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VOL. XXIII, NO. 3

FEBRUARY 21 - 27, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER FIGHT MAY 2 Los Angeles, Friday 2/20/2015 (,AFP)– Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will meet Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on May 2 in the mega-fight their fans have long clamored for, Mayweather confirmed Friday.

The unbeaten American made the announcement via the social media website Shots.com.

“What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, is a done deal,” Mayweather wrote.

“I promised the fans we would get this done, and we did.”

Eight-division world champion Pacquiao dedicated the fight to fans who “willed” it into being.

“I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years,” he said. “They have waited long enough and See PACQUIAO, page 6

Half a million undocumented apply for license

“What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, is a done deal. I promised the fans we would get this done, and we did. We will make history on May 2nd. Don’t miss it! This is the signed contract from both fighters,” writes Floyd Mayweather Jr. in this photo he posted in www.shots.com/floydmayweather.

2 die, 180 infected as UCLA hospital on alert after ‘superbug’ outbreak

A month after the implementation of AB 60, almost half a million people who are believed to be undocumented have applied for a driver’s license in California, the Department of Motor Vehicle said in a news release dated Feb. 18, 2015.

The law – which allows people who cannot establish legal presence in the U.S. to get a driver’s license – took effect on January 2, 2015 and already has generated a total of 429,000 applicants who took the written test (362,000) and proceeded to take the driving test (67,000), the DMV said. The numbers are for the month of January alone that ended on January 31, 2015.

Of this nearly half a million applicants, some 59,000 were granted a driver’s license. DMV said a license is “not issued until the applicant proves identity and residency with qualifying documents or through secondary review, passes a written knowledge exam, and completes a behindthe-wheel drive exam.” Qualifying docu-

Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Thursday 2/19/2015 – A Los Angeles hospital said Thursday it may have unwittingly infected nearly 180 people with a treatmentresistant “superbug” linked to the deaths of two of its patients.

The Ronald Reagan UCLA Health System said at least seven of its patients have been infected with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria (CRE), apparently transmitted to them in the hospital via tainted surgical tools.

The bacteria “may have been ... a contributing factor in the death of two patients,” it said in a statement.

Initially it said it was trying to notify over 100 patients possibly at risk, but in an update Thursday it put the figure at 179.

Hospital officials said they are making home testing kits available to the at-risk patients to determine if they have been infected with the superbug.

In a statement, the hospital said an internal investigation found that the bacteria appear to have been transmitted via medical implements used in an endoscopic procedure to diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreas and bile duct.

The procedures – performed between October 2014 and January of this year – apparently transmitted the bacteria to the patients even though UCLA “sterilized the scopes according to the standards stipulated by the manufacturer,” the hospital statement said.

“The two scopes involved with the infection were immediately removed and UCLA is now utilizing a decontamination process that goes above and beyond the manufacturer and national standards,” it said.

The hospital added: “Both the Los Angeles County Department of Health and the California Department of Public Health were notified as soon as the bacteria were detected.”

The CRE bacterium is resistant to treatment by most common antibiotics, and is

See LICENSE, page 8

See HOSPITAL ALERT, page 8

By Rhony Laigo

Obama seeks to block immigration ruling by Texas judge

By Andrew Beatty

Washington, United States (AFP) – US President Barack Obama claimed history and the law were on his side Tuesday, as he vowed to fight a court order freezing controversial immigration reforms.

Obama’s administration will seek to block a court ruling that has frozen landmark immigration reform and called into question his strategy of bypassing Congressional stalemate.

The White House said on Friday that papers would be filed by Monday to stay a Texas court injunction against reforms that would protect millions of illegal immigrants from deportation.

The Department of Justice has “made a decision to file a stay” said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

Obama has already indicated that his administration will formally appeal the ruling, but this move would allow the program to go ahead until a higher court weighs in.

“I think that the law is on our side and history is on our side, we are going to appeal it,” Obama said last week as the policy was due to enter into law.

Twenty-six states – all but two Republican-governed – had pressed the Texas judge to intervene, claiming Obama had acted unlawfully.

Obama had used an executive order

to bypass a hostile Congress and drive through measures, rather than seeking lawmakers’ approval.

But a judge in Texas issued an emergency injunction before the measures were to come into effect starting Wednesday.

Obama was defiant: “I think that the law is on our side and history is on our side, we are going to appeal it.”

“This is not the first time a lower court judge has blocked something or attempted to block something that ultimately was shown to be lawful.”

Twenty-six states – all but two Republican-governed – had pressed the Texas See IMMIGRATION, page 6

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When you can’t pay your business debts!

(Personal Liability and Bankruptcy Options) If your business is in distress – you owe a lot of money but you can’t pay, your creditors will probably threaten legal action against you personally. How much they can collect, and how they can go about collecting it, will depend on how your business is organized, whether you personally guaranteed repayment of these amounts, and whether you decide to file for bankruptcy.

You also need to determine your potential personal liability.

The extent of your personal li

ability depends on two things: how your business is structured and whether under state or federal law) go into a bankyou personally guaranteed or secured any ruptcy estate to be sold, and the proceeds are distributed to your creditors. At the end debts. of the process, all of your debts that are Sole Proprietors and Partnerships If you are a sole proprietor, you and your eligible for discharge in bankruptcy will be business are one and the same in the eyes wiped out. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you of the law, which means you are personally propose a repayment plan where you repay responsible for all of the business’s debts. part or all of the debt over three to five years.

How Bankruptcy Helps If there isn’t enough money in the business When you file for bankruptcy, something to pay these debts, creditors can and may well take your personal assets to pay them. called an automatic stay immediately stops Partners in a general partnership have your creditors from foreclosing on your similar personal liability for business debts: house or any other personal property that is Each partner is personally liable for the en- at risk. In some situations, this can be reason tirety of the business’s debts (and any part- enough to file for bankruptcy, because it will ner can usually bind the entire partnership buy you time, if nothing else.

Unpaid Rent. If your business owes your to a business deal – a scary combination).

This means that if there isn’t enough money landlord back rent, you are probably personin the business to pay the debts, and your ally liable for the debt. (Sole proprietors partners are broke, creditors can take your and partners are automatically personally personal assets to pay all of the business’s liable for rent payments, and most small business corporations and LLCs also get debts, not just your share. stuck personally guaranteeing the lease Corporations and payments – check your lease. If you didn’t, Limited Liability Companies If your business is organized as a corpo- give yourself a pat on the back for being a ration or a limited liability company (LLC), savvy negotiator.)

Filing for bankruptcy might keep the your personal assets are usually protected from business creditors as a matter of law. landlord from taking your personal property Shareholders and LLC members have a to pay the debt, especially if you file under form of asset protection called limited Chapter 13 and come up with a payment personal liability. Creditors cannot take plan.

Ordinary, Unsecured Debt owners’ personal assets to pay business If your business owes suppliers, you will debts, unless a business owner specifically gives up that limited liability protection, be personally on the hook if you operated for example, by co-signing as a personal your business as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Under the Uniform Commerguarantee for the corporation or LLC. Unfortunately, most small business cial Code, suppliers of goods usually have owners are forced to give up their right to the right to take the goods back. Barring limited personal liability, at least for some that, however, they can come after you of their business debt. Many creditors re- personally for the unpaid amounts. If you quire personal guarantees and/or personal have a lot of this kind of debt, filing Chapter security from small business owners before 13 could help you organize a payment plan they will loan money or extend credit to (and Chapter 7 might wipe the debt out).

If your business is a corporation or an a business. And many landlords require a personal guarantee before they will lease LLC, you may be off the hook for these debts. This kind of debt is typically unsecommercial property to a small business.

A personal guarantee is a promise by a cured and is rarely personally guaranteed. business owner to hand over the owner’s If your business has no money and no assets personal assets to a creditor if the business left, the suppliers may be out of luck – your can’t pay its debt and its assets are not personal liability protection should protect worth enough to cover the debt. A creditor your personal assets. So if your corporation can also ask a business owner to secure a or LLC has only unsecured, un-guaranteed business debt by pledging specific personal business debt, there’s no need to file a perproperty, such as an owner’s house, boat, sonal bankruptcy.

Does Bankruptcy or car. When you sign a personal guarantee Make Sense for You? or pledge personal property, you give up In the real world, just the threat of bankyour protection against personal liability, and creditors can come after your personal ruptcy may be enough to help you work things out. Many creditors will think twice assets if your business can’t pay. before leaning on you too hard if they think The Bankruptcy Option If your business bank account is empty, you’ll file for bankruptcy. Some creditors you might be considering bankruptcy. It will would rather work out a payment plan, or give you some breathing room while you settle for partial repayment, than become try to work things out, and in most cases a a creditor in your bankruptcy case. From bankruptcy will protect your house, your a creditor’s perspective, bankruptcy is an expensive and long process that eats into car, and your furnishings. profits. You can use that to your advantage Business vs. Personal Bankruptcy If you are a sole proprietor, you can file in negotiations and perhaps spread payfor either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bank- ments out far enough to be manageable.

Bankruptcy is not the only option. Debt ruptcy. Either type of bankruptcy can be negotiation may also work to solve your used for personal debts or business debts.

If you are a corporate shareholder, LLC problems. Creditors are frequently motiowner, or partner in a partnership and you vated to accept a workout, when they are have signed personal guarantees or pledged negotiating with a savvy bankruptcy lawyer. collateral for business loans, putting your Something is always better than nothing!

If you think you are in imminent danger business through bankruptcy will not protect your personal property. If you have of losing your family’s home or livelihood, placed your personal property at risk, you and you need help quickly, personal bankmust file for bankruptcy for yourself and ruptcy might be a good option for you. But your business separately to protect your before you file, get advice, call the law ofpersonal assets. In this article, we assume fices of Paul M. Allen and take advantage you are considering personal bankruptcy of a free consultation. It could save you a – because only personal bankruptcy will lot of money and a lot of heartache.

Two convenient office locations to serve protect your personal assets.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy you. No obligation. Get the legal advice If you file for personal bankruptcy, most you need, from the bankruptcy lawyer that likely it will be a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 people trust. Call the Law Offices of Paul bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your M. Allen at 818-552-4500. We have two assets (except for property that is exempt locations: Glendale and La Palma.

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French President taps Hollywood in visit to PHL Manila, Philippines | AFP | Wednesday 2/18/2015 – French President Francois Hollande will bring two Oscar-winning stars on a two-day visit to the Philippines next week aimed at building momentum for climate talks in Paris, his envoy said Wednesday.

During the visit, Hollande and his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino will call on world leaders to finalize a climate change pact when they meet in December, French ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon told reporters.

Hollande is bringing with him French actress Marion Cotillard and British actor Jeremy Irons, both recipients of Hollywood’s highest acting honor, Garachon said.

He will also bring Patriarch Bartholomew I of the Orthodox Church and another French actress, Melanie Laurent, the envoy said.

“All these people will be there to show support for this cause,” he said.

Hollande will arrive in Manila on February 26. On the same day, he will meet local businessmen for lunch, host a climate change forum and meet with Aquino at the presidential palace.

“The idea is to call for an international mobilization on climate change... It’s decision time,” Garachon said, when asked about a joint statement the two leaders are expected to issue.

On February 27, Hollande will fly to the coastal town of Guiuan, one of the

worst-hit areas during 2013’s super typhoon Haiyan.

Haiyan, the strongest storm on record to hit land, left 7,350 people dead or missing after its 230-kilometre (145-mile) per hour winds whipped tsunami-like waves that wiped out entire communities.

During the bitterly fought Lima round of climate talks in December last year, negotiators adopted a format for national pledges to cut Earth-warming greenhouse gases. In Paris, negotiators hope to cut a deal to limit global warming to no more than two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial levels, averting what could be potentially catastrophic damage to the Earth’s climate system by the turn of the century.

Japanese unionist barred from PHL; De Lima to investigate MANILA, Feb 19 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the barring of a Japanese trade unionist from the country to determine whether the government’s criteria for blacklisting foreigners need to be reviewed.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday that she would first verify the basis of why Japanese Katsuhiro Sato was included in the Black List Order of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Last week, Sato was stopped at the

Manila International Airport and was immediately deported to Japan for being in the list.

Sato is a trade unionist and a member of JICHIRO, the largest umbrella organization of local government unions in Japan.

NAGKAKAISA, a coalition of labor groups, said the BI abused its authority and committed gross violation of the basic human right to free movement, assembly and expression when it deported Sato.

The Trade Union Congress of the

Philippines said Sato was included in the blacklist for participating in an international assembly for solidarity on free expression and free assembly in Manila in 2012.

Following the barring of Sato, De Lima was asked whether a tripartite review of the criteria in naming people in the blacklist was needed.

“I need to verify that first and check the basis for the black list,” de Lima said in a text message. (MNS)

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Sumitomo Bank officials call on Aquino; Japan’s second largest bank to open first branch in PHL MANILA, Feb 20 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III received the officials of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

(SMBC) during a courtesy call at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace on Friday.

Led by its President and Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Kunibe, SMBC, Japan’s second largest bank, is set to open its first branch in the Philippines this year.

It is the first foreign bank approved by the government following the lifting of for-

eign ownership restrictions in the banking industry under Republic Act (RA) 10641 that amended RA 7721.

The application of SMBC and its request for liberalization of the banking sector were among the topics expected to have been discussed during the courtesy call.

The SMBC submitted its application for a Philippine banking license in December last year and is scheduled to open its first branch in Makati City this summer.

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The bank will have 40 to 50 employees who will handle basic services, such as deposits, loans and foreign currency trading, as well as trade financing and cash management services. It has also been allowed by the government to apply up to a maximum of six branches under the amended law.

The opening of SMBC in Manila is expected to draw more Japanese investors to the country.

The bank earlier cited the Philippine’s

strong economic performance as the main reason that led to its decision to set up a branch in the country. The Philippine banking system is the only county in the world which received a positive outlook from Moody’s last January 15.

Kunibe was joined by other SMBC officials, namely Shosuke Mori, Managing Director and General Manager of the Planning Department of the bank’s International Banking Unit; among others.

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Aquino meets with families of PNP-SAF 44, checks status of assistance being given

MANILA, Feb 19 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday evening met anew with the families of the 44 troopers of the police’s Special Action Force (SAF) killed last month in an encounter with Moro rebels, to fulfill the government’s commitment to provide them assistance.

President Aquino, accompanied by some members of his Cabinet, spent time to talk to each of the bereaved families of the 44 commandos at the Multipurpose Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Relatives of the slain SAF members on Wednesday gathered at the PNP headquarters for the event dubbed as “PNP Welfare Services for the Beneficiaries of SAF 44.”

To ensure that the government is meeting its commitments, President Aquino personally checked the status of the assistance being provided by the concerned agencies to the bereaved families.

During the meeting, each family also had the chance to raise to the President other concerns.

The assistance being given to the relatives of the slain SAF troopers includes employment, education, housing, health, and livelihood, apart from the monetary assistance from the President’s Social Fund.

President Aquino arrived at the PNP headquarters before 6 p.m. and spent six hours speaking to the bereaved families.

The Chief Executive left Camp Crame at 12 midnight.

Espina to MILF: Surrender Usman, SAF killers too MANILA, Feb 19 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National Police on Thursday welcomed the return of some of the weapons of Special Action Force commandos during the January 25 Mamasapano raid.

During the formal turnover of the SAF weapons to the PNP at Camp Aguinaldo, PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said the return of the 16 weapons is a welcome development.

He said it was enough to show that the MILF is truly committed to the peace process.

“This is certainly a welcome development, this is a positive beginning,” Espina said.

Espina said the MILF must also return the remaining firearms supposedly still in the hands of the MILF, and help in capturing Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, who escaped during the Mamasapano raid.

Espina also called on the MILF to surrender its fighters who were responsible for the death of the 44 SAF men.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. also echoed Espina and Malacañang’s demands to the MILF. “We view this gesture as a sign that our brothers in the MILF want to sustain the gains of peace and progress that we have worked through the years. However, we are urging our MILF brothers to return all the firearms and personal belongings that were taken from our SAF brothers during the encounter,” Catapang said.

Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, meanwhile, said the MILF should take this incident as an opportunity to show other stakeholders that it has full control over its troops.

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At Camp Crame on Wednesday, February 18, President Benigno Aquino III (center) meets with the families of the 44 PNP Special Action Force commandos killed in the January 25 Mamasapano clash. The meeting between was held at the Philippine National Police MultiPurpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (MNS photo)

Aquino urged to convene National Security Council MANILA, Feb 18 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Wednesday called on President Benigno Aquino III to convene the National Security Council (NSC) to assess the national peace and security situation and define appropriate measures.

“In light of recent developments especially the reports of renewed clashes in Mindanao, I urge President Aquino to convene the National Security Council,” Binay said. “The meeting will assess the current peace and order and security situation, and formulate the proper mechanisms that would prepare our law enforcement and the armed forces to respond accordingly,” he added.

The Vice President stressed that in view of the escalating conflicts in Mindanao, it is important to be prepared for any eventuality.

“We need to be prepared. We have to discuss not only what’s happening now

but how to be ready for the future. We need to invite persons who possess knowledge and experience on matters pertaining to national security,” he said.

“The NSC meeting will provide our security forces the framework to act, keeping in mind that our ultimate goal is to ensure stability and pursue peace in Mindanao,” he added.

The NSC is composed of the President, the Vice President, the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, the National Security Council director, the executive secretary, and the secretaries of foreign affairs, national defense, interior and local government, justice, and labor and employment.

Barely a month after the police raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, gunfire once again rattled the province after members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed Saturday.

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Chargers, Raiders football teams want to move to City of Carson Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Friday 2/20/2015 – The Chargers and Raiders have raised the prospect of not one but two NFL teams returning to Los Angeles with a proposal for a shared stadium in suburban Carson.

San Diego’s Chargers and Oakland’s Raiders said they had been working together to develop a proposal for a privately funded $1.7 billion stadium – but would only implement the plan if they can’t work out suitable stadium deals in their current cities.

“We have both been working in our home markets to find a stadium solution for many years, so far unsuccessfully,” the teams said in a joint statement. “We remain committed to continuing to work in our home markets throughout 2015 to try to find publicly acceptable solutions to the long-term stadium issue.

“We are pursuing this stadium option in Carson for one straightforward reason: If we cannot find a permanent solution in our home markets, we have no alternative but to preserve other options to guarantee the future economic viability of our franchises.”

The teams went public on Thursday night, and on Friday backers of the stadium held a press conference in Carson, vowing no public money would be used in the project. “I just want to say that this opportunity for the people of Carson is an enormous opportunity,” Carson Mayor Jim Dear said. “It will change Carson for the better in a very dramatic way.”

Officials in San Diego reacted with disappointment, and even anger.

“It’s now abundantly clear that while we have been working here in San Diego to create a plan for a new stadium, the Char-

gers have for some time been making their own plans for moving to Los Angeles,” San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer said. “This would amount to abandoning generations of loyal Chargers fans.”

News of the proposal comes about a month after St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke joined with the developers of the former Hollywood Park horse racing circuit site in the suburb of Inglewood to announce plans for an 80,000-seat stadium at the location.

PACQUIAO From page 1

they deserve it.

Earlier, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach warned the two that time was running out to book a May 2 showdown, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said Tuesday.

Amid a welter of reports in recent weeks that a deal for the much-anticipated bout was all but done, Roach warned that a decision would be needed soon if both fighters were to prepare adequately.

Roach has said “I need eight weeks.

That window is getting smaller and smaller.”

In fact, Roach said, he could make do with a slightly shorter training camp with Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion who said Monday in the Philippines that a deal was “near.”

On an eight-week schedule, the first fortnight would be core training and general conditioning, Roach said.

“The boxing would start six weeks out, because if you go more than six weeks with Manny you’ll burn him out because of his work ethic.”

Pacquiao is 57-5 with two draws and 38 knockouts, while Mayweather is 47-0 with 26 knockouts.

Fight fans around the world have clamored for years for a showdown between the

The Rams have also been pushing for a new stadium in St. Louis. The Hollywood Park developers have already collected enough signatures to have the stadium issue placed on the city ballot.

The city of Los Angeles, meanwhile, has an agreement in place with the Anschutz Entertainment Group for a possible NFL stadium adjacent to the Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles. That deal is contingent on an NFL team agreeing to relocate to the facility. boxers widely regarded as the best “poundfor-pound” fighters of their generation.

The Sunday Telegraph in Britain reported that the pair had agreed to a $250 million deal, although on Sunday night in New York, Mayweather said in a brief television interview during the NBA AllStar Game that nothing had been signed by either party.

Last year, Mayweather used the occasion of his 37th birthday on February 24 to announce his opponent for a May 3 bout – plumping for Argentina’s Marcos Maidana and snubbing England’s Amir Khan.

A similar birthday announcement by Mayweather would make for a nine-week lead time to a May 2 fight.

Pacquiao said this week he had agreed to the Mayweather camp’s demands regarding drug testing.

Pay-per-view bonanza Published reports citing sources close to the Filipino ring icon have also said he has agreed to give Mayweather the lion’s share of what promises to be the biggest pay-day in boxing history.

“I think it would be the biggest fight of all time,” Roach said. “A lot of it has to do with the world we’re living in – you have pay-per-view almost everywhere.”

Those pay-per-view revenues have added another wrinkle to the negotiations, since the fighters are under contract to rival US telecasters, Showtime and HBO. Roach has said that he has no doubt who will bring the fireworks, with Pacquiao ready to take some risks to make an exciting fight. That’s not something he expects from Mayweather, a slick defender who Roach believes is reluctant to risk his unbeaten record.

“I don’t think he really cares about the fans,” Roach said of Mayweather. “I think he just wants to do enough to win. Manny’s not like that. That’s why Manny’s been knocked out a few times. That could happen again, but I’d rather see a fighter get knocked out trying to win than just trying to go the distance.”

IMMIGRATION From page 1

judge to intervene, claiming Obama had acted unlawfully. Federal judge Andrew Hanen of the US District Court in Brownsville, Texas agreed.

“It is far preferable to have the legality of these actions determined before the fates of over four million individuals are decided,” he ruled on Monday.

Immigration is a hot political issue heading towards the 2016 presidential election, around 11 million undocumented migrants in the country.

Obama’s executive order would have allowed only some of them to come forward: those who have not committed serious crimes and have children who are American citizens or residents. Obama has also tried to push more comprehensive immigration reform, which could eventually bring many millions of new voters, many seen as likely Democrats.

“This is something that we necessarily have to make choices about,” Obama said again pressing Congress to act Tuesday.

“We have 11 million people here who we’re not all going to deport.”

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Raffle winner gets pair of tickets to see Gary V for free at Pechanga March 8 One lucky winner has won a pair of tickets to see Gary V at the Pechanga Resort and Casino on March 8. Maphilindo Catibayan won the tickets during a raffle held early this week, whose winning raffle entry gives him and his date to see “Mr. Pure Energy� and one of Philippines’ greatest performers Gary Valenciano.

Gary V will rock the theater of the famous Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Pechanga Resort & Casino is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the singer/actress and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, popular

comedian and actor Vice Ganda, winner of “Star Power Search 2011� Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo – who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd.

Aside from fine dining, relaxation and entertainment, Pechanga Resort & Casino wish to provide the ultimate experience especially, to Filipino-American patrons.

Thus, Gary V, with 31 years of solid international exposure in the field of singing and dancing will ‘wow’ the crowd in this year’s opening extravaganza.

Gary V, a singer/songwriter/musician,

US pays $1.97-M for Tubbataha Reef damage Manila, Philippines | AFP | Wednesday 2/18/2015 – The United States has paid nearly $2 million compensation to the Philippines for the damage a US warship caused to a protected reef, Manila said Wednesday.

The minesweeper USS Guardian became stranded on the Tubbataha Reef in January 2013 after visiting a Philippine port, and had to be cut to pieces to avoid further damage to the World Heritage site in a salvage operation that took 10 weeks.

The ship damaged 2,345 square meters (25,240 square feet) of the coral reef that investigators said would take a generation to re-grow.

The incident stirred nationalist anger against the United States, a former colonial ruler of the Philippines that remains the Southeast Asian nation’s most important military ally.

Washington promptly apologized for the mishap and issued a report five months later that blamed the captain and three other officers.

The vessel, which was en route to Indonesia after visiting a northern Philippine port, was found to have sailed into a protected area where marine vessels are not allowed due to “poor voyage planning�, according to a copy of the report.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine foreign department said it received last month “the full requested amount� of 87 million pesos ($1.97 million) in compensation. “The compensation will be utilized for the protection and rehabilitation of Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,� it said in a statement.

Part of the money will also be used to enhance monitoring activities in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future, it added.

The United States will also help the Philippine Coast Guard upgrade a patrol station guarding the reef, it said.

US embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer confirmed to AFP that Washington had paid full compensation for the damage.

PHL rekindles efforts to measure natural resources for policy dev’t, economic planning MANILA, Feb 18 (Mabuhay) -- The Philippines is restarting efforts to do an accounting of its natural resources through a World Bank-backed program that would help to unlock the potential of the sector for economic growth and address environmental issues – particularly in the mining industry.

The Philippines is one of the eight countries that are implementing WAVES, or Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services, World Bank Phil-WAVES task team leader Stefanie Sieber said in a briefing in Pasig City.

Other countries implementing the program are Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Indonesia, Madagascar and Rwanda. WAVES is a global partnership that aims to promote sustainable development by ensuring that natural resources are mainstreamed in development planning and national economic accounts.

Citing a 2006 World Bank Application that looked at produced capital, intangible capital and natural capital, Sieber said natural capital is the most important for low income countries but is not measured. “[WAVES will] help countries adopt and implement accounts that are relevant for policies,� she said. “You can think of many natural capital accounts we could produce, but the main purpose is really to do something that policy issues are suppressing in individual countries.� But compiling a natural capital account (NCA) is nothing new to the Philippines since it has been done in the 1990s, National Economic and Development Authority Deputy DirectorGeneral Emmanuel Esguerra said in the same briefing.

However, it was not fully institutionalized due to the lack of budget as well as

global standards in measuring natural resources, he said. “Reasons alluded to was there was no standard methodology. There were also challenges to institutional capacity and resources for agencies that were supposed to take the responsibility for natural capital accounting,� Esguerra noted.

was born to a Puerto-Rican mother and a Filipino father. He remain consistently visible in the public eye since he began his career in 1983. At 18, he first burst on the Philippine music scene with looka-like antics of Michael Jackson and Al Jarreau’s pyro-techniques.

To date, Gary V has released 32 albums including those released in the USA and the Asian Region. The Pop idol has the most illustrious track record in the Philippine recording scene winning a total of 12 Awit (Song) Awards (US counterpart of Grammy Awards) in the Best Male Recording category alone. Aside from the critical acclaim given to his album releases, he has also been consistently collecting Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards for the sale of his products. His songs enjoy millions of hits online. The wide acceptance of his recordings has led many film producers to use his songs in the soundtrack of their movies. Likewise, Gary has starred in 14 full-length movies over the span of his career.

As a concert performer winning global audience, Gary V stands head and shoulders with the world’s best. He has performed with some of the most respected musicians and singers including Brian

McKnight, George Duke, Julia Fordham, George Black, The Emotions, and Ricky Martin, to name a few.

Also a UNICEF Ambassador of Goodwill, Gary V is also an international endorser of the prestigious Sennheiser microphone, alongside with other famous singers as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Julio Iglesias, the Backstreet Boys and Sting. This led Gary V to perform at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt, Germany – the world’s largest exhibit and convention of musical instruments and equipment dealers.

Amid fame and fortune, Gary goes to great lengths to share his blessings to those who are less fortunate and as enduring artist maintains a regular Sunday show- ASAP 20 - aired in Manila and also globally through a Filipino cable network.

If you want to have a date with Gary V and the lucky winner Maphilindo Catibayan, buy your tickets now – from $85, $75, $65 and $50. Tickets are available at the Pechanga Box office or online at www.Pechanga.com/tickets. Room and show packages are available. To purchase wheelchair seating, please call the Box Office at 1-877-711-2946.

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ABAOC celebrates Lunar New Year and Fil-Am Chamber empowers young entrepreneurs Two of the most active business and professional organizations in Orange County share between them a record of more than 40 years of serving the community. Drawing membership notably from diversified multi-ethnic backgrounds, a common denominator marks both associations – i.e. to serve and provide the appropriate friendly atmosphere in the business community where many of them thrive.

Both the Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC) and the Filipino American

Chamber of Commerce of Orange County(FACCOC) enjoy the patronage each other. and support of business entrepreneurs, For the more diversified ABAOC, in professionals and the business community February this year marks the celebration of to achieve their objectives. one of the most significant day of the year The month of February has been a with the observance of the Lunar New Year. busy one for both organizations which The Lunar New Year which is also also draws membership support from called Spring Festival is typically cel-

Resource Persons: Power in information and the body of vital resources shared by the panel of experts at the 2015 Small Business Summit of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County –Gladys Gervacio (Immigration Practice Group), Suzanna Choi (Covered California), Noel Dalmacio (CPA) and Edwin Baloloy (Social Media Expert) - last Feb. 18 in Santa Ana empowered the participants to the Chamber’s signature event.

ABAOC Lunar New Year: The members and guests of the Asian Business Association of Orange County joined the celebration of the Lunar New Year the Seafood World in Westminster last Feb. 12 which was an occasion not only to enjoy the sumptuous meals but to network and exchange pleasantries. Pres. Tom Nguyen is shown introducing the members of the Board of Directors of ABAOC at the event.

ebrated in China and other Asian countries and begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

The dates of the holiday vary from year to year, beginning sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Days before the beginning of the new lunar year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside, a custom called “sweeping of the grounds”.

ABAOC celebrated the Lunar New Year a week in advance at Seafood World in Westminster where the reception also doubled up as a networking event for the nonprofit organization which “represents over 100,000 Asian businesses in Orange County.”

Meanwhile, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) had a more serious business atmosphere in Santa Ana with its 2015 Small Business Summit where a panel of experts

dished out information on conducting business operations in Orange County. Four speakers took turns in sharing valuable pieces of advice and information on subject matters that include Healthcare Updates, I-9 Form, Tax Secrets and Social Media Habits by Suzanna Choi, Atty. Gladys Gervacio, CPANoel Dalmacio and Realtor Edwin Baloloy, respectively.

“Love for Tacloban Fundraiser” in Whittier FACCOC President Elena LapidSalonga, took the occasion to seek the participants’ support for the upcoming fund-raising event of the Chamber in support of the rehabilitation efforts being done to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. Dubbed “Love for Tacloban Fundraiser, the event will have as speakers Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his wife, Councilor Cristina GonzalezRomualdez, a former movie star. The event is scheduled on March 14 at the Radisson Hotel in Uptown Whittier.

LICENSE

2. Address Change: Californians do not need to visit the DMV to report a change of address because customers can easily change their address online at dmv.ca.gov.

3. Reporting a Vehicle Sale: Customers do not need to visit the DMV to report a vehicle sale because the forms for completing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability can be completed online at dmv.ca.gov.

4. Driver or Vehicle Record Request: Customers do not need to visit the DMV to get a driver or vehicle record because those records can be ordered online at dmv.ca.gov.

5. Most Driver License Renewals: Most customers will not need to visit a DMV to renew a driver license because a new photo is only required every 15 years. Check the DMV notice carefully because most of the time customers will be able to quickly renew a driver license online, by mail, or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Check the DMV notice carefully because most of the time customers will be able to quickly renew a driver license online, by mail, or by calling 1-800-7770133.

From page 1

ments can range from a foreign passport, to income tax returns, any other IDs issued by the U.S. government, birth certificates, medical records, bills, etc.

The 59,000 newly-licensed motorists who benefited from AB 60 represents more than half of all licenses issued for January 2015, which stood at 113,172 non-commercial driver’s licenses for the first month of the year. For comparison, there were only 74,028 licenses issued for the same month in 2014.

DMV records showed that of the nearly half a million people, there were so far 236,000 unique individuals – those who may have passed the written and perhaps awaiting to pass their driving test – who started the application process.

Due to the huge number of applicants, DMV is advising people to make an appointment online to save time. DMV said it expects 1.4 million new customers over the next three years because of AB 60.

From the DMV: Top 5 Reasons NOT To Visit the California DMV 1. Registration Renewal: Californians do not need to visit the DMV to renew registration because they can renew by mail, online, by phone, using a Self-Service Terminal, or visiting a DMV Business Partner or Auto Club. Be sure to complete any required smog inspection before renewing the registration.

HOSPITAL ALERT From page 1

particularly dangerous in a hospital setting, where patients might have compromised immune systems or might be recovering from surgery.

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., February 21 - 27, 2015

Client throws in towel on $68k of credit card debt and seeks bankruptcy relief Federal Court blocks implementation of Obama Amnesty CLIENT SEEKS DISCHARGE OF $68K CREDIT CARD DEBT Client migrated to the United States when he was 16 years, which was 49 years ago. At 17, he enlisted with the armed forces. He became a corporal in the army. He was stationed

in different American bases all over the world working as a mechanic when you retire. maintaining and repairing heavy equipIn client’s case, instead of paying ment. $240,000 for credit card interest in the last After 20 years he was eligible to retire 10 years, he should have just invested that with a pension from Uncle Sam. Hence, money into an investment portfolio. Even client retired at the young age of 37 with at 4% a year, that $240K would give him pension. Since he was a hard-working income of $800 a month now at 67. person, and wanted to provide more for Chapter 7 will wipe out all of the his family of 3, having gotten married at $68,000 credit card debt, allowing him the age of 33, with a 3-year-old son, client to put $2,000 a month to better use now. sought new employment with the city of He said he does not want to have credit Los Angeles. cards anymore. I told him you should have At 37, he started working again as a me- wiped out these cards even five years ago chanic for the police department. Eventu- you would still have $120K of savings ally, he retired from the police department right now. qualifying again for a pension from the If you are in a similar situation, come City of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, his and see me to discuss. A right decision wife divorced him 12 years ago after she now will save you a fortune and give you met her high school sweetheart at her high a lot of extra income when you retire. It’s school reunion party. your choice. Give your money to keep She started having an affair with her old your cards current, or give your money to sweetheart for two years until client found yourself and your family and enhance your out about her affair when he accidentally opened her email. He confronted her with the incriminating emails. She admitted that she had fallen in love again with her old sweetheart and wanted out of the marriage.

She filed for divorce and moved in with her boyfriend, leaving client to take care of 11-year-old son who was just about to start middle school.

Since he was still working full-time for the police department at the time of divorce, he asked his parents to take care of his son. Since parents were about to retire, they gladly took care of his son. The divorce decree stated that wife would take care of the community credit card debt of $25K, all joint accounts.

Wife started her new life and filed for bankruptcy leaving client with $25K of credit card debt. Client kept the cards current and tried to pay them off but would use the cards to cover gaps in monthly budgets and emergencies. Although he was able to keep the card current, the credit card debt had ballooned to $68K last year, requiring a minimum payment of $2,000 a month, which is more than his mortgage payment of $1,800.

Even with two pensions that give him a total of $3,600 monthly, plus $1,400 of social security giving him total retirement income at the age of 67 of $5,000, which is pretty good, the $2,000 of monthly credit card payments is becoming unbearable.

40% of his retirement income is going towards servicing credit card debt. That’s a very bad financial situation to be in at 67.

Considering further that he has been paying at least $2,000 a month for his credit card debt just to keep them current for the last 10 years, he has already paid $240,000 of interest just to keep $68,000 of credit cards current, and he still owes the very same $68,000!

Client said that he was always trying to pay off all of his credit card debts right after the divorce but unbeknownst to him, the balances kept on getting bigger and bigger. He wanted to have a perfect credit score so he kept on paying the cards on time for the last 10 years. He was not even aware that he had already paid $240K of interest but still owed the very same $68K now that he is 67.

That’s not fair but that’s the way those cards work. They drain all your hard earned money, and will keep you in the poor house when you get older, when in fact, you should have invested the money paid for credit card interest into your investment portfolio paying you decent dividends

retirement income.

FEDERAL COURT IN TEXAS BLOCKS OBAMA AMNESTY The OBAMA AMNESTY which allows people who are here without legal status provided they have a qualifying child who is an American citizen or legal permanent resident, to get a work permit valid for 3 years and renewable for periods of 3 years

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per renewal is getting into higher gear because the USCIS was directed to start accepting applications by February 19, 2015. People who entered as minors and who graduated from a US high school or obtained a GED also qualify. Applications will be decided by the USCIS on a caseby-case basis. Documented entries with See YANG, page 10

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5% down is good enough to avoid PMI; Start savings for a down payment now It is generally a good idea to fork up 20% of the purchase price of your new home as a down payment to qualify easier and avoid private mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) but where can you get that much money? Follow my steps to get there sooner.

Things You’ll Need Time to prepare Patience and discipline Extra money Show (1) More Instructions Start by deciding how much you want a you to be able to purchase a house, the house. If you only “kind of” want a house, lender will also tell you how much of a you’ll never have the willpower to save home you will qualify for. This will sort enough. But if you’re starting to want a of guide you to a dollar amount that needed house or think you’ll want one within five to be saved and also a target property years, now is the time to start saving. value and location where you would start First step is to talk to a Lender of your to research on. choice to decide how much is needed for So, map out your expenses and see how

much you can put away. If you can save 10% of your total income to devote to a down payment, you’ll be in great shape.

If you “really” want a house, start scaling back and adding that money to your savings too.

Open a special savings account at the bank specifically for this goal, and don’t touch the money for anything other than a house. Shop around at many banks until you get a good rate. Once you have more than $500 saved, put it into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) to earn extra interest on it.

Consider dining out less often. This is a HUGE money waster. Spend half as much at the grocery store to have a fancy meal at home, instead. Instead of going to the movies, where two people can spend $30 for a movie and snacks, rent one at home for about $6, including snacks.

Start cutting coupons. It can seem like a pain in the beginning, but you can save about $1000 a year on groceries doing this.

Just by doing this, you can really add to your down payment savings. Be careful with coupons though, remember only cut out what you need not everything on sale.

You might end up buying more than you need that means it will go to waste.

Sell your old stuff. Use Craigslist.com, Ebay.com, even Exboyfriendjewelry.com to sell things you don’t need or don’t want anymore.

It may not add a lot of money to your savings, but every little bit helps. Remember the less things you have when you move, the less work for you. I always thought that if I have not seen or touched a an item in my house. That means I don’t need it and I can get rid of it or sell it.

Consider whether someone is willing to help you out. You may have an old, rich uncle that would be happy to contribute to your cause, but tread lightly. Tell everyone that you are saving for a house, you all might be able to help each other out somehow.

Your company 401K distribution will play a big role, usually if you have one and you are buying a house to live in, you can borrow from your own retirement plan for a very nominal rate. Still tax free if you borrow it for purpose of buying a owner occupied residence. Check with your 401K plan.

Nowadays, you don’t need to put up 20% down to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) There are loan programs that allows you to put 5% down without paying PMI, they are called self insured loan that will carry a slightly higher rate but to me its well worth it to compare. We are usually putting clients in these types of loans to avoid pmi.

There will be some credit score limitations but the rest of the underwriting guidelines are pretty much the same.

It is not easy to remove PMI once you are paying for it, plus a lot of people probably don’t understand that the PMI company is a third party to your loan transaction. Therefore, each PMI company has different set of rules as how to remove this insurance.

Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group to discuss your Mortgage and Real Estate needs and concerns.

This is a great topic. Please call Ken at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net.

US housing starts slow in January Washington, United States | AFP | Wednesday 2/18/2015 – New construction of homes across the United States slowed in January, but the building industry continuing to show modest strength, Commerce Department figures showed Wednesday. Private housing starts fell 2.0 percent from strong December numbers, but were still at a solid annual pace of 1,065,000 units.

December’s sharp growth, helped by mild weather across much of the country, came largely from single family units, and that category fell back in January.

The January 2015 pace was 18.7 percent above that of January 2014, when extremely harsh winter weather shut down economic activity in large swathes of the country for weeks.

Building permits, an indicator of future construction, grew 0.7 percent from December to an annual pace of 1,053,000.

Jim O’Sullivan, chief US economist at High Frequency Economics, said the trend remains upward, but only at a gradual pace.

“The level is still low,” he said. “A 1.31.4 million unit pace is probably sustainable over time given demographic trends.”

YANG From page 1

passports and I-94’s, or undocumented entries through the border, or otherwise undocumented, it doesn’t matter as long as AMNESTY requirements are met.

A Federal judge in Texas decided to issue an injunction to stop the implementation of the executive order 3 days ago.

The purpose of the injunction is to keep the status quo until the merits of the case are actually heard by the court.

President Obama has announced that the Federal government will appeal the matter to the Court of Appeals. This appeal will be to the 5th Circuit, which unfortunately, is predominantly leaning to the Republican agenda. Therefore, the President has also said that he expects to eventually take this matter to the Supreme Court where he expects his executive order to be upheld.

Don’t lose hope. I have no doubt the executive order will eventually be held by the Supreme Court as a valid exercise of executive power. The weight of jurisprudence supports the President’s position.

This legal stalemate is a temporary set back, and may even have the positive effect of prodding Congress into enacting a

bipartisan immigration reform bill faster this year since the GOP are not actually against immigration reform.

What they are upset about is the President going behind their backs and issuing the executive order without consulting them. That’s really all this ruckus is about In the meantime, I suggest you continue preparing your documentary evidence if you qualify. The President will be vindicated on this one.

“I WILL SING TO THE LORD, BECAUSE HE HAS DEALT BOUNTIFULLY WITH ME.” - PSALM 13:6.

Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years.

He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California.

He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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Provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar from inside the US On January 2, 2013, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced the posting of a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (spouse, children and parents), who are in the process of obtaining visas to become lawful permanent residents of the United States commonly referred to as provisional waiver. The final rule establishes a process that allows certain individuals to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before they depart the United States to attend immigrant visa interviews in their countries of origin. The process will be effective on March 4, 2013. The regulations will allow certain immediate immigrant visa beneficiaries, that are subject to the 3/10 year bar, to apply for a waiver inside the US rather than outside the US at the consulate overseas. The benefit of this new regulation is 1) it reduces the time for which the Petitioner and beneficiary will be separated while going through the consulate process and 2) Beneficiary can get a provisional approval on the waiver of the 3/10 year bar before beneficiary departs the US therefore reducing the risk of uncertainty and being stuck outside the US for up to 10 years. The rule allows these individuals to file for a provisional unlawful presence waiver while inside the U.S. If approved, they can then depart the US to undergo consulate visa processing knowing that they have a provisionally approved waiver of the 3/10 year bar.

You may be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver if: 1. You are physically present in the United States; 2. You are at least 17 years of age at the time of filing; 3. You are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition classifying you as the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen; 4. You have an immigrant visa case pending with the U.S. Department of State (DOS), for which you have already paid the immigrant visa processing fee; and 5. You believe you are, or will be at the time of the immigrant visa interview, inadmissible based on having accrued a certain period of unlawful presence in the United States.

6. You meet all other requirements of the provisional unlawful presence waiver as listed in the regulations including a showing that a lengthy bar from the U.S. would cause their U.S. citizen spouse or parent “extreme hardship.”

You are not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver and your application will be rejected or denied if: 1. You do not meet one or more of the requirements listed above; 2. You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS; 3. You are in removal proceedings unless your removal proceedings are administratively closed and have not been re-calendared as of the date of filing of the I-601A; 4. You have been ordered removed, excluded, or deported from the United States; 5. You are subject to reinstatement of a prior removal order; 6. DOS acted to schedule your immigrant visa interview prior to January 3, 2013, even if you failed to appear or you or DOS cancelled or rescheduled the interview on or after January 3, 2013.

7. You do not establish that the refusal of your admission to the United States would result in extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen spouse or parent, or that your application should be approved as a matter of discretion; The regulations would benefit certain immigrants who are unable to adjust their status to green card holder inside the US such as immigrants that entered the US without inspection (EWI), immigrants that entered the US without a visa, immigrants that entered the US as

a crew men or sea men (C-1 or D-1) and jump ship, immigrants that entered on a K-1 fiancé visa but failed to marry their US citizen fiancé. If these immigrants are not grandfathered by INA section 245(i), typically, they cannot get their green card inside the US. These immigrants would have to leave the US and get their immigrant visa from the US consulate in their home country. This situation becomes a Catch-22 situation in that when the immigrants leave the US to get their immigrant visa overseas, then the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar kicks in to bar them from returning to the US assuming they accumulated over 180 days of unlawful presence. Once there is a determination that the unlawful presence bar applies to the immigrant at the Consulate overseas, the immigrant under current procedure would have to apply for the waiver at the consulate overseas which in turn will forward the waiver to the DHS for approval.

The entire process can take months or even years while at the meantime the immigrant is waiting outside the US. Meanwhile, families are separated, and the spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are forced to endure potentially dangerous situations in the home country until the waiver is granted and they can return to the U.S. The provisional waiver procedure will allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens apply for waivers of the unlawful presence bars while remaining in the U.S. If the individual is found eligible, USCIS will grant a provisional waiver. He or she will still have to depart the U.S. and visit a U.S. consulate abroad to apply for an immigrant visa. During the immigrant visa interview, the consular officer will make the finding of inadmissibility based on unlawful presence and apply the provisional waiver. If other grounds of inadmissibility are found, the individual would need to submit another waiver application, if eligible, while abroad.

The provisional waiver will reduce the wait period abroad and the separation from the applicant’s family by several months or years. In addition, the applicant will know whether the waiver was granted prior to departing the US. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com and www. usimmigrationatty.com.

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Double-check your ‘fixed salary’ status – You may be owed back wages!

A class of “Review Appraisers,” employed by Bank of America (BoA) through its subsidiary, Landsafe, recently obtained approval of a settlement for $5.8 million. The employees sued BoA for alleged overtime violations, itemized wage statement violations, meal and rest period violations, waiting time penalties, and civil penalties against the employer.

The employees, who primarily proofread the appraisal reports gener- those deciding the company’s overall poliated by staff appraisers, claimed that the cies; employees who review appraisals do employer misclassified them as ‘exempt’ not make such policy decisions. from overtime and from taking meal and The employees also argued that the rest breaks. As appraisers, they often learned professional exemption does not work more than 60 hours per week, with apply to them because this exemption barely any meal or rest breaks, without relates to occupations where an advanced compensation. degree or prolonged course of academic The employer argued that the appraisers study is required (such as in the case of are exempt employees because they are doctors, attorneys, CPAs, etc.). Appraisers company administrators, or learned profes- generally can become appraisers with only sionals. The employees countered that the a high school diploma, several weeks of administrative exemption only applies to classes and some on-the-job training.

For employees to be exempt from overtime pay under the Administrative Exemption, the employees must be paid the monthly salary equivalent to no less than two (2) times the state minimum wage.

More importantly, the employees’ primary duties must involve administrative work.

This means that: Their duties involve the performance of non-manual work directly related to management policies or general business operations of the employer They regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment at work They directly assist a proprietor, or an employee employed in a bona fide executive or administrative capacity or they execute under only general supervision special assignments and tasks They perform general supervision work along requiring special training, experience or knowledge To be truly exempt from overtime pay, the employee’s work must be “qualita-

tively administrative,” which means the duties relate to the administrative operations of a business as distinguished from ‘production’ or ‘sales’ work. Duties that merely carry out particular, day-to-day operations of the business are production, not administrative, work.

Next week, we will discuss in detail the Professional or Learned Exemption.

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Four injured in US refinery blast UCLA among Peace Corps’ top volunteer-producing schools in 2015 Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Wednesday 2/18/2015 – Four workers suffered minor injuries Wednesday in an explosion that rocked an ExxonMobil oil refinery south of Los Angeles, the company said.

The blast, which was followed by a large smokestack flare, poured ash down onto local neighborhoods, while local schools were temporarily ordered to keep students inside, media reports said.

But the company downplayed any pollution threat at the refinery in Torrance, 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown LA. “No harmful emissions have been detected,” it said in a statement.

“All personnel have been accounted for. Four contractors have been taken to Long Beach Medical Center for evaluation for minor injuries,” it added.

Aerial footage of the refinery showed some areas of twisted metal and some vehicles covered with debris and ash. One vehicle appeared to have a collapsed roof.

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2015 – The Peace Corps today released the 2015 rankings of the top volunteer-producing colleges and universities across the country.

This year, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), ranked No. 11 among large schools, with 43 alumni currently volunteering worldwide.

“The Peace Corps provides an indispensable opportunity for young people out of college to gain work experience, learn a foreign language, and develop intercultural skills,” Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “International service helps volunteers refine qualities that can be difficult to measure, but are critical to long-term success, all while impacting the lives of people around the world.”

Alumni from more than 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide have served in the Peace Corps since

the agency’s founding in 1961, including 1,927 alumni from UCLA. Bruins alumni also hold the No. 9 spot for all-time highest volunteer-producing schools. The school has consistently been ranked among the Top Colleges for the past 13 years. In total, six University of California system campuses are ranked on the list of top 25 large universities.

“Every year the Peace Corps unveils the upper echelon of colleges and universities that have distinguished themselves at the top of its volunteer producing schools,” said Peace Corps West Coast Regional Manager Erin Carlson.

“We take enormous pride in recognizing UCLA as one of the 23 universities from the West Coast producing dedicated individuals who personify the Peace Corps mission of promoting world peace and friendship.”

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Are you always worried about your finances? Swiss raid HSBC in money laundering probe For a lot of people, financial concerns can be their number one cause of stress. But worrying without acting doesn’t really solve anything. If you feel that your finances are out of whack, it’s time to take charge and to hold yourself accountable for the results. Here are two steps that may help you reduce your money stress: (1) Be prepared: You can’t spend more than you earn and then complain how unfair it is that there is never enough no matter how Before spending your hard-earned hard you work. Keep in mind that life hap- money or applying for credit to purchase pens to all of us and financial challenges something, ask yourself these questions: will always come, sometimes when you Do I really need it? How much am I willing least expect them. I think the key to surviv- to sacrifice in order to make this purchase ing the tough financial times is to always and what will the impact be on my overall be prepared for them. financial health? See, a lot of people spend As I tell my clients all the time, it is not their money mindlessly without thinking a matter of “if”; it’s a matter of “when” the of the long-term consequences of their acfinancial storms will come. Let me ask you tions. One wrong decision can cause you this: How prepared are you financially and your family to suffer in ways that you should there be even just a temporary dis- can’t imagine. ruption in your income? I know that one If you are under a lot of financial stress big reason why people can’t save is due to and don’t know what to do, I’d like to the fact that they can’t even pay their debts help you figure out the best way to get every month, so how can they even think your finances back in order again.. Call us about saving? If this describes you, find for a free consultation at Toll-Free 1-888a way to reduce or eliminate your debts as 752-8211. We have offices in Pasadena, quickly as possible.

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Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Wednesday 2/18/2015 – Swiss authorities on Wednesday raided British banking giant HSBC’s Swiss unit as part of a money laundering probe into the bank that has been accused of helping clients to dodge millions of dollars in taxes.

The investigation comes just days after HSBC Switzerland became the centre of a global scandal following the publication of secret documents claiming it assisted many of its wealthy clients in thwarting the taxman.

“A search is currently under way in the bank’s offices,” Geneva’s top prosecutors said in a statement. The search and money laundering investigation was launched “following the recent revelations related to HSBC Private Bank (Switzerland),” they added. The cache of files, made public in the so-called SwissLeaks case, claimed HSBC’s Swiss private banking arm helped clients in more than 200 countries evade taxes on accounts containing $119 billion (104 billion euros).

The files provided details on over 100,000 HSBC clients, including people targeted

by US sanctions, suspected arms dealers and drug traffickers.

A wide range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders were also named, although their inclusion does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.

The documents, originally stolen by former HSBC IT worker Herve Falciani in 2007, alleged that billions of dollars transited through the bank as customers from around the world tried to dodge taxes in their home countries or laundered dodgy proceeds through offshore shell corporations.

Falciani told Swiss television RTS late Wednesday that he was ready to help the Swiss authorities in their investigation against HSBC in return for “safe passage.”

The Swiss have charged him with data theft.

He said he would cooperate with the Swiss in the same way he has with the Spanish authorities by sharing information through the “cloud.”

Following the raid, HSBC Switzerland said: “We have cooperated continuously with the Swiss authorities since first becoming aware of the data theft in 2008 and we continue to cooperate.”

According to Swiss law, a bank can be held responsible for “aggravated money laundering” if it does not take all the necessary measures to ensure such infractions do not take place within its institution.

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OPINION

Why immigrant rights advocates aren’t worried about Texas Judge’s ruling

By Elena Shore New America Media

Feb 17, 2015 – A federal judge this week blocked Obama’s executive actions from going into effect, a move immigration reform advocates are calling only a “temporary setback.”

Texas U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen issued a temporary injunction on Monday, siding with Texas and 25 other states that signed on to a lawsuit against Obama’s executive actions on immigration. The White House announced on Tuesday that the Department of Justice is appealing the decision.

The judge’s ruling was released just two days before the expanded version of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was slated to go into effect.

It means that – until the ruling is blocked or overturned by a higher court – individuals will not be able to apply for the new programs announced by President Obama on Nov. 20, 2014. These include the expanded version of DACA, which was slated to start Wednesday, and the new program for parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), which was expected to start in May. Together the programs could protect over 5 undocumented immigrants from deportation and provide them with temporary work authorization.

Monday’s ruling does not affect so-called Dreamers, who can still apply for (and renew) DACA under the program that was announced in 2012.

The chess game The federal lawsuit in Texas is the latest move in a broader political chess match now being played out between Republicans and Democrats over the president’s recent steps on immigration reform.

Since Obama’s announcement in November, Republicans have attempted to block his initiatives in Congress. But the legislation has not gotten passed the Senate (and even if it did, it would be vetoed by the president).

That left one pathway for the GOP to challenge Obama’s executive actions: through the courts.

“As they did in the health care fight, when they were unable to block the Affordable Care Act’s implementation through legislation, Republicans have turned to the courts to resolve what really amounts to a political dispute over policy,” Marshall Fitz, vice president of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress, told reporters on a national press call hosted Tuesday by New America Media.

“Make no mistake,” said Fitz. “This is a partisan political attack disguised as a lawsuit.”

The plaintiffs “sought this judge out” because, Fitz said, he has “a history of highly antagonistic, over-reaching, really extremist, antiimmigrant decisions.”

“They went judge shopping, they found their judge, they got the decision they wanted,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, in Washington, D.C. “But reading through the decision, it is poorly argued, [rests on a] very weak basis, and it is clearly a politicized decision that is not going to survive appeals up through the court system.”

The case is expected to go next to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, a three-judge panel known for its conservative bent. After that, the case would go to a full U.S. court of appeals and even potentially all the way to the Supreme Court.

Mamasapano whitewash

Allegations of a cover-up on the Mamasapano bloodbath have surfaced following the abrupt decision of the House of Representatives to suspend its hearings until completion of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) report.

Suspension of the hearing is part of a damage control being orchestrated by Malacañang officials in an ef

fort to obscure the involvement of President B. ity. He should stop blaming others S. Aquino in the planning and for the debacle our police forces operation of the failed police raid suffered under the combined in Maguindanao last month which forces of MILF and Bangsamresulted in the slaying of 44 mem- oro Islamic Freedom Fighters bers of the Special Action Force (BIFF).

(SAF) of the Philippine National During the recent hearing Police (PNP) by Muslim rebels. Senate hearing, government ofThe Senate hearing is still going ficials, led by Interior Secretary on, albeit behind closed doors. Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Media representatives were Voltaire Gazmin as well as AFP barred from attending the closed Chief of Staff Genereal Catapang, door sessions. Senator Grace Poe, issued conflicting statements to however, made assurances that Senators regarding the President’s there will be no cover-up in the knowledge about the firefight.

Senate hearing. I hope she will Lies after lies are being pedstand by her word. dled by the President’s allies, The lower house decision to including his friend and forsuspend hearing on the Mama- mer bodyguard, suspended and sapano clash is doing more harm disgraced (PNP) Chief Alan than good to President Noynoy’s Purisima.I hope this lying and now tarnished reputation. His corrupt police officer be demoted badly-damaged credibility is to colonel and all his alleged also beyond repair. Even though ill-gotten assets confiscated and President Aquino has already as- forfeited favor of the government. sumed responsibility for the bruEven relieved SAF Comtal slaying of 44 police officers, mander Chief Inspector Getulio there will always be suspicion Napeñas, the apparent Malacaof a “whitewash” as long as the ñang palace sacrificial lamb, President remains silent as to the denied that President Aquino had extent of his involvement in the any significant role in the planMamasapano incident. ning or execution of the failed As commander-in-chief, Presi- police raid. Napeñas, however dent Aquino should be man said Aquino was present in one of enough to admit his responsibil- the several meetings he attended

where they discussed several plans on how to bag Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan.”

It is almost a month now since the Mamasapano incident. But the anger and public indignation about the brutal slaying of the officers and President Noynoy’s perceived lying about his role in the botched police operation has not dissipated. More people in the academe, church leaders, lawyers and students as well as labor union leaders are demanding his resignation. Even his own uncle – former Congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, brother of the late President Cory Aquino, President Noynoy’s mother, has also called for his resignation.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, are looking into reports that most of the firearms used by the SAF police commandos that engaged the Muslim rebels in the bloody gunbattle were defective.

Survivors told lawmakers their rifles as well as their bullets were “defective,” making it hard for them to defend their position when the Muslim rebels started attacking them in large numbers.

If this proves to be true, the suppliers that delivered all the firearms and ammunitions to the PNP should be penalized and jailed.

The Department of National Defense has a huge budget every year. The amount of money that they get from Congress should pose no problems purchasing the best and reliable firearms and ammunitions for the police force to ensure that they will be able to protect the people all the time.

Trillanes: Peping, cohorts just ‘want to get back into power’ MANILA, Feb 18 (Mabuhay) – “It’s all about power for them.”

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday dismissed former Tarlac Representative Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. and other people behind the calls for President Benigno Aquino III to step down as “characters” who just “want to get back into power.”

“Itong mga characters na ito, it’s all about power for them,” Trillanes said in an interview on Radyo Inquirer 990AM. “They are now excluded in the power circle. They want to get back into power.”

In a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Cojuangco, an uncle of the President, admitted on Tuesday that he was a part of the group pushing for change in the country’s leadership. He, however, denied that he wants it done through a coup d’état or a military takeover.

But Trillanes said he could see past Cojuangco’s “play with words.”

“He’s just playing with words. Sabi niya, wala siyang kinalaman sa coup d’état, pero what they’re working on is a people power because he wants the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), the organization, to move as one. Ano ba, ano ba talagang nangyari sa Edsa Dos? “Edsa Dos is a power grab, a coup, a soft coup.

Kumbaga, pwede mong sabihin a bloodless coup.

Nakita niyo, siya mismo umamin na ganun ang pinplano nila,” Trillanes said.

(He’s just playing with words. He said he has nothing to do with the coup plot, but what they’re working on is a people power (revolt) because he wants the AFP, the organization, to move as one.

But what did really happen during Edsa Dos? Edsa Dos is a power grab, a coup, a soft coup. You can say it’s a bloodless coup. You see, he’s the one who admitted what they really plan on doing.)

“Itong ngayon, ‘yung ginagawa nila (Right now,

what they’re doing is), they’re trying to create that clamor that all sectors want the President to step down as a prelude d’un sa mga gusto nilang gawin later on.

Yan ‘yung kanilang game plan (as a prelude for the things they are going to do later on. That’s their game plan),” Trillanes further said.

Reacting to Cojuangco’s comparison of what happened during EDSA I and EDSA II to what is happening right now, Trillanes said he doubts Cojuangco and former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales’ plans will succeed, noting that the pervading moods during Edsa I and II are not present now.

“Objectively speaking, nu’ng umuugong ‘yung ganyang balita, we went around. Namulso naman tayo kung may konek siya sa taong bayan, sa ordinary man. Wala pang ganung environment na conducive para sa ganung exercise,” Trillanes said.

(Objectively speaking, when reports of their plans started to gain ground, we went around. We talked to people if the plan (to topple the Aquino administration) connects to the people, the ordinary man. But there is no environment yet that is conducive for that exercise.)

While Cojuangco and Gonzales have noted Aquino’s lapses during the botched Mamasapano operation which left 44 elite policemen dead, Trillanes said the people must see past that.

“It’s part of the package. Nuong pinili nila si President Aquino, dapat alam nila na may mga kakulangan, may mga character flaws ang tao.

Pero, sino bang wala? Sino bang presidente ang hindi nagkamali,” Trillanes said.

(It’s part of the package. When they chose President Aquino, they should have known that he has his own shortcomings and character flaws.

But who doesn’t? Which president did not make a mistake?) (MNS)

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‘Ash Wednesday’ ushers beginning of Lent The celebration of “Ash Wednesday� is known to most Christians worldwide as the beginning of the Lenten Season.

According to Wikipedia, “Ash Wednesday� is a day celebrated

by Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Protestants, Methodists and Jews. For Filipino Catholics, it is known as the first day of Lent. In the Latin Catholic Church “Ash Wednesday� is observed by “fasting, abstinence from meat and repentance.� Byzantine Catholics however, though they use “the same Gregorian calendar as the Roman Catholic rites,� they article on Pope Francis, he was quoted to do not practice the distribution of ashes as describe Lent as a “good time to fast from it is “not part of their ancient tradition.� indifference to others, more than alcohol As we all know from our Catholic up- and candy.� bringing, receiving ashes on “Ash WednesHe describes this phenomenon a “gloday� from burned ashes mixed with holy balization of indifference� Further, he said water (or olive oil in some countries) were “whenever our interior life becomes caught blessed by priests from the previous year’s up in its own interests and concerns, there Palm Sunday. The traditional Catholic cer- is no longer room for others, nor place for emony is officiated by priests during Holy the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard; Mass, before Holy Communion. We, the the quiet joy of His love is no longer felt faithful, fall in line to receive the blessed and the desire to do good fades.� ashes from priests who smudge them in the The Pontiff continued by saying that form of a cross on each person’s forehead, “we end up being incapable of feeling reminding all of us to “remember that you compassion at the outcry of the poor, weepare dust and to dust you shall return.� ing for other people’s pain, and feeling a While we receive the ashes, we all sing need to help them, as though all these were the entrance song: someone else’s responsibility and not ours. “We rise again from ashes, from the When we fast from indifference, we can good we’ve failed to do. We rise again from begin to feast on love. In fact, Lent is the ashes, to create ourselves anew. If all our perfect time to love again.� world is ashes then must our lives be true, Finally, the Pope asked “what are you an offering of ashes, an offering to you.� giving up for Lent?� And he said, “this is “We offer you our failures, we offer a question a lot of people will ask in the you attempts, the gifts not fully given, the next few days. If you want to change your dreams not fully dreamt. Give our stum- body, perhaps alcohol and candy is the way blings direction, give our visions wider to go. But if you want to change your heart, view, an offering of ashes, an offering to a harder fast is needed. This narrow road is you.� gritty, but it isn’t sterile. It will make room It has been written that “Latin Catholics in ourselves to experience a love that can in the medieval period considered the day make us whole and set us free. Now, that’s before Ash Wednesday as the required something worth fasting for.� annual day of confessing one’s sins and Pope Francis’ message is clear: Let receiving absolution and penance to be us all pray for love to our fellowmen to performed during Lent.� achieve peace in this world. May you all As a reference to Lent, in a recent have a blessed Lenten Season.

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Washington, AFP, Wednesday 2/18/2015 – The Franciscan friar who brought Christianity to California in the 18th century is on track for sainthood, but for Native Americans, his legacy is anything but holy.

Junipero Serra founded the first nine of what would become 21 Spanish missions stretching from San Diego to San Francisco, giving the Roman Catholic Church a firm foothold in what was then called New Spain.

Beatified by Pope John Paul II in September 1988, he is set to be canonized when his successor Pope Francis makes his first papal visit to the United States in September.

Serra died in 1784 at the age of 70 at Carmel, the headquarters of his Alta California missions, where he remains interred under the chapel floor.

Among Native Americans, he’s a controversial figure.

They hold him responsible for the suppression of their centuries-old culture and the brutal death of countless thousands of their ancestors. “We strongly oppose naming the murderer of our people and culture a saint,� said Toypurina Carac, spokesman for the Kizh Gabrieleno nation in greater Los Angeles. “We are very surprised that a modern, progressive pope like Francis would follow through on this, without doing his homework on the history of Serra and his true legacy,� he told AFP. Ron Andrade, director of the Los Angeles city and county Native American Indian Commission, acknowledged that Serra himself never personally killed anyone. “But then, neither did Hitler,� said Andrade, referring to what he called the “genocide� of California’s indigenous peoples.

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A Catholic minister applies ashes of old palms on the foreheads of the parishioners of the Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Shrine in Novaliches, Quezon City on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2015). Ash Wednesday marks the start of the observation of the Lenten season in the country. (MNS photo)

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ENTERTAINMENT

Anne Curtis to release new album Anne Curtis

Although she readily admits that she is a “non-singer,” this has not stopped actress-host Anne Curtis from pursuing a career in music, in addition to acting and hosting.

In her official Twitter account, Curtis told her more than 7.8 million followers that she is releasing a new album – her third since her debut album “AnneBisyosa,” which reached platinum status when

it was released in 2011.

Since the release of her debut album, Curtis has mounted two major concerts at the Araneta Coliseum: “Annebisyosa: No Other Concert World Tour” in 2012 and “The Forbidden Concert Annekapal” last year.

The “It’s Showtime” host also released the similarly titled CD “The Forbidden” under VIVA Records last year. (MNS)

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

Enrique says Liza is too young for him Actor Enrique Gil has downplayed a possible romance with “Forevermore” leading lady Liza Soberano, noting she’s too young to commit to a romantic relationship.

“Sa ngayon hindi pa pwede kasi bata pa siya. She’s only 17 and she’s not at the right age yet. But alam naman niya na gusto ko siya. We’ll just see and wait na lang,” Enrique, 22, said.

Even though romance is out of the picture for now, Enrique shared he learned a lot of new things about Liza since they started shooting the primetime series.

“Mas naging close kami and nalaman ko yung story ng buhay niya. Now I know more about her, yung ugali niya. Mas naging deeper kasi dati parang ang ganda at mabait, pero ngayon I learn more habang tumatagal yung pagsasama namin,” he said.

“Yung likeability is andoon talaga.

When you get to know the person more, nahuhulog yung loob mo. Lalo na pag nakita mo na ganito pala siya ka genuine na tao.”

But Enrique reiterated that their main focus now is their respective showbiz

careers.

Meanwhile, Enrique said he is thankful to all their fans for their unending support for “Forevermore”. Enrique said he’s also surprised that his on-screen team up with Liza was warmly welcomed by the audience. “Sobrang saya kasi none of us really expected na mainit yung magiging tanggap ng tao sa amin. Sobrang thankful lang kami,” he said. “Nung una may doubts kasi first time namin na magiging mag-partner and wala ka talagang assurance kasi hindi mo naman talaga malalaman kung ano ang gusto ng tao, but buti na lang talaga, nasagot ang mga prayers namin and nagustuhan nila.”

Enrique added that of all the shows he’s done on television, “Forevermore” is his favorite.

“Masaya yung experience kasi hindi kami nagte-tape sa mga usual places sa Manila and lagi kaming nasa Baguio. In a way it’s a vacation and at the same time work na din. It’s something different talaga.

Iba yung work experience,” he said.

“Forevermore” airs weeknights on ABS-CBN. (MNS)

Bamboo: A rockstar on and off stage He’s always been a little mysterious, but rockstar Bamboo gave his audience a little glimpse of another side when he joined the “The Voice of the Philippines” as coach.

He is the picture of cool in “The Voice,” but he admits that he was quite hesitant when he was offered to be part of the coaches in the Kids edition.

“Initially when they first offered me ‘The Voice: Kids,’ I said no!” he admitted. “I love kids but how long I’ll be able to work with them, I wasn’t sure. I was afraid.”

He’s singing a different tune now. “I turned 180,” he confessed, “I think it’s so gratifying to be a coach, to be helping them out. It just meant a lot to me. So if they asked me again, it’s a big yes!”

He is especially thrilled for Juan Karlos Labajo, whom he mentored in the competition’s first season. Bamboo believes the 13-year-old will go places because of his

innate charm. But to be sure, he wants JK to remember these simple reminders: “Stay humble, stay cool, enjoy the moment and enjoy being a kid.

“Be childlike but not childish,” Bamboo added.

Onstage, he is known by his followers as an absolute rock icon, working the stage, giving his all in his every performance, but at home, he said he is quiet and quite content reading.

“I like being at home,” he shared. “Nagbakasyon lang ako for a few weeks after December, nagbasa lang ako. I just stayed home. I enjoyed the silence.”

You know what else he does? “I do cook and bake by myself!”

Though his inner baker rarely comes out, Bamboo makes sure, he said, to give his best, remain in the moment. “Whenever I do anything, you know nakatutok talaga ako, that’s me.” (MNS)

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Covered California opens door to special enrollment Missed the February 15 deadline?

Have no worry. Covered California offers the public one more shot at enrollment. On top of the qualifying events (mentioned in last week’s column) for special enrollment, there is one more reason added for you to enroll: You suddenly realize that you don’t want to pay the penalty of $325 or 2% of income, whichever is greater, for not having health insurance!

So you see? Covered California is stretching its powers to accommodate You may ask, why is there a need for the public to a position of safety by having Open and Special Enrollment Periods? health coverage, from one of risk today.

In the past, there were people who enBut, you have to hurry because this win- rolled in a health plan primarily to avail of dow is not forever open. It will soon end, the expensive procedures needed for their by end of April 2015. health care. And, upon completion of the Of course, those who started but failed procedure, immediately disenroll, jeoparto finish their enrollment by deadline, are dizing the position of insurance companies provided the opportunity to complete en- to provide coverage for every member. To rollment thru a Certified Insurance Agent prevent this unhealthy practice, authorities by 22 February 2015. and regulatory agencies instituted the Open

and Special Enrollment Periods with much success. Covered California has adopted this same policy, I believe, for much the same reason.

Medicare Alert: Health insurance carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans have recently been subjected to a “star ratings�policy by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Based on numerous factors such as customer service, quality of care and improvements, and the like, the carriers have been rated from a high of five stars to a low of two stars.

Those rated with 2 stars are penalized by allowing their members to switch plans outside of Open Enrollment. Those rated with 4 stars and higher are rewarded with bonuses and higher than usual reimbursement rates, allowing them the flexibility to offer more benefits to their members.

What star rating does your current health insurance carrier have?

Makeup artists work in shadows to transform celebrities (Los Angeles-AFP) – You don’t become a star with the wave of a magic wand.

Before Hollywood’s awards shows climaxing with next week’s Oscars, an army of makeup artists and coiffeurs work for weeks to perfect what you see on the red carpet. Sabrina Bedrani is one of these magic fairies.

The Frenchwoman first made her name in the fashion industry, working with top photographers like Peter Lindbergh, before moving to Los Angeles, where she rapidly became one of the most sought-after makeup artists in Hollywood, with clients including Julianne Moore, Heidi Klum and Felicity Jones.

She is the one who has looked after

Jones’s face since the young British actress was nominated for an Oscar for playing astrophysicist Stephen Hawking’s wife Jane in “The Theory of Everything.� “An Oscars campaign is a long haul, like for a presidential election,� said Bedrani, who follows Jones everywhere she goes once she arrives in Los Angeles.

The promotion of “The Theory of Everything� began with its Toronto Film Festival premiere in September, followed by its US release in October and the ongoing awards season, including the Golden Globes last month and right up to the Oscars on February 22. “Because Felicity doesn’t live in Los Angeles, each time she comes, her diary

is jam-packed. She goes from public meetings to magazine photo-shoots to interviews and gala soirees,� Bedrani told AFP. And between each event, Bedrani performs her magic to keep Jones looking like a princess. “If it’s a morning television show, she needs a more relaxed look and more natural makeup... If it’s the Oscars’ Governors Ball then it’s the Hollywood glamour look, lots of rouge,� she added. “You build up a relationship of trust. You have to have the same point of view,� said Bedrani, who prefers light makeup in general.

Every last detail Arnaud Ozharun, who does the hair of people like Michelle Monaghan, is totally

Well, whether 3 or 3.5 or 4 stars, your carriers will definitely be on their toes in providing you better services as this “star ratings� is not permanent. It will be conducted yearly. Another important factor to consider in your choice of a Medicare health plan. If you need help, you may reach me at 323-535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com.

Leo Monsalud hails from Sta. Cruz, Zambales. He studied for his MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines.

He worked for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vicepresident assigned as general manager of a division. He was a joint-venture partner of the San Miguel Corporation in an agribusiness project. He holds CA license # 0G55218 and a Non-Resident license for Nevada. He is a Certified Insurance Agent for Covered California. Visit his website: www.healthremediesnadoptions.com. against extensions. “I really can’t stand that!� he said.

Before a huge event like the Oscars, the team gets together with the star involved.

Sometimes, when the celebrity is traveling or in a rush, the team meeting can involve simply “an exchange of photos, or sketches by email.� Ozharun recalled being hired to help the “True Detective� team do Monaghan’s hair by Skype, on set in Louisiana.

On the day itself, final preparations are usually made in the star’s hotel, two or three hours before the event. “For the red carpet, I usually use more powder, because the makeup has to last. In Los Angeles it can get very hot, and with traffic jams you can take two hours to arrive,� said Bedrani.

18

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COMMUNITY PH-US forge another labor protection accord WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippines marked another milestone in its efforts to look after the interests of overseas Filipinos by formally entering into another partnership agreement that will protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos working in the United States.

In a statement, the Philippine Embassy said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Thursday between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), represented by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC), represented by its Chair Jenny R. Yang.

The MOU, the fourth migrant worker-related bilateral agreement entered into by the Embassy, aims to come up with more protective measures and better welfare interventions for Filipinos working in the US. The MOU is also only the second agreement entered into by the EOCC with a foreign government.

“We are pleased at being able to formalize our alliance with the EOCC and collaborate closely towards ensuring that Filipino nationals working in the US are accorded equal opportunities at their workplace,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he thanked the Commission for initiating collaborations with countries like the Philippines that have substantial worker populations in the US. Ambassador Cuisia said the MOU with the EOCC is an affirmation of the US government’s advocacy for equal opportunity in the workplace and prohibited employment discrimination.

Ambassador Cuisia, at the same time, cited the contribution of EEOC’s District Representatives who have participated in the Embassy’s consular outreach missions in the US Southeast. He said EEOC’s participation enhanced the awareness of Filipino workers of their rights as well as remedies available to them under existing labor laws regardless of their status.

PHL-US Accord. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Chair Jenny R. Yang of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shake hands following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos working in the United States. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Majalya A. Fernando)

In her remarks, EEOC Chair Yang noted the invaluable contribution of Filipinos to American society and the US workforce and reiterated the EEOC’s commitment to uphold the rights of migrant workers.

Chair Yang said EEOC estimates place the number of Filipino immigrant workers in the US at more than one million. She said Filipinos not only comprise one of

the largest immigrant groups but also have a high rate of participation in the labor force compared to other groups.

“By signing this MOU today, the Commission signals its unwavering commitment to justice and equality in the workplace for individuals of Filipino descent whose efforts and contributions have been invaluable to American society and the US workforce,” said Chair Yang.

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Ipagdiwang ang Asian New Year kasama ang Lucky Lion Dancers sa Pechanga Resort & Casino Promosyon sa Table Game sa Lunar New Year Kung ang manalo ng bagong kotse ay katunog ng ingay sa New Year, magplano upang pumunta sa Pechanga Resort & Casino. Sa pagitan ng Pebrero a-1 at Pebrero a-27, ang mga table games players na nanalo na ng ilang ulit sa Baccarat, Pai Gow, Black Jack, 3-Card Poker, Let It Ride at Ultimate Texas Hold’em ay maaaaring manalo ng entry tickets para sa Grand Prize Drawings sa Biyernes, Pebrero a-20 at Pebrero a-27.

Kada Biyernes, 15 raffle winners ang tatanggap ng $500 sa Easyplay sa ganap na alas-8:00 ng gabi at 20 raffle winners ang tatanggap ng $1,000 sa Easyplay sa ganap na alas-9:00 ng gabi. Isang swerteng manlalaro kada gabi ang magmamaneho ng isang bagong 2015 Merdes-Benz CLA. Mas madalas ang laro, mas mataas ang inyong tsansang manalo. Sa taon ng Ram, ang swerte ay mapapasa-inyo.

Ikaskas at Manalo ang Swerteng Red Envelope Ang buwan ng Pebrero ay nagbabadya sa Pechanga upang ang mga manlalaro ay manalo ng husto sa promosyong “Lucky Red Envelopes”. Sa Martes ng a-17 at a-24 at Huwebes ng a-19 at a-26, ang

Pechanga Club Card holders ay maaaring mag-kaskas ng member card sa kiosks katapat lamang ng Pechanga Box Office.

Kada may magkakaskas, pwede kayong manalo ng hanggang $1,000 sa Easyplay.

Sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag sa 1-877-711-2946 o bumisita sa www.

Pechanga.com.

Sayaw na Pagtatanghal sa Lucky Lion at Oportunidad na Larawan Kasama ang God of Wealth Bulagain ang nakaka-enganyong Taon ng Ram sa Pechanga Resort & Casino!

Karamihan sa mga kulturang Asyano ay itinatakda ang Sabado, ika-21 ng Pebrero bilang bahagdan ng selebrasyon sa Lunar New Year kasama ng mga pamilya at mga kaibigan.

Iniimbita ng Pechanga ang lahat upang sumali sa kasayahan at pagdiriwang na may napakagandang pagtatanghal ng Lucky Lion Dancers sa Sabado, ika-21 ng Pebrero, simula alas-3 ng hapon. ang “lion” ay magbibigay-buhay at magsisimula ng pagtatanghal sa entrada ng Valet sa Pechanga Hotel at tutungo habang nangaaliw sa casino floor.

Ang mga ehekutibo ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ay susunod sa mga lion dancers at magpapamigay ng mga lucky red enve-

lopes sa mga bisita sa kanilang paglalakad.

Upang ihatid ang saya sa mas mataas na bahagdan, halina na kayo at magpakuha ng litrato kasama ang God of Wealth sa Linggo, ika-22 ng Pebrero, para sa walang hanggang swerte at kapalaran sa Bagong Taon! Nararapat na 21-anyos pataas na may players card upang sumali.

Ang mga serye ng promosyon at aktibidad ng Lunar New Year ay maghahatid ng walang humpay na saya sa lahat ng mga bisita. Layunin ng Pechanga na pag-ibayuhin ang promosyon sa mga kaganapang Asyano para sa aming mga pinagpipitagang mga bisita at parokyano.

Inaalok ng Pechanga Inaalok ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang isa sa mga pinakamalaki at malaganap na kasiyahan na pang resort/casino kahit saan sa buong bansa. Hinirang na “Four Diamond property” ng AAA mula pa noong 2002, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagbibigay ng walang katumbas na paraan para sa isang araw o pang-matagalang marangyang bakasyon. Naghahandog ng mahigit sa 3,000 sa pinaka mainit na slot machines, table games at world-class entertainment, 517 na kuwarto sa hotel nito, mga kainan, spa at championship golf sa “Journey at Pechanga,” ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay tampok na destinasyon na

tumutugon at humihigit sa kagustuhan ng mga panauhin nito at ng komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay pag-aari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag sa 1-877-711-2946 o pumunta sa www.Pechanga.com. Sundan ang Pechanga Resort & Casino sa Facebook. com/Pechanga at Twitter @PechangaCasino. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay bukas ng 24 oras. Ang mga panauhin ay dapat na may edad 21 anyos at pataas para makapasok sa casino.

Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ brings the action to your home with its digital HD/Blu-ray release next week

By Hannah De Castro-Abinuman

After its recent success with “Frozen” and “Wreck-it Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios conjures yet another animated film that will surely be enjoyed by people of all ages. Based on a Marvel comic-book series with the same title, “Big Hero 6” features comic-book style action, with all the heart and humor that audiences expect from a Disney film.

Last Feb. 6, Disney launched its home entertainment campaign for Big Hero 6 at a Press Junket at the W Hotel in Hollywood, LA. With much anticipation and excitement, the press was able to get a behindthe-scenes look at how the movie was made and what the cast and crew experienced during film-making, through private interviews with directors Don Hall and Chris Williams as well as the voices behind the characters – Scott Adsit (Baymax), Ryan Potter (Hiro Hamada) and Daniel Henney (Tadashi).

With its digital HD and Blu-ray release on February 24th, “Big Hero 6” introduces you to a lovable robot who will change your world. Join Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit) and Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter) in a comic adventure that will make your heart soar as they learn about teamwork and becoming more than you thought you could be. When a devastating event befalls the fictional city of San Fransokyo, (a creative mash-up of two iconic and thriving communities - San Francisco and Tokyo), Hiro is catapulted into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his brilliant fellow nerds: adrenaline junkie GoGoTomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred.

Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of hightech heroes called “Big Hero 6.”

“When I was a kid, I loved Marvel comics,” says director, Don Hall. “While working on ‘Winnie the Pooh,’ I asked John Lasseter (executive producer) if I could explore the Marvel world for inspiration for my next film. I was encouraged to explore the Marvel vaults and one of the projects I found was called ‘Big Hero 6.’

I’d never heard of it, but I liked the title and its Japanese influences.”

According to Hall, he was encouraged to take the idea and run with it. “From the beginning we were told to make it our own,” he says. So Marvel’s comic-book style was infused with Disney’s classic filmmaking. “It’s a Disney movie with Marvel DNA,” says Producer, Roy Conli.

“The Marvel team was very supportive.

They’ve never suggested anything other than to make a great movie.”

“Big Hero 6” features the voices of an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Scott Adsit (“30 Rock,” “St. Vincent”) as Baymax, Ryan Potter (“Supah Ninjas,” “Senior Project”) as Hiro Hamada; Daniel Henney (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) as Tadashi; T.J. Miller (HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2”) as Fred; Jamie Chung (“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” “Once Upon A Time,” “The Hangover Part II &Part III”) as GoGoTomago;Damon Wayans Jr. (“Let’s Be Cops,” “Happy Endings”) as Wasabi; and Genesis Rodriguez (“Tusk,” “Identity Thief”) as Honey Lemon. The film also features the voices of veteran actors James Cromwell (“Murder in the First,” “L.A. Confidential”) as Professor Robert Callaghan, Alan Tudyk (“Tell,” “Welcome to Me,” “42”) as Alistair Krei and Maya Rudolph (TV’s “Saturday Night Live,” “The Maya Rudolph Show,” Bridesmaids”) as Aunt Cass.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing these parts,” says director Chris Williams. “They’ve become invested in these characters, which really helps take the performances to the next level.”

According to Daniel Henney (voice of Tadashi), growing up as a fan of Disney films and to actually be chosen to play the part of Tadashi, which is such a beautiful character, is actually surreal. “It was a very therapeutic experience with me. We recorded separately, but I didn’t realize how much fun I would have and how much fun voice acting could be.”

During the press interview, Scott Adsit (Baymax), retorted that though playing the character of a robot averted him from showing emotion, it was really refreshing to see the emotions projected on him by

the audience. A tiny little window of emotion from Baymax opens up a floodgate of emotions from the audience.

The film is executive produced by John Lasseter. Screenwriters are Robert L. Baird & Daniel Gerson (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Monsters University”), and Jor-

dan Roberts (“March of the Penguins,” “Around the Bend”). Composer Henry Jackman (“Captain America: The Winter Solder,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) provides the film’s score, and Fall Out Boy wrote and performed an original song called “Immortals.” (Source: Walt Disney Studios)

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JOB MARKET For advertising, call (818) 552-4503

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RELIEVERS NEEDED Two relievers needed for weekly relieving work in 6 bed board and care facility. Palos Verdes.

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PRAYERS

PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -MAGGIE

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

Oh most beautiful Àower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. -CARMEN

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FOOD & DINING Pair wholesome, delicious pudding with ingredients from your own pantry or fridge FAMILY FEATURES

Simple Ideas for a Delicious Snack

W

hat do you reach for around 3 in the afternoon? Something salty?

Something crunchy? Something creamy, smooth and sweet? These days, more and more snackers are looking for something wholesome and satisfying to get them through the afternoon.

Here’s one snacking choice you may not have thought of: pudding. When pudding is made right — just the way your grandma used to — it’s made with real ingredients like milk and eggs, cooked slowly until it’s creamy and delicious. While cooking up your own pudding is a fun and satisfying weekend or evening project, when you need a quick afternoon snack, that’s probably not in the cards.

Fortunately, there are still some companies making pudding just the way you would at home, slowly simmered to perfection. This is great news for people who want a smooth and creamy snack they can feel good about. There’s a good reason why simple, comforting pudding was a favorite childhood snack — and is still a wholesome snack choice today.

Pudding is perfect straight out of the refrigerator, of course, and all you need to enjoy it is a spoon. But you can make it your own with other ingredients that you probably have right in your kitchen. Take a look at your spice rack: You’ve probably got cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper. In your pantry, you’ve got crunchy cookies, pretzels and nuts. Fresh and frozen fruit are always good to have on hand. Even canned and shelf-stable packs of tropical fruits can top your pudding. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing surprising pudding pairings everywhere you look.

With a little creativity, you could have a unique pudding snack every day of the week. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.

Find out more about Kozy Shack® Pudding at www.kozyshack.com.

Minty Chocolate Pudding — Cut mint and chocolate layered candies into smaller pieces. Spoon Kozy Shack Chocolate Pudding into a small bowl. Top with mint pieces.

Chocolate Drizzled Strawberries and Tapioca Pudding — Drizzle strawberries with melted dark chocolate and allow to set. Layer chopped strawberries and Kozy Shack Tapioca Pudding in a small dish. Top with a chocolate-drizzled strawberry.

Banana Split Pudding Snack — Cut a 468 W. ARROW HWY. COVINA, CA. 91722

S. Citrus Ave

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Mango & Coconut Tapioca Pudding — Cut a fresh mango into small pieces.

Spoon Kozy Shack Tapioca Pudding into a small dish. Top with mango and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Blackberry Rice Pudding — Dice a handful of fresh blackberries. Layer blackberries and Kozy Shack Rice Pudding in small dish. Top with any remaining fruit and a mint leaf.

Fresh Raspberries and Chocolate Pudding — Layer fresh raspberries, whipped cream and Kozy Shack Chocolate Pudding in a small dish. Top with extra raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Lemon Tapioca Pudding — Crush a couple of lemon shortbread cookies. Spoon into the bottom of a small dish. Top with Kozy Shack Tapioca pudding, a sprinkle of lemon zest and assorted fresh berries.

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2015 Nissan Altima, Frontier and Pathfinder named ‘Most Popular’ on Edmunds.com 2015 Altima, Frontier and Pathfinder are among the most-researched vehicles in their segments on Edmunds.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some say there’s more to life than popularity, but with Edmunds.com “Most Popular” awards, it seems to be rather important. Edmunds. com recently named the 2015 Nissan Altima “Most Popular Midsize Car,” the 2015 Nissan Frontier “Most Popular Compact Truck,” and the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder “Most Popular Midsize Traditional SUV.” These three vehicles stood among the top-three most-researched vehicles in their respective categories on the car research site Edmunds.com.

Winners for each vehicle segment are selected based on the highest number of unique visitors to the model’s new-car research and inventory pages on the Ed-

munds.com desktop site.

This year’s award looked at website traffic from the first 10 months of 2014.

Around 18 million shoppers visit Edmunds.com for car-buying advice every month.

“Winning an accolade like this is a testament to the true popularity of our vehicles,”

said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. “Based on customer research trends, winning this award shows that each of these three Nissan models continues to resonate well with newvehicle shoppers.”

Each solid fixtures in their respective segments, these three vehicles are Edmunds.com’s Most Popular for a second consecutive year.

“Nissan products are really getting the attention of in-market car shoppers on our site,” said Edmunds.com CEO Avi Steinlauf. “Winning so many ‘Most Popular on

Edmunds.com awards bodes well for the company’s sales in 2015.”

To view the complete 2015 Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards recipients, please visit the Edmunds.com website at: http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/ most-popular-2015.html.

If you want to find out more about Nissan Sentra, Murano, Altima, Rogue or Nissan Quest, get in touch with our kababayans Cristina Madlangbayan, Augusto Montemayor and Mariefe Alipio of Nissan of Van Nuys, each of whom are experts in helping customers choose the best Nissan vehicle for their use.

You may reach them on their mobile phones at 818-943-5471 (for Augusto) and 818-442-1983 (for Marie). Nissan of Van Nuys is located at 5425 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401.

Volvo says self-driving cars will react ‘faster than most humans’ Stockholm, Sweden | AFP | Thursday 2/19/2015 - 18:25 GMT | 270 words Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars announced Thursday that it had completed designs for self-driving cars which it plans to put on the road in two years.

“Volvo Cars has designed a complete production-viable autonomous driving system,” Peter Mertens, head of Volvo’s research and development said in a statement.

“The key to making this unprecedented leap is a complex network of sensors,

cloud-based positioning systems and intelligent braking and steering technologies.”

The Chinese-owned group is locked in a race with its Japanese competitors Nissan and US Internet giant Google to be the first to put fully automated cars into circulation.

“Autonomous driving will fundamentally change the way we look at driving,” said Mertens, calling the venture “uncharted territory” and underlining the challenges of meeting strict safety requirements.

The group said it has developed an “autopilot” with backup systems that will

continue to function safely even if certain parts stop working. It also claimed that the new car would react “faster than most humans” in an emergency.

“Making this complex system 99 percent reliable is not good enough. You need to get much closer to 100 percent before you can let self-driving cars mix with other road users in real-life traffic,” said Erik Coelingh, a Volvo technical specialist.

Volvo Cars plans to put 100 self-driving cars on roads around the Swedish city of Gothenburg in 2017 in a pilot initiative

with Sweden’s transport authority and local government.

Volvo Car Corporation is a separate entity from the Volvo Group, the maker of trucks, buses and construction machinery, since the auto company was sold to Ford in 1999. It was sold to Geely in 2010.

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Honda Accord and Civic ranked as two most popular models with individual California car buyers in 2014 Accord #1 most popular car with Californians in 2014; CR-V most popular SUV in the state TORRANCE, Calif., Feb 19, 2015 – The Honda Accord and Civic were the two most popular vehicles with individual California car buyers in 2014, according to a Honda analysis of new-vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive. The Accord was California’s most popular vehicle with individual buyers in 2014, followed

by Civic as the second most popular new vehicle.1 2014 was the second year in a row that a Honda vehicle earned the top spot in California, with Civic having taken the title in the Golden State in 2013.2 Among all new vehicle registrations, California car buyers purchased 71,578 Accords and 67,293 Civics in 2014, up 17.3 and 0.5 percent, respectively, when compared to 2013 results.

What’s more, in 2014 some 34,980 CR-V sport-utility vehicles were purchased by car buyers in California, up 9.8 percent in the state versus the previous year, making CR-V the most popular SUV in

California in 2014.

“California is a critical battleground for the auto industry, and it tends to set the tone for the country in terms of product and sales trends, so it’s great to see California buyers choosing Honda over the competition in key product segments,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We’re in a very strong position with core products like Accord, Civic and CR-V and we’re going to really fortify our light-truck lineup with the launch this spring of the all-new HR-V crossover and the summer arrival of the redesigned Pilot SUV.” On a national basis, the Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey were the top retail

sellers in their respective segments for the second consecutive year, according to new-vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive. Taken together, retail registrations of Accord, Civic and CR-V topped 1 million units in 2014, totaling 1,031,266.

Excluding full-size pickups, no other trio of models across the industry top retail registrations of more than one million units in a single year. National retail new vehicle registrations in 2014 for Honda’s three top sellers were 382,535 units for Accord, 317,025 for Civic, and 331,706 for CR-V. Approximately 98 percent of Honda brand new car registrations in America in 2014 were to individual retail car buyers.

Meanwhile, if you want to belong to the

select group of Honda owners, all you have to do is visit the Diamond Honda of Glendale and get in touch with our kababayans Tito Adriosula, Cruzella Clemente and Orly Roque, who are more than ready to serve you and find you your new Honda Hybrids or any other Honda vehicle and be assured of top fuel efficiency as well as safety and maintenance.

These are just some of the reasons why Pinoys come to the dealership. Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds!

That statement is backed up by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multi-ethnic market. “He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito.

Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Its toll-free number is 1.866.237.7092.

Toyota Camry and Corolla create excitement with special edition debuts CHICAGO – Winds of change will blew into the Chicago Auto Show that was held starting Feb. 12.

Toyota’s Camry mid-size sedan, the best-selling car in America for the past 13 years, and Corolla compact sedan, the world’s best-selling car of all time, debuted special edition models at the Chicago Auto Show.

Camry Special Edition When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or reengineering nearly 2,000 parts.

Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology.

Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features. In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include: • Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents • Power tilt/slide moonroof • Smoked tail lamp treatment • High contrast blue stitching on the seats, shift boot, and dash • Exclusive sport appearance seats trimmed with black SofTex bolsters and blue patterned inserts

Lifetime oil change and tires for life! These are what you’re going to get if you buy your car at Hooman Toyota. Hurry! Call our kababayans Alfi e Alberto (left) and Arvin Aberilla now toll free at 1-800-519-2446.

• Sport meter cluster with blue details and white background • Entune Audio Plus The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter fourcylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition and will come standard with the Star Safety System.

Corolla Special Edition The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966. With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.

Corolla has added more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition. Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made

possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features.

Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds: • Unique 17-inch alloy wheels • Black interior with red contrast stitching • Red accented dash and door trim • Smart Key System with pushbutton start • Three colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White • Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge • Toyota’s Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.

But what’s good about buying either a Camry or a Corolla, or any Toyota vehicle now for that matter, you can get a lifetime oil change and tires for life if you purchase them from Hooman Toyota. That’s right folks, aside from free oil change and tires, other VIP treats are offered only at Toyota’s most popular car dealership in Long Beach. For details, call our kababayans Alfie Alberto (left) and Arvin Aberilla now toll free at 1-800-519-2446 at be a VIP for life.

Hooman Toyota is located at 4401 East Pacifi c Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

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2015 Subaru Forester expands availability of award-winning Eyesight Driver Assist System Cherry Hill, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. last year introduced the fourth generation of the Forester SUV, it’s best-selling model, and for 2015 further enhances Forester’s value by making the award-winning EyeSight driver assist system available on more models and by reducing its MSRP from $1,295 to $795.

The 2015 Forester earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with EyeSight, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The system earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS. Since its introduction for 1998, Forester has won acclaim for safety, all-wheel drive performance, dependability and versatility. The new-generation Forester, with virtually the same footprint as the previous model, expands comfort, utility and safety.

A new 250-horsepower 2.0-liter directinjection turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine leads the line, which also includes models powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder BOXER engine.

All 2015 Forester models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2015 Forester 2.5i achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined (with Lineartronic continuously variable transmission). Those figures compare well with front-wheel drive competitors.

The 2015 Forester 2.5i model is available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring trims. The turbocharged

Forester 2.0XT is offered in the Premium and Touring trims.

The Forester’s four-wheel independent suspension system endows the vehicle with agile handling and compliant ride quality.

The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for all models is greater than for many crossovers and SUVs, yet the Forester maintains a comfortably low step-in height.

The 2015 Forester continues the model’s tradition of offering outstanding value and extensive standard features.

For 2015, the 2.5i base trim gains the rear vision camera and color multi-function display from the Premium trim, making the rear camera standard across the model line. The high-line multi-function display also includes readouts for audio and Bluetooth information, climate control, vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder and X-Mode and Hill Descent Control operation.

High-line models offer more amenities than any previous Forester, including a power liftgate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Push-Button Start.

The available navigation system features smartphone integration with Aha® Infotainment. The Touring trim comes standard with a 440-watt harman/kardon® 8-speaker audio system, which adds HD Radio for 2015. The harman/kardon system is also

available in the Limited trim in conjunction with the navigation option.

Bold Design, Versatile Function The Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made this compact SUV popular. The new-generation design combines evolutionary themes with sharply defined details. The “hawkeye” headlights and a hexagonal shape grille anchor the bold front-end design.

The 2.0XT models feature an exclusive sport design front bumper, along with a one-piece mesh style grille and, on the 2.0XT Touring, chrome-rimmed fog light bezels. All 2015 Forester models feature black side cladding and body-color door handles, and all use an aluminum hood.

On the Touring models, new chrome trim accents the black side cladding for 2015.

Comfort and Versatility The new-generation Forester grew just 1.4 in. longer and 0.6-in. wider on a 0.9inch longer wheelbase (now 103.9 inches).

Yet thanks to Subaru’s mastery of efficient vehicle packaging, it offers notable gains in roominess over the previous version and retains the model’s hallmark maneuverability with a tight 34.8-ft. turning circle.

The new-generation Forester had its largest interior gains in rear seat roominess and cargo capacity. It offers exemplary three-across rear seating comfort, which is not always a strong point in the segment.

The wide-opening rear doors aid ingress/

egress, and also help make it easier to install a child seat, a task also eased by installing the tether anchors on the rear of the seatback. Maximum rear cargo area capacity with the standard 60/40 split rear seats folded is 74.7 cu. ft., which is large for the class.

Performance and Economy The double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter BOXER engine in the Forester 2.5i models produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Matched to either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic CVT, the 2.5-liter engine gives the Forester excellent response in everyday driving, with emphasis on low and mid-range torque.

The CVT is standard on 2.5i Limited and Touring, and the 2.0XT models are equipped with a high-torque version of the CVT featuring 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift modes with steering wheel paddle shifters. High-line CVT-equipped Forester models also feature standard Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions.

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine in 2.0XT models uses a combination of direct fuel injection, high compression, Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (D-AVCS) and turbocharging with an intercooler to achieve both high performance and high efficiency. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied by a broad torque curve that peaks at 258 lb.-ft. over a 2,000-4,800 rpm engine speed range.

Both versions of the Lineartronic CVT use adaptive control. Based on vehicle inputs, pulley gear ratios are continually optimized based on driving preferences and road conditions. A driver-selectable Low shift mode in the 2.5i models with the CVT can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade, to enhance vehicle control.

For more information about the new 2015 Forester or become a new member of the elite Subaru club, all you have to do is to come on down to Subaru Glendale and our kababayans Christian Marilla and Glenn Bergado 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.

Rolls-Royce to launch its first SUV

German-owned luxury carmaker RollsRoyce on Wednesday unveiled plans to launch its own sports utility vehicle, mirroring recent moves by fellow upmarket rivals Bentley and Jaguar.

The British brand, which is owned by Germany’s BMW, revealed in an open letter from Rolls-Royce chairman Peter Schwarzenbauer and chief executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes that it was in the process of developing its first-ever 4x4 car.

“Today we confirm that we are developing an all-new Rolls-Royce with exceptional presence, elegance and purpose ... A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain,” the letter read.

The automaker added that the new model would be “a high-bodied car, with an all-new aluminium architecture”, but gave no indication of price or when production would begin.

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Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach

You’re not just a Mercedes-Benz driver, you’re part of the family.

Up To

4 MONTHS’ PAYMENT CREDIT

on your current Mercedes-Benz Financial Services lease with the purchase of a new 2014 or 2015 Mercedes-Benz.

Nelson Sioson

‡

Eligible customers will receive up to 4 months’ payment credit on their current lease with a lease or finance of any new 2014 or 2015 Mercedes-Benz vehicle through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Certain exclusions apply. See dealer for details.

Filipino Fleet Manager

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC® per month for 36 months*

369

‡

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC® Sport Sedan 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport Sedan per month per month ** for 36 months for 36 months***

$

*Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through March 2, 2015. Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $37,325. Includes Destination Charge, Premium 1 Package, Becker® MAP PILOT® Pre-Wiring and Becker® MAP PILOT®. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $13,284. Cash due at signing includes $2,725 capitalized cost reduction, $795 Acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $369. Total due at signing, $3,889. Total payments equal $16,804. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/ mile over 30,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required. Offer expires 3.2.15.

419

579

$

$

**Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through March 2, 2015.

Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $43,027.

Includes destination charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $15,084. Cash due at signing includes $3,499 capitalized cost reduction, $795 Acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $419. Total due at signing $4,713. Total payments equal $19,378. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required. Offer expires 3.2.15.

***Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through March 2, 2015.

Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $55,106.

Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $20,844. Cash due at signing includes $3,699 capitalized cost reduction, $795 Acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $579. Total due at signing $5,073. Total payments equal $25,338. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 22,500 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required. Offer expires 3.2.15.

• Rates as low as 0.99% up to 36 months1 • 2 Month Payment Credit

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2

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3

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350

CPO, Sport Package, Navigation, Low APR, Sport Sedan Package

CPO, Multimedia Package, Navigation, Panoramic Roof, Rear-View Camera

CPO, iPod/MP3 Media Interface Package, Low APR

CPO, Navigation, Premium 1 Package, Low APR, Rear-View Camera

$26,430†

$27,888†

$32,888†

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655650 / P9196

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 Convertible

2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC® Wagon

2013 Mercedes-Benz S550

CPO, AMG® Sport Package USA, Nav., Premium 2 Package, Heated Front Seats

CPO, Premium 1 Package, Navigation, Heated Seats

CPO, Rare, New Body, Sport Package, Panoramic Roof, Low APR

CPO, Leather, Navigation, Sport Package, Moonroof, Low APR

$33,951†

$35,990†

$51,995†

$59,989†

599512 / P9188

035539 / P9195

790141 / L9154

510464 / P9199

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866.870.2966 At the 405 and 605 in Signal Hill. Exit Cherry Ave. off the 405.

All prices are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. 10.99% APR for up to 36 months applies to Mercedes-Benz model year 2011, 2012 and 2013 Certified Pre-Owned C, E, S, GLK, M and GL-Class vehicles. Excludes leases and balloon contracts. Available only at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers. Subject to credit approval

by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Qualified customers only. Not everyone will qualify. Minimum finance term applies. See Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach for complete details. 22 month Payment Credit up to $900 applies to 2011, 2012, and 2013 Certified Pre-Owned C-Class and GLK-Class vehicles. 2 month Payment Credit up to $1,200 applies to 2011, 2012, and 2013 Certified Pre-Owned M-Class and E-Class vehicles.

2 month Payment Credit up to $2,000 applies to 2011, 2012, and 2013 Certified Pre-Owned GL-Class and S-Class vehicles. Vehicles must be financed through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. 3Complimentary Pre-Paid Maintenance contract available on select Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned C, E, S, GLK, M and GL-Class vehicles. Excludes AMG models. Must take delivery of vehicle between January 3, 2015 and March 2, 2015. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for complete details on Pre-Paid Maintenance. 4Certified Pre-Owned limited warranty coverage for one (1) year (and no mileage maximum) from expiration date of the original 4-year / 50,000 mile Mercedes-Benz new vehicle limited warranty. If the new vehicle limited warranty has expired, Certified Pre-Owned limited warranty coverage is for one (1) year from the date of purchase, with no mileage maximum. Offers expire close of business 3.2.15.