Weekend Balita August 8, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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KC Concepcion admits dating foreigner See KC CONCEPCION page 23

VOL. XXIiI, NO. 27

AUGUST 8 - 14, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

Kaiser nurses in LA form flagship union: The National Labor Relations Board has officially certified the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United, where hundreds of Filipino nurses belong, as the union representative for 1,200 registered nurses at Kaiser Permanente’s flagship Southern California hospital, the Los Angeles Medical Center. (Story on page 7)

Pinoys in US are outstanding immigrants By Abner Galino

If you live in the US, can you really say that you are proud to be Pinoy? You should be because Filipinos are outstanding immigrants. Well, it may not be something that you can say everyday, but you could say it loud through the most part of the year. By the way, we are not tooting our own horn here. The affirmation about Pinoys being outstanding US immigrants was recently disclosed in an exhaustive report by the Migration Information Source (MIS), the online journal of the Migration Policy Institute. The report was written by Keith Mcnamara and Jeanne Batalova. See OUTSTANDING, page 6

Plea to unseat Grace Poe reaches Senate MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – A plot to unseat 2013 senatorial election topnotcher and 2016 presidential survey frontrunner Grace Poe has reached the Senate. Losing senatorial candidate Rizalito David showed up at the Senate Electoral Tribunal Thursday morning with the required P50,000 filing fee and P10,000 cash deposit required for the quo warranto case against Poe. David’s attempt to file the petition on Wednesday fizzled out after SET staff refused to accept his complaint. David declined to name the sources of his funds except to say that the cash deposit was money he borrowed while the filing fee was money contributed by friends and party-mates. “Inutang ko po ito since deposit mababalik sa atin. Sa mga kaibigan. marami akong kabigan...Ordinaryong tao naniniwala sa kung ano ating hinahanap,” he said. David said his party Ang Kapatiran has nothing to do with his complaint. He denied that he filed the petition at the behest of politicians. The issue of Poe’s alleged lack of See GRACE POE, page 6

The administration of President Benigno Aquino III (above photo) says it doubts on China’s claim that it has stopped reclamation work in disputed areas in the South China Sea.

State Dept: US will not tolerate sea restrictions ASEAN warns of ‘increased tensions’ over South China 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 See RESTRICTIONS, page 6

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Will I lose my home if I file for bankruptcy? Americans are still filing bankruptcy in record numbers, and with good reason. The economic downturn, including the fall of housing prices and the increase in unemployment has wrecked havoc on our finances. The truth is, that in many cases, bankruptcy is a wise decision for many, since it wipes away debt and interest payments that would take years to pay off, if you are only making minimum payments. Unfortunately, many people do not file bankruptcy because of misinformation. One of the most com- known and not used as often. Chapter 11 mon questions people ask when con- is used by business owners, and Chapter templating bankruptcy is “will I lose my 12 is for family farmers. Single or married home?” However, in today’s economy, individuals typically use both Chapter 7 & where few people actually have much 13. In a Chapter 7, debts are discharged. In equity, the answer is NO! a Chapter 13, the debts are reorganized and The bankruptcy trustee will first deter- paid back to the extent that the party is able. mine whether your home has equity, and What Should I Do? how much. This involves determining the If you are a home owner, filing for a current market value of the home, and Chapter 7, the first thing to do is find out subtracting the pay off amount, cost of whether your home has equity. If there sale, and any liens. If the equity is below is equity, you and your bankruptcy atspecific homestead exemptions, you keep torney can determine if you qualify for your home provided of course, you stay an exemption. Typically, in California, current on your monthly mortgage pay- the homestead exemption for a married ments. The general rule of thumb is that couple is $75,000.00, with higher limits if you continue to make your payments for seniors. Keeping your home pursuant on time, the lender prefers that you stay in to an exemption is conditioned on the unyour house. Mortgage lenders, contrary to derstanding that you will continue to make popular belief, are not anxious to foreclose your mortgage payments. on a property. It means a loss to them, as However, if you still have significant they will have to spend money holding the equity, and the exemption is not enough property and preparing it for resale. to protect all of the equity in your home; Bankruptcy is also helpful if you are you could still use a Chapter 13 debt reorseriously behind on mortgage payments. ganization with some partial payments and IT will stop a foreclosure in its tracks, and still protect your home. through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, provide Speak with a Lawyer as soon as posyou with a plan to amortize mortgage ar- sible. rearages over a 5 year period. If you are considering bankruptcy, it In bankruptcy, there are exemptions, is important to speak with a bankruptcy which render certain property outside the lawyer right away. This is particularly reach of bankruptcy. State law provides important if you have a large asset, like that the debtor be allowed to keep per- a home that you would like to keep. Your sonal property up to a certain amount, lawyer will have knowledge of the various for instance. If the debtor avails himself exemptions available to you, and offer you or herself of an exemption, that property sound advice to ensure your bankruptcy cannot be used by the bankruptcy court goes smoothly. There is a lot at stake, so it to pay creditors. Specific exemptions are is important to give yourself every chance provided through both federal and state law of success. that enable most people to keep their home, Contact attorney Paul M. Allen at the since these exemptions usually exceed the Law Offices of Paul M. Allen to learn home’s equity in today’s real estate market. more. I have helped many working class Chapter 7 & 13 families resolve their financial problems, There are several types of bankruptcy, and I can help you too. Get the fresh finaneach with different sets of rules and criteria. cial start they deserve. I can help you too. The most common two types of bankruptcy Call us today at 818-552-4500 and are Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Two other schedule a free consultation. Offices in types, Chapter 11 and Chapter 12, are lesser Glendale and La Palma

Add spice for a longer life? Paris, France (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Eating spicy food, especially fresh chili, has been linked to a lower risk of death in a Chinese study, researchers said Tuesday. But they cautioned it was too early to draw a final conclusion on the potential benefits of fiery fare, and urged further research that may lead to “updated dietary recommendations”. The study, published in The BMJ journal, collected dietary data from nearly 490,000 people, aged 30 to 79, in China. They were enrolled between 2004 and 2008, and their health monitored for an average of seven years. Just over 20,000 participants died in the period. “Compared with participants who ate spicy foods less than once a week, those who consumed spicy foods one or two days a week were at a 10 percent reduced risk of death,” said a statement from The BMJ. And those who ate spicy foods almost every day, “had a relative 14 percent lower risk of death compared to those who consumed spicy foods less than once a week.” The association was similar in men and women, and stronger in those who did not consume alcohol. Fresh and dried chili peppers were the most commonly used spices – and the association was higher with the fresh variety, according to the team led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The answer may be found in an ingredient of spices – capsaicin, which has previously been suggested to posses anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-cancer properties. The team urged “further prospective studies in other populations”, that may lead to dietary recommendations and “development of functional foods, such as herbal supplements.” In a comment, Kevin McConway of the Open University urged against jumping to conclusions. “If people who eat spicy food more often have lower death rates, that might indeed be caused by the chilli eating, or it might be caused by something different that is related to eating chillis and also, separately, happens to promote health.

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Escudero: Case vs Grace Poe ‘funny, irritating’

The Mutya ng Pilipinas winners (l-r), 1st runner-up Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International Janela Joy Cuaton, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International Leren Mae Bautista and 2nd runner-up Brenna Cassandra Gamboa are crowned at the Resorts World in Pasay City on Sunday. (MNS photo)

AFP denies Binay’s claim on neglect of soldiers MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied Vice President Jejomar Binay’s allegations that the Aquino administration has been neglecting soldiers. AFP public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato contradicted Binay’s claims, saying the situation of soldiers has improved and is still improving. During his “true” state of the nation address (TSONA) last August 1, Binay said the administration of President Benigno Aquino III had neglected the country’s military and police. “Ang mga haligi ng gobyerno – ang mga karaniwang kawani, ang mga sundalo at ang mga pulis – sila rin ay napag-iwanan,” (The pillars of government – the lowly employee, the soldiers and the police – have also been neglected) Binay said in

his speech at the Cavite State University in response to the President’s SONA. He added, “Ang masaklap pa rito ay binalewala ang kanilang mga sakrispisyo sa ngalan ng serbisyo publiko.” (Worse, their sacrifices in the name of public service have been set aside.) Belying Binay’s claims, Detoyato reportedly said that the daily subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen increased to P150 from P90 after Aquino signed a congressional resolution which sought the raise. Detoyato said the P60-increase was already a big help to soldiers for their daily needs. Moreover, military supplies and other support for the officers and men of the Armed Forces have improved, Detoyato was reported as saying.

MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday dismissed the case filed against fellow Senator Grace Poe as “funny and irritating.” Escudero said that the case which would have been filed by Rizalito David challenging Poe’s citizenship before the Senate Electoral Tribunal was already three years late. “Well, una nakakatawa na nakakainis. Nakakatawa kasi hindi handa sa mga kinakailangan para magfile. Nakakainis dahil bakit ngayon lang?” (Well, it’s funny and irritating. It’s funny because he was not prepared to file. It’s irritating because why was it filed only now?) said Escudero. The senator added, “Magtatatlong taon nang senador si Sen. Poe, nag-number one pa. At kung may ganyan man dapat noon pa.” (Senator Poe has been a senator for the past three years and even topped the polls. If they want to challenge her citizenship, they should have done it early on.)

David wanted to file a case before SET against Poe on Wednesday but failed because he could not pay the P50,000 filing fee. He contended that Poe, the adopted daughter of movie actors Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, was not a natural-born Filipino. Escudero believes that Poe can weather this new political storm and that the public can see through David’s motive. “Basta may paratang sa’yo gaano man kasama pakinggan basta hindi totoo kayang-kaya mo yan sagutin at ipaliwanag sa publiko,” (As long as you know that the allegations against you are not true, you should be able to respond to them) the senator said, adding “ang publiko hindi rin naman ganun kadaling maniwala.” (The public cannot be easily fooled.) For her part, Poe said she was disappointed that David failed to file a case as this would have been a chance to defend herself. (MNS)

Poe on SET petition: An opportunity for truth to come out MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said she felt relieved that a petition questioning her citizenship has been filed before the Senate Electoral Tribunal. In a statement, Poe said: “I am actually relieved that a petition has been filed so that I can answer the questions on my citizenship and residency. It is an opportunity for the truth to come out and for this issue to be resolved once and for all. Poe, who leads all prospective 2016 presidential candidates based on recent popularity surveys, reiterated that she is a Filipino and a resident of the Philippines. “I assure the 20+ million fellow Filipinos who voted for me, as well as the rest of the country, that their confidence in me is not misplaced. I remain truthful to our countrymen. I am a Filipino by birth, abode and choice,” Poe said. She had earlier dismissed the allegations that she is not a Filipino citizen. Poe also said that she has long been residing in the country even before the 2013 elections. Poe’s term as a

senator is set to end in 2019 if she decides not to run for higher office in the 2016 elections. Earlier in the day, a defeated 2013 senatorial candidate filed a petition with the SET questioning the continued stay of Poe in office. In his quo warranto complaint, Lito David said Poe has no right to remain in office on the grounds that she is supposedly not a Filipino citizen and lacks the required number of years of residency in the Philippines when she filed her certificate of candidacy in the 2013 senatorial elections. “This petition for quo warranto... is seeking to unseat respondent Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares from the Senate of the Congress of the Philippines...noncitizenship and non-residence are grounds of ineligibility for a member of the Senate, thus, a member can be disqualified to continue as senator on these grounds,” David said in his petition. David, of the Ang Kapatiran Party, said no one is behind him in his petition against Poe. (MNS)

Student council admits inviting VP Binay MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – Members of the Cavite State University-Indang student council admitted Thursday inviting Vice President Jejomar Binay to the school’s student assembly. CvSU student council president Vincent Bae said inviting Binay is part of their program to get the students involved and informed about the current situation of the country. “Ang student council ay gumawa ng liham na naka-address sa pangalawang pangulo para malaman ang kanyang panig sa nangyayari po sa ating bansa, dahil naniniwala po kami na ‘yung mga mag-aaral natin ay dapat maging involved,” he said. Bae said that the student council has the power to suspend classes for important activities. He also said that they hinted to the school administrators that Binay is coming for the “student assembly.” “Meron kami sa aming Constitution and bylaws na ang student council ay may karapatang magpa-suspend ng klase kung meron itong student activities. Nagpaalam lang po kami nang pahapyaw sa aming pangulo (Chavez) na gagawa kami ng isang student assembly,” he explained. CvSU President Divina Chavez already denied she knew Binay was coming to the campus of 18,000 students to deliver his “true” state of the nation address (TSONA). Chavez was the one who signed the memo addressing college deans about the required attendance of students in the activity. Bae said that it is the student council of CvSU that should answer on the controversy of requiring students for Binay’s TSONA. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) earlier said it is already looking into the matter. Meanwhile, Bae said that to be fair, they have also invited other possible presidential candidates like Senator Grace Poe. In fact, he said, they already had former Senator Panfilo Lacson as a speaker in one of their forums. (MNS)

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Ping backs Aquino, denies Yolanda funds will be used for polls MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – Former rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson may not see eye-to-eye on some of the policies of the Aquino administration but he believes one thing: the government will not use Yolanda funds for the 2016 polls. Lacson said there is no way that the Yolanda rehabilitation funds will be used in the election. “I won’t buy that. In the first place, hindi nga nag-re-release ng pondo for Yolanda and there is so much in government coffers, yung savings,” he said. Lacson, who questioned discretionary lump sum funds in the 2015 budget, said he continues to believe in the integrity of President Aquino. However, he said he agrees with the assessment of UN special rapporteur Chaloka Beyani that the government could do more to help provide durable solutions for

internally displaced persons. “I still believe and I continue to believe in the integrity of the president nor do I have personal issues with Secretary [Butch] Abad, let’s make that clear. These are policy issues and concerns that I’m criticizing. When you criticize, it does not mean you disrespect the person or persons concerned,” he said. Lacson said that in February 2014, the Department of Budget and Management released through the Department of the Interior and Local Government some P50 billion in rehabilitation funds to build “low regrets projects” such as municipal halls, public markets and civic centers in Yolanda-hit areas. He said the funds were released even before President Aquino signed off on the final Yolanda recovery and rehabilitation

Japan promises record $2-B loan to PHL Manila, Philippines | AFP | Thursday 8/6/2015 –Japan has pledged about $2 billion in soft loans to upgrade the Philippines’ crumbling railway system in Tokyo’s biggest ever support for any Filipino project, Manila said Thursday. The 240 billion-yen package is a signal of increasing cooperation between the former World War II foes, including “closer security cooperation,” the foreign department said in a statement. The low-interest concessional loan will be used to finance a planned 36.7-kilometre (23-mile) elevated commuter railway to link Manila with Malolos City to the north. The Philippines’ overburdened public transport system has long seen the capital and surrounding areas snarled by huge traffic jams. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert

del Rosario received the pledge from his Japanese counterpart Minoru Kiuchi on the sidelines of a meeting of Asia-Pacific foreign ministers in Malaysia on Wednesday, the statement said. The pair also discussed “closer security cooperation, including the acceleration of discussions for an agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology,” the foreign department statement said without elaborating. Tokyo and Manila, both locked in territorial disputes with China, have strengthened their cooperation on defense in a bid to counterbalance Beijing’s regional clout. Japan has a maritime row with China over islands in the East China Sea while the Philippines has its own increasingly tense conflict with Beijing in the South China Sea.

plan in October 2014 because he told the President the local government units needed these structures to transact business “At first, he was apprehensive but eventually the DBM through the DILG gave the funds. Derecho sa mga mayors yun. Sinabi bahala na kayo magpagawa sa mga munisipyo niyo, that was fine,” he said. Aside from the government funds, some 171 municipalities in six regions affected by the supertyphoon also benefited from P26 billion in projects from the private sector. Lacson said when he was first offered the job to become rehab czar, he could sense the urgency from President Aquino because government response to the tragedy was not so good. The rehab czar said according to Social Watch, some P84 billion in rehabilitation funds have been released from 2014 to

2015 for all calamities and not necessarily for Yolanda-hit areas. “What kind of recovery efforts do you expect if P34 billion out of the P80 billion [for Yolanda rehabilitation] has been released?” he said. He said the Philippine government should accelerate release of the funds and released these funds directly to local government units instead of government agencies. Lacson said the Aquino administration seems to have overlooked the importance of rehabilitation. “As long as you see people living in bunkhouses and even tents, you cannot describe the rehabilitation efforts as successful. Before the President steps down, we want to see people living in permanent shelters,” he said. (MNS)

Five dead, three missing in southern PHL floods Manila, Philippines | AFP | Wednesday 8/5/2015 – Five people have died and three more are missing as floods hit two southern Philippine cities, forcing about 400 residents to flee their submerged homes, officials said Wednesday. Swollen rivers burst their banks and unleashed waist-deep floods on shanty towns in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia on Mindanao island this week, provincial civil defence chief Ana Caneda told AFP. Heavy rains have swamped the region since late last month and the government warned residents of vulnerable areas, including riverbank shanties, to evacuate, but some refused, she said. “They may not have relatives to go to and don’t want to go to the evacuation centres so they... (chose) to sit it out,” Caneda said, adding that some had refused to leave their properties unguarded. Rescuers recovered the corpses of five shantytown residents Wednesday when monsoon rains let up for the day, but three other residents remain missing, she added. Caneda said the floods were brought on by a seasonal monsoon and were not related to Super Typhoon Soudelor, which is threatening Taiwan and China. Hundreds of people are killed in natural disasters each year in the Philippines, which is battered by an average of 20 typhoons and tropical storms annually.

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RESTRICTIONS From page 1

“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

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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.

GRACE POE From page 1

residency requirement was first raised by the camp of Vice-President Jejomar Binay. For her part, Poe said she is actually relieved that a petition had been filed “so that I can answer the questions on my citizenship and residency.” “It is an opportunity for the truth to come out and for this issue to be resolved once and for all,” she said in a statement. “I assure the 20+ million fellow Filipinos who voted for me, as well as the rest of the country, that their confidence in me is not misplaced. I remain truthful to our countrymen. I am a Filipino by birth, abode and choice,” she added. Some supporters met with David outside the gate of the SET/HRET compound in Quezon City after the filing. David feels the response to his petition has been orchestrated. “Feeling ko orchestrated pagsagot sa bagay na iyon. Ako, nag-iisa lang ako. Wala akong abugado dito na kailangan sila magsalita sa akin naman ano lang hinahanap natin totoo,” he said. David criticized the reaction of some sectors, saying some of Poe’s statements are similar to the reactions of analysts and even legal luminaries. He stood by his arguments, saying it was Poe who should explain why she only lost her US citizenship in 2012. “Kung pagbabasehan citizenship niya bilang part ng residency, kulang ng dalawang taon para tumakbo bilang senador,” he said. David reiterated Poe should not have even become chair of the MTRCB. “Hindi siya pwede maging chairman ng

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MTRCB kung dual citizen. Filipino citizen lang pwede humawak ng opisina. That’s another problem. She has to justify paano siya naging chairman gayong sinasabi nag-renouce na di tinatanggap ng Amerika, nagfile sa dual citizenship law na di qualified dahil di natural born. Kung gusto niya ma-correct, dapat sa normal naturalization process nag-apply, hindi sa dual citizenship law,” he said. The former senatorial bet is considering filing an election offense case against Poe at the Commission on Elections next week. He also made an appeal to Poe. “Mag-uumpisa na proseso. Yun na lang po dapat pagtuunan ng pansin, proseso ng pagdinig. Batuhan ng akusasyon kung ako’y binayaran o merong mga pulitikong nasa likod ko o ako pakawala, walang katotohanan. Meron akong masidhing paggalang sa aking sarili. Di ako magpapagamit kanino man,” he said. David added: “Tignan natin kung karapat-dapat mga lider sa pamamagitan ng katanungan: sila po ba sumusunod sa batas? Kung walang paggalang sa batas, walang silbi pamumuno. Yun aking panawagan.” He also rebutted the Poe camp’s use of an international convention. “Sinasaaad sa batas naging citizen siya by adoption pero yung question ng natural-born di pa nareresolba. Sinasabi po na convention na kung saan pinagbabasehan isang foundling kung saan nakita yun citizenship pero yung convention effective 1975. Grace Poe pinanganak 1968. Ang convention di nag-apply sa kanya. Yung rules ng convention tinindigan ng Pilipinas 2011 lang. 1961 prinomulgate, nag accede tayo 1975, pero hindi pa rin ito na put into operation till 2011,” he said.

OUTSTANDING From page 1

The report was accompanied by tables and a graph that showed how we have been moving along here in the so-called “land of opportunities.” Interestingly, folklore character Juan Tamad (Lazy John), which has been used by foreign and local rulers to explain away the root of poverty in the Philippines, was nowhere near the description of Filipinos in the US. The MIS noted that Pinoys participated in the labor force at “slightly higher rates than both the overall immigrant and USborn populations.” In 2013, said the report, about 69 percent of Pinoys 16 and above were working in the civilian labor force. This is two percent higher than all immigrants which was determined at 67 percent, posting even higher than the employment rates among native born Americans which was pegged at 63 percent. Filipinos were likely to be employed in management, business, sciences and arts occupations. And of course, almost without a need to mention, is our prevalence in the health care industry in the professions that range from doctors, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, caregivers and almost any job that there is in this field. In California alone, 20 percent of registered nurses are Filipinos. These facts bear enough weight to bury the myth of Juan Tamad six feet under. A Filipino will work if there is work. Laziness is not a Filipino character. And because we work hard, only seven percent of Pinoys in our community here live in poverty, as against 19 percent of all the immigrants and 15 percent of nativeborn population. So, most Pinoys in the US are middleclass people...sort of. (Well, please don’t tell me that this where all the kayabangan is coming from.) The MIS also says households headed by Pinoys earn a median income of $82,370, as against $48,000 for all immigrants and $53,000 for U.S-born households.

This is unsubstantiated, but in my mind I got this hint on why this is so: nurses. But this fact from the source explains this better: “Filipino immigrants (age 25 and older) have much higher education rate compared to both the native and the foreign-born populations.” In 2013, says MIS, 48 percent of Filipino immigrants reported achieving at least a Bachelor’s Degree, which was 30 percent only for native born and 28 percent for all other immigrant groups. There is almost no argument here: Higher education equals good-paying job. Because we are mostly involved in health care and mostly employed in goodpaying jobs, it is not surprising that Pinoys are more likely to be insured through private health insurance. Seventy-three percent of Pinoys have health insurance as against 67 percent for native born and 50 percent for all immigrant populations. I bet you all felt good already. But I got some more numbers here from the MIS. There are 1,844,000 Filipino immigrants, or 4.5 percent of the total immigrant population in the US which stands at 41.3 million. The US is a little over 320 million. “Since 1990, the Philippines has been consistently among the top five countries of origin, and was the fourth largest in 2013.” If we limit the numbers to immigrants of Asian origins, we’ll be the third largest immigrant group behind China and India, which are both very huge countries. Without a doubt, the Filipino immigrant community in the US is both remarkable in terms of quantity and quality. Now, are we even aware of our strengths as an immigrant community? Or, are we still trapped in the mistaken notion that we are just an insignificant minority? When are we going to harness these strengths wisely and forcefully for the benefit of compatriots and the homeland? The old adage says there is strength in numbers, but only if they are one voice.

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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

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)

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.

Kaiser nurses in LA forms flagship union The National Labor Relations Board has officially certified the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United as the union representative for 1,200 registered nurses at Kaiser Permanente’s flagship Southern California hospital, the Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC). The ruling comes one week after LAMC nurses voted by nearly 70 percent to join CNA, the state’s largest organization of nurses. Nearly 90 percent of the LAMC RNs voted in the secret ballot election conducted by the NLRB, the federal agency that oversees private sector labor relations. With the vote, CNA now represents more than 20,000 Kaiser RNs in California and nearly 90,000 nurses overall across the state. NNU, the nation’s largest RN organization, represents 185,000 nurses from coast to coast. “With our resounding vote for CNA as our union, patients and nurses at Kaiser LAMC won,” said Tessie Costales, RN, an intensive care unit nurse at LAMC, on election night July 23. “We want the best for our patients and we need the strong union and contract to be able to retain experienced nurses.” “What amazing nurses,” said RoseAnn DeMoro, executive director of CNA and NNU. “In my 30 years at CNA I cannot recall a more incredible group of RNs who were more determined to join our organization to have a powerful voice to protect their patients and advocate for their colleagues. We are extremely proud to welcome them into the CNA/NNU family,” DeMoro said. DeMoro said she is “looking forward

to a quick, smooth transition as the LAMC nurses meet with Kaiser to negotiate their first CNA collective bargaining agreement. It is an exciting time.” Next up for the RNs will be electing a team of colleagues to represent them in immediate contract talks with Kaiser officials.

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Is $54K a year for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private school tuition ground to dismiss Chapter 7? Section 707 (b) of the bankruptcy code is the provision that allows the dismissal of a Chapter 7 case if there is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;presumption of abuseâ&#x20AC;? of bankruptcy law. This is applied to individuals with primarily consumer debts. So if the individual who seeks Chapter 7 relief has primarily business debts this provision would not be applicable. For instance, if Mr. X has $500K of credit card debt which he used to run the case, or $6,575, whichever is greater; his home health care business, or his res- or (II) $10,950.â&#x20AC;? Therefore, even if the intaurant, or his import distribution business, dividual debtor has a ton of consumer debt, this provision would not be applicable as long as debtor meets his burden under because Mr. X, although and individual, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;means test,â&#x20AC;? there is no presumption of has primarily business debt. Even if Mr. X abuse. Indeed, an individual earning $1.0 were not a business person, he could still M a year who owes $3M of credit card and circumvent this provision and avoid the other unsecured debt can still qualify for â&#x20AC;&#x153;presumption of abuseâ&#x20AC;? if â&#x20AC;&#x153;the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapter 7 relief and discharge the $3M of current monthly income reduced by the debt as long as the net disposable income amounts determined under clauses (ii), under the means test shows that the person (iii), and (iv), and multiplied by 60 is no is running on negative disposable income. That of course is an extreme example of less than the less of (I) 25 percent of the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-priority unsecured claims in what is theoretically and legally possible.

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Normally, debtors who seek Chapter 7 discharge of debts for a fresh start in life have gross incomes between zero and $275K a year. Although it may be hard to believe, I have clients who are in the $275K or more yearly bracket who are stuck with too much debt. Sometimes, they are hit with a collection of $200K for a 2nd trust deed on an investment property that was foreclosed. Or, they had a family emergency that required them to borrow large amounts, or invested in a business that was losing money and they relied on borrowed funds to finance the loss for an extended period of time. What I would like to discuss here is a situation of a high-income earner who spends $54K a year for his four children to attend private school and wants Chapter 7 relief to discharge $80K of credit card debt. In Re Kornfield, debtors in this case were a gastroenterologist and his wife. A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in stomach and intestinal problems. Yes, they â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;re the ones who like to do endoscopies. Hopefully, you and I will never have to see one in our lifetime. They listed current annual income of $276,000. Their statement of financial affairs showed that their income was $404,000 during the year previous to their bankruptcy filing, and $470,000 during the year before that. They scheduled $390,000 in an exempt pension plan, $508,000 in secured debt and $80,000 in unsecured debt. The trustee filed a motion to dismiss the Chapter 7 case on the ground that debtors had an ability to pay their debts and no factors mitigated against this ability. In other words, the trustee believed that debtors should be in a Chapter 13, not a Chapter 7. The bankruptcy court found that the debtorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; extravagant lifestyle was a major cause of their financial problems and granted the trusteeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motion to dismiss the Chapter 7 case. Debtors appealed. The appellate court found that the bankruptcy court acted properly when it considered the propriety of the debtors spending $54,000 per year to send their four children to private

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school. Private school tuition has always been a disputable expense factor, because many courts consider private school as a matter of choice and not necessity. This is true. My own children all went to public school from kindergarten to high school, to public university. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think they got shortchanged in any way in the quality of education. And they had to compete to get to the top. No spoon-feeding. I saw their final exam questions in the sciences in the university, and none of the questions were covered by the professorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class lectures just because the professor was a Nobel peace price awardee for that subject matter. I mean, that is not just tough, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s totally unfair. If you can ace that kind of exam, you really understand the subject matter. I know this person who went to a name brand private college, got high marks there, and could not get a good enough grade in the professional entrance exam to land him a seat in any professional college in the United States. I also have a friend who graduated from a private name brand US law school, who up to now, cannot pass the CA bar exam. He gave up after twenty attempts. And this guy went to private school all the way from grade school. So, its either our God gave you the talent, or He did not. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the God-given talent, you just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it. Find out what kind of talent God gave your child, and your child should excel in that area of human endeavor. Not everyone is cut out to be a brain surgeon, and no amount of private schooling will turn your child into a brain surgeon if God did not give your child that talent. Maybe your child is meant to be the next Steve Jobs who stopped college to set up Apple, now the largest company in the USA, perhaps the world. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearing a trillion dollars. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too bad, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? In the United States, public education is really first class, and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost that much. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand parents now who spend $3K a month just so their child can attend a private kindergarten, or a high school that â&#x20AC;&#x153;enhancesâ&#x20AC;? the chances See YANG on page 9

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Is it smart to borrow money from my house equity to buy another property? Homeowners today should treat their houses like piggy banks carefully, readily transforming their equity into cash and credit. Making sure the money taken out of the home equity is used to make more money or invest in something secured. You have a few options on how to take your equity out, the most common is to refinance and cash out up to about 80% loan to value then there is the home equity lines of credit and reverse mortgages. We all know not to get too carried away with cashing out funds from the recent Mortgage Meltdown, banks want $80,000 cash, maybe to spend on now know too not to be too aggressive with your child’s first semester at Harvard or to giving you your equity. invest in a rental property somewhere. You Cash-out refinancing explained can refinance the mortgage for $260,000. With cash-out refinancing, you refi- Ideally, you get a better rate with a 75% nance your mortgage for more than you loan to value cash out refinancing , it might currently owe, then pocket the difference. also only be about .125% different from Here’s an example: Let’s say you still a no-cash out loan. Therefore with rates owe $180,000 on a $350,000 house, and now a days at all time lows, making it very you want a lower interest rate. You also attractive to borrow more money, I call it

YANG From page 8

of their children getting into name brand universities. Would you believe, my wife’s hairdresser sends his only daughter to a private grade school, and he spends $3K a month for her expenses. That’s more than the rent he pays for his shop. It’s absurd. If your child is intelligent enough and works hard enough, he or she is going to get into the university of his or her choice. If your child is not smart enough, you’re out of luck. Sorry, by and large, America is still a meritocracy, with some exceptions of course. Further, the appellate court found that the bankruptcy court properly considered the debtors’ exempt assets in reaching its conclusion. But as an aside, here in CA, retirement accounts up to a $1.0M are exempt and are not used against the debtor. I had a client who had $980K in his IRA rollover, and another client who had $600K. Both were granted a Chapter 7 discharge. A totality of circumstances test is relevant in each case.

Indeed, a debtor can have very high income but still obtain a Chapter 7 discharge depending on the circumstances affecting his or her case. Thus, there is a need for debtors to see an experienced bankruptcy attorney. “NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. AS I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU; I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.” JOSHUA 1:5 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.

“Cheap Money”. Cash-out refinancing differs from a home equity loan in several ways: A home equity loan is a separate loan on top of your first mortgage. A cash-out refinance is a replacement of your first mortgage. The interest rates on a cash-out refinancing are usually, but not always, lower than the interest rate on a home equity loan. Recently very close but home equity loans are usually adjustable rates. Generally, you don’t pay closing costs for a home equity loan, but have to keep it open for three years. It doesn’t make sense to refinance a higher amount at a higher rate. If your current mortgage is at a lower interest rate than you could get now by refinancing, it’s probably better to get a home equity loan. Or, if you’re 20 years into a 30-year mortgage, you’re paying more principal than interest with each mortgage payment, but key is the specify what use you have for the money. I always suggest if its long term use, then refinance and cash out and get a fixed rate mortgage. If you can be sure you are paying off the line of credit in a very short period not risking rates to go up, then use a line of credit. Is cash-out refinancing right for me? So, if you want to extract a chunk o’ change from your three-bedroom piggy bank, how do you decide whether a cash-

out refinancing is right for you? Cashing out for these purposes might make sense : Paying off large debts like credit card or student loans that have high rates. Cashing out to do home improvement to increase value of your property. Looking to invest in more Real Estate for its rental income. Paying for Children’s College Tuition instead of getting Student loans that have much higher rates now. Now banks are more conservative for our own good, these will keep you in check to make sure we are not over borrowing. It’s up to you to use that money wisely. Please call me for some advise if you have any questions pertaining to a cash our refinancing. Mortgage Recasting is a term that not very many people are aware of, it’s actually paying down your mortgage loan to lower your monthly payments without refinancing or start over again. These is a option that all servicers has for their borrowers. For someone with extra cash that is not really working for them, putting that money into your mortgage to reduce your monthly payment might be a smart move, specially for someone retiring. Thanks for your inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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Can filing bankruptcy save your small business? Bankruptcy is a bad word every business owner is working hard to avoid. And, yet, it’s also a tool given to entrepreneurs as an encouragement to take risks and be able to have a fresh start when things don’t work out. The last few years have been tough for a lot of small business owners. They have seen profits dwindle down and yet their overhead hasn’t changed. If bankruptcy is a thought that may have crossed your mind on either a personal or business the business fails, they may be held personally level, don’t despair. You are not alone. accountable for the debts that the business has The recession has had a domino effect on incurred. small business owners like you. With no access Who is liable for the debts- you, your to traditional financing like large businesses business, or both? The answer depends on often do, a lot of small business owners have how you’ve structured your business and who increased credit card usage to fund their opera- guaranteed the obligations of the business. tions. This is where the dividing line between Unfortunately, for a lot of business owners, business and personal liabilities begin to blur the personal guarantee is unavoidable if they’re at times- when people start using their personal trying to borrow money for their business. credit for their business. And of course, when There are alternatives to bankruptcy for

business owners who can restructure their debts, work with creditors and reduce their expenses to stop the bleeding. But sometimes, bankruptcy is unavoidable. The good news is that it is not often as bad as most people think. In this article, I only address how an individual may PERSONALLY address business debts for which he or she may be held personally responsible. A Chapter 7 may be the way for an individual to relieve himself or herself of debt. Most Chapter 7’s are no asset cases so in a majority of cases, creditors receive nothing. A Chapter 13 is an option if there is disposable income available, and creditors may be paid according to best efforts, usually greatly reducing the total debt amount. Payments are made to a Chapter 13 trustee for 3-5 years and all types of debts including taxes, medical bills, student loans, etc. can be consolidated into one affordable monthly payment. You should understand that bankruptcy may be a complicated process if you have a business

because there are often a lot of issues involved and you have a big stake in the outcome. So this is definitely an area that you would not want to navigate on your own. Instead, consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. If you have found that you are getting close to a time when your debts are becoming unmanageable, contact my office before you stop paying your debts. There may be steps that can be taken short of bankruptcy that can get your business back on track. Call my office at 866-477-7772 to schedule a free attorney consultation. We have offices in Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

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“The Balladeer”: Julius Obregon obliges for this photo op with his fans, Noemi Cruz and couple Tonette and Nel Lasam of Orange County, after the concert “Main Event” in Buena Park. Photo: Obregon noemi

Concert-goers score unanimous win at ‘Main Event’

Thirty years is a long time to settle an old issue of who’s the better singer is between two musical icons who even brought their musical bout to Orange County in California. The event was a battle of vocal attributes between two “protagonists’ with their own distinctive styles in what was then called “The Main Event” and had the old Rizal Theater of Makati in the Philippines way back in the 1980s as the venue. The two protagonists had to resolve the nagging issue even with the passing years and both had taken diversions and gone personal routs in their lives. Last July 31st was still the “Main Event” and the main characters, Julius Obrego (a.k.a The Master Balladeer) and Nonoy Zuñiga, a.k.a. The Hitmaker) had the 800-seater Knott’s Berry Farm Grand Ballroom in Buena Park for their venue. The newly-renovated hall provided their followers just the right distance for them to “feel the musical punches” in a more personal manner. The square platform erected for the purpose provided their followers an ex- “Main Event” Winners: After a long wait that cellent view of what was happening. The spanned three decades, the score was finally 7-piece professional band had its place settled between Philippine music icons Julius Obregon and Nonoy Zuñiga at the Grand Hall of secured to provide the accompaniment Knott’s Berry Farm last July 31st. Joseph Gelito for a performance that also tested the and Tanya Varona join them at the platform. staying power and stamina of their faithful The night was a bundle of presentation fans as the “bout” took a little short of three of musical talents in their persons spiced up with supporting talents provided by hours to conclude and be decided upon. The musical duel had both icons jus- versatile singer/comic Joseph Gelito (as tifying why through all these years, their the referee) and similarly talented Tanya name recall is still strong in the minds of Varona. Obregon, who also was the producer, their fans. Obregon has trekked the spiritual path intimated days before the actual show having found the Lord and has been plant- that “The Main Event” will be one with ing and pasturing churches for the last 18 a difference in terms of audience impact. True enough, the show had the audiyears. Zuñiga, on the other hand, has also gone spiritual and has been an ambassador ence get their money’s worth not only in for the promotion of Original Pilipino terms of listening to Obregon and Zuñiga Music, a movement that has started a new with their exemplary musical talents and wave. Wielding their contrasting styles, their inimitable styles which has since Obregon and Zuñiga had their audience mellowed through the years. The message to their feet at some point to dance to the was overwhelming. The real significant beat of some songs that reminded them of of the main event was how spirit of love happy memories in the past. It was sort of that permeated the hall through the entire proceeding as the two gifted singers shared a journey down memory lane. Obregon and Zuñiga had made clear their God-given talents. The verdict: The winner in “The Main their points in a musical skirmish that highlighted their contrasting styles which Event” was neither of the two talented singstill had that appeal to concert-goers whose ers whose God-given gifts are being used reason for spending their valuable weekend not for man’s glory but for God’s. It was hours were justly rewarded in many ways. all about God’s love being shared.

Julius Obregon and Nonoy Zuñiga entertain the crowd with their endearing ballads.

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Locals treated to Filipino culture at Filipinotown Festival Last Saturday, August 1st, our paper, Balita Media participated as one of the media partners at the Filipinotown Festival in downtown Los Angeles. The festivity kicked off with a procession and parade around the grounds of the Silver Lake Medical Center, carrying the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary where the all - day event took place. The program was hosted by Benito Miranda and Anjanette Abayari. A Holy Mass was officiated by Father Robert Victoria and welcome remarks were made by Filipinotown An original Filipinotown song was sung Neighborhood Council President, Cecile by singer/composer Edmund Perlas and the Ramos and by the Honorable Consul Gen- patriotic hymn was sang by Pastor Adolfo eral Leo Herrera Lim who’s always accom- Bugayong. modating with his time and with a sense The Cambodian Cultural Group were of humor, he said: “it’s nice to know that also among those who participated, bringwe, Pinoys are known for our parties and ing with them, Cambodian singer, Rithy pagkain,” so let’s start the “party!” Hahn. Miss Philippines USA 2015 fashion models, wearing the exquisite fashion designs of Mul Tayoba, Lou Razon and Carl Andrada (seated from left foreground). Photo by: Louie Garcia

A Kare-Kare cooking demonstration followed, shown by Chef Louis Esguaras and sponsored by the vendors of Salad Master along with the popular Pinoy supermarket, Seafood City. As a festival showcasing Filipino culture, a couple of Filipino folk dances were performed by some officers and members of the Filipino American Community of LA (FACLA) and a young artists’ singing competition was held, sponsored by Jona Peralta of the Center Stage Vocal Academy school and singer John Paul Puno. A few Filipino children also participated in a brief fashion show coordinated by Priscilla Marte.

Guest performer was actress/singer Geneva Cruz, who really wowed the crowd with her singing gyrations but highlight of the warm, sunny day was the fabulous Filipiniana fashion show of Fil-Am designers: Lou Razon, Mul Tayoba and Carl Andrada. Overall, the Filipinotown Festival offered a celebration of Filipino culture, talent and entrepreneurship through the participation of 50 Filipino-owned businesses along with 7 food trucks. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to commend the project management team of Lou Razon and Vic Perez for the Filipinotown Festival’s huge success! Mabuhay!

24 million watched Republican presidential debate: Nielsen

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Washington, United States | AFP | Friday 8/7/2015 – A staggering 24 million viewers tuned in to Fox News to watch the first major Republican US presidential debate, the highest-rated non-sports telecast in cable television history, Nielsen figures released Friday showed. The viewership of the prime-time 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm debate, in which frontrunner billionaire Donald Trump squared off against nine of his top Republican challengers for the nomination, is by far the highest rating of any presidential primary debate. “Fox had 24 million viewers last night. That is an absolutely monster number,” tweeted Fox media commentator Howard Kurtz. Ratings monitor Nielsen Media Research said that among the telecast’s viewers, 7.9 million were in the 25-54 age range, the key advertising demographic. By comparison, the first Republican debate of the 2012 primary season, on May 5, 2011, averaged 3.3 million viewers. Numbers were also huge for the secondtier debate which took place at 5:00 pm Thursday and featured the seven lowpolling candidates who failed to make the cut for the prime time event. Some 6.1 million people watched the preliminary debate, Nielsen said. The debate night appears to have been a multi-platform smash. Facebook, which co-sponsored the showdowns, said 7.5 million people in the United States made 20 million debaterelated interactions on Facebook, including likes, posts, comments and shares, the social media giant said Friday. Twitter reported that tweets about the two debates were viewed a whopping 1.1 billion times. Kurtz argued that the sky-high viewership was a combination of “huge public interest, Trump, August lull and riveting

television.” Trump, who afterwards accused Fox moderators of asking “unfair” questions of him during the debate, was clearly a main factor – and in a brutal tweet Friday he let the broadcaster know it. “@FoxNews you should be ashamed of yourself. I got you the highest debate ratings in your history &amp; you say nothing but bad,” Trump tweeted to his 3.5 million followers. The debate viewing results are not just good news for Fox. The Republicans will host at least eight more debates as the party whittles down its broad field and determines its flagbearer to go up against likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The next Republican debate is scheduled for September 16 in California and will be broadcast on CNN. The debut Democratic Party debate is scheduled for October 13 in Nevada, also on CNN. Carly crush: Fiorina shines in first Republican debate Move over, gentlemen. Republican hopeful Carly Fiorina may have just catapulted herself into the presidential campaign’s top tier with a commanding performance in the debut debate of the 2016 race. Fiorina is the only Republican woman in the race, a former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard whose lacks national name recognition but who insists she would be the best counterweight to Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic candidate She got a dramatic bump in exposure after a star turn in a debate Thursday in Cleveland, where campaign experts agreed she exhibited masterful poise and command of the issues, spoke articulately and aggressively against Clinton, and essentially stole the show.

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The E Visa classification as an immigration Over 200 migrants feared drowned off Libya people, including 12 women and 13 chiloption for the business savvy immigrant Rome, Italy | AFP | Wednesday 8/5/2015 dren, had been rescued. By Fanny Carrier / Ella IDE

For most professional immigrants that seek long term immigration status in the US, the key to success is finding an employer that would Petition them for an H-1b visa. The problem recently though is the reduction in the visa numbers for this classification that makes this visa unavailable most of the year after the cap has been reached. However, for those immigrants that have either a business in their home country, or have the capital or can raise the capital to establish a business in the investors, a safer option for maximizing US, there is another option for obtaining success from both an immigration angle long term status in the US. This is either and a business angle is to purchase an existthrough the E-1 “treaty traders” or the E-2 ing business. Purchasing an existing and “treaty investors.” Both classifications profitable business is more likely to satisfy required that 1) the alien seeking E status is the “substantial investment” requirement. a national of a country with an appropriate Preparing an E case requires presenting letreaty; 2) the US business to employ the gal and financial documents which reflects alien is owned at least 50% by nationals the ownership structure of the business as of the same country as the E alien; 3) the well as its financial condition. In the case trade or investment by the treaty nationals of a new business, a well put together busiis “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E ness plan should be prepared. It may be status either is an actual investor in the US necessary to employ the services of other business, has an executive or supervisory experts such as a CPA in addition to the imposition in the US business, or possesses migration attorney. Due to the complexity skills essential to the US business. of the E classification, aliens should seek The major distinction between the two the assistance of an experienced immigrais that under the E-1, the US business must tion attorney. conduct “substantial trade” with and for Please note that this article is not legal which over 50% of the substantial trade advice and is not intended as legal advice. conducted with the treaty country. On the The article is intended to provide only other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial general, non-specific legal information. investment” in the US business. This article is not intended to cover all The E classification offers several the issues related to the topic discussed. advantages over other employment based The specific facts that apply to your matnon-immigrant classifications such as the ter may make the outcome different than H-1b and the L-1. First, no prior preap- would be anticipated by you. This article proved petition is required from the CIS. does create any attorney client relationship The immigrant may apply directly with the between you and the Law Offices of KenUS Consulate. Second, there is no time neth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not limit an alien may stay in the US under an a solicitation. E classification. Third, there is no required Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was affiliation with a foreign company as long President of the Philippine American Bar as the US business is owned by at least 50% Association. He is a member of both the by nationals of the alien’s treaty country. Family law section and Immigration law Fourth, there is no requirement that the section of the Los Angeles County Bar alien worked with a foreign affiliate. Fifth, Association. He is a graduate of Souththe Alien’s dependent Spouse may legally western University Law School in Los work in the United States. The major dis- Angeles and California State University, advantage of the E is that either substantial San Bernardino School of Business Admininvestment or substantial trade with the istration. He has extensive CPA experience treaty country is required. Also, this is prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES not an option is the alien’s country does OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located not have a treaty with the United States. at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Alien investors can come to the US on Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 a B-1 to evaluate business and investment or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com. Web: opportunities. For more conservative Kenreyeslaw.com

Ombudsman indicts Taguig Mayor Cayetano for ‘padlocking’ session hall MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has approved the filing of charges against Taguig City Mayor Laarni “Lani” Cayetano for the alleged premeditated and deliberate locking of the city government’s session hall in 2010. In a resolution recently signed by Morales, the Ombudsman said Cayetano and officer-in-charge City Administrator Jose Montales were found guilty of violating Article 143 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) by allegedly ordering the city hall’s personnel to padlock the session hall in time for the maiden assembly of the city council or Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) in August 2010. Article 143 of the RPC penalizes persons who, “by force or fraud, prevent or tend to prevent the meetings of local legislative bodies.” The Ombudsman noted that because of Cayetano and Montales’ act, the SP was forced to hold its maiden assembly and its next 14 sessions in the city hall’s staircase as the smaller city auditorium cannot accommodate the number of SP members. Morales junked respondents’ explanation that the move was part of the city’s

reengineering and reorganizational plan, noting that the respondents failed to present any project plan nor a semblance of a project study “that would validate the necessity of effecting immediate change in the layout of the city hall offices.” “...the documentary evidence, as well as respondents’ own admissions, belied their claim that any ‘reorganizational or reengineering plan’ with respect to city hall offices actually existed,” the Ombudsman’s resolution read. Morales also gave weight on the testimonies of the SP members that the padlocking of the session hall was a premeditated “act of hostility” done with undue haste and without prior consultation nor prior notice to the affected party. The Ombudsman resolution also noted that the respondents violated Section 45(b), Article I, Chapter III of the Local Government Code (LGC) which states that the local chief executive’s power to assign and allocate office spaces “must be exercised for the purpose of promoting efficient and economical governance...must be rational and precludes any arbitrariness or abuse.” Mayor Cayetano is the wife of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. (MNS)

– Over 200 migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean were feared to have drowned Wednesday after their overcrowded fishing boat capsized off Libya. The boat, believed to have been carrying over 600 migrants including women and children, ran into difficulty about 15 nautical miles off Libya and sent out a distress call, which was picked up by the coastguard in Sicily. Coastguard spokesman Filippo Marini said around 400 people had been rescued from the water while 25 bodies had been recovered. Irish patrol vessel LE Niamh and a ship deployed by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) were among the first to be dispatched. According to the Irish authorities, 367

Suspected drug tunnel found on US-Mexico border Tijuana, Mexico (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Mexican patrols discovered a suspected drug tunnel under construction between Tijuana and the US city of San Diego, the army said. Mexico’s military uncovered the third such tunnel found this year on Monday inside a company warehouse near a busy customs area between both nations. The sophisticated 125-meter (400foot) tunnel did not yet have a outlet on the US side but included lighting, ventilation and metal runners. Two other such tunnels were recently discovered in Mexico in April, one found in Mexicali used a US home’s garage as an entrance.

Six other people, including a baby no more than a year old and a survivor with a broken leg, were taken to the Italian island of Lampedusa, Federico Fossi, spokesman in Italy for the UN refugee agency, told AFP. While the sea was very calm, “the boat overturned and sank quickly because it was made of metal,” Fossi added. The agency’s chief spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said on Twitter that “100 (migrants) were in the hull” of the fishing vessel when it capsized. Seven ships, several helicopters and a drone were helping search for survivors. More than 2,000 people have already died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

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OPINION

No need for Roxas makeover, LP members say

MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) – Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas’ presidential bid is in full swing, fueled by the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III. But it looks like an uphill climb for Roxas, who has been lagging in surveys. Is a Roxas remake in order? Quezon City Rep. and Liberal Party (LP) member Bolet Banal does not think so, saying Roxas is too genuine to frame him into someone he is not. “Kaya lumalabas minsan na trying hard eh. Parang gusto natin siyang gawin, i-package na, hindi naman talaga siya ganun... Ang weakness niya yung sobra niyang honest eh,” Banal said. “Pero sa akin naman, kaya ko siya gusto kasi ang kailangan ko namang presidente, hindi magaling tumapik at malakas uminom o masyadong popular o galing sa mahirap. Ang kailangan kong presidente, yung maaasahan ko, mapagkakatiwalaan ko,” he added. Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez said Roxas talking about his dreams and background at Club Filipino last week hints at a relatable approach to voters from a man who is widely viewed as elitist and detached. “Hindi ako galing sa mahirap. I was lucky, I was fortunate enough to be born with all these opportunities na kaagad-agad makukuha ko. Nakapag-aral ako in the best schools and so on. That doesn’t mean na wala tayong commonality. That doesn’t mean na I cannot understand yung inyong pinanggagalingan. That doesn’t mean I cannot understand ano yung mga aspirations niyo. And precisely because na-experience ko yung ganitong opportunity, gusto kong maipamahagi yun at maibigay yun sa mga ibang tao,” Gutierrez said of Roxas’ message. Banal and Gutierrez also know that part of the challenge in campaigning for Roxas is to get rid of the impression he is an incompetent government executive. But Dr. Ana Maria Tabunda of Pulse Asia said Roxas is actually viewed as a competent Cabinet secretary. It’s just that when it comes to choosing the next president, Filipinos consider not only the performance but also the relatability and the connection of a candidate. “It’s also true that they choose the personality or the candidate based on their perception that they can relate to that person... Whether that connection is based on reality or perception, they need that. They need to think that this candidate is thinking of us, thinking of the people, and is not very different from us,” she said. Tabunda added it remains unclear if Aquino’s endorsement can boost Roxas’ survey ratings. But she said, “Endorsement has an effect not just on voters, ordinary voters. Endorsement has an effect on the people who plan or the groups that plan to support a candidate.” “Even the endorsement now is generating its own—it’s creating all sorts of other reactions as well, that will impact on voter preference for the other candidates too.” As for Roxas adapting traits from Aquino—from the yellow-colored shirts to calling Filipinos his bosses—Tabunda believes that may be a double-edged sword. “It will help him among those who like President Aquino, but it could work against him. But I think the people will also want to see him as his own man. They may share same vision, that’s fine. They may share some of the methodologies. But they will want to see what can he contribute over and beyond what the current president has done,” she said. (MNS)

South China Sea tensions flare at Asia security talks By Martin Abbugao

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Southeast Asian diplomats said Tuesday that China’s controversial island-building drive is raising regional tensions, with the Philippines slamming its “unilateral and aggressive activities”. The US and some Southeast Asian states have watched with growing alarm as Beijing expands tiny reefs in the South China Sea, topping some with military posts to reinforce its disputed claims over the strategic waters and fanning fears of future conflict. The flashpoint issue has taken centre stage at the annual security forum hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that began Tuesday. But China has insisted it will not discuss the dispute during the meetings. That prompted a sharp rebuke from the Philippines, which along with Vietnam has been involved in the most direct territorial confrontations with China. “As we speak, we see no let-up on the unilateral and aggressive activities of our northern neighbor in the South China Sea,” Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told fellow ASEAN foreign ministers at an afternoon meeting, according to a transcript of his remarks obtained by AFP. He also hit out at what he described as “massive reclamation activities” and construction by Beijing in the disputed sea which had “undermined peace, security and stability”. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that such gatherings are not “the appropriate place for discussing specific bilateral disputes,” and that doing so would “heighten confrontation.” He reiterated China’s position that it would not bow to pressure on its land reclamation. But despite Beijing’s protestations, Malaysia’s foreign minister said the South China Sea disputes were “discussed extensively” during the day’s meetings. “We also discussed ways to address erosion of

trust and confidence amongst parties following recent developments in the South China Sea, including land reclamation, as well as escalation of tension on the ground,” Anifah Aman told reporters. Competing claims Beijing claims control over nearly all of the 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. Beijing insists disputes must be handled on a bilateral basis between rival claimants. Diplomats and analysts say this stance is aimed at preventing ASEAN from presenting a more united front. But delegates say China will not be able to escape the issue in Kuala Lumpur this week. “This is not Cambodia or Laos,” one diplomat attending the talks told AFP, referring to a 2012 foreign ministers’ meeting in which host Cambodia – China’s ally – was accused of preventing discussion of it. Adding to the tensions, a Washington-based think tank said this week Beijing could be preparing to build a second airstrip on an artificial island. China is already building a 3,000-metre (10,000foot) runway on Fiery Cross reef, which could ultimately be used for combat operations, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Wang rejected calls by some rival claimants and the United States to suspend the land reclamation. “The freeze proposal may seem even-handed on the surface but it is actually unrealistic and will not work in practice,” he said. The talks will expand over the coming two days into the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), attended by US Secretary of State John Kerry, China’s Wang and envoys from the wider region including Japan, the Koreas, Russia and elsewhere. Kerry, who landed in Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon after a brief stopover in Singapore, is to meet Wang on Wednesday morning on the sidelines.

Atomic bomb still scars Hiroshima, seven decades later By Hiroshi Hiyama

Hiroshima, Japan | AFP | Wednesday 8/5/2015 – Charred bodies bobbed in the brackish waters that flowed through Hiroshima 70 years ago this week, after a once-vibrant Japanese city was consumed by the searing heat of the world’s first nuclear attack. The smell of burned flesh filled the air as scores of survivors with severe burns dived into rivers to escape the inferno. Countless hundreds never emerged, pushed under the surface by the mass of desperate humanity. “It was a white, silvery flash,” Sunao Tsuboi, 90, said of the moment when the United States unleashed what was then the most destructive weapon ever produced. “I don’t know why I survived and lived this long,” said Tsuboi. “The more I think about it... the more painful it becomes to recall.” Seven decades since the attack, the city of 1.2 million people is once again thriving as a commercial hub, but the scars of the bombing – physical and emotional – still remain. Mushroom cloud It was 8:15 am on August 6, 1945 when a B-29 bomber called Enola Gay flying high over the city released Little Boy, a uranium bomb with a destructive force equivalent to 16 kilotons of TNT. Just 43 seconds later, when it was 600 meters (1,800 feet) from the ground, it erupted into a blistering fireball burning at a million degrees Celsius (1.8 million Fahrenheit). Nearly everything around it was incinerated, with the ground level hit by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius – hot enough to melt steel. Stone buildings survived, but bore the shadows

of anything – or anyone – that was charred in front of them. Gusts of around 1.5 kilometers (one mile) a second roared outwards carrying with them shattered debris, and packing enough force to rip limbs and organs from bodies. The air pressure suddenly dropped due to the blast, crushing those on the ground, and an ominous mushroom cloud rose, towering 16 kilometers above the city. About 140,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the attack, including those who survived the bombing itself but died soon afterwards due to severe radiation exposure. Tsuboi, then a college student, was about 1.2 kilometers from the hypocenter and was literally blown away by the blast and blinding heat. When he picked himself up, his shirt, trousers and skin flapped from his burned body; blood vessels dangled from open wounds and part of his ears were missing. Tsuboi remembers seeing a teenage girl with her right eyeball hanging from her face. Nearby, a woman grasped at her torso in a futile attempt to stop her intestines from falling through a gaping hole. “There were bodies all over the place,” he said. “Ones with no limbs, all charred. I said to myself: ‘Are they human?’” Many died of their terrible injuries over the following hours and days; lying where they fell, desperate for help that would never come, or even just for a sip of water. ‘Changed lives’ For those that survived, there was the terrifying unknown of radiation sickness still to come.

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UN report on Yolanda victims reads ‘Shame on you Mr. President’ The Aquino administration must have been stung and mortified by the bitter criticism it got from the United Nations (UN) for its continued inability to provide basic needs and services for thousands of flood victim families who were displaced by super typhoon “Yolanda” two years ago. The UN also gave a negative verdict on the governments’ apparent continued inadequate attention in ensuring durable solutions for internally displaced persons. Chaloka Beyani, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) was Filipinos living in foreign soils, the UN in the Philippines for 10 day- fact finding said the Aquino administration appeared to visit last month to check on the Aquino’s have lost its steam in providing permanent government handling of flood victims in solutions to flood victim families living in the devastated areas of Leyte and Samar. sub-human conditions. Beyani’s report indicated that thousands I don’t blame President Aquino’s inof families are still housed in “collective sensitivity and concern for the hardships bunkhouses that do not meet necessary these homeless families have to endure minimum standards for the provision of everyday just to stay alive. The Aquinos basic needs and services. are known for being vindictive and unforThis negative assessment by UN will giving. Incidentally, President Aquino lost have a tremendous impact on the future badly in Eastern Visayas during the 2010 financial aid the Philippines will need. I’m presidential elections. sure that by this time, UN must have found UN Special Rapporteur Chaloka Beyout also that thousands of medical supplies ani was appalled to find out that the Aquino it donated , including financial aid, have government has only erected 520 plus gone missing and remains unaccounted. houses out of the targeted 21,012 units of If you were to ask fashion conscious permanent housing for flood victim famiSocial Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, lies in the Eastern Visayas region. the whereabouts of the money and mediIn a well attended press conference in cal supplies, packed food and thousands Manila, the UN official disclosed that in at of bottled waters, her most likely answer least six towns in Leyte and two towns in would be “It must’ve been swept away by Samar, not a single house for flood victim rampaging flood waters.” families had been erected, 20 months since The DSWD also admitted recently that typhoon “Yolanda” struck Eastern Visayas some 2,000 flood victim families have been region. forced to remain in evacuation camps and After the fact finding visit in Leyte and makeshift shanties without electricity and Samar, Beyani was also dismayed to find running water until after the completion of out the apparent inadequate cooperation their resettlement houses. between the national and local governIn my last week’s column, I said that ments to ensure completion of rehabilitathe Aquino administration has been do- tion houses for flood victim families as ing a snail’s pace job in building housing soon as possible. resettlement for some 20,000families still Beyani also said he was disgusted to living in tents and make shift shanties in find out that thousands of homeless famithe flood ravaged areas of Leyte and Samar. lies are still living in makeshift shanties or Despite its humongous budget allocated bunkhouses for the past two years, leaving by Congress and an undetermined amount women and girls vulnerable to sexual abuse of money donated by foreign countries and early pregnancy. and other private individuals, particularly In response to the negative assessment

Can genes make us liberal or conservative? By Marlowe Hood

Paris, France (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Aristotle may have been more on the money than he realised in saying man is a political animal, according to research published Wednesday linking genes with liberal or conservative leanings. Or, to be precise, a specific variant of one gene that would seem to exert greater sway over women than men. Working with 1771 university students of Han Chinese origin in Singapore, researchers compared answers to surveys – including one tailored to hot-button issues in the city-state – with the presence of a permutation of the DRD4 gene. DRD4 is one of several genes that determines the way dopamine – a crucial neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger – is released in the brain. What they found was a robust link between the presence (or not) of the variant and a split between liberals inclined to decry inequality, on the one hand, and die-hard conservative wary of change, on the other. “The association between political attitude and DRD4 was highly significant for females,” and less so for men, said the study, led by Richard Ebstein of the National University of Singapore. Women, it was also shown, tended to be more conservative in general. The results are bolstered by earlier research based on people of European descent that found similar patterns around the same

gene, according to the study. In the long-standing “Nature vs. Nurture” debate, it was long assumed that social values – and especially political ones – were rooted in family upbringing, education and class. But a growing body of evidence suggests, in the words of the researchers, that “biology can’t be ignored.” A landmark study published in 1999, for example, of twins separated at or near birth showed a marked strain of heritability for ‘conservatism’. The brain is wired with several distinct dopamine pathways, including one related to the risk-taking – arguably a parallel to the liberal-conservative dichotomy. From an evolutionary standpoint, risk-taking is a complicated business: in some situations, it may enhance one’s chances of success or survival, and in others it may spell doom. In the study, the researchers used standard questionnaires to rate conservative or liberal tendencies, making it easier to compare with earlier efforts to uncover links between genes and attitudes. At the same time, to adjust for cultural variations from one country to another, they also devised a survey based on local issues known to divide opinion in Singapore along political lines. One set of questions, for example, asked the students – half men, half women with a mean age of 21 – to take positions on sensitive environmental and animal rights issues.

of the UN, the Aquino government gave its assurance that it will continue to focus on rebuilding permanent and decent homes for flood victims and will not stop responding to their needs to help them bring back normalcy to their lives. Malacañang also vowed to pour in more funds to speed up the completions of all projects in the flood stricken areas of Leyte and Samar. I don’t think this will ever happen. This is just lip service being made in response to the harsh criticism it got from UN recently. This is another lie being peddled by President Aquino to deflect the harsh criticism given by the UN on his administration. President Aquino seems to be insensitive as to on-going rehabilitation efforts. Besides, he only has less than a year to end his presidency. If he did nothing to improve the quality of lives of the flood victims for two years, how do we expect him to do something for the betterment of these helpless people in nine months? Maybe, the lives of these flood victims will change for good if the country will have a new president next year who has compassion for the poor and the helpless. But if Interior Secretary Mar Roxas wins, may God forbid that it’s going to be the same predicament for these helpless flood victims. Meanwhile thousands of homeless flood victim families were glad that UN took notice of their sad plight. Hopefully, they said the UN might compel the President to take a serious assessment of their present living condition to warrant the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation projects in their stricken areas as soon as possible. They we’re one in saying that their lives are worse that it was weeks after typhoon “Yolanda” struck. At least, they said that there were medical supplies, safe drinking

water and food coming in, even in trickles. But now, they said, they have to fend for themselves. They also said majority of the flood victims are afraid to complain to the government, particularly the DSWD, for fear that their situation might become even worse. They also said that there are still thousands of flood victim families who have not gotten their emergency shelter allowance (ESA) since nobody instructed them on how to apply for it. Come election day next year, I hope these families still living in makeshift shanties and sub-standard bunkhouses will not be cajoled by the President’s lies that the best person to replace him as President is Roxas.

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FOOD & DINING 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.

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 of these tasty ingredients with chocolate milk for a flavor that’s 100 percent unique and completely satisfying.    

Apricots Baby spinach Blueberries Cherry tomatoes

   

Pineapple Oats Tart cherries Raspberries

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

‘Dr. Jen’s Dip Diet’: A guide to losing weight and loving vegetables By Myrna Aquitania

I recently met Dr. Jennifer Nolan, who has a PhD in Psychology from the UC Irvine’s Department of Cognitive Science. . She has mentioned that after teaching at UC Irvine and at Loyola Marymount University, she was a co-founder at a stroke and brain injury rehabilitation center and she currently consults with patients who have dementia, aging or those who have health and weight loss problems. Soon after her personal struggle losing 50 lbs., she authored “Dr. Jen’s Dip Diet” to share her experience and enable others to achieve their weight goals as well. The book is a self-help guide for those who “prepare food in a new way, eat food you love and in the process, be able to slim down for life,” thus eventually creating a powerful tool in losing weight. Immediately, by combining recent research with real life experiences, Dr.Jennifer Nolan writes “an engaging book that will give you and your loved ones the renewed excitement to change your bodies and lives forever.” Further, Dr. Jen admits that “even though I am a scientist/psychologist by trade, I fully admit that this book will not tell you about all the latest research on how to lose weight.” Rather, the “first purpose of the book is to give the readers a really effective

diet – one that will help you, the readers change your eating habits and secondly, its purpose is to give you real-life tips and ideas on how to successfully lose weight ideas that have worked for her and others that she has counseled.” The basic and main guideline to “Dr. Jen’s Dip Diet” is: “GO GREEN! Eat fruits, veggies and beans in any shape or form every day, including dried, canned, fresh and frozen. For maximum effect, eat predominantly vegetables most of the day. Try out many kinds of dips and dressings (make sure they do not have MSG) and use them freely on both raw and cooked vegetables. Don’t be afraid of the calories in dips and dressings, because you will lose weight regardless. Use the dips and spreads (not gobs of them, though) to get yourself to the point where you look forward to eating veggies at all your meals and snacks.” Finally, per Dr. Jen, “with these tips you will be successful on the Dip Diet adventure. You will learn to love healthy food in a whole new way.” This Dip Diet adventure “provides an education on vegetables that will allow you to lose weight, attain what you strive for, and live your life to the fullest.” For more information, you may log on to Dr. Jen’s website at:: www.DrJensDipDiet.com.

Eating Asian pears before drinking could head off hangovers: study Monday August 3 2015 (Ù ½ øÄ óÝ) – Anticipate a booze-fueled, night of freeflowing drinking? You might want to hit the grocery store and pack in a few pears to head off a hangover. Because preliminary findings out of Australia’s national science agency show that eating a pear – but not just any pear – could keep hangovers at bay the next day. Want to test the theory? According to scientists at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), the best varietal is the Korean or Asian pear, which differs from their hourglass cousins by resembling apples in shape. The fruit is also known as the nashi pear. Known for their high water content and crisp, grainy texture, Asian pears are generally eaten raw or used as an ingredient to tenderize meats in Asian cooking.

But Australian researchers have uncovered another unexpected use for the fruit, as they found that certain properties act on key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism. The pears were also shown to reduce levels of blood acetaldehyde, the toxin believed to be responsible for wicked morning-after hangovers. Researchers emphasize, however, that the positive effects were only observed when the pear was consumed prior to drinking. For the research, subjects drank 220ml of Korean pear juice but scientists said the consumption of whole pears could have similar effects. In addition to increasing concentration, the fruit was also shown to reduce common hangover symptoms such as memory loss and sensitivity to light.

The pears used in the study are known by different names: Asian, Korean, and nashi. ©Stephen B. Goodwin/shutterstock.com

Dr. Jennifer Nolan

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COMMUNITY

Ambassador’s Tour participant donates solar study lamps to Cebu students

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 09, taking time off from the Ambassador’s Tour in which he was among the approximately 200 participants, Richmond-based Rumy Mohta searched the city of Cebu for a Filipino student whose photo showing him studying outside a fast Richmond-based Rumy Mohta searched the city of Cebu for a food establishment Filipino student whose photo showing him studying outside a fast food establishment went viral. That boy was Daniel Cabrera went viral. The photo showed where the visitors came to see at his school and donated Solar Study Lamps from #ThriveSolarEnergyPhilippines for him and the boy sitting out- other similar kids in his school. side the restaurant’s tour options to choose from. window so he could use its light to do “Our stay in Cebu was extended due to his homework. He was later identified bad weather. It turned out to be a blessing as Daniel Cabrera. as Marj and I visited Daniel Cabrera at his Rumy is married to Filipina-American school and donated Solar Study Lamps Marj Mohta and is Principal Director of from #ThriveSolarEnergyPhilippines for Thrive Solar Energy Philippines (TSEP), a him and other similar kids in his school. leading manufacturer and distributor in His Principal, Mrs. Alma Bardoquillo, and the Philippines of lighting systems and his teachers were very appreciative of our solar power packs. The couple was in donations. Cebu as part of the 10th Ambassador’s, This was one of the highlights of my Consuls General and Tourism Directors trip to Cebu, a great and warm city with Tour (ACGTDT). beautiful people,” Rumy said. The ACGTDT is the flagship tourism Philippine Ambassador to the United project of the Philippine Embassy and States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. expressed apprethe Consulates General in the U.S. An ciation for the gesture. annual activity since 2005, the Tour has “I sincerely thank Rumy for his thoughtalso become a venue for Filipinos and fulness and generosity. I am certain that Americans to explore trade and investment his gift of solar study lamps has inspired opportunities in the Philippines. After the Daniel and the other children to continue basic program, participants who wish to working hard on their studies,” Ambassee more of the country have several post sador Cuisia remarked.

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.

SCE crews continue vault inspections to avoid more explosions By Newsroom Staff Southern California Edison

July 31, 2015Southern California Edison (SCE) crews continue to inspect hundreds of underground vaults as they work to restore power Friday to the remaining 260 Long Beach customers affected by Thurs- SCE crews work to Anderson day’s outage. SCE crews will attempt to restore power to some customers between 6-10 p.m. tonight. Due to the extent of the damage, some areas may still be without power overnight. If additional issues are discovered during the inspections, there may be subsequent outages so crews can make repairs safely. Every effort will be made to notify affected customers in advance of these outages. The area currently affected in Long Beach includes: Lily to the north, Pacific to the west, Tribune to the east and Nardo Way to the south. SCE is bringing in crews from throughout its service territory to inspect some 300 vaults. Each vault will require a heat scan on the equipment, cable and components to look for abnormal conditions. Generators are also being brought in for the affected customers; six have been installed and four of those are for residential customers. SCE encourages its customers to continue to conserve electricity as they work to fully restore power. A malfunction in the underground electric circuit serving downtown Long Beach caused a power outage shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday impacting thousands of customers. SCE staff has opened a distribution center for water, ice and flashlights. The location at Cesar Chavez Park Community Center, 401 Golden Avenue, Long Beach will be open until midnight tonight. The center will reopen at 8 a.m. Saturday The

restore power in Long Beach. Photo: Jean

safety of the public and its crews remains SCE’s highest priority. A similar outage occurred in downtown Long Beach on July 15, leaving customers without power for three days. SCE continues to work closely with city officials and other groups to aid those impacted by the Long Beach outage. SCE thanks the city of Long Beach for its cooperation and for the especially important safety efforts of first responders in the Long Beach Fire and Police departments. Customers may inquire about outages at 1-800-611-1911 and get the latest information from the outage page at www.sce. com/outages or by downloading the SCE outages app on their smartphones. Updates also are shared via Twitter. Here are some additional important tips to remember. – Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as fourway stops. – Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they’re fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage. – Do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard. – If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into the generator, using a heavyduty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.

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ENTERTAINMENT KC Concepcion admits dating foreigner Months after her much-publicized breakup with Paulo Avelino, KC Concepcion admitted that she is back in the dating scene. Concepcion revealed that she is now seeing a non-showbiz guy but refused to disclose details about him. The actress, however, revealed that the guy is not a Filipino. “Yes, I’m dating. Quietly lang. European. Ayaw kong maudlot. Next [guesting na lang],” she said. “He’s European. He lives in the Middle East, pero [back and forth siya].” After her very public relationships in the past, Concepcion explained that she now prefers a non-showbiz guy. “Tumingin sa akin si Erich (Gonzales) kanina, sabi niya, ‘Non-showbiz na lang, maganda no?’ Sabi ko oo, for me. Kasi

I’ve dated na my leading men, I’ve done that whole thing na. Tinutuluy-tuloy ko, after ng shoot na nagiging kami. So sabi ko na-experience ko na ‘yung dating leading men, so maganda ‘yung [non-showbiz],” she said. Asked if they are exclusively dating, she said: “I’m dating but not exclusively kasi bago pa lang. Ayaw ko pangunahan.” Concepcion also revealed that the guy is more than five years older than her. “He’s hard-working and older… Pero wala din naman sa age. It’s yung pagkatao talaga. Kaya nga I don’t want na porke’t may dine-date, kami na agad. You never know. You have to really give it time. Sabi nila, eight months to one year tapos saka mo pa lang makikita ang totoong kulay ng tao,” she said. (MNS)

Heart thanks Marian for her ‘move on’ comment HEART Evangelista thanked Marian Rivera after the latter said that everyone should move on from negative issues involving them. “Honestly, nakita ko ang interview niya kanina lang and I just want to say na natouch ako doon sa sinabi niya na move on na tayo,” she said. “Really, from the heart, na-touch ako. So thank you kasi masaya naman na kaming lahat. Para everyone happy, and also to the fans, be happy na. In fairness, thank you Marian doon sa comment mo.” Evangelista’s comment came after she called Rivera’s fans “very bad” on Instagram. Rivera and Evangelista’s friendship turned sour when they were filming “Tempation Island” in 2011. Poe and Rivera worked together in GMA sitcom “Show Me Da Manny” from 2009 to 2011.

Heart Evangelista

Fans believe Poe and Rivera’s friendship was affected when the former got close with Evangelista. (MNS)

Claudine reveals past relationship with Eric Fructuoso

Claudine Barretto

It seems that Mark Anthony Fernandez isn’t the only member of the Gwapings who had a relationship with actress Claudine Barretto. While Barretto’s relationship – and breakup – with Fernandez made headlines at the time, not many people knew that Barretto also had a relationship with actor Fructuoso. “Isa na lang nakumpleto ko na ang Gwapings,” Barretto said, referrin to the group composed of Fructuoso, Fernandez and Jomari Yllana. Barretto, who took a break from movies for almost five years to take care of her children, is now busy shooting “Etiquette for Mistresses” with Kim Chiu and Kris Aquino. “I’m so happy I’m back (sa Star Cinema). First love ko ang showbiz, ang pag-aartista, nagkataon lang na kinailangan kong mag-stop para makatutok ako sa mga anak ko. Kapag may anak ka magbabago lahat ng priorities mo. Ngayon naman nakita ko na okay na sila, pwede na sila iwan paminsan-minsan,” Barretto said. (MNS)

KC Concepcion

Dennis Trillo keeps mum on romance with Jennylyn Mercado “LOVE is lovelier the second time around.” This was the short response of actor Dennis Trillo when asked about his renewed closeness with his former girlfriend, Jennylyn Mercado The two, who dated in 2011, are set to work opposite each other in new primetime series “My Faithful Husband” on GMA-7. They are also rumored to have gotten back together after the two posted pictures of them together on Instagram. Trillo said things are going smoothly and everything between them just fall into place. He gave a score of perfect 10 when asked to rate how happy he was. “Marami kasing magandang nangyari bukod doon sa magandang relasyon namin. Bukod sa Dennis Trillo bagong show, sa takbo ng career, sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko, sa pamilya ko, love life, halat na, masaya at wala ng mahihiling pa,” he said. Trillo added that he and Mercado get along well and they are starting to appreciate each other. “Maganda yung samahan namin, working relationship okay din, magkaibigan din. Pero merong mga ibang bagay na hindi kailangan sabihin. Kung ano yung mga nakikita ng mga tao, hindi mo na kailangang pang sabihin.” “Hindi naman ako yung tao na nagpo-focus lang sa love life, pero masaya lang ako sa mga nangyayayri. Magkakatrabaho kami ulit and maayos kami,” he added. The actor said that they want to keep and treasure what they share now, but if there is something that they need to announce to the public, they will let everyone know. “Mas maganda na lang siguro kami sa ganun na tahimik, na hindi na pinagpipiyestahan kung ano man yung nangyayari sa mga buhay-buhay namin. Mas gusto namin peaceful. Walang kontrobersiya,” Trillo ended. (MNS)

Arnell Ignacio calls off engagement with BF Arnell Ignacio has decided to call off his engagement with his boyfriend of nearly four months, the openly gay comedian confirmed. “Apparently, hindi siya seryoso, eh. Gusto niya pang maglaro,” Ignacio, who refused to go into details about his spat with singer Ken El Psalmer, said. He added that he was willing to help out the 35-year-old Psalmer kickstart his career despite their failed relationship, but has decided against it after the singer “humiliated” him. “The least you can do ay maging

mabait na lang sa akin, and that would be highly-appreciated. Ako na yung nagpapakumbaba, tinutulungan ko pa, tatarayan mo pa ako,” Ignacio said. Last June 3, Ignacio proposed to Psalmer. He said at the time: “Ngayon ko lang naramdaman na para bang hindi ko na ma-contain ‘yung nararamdaman ko. So kailangan ko nang i-propose.” “Sinasabi nga niya maya’t maya parang sobrang bilis; sa akin, hindi. Alam mo naman ako, ang emosyon ko ganoon eh, ang isip ko ganoon. ... Sa palagay ko hindi na ito puppy-puppy love.” (MNS)

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BOULEVARD APPAREL Is in need of shipping Manager/ Book keeper/ Customer Service with good written and verbal communications skills. Email sales@blvapparel.com

CAREGIVERS WANTED Board and Care facility in Moorpark is seeking caregivers who are warm and kind. To apply, please contact Mirvat at 805990-1299.

CAREGIVER NEEDED Male and female live in caregiver needed immediately. Must pass a background & drug check. Call @ 760-464-3330; 818-506-5405.

CAREGIVERS NEEDED Full-time, live-in. Located in Los Angeles area. For residential facility for Elderly. Pakitawagan po si Sherryl 714-600-5434.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY Direct care staff / caregiver for DD facility for children in La Mirada area. With authorization to work. Please call (310) 3864235.

CAREGIVER NEEDED For elderly facility near Beverly Hills. Male preferred. Near transpo & shopping. Good salary. (855) 443-5724.

FEMALE CAREGIVER Live-in caregiver. In a Board & Care in Northridge. Call 818-3685108

CLERICAL WORK Data entry. PT (min.3 days a week). Company loc in South Bay. Must be at least 25 yrs or older with computer knowledge & excellent communication skills. Gino Battaglia (310) 897-5000.

CAREGIVERS WANTED! Must be eligible to work in CA, have live scan results within the past 2 years, experienced, 1 on 1. Must drive to LA and OC. (562) 924-8700 RJ.

FEMALE CAREGIVER Full-time live-in female caregiver needed immediately for a board & care facility for elderly in Northridge. With experience but not necessary. We will train. Pls call 818-742-8045.

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APT. FOR RENT 3 BR, 2 ½ BA, 2 parking $2,500/mo. And 2 BR, 1 BA, 2 parking $1,700/mo.. In Historic Filipino town area. Call Larry 213-4341157.

ROOMS FOR RENT Northridge/Canoga Park. Furnished, free utils, Filipino channel, internet. Very clean & in quiet area. 2 Rooms at $490/mo., & $395/mo. 818-477-2027.

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ROOM FOR RENT 1 Occupant only, female non-smoker. Eagle Rock area, close to Seafood City, Nanay Gloria, St. Dominick church and bus station. Call 818-263-5741.

ROOMS AVAIL. Ready to move in. Nice area in LA- Filipino town. Near bus stop, & Filipino restaurant, hospitals. Gated. Female only. Pls make an appmt asap to see the rooms 626-991-8336 Salamat po.

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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 “Prodigy of Miracles”. 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 Little Flower, I will ful¿ll your plea “to be made known everywhere 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. DEL

*NOVENA of CONFIDENCE O Lord Jesus Christ, To your most Sacred Heart, I con¿de this/ these intention. (Here, mention your request.) Only look upon me, then do what your Heart decides. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy, Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Lord Jesus, I know You will not fail me Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked you for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, and place it in Your Sacred Heart. When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your precious blood. He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer, but Yours. O Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. -AMY

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Higher balikbayan box rates seen after BOC raised customs duties LOS ANGELES -- Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina has announced increases in the duties for containers entering the Philippines, a move that could force Filipino balikbayan box forwarders to increase their rates. The first tariff increase of P40,000

per container took effect on July 27 and another hike of P60,000 per container will be imposed effective October 1 this year. “Filipino freight forwarders have been on constant edge in the last few years because of the continuous rise in operational costs and incremental increases caused by

More firms chime in on big game trophy shipments New York, United States (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – More carriers chimed in Tuesday after several major airlines began banning shipment of big game trophies amid outrage over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. Air Canada announced that it would refuse to transport such big game animals as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros or water buffalo, while the United Parcel Service (UPS) declined to follow suit. Their decisions come just one day after US airlines Delta and American banned the shipment of big game trophies on flights. “There are many items shipped in international commerce that may spark controversy,” UPS said in a statement. “UPS takes many factors under consideration in establishing its shipping policies, including the legality of the contents and additional procedures required to ensure compliance,” it added. “We avoid making judgments on the appropriateness of the contents,” UPS said. Despite Air Canada’s ban, it said in a statement that it does not fly to Africa and so such shipments aboard its flights were rare to date. United Airlines chimed in adding that its records showed it had not transported animal trophies in the past. In a brief statement Monday, Delta said it would immediately “ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight.” It added that it would review its acceptance policies for other hunting trophies with the appropriate government agencies and other organizations. Meanwhile, American tweeted that it would “no longer transport buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion or rhino trophies.” The decisions follow similar measures taken by Emirates and South African Airways. The bans come during the peak hunting season in certain African countries and amid a worldwide outcry over the killing of Cecil by an American dentist and trophy hunter. The lion, with a distinctive black mane, was a favorite with international visitors to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

shipping delays, port congestion and truck bans,” said Joel P. Longares, president of the Door-to-Door Consolidators of the Philippines (DDCOP). “And now we have to contend with these new round of increases in customs duties.” Longares, who is also president and CEO of Atlas Shippers International, one of the biggest balikbayan box forwarders in the United States, said Filipino cargo companies have exerted all efforts to maintain the price of shipping balikbayan boxes to the Philippines at current levels despite the added costs. However, Longares said, these companies will find it hard to survive without a corresponding increase in the rates they charge their customers following the hike in customs duties. Balikbayan box forwarders are operating on very minimal profit margins and will have to increase their rates to survive and maintain a high quality of service to their customers, he

explained. “At Atlas Shippers, for example, we have maintained our current rates for a long time and even gave away promotional packages while elevating our standard of service with new technological innovations that enable our customers to schedule pick-ups, track their shipments and make inquiries online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from their PCs, iPads and smart phones,” Longares said. Longares said the company launched all these innovations without passing the costs to customers. “This time, however, with the increased customs duties imposed by the Bureau of Customs in Manila we will have to correspondingly raise our rates.” He said Atlas Shippers has sent out letters to its customers announcing the new rates effective Aug. 1, 2015. He asked for understanding from the customers to enable the company to continue its high level of service.

Epsilon Fraternity & Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority 52nd Anniversary Aug. 22 in Riverside US-based and those from Canada are invited to attend the Gamma Epsilon Fraternity & Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority 52nd Anniversary that will be held on August 22, 2015, Saturday, at the residence of Brod Jerry Corrales located at Eagles Nest, 18647 sunset Knoll Dr., Riverside, CA 92504, the same place where one of the 50th foundation celebrations of the international fraternity and sorority was held. Brod Jerry is requesting brothers and sisters to bring their families and their favorite dishes for this BBQ potluck celebration that will also include swimming, putting green and billiard tournament. For more information please visit the Gamma Epsilon Fraternity & Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority Facebook page. All brothers and sisters and their families are cordially invited.

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SPORTS

Rousey eyes global superstardom By Rob Woollard

Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – From Hollywood to hamburgers, Ronda Rousey’s cage-fighting exploits are propelling the ferocious former Olympic judoka further towards global superstardom. The 28-year-old martial artist from California completed the latest in a series of devastating knockouts on Saturday, demolishing Brazilian opponent Bethe Correia in just 34 seconds in Rio de Janeiro. The quickfire defeat cemented Rousey’s reputation as arguably the most exciting fighter in any combat sport – she has taken a total of just one minute, four seconds to dispatch her last three opponents. It’s the sort of record which has helped build a buzz around Rousey and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that has been compared to the rise of Mike Tyson in heavyweight boxing during the 1980s. “She has that killer aura, meaning anything is capable of happening,” Tyson said during a recent visit to watch a Rousey workout at her base in Los Angeles. Rousey was already a household name

in the United States before her latest win. Two more significant deals announced in the aftermath of victory this week will raise her profile even further. On Monday, Paramount Pictures confirmed they had secured the rights to Rousey’s bestselling autobiography “My Fight/Your Fight,” the story of the fighter’s remarkable rise through the ranks. Unusually, Rousey will play herself in the Hollywood adaptation. She has already demonstrated a flair for the bigscreen, appearing in the recent action movies “The Expendables 3,” “Furious 7” and the comedy film “Entourage.” On Tuesday, Rousey was named by US burger chain “Carls Jr” as the face of its latest campaign, following in the footsteps of the likes of Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum and Kate Upton. “Aside from a variety of other factors, (Ronda) was chosen because she is loved and respected so much by both men and women,” a spokesperson from Carl’s Jr said. Compelling life story While it’s Rousey’s fearless performances inside the UFC octagon that have

won her fame and fortune, her back story is, in its own way, just as compelling. After a childhood upturned by family tragedy – her father committed suicide when she was eight – she set about emulating her mother, the first American woman to win a judo world title, as a champion judoka. Rousey took up the sport at 11 and at the age of just 17 qualified for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Four years later, she won a bronze medal in Beijing. She was working in a bar when she saw the UFC for the first time and decided it was something she could thrive in. UFC chief Dana White had initially said women would never take part in the sport but was ultimately persuaded by Rousey. “She absolutely brings in a different audience,” White said in a recent interview. “She brings in an audience of people who don’t normally buy every fight. And she brings in a lot of women.” For now, however, the biggest challenge might be finding an opponent capable of giving Rousey a match.

Rio enters one-year sprint to Olympic Games

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | Wednesday 8/5/2015 – The one-year countdown to the Rio Olympics began Wednesday with officials promising to overcome Brazil’s usual chaos in a Summer Games that will transform the city and thrill the world. “All the construction work is on schedule,” Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes told journalists in a nearly finished arena inside the giant Olympic Park building site. With 12 months left to complete the challenge, it’s like “the end of a marathon,” he said. At a ceremony, visiting International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach praised the preparations, while President Dilma Rousseff vowed Brazil would “delight” the world. On August 5, 2016, the Olympic torch will end its own marathon – being flown around the globe and carried by 12,000 people

through Brazil – when it lights the flame for the opening ceremony in Rio’s Maracana stadium. Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio Olympic organizing committee, reeled off figures illustrating the scope of the world’s biggest sporting event – and of Rio’s commitment. There will be 206 countries represented – the newest being recently recognized South Sudan – and 10,500 athletes competing in 42 sports over 17 days. Right after, the Paralympics will see 4,350 athletes from 176 countries in 23 sports. To face the onslaught, Rio is assembling the equivalent of eight football fields of sporting gear – “a million items,” Nuzman said – and 45,000 volunteer workers, with 25,000 on call for the Paralympics. “We are continuing to work, because there is still much to do,” Rousseff said.

Eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao with Ronda Rousey. Photo provided by Filipino-American journalist Winchell Campos (rightmost).

Many hope to see Rousey face another Brazilian, Cris “Cyborg” Justino. The South American, however, would have to come down in weight to face the American, usually fighting at the featherweight limit of 145 pounds rather than Rousey’s bantamweight 135 pounds. Rousey, who has ruled out a bout at a compromise weight of 140 pounds, appeared to be goading Justino into accepting a challenge, referencing the Brazilian’s recent drug ban for testing positive for steroids. “I fight in the UFC, in the 135-pound division,” Rousey told ESPN following her latest win. “(Justino) can fight at 145 pumped full of steroids or she can make the weight just like everybody else without them.”

Kobe Bryant drops retirement hint Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant hinted that next season may be his last on Tuesday after admitting it was “absolutely” possible he may finally call time on his glittering NBA career. The 36-year-old icon’s recent seasons have been disrupted by various injuries, but Bryant said he was feeling fit and ready for another campaign with the Lakers, who missed the playoffs last season for only the seventh time. Bryant told Yahoo Sports he has not made a decision about his future yet, explaining that he will continue playing as long as he takes enjoyment from the sport. “We haven’t set anything in stone. And I’ve talked about it before,” Bryant said. “But could this be the last? Absolutely. “It’s tough to decide. It’s really tough to make those types of decisions. Players I have spoken to say, ‘Kobe, you will know.’” Bryant insisted that his body was ready for the rigors of another season despite his recent injury record. “There are no question marks on what I can do (physically),” the 17-time All-Star said.

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2016 Honda Odyssey poised to clean up and Entertain with HondaVAC and Rear Seat Entertainment High-value Special Edition includes premium features such Â TORRANCE, Calif. Aug 3, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The 2016 Honda Odyssey goes on sale August 4 with a trim lineup expanded to eight models and a starting Manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 of $29,275. Slotted between EX and EX-L trims, the MSRP for the new Special Edition (SE) is $33,375 With the acclaimed HondaVACÂŽ and a comprehensive selection of premium features available lower in the trim lineup, along with class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg2 city/highway/ combined, the 2016 Odyssey is designed to comfortably and efficiently accommodate the lifestyles of American families. The new Odyssey SE offers customers a high-value proposition, building on the well-equipped EX to enhance in-vehicle entertainment and convenience with several premium features found in higher trims: Rear Entertainment System (RES); 115V power outlet incorporated into RES control panel; SiriusXM Radio; HondaVAC invehicle vacuum cleaner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Odyssey customers have told us some of the features they value most and we have packaged these in the new Odyssey SE model to create a special value edition that we know American families are going to love,â&#x20AC;? said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of Honda Sales. The Odyssey was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Minivan for Families for its fifth straight year in 2015 and has earned the 2015 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy: Minivan award.

Also ranked highest in the ALG Residual Value Awards in the Best Minivan (MPV) category for the fourth consecutive year, the 2016 Odyssey is being Patrick Lucas of Norm introduced Reeves Honda following a very successful year of sales and accolades. View, build and price at 2016 Honda Odyssey atautomobiles.honda.com/odyssey. Powertrain The 2016 Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine producing 248 hp at 5,700 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ÂŽ-VTEC enhances power delivery while Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) helps maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which together helped the Odyssey receive EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg2 city/highway/combined and California Air Resources Board (CARB) ULEV-2 emissions certification3. Body Refined and youthful, sporty and advanced, the Odysseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s styling includes premium elements including black-trimmed headlights, available fog lights, a muscular hood, and black-surround grille for an upscale appearance. Body-color matched side mirrors and bright chrome trim add to the premium appearance. Rear styling and LED taillights with clear lenses and

eye-catching perimeter â&#x20AC;&#x153;light pipesâ&#x20AC;? add to the polished look. Lightweight aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders and front suspension lower control arms. The LX model features 17-inch steel wheels with covers, while EX and EX-L models utilize 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The 2016 Odyssey EX, SE, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models have a wiper-linked headlight system that automatically turns on the headlights when the front wipers are activated. In addition, standard one-touch turn signals provide convenience for the driver when making routine lane changes. Interior The 2016 Odysseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior is ideal for families, with high-grade meter illumination and interior lighting, chrome-trimmed instrument dials and door handles, an available 7-inch touchscreen, and an ideally positioned DVD player for the available Rear Entertainment System. Sophisticated styling and white halo lighting make the instrumentation easier to read and the climate controls easy to operate. All 2016 Odyssey models and trim levels include a rearview camera. Odyssey LX, EX, SE and EX-L models feature a single-angle â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normal Viewâ&#x20AC;? display, while EX-L Navi, Touring and Touring Elite models have a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with wide, normal and top-down views â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all with improved optical quality. All rearview camera systems feature guidelines. An Expanded View Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mirror is

2016 Honda Odyssey

also standard on all Odyssey models. The driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side mirror provides a 19-percent increase in visible area, offering an enhanced view of objects that might otherwise be hidden in the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blind spot. Included on Odyssey EX, SE, EX-L and Touring models, the Honda LaneWatch display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway. HondaVAC The Odyssey SE and Touring Elite feature the first minivan in-vehicle vacuum cleaner system, HondaVAC, which is designed to help families keep the Odysseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior neat and clean. Engineered for dry use, the HondaVAC operates on the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12-volt electrical system, and its performance easily surpasses that of a handheld rechargeable vacuums. Find out why Honda is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top brand, get in touch with Patrick Lucas, the Filipino Internet Sales Manager of Norm Reeves Honda West Covina. Call him at 1-888-868-9779. Patrick can show you the Honda Odyssey best features or all the features of any Honda vehicle for that matter. Norm Reeves Honda West Covina is located at 1840 East Garvey Ave., South, West Covina, CA 91791.

Super welcome kayo dito!

WEST COVINA

Patrick Lucas

Prices

Internet Sales Manager plucas@normreeveswc.com

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NormReevesWC.com

1840 E Garvey Ave South, West Covina, CA 91791

$14,290

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Mitsubishi July sales results continue the brand’s notable pace Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) achieved its 17th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases in July, reporting 7,868 units sold – an increase of 23.9 percent from July 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 24.8 percent over a strong July performance in 2014. “July was another great sales month for the Mitsubishi Motors brand,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president of MMNA. “The sales growth we have seen these past seventeen months is a testimony that we provide affordable and reliable vehicles that consumers desire. Outlander Sport had its best July sales since the launch of the vehicle. “As the new 2016 Outlander starts to arrive in dealerships this month, we are seeing an 86 percent increase in sales over the same month last year; the new Outlander is poised to attract even more buyers to the brand thanks to its new looks coupled to its incredible pricing.” The new Outlander features over 100 upgrades to its predecessor at a $200 lower starting MSRP. And like all Mitsubishi vehicles sold in the United States, it is backed up with an industry-leading powertrain limited warranty. The Outlander Sport has the company’s best-seller, accounting for about half the sales. Much more than a traditional mid-cycle design “refreshing” that consists of minor

VW’s 2016 range: Driving technology into the mainstream Thursday July 30 2015 (Relaxnews) – The US arm of Volkswagen has announced that for its 2016 range, drivers won’t have to look to its flagship models to get a car with the latest active safety technology. Active safety systems such as lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control have, until recently, been the preserve of rangetopping luxury cars or premium models, but for the 2016 model year, Volkswagen is bringing a host of these systems to its massmarket cars in the US. Volkswagen describes the decision, which will see its entire suite of driver assistance systems offered as standard or options on cars like its Golf and Jetta, as “democratizing” the technology for the compact sedan and compact hatchback classes, and it’s a decision that could well lead to a boost in popularity. The results of the annual JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, published on July 23, show that there is a huge demand for driver assistance systems among the American public and those cars voted most appealing and gratifying to own by US drivers have these systems on board. “Over the past several years, we have seen non-premium brands increasingly offer the types of in-vehicle technologies that used to be available only to premium buyers,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of US automotive quality at J.D. Power, when the report was published. “The positive impact these technologies have on owners is more pronounced among non-premium owners. In fact, owners of non-premium vehicles that include the latest technology register higher APEAL scores by 50 points.” As well as adaptive cruise control (which can automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead) and Lane Departure Warning (which will actively move the car back within lane markings if it senses the vehicle is straying), VW will also be offering its blind spot monitoring and parking assist systems as standard fare on a number of models and as an option on others.

aesthetic updates, the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has been redesigned and reengineered to stand out in the competitive small crossover segment with its powerful and dynamic appearance and refined driving experience. Combined with Mitsubishi’s reliability and safety standards, the 2016 Outlander is an unmatched value. The new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander features a bold new exterior design, an eloquent yet functional interior space, and over 100 engineering and design improvements to the platform for better structural rigidity, ride quality and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with the following standard features: New for 2016 (U.S. Model): New exterior design with redesigned front fascia, front fender, halogen headlights, LED position lights, lower door sections, 18-in. alloy wheels, rear fascia, tailgate garnish and LED taillights (all models) and power-folding side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer and LED headlights (GT model) New updated interior featuring a redesigned steering wheel, seating surfaces, accent trim, rear folding seat, headliner,

display audio system (all models) and auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® (GT model) Numerous improvements to the chassis including increased body and suspension structural rigidity, redesigned suspension and Electric Power Steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, more Your Glendale Mitsubishi kabayan Sales & Leasing sound insulation throughProfessionals Richard Samaco and Cesar Macandili out the vehicle, dynamic front suspension and rear differential dampers, improved weather stripping and or why it is the choice of many of our kababayans – nostalgia perhaps? – who engine compartment trim (all models) New generation continuously-variable are looking for reliability, efficiency and transmission for improved acceleration, comfort, call Richard Samaco and Cesar performance, shift feel and torque delivery Macandili, the dealership’s Filipino salespersons at Glendale Mitsubishi at (888) (all CVT-equipped models) Lower price for high-tech safety sys- 465-7218. Glendale Mitsubishi, a favorite tems including Forward Collision Mitiga- car dealership among Filipino-Americans, tion, Lane Departure Warning and Adap- is located at 1235 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale, tive Cruise Control (available for SEL and CA, 91204. Call now or come and visit our kababayans for a closer look at the new GT models) Mitsubishi vehicles. New Quartz Brown exterior paint What’s more, test drive a Mitsubishi and If you want to know why the Mitsubishi is up in its sales and why the Lancer is you can get a three day/two night stay in one of America’s top Mitsubishi vehicles Las Vegas for free.

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Honda earns AutoPacific’s 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards for 2015 CR-V SUV and Fit Subcompact Hatchback Honda’s all-new 2015 Fit and refreshed 2015 CR-V take home two awards as most satisfying vehicles in their segments Jul 8, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif.Two of Honda’s most popular and hottest-selling models, the 2015 Honda Fit and Honda CR-V, have been recognized as the most

satisfying vehicles in their respective market segments, winning AutoPacific’s customer-driven 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Award. The Honda Fit has posted high double-digit gains every month since October 2014 and is up 63 percent for the year, while CR-V continues as the best-selling

Honda three-month profit jumps nearly 20% to $1.5-B Tokyo, Japan (AFP) Friday 7/31/2015 – Honda said Friday that net profit in AprilJune jumped nearly 20 percent as strong sales in North America and a weak yen helped offset the impact of an exploding air-bag crisis. The Civic maker’s bottom-line profit came to 186 billion yen ($1.5 billion) for the three months, up from 155.6 billion yen a year earlier, while sales jumped 15.5 percent to 3.7 trillion yen. Operating profit rose 16.4 percent, as a sharp drop in Japan’s currency benefits exporters such as Honda by making them more competitive overseas and inflating repatriated earnings. “In general, the Japanese auto sector has continued to enjoy the positive impact of a weak yen,” said Yasuo Imanaka, analyst at Rakuten Securities in Tokyo. Honda’s sales in North America and Asia rose from a year ago, but weak consumer demand at home saw Japanese vehicle sales fall. Japan’s number three automaker left its fiscal-year forecast unchanged at a net profit of 525 billion yen on sales of 14.5 trillion yen. In June, Honda revised down its annual earnings for the previous fiscal year, blaming the expanding recalls of faulty airbags made by embattled supplier Takata, which have been linked to eight deaths and scores of injuries. This month Honda, the hardest hit global automaker, said it was recalling another 4.5 million vehicles as the scare over a deadly defect in Takata-made airbags widened. The move took to 24.5 million the total number of vehicles that it had called back over the airbag affair. The defect – thought to be associated with a chemical propellant that helps inflate the airbags – can cause them to deploy with explosive force, sending metal shrapnel hurtling toward drivers and passengers. One of the most recent confirmed victims was a woman in Los Angeles who died last year after the defective inflator in a 2001 Honda Civic ruptured, firing metal shards at her. Honda’s biggest domestic rivals Toyota and Nissan have also expanded their huge global recalls, with worldwide totals now

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well into the tens of millions. Tokyo-based Takata has been under fire over the crisis, as it faces lawsuits and regulatory probes into accusations that it knew about the problem and concealed the dangers. “Concerns over recalls related to Takata’s airbags has cast a shadow over the sector especially Honda,” Rakuten’s Imanaka said. “Due to the current trend of firms using common auto parts, unexpected massive recalls are potential, sizeable risks for any carmaker,” he added. Nissan on Wednesday said its threemonth net profit jumped 36.3 percent to $1.3 billion on strong sales in North America, Europe and China.

SUV in America with all-time record sales of 163,018 vehicles in the first half of 2015. “These two models represent Honda’s core and growth segments, and we’re gratified to know that our customers are satisfied with their purchases,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of Honda automobile division at American Honda. “Honda’s products are created by passionate engineers who take joy in producing the highest quality automobiles, and AutoPacific’s awards validate that enthusiasm, as well as tell us how well regarded the CR-V and Fit are in the industry.” AutoPacific’s 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) are based on over 66,000 surveys completed in first quarter of 2015 by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States between October and December of 2014. The VSAs are based solely on owner input, and are an accurate measurement of how satisfied new car and light truck buyers are with their recently purchased vehicles. About AutoPacific AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on

the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. Additional information about AutoPacific and the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards can be found on AutoPacific’s websites: www.autopacific.com and www. vehiclevoice.com. Although a Honda is a Honda wherever you see one, Filipinos flock to Carson Honda because of the friendly Filipino staff at the dealership and of course because of the service our kababayans provide. One of them, Rohmer Manalese, has even earned the “Best in Customer Satisfaction,” an honor he keeps consistently, along with the three other Filipino sales staff in the persons of Ricky Agagas, Terzo Pallen and Christian Reyes, all of whom are veterans in the car sales industry. “We have a great staff and this is a great dealership,” Carson Honda General Manager Krisztian Kratky said. “We have a friendly atmosphere.” Carson Honda is located at 1435 E. 223rd Street, Carson, CA 90745. They can be reached toll free at 1-800-503-2321.

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Nissan Murano tops Midsize SUV segment in 2015 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three Nissan models have been recognized as being among the most appealing vehicles to own and drive in their segments in the just released J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM – led by the totally redesigned 2015 Nissan Murano crossover’s top finish in the Midsize SUV category. Murano scored a total of 853 points, a 58-point improvement over the previous generation Murano design and 35 points above the second place finisher in the segment. The 2015 Altima, Nissan’s best selling vehicle, improved three positions over the 2014 study to tie for second place with a score of 817, just two points behind the leader in the Midsize Car segment. The 2015 Nissan Frontier finished third in the Midsize Pickup segment behind two recently introduced pickups. The annual APEAL Study, now in its 20th year, surveys purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, giving owners a platform to evaluate their cars, trucks and SUVs across 77 specific attributes. The results are combined into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale. The study found that some safety features, such as blind spot warning and parking assist systems, substantially improved owners’ sense of security – and satisfaction – with their vehicles. Nissan continues to offer a range of advanced safety and connectivity system technologies across a wide application of vehicles and trim levels – including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Driver Attention Alert* (DAA) and Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). “Given its bold new design, the APEAL Study results showed that exterior and interior styling are by far the leading purchase reasons for Murano buyers,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc. Sales of the new Murano are up nearly 40 percent for the year through June (versus 2014), attracting many new buyers to the Nissan brand. The all-new Murano features Nissan’s new exterior design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the new Murano offers an engaging social lounge feel through features

such as the refined lowerheight instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large Manuel Lava of Nissan of windows and Mission Hills oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof. All 2015 Murano crossovers come equipped with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and Xtronic transmission with D-step logic. Murano is offered in front-wheel and allwheel drive. “We are also extremely pleased with the strong showing of the 2015 Altima, which finished above its two main sales competitors in the segment with a 13-point improvement over the year before,” said Diaz. “Like Murano, Altima offers advanced technology systems at an affordable price point.” The 2015 Nissan Altima, one of the top selling cars in the U.S., offers a rewarding driving experience, premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its standard 182 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine provides 38-mpg highway fuel economy. Altima is available in a choice of five models, including a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6equipped Altima 3.5 SL. The 2015 Nissan Frontier continues to be a sales leader in the midsize truck segment, combining premium hardware, extraordinary power and an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance. The Frontier Crew Cab is offered in five trim levels, led by the dynamic Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X. If you have been desiring to own a new Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a Test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Nissan of Mission Hills. Call Manuel at 1-888-588-7635 and test drive a Nissan vehicle today! Nissan of Mission Hills is located at 11000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345.

2015 Nissan Murano

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Subaru of America announces best month ever sales results Cherry Hill, N.J., August 3, 2015 – Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 50,517 vehicle sales for July 2015, a 10.5 percent increase over July 2014 sales of 45,714. July marks the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in August 2014 (50,246). The company also reported year-todate sales of 322,935 vehicles, a 13.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014. July marked the 17th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company which continues to outpace the industry. XV Crosstrek, WRX/STI, Forester and Impreza sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best July ever. The Forester posted a 9 percent increase, the Impreza a 22 percent increase, while the WRX/STI posted a record sales month and the most gains with an 85 percent sales increase. The XV Crosstrek continued to bring in strong sales with an increase of 30 percent, which also represented a monthly record. “We are delighted to have achieved a new monthly sales record,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We would

not have been able to achieve our current level of success without the hard work and dedication of our retailers, employees and independent distributors.” “We have seen record numbers of consumers considering the Subaru brand. Consumers are not just shopping a single model – there has been strong demand for Outback, Forester, XV Crosstrek, Legacy, Impreza, as well as our performance models WRX and STI,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Almost 60 percent of our sales this year have been to customers new to the brand and we continue to work closely with our parent company to maximize production to meet the demand,” added Walters. In June marked the 16th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Forester, Outback, XV Crosstrek and WRX/STI sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best June ever. Legacy sales for June 2015 increased 44.6 percent over the same month in 2014. Both the 2015 Legacy and WRX earned Best Retained Value Vehicle Awards from Edmunds.com. The awards recognize brands and new car models that

have the highest projected residual values after five years based on their average True Market Value (TMV) price when sold new. In June, Subaru announced package and pricing details for its new Subaru Starlink connected services. Starlink, the brand’s in-vehicle platform that provides handsfree connectivity, entertainment and safety services, also integrates the touch-screen audio and navigation systems available in select 2016 Subaru models. Meanwhile, Subaru of America, Inc. and Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization, announced today the results of the 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies - a collaborative initiative to examine the effectiveness and safety of pet crates and carriers in the event of a crash. After several eye-opening and informative tests - including instances of complete failure - three top products emerged; CPS has selected the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps as the 2015 Top Performing Crate and both the PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIXLatch Connection and Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock as the 2015 Top Performing Carriers.

The top performers surpassed all competing products in the CPS-designed studies, which included testing of crate c o n n e c t i o n s Christian Marilla, Sales & and rigorous Leasing Consultant crash testing of Subaru of Glendale to examine crate and carrier structural integrity. In the event of a crash, it is important for pet crates and carriers to contain the dog and prevent the animal from becoming a projectile. It is also important for the containment device to remain fully secured at the connection points. If a pet is unrestrained, or the structural integrity should fail, the dog can potentially strike and injure a human passenger. “We at Subaru recognize the importance of keeping the entire family safe on the road, including our beloved pets,” said Michael McHale, Subaru’s director of corporate communications. “Alongside Center for Pet Safety, we are proud to help lead the charge in identifying the best crates and carriers for pet lovers everywhere, while, more importantly, making pet parents aware of the safety measures they can take and the dangers that can occur if they don’t. We recommend that owners choose the right sized crate for their dog, which is generally six inches longer than the body of the dog. We are also pleased that our crossover vehicles, which are award winners themselves for safety, accept most crate and carrier sizes.” While many crate and carrier manufacturers claim their products are crash-tested and safe for use in a vehicle, there are currently no test protocols or performance standards in the U.S. to substantiate these claims. The data gathered from these studies will assist CPS in formulating these much needed crate and carrier testing and performance standards. Far and away the most impressive crate tested was the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps, a sturdy travel device that was able to withstand the most significant forces generated in CPS testing with a combination of strong structural support and integrity. On the carrier side, the Pet Ego Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier used an innovative ISOFIXLatch connection, to snap the carrier firmly into place and fully contain the test dog throughout the crash test. Lastly, 2013 CPS Harness Crashworthiness Study honoree, Sleepypod, was also recognized in the carrier category for the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock, a product that snugly straps into the seat and showed no evidence of damage after crash testing. The full product performance report studies can be found at CenterforPetSafety.org. For more information about Subaru or if you want to become a new member of the elite Subaru club, all you have to do is to come on down to Subaru Glendale and our kababayan Christian Marilla will be more than happy to inform you why Subaru is becoming a favorite of Filipinos and the whole American market. Subaru of Glendale is located at 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach them at 1-855-230-1547 or you can visit their website www.subaruofglendale. net.

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