Weekend balita june 7, 2014

LOS ANGELES

KC Concepcion slams pregnancy rumor See KC CONCEPCION page 30

VOL. XXII, NO. 18

JUNE 7 - 13, 2014

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

DREAMers get another two years to stay legal USCIS to publish new form to allow individuals to renew their DACA eligibility; 560,000 applications approved

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the 10 Outstanding Police Women of the Philippines (TOPWP) 2013 at the President’s Hall of Malacañang on Tuesday (June 3, 2014). The TOPWP is an annual competition which aims to discover and recognize the efforts and achievements of the female members of the national police force.

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2014 –Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson today announced the process for individuals to renew enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted to the Federal Register an updated form to allow individuals previously enrolled in DACA, to renew their deferral for a period of two years.

At the direction of the Secretary, effective immediately, USCIS will begin accepting renewal requests. USCIS will also continue to accept requests for DACA from individuals who

have not previously sought to access the program. As of April 2014, more than 560,000 individuals have received DACA. “Despite the acrimony and partisanship that now exists in Washington, almost all of us agree that a child who crossed our border illegally with a parent, or in search of a parent or a better life, was not making an adult choice to break our laws, and should be treated differently than adult law-breakers,” said Secretary Johnson. “By the renewal of DACA, we act in accord with our values and the code of this great Nation. But, the larger See DREAMERS, page 14

China flexes muscle; ships on the move MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – President Aquino confirmed Thursday that China has expanded its activities in other parts of the West Philippine Sea. Speaking to reporters, Aquino said: “Yung latest na report na natanggap natin, we are again bothered that there seems to be developments in other areas within the disputed seas.”

The President said some Chinese ships were spotted in the area of Gavin Reef and Cuarteron (Calderon) Reef.

He said there are indications that the ships may be used for land reclamation.

“Yung pictures that I saw were just ships that can be used for reclamation. Pictures pa lang, ano, unlike Mabini na talagang from nothing nagkaroon na ng geographical feature,” he said.

China already has a presence in the Ayungin Shoal, where it chased a Philippine Navy stocking mission.

Chinese ships have also been spotted at the Mabini Reef, where it is reclaiming land, and other parts of the Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal.

See CHINA FLEXES, page 14

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, Philippine Navy’s newest warship, after a successful test firing of its main weapons system in Charleston, South Carolina. More than a year after it was acquired from the US Coast Guard.

Additional weaponry for BRP Mass exodus of Pinoy Ramon Alcaraz now in PHL

scientists bared PHL’s best minds leaving for abroad

MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – Employees of other science and technology agencies, not just PAGASA, are also leaving for better opportunities abroad, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official admitted during a Senate hearing Tuesday.

DOST Assistant Secretary Oswaldo Santos said he particularly observed the “brain drain” at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI).

“Nangyayari rin ito sa iba’t-ibang ahensya tulad ng PHIVOLCS and some others in ASTI because of the temptation being offered by other countries for higher paying jobs,” Santos told the Senate committee on science and technology on Tuesday.

“You can’t really blame our science and technology personnel because of the need to support their families, but we assure this committee that the department is doing is See EXODUS, page 14

MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that additional weaponry for its latest acquisition, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), is already in the country.

Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy public affairs office chief, said that the two Mark 38 Model 2 “Bushmaster” 25mm automatic cannons are already in a secured location.

He declined to comment on where this is for security reasons.

“What we are waiting now is the arrival of the US Coast Guard team who will install the weapons,” Fabic said in Filipino.

The “Bushmaster” automatic cannons will be fitted to BRP Ramon Alcaraz’s port (left) and

starboard (right) side and will act as the ship’s secondary armament.

The decision to seek US Coast Guard aid in installing these automatic cannons came in the wake of the high cost of having the guns installed by a private shipyard.

The guns were supposed to be installed before BRP Ramon Alcaraz’s Nov. 22 commissioning but the cost of having it done here was just too expensive for the Navy.

The weapon was commissioned by the US Navy following the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in 2000, and was designed to counter high-speed maneuvering surface targets.It will be installed in almost all US surface ships by See ALCARAZ, page 14

Free WiFi across Manila, suburbs mulled MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – The government can provide free WiFi connection in Metro Manila in a year’s time if provided sufficient funds, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Louis Casambre, executive director of the DOST Information and Communications Technology Office

(ICTO), said the bill proposing free wireless connection in public areas in the country’s capital region is “very implementable.”

“If you consider in Metro Manila, the broadband infrastructure is quite in place, as provided by telecommunications companies. The investment will be more on operating cost and not

Government officials say free wifi connection in public areas in the country’s capital region is “very See FREE WIFI, page 14 implementable.”

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Transitional worker program in Saipan extended Pinoys, other foreign workers in Marianas given 5 more years to transition or go home WASHINGTON – In 2008, Congress passed the Consolidated Natural Resources Act, which applies the immigration laws of the United States to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

To minimize potential adverse economic effects, the CNRA provides for a five-year transitional worker program, known as the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker — or CW-1 — program, which ends on Dec. 31,

2014. However, the CNRA authorizes the secretary of labor to extend this transition period for up to five years based on the labor needs of the CNMI to ensure that an adequate number of workers are available for legitimate businesses.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today made the determination to extend the CW-1 program until Dec. 31, 2019, based on his consideration of a series of eight factors stipulated by the CNRA. The CNRA required the secretary of labor, in consultation with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Defense,

Cayman Islands requires English language proficiency from migrant workers – DOLE MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz on Tuesday said Filipino workers who look forward to working in the Cayman Islands should take an English Language Test prior to working in the islands.

The labor chief said this after receiving a report from Labor Attache to Washington DC, USA Luzviminda Padilla stating that the Cayman Islands’s Department of Immigration will introduce a requirement for overseas English language testing (ELT) for prospective workers whose first language is not English beginning 1 July 2014.

Prospective workers are required to undergo examination by one of the two recognized English Testing Centers – the International English Language Test (IELTS) and Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) – from the workers’ own country prior to travelling to the Cayman Islands, according to Padilla’s report.

“Workers must score within the following ranges to be able to secure their work permits – Band Score Level 6 for IELTS and Band Score Level B2 for TOEIC,”

Padilla said.

Testing fees are determined by the testing centers and shall be shouldered by the applicant, as well as other arrangements.

Tests taken prior to 1 July 2014 will be accepted by the DOJ provided that the results are not older than two years. Employers are responsible for advising their potential workers from non-English speaking countries of this requirement.

“IELTS and TOEIC has test centers operating in the Philippines. We are confident that our overseas Filipino workers can pass the test easily as they are known globally for their fluency in English. We just want them to make sure that the testing center where they will take their test are accredited by either IELTS and TOEIC to avoid problems with their work permits and other documents needed for their work application in Cayman Islands. However, the DOLE will never get tired of cautioning those who wants to try overseas employment to be very careful in dealing with recruitment agencies and not to turn to illegal schemes to fast track their deployment abroad,” Baldoz said. (MNS)

and the Interior, along with the governor of the CNMI, to ascertain the current and anticipated labor needs of the CNMI before determining whether to extend the program. Following today’s determination, the department will continue to monitor and assess the labor needs of the CNMI, in particular any good faith efforts to locate, educate, train or otherwise prepare U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and unemployed foreign workers already in the CNMI to assume jobs in legitimate businesses. CNMI employers have a continuing obligation to ensure and protect workers’

rights by adhering to and complying with applicable federal civil rights, labor and workplace safety laws.

For more information on the secretary of labor’s determination, please visit the Federal Register Notice of the transition period extension. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided extensions of status and grants of new CW-1 status only until Dec. 31, 2014, the previous sunset date of the program. If the petition is otherwise eligible, USCIS will resume approving CW-1 status in increments of up to one year.

House committee approves mandatory drugs testing MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs has approved a bill that seeks to amend the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 to allow the conduct of drug testing to all convicts, parolees, probationers and persons arrested that are suspected to be under the influence of illegal drugs.

Iligan City Rep. Varf Belmonte, chairman of the committee, led the approval of House Bill No. 2777 that aims to amend Section 36 of Republic Act No. 9165 on authorized drug testing.

ACT-CIS Rep. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., who penned HB 2777, said all prisoners, parolees and probationers shall undergo random drug testing to ensure that these persons are free from the use of dangerous drugs.

“This is mandatory and once it becomes a law, they can no longer invoke human rights because it would supersedes all laws contrary to the new one,” Pagdilao explained. The bill is now in the plenary for debates. The measure also seeks to immediately place arrested individual who at the time of their arrest are suspected to be under the influence of dangerous drugs under mandatory drug testing.

Pagdilao said the passage of HB 2777 at the committee level is a big leap as far as government’s drive against drug addiction is concerned.

The former police general-turned-politician said his bill is founded on the fact that many crimes were committed by offenders while under the influence of illegal drugs.

He also aims to ensure that prisoners are denied of access to illegal drugs. While it is true that inmates have restricted movements, it has been repeatedly reported that drugs are smuggled in through visitors, friends and families of inmates.

Likewise, parolees and probationers who report regularly to parole or probation officers are required to undergo drug testing to ensure that they are free from the use of illegal drugs. (MNS)

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Aquino to bishop: Judge not, lest you be judged MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – “Judge not lest you be judged.”

This was the message of President Benigno Aquino III to Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani, who asked his Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to resign from his post amid allegations of involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam. “[So] pag bukas binanggit ako ni [Janet Lim] Napoles dapat ba sibakin na rin ako?

Ang hirap naman yata nun,” Aquino said.

Earlier, Bacani called on Abad to resign while the investigation on the pork barrel fund scam was ongoing.

The retired bishop also said that the

evidence against Abad was strong because both alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and principal whistleblower Benhur Luy implicated Abad.

Aquino, however, said an accusation is not proof.

“Lahat tayo under our laws may presumption of innocence at maglabas ng pruweba,” he said, adding Abad has already proven Napoles’ allegation was untrue.

Palace denies ordering preparation of jail cells for 3 ‘pork’ scam senators Meanwhile, Malacañang also denied ordering the Philippine National Police to prepare the holding rooms for the three senators tagged in the pork barrel scam.

President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) at the Diamond Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Manila City on Thursday (June 5) with the theme: “A Stronger Asia-Europe Partnership to Meet the Challenges of Mega Disasters.” Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (MNS photo)

PhilHealth coverage for seniors bill advances MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill providing for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens amending Republic Act 7432, as amended by Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The House Committee on Populations and Family Relations, chaired by Rep. Rogelio Espina (Lone District, Biliran) endorsed, sponsored and defended House Bill 4593, a consolidation of House Bills 3175, 3342 and 4455, authored by Reps. Angelina Tan (4th District, Quezon), Alfredo Vargas III (5th District, Quezon City) and Jerry Treñas (Lone District, Iloilo City), respectively.

The measure is expected to be approved on third and final reading next week.

Treñas said RA 9994 limits PhilHealth coverage to indigent senior citizens only.

“This bill aims to remedy this oversight

by deleting the qualification of being an indigent in the concerned section of the law and by sourcing the funds to implement this program from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth,” Treñas said.

“This proposed measure mandates PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens,” Treñas added.

Tan said the national policies contained in both the Constitution and the Senior Citizens Act clearly provide that all of the elderly shall be given preferential care and protection by the State.

“Being an indigent should not be a requisite for the senior citizens to avail of the mandatory free PhilHealth coverage,” Tan said.

“The measure will enable all our senior citizens to feel more secure during the remaining years of their lives because of the guarantee that they will have the access to medical and health services when need arises,” Tan stressed.

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Aquino speaks up on Janet Napoles offer on loot MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – Will Malacaùang accept Janet Lim Napoles’ offer to return some P200 million in commissions she got in the pork barrel scam?

President Aquino said news reports have revealed two lawyers in the Napoles camp are not seeing eye-to-eye on the alleged offer to return the loot in exchange for immunity.

He also said Napoles “keeps changing her story� by first claiming she had no money to pay for her hospital bill and then offering to return millions of pesos in stolen pork barrel funds. “We will recover those funds one way or

the other and it is up to our justice system to find out the truth and punish the guilty,� he said.

Napoles spokesman Bruce Rivera earlier said Mrs. Napoles is “shocked� that her lawyer Stephen David would say that the businesswoman only had P2 billion in transactions with lawmakers in the pork barrel scam.

A GMA-7 report earlier quoted David as saying that Napoles got P100 million to P200 million in commissions. “We are shocked by the statements of Attorney David. We don’t know what his motives are but the statements did not come

from Mrs. Napoles. Any statement coming from Mrs. Napoles should pass through me,�

Rivera said. “Where are we going to get that P100 million? All her assets are frozen. We can’t even pay the hospital bill,� he added.

Napoles is accused of conniving with lawmakers and government officials to funnel billions of pesos in priority development assistance funds to non-government organizations that she set up.

A Commission on Audit report earlier said more than P2 billion in PDAF was funneled to Napoles NGOs from 2007-2009.

The businesswoman has denied masterminding the scheme, saying she is also a victim in the scam. She is also asking for immunity from suit in exchange for her testimony in the pork barrel and Malampaya fund scams.(MNS)

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President Benigno Aquino III says Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (shown above while speaking on the podium) may know more about the alleged harassment and extortion attempts on Janet Lim Napoles in 2013, a few months before the pork barrel fund scam controversy hit the headlines.

Jinggoy might know more about harassment on Napoles, says Aquino MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – Senator Jinggoy Estrada may know more about the alleged harassment and extortion attempts on Janet Lim Napoles in 2013, President Benigno Aquino III told reporters on Thursday.

Aquino made the remark a day after Estrada asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during her confirmation hearing about a letter Napoles sent to Aquino a few months before the pork barrel fund scam controversy hit the headlines.

Napoles’ letter, dated April 17, 2013, asked the President for help because her brother Reynald was allegedly arrested illegally even as certain individuals were extorting money from their family.

Aquino indicated Estrada was probably the person who should explain because retired General Rodolfo Diaz was tagged in the extortion attempt against Napoles and her family.

Diaz served as the head of the Presidential Security Group during the term of

Estrada’s father, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. “Ewan ko lang kung ito yung General Diaz na dating namumuno ng PSG noong panahon ni President Erap. So baka mas may alam sa atin si Senator Jinggoy,� he said.

The President said that he has already referred to the letter to de Lima. “Basically self-serving [yung sulat].

Ang wala lang yata dito yung negosyo nila sa Indonesia allegedly,� he said.

In Napoles’ letter, she said she and her family were “decent law-abiding citizens� and weren’t criminals. “My family and I are legitimate businessmen. We have been engaged in the business for the past 29 years and the main reason for our success is because of the trust and integrity attached to our good name,� Napoles’ letter read.

Aquino has repeatedly expressed doubt regarding the credibility of Napoles.

(MNS)

Don’t let Janet discredit whistleblowers: Cayetano MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged MalacaĂąang not to let Janet Lim-Napoles confuse the public and destroy the credibility of the whistleblowers in favor of her “political supporters.â€? “Si Ms. Napoles ang nakikinabang dahil nagugulo ang usapan at nahihirit niya ang kanyang immunity o pagiging state witness. Nagagantihan niya ang mga nag-i-imbestiga sa kanya sa pagdawit ng pangalan nila. Nakikinabang din dito yung mga makapangyarihan sa likod niya na hindi pa napapangalanan pati na rin ang mga political supporters niya,â€? Cayetano said in a statement.

The senator said he is confident President Aquino will not let the multibillion-peso bork barrel scam be swept under the rug. “To be fair sa Presidente, I think si President Aquino is very sincere sa anticorruption drive. Nakita naman natin, siya ang nag-umpisa nito, siya ang nagpa-imbestiga sa COA (Commission on Audit); siya naman ay very consistent sa anti-corruption

(drive),� he said.

He earlier said he doubts the President is the powerful person backing Napoles.

The senator earlier said that Napoles seemed to be have powerful people backing her up after she accused several lawmakers of involvement in the scam. “I don’t think it is MalacaĂąang or the President per se but definitely, I am 100 percent sure, that there are powerful people, names behind her because this would not happen without that,â€? he said.

Napoles is accused of conniving with lawmakers and officials of implementing agencies to funnel billions of pesos of priority development assistance funds to non-government organizations she set up.

A Commission on Audit report earlier said more than P2 billion in PDAF went to Napoles NGOs from 2007-2009.

Three opposition senators - Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla - are facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman for giving their PDAF to Napoles foundations. (MNS)

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Miriam calls Dinky ‘dangerous’, rejects nomination

President Benigno Aquino III chats with Dinky Soliman, his Social Welfare Secretary, whose appointment has yet to be confirmed.

MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky� Soliman will face rejection yet again before the bicameral Commission on Appointments, courtesy of no less than Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

In a letter to Rep. Conrado Estrella III, Santiago said she is planning to invoke Section 20 of the CA Rules to suspend consideration of Soliman’s nomination as Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary.

The senator said she has been opposed to Soliman’s nomination from the very beginning of the Aquino administration because the DSWD chief was a “fervent devotee of President Arroyo.� “All of a sudden, on her way to Emmaus, she heard a voice telling her that President Arroyo is allegedly corrupt. Conveniently, she then turned her back on her erstwhile patron and ran to the other side of the street to join President Aquino’s daang matuwid,� she said in her letter.

Santiago said Soliman should be satisfied with one term as DSWD chief under one president. She also said Soliman cannot retain her post on the strength of her denunciations of her former boss.

Soliman is a member of the so-called Hyatt 10 group of officials who resigned their posts on July 8, 2005 as a result of the “Hello, Garci� wiretapping scandal.

The resigned officials urged then Presi-

dent Arroyo to resign for allegedly rigging the results of the 2004 presidential election.

Soliman was reappointed DSWD Secretary by President Aquino in 2010.

In her letter, Santiago also revealed a more personal reason for rejecting Soliman. She said Palace insiders “have told me that she and her ilk have felt free to denounce my integrity.�

This is after Santiago voted not to open an envelope of bank documents during the impeachment trial of then President Joseph Estrada. “I was a judge in the Estrada impeachment case, and I voted against opening the second envelope. Ms. Soliman and her ilk immediately seized this incident as proof that I was pro-Estrada, and therefore corrupt. Eventually, the second envelope was opened, and the glee concert failed to emit a peep when it turned out that they were wrong because there was nothing incriminatory in the second envelope,�

Santiago said.

In an earlier CA hearing, Santiago accused Soliman and her ilk of Manichaeism - “an obsolete attitude based on the supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness, where the most vocal proclaim themselves to be the personification of light, and their victim as the personification of darkness.� “These people are dangerous,� she added. (MNS)

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MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) -– Antiillegal drugs policemen are dismayed by reports that some convicted drug lords are enjoying VIP treatment inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), with some even continuing their illegal drug operations while behind bars.

Chief Insp. Roque Merdegia, Jr., head of Philippine National Police’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) Legal and Investigation Division, said the special treatment given to convicted drug lords mock efforts of policemen to capture these suspects and secure convictions. “Nakakapanlumo ang balitang iyan.

Matagal na nating naririnig na patuloy ang pamamayagpag ng mga drug lords sa kulungan kahit convicted na,� Merdegia said. “Ang mga operatiba ay nalulungkot, mababa ang morale dahil parang walang saysay ang ginawa nilang pagsasakripisyo para mahuli, ma-convict ang mga drug lords.�

Merdegia said some policemen lost their lives due to their work. Some police officers who testify in drug-related cases continue to receive death threats, he said.

The Department of Justice on Wednesday ordered the relief of NBP Chief Supt.

Fajardo Lansangan and 12 jail guards over the alleged special treatment being given to high-profile inmates, one of whom even had starlet Krista Miller as a guest in his room at a private hospital.

Lansangan will be replaced by Supt.

Robert Rabo, according to Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III..

Convicted drug lord Ricardo Camata, a leader of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik gang, was admitted to the Metropolitan Hospital in Manila to receive treatment for a lung ailment.

However, starlets and dancers were reportedly brought inside his hospital room, in violation of whatever pass he may have been granted.

Convict Herbert Colangco, leader of a bank robbery gang responsible for a series of robberies in Pampanga, Quezon City, and Paranaque between 2003 and 2005, and believed to be allied with the Waray Waray and Ozamis robbery gangs, was also bought to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang for urinary tract infection.

Convicted drug lord Amin Buratong, who used to operate the P900-million shabu tiangge in Pasig City, was taken to Medical City due to recurring coronary artery disease and a liver ailment.

Merdegia said although Colangco was involved primarily in robberies, his group was tagged in the rescue of three Chinese drug lords Tian Hua, Wang Li Na and Li Lan Yan alias “Jackson Dy� last year.

Merdegia also confirmed that AIDSOTF has been receiving intelligence reports that some convicted drug lords are still able to conduct illegal drug operations while behind bars. (MNS)

Fariùas wants three-strike rule on appointments MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas on Thursday said both the Executive and Congress are responsible for the delays in the confirmation of Cabinet officials.

Farinas, majority leader of the Commission on Appointments, cited the failure of the Executive to submit nominees to the CA for confirmation and the lack of political will among members of Congress.

He claimed while Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman have been appointed several times, neither of them have been confirmed. “If we had wished it, we could

have demanded executive why not to submit all these appointments now. In the same manner we are tackling this in the last 2 sessions. Why rush us also,� he said. “Parang lack of political will on our part. If they do not submit, Congress can do many things like not approve their budget or disapprove all other nominations like promotions of generals or ambassadors. We could block all of those if they do not submit,� he added.

Farinas said he will submit proposals to amend the Commission’s rules specifically to limit to three the number of times a nominee can be bypassed.

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Filipino comedians Pokwang, Pooh, K Brosas, Chokoleit In 4 Da Laffs, Oct. 25, at PALA PALA, CA, June 2, 2014 – Popular Filipino comedians Pokwang, Pooh, K Brosas and Chokoleit will make a special appearance in the Filipino comedy show 4 Da Laffs at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 25 in the Events Center at Pala Casino Spa & Resort. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, with no service charge, at the Pala box office, or call 1-877-WIN PALA (1-877-9467252). Tickets also available at Star Tickets, 1-800-585-3737, orwww.startickets.com. Ticket prices are $110, $88, $78, $68 each. Pala is located in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/ Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles. Pala is 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula.

Address: 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059 Telephone: 1-877-WIN-PALA (1877-946-7252) Web site: http://www. palacasino.com Other shows coming to Pala: Chippendales, 7 p.m., Saturday, June 7, Infinity. Tickets, $32, $22, at www.startickets.com Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 28, Events Center. Tickets, $90, $80, $70, $55, at www.startickets.com Pala Majestic Vietnamese Concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 12, Events Center.

Tickets, $100, $45, $35, $25, at www. startickets.com Dru Hill, Silk, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19, Events Center. Tickets, $65, $55, $45, $30, at www.startickets.com Dick Fox’s Golden Boys Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby

Rydell, 5 p.m., Sunday, August 3, Events Center. Tickets, $60, $55, $50, $35 at www. startickets.com Michael McDonald and Toto, 6 p.m., Sunday, August 10, Events Center.

Tickets, $90, $80, $70, $55, at www. startickets.com Tim Braun, Psychic Medium, 8 p.m., Friday, October 3, Infinity Showroom.

Tickets, $35, $25, at www.startickets.com About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 13 poker tables and 87 table games; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor Jacuzzi.

Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 11 consecutive years. Its state-of-theart Pala Spa was named the number one spa on the West Coast and one of the top 100 spas in the United States for 2013

by Spas of America. Previously, Pala Spa was named the 2009 Best Casino Spa

by Spas of America, the 2009 Best Casino Spa by the Southern California Gaming Guide and in 2012 received a spaAward and was selected by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas in the United States. In 2011, Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News.com annual A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.palacasino.com.

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MANAGING DEBT – Is bankruptcy a good option?

TOO MANY DEBTS? NO WAY OUT?

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By far the most important advantage is that debtors may obtain a fresh financial start. Since you cannot file another bankruptcy for 8 years, and all your debts are gone, it becomes easier to rebuild credit which would be impossible if the debts were still there.

Consumers who are eligible for Chapter 7 receive a discharge of most unsecured debts such as credit cards and store charge cards. A secured debt (collateralized by the item

purchased) is one which the creditor is entitled to repossess or foreclose a legal process through which people and if payments are missed, such as a home businesses can obtain a fresh financial mortgage or car loans. With those two start when they are in such financial difmajor exceptions, most other consumer ficulty that they cannot repay their debts debts are unsecured. as agreed. It eliminates all or a portion of The majority of people who file bank- existing debts and makes it possible for ruptcy get to keep their property (that is a fresh start. It can also stretch-out of exempt) or other assets, since the value of monthly payments under the protection exemptions are quite generous. and supervision of a court. The process is Collection efforts must stop as soon also designed to protect creditors, because as you file for bankruptcy under Chapter general unsecured creditors share equally 7 or Chapter 13. As soon as your petition in whatever payments the debtor can afis filed, there is by law an automatic stay, ford to make. which prohibits most collection activity.

There are alternatives to bankruptcy, but If a creditor continues to try to collect they will not improve your debt to income the debt, the creditor may be cited for con- ratio any time soon. One alternative is to tempt of court or ordered to pay damages. negotiate your debt, but the problem of The stay applies even to the loan that you dealing with many creditors is that some may have obtained to buy your car. If you of them might not want to give you more continue to make payments, it is unlikely time to pay without knowing what the other that your creditor will do anything. How- creditors are willing to do. Some creditors ever, if you miss payments your creditor may be willing to settle their claim for a will probably petition to have the stay smaller cash payment, or they might be lifted in order either to repossess the car willing to stretch out the loan and reduce or to renegotiate the loan. the size of the payments. This would allow You cannot be fired from your job solely you to pay-off the debt by making smaller because you filed for bankruptcy. payments over a longer period of time.

What are the disadvantages?

Occasionally, you may “buy time” by Since your bankruptcy filing will re- consolidating your debts; that is, by taking main on your credit record for up to ten out a big loan to pay off all the smaller years, it will have an initial effect. How- amounts of debts that you owe. The priever, debtors who file bankruptcy obvi- mary danger of this approach is that it is ously have bad credit or are over-extended very easy to go out and use your credit and cannot get new credit anyway. In one cards to borrow even more. In that case, respect, bankruptcy actually improves your you end up with an even larger total debt credit, because it provides for a discharge and no more income to meet the monthly of debts, and lenders know that a credit ap- payments. Indeed, if you have taken out a plicant who has just emerged from Chapter second mortgage on your home to obtain 7 cannot repeat the process right away. At the consolidation loan, you might lose your this time you also have an excellent debt home as well. to income ratio (with just income and zero Filing for bankruptcy is a very personal debt) so they are ready to give you credit decision. Most people file when they have again. made a good-faith effort to repay their A study by the Credit Research Center debts, but see no way out other than to file at Purdue University found that about for bankruptcy. one-third of consumers who filed for Bankruptcy filing can be complex bankruptcy had obtained lines of credit process and using the services of an exwithin three years of filing; one-half had perienced bankruptcy attorney is highly obtained them within five years. However, recommended. the new credit programs available to recent Don’t feel ashamed of being in finanbankruptcy discharges, may cost more. For cial distress. Bankruptcy is a right you example, someone with good credit who are entitled to. Contact the Law Offices might have been eligible for a bank card of Paul M. Allen for a free consultation. with a 14 percent rate before bankruptcy, Atty. Paul M. Allen has two offices to serve is probably looking at a 20% rate after you, Glendale 818-334-5445 or Cerritos bankruptcy.

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MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – Seven out of 10 local treasurers are sleeping on their jobs, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a report, the DOF said it has come up with sanctions on treasurers of local government units (LGUs) after discovering that 70 percent of them failed to submit on time their Statements of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE) for the last 4 years.

Under Department Order No. 034-2014, which the DOF issued on May 26, such failure would merit reprimand for the first offense, suspension of 1-30 days for the second offense, and dismissal from public office for the third offense.

The SRE is used to evaluate the revenue generation capacity, level of debt and borrowing capacity, expenditure management, and overall financial performance of the LGUs. The new policy amends DO 4-2011, which established the SRE as the official local fiscal and financial reporting and monitoring system to be maintained by all city, provincial, and municipal treasurers.

Local treasurers are required to submit the first 3 quarterly reports on or before the 20th of the first month following the end of the quarter. The yearend report is due on or before March 31 of the succeeding calendar year.

According to the DOF, 30 towns from 10 provinces failed to submit a single quarterly report from 2009 to 2012.

Three provinces topped the list of delinquent LGUs – Quezon with 6 municipalities, Isabela with 5, and Romblon with 5.

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China told to answer PHL’s charges UN tribunal seeks PROC’s pleading on sea dispute MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – A United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal has ordered China to respond to a pleading filed by the Philippines in connection with the dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The tribunal, based in The Hague, Netherlands, ordered China to submit not later than December 15 this year its counter-argument to a memorial filed by the Philippines.

This marks a development in the dispute that has strained ties between the Philippines and the Asian giant.

“In Procedural Order No. 2, the Arbitral Tribunal fixes 15 December 2014 as the date for China to submit its CounterMemorial responding to the Philippines’ Memorial,” the arbitral tribunal said in a June 3 statement.

On March 30, the Philippines submitted its memorial to the tribunal. The more than 4,000-page document discusses matters relating to the jurisdiction of the tribunal, the admissibility of the Philippines’ claim over the dispute waters, as well as the merits of the dispute.

The arbitral tribunal said it “has been mindful of its obligation under the Convention to determine its own procedure while ‘assuring to each party a full opportunity to be heard and to present its case.””

The “Convention” refers to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which addresses matters such as sovereignty, rights of usage in maritime zones, and navigational rights.

The UNCLOS, of which China is a signatory, grants coastal states a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone with respect to natural resources and certain economic activities.

China still snubbing proceedings

The arbitral tribunal said before adopting Procedural Order No. 2, it provided each party the opportunity to comment on the draft and schedules.

The tribunal said it received a note verbale last May 21 from China in response to the order. In its note verbale, China did not change its position not to participate in the proceedings, saying “it does not accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines” and that the note verbale “shall not be regarded as China’s acceptance of or participation in the proceedings.”

The Philippines, on the other hand, submitted its comments on May 29.

The five-member arbitral tribunal is chaired by Judge Thomas A. Mensah of Ghana. Its other members are Judge JeanPierre Cot of France, Judge Stanislaw Pawlak of Poland, Professor Alfred Soons of the Netherlands, and Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum of Germany. The court of arbitration acts as the Registry in the proceedings.

The court of arbitration is an intergovernmental organization established by the 1899 Hague Convention on the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. It facilitates arbitration, conciliation, factfinding and other dispute resolution proceedings among various combinations of states, state entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties.

West PH Sea tensions The Philippines has argued that it has jurisdiction over parts of the West Philippine Sea, which are within its EEZ. It is protesting China’s incursion in the disputed waters.

The Philippines said going to the international court has been its last resort after exhausting all the means to resolve the conflict with China.

The Philippines wants to settle the dis-

In this photo taken Feb. 25, 2014 by surveillance planes and released Thursday, May 15, 2014, by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, a Chinese vessel, top center, is used to expand structures and land on the Johnson Reef, called Mabini by the Philippines and Chigua by China, at the Spratly Islands at South China Sea, Philippines. The Philippines has protested China’s reclamation of land in the disputed reef in the South China Sea that can be used to build an airstrip or an offshore military base in the increasingly volatile region, the country’s top diplomat and other officials said Wednesday, May 14, 2014. The white arrow was added by the source. (MNS photo)

pute using a multilateral approach, while China wants to deal with the South China Sea claimants bilaterally - a strategy some experts believe is self-serving on the part of the Asian superpower, given its military and economic might.

China has been accused by the Philippines of taking unilateral actions in the disputed waters, such as its move to block a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal and the reclamation of land in Mabini Reef for a possible airstrip.

On the western edge of South China Sea, China has also been accused by Vietnam of deploying an oil rig in a portion of the sea that both the Asian countries claim.

The deployment of the oil rig has sparked nationalist protests in Vietnam,

even resulting in the deaths of several Chinese nationals.

China is also embroiled in a bitter dispute with Japan over the ownership of certain Japanese-administered uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The two Asian giants have been playing cat-andmouse in the disputed waters, raising the possibility of a miscalculation.

Japan, United States and Australia have called out China for its “destabilizing” actions in the disputed waters.

Aside from Vietnam and the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of South China Sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and is believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.

(MNS)

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Higher overtime rates may apply for some rate, which is then multiplied by 1.5 (time employees and a half) to derive the overtime rate of

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Sarah Chookey reportedly worked as a commissioned sales employee in the automotive department of Sears in Thousand Oaks, CA. Ms. Chookey was paid a base pay rate (an hourly rate) and commissions.

When Ms. Chookey worked overtime, her overtime pay was based only on her base pay rate.

In 2012, Ms. Chookey sued Sears for failing to pay her and other Sears commissioned employees the correct overtime rate.

Ms. Chookey claimed that Sears failed to include her commission payments when computing her overtime pay rate. The lawsuit also claimed that Sears provided incorrect pay stubs and failed to provide meal and rest breaks.

Rather than proceed to trial, the parties agreed to settle the case. The judge recently approved a settlement of about $3.2 million for over 18,000 affected employees.

If employees are paid an hourly rate plus some other type of compensation, and they work overtime too, then their “regular rate” for purposes of computing overtime, may be higher. Below are three methods of compensation that may increase overtime pay: Hourly Rate + Commissions Employers who pay employees a commission as well as an hourly rate, must be include the commissions paid in determining the employee’s regular rate of pay. The regular rate of pay is computed by totaling all commissions paid and hourly pay for the workweek and dividing that by the number of hours the employee worked for that week. The result is the employee’s regular

pay for every overtime hour worked after 8 and up to 12 hours per day.

Hourly Rate + Bonus Nondiscretionary bonuses (intended to increase productivity) are treated as wages and included in the employee’s regular rate when computing overtime pay. The bonus is apportioned over the workweeks the bonus was earned. Example: Employee earns an hourly rate of $10 per hour, plus a performance bonus of $2000 in a 6-month period. When the bonus is included as part of the employee’s regular rate, the overtime rate is $17.88, not $15. The difference of $2.88 per hour may become significant when spread over a long time.

Hourly Rate + Shift Differential Pay A shift differential pay, for working undesirable hours or tasks, is considered part of wages and included in computing the overtime rate. Example: Employee works 14 hours per day and is paid $30 per hour plus a $3 per hour shift differential. When including the differential pay of $3 per hour for computing overtime, the regular rate should be $33 per hour. The overtime rate is $49.50/hour, not $45 per hour.

Correctly applying the law in computing the overtime pay may mean more wages to benefit employees and their families.

[C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against insurance companies and employers. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center Washington, D.C. and the University of the Philippines. Visit his website at www.joesayaslaw.com or contact his office at (818) 291-0088 for a no-cost inquiry.]

Dialysis machines may not have caused chills; probe MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – The hemodialysis machines might not be the cause of the chills suffered by 44 patients at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the hospital’s spokesperson said on Thursday. Dr. Ricky Quintos II, head of NKTI’s public information office, said they are now investigating the dialysis process for any error.

“So far, nakikita namin na hindi [hemodialysis machines] ang dahilan, kaya ang ibang process flow ng dialysis ay iniimbestigahan pa namin... Iniisa po iyon dahil may process po tayong sinusunod,” he said.

He assured the public that patients who had experienced chills are being observed and given treatment at the hospital.

Also, Quintos said that while experiencing chills wasn’t dangerous, doctors at the NKTI felt the need to suspend the use of 31 dialysis machines as a precautionary measure. He said that while most of the time chills are caused by an infection, there are other factors, such as change of temperature, allergy and other possible reasons, need to be examined.

While dialysis procedures are suspended, other outpatients have been referred to other hospitals, he said. “Inconvenienced lang ang ‘di nagka-chills. More than 800 nga every week. Kakaunti lang ang nagkachills. ‘Yung iba, nai-transfer namin sa serbisyo ng other unit sa ibang hospitals,” he said.

PHL creates task force vs infectious diseases

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MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – President Aquino has created a task force to address emerging infectious diseases.

Executive Order 168 was issued May 26, 2014 to create the Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID), to be composed of representatives from the foreign affairs, interior and local government, justice, labor, tourism and transportation departments. The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) will serve as chairperson of the task force.

The task force is empowered to call upon any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, including Government-Owned or –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and the private sector for assistance as the circumstances and exigencies may require.

The DOH Secretary may recommend to the President the enlistment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to supplement the Philippine National Police and other law

enforcement agencies for the purpose of enforcing the quarantine of specific areas or facilitating the transport of EID patients, and for such other purposes for the effective implementation of this Order.

The Task Force shall have the following functions: a) Establish a system to identify, screen, and assist Filipinos suspected or confirmed to be infected with EID; b) Prevent and/or minimize the entry of suspected or confirmed patients with EID into the country. This should include rigid screening and identification of EID suspects, and the institutionalization of a surveillance, alert, and quarantine system in all ports of entry; c) Prevent and/or minimize the local spread of EID in the country through the establishment or reinforcement of a system in screening possible patients infected with EID, contact tracing, identification of the mode of exposure to the virus, and implementation of effective quarantine and proper isolation procedures;

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‘An Evening to Remember’ Unleashing the power of feminine talents and experience to make FilAms in L.A. happy…very happy Glo Resurreccion, the mentor, and Susan Oca, her protégée, came to America in search of the American Dream. Like the pioneers who came before, they left behind families, earthly possessions, and fond memories. Armed only with their God-given talents and a deep faith in the future, they braved the uncertainties of the New World.

Like everyone, they experienced the harsh environment in this land they thought was filled with “milk and honey”. They went from state to state, hopping from one job to another, hoping that someday, they may come to live the American Dream.

That Dream has become elusive to them, as it has been to most of us.

Until one day, on May 16, 2014, after pouring their resources and skills to help their friends, Ernie Tabayan and Adele Raspado, host an unforgettable dance event at the Angelus Plaza for seniors – a success by any measure, it dawned on them that using their feminine magic of creativity and resourcefulness, they can “make Fil-Ams in L.A. happy…very happy”. Henceforth, they will now stop searching; they will, instead, start creating the American Dream.

Not only for themselves, but also for everyone who share that dream.

This new American Dream discards the old myopic notion that success is to be measured by the accumulation of wealth alone; rather, it adds the subjective dimension of personal happiness. They believe that most of you have past accomplishments that you don’t want to throw away.

They believe that despite the financial challenges, you can be happy. They believe that by adding to your happy experiences, you will celebrate your life as a success and not a disappointment because you failed to amass lots of money. And, yes, under this new light, they believe that the best years of your life are not buried in the sands of your past; but, rather, the best years of your life are perfectly sketched in the bright horizons of your future.

And, so, on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, together with their friends Ernie Tabayan, a Philippine representative to the Munich and Los Angeles Olympics in the track and field; Adele Raspado, owner of the famous Elcano Bakery in Divisoria; and Art Flores, a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii; Glo and Susan promise you –“An Evening To Remember”.

To be held at the new Filipino American Community of Los Angeles Hall along Temple St., parking is provided free to the almost 200 expected attendees inside the compound as well as on the parking spaces of nearby establishments starting at 6pm up to 12pm. Security has been coordinated with building management as well as with local authorities. The place will be properly decorated to create a festive ambience.

Restroom attendants have been hired to maintain cleanliness during the event.

Food has been meticulously chosen to whet the appetite of even the most fastidious food connoisseur. It will be served by waiters and waitresses clad in white attire to match the royal elegance of tables covered with black cloths on a gold silhouette accented by fragrant flowers ornately-arranged on top. Freshly-brewed coffee will FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION VISIT

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And, to top it all, everyone may drink to his/her heart’s content with a choice of merlot, chardonnay, or cabernet sauvignon provided by a (From left) Susan Oca, Adele Raspado, Art Flores, Ernie Tabayan and Glo Resurreccion They intend to reach out to everyone. ences and work together, live together, and licensed bartender.

They intend to fill up the entire 6-hour They believe we are but one nation. For enjoy together to make everyone, including event with lots of fun and entertainment. once, they hope that we set aside our differ- our own selves, happy….very happy.

They will highlight the virtues of youth, motherhood, retirement, and employment – categories where ordinary Fil-Ams perform extraordinary achievements.

They will award individuals who excelled in various categories. As both Glo and Susan are accomplished dancers (former Dance-O-Rama babes who trained under the famous Arthur Murray), they Bus willTour afGrand Canyon ford guests ample time to dance the night away to the tune of their favorite songs.

Raffle of prizes will be conducted to spice up the evening.

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Live auction at the benefit dinner of Hope after Haiyan from left to right: Sr. Lydia Villegas, Rocio Nuyda, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Gloria Caoile, Cecile Mandanas Enrile, Nymia Mandanas Cucueco, Mila Magno.

Some of the prominent guests at the benefit dinner of Hope after Haiyan on June 1st are (from left) Adam Collick; Chairperson of Hope after Haiyan and FilAm ARTS Rocio Nuyda; Cris Comerford; Loida Nicolas Lewis; Lani Raquel and Edwin Raquel.

Hope after Haiyan benefit dinner a huge success

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

A dinner gathering to raise funds for the victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was a big success as a big group of most influential Filipino-Americans came to extend their generosity last Saturday (June 1) at the former Hollywood legendary Mary Pickford Estate to rebuild a school in Tacloban, Leyte.

Led by Filipino-Americans Edwin and Lani Raquel, who own the beautiful mansion, were generous enough to offer their home as the venue to raise funds for the Missionary of Benedictine Sisters of Tacloban, who have been helping the survivors of the typhoon that wrought havoc in Tacloban and surrounding cities and municipalities.

Hope After Haiyan committee and FilAm Arts chairperson Rocio Nuyda expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the guests, including the Benedicitine Alumni (Agnesians, Scholasticans, Bedans), generous donors and entertainers – whose musical virtuosity was apparent

throughout their performances, the media, vendors and many volunteers.

Nuyda also thanked honorary co-chairs Edwin and Lani Raquel, honorary guest Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB, Ambassador Harry Thomas and Mrs. Mithi Thomas, White House Chief Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, Fil-Am Community Leader and Businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Consul General Leo Herrera Lim, Peter Huh and Jihee Kim Hun. Officials have previously said it will take many years and billions of dollars to fully rehabilitate the typhoon-hit areas, made up mostly of farming and fishing communities that were already among the poorest in the Philippines.

Hundreds of thousands of people continue to live in makeshift shelters, while many damaged or destroyed hospitals are still not functioning properly.

Tens of thousands of survivors also face long-term problems finding permanent homes and jobs, the Red Cross said.

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Consulate General of LA Leo Herrera Lim and his wife, Business woman Loida Nicolas Lewis and Rocio Nuyda, Chairperson Hope After Haiyan and FilAm Arts. Photos: Marc Pijuan

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Diversity Visionary Awards highlight Asian American Pacific Islander Month in OC Orange County joined the rest of the nation in highlighting the role of Asian American and Pacific Islanders by recognizing the visionary spirit that serve as community role models at the South Coast Plaza, a commercial complex known for being an international shopping destination which had generously made its resources available for the annual commemoration for years.

The May 31 event brought together by local organizations and their partners made the May celebration known as Asian American and

Pacific Islander Heritage Month, one that showcased the celebration of culture, traditions, and history of the Asian owned Zen Vegetarian Restaurant in WestminAmerican and Pacific Islanders in the county of ster. She also owns Arrow GTP, a company 34 cities. The awardees had their moments of that works with Google which produces virtual recognition for their exemplary effort to succeed interior tours of buildings on Google Map. She in their respective ventures. is also the president of Vietnamese American These community role models who have Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. joined their peers in receiving the Diversity Vi- Nguyen, her co-emcee hosts Viet TV’s Nguyen sionary Awards which recognized their abilities Hoang Dung Show and the New Saigon Radio. to compete in the highly competitive environOther highlights of the event included a fashment of Orange County whose demographics ion show by Christine Design and an array of represent tapestry of cultural and entrepreneurial cultural presentations by participating countries. mix.

Not to be left out, the Philippines was aptly Joining in the efforts to recognize in ac- represented in the cultural extravaganza by knowledging the achievements of the awardees singing champion, Jo Awayan, whose talent and who serve as role models for going the extra passion for her craft her makes her “one of the mile in the pursuit of their passions for the sec- best Filipino artists around town.” ond year are the Korean American Chamber of The celebration honoring the contributions Commerce of Orange County, the Vietnamese of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the American Chamber of Commerce of Orange United States dates back to June 1977 when County, the Friends of Thailand International Reps. Frank Horton of New York and Norman Network, the Hong Kong Association of South- Y. Mineta of California introduced a House ern California, and their community partners Resolution proclaiming the first 10 days of like the Filipino American Chamber of Com- May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. A similar merce of Orange County, and the Asian Business bill was introduced in the Senate a month later Association of Orange County.

by Senators Daniel Inouye. The month of May Honored for their entrepreneurial contribu- was chosen to “commemorate the immigration tions were: Kwang Yul Choi, CEO of ENC, Inc., of the first Japanese to the United States on Dr. Quynh Kieu, Founder, Project Vietnam; Dej May 7, 1843 and to mark the anniversary of the “Nokweed” Sri-Ampai, co-founder of the Muay completion of the transcontinental railroad on Thai School, USA and Wilson Tang, Treasurer, May 10, 1869 where majority of the workers Hong Kong Association of Southern California. who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”

Chair of this year’ event was Ngoc Tinh In 1990, George H.W. Bush signed a bill Nguyen. passed by Congress to extend Asian-American Gia Ly and Derrick Hoang Nguyen co- Heritage Week to a month. May was officially emceed this year’s event. Gia is an entrepreneur designated as Asian-Pacific American Heritage who co-owns Crepe Corner and the family- two years later.

Asian-Pacific American Heritage: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County joins the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at the South Coast Plaza to recognize the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans who were awarded “Diversity Visionary Awards”. FACCOC President Rodolfo “Jun” Jao (at left) is joined by other members from the Asian American communities in the annual celebration. Singing sensation, Jo Awayan, (third from left) represented the Filipino community in the cultural part of the event.

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FREE WIFI

CHINA FLEXES

From page 1

investment cost,” Casambre said during a Senate science and technology committee hearing on Tuesday.

The panel is deliberating a measure filed earlier by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto requiring the government to provide free wireless Internet in government buildings, national highways and train stations in Metro Manila.

Casambre further said that providing free public WiFi in Metro Manila is “absolutely” necessary for economic growth.

He cited a World Bank study showing that the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country grows by 1.23 percent for every 10 percent growth in broadband penetration.

The ICTO official further said that the government may need to shell out P1 billion a year to support the free WiFi service

From page 1

in Metro Manila.

“For the estimates that we did, the cost of, let’s say, P1 billion a year will support 90,000 simultaneous users. Of course when people access the Internet, it’s not always simultaneous. If you go to that cost, it would be able to support 180,000.

With a population of Metro Manila at 11 million, the amount is feasible,” Casambre said. (MNS)

ALCARAZ From page 1

2015.

The remotely controlled chain gun system can fire as many as 180 25m rounds per minute at targets as far as two kilometers.

(MNS)

EXODUS From page 1

best in giving benefits to its personnel,” Santos said.

Dr. Vicente Malano, PAGASA officerin-charge, meanwhile told the Senate panel that 35 of their personnel, mostly forecasters, have gone abroad since 2005.

“Nagkakaroon po talaga kami ng problema, particularly sa forecasters,” Malano said when asked by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto if there is indeed “brain drain” in the state weather bureau.

Recto asked DOST officials to submit official figures on employees that have left the department for better opportunities abroad.

Last month, four meteorologists left PAGASA for work in Qatar.

The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) said PAGASA personnel have not received their hazard pays for six months now.

Standard hazard pay During the hearing, Santos attributed

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delays in the release of hazard pays to PAGASA employees to bureaucratic processes.

DOST agencies are required to submit reports on the level of risks and the amount of time their employees were exposed to hazards before the funds are released, Santos said.

“Considering that it is called hazard pay, naturally, binibigay mo iyan if may hazard,” the DOST official said.

To expedite the release of benefits, Santos proposed that science and technology employees be given standard hazard pays.

“We would most welcome the bill which seeks peg hazard pay for science and technology personnel to across-theboard 30 percent. That may solve problem on brain drain,” he said.

Recto agreed to Santos’ proposal, and even suggested giving more allowances to DOST personnel. (MNS)

The latest development comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea between claimants like China, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The Philippines has a pending arbitration case China has refused to answer. Vietnam and other countries have expressed support for the arbitration process.

Aquino, however, is sticking to arbitration for now. He said he is hoping China will abide by international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. What happens next should the arbitration tribunal rule in the Philippines’ favor remains to be seen.

“Parang karapatan nila kung sasama sila o hindi. Inimbita natin sila na pumunta tayo rito para ma-resolve na nga natin na siguradong peaceful way of resolving the dispute. Ngayon, wala naman akong karapatan sigurong magsalita kung bakit ayaw nilang sumama dito sa method na manigurado tayong mapayapa ang pagreresolba ‘nung isyu diyan sa karagatan,” Aquino said. The United States has asked China not to escalate tensions.

The US and the Philippines just recently signed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement that will allow US forces greater access to Philippine bases. (MNS)

DREAMERS From page 1

task of comprehensive immigration reform still lies ahead.” The first DACA approvals will begin to expire in September 2014.

To avoid a lapse in the period of deferral and employment authorization, individuals must file renewal requests before the expiration of their current period of DACA. USCIS encourages requestors to submit their renewal request approximately 120 days (four months) before their current period of deferred action expires.

DACA is a discretionary determination to defer removal action against an individual. Individuals in DACA will be able to remain in the United States and apply for employment authorization for a period of two years. Individuals who have not requested DACA previously, but meet the criteria established, may also request deferral for the first time.

It is important to note that individuals who have not continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, are ineligible for DACA. Individuals may request DACA renewal if they continue to meet the initial criteria and these additional guidelines: Did not depart the United States on

or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole; Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their most recent DACA request that was approved; and Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The renewal process begins by filing the new version of Form I-821D “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” Form I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization,” and the I-765 Worksheet. There is a filing and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee associated with Form I-765 totaling $465. As with an initial request, USCIS will conduct a background check when processing DACA renewals.

USCIS will also host both national and local DACA informational sessions.

USCIS will provide further information on these sessions during which USCIS officials will provide additional information on the DACA process and be available to answer your questions. For information on local DACA engagements, please visit www.uscis.gov/outreach.

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We’ll help you fulfill your American Dream.

Geralyn Villaflor and Andrea Cajucom-Hawkens launch Sammy and Claire, a new, trendy and upscale web-based children’s apparel store.

Geralyn and Andrea opens web-based ‘Sammy and Claire’ quality kid’s apparel A new, trendy and upscale web-based children’s apparel called “Sammy and Claire” was launched by young, perky Fil-Am entrepreneurs: Geralyn Villaflor and Andrea CajucomHawkens. Theirs is a great partnership blend with Geralyn lending her business acumen while Andrea inputs her creative side.

Childhood classmates from St. Joseph’s School in Lakewood, Geralyn and Andrea recently decided it was time to launch their business together, when Geralyn obtained her MBA at Wharton. while Andrea currently has hands-on experience being the mother to her three-year old son, Gabriel, who currently models for the children’s so they thought of addressing the need to division of American Apparel. “dress children in high-quality clothing Geralyn, whose parents Jose and Susan with the need to make it cost-effective.”

Villaflor were originally from MarinMost of their resale luxury children’s duque, was born here. Andrea on the other apparel represent the kind of children’s hand, was also raised here since she was clothing seen during the popular hit TV a young girl, inheriting the creative genes show, “Punky Brewster” during the midof her mom’s family (mother Cory, is the 80’s. older sister of Gloria and Rio Diaz).

Their business sense innovates a perTogether, they launched “Sammy and sonalized niche market base giving their Claire,” whose mission is to “help bring customers a selection of programs through affordability and sustainability to high their web-based, e-commerce system such quality children’s fashion and to keep as Quality Pre-Owned Apparel, Buy-Back fast-growing children dressed in beauti- Programs or the Consignment Resale ful, luxury clothing..” In their research, Programs, which includes the incentive of both Geralyn and Andrea found a niche FREE shipping. To learn more details on market base “recognizing that children how their program works, you may log on outgrow their upscale clothing quickly,” to their website at: www.SammyandClaire.

Pritzker visit underscores growing US interest in PHL WASHINGTON, D.C.—The visit to Manila of a high-level business delegation from the United States led by Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker underscores the growing interest of the international community in the economic transformation of the Philippines and the various investment opportunities the country now has to offer.

“Coming in the heels of the successful trip to Manila of President Obama and the 3rdPhilippine Investment Roadshow in the US, the visit of Secretary Pritzer goes to show that the Philippines is in the radar screen of American investors,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said.

Secretary Pritzker who arrived in Manila on Monday with and a delegation of senior American corporate executives will join the US-ASEAN Business Council in meetings with Philippine officials and business leaders as part of Washington’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with long-established trading partners like the Philippines.

Secretary Pritzker’s visit comes a few days after the successful conclusion of the 3rd Philippines Private Sector-Led Investment Roadshow led by Ambassador Cuisia and noted Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas as part of economic diplomacy efforts being undertaken by the Philippine Embassy and the Consulates General in the US. Ambassador Cuisia said the roadshow, which was participated in by Alfredo Austria, President of DMCI; Rainerio Borja, President of Expert Global Solutions Philippines; Martin Pascual, Director of Pascual Laboratories; and Benjamin

Philip Romualdez Jr., President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, elicited positive response from corporate leaders, investors and officials in Houston, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Among those who attended the business forums was US-based Filipino infotech engineer Jun Baldonado who said: “I thought all the opportunities for business process operations were only in Manila. Thanks to the roadshow I learned there were many other hubs in the country such as Calabarzon, Northern and Central Luzon, Western and Visayas, and Davao and General Santos.”

Baldonado said he and his brother, who is based in Singapore, have been thinking of setting up an IT business but could not agree on the location. “I think I can now convince him to look at Cebu, which like Davao City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio, is among the leading Philippine cities that host many BPO operations.”

Another attendee was Drake Nakaishi, Executive Director of Chester Economic Development Authority, who was surprised to learn that the Philippines is more than just a tropical archipelagic country.

“I am very impressed with this roadshow.

The Philippines has a good solid message to share and it is amazing to see the commitment of the Philippine private sector in promoting the country,” Nakaishi said. “As experts in their fields and captains of their industries, the speakers engaged the audience and gave frank and balanced answers adding to the credibility of the roadshow.”

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Aside from the chance to meet and greet their favorite Kapuso artists, GMA also set up a photo booth which was a big hit among those who dropped by and had photos with Tom Rodriguez and Heart Evangelista.

Tom Rodriguez, Heart Evangelista bring smiles to fans in New York

Filipinos in the United States proved that the Kapuso spirit is alive miles away from home with the warm reception received by two of GMA’s top stars Tom Rodriguez and Heart Evangelista during the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in New York last June 1.

As a crowd gathered on Madison Avenue for the Philippine Independence Day event, enthusiastic fans lined up outside the GMA booth for a chance to share an intimate moment with their Kapuso idols. Tom and Heart were all smiles as they gamely posed with their fans abroad. Heart won the people over with her bubbly personality, while Tom proved that he has skills other than singing or acting by demonstrating his talent in sketching.

The overwhelming turnout and long lines made the GMA booth one of the busiest in the area. Aside from the chance to meet and greet their favorite Kapuso artists, GMA also set up a photo booth which was a big hit among those who dropped by. In addition, GMA gave away GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV items to the event-goers who proudly displayed the merchandise online using the hashtag #P2BPINOY2014, which stands for “Proud to be Pinoy.”

GMA International expresses its gratitude for the longstanding support that it continues to receive from its loyal audience overseas. With GMA International bringing Filipinos closer to home through GMA’s international channels, there is no denying that many will always be “proud to be Pinoy, proud to be Kapuso!”

PHL Immigration bureau: Registered sex offenders barred from entering PHL MANILA, June 5 (Mabuhay) – June Foreigners who are registered sex offenders in their home countries will be denied entry to the Philippines as they are deemed a threat to public safety, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.

In a statement, Immigration chief Siegfred Mison said any alien found to be in the registry of sex offenders will be issued an order to leave.

On the other hand, registered sex offenders who managed to enter the Philippines will be “ordered to leave within 15 days,” and their names will be included on the Immigration blacklist.

Among the sex offenders recently arrested in the Philippines are: American Robert Snyder, 67, who was arrested in Dumaguete City last May 17 by BI agents and US law enforcers.

Snyder had been a fugitive for 10 years in connection with a sex assault case. He has been deported.

Five fugitives accused of rape and child molestation in their homeland were deported simultaneously by BI after their passports were revoked by authorities last February.

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Removing two year conditional residence can be tricky-know the tricks beforehand (Paul Choi is an immigration attorney and professor of law located at 5900 Sepulveda Blvd, Ste. 303, Sherman Oaks, CA. 91411. Atty Choi will answer all questions regarding immigration and naturalization for free. Address questions to pchoi@ pchoilaw.com or telephone 818 714-2226. Atty Choi is pleased to announce that his administrator is Philip Abramowitz .)

Question: I married a U.S.

citizen in 2011 and I obtained my temporary greencard in 2012. It is only the expiration of the conditional residence. a conditional residence and it will expire in The petition should include evidence of July, 2014. I am worried about renewing continued cohabitation, co-mingling of my greencard because my husband has assets and liabilities, and other documentamoved out and he is living closer to his tion of the relationship. work. We are still on good terms but we The good news: In these joint petition do not live together because he wants to be cases the USCIS usually does not interview closer to his children from a prior marriage the couple if the petition is fully docuand I can’t leave my work to be with him. mented properly. Failure to file the petition Now that my conditional residence will before the expiration of the conditional expire, I am worried that the USCIS will residence or failure to attend a scheduled deny the removal of conditional residence interview results in loss of lawful immisince I am not living with my husband. I gration status and removal (deportation) thought about getting a divorce or filing a proceedings. It is therefore crucial to file self- petition based upon hardship. What on time and to include evidence of the vashould I do? lidity of the marriage. We have filed many Answer: When a spouse immigrates such joint petitions and the great majority through a marriage that has existed less of our applications are approved with no than two years at the time of admission/ interview at all. adjustment of status, he or she receives We have had approvals in as little as 90 conditional permanent resident (CPR) days!. You can too if you document your status instead of permanent resident status. application carefully.

The conditional resident requirements Waiver of the Joint Filing Requirement: also apply to stepchildren who immigrate In some cases, it is not possible for the through a marriage that has existed for less conditional resident to file a joint petition than two years. A conditional resident must with his or her spouse. For example, the pefile a petition using Form I-751 to convert titioning spouse may have died, the couple his or her status to permanent residence may have divorced, or the petitioner may before the temporary residence expires have been abusive. In these situations, the in two years. There is a 90 day period in conditional resident may file an I-751 on which to file prior to expiration. her own along with a request to waive the Joint Petitions: joint petition requirement. This is called a If the noncitizen spouse remains mar- self petition or a waiver. The conditional ried to the U.S. citizen petitioner, they may resident still must satisfy USCIS that the file a joint I-751 petition and must do so marriage was genuine, but the participation within the ninety day period of time before of the petitioning spouse is not necessary.

USCIS almost always conducts interviews where the conditional resident seeks a waiver based on divorce or abuse, and in my experience these interviews are long, tedious and decisions are often not rendered immediately. Some cases can take a year or more.

In addition, the law states that the USCIS may waive the I-751 joint petition requirement in cases where the conditional resident establishes that removal would result in extreme hardship. The hardship must have arisen after admission as a permanent resident, so poor conditions in the conditional resident’s home country usually are not enough unless those conditions occurred after immigration. Further, in my experience the USCIS rarely grants the hardship waiver as the burden to prove hardship is a heavy one.

In your case, where you are still validly

married but not living together for a valid reason, there is no reason not to file a joint petition as long as your husband agrees to sign. If you can establish that your marriage is bona fide and you are not separated due to marital issues or legal separation, you have a good chance of success. There is also a good chance that you will not be interviewed by the USCIS. However, even if an interview is scheduled to test the validity of the marriage if your husband attends the interview with you, and proves the marriage is still valid, there is no reason to deny your permanent residence.

Filing Under VAWA: Remember if you have been abused physically or even mentally or emotionally, you may qualify for relief under the Violence Against Women Act, and no, it is not limited to women. If you can show See CHOI, page 17

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OPINION

‘Jail all’ is the call of Independence Day protest vs corruption

US economy growing across country: Fed

By Veronica Smith

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – The US economy is now growing all across the country, recovering at a “moderate” to “modest” pace after brutal winter weather, the Federal Reserve said in a report Wednesday.

“All twelve Federal Reserve Districts report that economic activity expanded,” said the Fed’s latest “Beige Book” report, based on a survey of economic conditions in recent weeks.

That marked an improvement from the previous Beige Book, released on April 16, when two districts – Cleveland and St. Louis – reported a decline in economic activity as the economy was emerging from a first-quarter contraction of 1.0 percent.

The May Beige Book said growth was described as “moderate” in seven Fed districts and “modest” in five. Activity in the area around Kansas City slowed slightly.

“Overall, this report is consistent with our expectation of a pick-up in growth in the second quarter after a weather-related contraction in Q1,” said Cooper Howes of Barclays in a research note.

The May report, covering a survey period through May 23, will be used at a monetary policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on June 17-18.

The FOMC is expected to continue to pare another $10 billion from its asset-purchase program aimed at supporting growth, taking it to $35 billion a month.

Consumer spending, the engine of two-thirds of US economic activity, grew at a “moderate” pace across almost all districts, the report said.

“Although improved weather generally gave a boost to business, lingering wintry weather in the Northeast continued to weigh on sales in parts of the Boston and New York districts,” it said.

There was “brisk growth” in vehicle sales overall.

Sales of new vehicles were “robust” and continued to outshine sales of used cars and trucks.

Several districts noted “particularly strong” demand for auto loans, including Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco.

Non-auto retailers reported mixed results, the report said. Cold and wet weather was somewhat of a drag in the Boston and New York districts.

A number of districts noted that the late Easter holiday this year, combined with the late arrival of

warm weather, had pushed back the spring shopping season.

Tourism was viewed as “fairly strong” in much of the country, including in New York, Boston and Atlanta.

Nonfinancial services had mixed performances, while banking and financial services saw loan demand strengthen on the whole.

Manufacturing, the key element of US industrial production, increased in all 12 districts, improving from “most” districts in the last report.

The housing market’s performance was mixed, with several districts saying lack of inventory was holding back sales.

Labor market improves The ailing labor market, the Fed’s primary concern as it calibrates its exit from exceptional stimulus, signaled further gains ahead of Friday’s government jobs report for May. Respondents generally said that labor market conditions had improved since the previous report, with hiring activity “steady to stronger across most of the country.”

But several districts continued to point out employers were having trouble finding skilled workers.

Wage pressures remained “subdued” in most of the country, the report said, amid still-elevated unemployment, with the jobless rate at 6.3 percent in April.

Wage increases were seen among highly skilled workers in information technology, engineering, professional services, and some skilled trades.

On the inflation front, price pressures were “contained,” with most districts reporting that both input and finished goods prices were little changed or up only slightly since the previous report.

Although inflation continues tread well below the Fed’s long-term target of 2.0 percent, the central bank has repeatedly said it expects prices eventually will turn higher. Energy activity increased “modestly,” the report said, with the San Francisco district reporting that crude oil production rose “robustly.”

Crude oil prices increased. Natural gas production was stable “at a high level.”

Agriculture, which represents a tiny fraction of the economy, suffered in several regions from dry or drought conditions or wet field conditions. Dairy demand surged in Dallas, especially for export, pushing dairy product prices to record highs.

MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – In what is being billed as one of the largest protests against corruption, groups and individuals of various persuasions are banding together and calling on the public to join them for a mammoth rally against corruption to be held in Manila on Independence Day, June 12.

The rally spearheaded by the 6.12.14 Protest Coalition, will start at 3 p.m. at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Shrine beside Manila City Hall.

The coalition issued a unity statement Tuesday challenging President Benigno Aquino III to “start acting like the President of the nation, not just of your friends” and to spare no one in the investigation of the pork barrel and other scams that have milked the public coffers of billions of pesos.

“We demand that the government probe, prosecute and jail all found guilty of stealing and misusing the people’s money and abusing the people’s trust. No one must be spared,” the coalition said.

“There is nothing hard to understand about ‘all.’ If you refuse to even start an investigation, then you are coddling the corrupt,” it said. “We are counting on you, Mr. President. Are you with us? Or against us?”

“Let the wheels of justice turn and give much-needed closure to this travesty,” it added.

Reflecting the growing disgust over the confusing twists and turns that have marked the investigation of the embezzlement of up to P10 billion in lawmakers’ Priority Development Fund, the coalition said the slow progress of the probes and the prosecution of those involved in the pork barrel scam “robs the nation blind in the realms of justice and transparency, and steals energy that could otherwise be focused on development tasks.”

The magnitude of the corruption revealed by the scam, it added, “shakes the very foundation of Filipino society,” even as “the delays and theatrics, whether by the current crop of suspects or the incumbent administration, make a mockery of the basic tenets of Philippine democracy.”

“From the camps of those already named in plunder cases, all the way to President Aquino, what we see are efforts to tar enemies but coddle allies,” the statement said.

“Tama na! The Filipino people demand full transparency and accountability from all branches of the government,” WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – The Hong said China was “strongly dissatisfied with the coalition said.

United States urged China on Wednesday to ac- and firmly opposed” to the White House statement

US urges China to account for Tiananmen on anniversary

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count for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown 25 years ago, but Beijing accused Washington of blaming its government “for no reason.”

The anniversary of the 1989 incident comes amid simmering tensions between the two countries on issues ranging from alleged hacking by the Chinese military into private US firms to Washington’s disquiet with what it calls Beijing’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. “Twenty-five years ago, the United States deplored the use of violence to silence the voices of the peaceful demonstrators in and around Tiananmen Square,” a White House statement said.

“Twenty-five years later, the United States continues to honor the memories of those who gave their lives in and around Tiananmen Square and throughout China, and we call on Chinese authorities to account for those killed, detained or missing in connection with the events surrounding June 4, 1989.”

‘Total disregard of fact’ Beijing rejected Washington’s “total disregard of fact,” accusing it of interfering in Chinese domestic politics.

“It blames the Chinese government for no reason, gravely interferes in China’s internal affairs and violates the basic norms guiding international relation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

and Obama’s mention in a speech of how “tanks were crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square” on that fateful day.

“We have lodged solemn representations to the US side,” Hong added.

Although welcoming China’s economic progress and seeking to maintain good relations, the White House said America will not be shy about airing its differences with China.

The United States will “urge the Chinese government to guarantee the universal rights and fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all Chinese citizens,” it added.

In a separate statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry called for the release of all those serving prison sentences in connection with the events of a quarter century ago.

The top US diplomat also urged an end to “the ongoing pattern of harassment, detention and official retribution against those who participated in the demonstrations, their family members, and those who continue to bravely speak out.”

“Continued progress will be defined by openness not just to the world, but to the voices and diverse perspectives of China’s citizens,” Kerry said.

“Open discussion and examination of the events of 1989 and a full public accounting of those killed, detained or missing would be a sign of strength and healing, not weakness and division.”

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GUN VIOLENCE: ‘You don’t think it’ll happen to your child until it does’

By Carissa Quiambao

As Isla Vista community members begin to settle down and reflect on this tragic event at the University of California in Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara), public figures and other gun control advocates and opponents have engaged in a national debate surrounding the right to own firearms versus tighter enforcement of gun regulation and gun registration background checks.

Before 22-year-old Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) student Elliot Rodger shot, stabbed and ran over students in a massacre that killed six victims and injured 13, he was able to register and purchase three handguns — two 9mm Sig Sauer P-226s and one Glock-34 – despite reportedly having Asperger’s syndrome, receiving treatment from multiple psychiatrists and being prescribed antipsychotics.

The incident has prompted state officials such as Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Assemblymember Das Williams to revisit gun safety in America, with Williams and Assemblymember Nancy Skinner recently announcing legislation to create a gun violence restraining order allowing concerned family members or friends to urge law enforcement to prevent a person from buying or owning firearms.

Richard Martinez, father of second year undeclared student and victim Christopher Michaels-Martinez, has been particularly vocal about the role politicians and the National Rifle Association had in his son’s death, urging students to shout “Not one more!” during yesterday’s memorial, beginning a campaign asking people to send postcards to elected officials addressing gun violence in light of Friday’s mass shooting. In a statement he made before a press conference at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Martinez specified gun rights activists as the cause for Michaels-Martinez’s death.

“Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights. What about Chris’ right to live? When will this insanity stop?” Martinez said. “When will enough people say, ‘Stop this madness! We don’t have to live like this!’

Too many have died. We should say to ourselves, ‘Not one more!’” Many public figures such as Feinstein have backed Martinez’s sentiment, arguing the NRA has prevented legislation enforcing stricter mental health background checks

for obtaining guns from passing through Congress.

“Unfortunately the NRA continues to have a stranglehold on Congress, preventing even commonsense measures like universal background checks that have overwhelming support,” Feinstein said. “Americans need to rise up and say enough is enough. Until that happens, we will continue to see these devastating attacks. Shame on us for allowing this to continue.”

According to an employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity from Goleta Valley Gun and Supply – where Rodger purchased one of the guns used in the attack – in order to register for and purchase a gun, a person must have a valid California driver’s license, proof of residency and a certificate indicating they have passed a 30-question test on gun safety. After the purchaser’s personal information undergoes a criminal background check by the Department of Justice, the gun-buyer can pick up their gun 10 days after purchase. “[Rodger] went through all of the proper channels,” the employee said. “He received the firearm legally.”

According to Kevin White, manager of shooting range and gun store B and G Guns in Oxnard – another location Rodger was said to have purchased a gun – a person cannot buy a gun if they have been committed to a mental institution.

Otherwise, if the prospective buyer has a history of mental health issues but has never been institutionalized, they are free to purchase a firearm, White said.

“If you haven’t been committed and there’s never been any reported issues, then it won’t come up,” White said. “[Rodger] had a squeaky clean record. He didn’t have any history of being in a mental institution, and the Department of Justice does a pretty thorough background check on you.”

White also defended firearm rights and said guns had nothing to do with the killing, claiming Rodger would have committed the murders regardless of whether or not he had owned firearms.

“If he was bent on doing something wrong and wanted to commit some atrocity, he’s gonna do it,” White said. “’Firearms’ is a hotbed term. You say ‘firearm’ then all of a sudden red flags go up and people hone in on that. Why isn’t anybody focusing in on the fact he stabbed people – killed people with a knife? Or that he was involved in a car accident?”

But according to Capps, the recent massacre is plenty reason to push for universal background checks, limits on high-capacity magazines, increased school safety and stronger gun trafficking penalties.

“Gun safety and the Second Amendment are not mutually exclusive,” Capps said. “I agree that responsible, law-abiding Americans have the right to own a gun, but each of us also deserve to feel safe in our homes and communities. This is the least we can do.”

Yesterday, Assemblymember Williams proposed a gun violence restraining order in the state legislature which would grant authority to concerned family members, friends and intimate partners to intervene and possibly prohibit the purchase of firearms or remove firearms already in possession of a person suspected of mental instability. According to Williams, the most important element of the retraining order is that it places an individual on the notification of Department of Justice, making it a crime for that person to buy a weapon.

“If they went to try to buy guns they would be prevented from buying guns by the DOJ list,” Williams said. “Even if that somehow slipped through it would be a crime after the fact that the law enforcement would go investigate.”

Williams said this legislation has not only come in light of recent events but is also a response to a long history of violent school shootings that have prompted fruitless statements for tighter gun laws from the White House.

“There is not enough being done,” Williams said. “The president was right to initiate strong legislation, and Congress rebuffed him. I agree with Mr. Michaels-Martinez that this … is a real problem.” According to Martinez, pushing for strong gun control legislation is a universal problem because the Isla Vista shootings could have happened anywhere, to anyone.

“Our family has a message for every parent out there,” Martinez said. “You don’t think it’ll happen to your child until it does.”

Carissa Quiambao is a junior at UC Santa Barbara and resides in Isla Vista. She is the incoming editor-in-chief of The Daily Nexus, the official student newspaper of UC Santa Barbara. This article is published with permission from The Daily Nexus. To read other related stories, go online: http://dailynexus.com/2014-05-28/recent-tragedyincites-gun-debate/

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10 Fil-Am youth leaders to take part in immersion program WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ten young Filipino-American change-makers will be given the opportunity to connect with their Philippine roots by immersing in local communities and conversing with government and industry leaders this year as part of the 2014 Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro).

The 10 Filipino-American fellows for this year’s FYLPro who were selected from nominations from across the United States are: Edward Aparis of Chula Vista, California; Ryyn Chua, Gardena, California; Rommel Clemente, Milpitas, California; Adette Contreras, Brooklyn, New York; Michael Dahilig, Lihue, Hawaii; Rafael Diokno, Washington, D.C.; Abbey Eusebio, Lincolnwood, Illinois; Jan Paul

Ferrer , Tinley Park, Illinois; Ryan Letada, New York, New York; and Jason Tengco, Washington, D.C. “I am excited with this group of promising individuals,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said. “We truly had a difficult time narrowing down the choices, as many of the applicants were impressive and well qualified.”

Ambassador Cuisia said the delegates will take part in an immersive program in the Philippines from July 24 to 28 that will afford them the opportunity to meet and dialogue with high-ranking officials and policymakers in the Philippines, leaders of industry, media, cultural experts, traditional and social entrepreneurs as well as innovators in different fields.

A brainchild of Ambassador Cuisia and his wife Victoria, the program builds on the success of the programs held in 2012 and 2013 that was participated in by 20 other promising Filipino-American youth leaders. Serving as the program’s partner in the Philippines is the Ayala Foundation, which provides crucial substantive and logistical assistance.

The cost of the participants’ airfare, local transportation and accommodations will be funded by several corporate sponsors, including Philippine Airlines and Chevron.

PAL, which is considered Asia’s first airline, boasts of a young and modern fleet of aircraft and a route network that spans 31 foreign cities and 29 domestic points in the Philippines.

Chevron is one of the largest investors in the country that markets its Caltex brand of products, conducts geothermal operations, and provides operational support for Chevron offices on four continents, including the supply of transactional, processing and consulting services in areas ranging from finance to information technology.

Below are brief profiles of the 2014 FYLPro delegates.

Edward Aparis – Chula Vista, California. Edward works as a Consultant at the Strands Group, which is involved in project management, grant writing and public affairs consulting. After graduating from the University of California, Riverside, he was involved with the Southwest Center for Asian Pacific American Law in San Diego.

Ryyn Chua – Gardena, California.

Rynn is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Double Y Entertainment, an events management firm, while at the same time pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine University with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. He was a social worker at the APAIT Health Center, board member of the LA County Prevention Planning Committee, and later employed at the US Center for Disease Control and the Associations of Schools of Public Health in Atlanta, Georgia. From social work and public health, he became involved with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles. Ryyn graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University in Long Beach.

Rommel Clemente – Milpitas, California. Rommel is a Supervising Senior Associate for the Connor Group, an IPO, M&A and technical accounting consulting firm in the Bay Area. On the non-profit side, he started his career with AmeriCorps and now sits on the board of directors of Lauren’s 4 House for Positive Change, which serves to empower disadvantaged youth in Palo Alto.

Adette Contreras – Brooklyn, New York. Adette is Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and Co-Founder & Partner at Tinsel & Twine, a design shop. At the advertising agency, she leads a team for international marketing campaigns that focuses on philanthropic causes. She has earned prestigious international creative awards for her digital work. Her own business includes working with charities and contributing resources to worthy causes.

Adette graduated magna cum laude from the George Washington University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, double major in International Business & Marketing and double minor in Spanish & Fine Arts.

Michael Dahilig – Lihue, Hawaii.

Michael currently serves as Director at the Department of Planning at the County of Kauai in Hawaii, the youngest individual in the county to be appointed to that posi-

tion. He was formerly a Deputy County Attorney for the Kauai County. He volunteers as legal counsel at the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Philippine Cultural Center and Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Rafael Diokno – Washington, D.C. RJ, as he is known to friends, serves as Project Lead at SGT, Inc., a Maryland-based company that provides support in the areas of Engineering, Science, Project Management and Information Technology. He is also Vice President of the Filipino Young Professionals (FYP) – DC, Board Member of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) – DC, and Strategic Communications Chair for the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition (PHC). RJ has an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MS in Information Systems and BA in Psychology from George Washington University.

Abbey Eusebio – Lincolnwood, Illinois. Abbey is a Constituent Advocate at the Office of US Representative Jan Schakowsky, directly assisting constituents of the 9thCongressional District with issues they have at various federal agencies. She is also a Board Member of nonprofit organization Childcare Network of Evanston and an alumna of the Evanston Community Foundation’s Leadership Evanston program. She served as Vice Chair of the Illinois Chapter of NaFFAA. Abbey graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia and also attended DePaul University.

Jan Paul Ferrer – Tinley Park, Illinois.

Jan Paul is currently Associate Vice President at Morgan Stanley. He also serves as President of the Tinley Park Frankfort Rotary Club, where he oversees its daily operations and the delivery of its local projects. He is also a member of the Philippine Engineer and Scientist Organization, 10,000 Kwentos at the Field Museum, UP Alumni Association of Greater Chicago, Filipino American Network, and International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting. Jan Paul graduated from Robert Morris University.

Ryan Letada – New York, New York.

Ryan is Chief Executive Officer and CoFounder of NextDayBetter Inc., a media platform that features inspiring Filipinos.

He established technology enterprises Catchafire and FeastOnGood and sits on multiple non-profit advisory boards, including #VivaManila and UniPro. After graduating from Wheaton College, Ryan was awarded a Fullbright Fellowship to explore sustainable city design, and mass eviction and relocation of urban poor communities in the Philippines. He also co-founded and became Executive Director of eKindling, a Philippine-based non-profit dedicated to bringing laptops and new ways of digital learning to rural classrooms and communities across the Philippines.

Jason Tengco – Washington, D.C. Jason is currently Senior Advisor at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where he leads the Initiative’s community engagement. He was an Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Fellow at the Office of US Congressman Mike Honda and a Tam Tran Program and Outreach Fellow at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO. He is also the Community Affairs Director of Jeepney Hub, a non-profit website dedicated to helping Filipino American youth with career development. Jason graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in B.A. Political Science (American Politics) and Minor in Public Affairs.

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Reinstating a deceased petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family based petition It is very common for beneficiaries of family based petition to wait many years before their petitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority date becomes current. This is usually the case with US Citizen parent petitions to adult son or daughter. This is also common among petitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s between Siblings. What happens when the Petitioner dies? Are all those years of waiting wasted? Not quite. Normally, the Petition is automatically revoked once the

Petitioner dies.

However, all is not lost by the death mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, of the Petitioner. The beneficiary has a brother-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild couple of options depending on whether or legal guardian of the beneficiary, as long they are inside the US or outside the US. as the petition was â&#x20AC;&#x153;approvedâ&#x20AC;? prior to the The beneficiary may either avail of the INA Petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. § 204(l) which was signed into law in 2009 If the beneficiary is inside the US either if the beneficiary is inside the US at the in legal status or grandfathered by INA time the petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death and continues §245(i) and the priority date on the petito reside inside the US. tion is current, the beneficiary may apply Alternatively, if the beneficiary is for adjustment of status. The beneficiary outside the US, beneficiary may seek to may also apply for an employment authoreinstate the petition based on humanitar- rization card.

DHS discretion does not mean â&#x20AC;&#x153;guaranian grounds. The DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) may exercise discretion teedâ&#x20AC;? approval. The case will be evaluated â&#x20AC;&#x153;for humanitarian reasonsâ&#x20AC;? to reinstate on a case by case basis. Some of the factors the petition and to allow the Affidavit of that the DHS may consider are 1) disrupSupport requirements to be satisfied by tion of an established family unit; 2) hardthe qualifying I-864 of a spouse, parent, ship to US citizens or lawful permanent

CHOI

residents; 3) beneficiary is elderly or in poor health; 4) beneficiary has had lengthy residence in the US; 4) beneficiary has no home to go to; 5)undue delay by USCIS or consular officer in processing petition and visa; 6) and Beneficiary has strong family ties in the United States.

The beneficiary must be prepared to show proof of the original I-130 that was filed, proof of I-130 approval if approved, a copy of the Petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death certificate, proof of substitute sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship to the beneficiary, and meet all the I-864 requirements.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was

21

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) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@aol.com.

Italian navy rescues 2,500 migrants in 24 hours ROME, June 6, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Italian navy on Friday said it had rescued around 2,500 asylum-seekers from 17 boats in the past 24 hours as good weather conditions in the Mediterranean further boost the influx of asylum-seekers trying to reach Europe.

The navy said in a statement that the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock ship, had picked up the highest number â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 998 migrants including 214 women and 157 minors.

Four merchant ships flying the Hong Kong, Italian, Moldovan and Panamanian colours that were sailing in the area also assisted in the rescue operations, the navy said.

A navy frigate, the Bergamini, brought 443 of the migrants to shore on Thursday in the port of Augusta in Sicily. One of them was immediately arrested on charges of people smuggling for allegedly captaining the migrant boat.

Most of the asylum-seekers arriving in Italy come from Eritrea or Syria and are departing from Libya. Many also come from impoverished parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

From page 16

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Umi Sushi & Osyter Bar – Ang bagong restaurant ng Pechanga Resort & Casino

Umi- Crunchy Roll

Elegante at kaswal na ushi at oyster bar pumalit sa Seafood Grotto sa loob ng pinakamalaking resort at casino sa California, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino Inihahandog ng Pechanga Resort & Casino and Bagong Restaurant at Menu sa Umi Sushi & Osyter Bar Kabilang sa multi-milyong dolyar na pagbabago sa Pechanga Resort & Casino ngayong Fall at Winter 2013, malugod na binabati ng Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar ang mga bisita sa kaaya-ayang kapaligiran na puno ng makabago at piling mga seafoods kaakibat ang panlasa mula South America.

Noong Lunes, Disyembre 30, binuksan ang pinto ng Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar sa publiko, tiyempo sa bisperas ng Bagong Taon at sa araw ng Bagong Taon kung saan dumagsa ang libo-libong mga bisita sa Pechanga Resort & Casino. Kaysa sa madilim at mistulang-ilang na lugar ng Seafood Grotto, na misyong pinalitan, ang mga bisita ay bubulagain ng nagniningning na full cocktail bar habang bumabaybay sa himpilan ng hostess. Gayundin sa naturang restaurant nakapaloob ang tatlong-kantong sushi bar na may buhay na tabla at kumikinang na marble. Komportableng booth at mga upuan ang tatambad sa dalawahan at mga grupong panauhin. Ang Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar ay bukas sa gabi mula alas 5:00 ng hapon. Sa anumang impormasyon o pagpapatala patungkol sa Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar bumisita lamang sa www.

Pechanga.com o tumawag sa (877) 7112946.

Bio ng Sushi Chef Si Masahito ‘Masa’ Nagashima, mula Kanagawa, Japan, ay nag-aral ng Italian at French na pagluluto mula Yokohama.

Sa New York City, siya’y nag trabaho sa ilang kilalang Japanese fusion restaurants.

Mula dito, siya’y nag-empleyo sa pinakamalalaking hotels at resorts sa Southern California.

Si Ichiro ‘Jake’ Takao naman ay lumaki sa isang pook ng mangigisda sa Japan. Ang kanyang pamilya ay nagbukas ng isang sikat na ocean front restaurant kung saan

Umi Chef Damien Stanely

siya’s nakatalaga sa mga bagong huling seafoods. Si Jake at ang kanyang pamilya ay nanirahan sa isang maliit na bayan sa Temecula kung saan binuksan ng kanyang pamilya ang ‘Nihon’ restaurant at sushi bar. Dito, si Jake ay nagmistulang isang sikat na artista. Sa kasalukuyan, kilala siya ng mga taong bumibista sa Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Si Kazuhisa ‘Kaz’ Miyano, ng Saitama, Japan, ay dumating sa California noong kaagahan ng 1980s bilang sushi chef at nagtrabaho sa pinaka-premyadong sushi bar sa Los Angeles, kabilang ang Hamayoshi restaurant. Noong dekada 90s, lumipat si Kaz sa San Diego, California, at lumahok sa award-winning na restaurant, ang Cafe Japango, kung saan natutunan niya ang kombinasyon ng tradisyonal na Japanese at istilo sa makabagong pagluluto ng French.

Mga Pagpipilian sa Umi Ang Chef de Cuisine ng Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, si Damian Stanley, ang nagdedesisyon sa mga pagpipiliang uri ng sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, cut rolls, raw bar, small plates (appetizers) and big plates (entrees) current, cutting-edge and comforting. Ang mga klase gaya ng clam chowder na inihahahin sa sourdough bread bowl gaya ng piers sa San Francisco, ang gumbo at jambalaya na ayon sa kanya ay kaaya-aya. Sa ngayon, ang mga pagkain ay kinabibilangan ng Japanese-South American fusion gaya ng Seared Miso Anticuchos Chilean Sea Bass na may Peruvian Corn at Soy Glaze, o ang Octopus a la Planch kasama ng Quinoa Salad, Confit Fingerling Potatoes, Tomato Marmalade and Chimichurri Drizzle. Pinagmamalaki rin ang mga menu gaya ng Bone Marrow Lobster with Pear, Tatsoi Salad, Celery Root Skordalia and Black Truffle Vinai-

Umi-Albacore Tuna Sashimi

Umi Dessert 2

grette at ang paboritong putahe na Salmon, hinahain kasama ng Panela Glaze, Tomatillo Quinoa at ang Citrus-Olive Compote.

Bagong Benepisyo ng Membership Rewards Kung kayo’y hindi pa miyembro ng The Club at Pechanga, ang pagiging miyembro ay libre at madali. Inaalok sa lahat mula 21 taong gulang pataas na may wastong ID, mangyaring dumaan lamang sa club desk at agad ay makakamit ninyo ang mahahalagang bagay kaakibat ng inyong paglalaro sa inyong mga paboritong slots at table games. Ang mga bagong miyembro ng The Club at Pechanga ay maaring mag SPIN TO WIN sa garantisadong Club Dollars hanggang $1000! Mas Madalas na Paglalaro, Mas Marami ang Bayad Namin! Sa iba pang impormasyon, tumawag sa (877) 711-2946 o mag-log sa www.

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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 pagaari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag sa 1-877-7112946 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.

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FOOD & DINING FAMILY FEATURES

T

ea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water. In fact, on any given day, more than 158 million Americans drink tea. Approximately 85 percent of tea consumed in America is iced, but the soothing and refreshing flavors of tea can also infuse fresh and unexpected character into a wide range of dishes, from desserts to popular finger foods like chicken wings.

What’s more, tea has been shown to have significant health benefits. As green, black, oolong and white teas all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, tea drinkers can reap the health benefits from whichever tea they prefer. The major bioactive compounds in tea, called flavonoids, are also found in fruits and vegetables but appear in very high concentrations in tea. In fact, new research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition links tea with cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, weight management, improved concentration and bone health, among others.

Delightful Tea Pairings Each type of tea has a distinct set of flavor characteristics. Peter Goggi, President of the Tea Council of the USA, explains the flavor profiles of black, green, oolong and white teas, and how to pair them with your favorite foods.  Black teas from traditional origins such as India, Sri Lanka and China, as well as English and Irish breakfast varieties and flavored black teas such as Earl Grey, are characterized by a strong, aromatic flavor. These teas pair well with dark chocolate, sharp cheeses, eggs, meats and heartier foods because of their rich flavor and tannin levels.  Green teas, such as Sencha and Jasmine, have a more delicate flavor profile, characterized as grassy or citrusy, and pair well with subtly flavored foods, such as seafood, rice and vegetables.  Oolong teas, such as Wuyi Shan and Pouchong, are characterized by a slight smoky flavor and a sweet, nutty finish. These teas pair well with spicy or smoky foods, seafood dishes and fruit.  White teas exhibit a natural sweetness and lightness; the subtle flavors pair well with mild tasting sweets or simple salads that don’t overpower the flavor of the tea.

Start sampling the many flavors of tea with these recipes, and visit www.TeaUSA.org for information about the role of tea in a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Servings: 8 1 pound finely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate 2 tablespoons coarsely ground or crushed Darjeeling tea leaves Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat.

In top of double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate, stirring frequently, until 3/4 chocolate pieces are melted, only slightly warm to the touch. Remove pan from heat.

Servings: 6 5 tablespoons black tea leaves, divided 1 1/2 cups boiling water (212°F) 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (such as Nam Pla) 3 tablespoons Asian chili sauce (such as Sriracha) 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 18 large chicken wings, washed and dried Place three tablespoons tea leaves into small bowl and add boiling water; steep six minutes. Strain tea and discard used tea leaves. Cool to room temperature and hold.

In spice grinder or with mortar and pestle, finely grind remaining tea leaves to dust.

Transfer to medium stainless or glass bowl, along with soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce, oil, garlic and pepper. Mix well. Pour in reserved cooled tea and mix.

Cut off tips of chicken wings. Cut wings into two parts at joint, place in resealable plastic bag and pour tea-based marinade over wings. Seal well and mix to coat completely.

Refrigerate overnight before preparing,

Stir in tea leaves; continue stirring until chocolate is melted and tea is evenly distributed.

Pour mixture onto baking sheet and spread evenly to 1/8-inch thickness. Let come to room temperature, allowing bark to solidify, about four hours. When set, break into pieces.

Store in airtight, covered container at room temperature.

Recipe courtesy of Culinary Tea by Cynthia Gold, copyright © 2010. Reprinted by permission of Running Press, a member of The Perseus Books Group.

turning bag every 12 hours.

To cook, remove wings from refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Remove wings from bag and discard marinade. Drain very well.

Preheat grill to medium. Grill wings until cooked through on both sides and juices are running clear, about six to eight minutes per side.

Serve Hot Green Dipping Sauce on the side.

Hot Green Dipping Sauce Servings: 6 2 cups fresh basil leaves 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 2–4 jalapenos, seeded and deveined 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Fine sea salt, to taste Ground black pepper, to taste Place basil, cilantro, jalapenos and vinegar in bowl of food processor. Pulse until smooth.

With motor running, slowly pour in oil until smooth and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, scrape down sides of bowl and pulse again. Place in covered container and chill until ready to use.

Recipe courtesy of Culinary Tea by Cynthia Gold, copyright © 2010. Reprinted by permission of Running Press, a member of The Perseus Books Group.

Jasmine Watermelon Gazpacho with Crab

S. Azusa Ave

Servings: 8 2 tablespoons loose-leaf Jasmine tea leaves 3 cups steaming water (175°F) 4 –5 cups watermelon, peeled, seeded and chopped (1 small melon) 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons jalapenos, seeded, deveined and chopped 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped 1/2 cup lump crab meat 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil Sprinkle tea leaves into medium-sized bowl. Pour steaming water over leaves and steep, covered, for two minutes. Strain tea, discarding leaves. Cool and hold.

In blender, combine watermelon, onion, mint, cilantro, basil, jalapeno and garlic, and puree. Transfer to container and stir in reserved tea until combined thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate at least six hours before serving.

To serve, ladle one cup soup into bowl and garnish with one tablespoon crabmeat and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, drizzled.

Recipe courtesy of Culinary Tea by Cynthia Gold, copyright © 2010. Reprinted by permission of Running Press, a member of The Perseus Books Group.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Can perfume make you appear more attractive?

(Relaxnews) – Want to instantly boost your attractiveness? Spritz on a nice perfume and you may have just upped your stock.

In a very small study funded by Unilever and carried out by neuroscientists and psychologists in the US and Sweden, women’s faces were rated as more attractive in the presence of a pleasant odor, suggesting that the use of perfumes and scented products may alter how we perceive others.

Published in the journal PLoS One, the study asked participants, most of whom were women, to rate the attractiveness and age of eight female faces, presented as photos.

While evaluating the images, scientists diffused five different concentrations and combinations of fish oil and rose oil.

Participants were asked to rate the age of the face, the attractiveness of the face, and the pleasantness of the odor.

Results showed that ‘odor pleasantness’ directly influenced the ratings of facial attractiveness but did little to influence the determination of age, authors

noted.

“Odor pleasantness and facial attractiveness integrate into one joint emotional evaluation,” explained lead author Janina Seubert, who carried out the research while at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Pennsylvania.

“This may indicate a common site of neural processing in the brain.”

According to scientists, another way to make yourself more attractive is to surround yourself with friends.

In a separate study, psychologists from the University of California decided to put Barney Stinson’s “cheerleader effect” theory to the test. Stinson was a popular womanizing character on the US TV series “How I Met Your Mother.”

True to his theory, the psychological scientists found that participants rated both male and female subjects as more attractive when shown in group shots compared to photos pictured alone.

Their working theory? That people tend to “average out” the features of faces in a group, canceling out unattractive or distinctive facial features.

New research shows that smelling good could also make you more attractive to others. ©vita khorzhevska/shutterstock.com

Divorce may be linked to obesity in kids: study PARIS, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – Children of divorced parents may be at higher risk of being overweight or obese than those whose parents are married, a Norwegian study said Thursday.

The tendency was higher among boys than girls, said the report, which nevertheless cautioned it was too early to draw a direct, causal link, as other factors may be to blame.

Researchers used height, weight and waist circumference data from more than 3,000 pupils attending 127 schools across Norway, which they compared to their parents’ marital status – married, nevermarried, co-habiting, single, separated or divorced.

About one in five children overall were overweight, which is generally considered to mean a height-to-weight ratio or BMI of 25 or over, and one in 10 obese with a BMI of 30 and up, they reported in the online medical journal BMJ Open.

Children of divorced parents “were 54 percent more likely to be overweight/obese and 89 percent more likely to be obese,” when compared to children whose parents were still married, the researchers said a

press statement.

“Children whose parents had never married had a similar prevalence of overweight and obesity to those with married parents.”

Sons of divorced parents were 63 percent more likely to be overweight and 104 percent more likely to be obese than other boys, while the difference was much less significant among girls.

The researchers had factored in possible influential factors like the mother’s educational background, ethic origin and area of residence, but not others like the child’s diet and exercise regime.

They also did not known how long parents had been divorced.

The team speculated that a shift to unhealthier and cheaper take-aways or stress-eating may explain the trend.

In a comment, Kevin McConway, an applied statistics professor at The Open University in England, said the findings may not hold true for societies outside Norway.

The study, he said, “really does little more than point at possible further questions for further research.”

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Contrary to popular assumptions, researchers say that US kids are eating fewer, not more, daily calories. ©bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com

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1Heart Caregiver Services announces ribbon cutting ceremony to be hosted

by Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce BY: PRWEB

1Heart Caregiver Services CEO, Belina Tagarao, announces the ribbon cutting ceremony of its new office and the launch of its business expansion to different states all over USA. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on June 13 this year and will be hosted by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce with invited guests of honor: California State Senator Holly Mitchell, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, Franchise Consultant Tom DuFore from Chicago and Assembly Member John Perez.

1Heart Caregiver Services had been operational for more than 10 years and it is the only in-home care service company in Southern California that provides employees with comprehensive training at its CS Caregiver University. The training institution was founded in 2011 by CEO Belina Tagarao and Training Director Randy Clarito, who spearheaded the creation, design and implementation of the company’s innovative multi-phase training modules provided to all employees.

CS Caregiver University is an integral component of 1Heart Caregiver Services’ rigorous program of ‘Continuing Professional Education’ and development of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA), Home Health Aides (HHA) and Caregivers.

After more than 10 years of developing a growing, successful and profitable senior healthcare business in Southern California, 1Heart Caregiver Services is proud to announce the launch of its national senior care franchise business. As the industry trend shows, the senior care franchise is expected to grow to a $94 Billion dollar market next year.

In preparation for the business expansion program, 1Heart Caregiver Services through its CEO Belina Tagarao and Business Development and Training Director Randy Clarito have finalized the training curriculum for its newly founded 1Heart Business Academy for the business partners and franchisees to take part learning the business process and system and 1Heart Formula for Success necessary to run and managed its offices in different states in the USA. 1Heart Caregiver ServicesTM http:// www.mycaregiverservices.com is a certified member of reputable home care

association like (CAHSAH) California Association for Health Services at Home, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, BBB Better Business Bureau and an active member of a business network group ‘Power Connections’ of SFV and accredited / affiliated with Alzheimer’s Association, Council on Aging, Caring. com, Venturaeldercare.com, Thousand Oaks senior services resource company, Care.com, Thumbtac.com and other senior healthcare agencies all over the USA. About 1Heart Caregiver Services: 1Heart Caregiver Services™ (1 Heart CS) http://www.mycaregiverservices.com is a premier In-home care service company that provides professional private care duty to seniors and adults requiring assistance in their home and healthcare needs for the past 10 years.

The company is run and managed by healthcare Executives with local and international training with combined top level executive work experience of more than 50 years. 1Heart CS is the only In-Home Care company that has its in-house ‘Caregiver University’ spearheaded by Training Director Randy Clarito in Southern California area that provides professional caregiver training held at its Los Angeles head office aligned with its ‘Continuing Professional Education’ program implemented to all corporate managers and staff of the company and extended to senior living facility requiring in-service training for their staff.

The company carries out a ‘Circle of Care’ process that is uniquely implemented by all Staff Managers and cannot be matched by any senior care service company. 1Heart CS is a Certified Member of CAHSAH, California Association for Health Services at Home, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and operates in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, San Bernardino County and Santa Barbara County area. For a case evaluation, call 213-351-9100, 805-338-8100, 310-7796254, 818-561-6641 and 562-412-2420 for an appointment. For caregiver applicants with minimum of 2 years work experience, look for Jennifer Remigio to process the application with the submission of live scan finger print, SS card, CPR / First aid certification and TB test results.

Meat-Free Favorites – Summertime Pasta As the weather heats up in the summer, I start preparing more fresh salads and light, vibrant dishes. This Summertime Pasta combines delicate angel hair with a lemony sauce loaded with fresh herbs and snow peas – though you could use any green vegetable that cooks quickly such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. Pair this recipe with a side salad or grilled asparagus for a quick and easy meal.

Summertime Pasta 6 – 8 servings

1 medium onion, finely chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water 3 tablespoons olive oil according to package directions. ¾ pound snow peas, halved and ends When snow peas are cooked, turn off removed heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, chives, 1 pound angel hair pasta basil, salt, and pepper. Add pasta and toss Juice of 1 lemon well to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed, Zest of half a lemon adding more lemon, oil, salt, or pepper ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped to taste. ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped About the Author 1 teaspoon salt Elena Johnson is a second-generation 1 teaspoon black pepper Filipino American living in Baltimore, Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over MD. As a vegan chef and caterer she has medium-low heat until onion becomes been reinventing her family’s recipes and translucent. Add snow peas and cook ap- sharing them with friends, relatives, and See BITES, page 33 proximately 3 minutes, until crisp-tender.

1Heart Caregiver Services had been operational for more than 10 years and it is the only in-home care service company in Southern California that provides employees with comprehensive training at its CS Caregiver University.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Dingdong open to working with ex-GF Antoinette Dingdong Dantes said he has no qualms about working with his former girlfriend, Antoinette Taus, now that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back in showbiz and in the Philippines for good.

Taus left the country 10 years ago for the United States where she and her brother Tom also started their own entertainment company.

Dantes said anything can happen because showbiz is â&#x20AC;&#x153;a small world.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Siguro pag-usapan natin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pag nan-

doon na. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure naman, hindi naman mahirap mangyari â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yun dahil maliit lang naman talaga ang mundo ng show business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pero siyempre, hanggaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wala naman, ayaw ko rin naman siyang pag-usapan dahil mahirap din namang mag-speculate at magkaroon ng ganoong klase ng senaryo na hindi pa naman nagagawa,â&#x20AC;? said the actor, who is currently in a relationship with actress Marian Rivera.

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According to Dantes, he understands that his name is being dropped every time Taus is being interviewed since they were in a relationship before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, hindi naman maiiwasan yun,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pero to begin with, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really nothing to talk about. Kumbaga, we have our own things to do. I think, we have to concentrate on that.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang masasabi ko lang diyan, as once part of Viva family and being part of GMA, siyempre, siguro masasabi naming â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;welcome back.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Maganda na ang isang mula rin sa Viva ay nagbabalik at, siyempre, nagbibigay-pugay sa kung saan siya talaga nagsimula,â&#x20AC;? he added.

In a previous interview with ABS-CBN News, Taus said she and Dantes are now living their separate lives and stressed that there is no issue between them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wala ng kwento yun. Masaya sila, masaya ako. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean anything between us. We live separate lives. We are both happy and both good,â&#x20AC;? she said. Taus, however, said she would love to have a reunion project with Dantes as much as she wants to work with other artists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ako Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m open to anything. Kaya nga hindi ko maintindihan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung mga nagpapaaway-away. Wala naman talagang anything negative on my end. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy to be here and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to work with anyone. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited. Feeling ko maraming exciting na pwedeng mangyari kung magkaroon ng projects na reunion so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m

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open to anything,â&#x20AC;? she said. (MNS)

KC Concepcion slams recurring pregnancy talks Actress KC Concepcion has refuted rumors of her supposed pregnancy, going on to post a photo of herself working out on Instragram. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is this rumor that I am â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pregnantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;??? I AM NOT PREGNANT. I have NEVER BEEN PREGNANT in my whole entire life. Someone tried to spread this rumor since I left for Paris at 18 & wow now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back? Please,â&#x20AC;? Concepcionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posted on Monday.

She maintained that should time come that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be blessed with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautiful babyâ&#x20AC;? she would â&#x20AC;&#x153;proudly announceâ&#x20AC;? it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be rushedâ&#x20AC;Ś I honestly canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for that day,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Speculations about the actress being pregnant started when she left the the country early this year to take acting classes in New York.

Rumored boyfriend Paulo Avelino has come out to deny the notion prior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not trueâ&#x20AC;ŚKumbaga nag-po-post naman siya ng kung anu-ano. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been seeing a lot of Filipinos,â&#x20AC;? Avelino said.

The actressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; father, Gabby Concepcion, has also slammed the rumors.(MNS)

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Zsa Zsa says falling in love can’t be planned Padilla finally broke her silence amid criticisms about her recently-revealed relationship with renowned architect Conrad Onglao.

Since Padilla and Onglao made their romantic ties public, some people questioned how the singer-actress “quickly” moved on since Comedy King Dolphy’s passing.

Dolphy, who was Padilla’s partner for 23 years, died almost two years ago.

Padilla said, “Sabi nga nila isang taon ang pagluluksa. Ayun, hindi mo naman masasabi. Meron akong kaibigan dati, nawalan siya ng boyfriend. Sabi niya ‘Na-meet ko yung naging asawa ko wala pang isang taon.’ So hindi mo masasabi ‘yun.”

Padilla added falling in love with Onglao was not something she planned.

“Kapag talagang may dumating na sa palagay mo siya na ‘yun, [wala ka nang magagawa]. Saka hindi na tayo bagets,” she said. “Sobrang saya. Talagang napaka-blessed ko na dumating si Architect Conrad sa buhay ko kasi before that, mahirap talaga.”

In a past interview, Padilla revealed she agreed to date Ongalo because she’s already tired of mourning Dolphy’s death.

Meanwhile, Padilla said she appreciates that Dolphy’s children are not against her new boyfriend.

Eric Quizon, for his part, previously said, “Zsa Zsa and I have been very good friends. And ang friendship naman namin... It doesn’t mean na just because my dad is dead, doon matatapos iyon. No. We all have our lives, we all have to move on. Whatever she does, kung saan siya masaya, she has the support of the whole family.”

Reiterating what Quizon said, Padilla explained, “Siyempre lahat kami nagsama-sama naman sa pagmamahal at pag-aaruga kay Dolphy. Lahat naman kami gusto namin maka-move forward sa buhay.”

“Tanggap siya [ng mga anak ko] and ang gusto ko talaga sa kanya, he’s big on family and he makes it a point din na mahalin ang mga anak ko. I really prayed hard for a man who will love my children as much as I love them,” she added. (MNS)

Zsa Zsa Padilla

How parenthood changed Melai, Jason

Jason and Melai

Celebrity couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco said they found “a new reason to live” after becoming parents for the first time.

Cantiveros and Francisco were one in saying that their baby girl inspired them to become better persons.

“Ang mga pagbabago sa amin bilang magulang is mayroon na kaming inspirasyon. Mas mayroon kaming dahilan para mabuhay. Sa totoo lang, natatakot na akong mamatay dahil kay baby. Kasi parang, paano kung mamatay ako, sino ang mag-aalaga kay baby? Pero dahil kay baby, mayroon na

akong dahilan para mabuhay, dahilan mag-work, dahilan maging happy. Ang sarap ng feeling maging mommy,” Cantiveros said.

“Parang nagka-purpose ka at nagka-purpose din ang buhay mo kasi nadagdagan ang inspirasyon at parang parati kang masaya. Basta iba ang pakiramdam kapag nagka-baby ka, lalo na kapag babae. Kapag babae, aalalayan mo talaga,” Francisco added.

According to Cantiveros, she is slowly learning many things as a firsttime mom.

“Iba na talaga kapag may baby na.

Hindi na namin iniisip ang sarili namin.

Mas iisipin namin ‘yung baby. Paggising pa lang, ‘di na pwede maglampungan, kailangan paggising ay baby agad.

May time sa ganoon pero unahin talaga ang baby. Kung gusto mong mag-date o manood ng sine, ‘di mo na basta magagawa ‘yun,” she said.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng baby at pagiging mother, parang bagong learnings.

Hindi pwedeng hindi ka magtatanong.

Lagi akong nagtatanong sa mga kaibigan ko na mommy na. Feeling ko kasi hindi normal sa akin, pero normal lang pala,” she added. (MNS)

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COMMUNITY Fil-Ams urged: Invest in the PHL ATLANTA – Saying prospects for the Philippines have never been brighter, a high-level business delegation from Manila called on Filipino-Americans to also do their share by playing an active role in maintaining the country’s upward trajectory.

In their meeting with members of the Filipino-American Community in Atlanta, members of the 3rd Private Sector-Led Philippines Investment Roadshow led by noted economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas urged Filipino-Americans to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the improved business climate in the country.

The meeting with the Filipino-American community was part of the Philippines: Asia’s New Emerging Tiger business forum that was also participated in by Fred Austria, President of DMCI; Bong Borja, President of Expert Global; Martin Pascual, Director of Pascual Laboratories; and Phillip Romualdez, President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

In his presentation, Dr. Villegas gave a comprehensive overview of the positive investment climate in the Philippines and predicted that the country’s economic growth of 7.5 percent last year could even expand to 10 percent to 15 percent in the next 10 years. “The economy is so strong that even if the people decide to elect a movie star to succeed President Aquino, the Philippines will survive and continue to prosper,” Dr. Villegas predicted.

The delegation, which also included

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., said big businesses and corporations are not the only ones that can invest in the Philippines and that the Filipino-American Community also has a special role to play in the country’s economy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines is ripe for business and investment for the estimated 3.5 million Filipinos currently in the United States.

“I encourage you to consider ‘development investment’ as you make your remittances. You can be a small angel investor to small- and medium-size enterprises in the Philippines that actually comprise the backbone of Philippine business and drivers of growth and employment in your country,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

In the forum at the United Parcel Service auditorium that was attended by top Atlanta executives, the delegation presented investment opportunities in business process and knowledge process operations; information technology; pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; and real estate and construction.

The forum was organized by First Secretary and Consul Lilibeth AlmonteArbez, Trade Counselor Maria Roseni Alvero and Honorary Consul General Raul Donato in collaboration with United Parcel Service, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia.

The delegation were also hosted by

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (left standing) speaks with businessmen for the Houston leg of the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow in the United States held late last month. The investment roadshow, initiated by Ambassador Cuisia, seeks to highlight the remarkable feat and success the Philippine economy achieved by highlighting positive macroeconomic developments under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, encouraging international investors to do business in the Philippines.

Coca Cola and the World Affairs Council in a breakfast roundtable attended by Council founding members like UPS,

Crawford and Company, AJC Corporation and the Georgia University School of Law.

Los Angeles Fil-Ams to celebrate Independence Day June 14 at Westin LAX LOS ANGELES – A page in our historical saga, and an epic of courage, valor and profound love of country, unfolds June 14, at the Westin Los Angeles Airport hotel when Kalayaan Incorporated hosts a cultural evening commemorating the 116thanniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.

The theme this year: “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago,” roughly: Following footsteps of great Filipinos, towards universal and permanent change.

PH Senator Grace Poe will headline Southern California’s celebration of freedom day as the guest speaker.

“She has been dubbed as the most respectful member of congress in the Philippines because she never fails to say ‘poe’ and ‘opoe,’” quipped Joveno ‘Bing’ De La Vega, president and overall chair of the gala. “She made election history by garnering the highest number of votes (20 million) in the May 2013 elections. This overwhelming mandate,” he added, “must have inspired her to work hard towards her father’s unfulfilled dream of uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.”

One of the first bills the senator filed is the institutionalization of a feeding program for public elementary and secondary schools (Sustansya sa Batang Pilipino Program).

Sen. Poe grew up knowing actress Susan Roces and her husband, the late action film star Fernando Poe Jr., as her parents.

Her father is also known by monickers ‘FPJ’ and ‘Da King,’ short for King of Philippine Movies.

She’s married to Neil Llamanzares, the chief information officer at San Miguel Corporation Telecom. They have three children: Brian (21), Hanna (16), and Nika (10).

Stakeholders “Kalayaan Incorporated,” said De La Vega, “is a non-profit benefit corporation created primarily to organize, plan, prepare and manage the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration in Southern California.

“The twenty-one officers and board directors of the corporation,” added the founder of the Philippine (emergency) Disaster Relief Organization, also known as PeDRO, “are leaders and officers of various organizations representing different regions, provinces, towns and cities in the Philippines; also alumni, business and civic organizations of Filipinos residing in Southern California, home of the largest concentration outside the Philippines presently numbering more than 1.5 million.”

De La Vega, who had served as president of the Pangasinan Brotherhood USA, has been involved in Kalayaan celebrations for the past nine years and was instrumental in developing the corporation’s bylaws.

He’s married to the former consul general in Los Angeles Hellen Barber De La Vega, but has honored his commitment to Kalayaan Incorporated, staying behind after his wife left in March to assume her new position at the Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Manila as the senior special assistant to the Undersecretary for Policy.

“The Kalayaan observance is the most awaited annual formal event by Filipinos in this part of the world, with the support and cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles,” stated VP Evelyn Andamo, past president of the Fil Am Chamber of Commerce, South Bay Los Angeles Area.

Besides De La Vega and Andamo, the other stakeholders are: Archerie G. Calunod, secretary/Maryann Omega, assistant; Lanie Berrei, treasurer/Carmelita Paule, assistant; Lolita Bandong, auditor, Marc De Jesus, assistant, and Lydia V. Solis, media liaison.

Board members: Naomi Palma-Armada, Dr. Ner Azaula, Arnold Bejasa, Josie De Jesus, Susan Dilkes, Bettie Francisco, Willie Manacsa, Violet Mislang, Lady Hope Robillos, Ed Ronquillo, Zeny Sabocor, and Virginia Vivas.

Ex-officio members who serve as advisers are: Mon‘chito’ G. Mandap (2004), Lucy Babaran (2005), Bobby Reyes (2006), Lydia Soriano (2007), Noel Omega (2008), Gil Mislang (2010), Leo Maranan (2011), Antero Pagunsan (2012): and Techie E. Quiatchon (2013).

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New income limits may help more SCE customers qualify for utility bill discounts ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 2, 2014 – Beginning June 1, changes in the maximum-allowable income to qualify for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs could mean more Southern California Edison (SCE) customers are eligible for a discount on their electric bill.

The income limits for CARE and FERA programs have increased, meaning more SCE customers may qualify for one of the programs. The CARE program can lower customers’ utility bills by approximately 30 percent, and FERA provides a reduced monthly discount for income-qualified households of three or more based on energy usage.

“We are pleased with the income criteria adjustments that will allow SCE to serve even more eligible customers who qualify for these programs, thus

helping to reduce their utility bill,” said Jack Parkhill, SCE manager for the Income Qualified and Economic Assistance Program. “We encourage customers to learn more about these rates and how to apply by visiting SCE at www.sce.com/billhelp or calling 1-800-655-4555.”

The new income guidelines for the CARE and FERA programs are listed in the box.

As summer nears, SCE encourages customers to be proactive by practicing energy conservation with the following tips: Reduce your energy use on hot summer days between 2 p.m.-6 p.m. when demand reaches its peak.

Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees when it is hot.

Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.

US services sector growth surges in May WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – Activity in the US services sector, the driver of the world’s largest economy, surged in May, a positive sign for growth in the second quarter, data released Wednesday showed.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its non-manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to 56.3 in May from 55.2 in April, indicating accelerating growth. A number above a 50 reading indicates expansion.

US to aid unaccompanied children arriving from Mexico: Obama WASHINGTON, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – President Barack Obama on Monday said his administration would provide special assistance to children arriving to the US alone after making the treacherous overland journey from Mexico.

In response to what he called an “urgent humanitarian situation,” Obama ordered federal departments to coordinate relief for the unaccompanied children, including medical care, housing and efforts to reunite them with their parents.

He said the effort would be led by his Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

Cecilia Munoz, the top White House domestic policy advisers, said that the

number of children apprehended along the border had “increased substantially” over the past month, particularly in Texas.

“These are children from Central American countries, and they are crossing the border alone,” she said.

Munoz said the uptick in the number of children fleeing Central America was the result of “economic conditions in those countries, increase of violence in those countries, as well as desire to be reunited with their families in the US.” She added that in contrast to past years, the Central American children arriving to the US “include more girls than we have seen in previous years, and more children under the age of 13.”

Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.

Use appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers during morning or evening hours.

To learn about more ways to save energy and lower your bill this summer, visit www.SCE.com/CoolSavings.

Customers can also get summer savings and efficiency tips via SCE’s Twit-

ter feed and Facebook page.

About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

May’s PMI number was the highest since last August, when the index stood at 57.9.

The surge from April came in well above analysts’ consensus 55.5 estimate.

Growth picked up in business activity, new orders, employment and prices. Of the 18 industries surveyed, 17 reported growth and only mining reported contraction.

“The majority of respondents’ comments indicate that there is steady incremental growth and project a positive outlook on business conditions,” said

Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM’s nonmanufacturing survey committee.

It was the third consecutive month of accelerating growth in the vast services sector, adding to evidence the economy has pulled out of its first-quarter slump blamed in part on unusually severe winter weather. “That’s a decent pickup from the first quarter and adds to the view that second-quarter growth in the US, though likely held back by trade, continued to recover after the Q1 contraction,” said Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets.

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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 to a down payment, you’ll be in great a house. If you only “kind of” want a shape. If you “really” want a house, start house, you’ll never have the willpower scaling back and adding that money to to save enough. But if you’re starting to your savings too. want a house or think you’ll want one Open a special savings account at the within five years, now is the time to start bank specifically for this goal, and don’t saving. touch the money for anything other than First step is to talk to a Lender of your a house. Shop around at many banks until choice to decide how much is needed for you get a good rate. Once you have more you to be able to purchase a house, the than $500 saved, put it into a Certificate lender will also tell you how much of of Deposit (CD) to earn extra interest a home you will qualify for. This will on it. sort of guide you to a dollar amount Consider dining out less often. This that needed to be saved and also a target is a HUGE money waster. Spend half as property value and location where you much at the grocery store to have a fancy would start to research on. meal at home, instead. Instead of going to So, map out your expenses and see the movies, where two people can spend how much you can put away. If you can $30 for a movie and snacks, rent one at save 10% of your total income to devote 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

US court rules Citi settlement wrongly blocked NEW YORK, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – A US federal appeals court Wednesday ruled that a lower court judge abused his discretion when he blocked a settlement between Citigroup and regulators over alleged mortgage-securities fraud.

The appeals court overturned a November 2011 decision by US District Judge Jed Rakoff refusing to approve a $285 million settlement of US allegations that Citigroup misrepresented its role in preparing mortgage-backed securities in which investors lost millions.

Rakoff had sharply criticized the Securities and Exchange Commission for agreeing to accept a small fine for the alleged wrongdoing that went to the heart of the 2008 financial crisis. In particular, he took issue with the settlement for not requiring Citi to admit or deny the allegations.

But the appeals court rejected Rakoff’s conclusion, saying the SEC should be afforded “significant deference” in determining whether a deal serves the public interest. The SEC’s decision to settle rests in part on the agency’s allocation of its enforcement budget, the appeals court said.

The appeals court decision sent the case back to Rakoff, who has publicly criticized regulators for a meek response to Wall Street wrongdoing ahead of the housing bust.

In the Citi case, Rakoff wrote that approving the deal would rubber-stamp an agreement that might not be in the public interest.

“In any case like this that touches on the transparency of financial markets whose gyrations have so depressed our lives, there is an overriding public interest

in knowing the truth,” he said.

“The SEC, of all agencies, has a duty, inherent in its statutory mission, to see that the truth emerges; and if it fails to do so, this Court must not, in the name of deference or convenience, grant judicial enforcement to the agency’s contrivances.”

But the appeals court, in its decision Wednesday, said that Rakoff’s conclusion requiring the SEC to determine the truth “constitutes legal error” and ordered him to determine whether the settlement serves the public interest.

“Trials are primarily about the truth,” the court said. “Consent decrees are about pragmatism.”

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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.

Music company loses rights to Bob Marley songs LONDON, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – A music company on Wednesday lost a court battle in Britain to retain the lucrative rights over 13 songs by Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley, including his hit “No Woman, No Cry”.

Cayman Music had launched the challenge against Blue Mountain Music – a company responsible for administering royalties for Marley’s works – for 13 songs written between 1973 and 1976.

It said that under an agreement struck in 1992 – 11 years after Marley’s death – it should have been accorded copyright to the songs.

But in actual fact, Cayman received nothing because Marley had “fraudulently” attributed the songs to others to avoid the terms of a deal he signed with Cayman in 1973, the company’s lawyers said.

Blue Mountain’s lawyers accepted Marley “falsely claimed” the songs had been written by others in an bid to “escape the automatic assignment of their copyright to Cayman”.

But they said it was “common ground” that as a matter of law the “ruse was ineffective”. The “plain intention” of the 1992 agreement was to “transfer all rights”, they claimed.

In his ruling on the case, judge Richard Meade concluded that Cayman had no rights to the songs because “Marley did not publicly describe himself as the author”.

Besides “No Woman, No Cry”, the other songs involved were “Crazy Baldhead”; “Johnny Was”; “Natty Dread”; “Positive Vibration”; “Rat Race”; “Rebel Music (Road Block)”; “Talking Blues”; “Them Belly Full”; “Want More”; “War”; “Who The Cap Fit” and “So Jah She”.

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Stop borrowing or you’ll be stuck in debt Every day, I meet with a lot of people who are sick and tired of being in a financial mess but they are unwilling to pay the price of being debt-free. What do I mean by this? In this week’s article, I will tell you exactly what needs to change in order for you to find the financial peace that you may be longing for so badly.

The first change that must happen is inside your head.

You can only change your life if you change your thinking.

Becoming financially free will remain nothing but a dream for you to pay it all back is insanity. Stop the until you make up your mind that you insanity! You can’t get out of debt by acwill no longer live the way you’ve been cumulating more debt. I know this sounds living. You need a new mindset about how simple but you’ll be surprised how many to handle your finances. Insanity has been people find themselves in this situation, defined as “doing the same thing over and they simply can’t get out. and over again and expecting a different The second change that is necessary result”. If you are caught in a vicious for your financial situation to turn around cycle of borrowing and you know that is in your financial behavior. We may this is burying you in a deeper financial not always admit it but we all have bad hole every single month, then why do you behaviors that cause all kinds of problems continue to borrow month after month? in our lives. But here, I am specifically Racking up debts with no plan on how talking about the bad financial behaviors

you may have when it comes to handling your money.

For example, this week, I was talking to someone who confessed to me that she was addicted to shopping for things she doesn’t even really need and she just doesn’t know how to stop. She spends hours at the mall most of the time and at the end of the month, she feels terrible when she gets her credit card bill. Last year, one of her New Year’s resolutions was to pay down or pay off most of her credit cards but just last month, she compared the total balances on all her credit cards and realized that instead of the balances going down, they’ve actually gone up from last year!

In order to be free from debt, you need to take 100% responsibility for changing the financial course of your life. Only you can decide your future. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you will remain stuck where you are and you will just hate yourself later and regret the consequences of your action- or inaction.

35

If you are experiencing debt problems, you can’t put your head under the pillow and pretend that things will somehow just work themselves out. They won’t. That is the reality you need to face and until you do, don’t expect your life to get any better. I know that this sounds harsh but sometimes this is the wake-up call that people need to get out of what I call a “money coma”.

If you’re confused about your options in getting out of debt, I would like to help you. For a free CONFIDENTIAL consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866477-7772. We have offices in Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

Los Angeles physician indicted in $33-M Medicare fraud LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles physician who operates a medical clinic in Hollywood was indicted today for a $33 million scheme to defraud Medicare, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California, Special Agent in Charge Glenn R. Ferry of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the Los Angeles Region and Assistant Director in Charge Bill L. Lewis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Robert A. Glazer, 67, who resides in the Hollywood Hills above West Hollywood,

was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Glazer is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on June 9.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2006 through May 2014, Glazer allegedly billed Medicare for services that were not medically necessary, and at times were not provided to the Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, Glazer allegedly signed prescriptions, certifications, and other medical documents for medically unnecessary home health services, hospice services, and power wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment (DME).

Glazer’s co-conspirators then sold the pre-

scriptions and certifications to DME supply companies, home health agencies, and other providers, knowing that the prescriptions and certifications were fraudulent.

Based on these fraudulent prescriptions and certifications, the DME supply companies, home health agencies, and other providers then allegedly submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare.

As further alleged in court documents, from approximately January 2006 through May 2014, fraudulent prescriptions and certifications from Glazer were responsible for approximately $33,484,779 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and Medicare paid approximately $22,056,332 on those claims.

Glazer was initially arrested in this case on May 13, the day after prosecutors filed a criminal complaint. Glazer is currently free on a $200,000 bond.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

The conspiracy count in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Food that’s in, when school is out

Another significant drop in CA birth Los Angeles Unified School to teens noted District and City of Los Angeles SACRAMENTO – California’s teen birth rate has continued to decline to a record-low of 25.7 births per every 1,000 females ages 15-19, announced Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the state public health officer. The 2012 rate reflects an 8 percent decline from the 2011 rate of 28.0.

“I am very pleased with the positive strides California is making in reducing teen pregnancy,” Chapman said. “By encouraging positive and sensible choices for our young men and women, we can inspire our youth to strive for successful futures.”

Teen birth rates decreased among all racial and ethnic groups between 2000 and 2012. While Hispanic adolescents continue to have the highest birth rate at 38.9 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19, they also had the greatest decline down from a 77.3 in 2000 – a 49.7 percent drop.

From 2000 to 2012, the number of births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 also dropped among African Americans from 59.1 to 30.8, among Whites from 22.3 to 10.2, and among Asians from 15.0 to 5.0.

Delaying childbearing until adulthood can improve both maternal and infant outcomes, and increase youth opportunities for educational and career success. California has a number of programs and policies aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and improving outcomes of such pregnancies. Some of the key components of the State’s multi-pronged approach include: State laws requiring school-based and other state-funded sexuality education to be comprehensive, medically accurate, and age-and culturally-appropriate.

partner to provide 4.5 million free meals this summer LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the City of Los Angeles announced at Lake Street Community Center in Historic Filipinotown Thursday that they will be partnering to provide free summer meals for children up to 18 years old as well as the disabled this summer to avoid hunger.

“Providing nutritious meals for young people has always been a priority for the LAUSD and to partner with the City of Los Angeles and its Recreation and Parks department shows the synergy between the city and our school district to ensure that young people have delicious, nutritious meals throughout the summer,” said LAUSD Food Services Director David Binkle.

LAUSD’s Food Services Department will be not only be serving at 317 schools sites this summer, but for the first time, it will also be supplying meals at 105 Los Angeles Recreation and Park Centers running from June 9 to August 8, 2014. More than 520,000 students in LAUSD qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year, but many do not get enough to eat when school is out. The Summer Food Service Program is expected to serve more than 4.5 million free nutritious meals during the two months.

“A family’s income should not play a role in determining whether or not a child has access to a healthy lunch,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “I want to thank Recreation & Parks, LA Unified School District,

California Food Policy Advocates, Los Angeles Food Policy Council, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and Healthy School Food Coalition for working with my office to make this possible. Through this partnership, we are ensuring the best possible safety net that not only prevents hunger, but teaches nutrition and grows our good food economy.”

The summer food program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the California Department of Education.

Summer programs are located at approved sites that serve large numbers of low-income children.

“The Summer Lunch Program ensures that children in our communities Angeles Unified School District and City of Los Angeles receive wholesome, nutri- Los partner to provide 4.5 million free meals this summer. tious meals when school is not in session. The Department of Recre- to raise awareness about the District’s ation and Parks is proud to once again be healthy meals to fight off childhood a part of such a selfless, giving, and posi- obesity. The public can also call 211 or tive program, and hopes for its continued LAUSD’s Food Services Division at 213success,” said Michael A. Shull, general 241-2956.

In accordance with Federal law and manager of City of Los Angeles DepartU.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this ment of Recreation and Parks.

To learn more about Summer Food program is prohibited from discrimination Service Program and for meal times and on the basis of race, color, national origin, locations, visit LAUSD’s “I’M IN” web- sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited site www.iminlausd.com, a page designed bases apply to all programs).

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Continued payment of debt after bankruptcy discharge is a gift Even after debtor obtains a bankruptcy discharge of his debts, he might feel morally obligated to pay a debt for some reason. For example, debtor borrowed $20,000 from his â&#x20AC;&#x153;rich uncleâ&#x20AC;?. This debt was discharged in bankruptcy therefore no longer legally collectible. However, debtor decides to start paying his uncle $200 a month despite the fact that debtor obtained a discharge last month. After making 6 payments or a total of $1,200, debtor stops paying.

Uncle then sues debtor for

the unpaid balance of $18,800 plus interest claiming that debtor he volun- a bankruptcy discharge. Reaffirmation is a tarily waived the discharge by continuing contract that says you understand that the payments after discharge. Debtor alleges debt will survive the discharge, that you that he did not reaffirm the debt and did will continue payments after discharge, not waive discharge by making payments. and the judge has approved the reaffirmaWho is correct? tion agreement. So, if you reaffirm you car Under the new bankruptcy code, only loan, if you default a year from now and debts which are reaffirmed survive the the car is repossessed, you will still owe discharge. Reaffirmed debts are legally the repossession deficiency. After the car is valid and collectible debts even if there is sold at auction, depending on the net sales

Cavite officials in 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration in City of Carson Saturday The unfurling of the Philippine flag has been a remarkable sight to Filipinos who witnessed the sweet proclamation of our sovereignty and independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The historical event which freed us from the colonial rule of Spain, originally took place in General Aguinaldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite (formerly known as Cavite II El Viejo). Since then, the proclamation has become one of the most anticipated annual events and is being celebrated by Filipinos in different parts of the globe.

This year, US-based Filipino-Americans will once again participate in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (June 7) 116th Philippine Independence Day Celebration at the Veterans Park, in the City of Carson.

As the fourth largest immigrant group by country of origin, the event is expected to be another huge gathering of Pinoys. Also expected in the event are Governor Juanito Victor C. Remulla and the Board Members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hon. Edralin G. Gawaran, Hon. Raul Rex D. Mangubat, Hon. Dino Carlo R. Chua, Hon. Ryan R. Enriquez, Hon. Arnel M. Cantimbuhan, Hon. Larry Boy S. Nato, Hon. Teofilo B. Lara, Hon. Marcos C. Amutan, Hon. Ivee Jayne A. Reyes, Hon. Hermogenes C. Arayata, Hon. Felix A. Grepo, Hon. Irene P. Bencito, and Hon. Mark Joseph T. Mupas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to show their support to our kababayans. Most attendees are members of the Cavite Association of Southern California and the biggest delegation came from the province as well. To bless the event, a special Catholic Mass and Christian service will be conducted and followed by a parade.

proceeds, make and model of the car, you will still owe $5,000 to $15,000 because you reaffirmed the debt.

In Ă&#x2122;Â&#x203A; ÂŤĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2013;ŽĂ&#x201E;Ă?, debtor wife went to work in 2007 for Mr. Harding, who was an attorney and a doctor of osteopathy (physician). Late in 2007 debtor contemplated filing for bankruptcy relief.

Harding provided her with financial assistance by borrowing $30,000 from bank and giving her the money. Debtor agreed to repay the loan. One year later, debtor again considered bankruptcy relief. This time debtor filed Chapter 7 and scheduled Harding as a creditor owed $15,000. The debt was not reaffirmed. Although she said she always intended to pay the debt, and felt a moral obligation to do so, Harding relied on a 1970 state court decision in Iowa for the position that the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued payments were sufficient to establish that the debt had been reaffirmed.

In 2010, two months after she received her discharge, she left her job with Harding for a new job with better benefits and where the grass was greener because it was synthetic. She made payments to the bank on Hardingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loan under December 2011. She then informed Harding that she could not afford to continue payments.

Harding then sued her for damages based on detrimental reliance, unjust enrichment and entitlement, fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress. Debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bankruptcy lawyer filed a motion to dismiss based on the bankruptcy discharge. The state court denied the motion. Ten days later, debtor asked the bankruptcy court to reopen her case so that she could seek sanctions. After the case was reopened, the bankruptcy court found that Harding willfully violated the discharge injunction. The court questioned how Harding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a very intelligent and seasoned attorney with an IQ surpassing Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? could consider it appropriate to rely on a state court case that predated the

new bankruptcy code. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additionally, it has not escaped this courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention that Harding omitted any mention of this bankruptcy case in the petition and in the amended and substituted petition. The court is willing to conclude that was done intentionally to avoid an early dismissal of the action upon the filing of a motion to dismiss. Harding wanted an opportunity to depose debtor and to subpoena records related to her debts and gambling activities. Harding is indeed a very intelligent and seasoned attorney,â&#x20AC;? the court said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hence, the record contains clear and convincing evidence that Harding was aware of the general discharge order and that he willfully violated the discharge injunction by commencing and continuing his lawsuit in state court.â&#x20AC;? The court ordered him to pay actual damages of $1,500, attorney fees of $1,775 to the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original bankruptcy counsel who represented debtor in the state court action, and $9,000 to their current counsel.

Harding was also ordered to pay $10,000 in punitive damages. Thus, continued payments after discharge without reaffirmation will not waive discharge. These payments are legally considered gifts from debtor to creditor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Psalm 28:7. ½Â&#x192;ĂłĂ&#x2122;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x192;çãŽĂ?ĂŁÂ&#x192; ĂšÂ&#x192;Ă&#x201E;ÂŚ ÂŽĂ? Â&#x192; ÂŚĂ&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;çÂ&#x192;ĂŁÂ&#x203A; Ă&#x160;ÂĽ ÂŚÂ&#x203A;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2122;ÂŚÂ&#x203A;ĂŁĂ&#x160;ĂłĂ&#x201E; çĂ&#x201E;ŽòÂ&#x203A;Ă&#x2122;Ă?ÂŽĂŁĂš ½Â&#x192;Ăł Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x201E;ĂŁÂ&#x203A;Ă&#x2122; Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014; ÂŤÂ&#x192;Ă? Â?Â&#x203A;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x201E; ÂŽĂ&#x201E; ½Â&#x192;Ăł Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2018;ĂŁÂŽÂ&#x2018;Â&#x203A; ÂĽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2122; ĂŁÂŤÂŽĂ&#x2122;ĂŁĂš+ ĂšÂ&#x203A;Â&#x192;Ă&#x2122;Ă?. ÂŤÂ&#x203A; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;ÂŽÂ&#x192;½ŽÞÂ&#x203A;Ă? ÂŽĂ&#x201E; Â?Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;ÂťĂ&#x2122;çĂ&#x2013;ĂŁÂ&#x2018;Ăš, Â?çĂ?ÂŽĂ&#x201E;Â&#x203A;Ă?Ă? Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2018;ŽòŽ½ ½ŽãŽŒÂ&#x192;ĂŁÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201E; Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014; ÂŤÂ&#x192;Ă? ÂŤÂ&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014;½Â&#x203A;Â&#x2014; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2122;Â&#x203A; ĂŁÂŤÂ&#x192;Ă&#x201E; ÂĽĂ&#x160;çĂ&#x2122; ĂŁÂŤĂ&#x160;çĂ?Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014; Ă?çÂ&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Ă?Ă?¼ç½ Â?Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;ÂťĂ&#x2122;çĂ&#x2013;ĂŁÂ&#x2018;Ăš Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Ă?Â&#x203A;Ă? ÂŽĂ&#x201E; Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;½Ž¼Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201E;ÂŽÂ&#x192;. ÂŤÂ&#x203A; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Â&#x203A;Â&#x192;ÂťĂ? ĂŁÂ&#x192;ÂŚÂ&#x192;½Ă&#x160;ÂŚ Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x2014; ½Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;ÂťĂ? ÂĽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2122;ĂłÂ&#x192;Ă&#x2122;Â&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x160; Â&#x2014;ÂŽĂ?Â&#x2018;çĂ?Ă?ÂŽĂ&#x201E;ÂŚ ĂšĂ&#x160;çĂ&#x2122; Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Ă?Â&#x203A; óŽã ĂšĂ&#x160;ç Ă&#x2013;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201E;Â&#x192;½½Ú. Ă&#x2013;½Â&#x203A;Â&#x192;Ă?Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;½½ Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E;ÂŚÂŽÂ&#x203A;, Â?Â&#x192;Ă&#x2122;Â?Â&#x192;Ă&#x2122;Â&#x192; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2122; šÂ&#x203A;Ă?Ă? Â&#x192;ĂŁ Î&#x201E;Ď&#x17E;Ď&#x161;Ď&#x17E;Î&#x2026; Ď&#x161;Ď Ď&#x153;-Ď&#x2122;Ď&#x2122;Ď&#x153;Ď&#x161; ÂĽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2122; Â&#x192;Ă&#x201E; Â&#x192;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x160;ÂŽĂ&#x201E;ĂŁĂ&#x192;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x201E;ĂŁ Â&#x192;ĂŁ Ď&#x2122;Ď&#x2DC;Ď&#x2DC;Ď&#x2DC; Ă? ÂĽĂ&#x2122;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201E;ĂŁ Â&#x192;òÂ&#x203A;., Ă&#x192;Â&#x192;Ž½Ă?ĂŁĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2013; Ď?Ď , Â?½Â&#x2014;ÂŚ Â&#x192;-Ď&#x2122; Ă?çŽãÂ&#x203A; Ď&#x2122;Ď&#x2122;Ď&#x161;Ď?, Â&#x192;½Â&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â?Ă&#x2122;Â&#x192;, Â&#x2018;Â&#x192; ĎĄĎ&#x2122;Ď Ď&#x2DC;Ď&#x203A;.

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SPORTS

Sterling backs Clippers sale, won’t pursue lawsuit

By Rebecca Bryan

LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2014 (AFP) – Banned owner Donald Sterling backs the $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer, and will drop his lawsuit against the NBA, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Attorney Maxwell Blecher confirmed to AFP that Sterling planned to drop the lawsuit seeking $1 billion in damages that he filed against the league on Friday.

That suit, which also named NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as a defendant, alleged breach of contract and anti-trust and civil rights violations.

It was filed in US federal court in Los Angeles shortly before the NBA said it approved the sale of the Clippers to Ballmer and would ask the board of governors to

vote on it.

Sterling’s wife Shelly, acting as head of the Sterling family trust, had negotiated the blockbuster deal with Ballmer, pushing it through before the league concluded action to strip the club from the Sterlings.

The league canceled a hearing on whether to oust Donald Sterling over racially charged remarks he made to a girlfriend that sparked outrage when they became public in April. Silver had already banned him for life from all NBA activities, and fined the real estate billionaire $2.5 million.

Donald Sterling had told Los Angeles television station NBC4 late Tuesday that he was ready to “move on.”

Appearing at a charity event, Sterling said he was content with the deal his wife

Jackson fined for Fisher fishing NEW YORK, June 3, 2014 (AFP) – New York Knicks president Phil Jackson was handed a $25,000 fine by the NBA Monday for the league’s rules against tampering with another team’s personnel.

During a press conference last week, Jackson publicly expressed interest in veteran Oklahoma City guard Derek Fisher as a candidate to fill the Knicks’ coaching position left vacant when Mike Woodson was sacked in April.

Fisher, however, was still under contract with the Thunder and competing in the Western Conference finals at the time.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the penalty, which was communicated in a league-wide memo to each team.

Fisher played 10 seasons under Jackson when the latter was the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999-2011.

Jackson, a 68-year-old Hall of Famer who has won a record 13 NBA titles as a player and coach, was announced as the Knicks new president in March and given control of all basketball decisions in a move aimed at turning around the fading fortunes of the team where he started his glittering career.

Jackson played for the Knicks from 1967 to 1978, winning two titles as a player in New York.

Jackson won 11 NBA titles as a coach, surpassing the previous record of nine set

®

by Red Auerbach.

Jackson retired from coaching in May 2011 after leading the Chicago Bulls to six crowns in the 1990s and then the Los Angeles Lakers to five titles. His last title came in 2010 with Los Angeles.

ESPN.com reported on Monday that Jackson planned to chat with Fisher by the end of the week, although the discussion wouldn’t be a formal job interview.

When the Knicks fired Woodson and his staff in April – after New York missed the playoffs – there was speculation that they would seek the services of Steve Kerr, who played on three of Jackson’s six NBA championship teams in Chicago.

Kerr, however, signed this month to coach the Golden State Warriors, who fired coach mark Jackson after falling to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.

Kerr, who has no coaching experience, has served as an NBA television commentator for most of the years since he retired in 2003.

Meanwhile, Flip Saunders, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations, was named Friday as the new coach of the NBA team, which has not reached the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons. Saunders served as coach of the Timberwolves for parts of 10 campaigns from 1995-2005.

had struck.

“I feel fabulous, I feel very good,” Sterling said. “Everything is just the way it should be, really. It may have worked out differently, but it’s good. It’s all good.”

As a condition of the sale to Ballmer, the NBA said last week that Shelly Sterling had indemnified the league against further legal action in relation to the case.

Therefore, even if the notoriously litigious Donald Sterling pursued and won a case against the league, the damages would have been paid by the trust. Three quarters of the remaining 29 owners must still approve the sale to Ballmer before it becomes official. The price tag, for a team that has never won a championship, would set an NBA record – well above the record $550 million paid for the Milwaukee Bucks in

April. It would mark a massive financial return for the 80-year-old Sterling on a club he purchased in 1981 for just $12 million.

The 58-year-old Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft from 2000 until February this year, had tried before to buy an NBA club, hoping to relocate the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.

Last week, Ballmer was at pains to reassure Clippers fans that he didn’t intend to move the club. Clippers supporters as well as players were thrown into turmoil when Sterling’s comments, chastising girlfriend V. Stiviano for publicizing her association with black friends, became public.

Sponsors fled, and in a country that grapples with issues of race, the controversy clouded the Clippers’ run to the second round of the NBA playoffs.

James, Durant, Noah, Paul, Harden on All-NBA Team NEW YORK, June 4, 2014 (AFP) – NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant and Miami Heat superstar LeBron James, seeking his third league title, led the 20132014 All-NBA First Team announced Wednesday by the league.

The honor squads, chosen by a North American media panel, saw NBA Most Valuable Player selection Durant of Oklahoma City a unanimous selection with 125 points, one more than James.

Joining them on the All-NBA First Team were Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls.

Noah and Harden made the select lineup for the first time in their careers. It was the fourth appearance for Paul, the fifth by Durant and eighth First Team nod for James.

Durant averaged a career-best 32.0 points as well as 7.4 rebounds and a careerhigh 5.5 assists this season for the Thunder.

By claiming a fourth scoring crown, Durant shares third on the all-time list, three behind Wilt Chamberlain and six behind Michael Jordan’s record 10 scoring titles.

James shot a career-high 56.7 percent from the field this season, the seventh campaign in a row in which his shooting accuracy has improved.

James leads the two-time defending

champion Heat against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals that open Thursday.

Noah ranked sixth in the NBA with 11.3 rebounds a game and added 1.51 blocked shots and 1.24 steals a game.

Paul led the NBA with 10.7 assists and 2.48 steals a game while averaging 19.1 points and 4.3 rebounds as well for the Clippers, who won a team-record 57 games.

Harden finished fifth in the NBA with 25.4 points a game and added 6.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He also ranked fifth in the NBA in minutes played at 38 a game.

The All-NBA Second Team included French guard Tony Parker of San Antonio and Stephen Curry of Golden State, Clippers forward Blake Griffin, Minnesota forward Kevin Love and Houston center Dwight Howard.

The All-NBA Third Team included Portland’s Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, Phoenix guard Goran Dragic, Indiana’s Paul George and Charlotte’s Al Jefferson at center.

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Pacquiao seeks to become basketball champ MANILA, May 30, 2014 (AFP) – Being world boxing champ, a heavyweight politician, an actor and a preacher is not enough for the Philippines’ irrepressible Manny Pacquiao – now he wants to be a professional basketballer.

The pint-sized 35-year-old has caused shockwaves and much disbelief with his adoring fans at home by declaring his intention to become a playing coach for an expansion team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

“Even when I was a kid, even before I learnt to box, basketball was my first love,” Pacquiao, who has won an unprecedented eight boxing world titles in different divisions, told reporters this week.

Pacquiao stands at 1.69 meters (five feet, seven inches) and has no history as a basketballer in competitive leagues, but intends to serve as playing coach for the newly created Kia Motors team when the next PBA conference starts in October.

He defended himself against critics who said he would be no match for the professionals of the league, which has produced players with enough quality to see the Philippines qualify for this year’s World Cup. Pacquiao is known for playing intense pick-up games during breaks in training for his boxing matches, and remains in top physical condition while enjoying a successful sunset to his career in the ring.

Pacquiao said he would rely chiefly on his experience from playing in the streets and town squares, and that his years in the ring would also help him on the basketball court, especially in coaching.

“You create strategies during the game. It is like boxing. When I am in a fight, my mind works and shifts faster. In a split second, I can decide on changing strategies,” he said.

Pacquiao parlayed his boxing fame to get elected to the Philippines’ Congress and has stated he wants to be president when he eventually finishes his boxing career.

He has also earnt a fortune advertising products, flirted with acting and singing careers and worked as a TV gameshow host. Since embracing Christianity in recent years, Pacquiao has also tried his hand as a preacher.

If Pacquiao pushes through with his basketball career, he would have to do so while training for an upcoming fight in November and serving his constituents as a Congressman.

But veteran Filipino sportswriter Recah Trinidad said a busy schedule would be the least of Pacquiao’s concerns, predicting he would be a flop if he steps on to the professional court.

“He has the passion but he doesn’t have the rhythm. He tends to be awkward,” said Trinidad, who has seen ‘Pac-Man’ play during breaks in his boxing training, when asked to assess Pacquiao’s basketball prowess.

Other critics believe Pacquiao’s public basketball ambitions are just a marketing gimmick for the new team, and he will not even take to the court, accusations his business manager insist are false.

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Donaire takes world featherweight title MACAO, May 31, 2014 (AFP) – Nonito Donaire became the new world featherweight champion Saturday after defeating South Africa’s Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau in a fight that saw the Filipino boxing star take victory after an anti-climactic technical decision.

The bout was stopped after four rounds due to an “accidental headbutt” which left 31-year-old Donaire’s left eye swollen and cut. According to the rules of the World Boxing Association, if such an incident happens after four rounds, the match goes to the scorecards.

A trio of judges scored 49-46 for Donaire.

The fight had started off slow, but Donaire floored his opponent in the second round with a right hook. Another left hook connected in the fourth round, knocking Vetyeka down again and sending the crowd wild.

But Donaire admitted he was disappointed with how the fight ended.

“It’s disappointing that things ended the way it did and hopefully we can do it again, “ he said at a press conference after the match.

“When I got headbutted I was really out of it, I didn’t know what the hell was going on,” he said.

“There was nothing else that I could do, I was at the biggest disadvantage,” he said, adding that blood and medicine kept getting into his eye.

“I wanted to keep going but my dad kept saying: you’re at a disadvantage, you’re bleeding like crazy.”

“The Filipino Flash” improved his record to 33-2 with 21 knockouts a match after he bounced back from a loss to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux in April Nonito Donaire 2013. He knocked out Armenian southpaw Vic Darchinyan in November of 2013.

He was working with his once-estranged father Nonito Snr, who was head trainer for the fight.

Vetyeka fell to 26-3 with 16 knockouts.

“I’m so disappointed about how the fight ended, and I don’t know what to say, I am just disappointed,” Vetyeka said at the press conference.

“The promoter is mentioning a match in November so that we can clear the air,” he said.

“But for now I think it is proper for me to say congratulations to Nonito Donaire.”

In another bout, unbeaten Russian Evgeny Gradovich, nicknamed the Mexican Russian, survived all 12 rounds of toe-totoe action against Alexander Miskirtchian of Belgium, and retained his IBF Featherweight Championship title.

Gradovich improved to 19-0, while Jamaica’s unbeaten Nicholas Walters decisively knocked out Darchinyan in the fifth round, improving his record to 24-0 with 20 knockouts.

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MOTORING All 2015 Kia Optima offers upgraded technology IRVINE, May 14, 2014 – The 2015 Optima midsize sedan, built in the U.S. at Kia’s West Point, Ga., facility (KMMG), arrives with the next-generation of UVO eServices1 and a number of subtle interior refinements meant to improve ergonomics and offer a more premium experience. Significantly updated last year, the 2015 Optima remains available in LX, EX, SX, SX Turbo and SX-Limited trims for the new model year.

Available optionally on the EX, SX, SX Turbo and standard on the SX-Limited, the next-generation UVO eServices offers additional features designed to keep the owner better informed, from behind the wheel or remotely, via his or her own Smartphone2. Four new UVO eServices are integrated into the voiceactivated system, including Geo Fencing, Driving Score, Speed Alerts and Curfew Alerts. A version of UVO eServices without the four new features is available as an option on the LX and continues to offer a wide range of telematics and infotainment systems including My POI, eServices Guide, 911 Connect3, Car Care Web, Parking Minder4 and Vehicle Diagnostics5. To improve functionality for the driver, the steering wheel-mounted buttons6 for the cruise control have been repositioned on the right-side spoke. The

sporty D-shaped steering wheel found in the SX-Limited gets new brushed bezels, and the stitching is now offered in a contrasting white. Also new is a black cloth option for the LX. Outside, the 2015 Optima is now available with a Smokey Blue (late availability) metallic paint, and Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite replace Bright Silver and Metal Bronze, respectively.

The acoustic laminated windshield, found last year only on SX-Limited, is offered across the Optima lineup for 2015.

The 2015 Optima continues to offer two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. The 2.4-liter GDI engine is available on LX, EX and SX models while the more robust 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine is offered exclusively in the SX and SX Limited. This turbocharged unit delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder’s efficiency. Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® shifting. Drive Mode Select (DMS), which offers owners a customizable driving experience by adjusting transmission shift points and steering weight, remains exclusive to the SX Turbo and SX Limited.

For our kababayans who are interested in experiencing Romeo Morales’ personalized service in finding the right car and those who wish a more personalized attention in searching for the most efficient and affordable cars such as Honda Toyota and Ford, or if you prefer, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Lexus, please drop by CARSPECS USA located at 1678 Broadway,Anaheim, CA 92802. Or, visit their website at www.

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Nissan Rogue named ‘Best Crossover’ in 2014 Parents Magazine and Edmunds. com 10 Best Family Cars list NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Reaffirming its position as an ideal family road-trip machine, today the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue was named “Best Crossover” in the 2014 Parents and Edmunds.com 10 Best Family Cars list. The award comes on the heels of news that the 2014 Rogue set Manuel Lava Mission Hills yet another sales record in May 2013.

For the seventh straight year, car experts at Parents and Edmunds.com evaluated hundreds of vehicles to determine which are best suited for families. This year, the top 10 were chosen based on safety, convenience and high-tech performance features at all price levels. As a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick Plus” – coupled with best-inclass cargo capacity, best-in-class starting price, best-in-class highway fuel economy and innovative, class-exclusive features such as the EZ Flex™ Seating System, Divide-N-Hide Cargo System and available Around View Monitor – the 2014 Nissan Rogue met the judges’ criteria across all categories.

“On behalf of all of our Nissan families, it’s an honor to receive this award from Parents and Edmunds.com for the allnew 2014 Rogue,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “With its combination of innovative features and a strong value equation, the Rogue allows families to ride in comfort and style without burning a hole in the pocket book.”

The Nissan Rogue, which was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, features bold, emotive styling, a premium interior created with comfort and

multi-tasking in mind, and an array of available affordable technologies. Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, along with exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility. Every 2014 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a responsive 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine of Nissan of rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an advanced Xtronic transmission. Rogue comes in three wellequipped models, S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The complete 2014 Parents and Edmunds.com 10 Best Family Cars list will be published in the July 2014 issue of Parents magazine and is available online at Parents.com/best-family-cars.

Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with position monitoring and Nissan’s innovative, class-exclusive* Easy Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the car horn to notify a person filling a tire with air when the recommended tire pressure has been reached.

If you have been desiring to own a new Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills.

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GM fires 15 over ignition scandal but says ‘no coverup’ WASHINGTON, June 5, 2014 (AFP) – General Motors chief executive Mary Barra said Thursday that the company has fired 15 mostly senior executives over the deadly ignition scandal that has placed the automaker under federal investigation.

But Barra said an internal investigation into why the company did not act on the problem for 11 years concluded there had been no concerted effort to hide it, instead showing a “deeply troubling” history of “incompetence and neglect.”

She said the company would take full responsibility for the problem and was setting up a compensation fund for victims of accidents tied to the faulty ignitions, four months after GM began recalling 2.6 million cars over the problem.

“The Cobalt saga was riddled with failure,” she told a meeting of company employees, referring to the main car model affected by the problem. “We misdiagnosed the problem from the very beginning... We have to own this problem.”

Barra said she “was deeply saddened and disturbed” by the report by former US attorney Anton Valukas, recruited by the top US automaker to find out why it took so long for the company to act on the ignition problem.

The report showed many people in the company had been aware of the problem, in which ignitions could be easily jolted into the off position while a car was still running, shutting down power steering and the safety airbags.

GM heard “over and over” about the problem from customers, dealers, employees and the media, but “nobody took responsibility” to deal with it, the report said.

“Nobody raised the problem to the highest levels of the company. As a result, those in the best position to demand quick answers did not know questions needed to be asked.”

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Conrad Santos (left) is all smiles after learning that with his good credit rating, he gets to choose whatever vehicle he wanted to bring home.

With good credit, you get to choose your car at Victory Autos Nagpunta ako sa Victory Autos para tumingin-tingin lang sana ng mga used cars nila kasi plano ko kukuha lang ng pang araw-araw ko na pamasok yung mga $3,000 to $5,000 lang . Napakarami ng mga used cars na akala mo bagong-bago talaga kasi halos lahat ay magaganda, tapos may lumapit sa akin si Nene Dichoso at si Ed at tinulungan ako at nagkapalagayan ng mga loob then yun nag run ng credit at nagulat ako na mataas pala ang score kaya binigyan nila ako ng maraming options na pagpipilian at maganda naman dahil mas makakatipid ako. Nagustuhan ko talaga ang offer nila at napakabilis ng kanilang trabaho, nagulat ako na nakuha ko agad ang brand new car ko. Si Heddy, yong may-ari, napakabait at matulungin talaga at si Danny Tirante ay isa ring tumulong.

Lahat sila sa Victory Autos ay team work at lahat halos ng mga staff ay mga Pilipino, talagang ma feel mo na kababayan mo kaya ni recommend ko talaga ang Victory Autos sa lahat.

Thank you. – Conrad Santos Above is just another testimonial from a satisfied Victory Autos customer. Try us, you may be next.

Backed by their 25 years in car business, Victory Autos is dedicated to offering highquality, pre-owned vehicles to our customers. From the moment you walk through

our door, “we’re committed to providing you with a great car-buying experience.

With our skilled sales staff and financing options, we’ll help you get the vehicle you want, at the great price you deserve,” Victory Autos owner and proprietor Heddy Trinidad said.

Victory Autos is dedicated in providing the ultimate automobile buying experience.

Victory Autos is your #1 source for buying a quality pre-owned vehicle at wholesale price. We have extensive relationships in the dealer community allowing us to purchase a wide variety of lease returns and new car trades at exceptional values. This enables Victory Autos to pass along huge savings on the highest quality vehicles of your choice. In addition, we offer a full array of financing options to meet your needs.”

For more details, please visit Victory Autos Showroom at 791 E. Arrow Highway, Azusa, CA 91702, (626) 859-9199 or (626) 969-6169; Victory Auto Broker at 1579 E. Amar Road, West Covina, CA 91792, (626) 253-7576; and Victory Auto Care at 352 S. Irwindale Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702, (626) 334-7573.

For more information, please call Victory Autos’ toll free number at 1-877821-7145. Or, visit their website at www. victoryautoconnect.com.

US auto sales surge in May NEW YORK, June 3, 2014 (AFP) – Most leading automakers Tuesday reported strong US sales increases for May that bested expectations, a sign of rising consumer confidence as the American economy picks up steam.

Auto giants including General Motors, Ford Motor and Toyota, among others, said some models scored record highs as the industry reported sales that, by some benchmarks, are the best since the financial crisis.

The May boom is a sign “that consumers are very confident in their purchases,” said Alec Gutierrez, a senior analyst at Kelly Blue Book.

Automakers sold a total 1.61 million vehicles in May, up 11.4 percent from a year ago, according to industry specialist AutoData. Edmunds.com had projected sales of 1.55 million for the month.

The May annual sales rate surged to 16.8 million vehicles from 16.0 million in April, the highest level since February 2007, according to AutoData. Gutierrez said many automakers did particularly well with sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), crossover vehicles and pickup trucks, indicating “people are more willing to splurge a little bit as opposed to making sacrifices.”

But after four years of gains, Gutierrez said sales are expected to level off within

the next year or two.

Analysts were impressed with sales at General Motors, which again showed the nation’s largest automaker is enjoying strong interest from customers despite a series of recalls this year, including a massive recall of older model cars it no longer makes due to ignition problems linked to at least 13 deaths.

GM said May’s sales of 284,694, an increase of 13 percent from last May, marked its best monthly sales since August 2008.

Edmunds had forecast an increase of 6.7 percent at GM. GM said its Buick line had its best May since 2005, while Cadillac and GMC had their best May since 2007. “The trend in GM’s total and retail sales has only improved since news of its ignition switch recall affecting older model cars became widely reported upon in the media,” said JPMorgan Markets.

“We believe this furthers our thesis that GM market share will not be materially impacted as a consequence of the issue.”

Ford sales jumped three percent to 254,084, well above Edmunds’s 0.9 percent estimate.

The number-two US automaker said its Ford Fusion and Ford Escape notched their best monthly sales ever, while the Ford Explorer had its best sales month since 2005.

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BMW 4 Series Convertible: The newest top-down Ultimate Driving Machine Wo o d c l i f f drive.

Lake, NJ – The The 2014 all-new BMW 4 B M W Series Convertible 428i Conrepresents the latvertible est chapter in the will have modern history of a base BMW ConvertMSRP of ibles which dates $49,675, back to 1987 and and the the first BMW 3 2 0 1 4 Tiempo and Ronald Rodillas, Filipino Sales of Pacific Series Convert- Eduardo B M W BMW. ible.

4 3 5 i As with the new BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible will have a starting price of the 4 Series Convertible embodies the very $55,825. Both prices include $925 destinaessence of dynamics and aesthetic appeal tion and handling. in the premium segment. The “4” in its The new BMW 4 Series Convertible is title headlines this new product line for visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the Convertible and emphasizes not only the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible, its stand-out design, but also the fact that and its stretched silhouette sits considerany way you look at it, the new 4 Series ably lower to the road. This, together with Convertible represents something more its BMW-typical short overhangs, long than its BMW 3 Series cousins – 3+1, if hood and set-back passenger compartment you will. with flowing roofline, give the BMW 4 SeThe 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible ries Convertible a visual balance. The car’s will again feature a three-piece retractable striking front end – with its characteristic hardtop with new features and functionality. BMW design features, such as the doubleThe new BMW 4 Series Convertible will kidney grille, four round headlights and a be offered in the US as both a 428i, featur- large air intake in the front apron – is keen ing BMW’s award-winning TwinPower to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and as a 435i Series. New elements of the BMW 4 Series with the multi-award winning TwinPower Convertible are the Air Breathers, which Turbo 3.0-liter inline six. Both will fea- are positioned rearwards of the front wheel ture a standard 8-speed sport automatic arches to reduce drag. transmission The Convertible’s muscular wheel The 428i Convertible will be offered arches and wide track give an aggressive with a choice of rear-wheel drive or with op- stance, with its prominent horizontal lines. tional xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel Improved roof design and construcdrive system, while the 435i Convertible tion. Extra comfort. More functionality. will be available at launch with rear wheel The design language of the new BMW

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible

4 Series Convertible is reflected in the car’s unmistakable and elegant silhouette with balanced proportions when the top is down, and in the coupe-like profile of the roofline – without a B-pillar – when the hardtop is up.

The three-piece retractable hardtop is distinguished by advanced soundproofing with its “noise-absorbing” headliner, ensuring quietness and passenger comfort under all weather conditions – even in winter.

The interior roof is fully lined and features integrated lights that add to the ambience expected of a premium sport coupe. When the top is down and stored in the trunk, the standard load and unload assistance function moves the folded roof and the trunklid upwards to provide ample storage space and easy access. Even large and bulky items, like luggage or golf

clubs, can be conveniently stowed when the top is down. The sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to its predecessor.

Individual equipment lines and exclusive details.

For more information on the all new BMW 4 Series Convertible, please call our kababayans Ed at 818-601-5667 (cell) and Ronald at 323-683-9351 (cell) or call Pacific BMW at (818) 246-5600 and come down to the dealership located at 800 S. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 and find out why.

Who knows you may be the next new BMW owner? Or you may want to upgrade. Of course, we don’t need to mention that BMW is a favorite brand for luxury vehicles for the Fil-Am community, which is one of the car brand’s biggest consumer group in Southern California.

BMW reveals new X6 (Relaxnews) – The new flagship sports activity vehicle promises better performance, handling, better looks and a host of premium features as standard.

The X6 is a very puzzling car. On paper, it shouldn’t work. It attempts to combine the best elements of a sportscar – sleek looks, acceleration and handling – with the most notable features of an SUV – so all-wheel-drive, elevated ride height and ground clearance.

The result, something BMW calls a sports activity vehicle (SAV), is a car that is neither overly sporting, because it’s too heavy and has too high a center of gravity, or much good on anything other than tarmac, because of its stiff, sports suspension and low-profile tires. Yet the original model has been a massive hit for BMW – 250,000 models sold and counting—and is even starting to spawn copycat models from other brands.

The new second-generation model, which will be officially unveiled at the Moscow motor show this summer, is more than just a facelift. The exterior styling is more aggressive and incorporates the company’s latest design cues such as the arrowed side air inlets for better brake cooling and more angular headlamps and a refined kidney grille.

As well as upping the style, BMW is also upping the levels of equipment and trim that come as standard on the car. That means 19-inch lightweight alloys, an eightspeed paddle-shift transmission, an interior trimmed in leather rather than fabric and the full Driving Assistant safety package all at no extra cost.

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JOB MARKET

For advertising, call (818) 552-4503

DISHWASHER/HELPER Experienced dishwasher/ helper 818-552-2855 Glendale CA. HOUSEKEEPER Housekpr / Driver / Caretaker Sherman Oaks Frid-Mon. Females only.

Must speak English, must have references, a current / valid CA driver’s license w/ good driving record. Nadia 818-634-9938.

CAREGIVERS LIVE-IN Full-time. Experience preferred. In a board & care for elderly. LA/Beverly Hills area. Call from 10am to 6pm (323) 658-7660.

CAREGIVERS NEEDED Irvine Cottages / Memory Care. Assisted Living or Board and Care experienced required. We need fulltime and part-time live-in Caregivers. 949-533-1136 or 949-633-1595.

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CAREGIVER Full-time experienced male caregiver for six bed elderly care home in Northridge.

Live-in or out. Please call (818) 436-2663.

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With experience. Male, Female, Couple Can cook and prepare medication.

Good condition. Call after 8am 626-482-2727.

•

WANTED CAREGIVER In Chandler, AZ 85225 Call 1-480-246-5734.

CAREGIVER NEEDED Female live-in caregiver needed in a Board & Care in Northridge. 818-368-5108.

MALE CAREGIVER For board and care for 6 residents in Torrance for 2 days part time (Sat & Sun.) and 4 days full time. Finger print,TB screening, ¿rst aid and good English required.

Call 310-753-9543.

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NANNY/FEMALE CAREGIVER Nanny/Female Caregiver in Orange County CA. Will provide vacation and other bene¿ts. Will train, no experience OK. Please call Noel 714-357-5617.

FEMALE CAREGIVER Live-in for Board & Care in La Mirada area. Call 909519-3306; 909-618-7575.

GETS RESULTS ADVERTISE WITH US

TODAY

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans www.usasianpost.com LOOKING FOR FULL TIME

OFFICE ADMIN AND/OR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MUST BE COMPUTER LITERATE

WAREHOUSE AND/OR DRIVER LOCATED IN VERNON CALL FOR INITIAL INTERVIEW

323-588-7666

CAR PROS KIA $$$$$$ RARE OPPORTUNITY $$$$$$ #1 KIA Retailer in the Nation, HAS OPENING FOR TALENTED TOP PERFORMERS!!!

We sell over 600 cars per month.

If you're serious about your career and want to earn a 6 figure income in a fun environment this is the place for you.

TOP PERFORMERS NEED ONLY TO APPLY!!!

Straight Sales…

HUGE COMMISSIONS!!! And HUGE BONUSES!!!

401k and Health insurance.

The ideal candidate will have experience as Closers, F&I Managers, and Sales Managers who are talented and desire to make BIG $$$. There are opportunities for advancement for the proven professional. If you believe you're qualified to be a part of our #1 TEAM apply in person.

21243 S. Avalon Blvd. Carson CA, 90745

WANTED AUTOMOTIVE SALESPEOPLE GREAT PAY

EXCELLENT GROWTH OPPORTUNITY IF INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO:

MBAHRAWY@DIAMONDHONDA.COM

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JOB MARKET

For advertising, call (818) 552-4503

DISHWASHER/HELPER Experienced dishwasher/ helper 818-552-2855 Glendale CA. HOUSEKEEPER Housekpr / Driver / Caretaker Sherman Oaks Frid-Mon. Females only.

Must speak English, must have references, a current / valid CA driver’s license w/ good driving record. Nadia 818-634-9938.

CAREGIVERS LIVE-IN Full-time. Experience preferred. In a board & care for elderly. LA/Beverly Hills area. Call from 10am to 6pm (323) 658-7660.

CAREGIVERS NEEDED Irvine Cottages / Memory Care. Assisted Living or Board and Care experienced required. We need fulltime and part-time live-in Caregivers. 949-533-1136 or 949-633-1595.

SAVE OUR PLANET

402

•

Fax (818) 550-7635

CAREGIVER Full-time experienced male caregiver for six bed elderly care home in Northridge.

Live-in or out. Please call (818) 436-2663.

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER For Board and Care located in Walnut near West Covina.

With experience. Male, Female, Couple Can cook and prepare medication.

Good condition. Call after 8am 626-482-2727.

•

WANTED CAREGIVER In Chandler, AZ 85225 Call 1-480-246-5734.

CAREGIVER NEEDED Female live-in caregiver needed in a Board & Care in Northridge. 818-368-5108.

MALE CAREGIVER For board and care for 6 residents in Torrance for 2 days part time (Sat & Sun.) and 4 days full time. Finger print,TB screening, ¿rst aid and good English required.

Call 310-753-9543.

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NANNY/FEMALE CAREGIVER Nanny/Female Caregiver in Orange County CA. Will provide vacation and other bene¿ts. Will train, no experience OK. Please call Noel 714-357-5617.

FEMALE CAREGIVER Live-in for Board & Care in La Mirada area. Call 909519-3306; 909-618-7575.

GETS RESULTS ADVERTISE WITH US

TODAY

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans www.usasianpost.com LOOKING FOR FULL TIME

OFFICE ADMIN AND/OR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MUST BE COMPUTER LITERATE

WAREHOUSE AND/OR DRIVER LOCATED IN VERNON CALL FOR INITIAL INTERVIEW

323-588-7666

CAR PROS KIA $$$$$$ RARE OPPORTUNITY $$$$$$ #1 KIA Retailer in the Nation, HAS OPENING FOR TALENTED TOP PERFORMERS!!!

We sell over 600 cars per month.

If you're serious about your career and want to earn a 6 figure income in a fun environment this is the place for you.

TOP PERFORMERS NEED ONLY TO APPLY!!!

Straight Sales…

HUGE COMMISSIONS!!! And HUGE BONUSES!!!

401k and Health insurance.

The ideal candidate will have experience as Closers, F&I Managers, and Sales Managers who are talented and desire to make BIG $$$. There are opportunities for advancement for the proven professional. If you believe you're qualified to be a part of our #1 TEAM apply in person.

21243 S. Avalon Blvd. Carson CA, 90745

WANTED AUTOMOTIVE SALESPEOPLE GREAT PAY

EXCELLENT GROWTH OPPORTUNITY IF INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO:

MBAHRAWY@DIAMONDHONDA.COM

LOOK FOR CHRISTINE

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Hamer Toyota Filipino Sales Department

MATT MORENTE

MARYLOU SANTIAGO

DONNE MENDOZA

RENO REYES

WENCY MAGNO

TONY PIJUAN

RICO AYALA

Floor Manager

VIP/Internet Coordinator

Internet Coordinator

Leasing & Sales

Leasing & Sales

Leasing & Sales

Leasing & Sales

Toyota Motor Sales reports best month in six years TORRANCE, Calif. (June 3, 2014) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported May 2014 sales results of 243,236 units, an increase of 12.6 percent from May 2013 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in May 2014 versus 26 selling days in May 2013, TMS sales increased 17 percent from year-ago month.

Toyota division posted May 2014 sales of 216,315 units, up 12.2 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis.

Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 16.5 percent over May 2013.

“Industry sales in May soared as consumer confidence improved and demand for new vehicles continued to strengthen,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Toyota had its best month in six years led by strong Camry, Corolla and Hybrid sales.”

Other Highlights: Camry up over 26 percent with sales of almost 50,000 units All-new Corolla up 30.8 percent, best month since August 2009 TMS hybrids up over 9 percent Prius up 14 percent with sales of 26,793 units Toyota division trucks up 11 percent All-new RAV4 leads trucks with sales of 23,465 units, up 13 percent All-new Highlander posts sales of

The new Toyota Camry

12,329 units 4Runner up 70 percent Sienna up nearly 13 percent Toyota pickups post sales of 25,267 units All-new Tundra up 14.5 percent Tacoma posts sales of nearly 14,000

units If you need to “adorn” your garage with a brand-new Toyota, all you have to do is come down ton Hamer Toyota located at 11041 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345 and get in touch with any of our kababayans Matt Morente (Floor

Manager), Marylou Santiago (VIP/Internet Coordinator), Wency Magno, Reno Reyes, Tony Pijuan and Rico Ayala (Leasing & Sales). Call our kababayans now toll free at 1-855-592-7077 and make your dream of owning a new Toyota vehicle a reality today.

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Mercedes-Benz of Encino Your perfect summer getaway.

Your summer never ends with Mercedes-Benz.

Raymond Orosa

Filipino Sales Email: rorosa@mbencino.com

Toll Free 818.536.2413

Lease

Lease

Lease

Lease

Mercedes-Benz 2014 CLA250

Mercedes-Benz 2014 C250 Sport Sedan

Mercedes-Benz 2014 E350

Mercedes-Benz 2014 ML350

month+tax 36 months 10k miles/yr

month+tax 27 months 10k miles/yr

month+tax 27 months 10k miles/yr

month+tax 36 months 10k miles/yr

*MSRP $33,925 at 36 month lease on approved average credit, $3,623 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage.

Expires 06/09/14.

*MSRP $39,225 at 27 month lease on approved average credit, $4,153 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage.

Expires 06/09/14.

*MSRP $56,695 at 27 month lease on approved average credit, $4,873 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage.

Expires 06/09/14.

*MSRP $52,635 at 36 month lease on approved average credit, $4,973 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage.

Expires 06/09/14.

" Ava i l a b l e o n ly to q u a l i f i e d c u sto m e r s a t participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through June 9, 2014.

Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $33,925. Includes destination charge, premium package, becker MAP PILOT ® - pre-writing, becker MAP PILOT® and transportation charge. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $11,844. Cash due at signing includes $2,499 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $329. Total payments equal $15,138. Subject to credit approval.

No security deposit required."

"Available only to qualified customers at participating a u t h o r i z e d M e rc e d e s - B e n z d e a l e r s t h ro u g h Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through June 9, 2014. Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $37,693.

Includes destination charge, premium package, and transportation charge. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $9,693. Cash due at signing includes $2,999 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $359. Total payments equal $13,487. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required."

“Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through June 9, 2014. Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $54,388.

Includes destination charge, premium package, and transpor tation charge. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $15,633. Cash due at signing includes $3,499 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $579. Total payments equal $19,927. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required."

"Available only to q ualif ied customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through June 9, 2014.

Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $50,567. Includes destination charge, premium package, and transportation charge.

Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $20,844. Cash due at signing includes $3,599 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $579. Total payments equal $25,238.

Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required."

$359*

$329*

$579*

$579*

Your loyalty deserves exceptional rewards Up to 4 months’ payment credit* on your current Mercedes-Benz Financial Services lease with the purchase of a new 2014 Mercedes-Benz. *Eligible customers will receive up to 4 months' payment credit on their current lease with a lease or finance of any new 2014 Mercedes-Benz vehicle through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Certain exclusions apply. See dealer for details.

OVER 100 PRE-OWNED CARS IN STOCK! ‘08 MB C300 Luxury Sedan 4D

$19,988

Stk# 63311T Mileage:41,273

‘10 MB C300 Sport Sedan 4D Stk# 61633C Mileage:28,652

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‘12 MB GLK350 SUV 4D Stk#63322C Mileage:29,875

‘11 MB ML350 SUV

$33,988

‘10 MB GL450 SUV Stk#63313P Mileage:35,586

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‘11 MB C300 Luxury Sedan 4D Stk#63101C Mileage:27,445

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‘10 MB GLK350 SUV 4D Stk#63353P Mileage:27,984

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All certified cars sold until June 10, 2014 will have one scheduled maintenance included.

‘11 MB ML350 BLUETEC SUV 4D Stk#63220C Mileage:27,915

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‘10 MB CLS550 Coupe 4D

$42,988

‘11 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan 4D Stk#63303P Mileage:50,023

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‘11 MB GL450 4MATIC SUV Stk#63259C Mileage:38,296

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‘11 MB ML350 SUV 4D Stk#63142C Mileage:35,722

‘14 MB CLA250 Coupe 4D Stk#63186P Mileage:110

‘10 MB RWD 4dr GLK350 Stk#61084C Mileage:26,328

Stk# 63301P Mileage:29,278

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‘11 Lexus RX RX 350 SUV 4D Stk#63177P Mileage:29,259

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