth toll free at 1-800-519-2446 at be a VIP for life. Hooman Toyota is located at 4401 East Pacific Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

Tesla courts hackers to defend high-tech cars Sunday August 9 2015 (Las VegasAFP) – Hackers swarmed a Tesla sedan in a ‘hacking village’ at the infamous Def Con conference on Saturday as the high-tech electric car maker recruited talent to protect against cyber attacks. It was the second year in a row the California-based company was at the world’s largest gathering of hackers in Las Vegas, and came on the heels of a massive recall of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicles to patch a flaw that could let them be remotely commandeered. “Hackers are a crowd that is really important to us,” Tesla’s Khobi Brooklyn told AFP while Def Con attendees took turns inside a black Model S sedan parked inside a casino convention area. “It is a community that we want to be part of, and collaborate with, as well as recruit from.” Tesla recruiters were on hand, along with members of the California-based company’s security team. Tesla cars are highly computerized. New features as well as software updates are pushed out to vehicles over wireless Internet connections. “They are not messing with our software,” Brooklyn said with only a hint of hesitation. She knew of no cyber attacks aimed at Tesla cars, at Def Con or anywhere else. Tesla has worked with Lookout Mobile Security to find and patch software vulnerabilities in sedans, according to Brooklyn. Lookout co-founder and chief technology officer Kevin Mahaffey and Marc Rogers of CloudFlare online security firm took part in a Def Con presentation on Tesla software defense flaws that were discovered and then shared with the company.

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2015 Kia Sedona receives J.D. Power APEAL Award All-new Sedona scores highest in Minivan segment amid recordsetting sales year

IRVINE, Calif., July 22, 2015 – Arriving with a design intended to shake up the minivan segment, the stylish, multipurpose 2015 Sedona followed its debut with a record first-half sales performance and high praise from media and consumers alike. This trend continues as the Sedona has received the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award in the Minivan segment. This individual model accolade follows on the heels of Kia’s ascension in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), in which the brand placed second among all nameplates (or “brands”) and received the highest score among non-luxury nameplates. All new for the 2015 model year, the Sedona is setting a blistering sales pace with a 476-percent increase from mid-year reporting in 2014. “The redesign of Sedona, which completes Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer, is an extraordinary success story for the Kia brand,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Customers want vehicles they’re proud to drive, and Sedona’s superior combination of a strong, confident design, advanced safety features, and premium amenities, is revolutionizing the minivan segment. Earning top honors in the J.D. Power APEAL study is affirmation from our customers of the new Sedona’s appeal and desirability.” The J.D. Power APEAL study measures

new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories and weighted accordingly: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy. About the 2015 Sedona Available in L, LX, EX, SX and SX Limited (SXL) trims and a choice of seven-passenger or eight-passenger seating configurations, the 2015 Sedona has something for everyone. The Sedona comes standard with Kia’s proven 3.3-liter V6 engine, which puts out 276 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission routed to the front wheels. The Sedona sets itself apart in the segment as its wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like appearance and cab-forward design. Sedona offers a wide array of available driver-aid technology including Surround View Monitor1, Smart Cruise Control1, Blind Spot Detection1 and Lane Departure Warning1. Inside the spacious cabin, Sedona combines generous use of soft-touch materials, premium amenities such as “First Class” lounge seating, and Kia’s latest UVO2 infotainment and telematics system. If you want to find out why Kia is among the leading car brands of today, drop by Car Pros Kia of Carson at 21243 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90745 (telephone # 310-221-9131), or at Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach at 18835 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714-6131119) and last but won’t be the last, at Car Pros Kia Glendale at 400 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204 (818) 745-1400.

2015 Sedona SX Limited

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Hyundai earns high marks in annual J.D. Power APEAL Study Fountain Valley, Calif., July 22, 2015 – Hyundai followed up last year’s No. 1 ranking by finishing second among nonpremium automakers in the J.D. Power 2015 Automotive Performance, Execution and LayoutSM (APEAL) Study released today. In its 20th year, the APEAL study examines owners’ assessments of the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicle. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata ranked second in the midsize car segment. Furthermore, five Hyundai models (Elantra, Genesis, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veloster) increased their scores in this year’s study. “Finishing among the top two nonpremium brands in this year’s J.D. Power APEAL Study shows Hyundai takes design, technology, features and performance seriously across the entire lineup,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Having the best-selling Sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a tremendous achievement and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners.” Additionally, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata finished second in the midsize car segment by just two points – 817 v. 819. Recently, Hyundai ranked second among non-premium automakers and fourth among all brands in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). The 2015 Hyundai Tucson was awarded for the highest initial quality in the small SUV segment and the 2015 Hyundai Accent earned the highest IQS honor in the small car segment for the second year in a row.

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata earned the top mark in the midsize sedan category in AutoPacific’s 19th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards for its outstanding quality. In addition, Hyundai ranked within the top three mainstream brands in owner satisfaction. “Today, there are many midsize sedans for shoppers to choose from, but the Sonata stands out in the crowded segment for satisfying owners from interior comfort and styling to fuel economy and performance,” said Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Sonata achieves the highest customer experience with its quality combined with value, technology, design and safety.” The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based on survey responses from more than 66,000 owners of new 2015 model-year cars and light trucks. The annual survey measures owner satisfaction on 50 separate attributes. These awards identify the most satisfying vehicles on the market and are an industry benchmark that measures how satisfied owners are with their new vehicle. “Hyundai is continually improving owner satisfaction in key areas like reliability and quality, yet it is also hitting the mark with safety, braking, handling, styling and seat comfort, not to mention a very satisfying warranty program,” said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. The seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture design language, stiffer body structure, enhanced ride quality,

reduced noise, vibration and harshness and more convenience features. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan. Furthermore, the Sonata’s smart trunk gives owners a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, so putting items away is easier and more convenient. The owner simply needs to approach the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items inside when hands

are full. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class. Whether you prefer Sonata or other Hyundai vehicle, Hyundai is one of America’s sought-after car brands. And if you would like to check out why Hyundai is among the best selling cars, call our kababayans Jun Milan or Jay Trinidad, Filipino Sales & Leasing professionals at Win Hyundai of Carson at 1-888-718-7473. Better yet, drive down to Win Hyundai and feel the luxury of Sonata first-hand. Win Hyundai is conveniently located at 3462 N Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731 in San Gabriel Valley and at 2201 East 223rd St. in Carson, CA 90810.

New Audi S8 plus is the fastest in history Wednesday August 5 2015 (Relaxnews) – Technicians have taken Audi’s flagship executive sedan and managed to coax an extra 84bhp out of its already potent V8 engine. The results are remarkable. The S8 plus is a car that can carry five in absolute luxury even at speeds of up to 189mph and one capable of going from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds. To put those figures into some kind of context, the new Audi S8 plus is faster off the mark and has a higher top speed than a current-generation Porsche 911 Carrera. But those numbers also mean that despite is huge size – the car’s over 5 meters long and just under 2 meters wide – its

597bhp 4-liter 8V engine makes it the fastest S-designated Audi in the company’s current range. Yet, even with those supercar-baiting levels of performance, the car shouldn’t leave owners shaken and stirred. It has permanent Quattro four-wheel drive for assured grip whatever the conditions and clever adaptive air suspension that responds to how the car’s being steered in order to optimize handling and comfort. It also gets carbon ceramic brakes as standard and sits on special 21-inch alloy wheels that will help distinguish the S8 plus from the ‘standard’ S8 and the A8 models. Other unique exterior features include a carbon fiber blade on the front apron

spoiler, carbon fiber flaps on the air inlets and a special trunk lip spoiler. As an optional extra, the wing mirror housings and rear spoiler can be specified in carbon fiber, too. The S8 plus also comes with Matrix LED headlights as standard, which offer a wide area of bright illumination but won’t

Close end lease for 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5S for $169 per month plus tax for 36 months on above average approved credit. Paymen t net of $1,550 Nissan Lease Rebate and $600 Nissan College Grad Rebate. College Grad Rebate requires recent college graduation and proof of employment. $1999 cash or trade equity, plus tax, license and registration fees due at lease signing. No security deposit. 12,000 miles per year, 36k total miles with 15 cents per mile thereafter. Subject to availability and charges for excess wear and tear. Not all lessees may qualify, higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Offer expires 08/31/15.

dazzle or glare oncoming drivers, plus darkened rear lamps for extra menace. What’s more, Audi has developed a special matte paint finish called Floret Silver that will be exclusive to the model. Interior features include 22-way adjustable leather sports seats, stainless steel accelerator and brake pedals, privacy glass, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, power-operated doors and trunk plus keyless entry. Meanwhile, safety and assistance features include an advanced parking system which incorporates a top view camera and adaptive cruise control. The S8 Plus will be available to order from October.

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