Weekend balita march 15, 2014

LOS ANGELES

Gutierrezes in 1st Asian reality family series See GUTIERREZ page 24

VOL. XXII, NO. 6

MARCH 15-21, 2014

US hits ‘provocative’ China move on PHL ships WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – The United States on Wednesday accused China of raising tensions by blocking two Philippines vessels as it urged freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea. The United States, a treaty-bound ally of Manila, said it was “troubled”

by Sunday’s incident in which China prevented movement of two ships contracted by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies and troops to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

“This is a provocative move that raises tensions. Pending resolution of competing claims in the South China Sea, there should be no interference with the efforts of claimants to maintain the status quo,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

The Philippines on Tuesday sumSee PROVOCATIVE, page 12

PHL says new US defense deal close, amid China row MANILA, March 14, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines said Friday a deal to allow a greater US military presence on its territory could be signed next month, in a timely defense boost amid a worsening territorial row with China.

There was optimism the pact could be secured ahead of US President Barack Obama’s April visit to Manila after the two sides agreed on a contentious issue that would see US forces build “structures” on their hosts military bases, Filipino officials said.

“Discussions in the sixth round were substantive and productive, and significant progress was made,” Philippine Defence Undersecretary Pio Batino told reporters in Manila following the latest round of talks in Washington last week.

See DEAL, page 11

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) is on its way to the Straits of Malacca to help find the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The USS Kidd was one of the first responders in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that was lost sometime March 8, 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Crishanda K. McCall/Released)

Data suggests ‘skilled’ flyer turned plane: KL KUALA LUMPUR, March 15, 2014 (AFP) – Malaysian officials now believe that missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 may have been deliberately turned towards the Indian Ocean by someone with up-to-date knowledge of flying and radar positions, a senior military official told AFP Saturday.

The comments lend credence to growing suspicions that the plane, which disappeared a week ago with 239 passengers and crew, might have been commandeered.

“It has to be a skilled, competent and a current pilot,” said the official, who is involved in a vast international search and rescue operation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said that theory was based on still undisclosed data from military radar.

The radar continued to plot the jet’s course for hours after it vanished from air-traffic control screens and civilian radar, he said.

The plane flew in the direction of the Indian Ocean far west of its intended flight path “for four to five hours,” the official said.

“He knew how to avoid the civilian radar.

He appears to have studied how to avoid it.”

Malaysia’s air force has previously said

that it was investigating an unidentified object spotted by military radar data heading toward the Andaman Sea in the hours after the passenger plane went missing around 1:30 am.

The official would not divulge details of the military data, citing an ongoing investigation.

The Boeing 777 vanished early Saturday on an overnight flight over the South China Sea with no indication of distress, on a clear night.

The plane has one of the best safety records of any jet, and the airline also has a solid record.

The mystery and lack of conclusive evidence so far has spawned a range of theories over what happened, including a mid-air explosion, hijacking, a technical or structural problem, or pilot suicide.

But reports citing various US and other officials involved in the investigation into the plane’s mysterious disappearance have increasingly pointed to the possibility that someone with expert flying knowledge diverted the aircraft for unknown reasons.

See MH370, page 12

De Lima to Jinggoy: Name source on Usec coaching whistleblowers MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – Reveal your sources.

This was the challenge hurled Thursday by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to Senator Jinggoy Estrada as she denied the latter’s allegation that her subordinate is giving instructions to whistleblowers to pin down the three senators implicated in the pork barrel scam.

In an interview with reporters in Manila, De Lima maintained that her department never coached any of the whistleblowers in the multi-billion fund scam.

“May I challenge Senator Jinggoy to disclose who those unimpeachable sources are. Kasi hindi nga totoo iyon kung mayroon ngang source o sources, nagsisinungaling yung sources na iyan,” she said.

“We never coach our witnesses. Eh di dapat medyo perfect ang mga testimony nila kung kino-coach namin See JINGGOY, page 12

Senator Jinggoy Estrada shows some documents during his privilege speech on the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) issue at the Senate on Wednesday (March 12, 2014). (MNS photo)

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Do I qualify for bankruptcy?

Most people qualify to file bankruptcy under either chapter 7 or 13. If your annual gross family income (including your spouse’s income, unless separated) is not more than the median family income for your state and family size, then you probably qualify to file under chapter 7. You will almost always qualify to file under chapter 13, regardless of your income. (see www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/bci_data/ median_income_table.htm) Am I required to obtain

credit counseling prior to filing bankruptcy? my ability to obtain credit?

While you are not required to participate If you already have bad credit, filing in a debt management or repayment program, bankruptcy will probably not make your you are required to consult with an approved credit any worse than it already is. Your nonprofit budget and credit counseling FICO® credit score may initially decrease agency as to your available options before after your bankruptcy filing but will graduyou file bankruptcy. The consultation can be ally start to improve after your bankruptcy done by phone, over the Internet or in person. discharge. This is because the amount of Bankruptcy lawyer Paul M. Allen works outstanding debt, including current and closely with an approved credit counseling delinquent accounts, presently appearing agency and usually makes the necessary ar- on your credit reports will be eliminated or rangements for you in his office. substantially reduced.

Am I required to complete a personal Approximately 30% of your FICO® financial management training course credit score is based on the amount you prior to filing bankruptcy? owe on outstanding debt. Debt owed on reNo. However, prior to obtaining a final volving lines of credit, such as credit cards, discharge in a bankruptcy case you will have negatively impacts your FICO® credit score to complete an approved instructional course more than other types of debt. in personal financial management from In order to obtain future credit you will an approved non-profit credit counseling likely need to re-establish a good credit hisagency. The instructional course typically tory. This can be done by obtaining one or takes less than an hour and can be completed more secured credit cards, using them wisely over the Internet or through the mail. and establishing an excellent payment hisIn a Chapter 7 case, the instructional tory. If you reaffirm any existing debts, such course can wait until 6-8 weeks after your as a mortgage or an automobile loan, making appearance before the bankruptcy trustee, your payments on time will also help to reand is required as a condition of discharge establish your credit. In most cases, you can of debt. re-establish credit in 1 or 2 years. Your ability In a chapter 13 cases, which typically to obtain credit also depends on various other consist of a 60 month full or partial repay- factors, such as your income, employment ment plan, the instructional course will not history, etc. Some creditors may actually be needed until the end of that term. consider you to be a better credit risk after Can I file jointly with my spouse? bankruptcy than before because you will esYes, you may file individually or jointly sentially be “debt free” and will likely have as husband and wife. You may file jointly more disposable income to pay future debts. even if you are currently separated or have How long can a bankruptcy filing filed for divorce, as long as the divorce is appear on my credit report? not yet final.

A bankruptcy filing can appear on your Will I have to appear in court? credit report for up to 10 years. However, this It is very unlikely that you will ever ap- does not mean that you will have bad credit pear in court or in front of a bankruptcy judge for 10 years. You can start re-establishing on a chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, about your credit immediately after filing bank4 to 6 weeks after filing bankruptcy you ruptcy. Even without filing bankruptcy, most will have to meet with a bankruptcy trustee. negative items appear on your credit report The trustee is usually a private practicing for at least 7 years. attorney appointed by the US Trustee’s ofAre there any negative consequences to fice. In some instances, the trustee assigned filing bankruptcy? to your case may be a non-attorney, possibly Federal bankruptcy laws were established a licensed accounting professional instead. by United States Congress to provide indiOf course your bankruptcy lawyer will be viduals and organizations with a “fresh start” with you as well. by allowing them to legally eliminate all or a A typical trustee meeting lasts about 1 portion of their debts and to start anew. Fedto 3 minutes and is usually held in a meet- eral bankruptcy laws were designed to help ing room at the bankruptcy court or federal those in financial distress – not to further building in your area. The bankruptcy trustee burden or hinder them. Despite the many will usually ask you whether everything rumors propagated for years by creditors, in your bankruptcy declaration is true and debt collectors, debt counseling organizacorrect, whether you would like to add or tions and the like for their own self-interest, change anything in your bankruptcy peti- there are virtually no negative consequences tion and may ask a few questions about your to filing bankruptcy. To the contrary, varifinancial situation. ous bankruptcy laws have been enacted to This hearing is also referred to as the ensure that no person is discriminated against “Meeting of Creditors”. However, creditors because of a bankruptcy filing. By federal rarely attend a Chapter 7 cases. Approxi- law, no person can be denied employment, mately 60 days after your meeting with the a student loan or grant, or a license or permit trustee you should receive your final dis- by reason of a bankruptcy filing. If you have charge order in the mail. Your debts will be good credit and file bankruptcy your credit formally discharged and your bankruptcy will, of course, be negatively impacted. But proceeding will be closed. if your credit is already bad, filing bankIn a chapter 13 case, you will also at- ruptcy can only improve your life and your tend a “Meeting of Creditors” as described ability to re-establish a good credit history. above. Sometimes, you may have to attend a If you are suffering from financial problems second hearing with the trustee to have your and are considering filing bankruptcy, you payment plan approved, but usually, your should also consider the consequences of not attorney handles this appearance for you. filing. That could be a lot worse!

Where will my bankruptcy be filed?

If you are experiencing financial probA bankruptcy petition must be filed in lems, get the relief you deserve. Call Atthe federal bankruptcy court district where torney Paul M. Allen for a free consultation. you have resided for the majority of the past Offices conveniently located in Glendale and 180 days.

Cerritos. Saturday and evening appointments Will filing bankruptcy affect available. Call Toll Free: 877-356-6729

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No money for 2016, Miriam says ‘I never sold my body’ MANILA, Mar 12 (Mabuhay) – Senator Miriam Santiago was not referring to herself when she said that the next president of the Philippines should be a woman.

Speaking to reporters, Santiago said she prefers someone among her female colleagues to fill that place, pointing out that the Senate is considered as “training ground for presidents.”

She named Senators Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, and Loren Legarda as her preferences, or any member of the House of Representatives “making

splashes,” or a lady governor.

Santiago’s primary reason for not running again for president: lack of money to finance a campaign.

“I was not a member of the pork barrel scam so I don’t have this amount. I never sold my body so I don’t have this amount. My main problem is I don’t have the money, period,” she said.

A judgeship at the International Criminal Court is also waiting.

“I’m not looking for a job,” she said, laughing.

“I already have a job. I’m supposed to report at the

International Criminal Court. As you can see, I cannot even finish my present functions as a member of the Commission on Appointments. Someone else should read the results of what happened to my committee hearing because I’m too tired.”

“I wonder whether people are not bored with me because I’m bored with myself,” she quipped.

Santiago said that next 11 presidents of the country should be female to promote gender equality, pointing out that 13 of the 15 Philippines presidents are male.

(MNS)

Over 7-M registered voters with no biometrics may not be able to participate in the 2016 polls – Comelec MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has said that about 7.3 million registered voters may lose the chance to participate in the next national and local elections unless they have their biometrics taken before the May 2016 polls.

“Millions of registered voters still have no biometrics in the Comelec’s list of voters. Fail to fix that before October 2015 and they can’t vote,” Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said in his Twitter account, @jabjimenez.

He advised particularly those who had registered

prior to the 2004 elections to double check the status of their registrations.

“Registered as a voter before 2004? If yes, you must validate your registration starting May 6, 2014 or you might not be able to vote in 2016,” Jimenez said.

Biometrics data refer to the automated identification of an individual, particularly his/her photograph, fingerprint, and signature.

The poll body official said the public should not take a chance that they can vote since they were able to participate in two previous polls.

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“Remember: Registered voters without biometrics could have voted in 2013 and 2010, but still won’t be able to vote in 2016 without biometrics,” Jimenez added.

Republic Act No. 10367 or the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act of 2013 states that voters who fail to submit for validation prior to the May 2016 elections, shall be deactivated from the voters’ list and shall not be allowed to vote.

Earlier, the Comelec had set the voters’ registration from May 6, 2014 until Oct. 31, 2015 in all Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) nationwide. (MNS)

Allowing Gloria Arroyo to spend birthday in Pampanga will improve her health: doc MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – birthday out of detention will be beneficial to her health, her physician told the court Thursday.

Arroyo’s camp is trying to convince Sandiganbayan justices to allow her to temporarily leave Veteran Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), where she is on hospital arrest, and travel to her home province of Pampanga for her birthday. Arroyo is currently on her

second term as congresswoman representing Pampanga’s second district.

Dr. Martha Nucum, Arroyo’s physician at the VMMC, told the anti-graft court that the former President is fit enough to travel from VMMC to Pampanga as long as her condition is monitored closely, according to First Division Clerk of Court Atty. Estella Teresita Rosete.

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Endless torment for typhoon widow

By Karl Malakunas

SAN AGUSTIN, March 13, 2014 (AFP) – Jennifer Pulga endured the depths of helplessness as she pumped the last air her husband would breathe into his typhoonbattered body, and her life since has felt barely any more in control.

A coconut tree crashed through the thatched roof of the Pulga’s tiny home in an isolated farming village of the central Philippines during Super Typhoon Haiyan in November, crushing Richard and igniting a torturous passage to death.

With no vehicle to evacuate the farmer and roads in the area initially unpassable

due to typhoon debris, it took his wife a week to get him to the nearest major hospital 60 kilometres (30 miles) away.

But that hospital, in the ruined city of Tacloban, was overwhelmed and medics could do little for Richard other than amputate one leg and give Jennifer a pump to manually inflate his lungs.

Jennifer kept her husband alive for seven hours, the sound of the handheld ventilator like a mournful fog horn amid a sea of agony as other patients died from injuries that doctors said could have been treated if there was electricity and medicines.

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“I was praying and hoping that he would live. I was praying that even if he is disabled, that’s okay, as long as he lives, that’s all I want,� Jennifer, 28, told AFP on a recent visit to see how she was coping.

Poverty deepens grief for young mother Compounding the grief of losing her husband of seven years, Jennifer was left destitute with a four-month-old daughter, Irish, and a six-year-old son, RJ. Haiyan, which was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, is believed to have killed about 8,000 people, mostly in farming and fishing communities that were already among the poorest in the Philippines.

The Pulga family comes from one of the most impoverished of those farming villages, in a scenic but unruly part of Leyte province known as a haven for communist guerrillas and other armed bandits.

The Pulgas lived in a dirt-floor hut made of bamboo, coconut wood and palm thatch, tending 10 hectares (24 acres) of coconut tree plantations and a one-hectare rice field left to them by Richard’s deceased father.

Richard, who died aged 27, would earn some extra money giving rides on his motorcycle along a rocky track to people in his and neighboring villages.

The farm and Richard’s motorcycle riding earned them about 3,000 pesos ($70) a month, just enough to survive when supplemented by vegetables they grew for themselves and pigs raised for food.

Like thousands of other farmers in the region, the family’s main source of income was lost when Haiyan destroyed most of their coconut trees, which take more than five years from planting to bear fruit. “I don’t have anything now, Richard was our breadwinner,� said Jennifer, whose only previous paid work was as a domestic helper in the nation’s capital, Manila, when she was a teenager.

The young widow and her two children went to live with Richard’s 68-year-old mother, Guadalupe, in a neighboring village.

The in-law’s two-storey concrete house had its roof partially ripped off during the typhoon and has still not been repaired,

although it provides adequate shelter and RJ can attend the local school for free.

Surviving on donations But the two women have no source of income, and are almost totally reliant on food aid that has been delivered by the government and relief agencies.

Guadalupe has another farmer son, but one of his children was killed and house destroyed in the typhoon, so is unable to provide financial help. “We are just living day-to-day. We are trying to do the best we can but we don’t have any money. So we are just concentrating on what we have now. If there’s none, well, that’s it,� Guadalupe said.

Jennifer has nine siblings but their financial health is little better, and the only contribution from her immediate family since Richard’s death has been a 1,000peso ($22) donation from a sister. “I just wish I can find a job, for my children, for the future of my children. That’s all I wish for in life, that I can support my children until they grow up,� she said.

But Jennifer said a higher priority for the moment was breastfeeding Irish, ruling out travelling for work.

Impossible dream Jennifer’s ideal job would be to run a small stall outside her mother-in-law’s home, selling daily household items and food, so that she could stay close to her children.

She estimates setting up the business would cost about 10,000 pesos, an impossible amount.

And while billions of dollars are being spent in an effort to help the typhoon-hit areas recover, little of it appears to be trickling up to the base of the picturesque mountains where the Pulgas live.

Aside from the food aid, Jennifer and her in-laws said they had been offered no other support, such as money, materials or expertise to help rebuild or repair their homes and farms.

Still, Jennifer appears not to be focused too much on the future, with her concentration dominated by the struggles of surviving each day and the ceaseless grief. “Now I am alone and I can’t bear it,� she said.

After 4 months, Aquino apologizes for slow govt response to Yolanda victims MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – More than four months afrer super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the country, President Benigno Aquino III apologized to those affected because the government was not able to come to their aid sooner. “I apologize that we did not come faster,� Aquino said during an open forum at the Hope Christian High School in Manila.

Aquino’ remark came after a student, who was adopted by Hope Christian High School from typhoon-hit Tacloban City, asked him why the government took three

days to reach them.

The President explained that the extent of the damage caused by Yolanda was unprecedented, with four million families and 44 out of 81 provinces affected.

Aside from this, he reiterated his previous statements that the local government system was “not existent� at that time. “We had to bring in soldiers and policemen,� he said.

Despite this, he said he believes that the government “did everything [that] could be done� given the situation.(MNS)

ADB gives PHL $20-M grant to rebuild Yolanda-hit municipalities MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is giving the Philippine government $20 million in grant to rebuild and provide livelihood – mainly to farmers and fishermen – in 70 municipalities devastated by Typhoon Yolanda last November.

ADB said in a statement Thursday it signed the $20-million grant – funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction – with Manila late Wednesday. “We have laid the groundwork to imme-

diately put this assistance to use in cash-forwork programs and restoring crucial infrastructure, such as water systems, solid waste collection, and fuel and power supply,� said Claudia Buentjen, the Manila-based lender’s principal country specialist.

The grant will be for cash-for-work programs to help restore income lost to by farmers and fisherfolk – who survived the the strongest typhoon to make landfall in recorded history – by providing seeds, fertilizers, fishing nets, and fishing boats.

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., March 15-21, 2014

Obamacare explained Two weeks before the end of Open Enrollment and many are still at a loss on the WHYs and WHATs of the law. Today’s article is aimed at simplifying it so many will get a working understanding of the law.

WHAT? Obamacare is the Affordable Care Act. In 2014, you either have health insurance or you pay a fine (Tax Penalty).

WHY? The US Congress enacted it into WHO? Available only to US citizens law to bring down the cost of health care, and nationals as well as legally docuprovide health coverage to many, and give mented residents.

WHEN? Open enrollment started in Octhem more choices in the kind of plan that tober 1, 2013 and ends on March 31, 2014. they purchase.

Free advice that is really free (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 . He can be reached at 818 324-8110) Question: I have read in

your columns that you are willing to answer all questions regarding call me or email me. I vowed to create a immigration and naturalization for free. family type atmosphere where my clients I have contacted other attorneys in Los were my friends and they could count on Angeles and I have gone to them for a con- me to answer their questions and be there sultation about my case. The first attorney, for them. I make a practice of giving my who advertises a lot and is well known in clients cell phone contacts so they can the Filipino community charged me $300 reach my office all the time, even at night just to ask him some questions. I think he or on weekends. This is what I called spent about 15 minutes with me before I “Service.� It is missing in most businesses was told to see just a Filipino secretary in today. Not in my office. his office to have me sign a retainer agreeWhat is the motive for free consultation ment and pay the fees. I called another well and free advice? I have two reasons: known attorney who has a nice office with Over the years, I learned that clients lots of staff and he also asked me on the frequently get incorrect advice, from phone for $150 before I made an appoint- friends, relatives and persons who try to ment. You advertise that you don’t charge take advantage of them. I quickly learned for consultation and advice. Is this really from seeing numerous new clients that true? Can I come to your office and ask they were improperly advised, misled and questions about my case without having to cheated, yes, even by attorneys. I was pay or hire you? Can I email you questions amazed to see how many clients received or call you and get advice for free? Will I wrong advice from well-known immigrareally talk with you or just a paralegal or tion attorneys. I am not sure if it is caused secretary? I don’t feel comfortable sharing by an innocent error or a rush to get fees, my information with a secretary. but I don’t work that way. By offering free Answer: I understand your concerns consultations and free advice, I am hoping very well. Years ago, I too, needed some to provide a free service to direct people legal advice regarding a business mat- down the right path, to hopefully save them ter and I did not know who to turn to. I from mistakes, and to ensure that all that was referred to several attorneys, each of can be done for them is done. If they don’t whom wanted payment up front of several hire me, that is fine. I just want them to get hundred dollars for the consultation even what I feel is proper truthful advice. This before I hired them or determined whether is the reason I am an attorney: the help the they were knowledgeable and the firm I public first and foremost. This is why Phil wanted to hire. This was frustrating and Abramowitz works in my office. He has a expensive. I thought, wouldn’t it be great reputation as being friendly and open and if a law firm was more inviting, open, always a good listener. friendly and more concerned about helping Secondly, yes, I am hoping that by people than fattening its wallet. I decided offering free advice I will let clients test right then and there that in my law firm I me, see that I am different and better than would let people come and visit me for other attorneys. Hopefully, once clients free, ask any questions they had, checked visit me, they will learn that I am friendly, my experience and references and only professional, open, not rushed, and reliable then after they were satisfied I was the for them. I will show them that I have attorney for them, that they could hire me. no secrets or hidden agendas and I will There would be no “used car� salesman quote full frees up front, with no hidden type pressure and I would make my office extras so they know what to expect and inviting, informal and open to them. not receive the all too common, “surprise, Sometimes I understand that you just I have to charge more,� letter from their have a quick question and want a quick attorney. I will also show them that I answer. That is fine too. Call me and I am a small boutique law office and that I can give you information right over the provide very personalized service. Clients phone. It is free and there is no obligation. don’t deal with an unknown paralegal or I want to help. secretary, they deal directly with me and I have heard many complaints also that my assistant, Phil Abramowitz. We don’t attorneys are hard to communicate with, avoid them or their questions, and we are are sometimes intimidating, and hard to get available to them at all times. I will also to respond quickly to concerns, emergen- have a chance to demonstrate that my fees cies or questions. Other clients complain are among the lowest in the industry. I that attorneys do not call them back and know that people are struggling to make they are stuck talking with a receptionist. ends meet in these tough economic times This is not how my office works. Because and I understand now is no time to charge of this feedback I also made it a policy that high fees. Thankfully, my clients appreciSee CHOI, page 9 my clients are always welcome to see me,

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WHERE? Covered CA is the on-line health insurance supermarket (marketplace) where you may purchase low-cost health insurance coverage with a discount (Tax Credit) or free (thru MediCAL).

HOW? Call me at 323-535-7373 or, email at: leo.balita@gmail.com so I may navigate you thru the intricacies of the law.

On-line (using your computer) is the preferred method of enrollment of Covered CA. If you cannot complete enrollment thru this process, you may opt for paper enrollment. You may fax or mail completed application to Covered CA. Covered CA determines your eligibility.

Once it does, it forwards your information to the health insurance plan who coordinates how your plan works. They usually communicate with you regarding your initial premium. But, I recommend that you call them soon after enrollment. Your enrollment does not take effect until you make the initial premium payment.

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In and through all these, you better have by your side a health advocate, preferably a Certified Insurance Agent. This person will be with you not only during enrollment, but in all those times you may need your health insurance.

Medicare Alert: Medicare members enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans may change their Primary Care Doctor as often as they want.

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

He worked for UNILAB where his last position held was vice-president and general manager of a division. He was a joint venture partner of the San Miguel Corporation in an agri-business project.

He is a Certified Insurance Agent of Covered CA and Nevada Healthlink. He holds CA license # 0G55218. He provides FREE consultation and enrollment on Medicare and Obamacare.

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Statutory rapist discharges victim’s damages in bankruptcy court Sexual intercourse with a minor is called statutory rape.

Whether the minor consented is irrelevant. If the law states that anyone below 16 is a minor, then carnal knowledge of the minor is rape even if the minor consented to the act. Most civilized humans and cultures agree that carnal knowledge of a minor is wrong, a despicable act of animals. But some religions and cultures see nothing wrong with it. If you are part of the latter, you are truly an

abomination.

Imagine a situation where a con- against debtor and a jury trial was set to victed statutory rapist files for chapter 7 determine damages. Before trial began, the bankruptcy to discharge all his liabilities parties reached a settlement with the debtor including the state court lawsuit that the signing a promissory installment note with child victim filed for damages. Should the a confession of judgment.

Thereafter, debtor filed for Chapter 7 victim’s claim for damages be discharged?

This reminds us of Roman Polanski’s relief. Plaintiff filed an adversary comstatutory rape of a 13 year old girl during plaint objecting to the discharge of her a photo shoot in 1977. He pleaded guilty to claim pursuant to Section 523(a)(6) which statutory rape but fled from Los Angeles to excepts from discharge any “willful and London before sentencing. The victim filed malicious injury by the debtor to another a lawsuit asking for damages which Polan- entity‌â€? She asserted that the state court ski settled for $500,000. If Polanski filed criminal and civil judgments were entitled for Chapter 7 relief, should the $500,000 to collateral estoppel effect establishing that her claim was not dischargeable. This settlement be discharged?

In Re Long decided January 2014, should be an open and shut case in favor plaintiff and debtor were lovers from 1999 of the plaintiff, right? to 2000. During the course of their relationBut the bankruptcy court disagreed beship, debtor was 22, while the plaintiff was cause the issue of the debtor’s intent was 12. Plaintiff gave birth to a child in 2000. not necessarily determined in the criminal Subsequently, debtor pleaded guilty to or civil case, while the issue of debtor’s intwo counts of carnal knowledge under the tent to cause “willful and malicious� injury penal code of Virginia. When the criminal is the only issue in 523(a)(6). To clarify case was done, plaintiff sued debtor alleg- was it debtor’s willful and malicious intent ing sexual assault and battery and carnal to cause plaintiff injury by having sexual knowledge of a minor. Debtor did not intercourse with her? Sometimes, logic and respond. A default judgment was entered the law results in the absurd. You know

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where this is going right? This reasoning is going down the yellow brick road. “Under Virginia law, a sexual battery is committed if one sexually abuses another against his or her will by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse. Sexual abuse is further defined, in part, as an act committed with the intent to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify any person,� the court said. “A cause of action in tort for sexual assault and battery would require a showing of such intent. The intent required to establish sexual assault and battery may, but need not necessarily, include intent to injure. Because such acts could be committed with the intent to gratify the actor, intent to injure is not essential to proving sexual assault and battery. In other words, the court is saying, maybe, just maybe, debtor’s intent in having sex with the plaintiff was to gratify his animalistic lust, not to injure plaintiff! “Therefore, the issue to be precluded in this case would not be identical to the

issue decided by the state court default judgment.� The court added that carnal knowledge of a minor is a strict liability offense where intent is irrelevant. In other words, all you need is a minor and carnal knowledge of that minor to prove the elements of statutory rape. Proof of intent is not required. Plaintiff’s claim is discharged. “The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.� – Romans 8:6.

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Pope Francis invited to address US Congress WASHINGTON, March 13, 2014 (AFP) – Pope Francis could become the first pontiff ever to address Congress after being offered a historic invitation by US House leaders on Thursday.

House Speaker John Boehner sent a formal, open invitation to the pontiff, who on Thursday marked the first anniversary of his election to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

Boehner’s office said the Vatican had yet to respond to the invite.

Boehner in a statement lauded Francis’s popular message of mercy and serving the poor and how it transcended religious and cultural differences. “Pope Francis has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manner and

servant leadership, challenging all people to lead lives of mercy, forgiveness, solidarity, and humble service,� Boehner said in a statement. “His tireless call for the protection of the most vulnerable among us—the ailing, the disadvantaged, the unemployed, the impoverished, the unborn—has awakened hearts on every continent.� No date was mentioned in the invitation, but reports have said the pope hopes to visit the United States next year to attend a global conference on families in Philadelphia in September. Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who attended Francis’s inauguration last year at the Vatican, said she was pleased that the pope would be able to bring his message directly to Americans.

House Independents hail Speaker’s LOS ANGELES TO MANILA signing Cha-cha manifesto MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – The said Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, WITH FREE Independent Minority Bloc of the House a member of the bloc. led by Leyte Rep.

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of Representatives on Thursday welcomed the decision of Speaker Feliciano “Sonny�

Belmonte Jr. to sign in the manifesto, which states that a lawmaker would voluntary expel himself as member of the 16th Congress if political amendments are inserted in the ongoing “economic� Charter Change (Cha-cha) initiative. “Speaker Belmonte has already signed the pledge to the Filipino people and we are very much elated with the gesture,�

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Asked if their group would continue to solicit support from their colleagues, Atienza said there is no need because the Speaker represents the majority of members of the 16th Congress. “This we think reflected the sentiment of the majority. The Speaker is the representative of the majority,� Atienza said as he trumpeted the signing made by Belmonte in the manifesto.

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The Scarborough Shoal controversy: a personal connection PART I My grandmother was born in Candelaria, Zambales (a town north of Masinloc where the disputed Bajo de Masinloc is located). Though my grandmother and her family (her husband was from Fookien, China) settled in the capital town of Iba, as I recall, we used to go up north and visit the Acoje Mines in Masinloc to see the red rocks (much like Sedona, Arizona) and spend a day relaxing among the picnic tables by the fishing area.

Bajo de Masinloc (international name: Scarborough Shoal) is a disputed area claimed by the People’s Republic of sinloc’s chain of reefs and rocks, “there China, Republic of China (Taiwan) and are about five of these rocks that go above the Philippines. It is a “triangular-shaped water during high tide. Some of these rocks rock formation that has several rocks en- are about three meters high and can be seen circling a lagoon, which was why it was above the water. also called Panatag Shoal (Kulumpol ng The rest of the rocks and reefs are subPanatag). It is this rock formation which is merged during high tide. being disputed by China calling it “HuangBajo de Masinloc is located approxiyan Island” which it claim is within the mately along latitude 15º08’N and longi“467 nautical miles from the mainland, in tude 117 º 45’E.” China’s claim however, is its 9-dash line map.” that the disputed rocks in Bajo de Masinloc In a position paper published by the is approximately 472 nautical miles (850 Department of Foreign Affiars, Bajo de km) from its nearest coast.”

Masinloc is “an integral part of Philippine The DFA report further asserts that a territory. It is part of the Municipality of “distinction has to be made between the Masinloc, Province of Zambales, and it is rocks of Bajo de Masinloc and the larger located 124 nautical miles (220 kilome- body of water and continental shelf where ters) west of Zambales and is within the the geological features are situated. The 200-nautical mile (370 kilometers) exclu- rights or nature of rights of the Philippines sive economic zone (EEZ) and Philippine over Bajo de Masinloc’s are different from continental shelf.” the rights it exercises over the larger body On Wikipedia’s information site, the of water and continental shelf. shoal is about 198 kilometers (123 miles) The basis of Philippine sovereignty and west of Subic Bay. To the east of the shoal jurisdiction over the rocks is likewise not is the “5,000-6,000 mi. (16,000-20,000 ft.) premised on proximity or the fact that the deep Manila Trench. The nearest landmass rocks are within its 200 nautical mile EEZ is Palauig, Zambales which is 220 kilome- or continental shelf under the UN Conventers (137 miles) due east.” tion on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

Per the DFA report, in the Bajo de MaOn a historical note, the DFA also re-

Children’s premiere health insurance program at risk NEW AMERICA MEDIA

March 13, 2014 – Among the foremost children’s advocates in Washington DC, some are concerned that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), one of the most popular health coverage programs, may not be reauthorized.

The majority of CHIP’s funding is set to expire in 2015. The program provides health coverage for children from lower-income families that do not meet the income requirements for Medicaid and don’t have access to coverage through an employer.

The program currently covers more than 8 million children, and since its inception in 1997 has cut the rate of uninsured children by almost half.

“We would contend that all 8 million kids would be worse off [if the program were to be eliminated],” said Bruce Lesley, the president of First Focus, one of the nation’s leading youth research and advocacy organizations. Some children might move into the state health insurance exchanges, but Lesley says that the coverage on the exchange would be “inferior” to the coverage children have through CHIP, due to CHIP’s cost-sharing as well as pediatric networks and quality standards that are specific to children.

“The Children’s Health Insurance Program plans are immensely stronger than those that are offered in the exchange,” he said.

CHOI From page 7

ate this. They tell me that they receive first class service at coach prices. I am happy to hear this.

Clients also do not know, that if they cannot find time to visit me, I offer free consultation by phone or even by email.

I answer many emails every day from the public and I am happy to do so. It is my community service.

So, you must ask yourself, “why should

Additionally, he says, some kids will lose access to coverage altogether if CHIP is allowed to expire. Because of the so-called “family glitch” in the Affordable Care Act, some families who need subsidies to purchase insurance for their children on the exchange won’t be able to get help.

Families don’t qualify for subsidies if “affordable” coverage is offered through an employer (that is, 9.5 percent or less of the employee’s total household income). The “glitch” is that the law only stipulates that the individual employee must be offered affordable insurance, not the rest of his or her family. So some families that need subsidies in order to afford insurance for their children won’t get them.

Lesley is optimistic about a bill that was introduced today by Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM). The bill would allow lawfully present immigrant children who are eligible for CHIP or Medicaid to obtain coverage without the 5-year waiting period enforced by many states.

It would also allow youth participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to have access to CHIP or Medicaid, or to obtain coverage in the state marketplaces.

Further, it would eliminate the 5-year waiting period imposed by some states on lawfully present immigrant women who are pregnant.

I pay $100-$500 for a consultation, when I can get it for free?” Good question.

Perhaps I can provide the answer. I look forward to hearing from you. .

(Paul Choi will answer all questions regarding immigration and naturalization for FREE. Address questions to pchoi@pchoilaw.com or call 818 714-2226. He is located at 5900 Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 303, Sherman Oaks, CA. 91411. Phil Abramowitz can be reached at pabramowitz@pchoilaw.com or on his cell at 818 324-8110).

Map shows Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) with Philippines as the closest country beside it.

ports that “one of the earliest known and most accurate maps of the area named Carta Hydrographical y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, SJ published in 1734, showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of Zambales.”

“The name Bajo de Masinloc was also given to the shoal by Spanish colonizers in 1792, where another map by the Alejandro

Malespina expedition was published in 1808 in Madrid, Spain, and it showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of Philippine territory.

This map was reproduced in the Atlas of the 1939 Philippine Census. In 1990, the Mapa General Islas Filipinas Observatorio de Manila, published by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey, likewise showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of the Philippines.”

In watching a recent televised forum at the University of the Philippines’ Law Center last month, the Scarborough Shoal controversy was the subject of discussion among law professionals such as: UP College of Law Associate Dean Francis Jardeleza, UP Professor Herminio “Harry” Roque, Jr. and former UP College of Law Dean Merlin Magallona. They discussed the Principles of UNCLOS as it applies to the disputed area of the Scarborough Shoal.

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Manny Pacquiao’s source of strength Philippine boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao, whose conquest of Bam Bam Rios in Macau in November debunked claims of doomsayers that his career is going south, is known to be a machine in continuous motion.

Where does he get all that energy for that daily long haul that starts at the crack of dawn? Manny is a natural-born athlete whose body, some people say, adjust to whatever demands it is subjected. to Add to this his

stern focus, commitment and dedication to his sport and adoring fans whose belief in him did not falter While his ring conquests showed visin two instances of temporary setbacks. ible marks of the power of his fists after His strength comes from a deeper source rounds ordeal, his Bible also shows the bordering on the spiritual. marks to particular passages that answer On hindsight, his many conquests his spiritual queries in his spiritual growth made people think how he was able out- outside of the ring. box them and made them kiss the canvas *** given the obvious disparities in physical Study Puts Asian Americans in Posiattributes. Like his last bout, Rios who tive Light boasted to make “a mince meat out of him” A recent study by Pew Research Center was obviously bigger. And this goes too puts Asian American immigrants differwith his other opponents. ently from other immigrants to the United Pacquiao draws energy from his deep States especially in recent years. spirituality and from the people around Asian-American immigrants are no lonhim. ger the stigmatized “poor, tired and huddle Barely hours after arriving in Los An- masses” that Emma Lazarus described on geles to train for his upcoming bout with the inscription on the Statue of Liberty.

Tim Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas, he Asian Americans who trace their roots was already with California-based “Team to dozens of countries in the Far East, Pacquiao” in sort of a reunion that visibly the Indian subcontinent and Southeast energized him. He was overheard by a Asia are “the most highly educated imfriend as saying “happy was to meet all of migrant group in U.S. history and have them again”. found remarkable success in their adopted Manny has grown in his Christian country.” life and takes the opportunity and is “not The Filipino immigrants follow Chiashamed to confess his faith”. Inside the nese-Americans as the largest immigrant boxing ring he wears specially tailored groups who now number at 6 million. The gloves in his powerful hands. In private, others in the group include Indians, Vietthe hands that hit their targets with preci- namese, Korean and Japanese.

Asian Americans overtook Latinos as sion are the same hands that leaf through the pages of his favorite Bible to the exact the nation’s fastest-growing racial group arriving annually in the United States. passages for his spiritual nourishment.

FACCOC equips for 2014: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County retools its members for the expected economic rebound with a seminar to help the members navigate Orange County’s business route. The members and officers of the organization take a brief time out from their Feb. 19th event at the New York Life building in Irvine City.

Manny Pacquiao in a light mood: Manny Pacquiao “reacts” to Realtor Nick Enciso being photographed with his championship belt at his Los Angeles home. The boxing hero flew in Saturday from the Philippines to prepare for his second encounter with Tim Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas.

Immigrants from Mexico has dramatically slowed because “of the weakened U.S. economy and tougher border enforcement”.

Nearly half of all U.S. Asians live in the Western states with California being the traditional gateway for Asian immigrants.

Asian immigration to U.S. has occurred at a time when the largest sending countries are experiencing dramatic gains in their

country’s standards of living., Asian Americans say they prefer U.S. to their country of origin because it provides economic opportunity, political and religious freedoms and good conditions for raising children.

It has also been noted that recent Asian immigrants “are an elite group” in terms of their education with more than two-thirds of recent adult immigrants are either college students or college graduates.

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Village Buildah to raffle out new Mercedes-Benz car in fundraising event for charity Los Angeles, California – Village Buildah, a nonprofit group dedicated to educating, sheltering, and feeding the underprivileged of the world, is proud to announce its first-ever international Car Raffle Fundraising Event to fund four global charities.

Those in the United States and Canada can purchase raffle tickets for a tax-deductible donation of only $2 per ticket. Tickets will be entered into a raffle, and winners will be selected on Saturday, June 28th, 2014, at 8:00 pm.

The top prize is a brandnew, 2014 Mercedes C250 luxury sedan, from Mercedes-Benz of Valencia.

The second prize winner will receive a brand-new Vizio 70-inch HDTV, and the third prize winner will receive $1,000 in cash.

The proceeds will serve to advance humanity, fight poverty, and make a difference across the globe through four worthy causes: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Palmdale; Philippinesbased Gawad Kalinga; and Typhoon Victims of Haiyan/Yolanda, dedicated to assisting the thousands of victims of the hard-hitting 2013 typhoon in Southeast Asia.

“We are humbled to be able to raise much-needed funds for several terrific causes,” said Edwin Fernandez, Charity Committee Chairman at Village Buildah. “Our organization believes in being a vocal advocate for the homeless, hungry, and displaced, and through the raffle, we can help others do the same.”

Added Fernandez, “We encourage all to participate and help those in need who cannot help themselves.”

DEAL From page 1

Fellow negotiators said: “If the negotiations are successfully concluded and that happens before the arrival of President Obama, then we will be happy of course”.

However, the officials declined to set an April deadline, citing the need to ensure the language was in line with Philippine laws and yielded the maximum benefits for the hosts.

Washington has said Obama will visit the Philippines in April as part of a four-nation tour of East Asia. The Philippine government sees hosting more US forces as an important part of its strategy to counter an increasingly assertive China in an escalating dispute over rival claims to the South China Sea.

Village Buildah is a 501©(3) nonprofit group based in California that seeks to serve as an agent and

facilitator of progress and development, as well as improve the social well-being of the underprivileged.

More information about the Car Raffle Fundraising Event, as well as Village Buildah’s latest projects

and how others can volunteer and donate, can be found at www.villagebuildah.com.

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Are homeowners liable for injuries caused by intoxicated guests?

Knowing the intricacies of the law can maximize help to the injured On April 27, 2007, Jessica Manosa hosted a party at a residence owned by her parents. Manosa and most of the party attendees were under 21 years old. She pooled money with some friends to buy alcohol for the party and charged people $3 to $5 to enter. Two of the attendees were Thomas Garcia and Andrew Ennabe.

Both were visibly intoxicated when they arrived, and continued to drink alcohol during the party. Because Garcia began causing trouble, Ennabe and some other guests escorted him outside. Once they were outside, Garcia drove his car and ran over Ennabe, ultimately killing him.

Ennabe’s parents filed a wrongful death

suit against Manosa and her parents. The trial court dismissed the case. However, the California Supreme Court reversed the ruling of the lower court and agreed that the parents can sue.

In California, a person who provides alcoholic beverages to another person cannot be held liable for damages resulting from that person’s intoxication. This is called the “social host immunity.� However, an exception applies if alcohol is provided to an obviously intoxicated minor.

Ennabe’s parents argued that by charg-

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ing an entrance fee, Manosa “sold� alcohol to underage party guests and was, thus, not entitled to the social host immunity. The Supreme Court agreed, noting that the facts indicate that Manosa sold alcoholic beverage to an obviously intoxicated minor.

Our law firm regularly handles serious injuries and wrongful death cases. We are reminded of cases we litigated where alcohol consumption resulted in wrongful death. In one case, our client’s 17-year old son was killed by gang members during a party where liquor was served. Similar to the Manosa case, we sued the homeowners seeking payments under the homeowners’ insurance policy. In order to avoid the social host immunity defense, we established general negligence by showing inadequate security of the house where the party was held. We obtained testimonies from young witnesses which helped us win and allowed our client to recover the full policy limits.

In another case, our clients’ teenage daughter was killed by a drunk driver moving on the wrong side of the freeway.

The drunk driver had been drinking with a friend who let her drive the car despite her obvious intoxication. We sued and recovered the full policy limits of the friend’s homeowners’ insurance policy, in addition to the drunk driver’s auto policy limits.

Experienced attorneys know how to find creative applications of legal principles to successfully recover compensation for serious injuries or death and allow victims to obtain justice.

[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.]

JINGGOY

Also in his privilege speech, Estrada said his co-accused and potential witness Ruby Tuason was the one who got the biggest “kickbacksâ€? from the Malampaya Fund scam. Estrada claimed Tuason was able to own a P45-million house in DasmariĂąas Village – which he referred to as “Malampaya mansionâ€?– through these kickbacks. strada also showed closed circuit television camera footage showing Tuason eight times visiting the sixth floor of the Senate building in November and December 2008, carrying only a handbag.

The footage shows Napoles visiting in November and December 2008, and not March, September, and October 2008 – the months in which whistleblower Benhur Luy claimed Estrada had received kickbacks from the supposed scam.

But on Thursday, De Lima accused Estrada of seemingly trying to “distort� the story and discredit the witnesses, even as she insisted that the CCTV footage shown by the lawmaker was “incomplete.�

From page 1

sila. Wala sana na mga butas-butas ang mga sinasabi nila na sinasabi nilang butasbutas,� she added.

In a privilege speech Wednesday, Estrada alleged that a justice undersecretary has been instructing witnesses in the pork barrel scam to pin him, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and Senate Minority Juan Ponce Enrile.

Estrada, however, did not identify the DOJ official.

The three senators are accused of pocketing commissions or “kickbacks� from the diversion of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus non-government organizations run by alleged mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

Napoles is also accused of pocketing funds from the Malampaya gas project which were supposed to have been used to help victims of typhoon victims in 2009.

PROVOCATIVE From page 1

moned China’s charge d’affaires, accusing Beijing of a “clear and urgent threat� to Manila’s interests. Beijing countered that the ships “infringed China’s territorial sovereignty� and violated a 2002 declaration of conduct in the South China Sea. The United States rejected China’s stance, saying that countries had the right to “regular resupply and rotation of personnel� to locations before the 2002 declaration.

The Second Thomas Shoal, which sits around 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, is claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan. Beijing calls it Ren’ai Reef.

Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam claim

MH370 From page 1

An international search effort that now involves more than a dozen countries and dozens of ships and aircraft focused initially on waters between Malaysia and Vietnam over which contact with the airliner was lost.

But the failure to find any trace of the plane has seen the search radius continually expanded, now taking Malaysia’s west coast and further into the Indian Ocean.

Earlier, a US naval ship and surveillance plane were reportred to be heading to the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to search for a missing Malaysian airliner that vanished a week ago, officials said Friday.

A P-8 Poseidon aircraft and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Kidd, were due to aid the international hunt for the jet as the search effort extended further west, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven

other parts of the Spratly islands, which lie near vital sea lanes and rich fishing grounds and are also believe to sit on vast mineral resources.

The United States, while saying it takes no position on the sovereignty of disputed territories, has been increasingly robust in its criticism of China. Last month, the United States challenged the legal basis for China’s claims over a vast area across the South China Sea. The United States has been seeking to prevent China from taking more drastic action in the South China Sea. In November, China declared an Air Defense Identification Zone – requiring planes to report to Beijing – over a vast area in the East China Sea where it has a separate but intense feud over Japanese-administered islands.

Warren said. “At Malaysia’s request, the USS Kidd is north of the Strait of Malacca in what we’re calling the western search area,�

Warren told reporters.

The Kidd was preparing to search the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal for the Malaysia Airlines plane, he said. “The P-8 will be searching a much larger search area... the southern portion of the Bay of Bengal and the northern portion of the Indian Ocean,� he said, adding that final orders had yet to be issued.

The Boeing 777 vanished off radar early Saturday over the South China Sea with 239 people on board, after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing.

The plane’s fate has vexed investigators and Malaysia authorities have dramatically expanded the scope of the search operation.

The hunt had initially focused on the South China Sea east of Malaysia along the intended route of the jet.

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Are your debt problems straining your marriage?

Every day, I meet with couples who are deeply in debt.

In a lot of cases, I can feel the stress level that they are experiencing while the couple is in my office. Emotions often run high and you can feel the tension in the air. There can be a lot of finger-pointing, resentment, anger, etc. A lot of couples find themselves on the verge of divorce due to financial problems. Some actually separate or divorce as a result.

Debt problems can place a huge stress on any marriage because it their finances and they can’t agree on a lot affects the whole family, including the of the important issues. children. When parents are unable to For example, I see a lot of cases where provide for their kids the way they want the debts accumulated during marriage to, they feel like they have failed. What are all in one spouse’s name and yet it is makes things worse sometimes is the fact clear that both husband and wife benefited that couples are not on the same page about from the money borrowed. But because all

Yee’s Stand for Party Unity succeeds Dems support all three Sec. of State candidates for June Primary SACRAMENTO – Senator Leland Yee, (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) issued the following statement regarding last weekend’s California Democratic Convention.

“At the end of the day, we stand united as a party, dedicated to making our elections more inclusive and our democracy stronger. I thank everyone who supported my campaign’s call for unity, and look forward to continuing to make the case that I am the candidate best equipped to increase access to the ballot box, fight corruption, and keep our government open and accountable.”

Yee had called upon delegates to vote not to endorse in the race for Secretary of State in order to keep the party unified. Convention delegates heeded this message, and no candidate received enough votes to receive the endorsement.

Prior to convention, Yee declared that “It is time for a Secretary of State who will expand access to the ballot box, make our government more transparent, and strengthen California’s democracy.”

Yee has served in the California State Legislature since 2002, and in that time has passed 181 pieces of legislation, including landmark bills on election reform, open government, and civil rights.

Among his most notable bills was SB 397 in 2011, which significantly expanded voter participation. The legislation enabled Californians to register to vote online, resulting in over 911,145 Californians using the new registration system.

the debts are only in one spouse’s name, the other spouse doesn’t feel the financial burden as much because it is “not my debt”.

How can this be? If your wife or husband accumulated debt during your marriage and the debt provided a benefit for both of you and your family, it is YOUR debt just as much as it is his or hers.

For a marriage to survive a financial crisis, both husband and wife need to be on the same team. That’s what a marriage should be all about- for better or for worse, isn’t it? Start out by sitting down and talking about the problem. It is normal to be frustrated with one another if you feel that your spouse is not doing her or her share but provided that you want to keep your marriage, you need to work together and come up with a mutually-agreeable solution. Sometimes that requires some willingness to compromise as you find ways to survive your debt problems.

Sometimes there is no easy way out and if filing bankruptcy is the only solution, again, this has to be a joint decision after you’ve weighed all your options. If bankruptcy can be avoided, you need to come up with a debt elimination strategy that is workable and realistic; otherwise,

you may be setting yourself up for more failure and frustration.

Debt problems are one of the main causes of divorce in the United States. But they don’t have to destroy your marriage unless you let them. When you’re in the middle of a financial crisis, sometimes it’s hard to find anything positive about the situation. But like most difficult challenges we face in life, we only grow when we are stretched beyond our comfort zone. So whatever debt problems you may be facing at the moment, try to find the lesson that life is trying to teach you. If you look hard enough, you will often find it.

If you need help figuring out your options to get out of debt, I’d like to help you. Call us for a free consultation at TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, West Covina, Valencia and Riverside.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped more than 4,000 clients in finding solutions to their debt problems.

To schedule a free attorney consultation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

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OPINION

Aquino: Don’t vote for ‘ampaw’ president, look for substance

MANILA, Mar 13 (Mabuhay) – With two years left before the 2016 elections, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday advised voters to elect someone who has substance.

“Sino ba yung talagang may laman at sino ba yung ampaw? Yung ampaw baka matutuwa tayo sandali, pero after 10 minutes gutom na tayo dahil wala ngang laman,” Aquino said during a forum at the Hope Christian High School in Manila.

“Sa akin napaka-importante yung substance... yung pagiging totoo.

Kung hindi mo mapapagkatiwalaan itong mamumuno sa atin, paano ka susunod ulit sa kanya?” he added.

Aquino, chair of the ruling Liberal Party, has kept mum about their party’s possible bet in 2016. But Senate President Franklin Drilon, LP’s vice chairman, had earlier said it will definitely be Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Roxas was Aquino’s running-mate in the 2010 elections, but he lost to Vice President Jejomar Binay. An electoral protest filed by Roxas is currently pending at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Aquino gave the speech on the same day he was described as an “awful manager” by Senator Sergio Osmeña III, an Aquino ally who said the President risks losing his endorsement value in 2016 if he does not get his act together to fix the country’s pressing problems.

No names In his speech, Aquino did not mention any names, but said worthy candidates should have “continuity” between their actions and their words.

“That has to be demonstrated consistently before he can start or you should start imparting your trust on him or her,” he said.

Aside from this, he said the next head of state should be sincere and consistent.

“May punto ba yung sinasabi niya? Mukha bang totoo yung lumalabas sa kanyang bibig or maganda lang pakinggan? Pag yung nanood ka ng talumpati nito o ng isang kampanya niya, meron ba siyang pinag-usapan na may saysay, o sumayaw na lang, o kumanta na lang, or di ba nagpa-cute na lang?” he said.

“Yung sa sinasabi ba niya at saka mga nagawa na niya tugma?”

Aquino added.

In making his point, he cited an “expert” whom he said flipflopped on his decision just a few months after declaring his previous position.

“Ako mahihirapan akong sundan yung ganoon, ano. Hindi maliwanag kung saan niya tayo dadalhin dahil mukhang pati siya hindi niya alam kung saan pupunta,” he said.

The 2016 presidential race Binay is set to form a new party, which is expected to carry him as standard bearer in the 2016 presidential elections.

Aside from Binay, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is also reportedly interested in joining the presidential race, although he said it is still to early to plan for the elections.

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), meanwhile, had earlier said that it is considering fielding Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. during the same polls. (MNS)

Distrust adding to Malaysian jet confusion: analysts

By Karl Malakunas

MANILA, March 13, 2014 (AFP) – Deep distrust between Asian neighbours and sensitive security issues are jamming essential communication lines in the chaotic hunt for a Malaysia Airlines plane, analysts said Thursday.

Bickering between Malaysia, China and others involved in trying to solve the baffling weekend disappearance of the jet has exposed longstanding tensions and prevented a coordinated response, they said.

“There clearly are communication problems on multiple levels. There is an underlying lack of trust in these matters,” Bridget Welsh, an associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University, told AFP. “The issues of protecting territory, security intelligence and interests are starting to win over the common goal of finding the plane and closure.”

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 went inexplicably missing on Saturday en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.

Since then, there have been frustrating delays and much confusion in the release of scarce but essential information, such as radar data and satellite imagery.

Authorities appear to have no idea what happened to the plane, with the search covering both sides of peninsular Malaysia, an area of nearly 27,000 nautical miles (more than 90,000 square kilometres).

Levels of confusion appeared to hit startling new highs on Thursday when Malaysia claimed that Chinese satellite photos, which had appeared to indicate possible debris in the South China Sea, were released in error and showed no such thing.

China, which is deeply involved because there were 153 Chinese citizens on board, on Wednesday accused the Malaysian authorities of releasing information in a “chaotic” fashion.

It then appeared to surprise the Malaysians by releasing the satellite data. Malaysia and Vietnam deployed planes to the area highlighted by the Chinese but found nothing.

At his daily briefing Thursday, Malaysian Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters that China had told them the satellite photos were released “by mistake and did not show any debris”.

Highlighting the lack of cooperation, Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority deputy director Dinh Viet Thang earlier said Vietnamese officials had only learnt of the Chinese satellite sighting on the Internet, not from official channels.

Communist-run China, though, insisted on Thursday that Malaysia was to blame for the bulk of the confusion, while warning the search would continue to suffer unless there was greater transparency.

“As Malaysia Airlines is state owned, the Malay-

sian government is the core force in the fact-finding mission,” the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

“Unless transparency is ensured, the huge international search operation can never be as fruitful as we hope and expect.”

But Malaysia’s Hussein denied that there were problems between countries involved in the search operation.

“On the search operations, it is not just Malaysian assets. We are talking about sophisticated equipment deployed by the US and China,” he said.

“To say it is just on our shoulders, I think that is unfair. Because the overwhelming support and effort on a multinational level, is something we should be proud of.”

Singapore-based Aviation expert Terence Fan said military radar from various countries may have detected the plane but governments were reluctant to share the data because it would reveal their capabilities and compromise security.

“There may be some military sensitivity because the radar is not continuous, it sort of sweeps around a couple of times,” Fan said.

“The rate at which they can take the picture can also reveal how good the radar system is and that I think is probably why the countries around here are not very fond of sharing the information.”

But again Hussein defended his country, saying Malaysia was releasing sensitive radar data that would normally be kept confidential.

“Malaysia has nothing to hide,” he said.

Adding another layer to the tensions, much of the search has been focused on the South China Sea, which for decades has been one of Asia’s most volatile security flashpoints due to competing territorial claims.

China insists it has sovereign rights to nearly all of the sea, which has some of the most important shipping lanes in the world and is believed to hold enormous amounts of natural resources.

Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to parts of the sea.

Perceived increased aggressiveness from China in staking its claims in recent years has rattled its neighbours, particularly the Philippines.

Manila says that on Sunday Chinese ships blocked two Philippine vessels from carrying supplies to soldiers at a shoal. The Philippines evaded the blockade by dropping food from a plane, it’s military said. Graham Webster, a Beijing-based fellow at the Yale Law School China Centre specialising in US-China relations, said the search could have been an opportunity to build trust between the armed forces and civilian authorities of Asian neighbours.

“But there still may be real trust problems when it comes to sharing intelligence,” he said.

PHL fails to act against torture: Amnesty MANILA, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – Amnesty International criticized the Philippine government Wednesday for allegedly failing to crack down on torture committed by the security forces against detained persons.

“Impunity for torture and other ill-treatment remains a critical human rights problem in the Philippines,” London-based Amnesty charged in a letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“Most instances of torture and other ill-treatment in the Philippines are unreported,” it added, citing criminal suspects in official custody as the most frequent victims of such behaviour.

Made available to the press by Amnesty late Tuesday, the letter highlighted the case of 10 police officers accused of torturing prisoners for “fun” at a secret detention facility near Manila.

The secret prison, where the officers were accused of spinning a “wheel of torture” to decide what form of punishment they would inflict on

detainees, was shut down in January after a surprise inspection by the government’s Commission on Human Rights.

The officers are under investigation and the police denied torture was a government policy, but Amnesty said this was not enough and suggested those involved should also be facing criminal charges. The Philippine government’s human rights commission said Wednesday that Amnesty’s letter came at a time when the country is campaigning for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

“We agree with the assessment of Amnesty International that the Philippine government has yet to make concrete steps to eradicate the practice of torture,” Mark Cebreros, spokesman of the commission, told AFP. The letter was not likely to prevent the Philippines from being elected to the council, but was probably intended to ensure Manila raised its human rights standards, he added.

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NaFFAA hails appointment of Fil-Am leaders to RNC National Advisory Council Washington, D.C. – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) commends the Republican National Committee for appointing four Filipino American leaders to the Asian Pacific American Advisory Council.

They include former U.S. Rep. Steve Austria of Ohio, Vellie S. Dietrich-Hall of Charlotte, Va., Cecilia Cortez Ramos of Los Angeles, Calif. and NaFFAA National Chairman Eduardo Navarra.

In his letter of appointment, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said the party needs the “personal and professional insights” of Asian Pacific American community leaders to “help shape the vision of our efforts at the national, state and local levels.” The 31-member council, Priebus adds, “will lend their expertise towards a better, more

effective engagement strategy” between the RNC and APA communities.

“I want to ensure that the Republican Party is building sincere relationships in every community across the country, and our advisory councils will help make that a reality,” Priebus further states. “They are all true leaders in their communities, and each council member brings a unique perspective. I look forward to working with them to grow the Republican Party.”

“I gladly welcome this appointment as an opportunity for the nearly 4 million Filipinos in this country to voice their issues and concerns,” says Navarra. “We definitely want to play a significant role in helping shape public policy, notably on immigration reform. It is a critical issue that we all need to address now.”

Hardline Arizona governor won’t run for re-election LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – Arizona governor Jan Brewer, known for her hardline stance on illegal immigration and a stand-up row with President Barack Obama, said Wednesday she will not seek re-election later this year.

The 69-year-old Republican, governor of the southwestern US state bordering Mexico, said she will remain politically active after standing down in the upcoming November poll.

“There’s a time to be, and a time to go,” Brewer told Capitol Media Services, after announcing her decision. “It’s the right time for me to move on.”

Brewer, who became governor after her predecessor Janet Napolitano was tapped as US Secretary of Homeland Security in January 2009, was elected for a full term the following year.

She had said Arizona’s two-term poll limit would not stop her standing again as her first two years were not formally her term.

But others contested that view, which would likely have been decided in court, had Brewer run again.

Brewer is well-known for her fierce antipathy to Obama over a controversial

Arizona law passed in 2010 which was opposed by the president.

The legislation, signed by Brewer, created some of the nation’s toughest measures on illegal immigration, but the US Supreme Court declared most of them unconstitutional.

In January 2012 she surprised onlookers when, at an airport ceremony to welcome Obama to Phoenix, she pointed her finger at the US president in what appeared to be a toe-to-toe row on the tarmac.

Afterwards White House officials explained that Obama had taken exception to Brewer’s description of an Oval Office meeting the pair had, in a book she wrote.

“He was a little disturbed about my book,” Brewer said.

In August that year Brewer mistakenly endorsed Obama in a live television interview.

She also infamously became lost for words during a televised debate in the runup to 2010 mid-term elections, remaining silent for an embarrassing 10 seconds before getting back on track.

Afterwards she admitted she had had a “brain freeze.”

USCIS introduces Form I-910 and centralizes the civil surgeon application process USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has implemented a new process to receive and adjudicate applications for civil surgeon designation centrally at the National Benefits Center.

This process change requires physicians seeking civil surgeon designation to file a formal application at a USCIS Lockbox.

Centralizing the civil surgeon application process will: Improve the application intake process; Enhance USCIS’s ability to manage and track civil surgeon applications; Promote consistency and uniformity in USCIS decisions on civil surgeon-related matters; and Improve overall efficiency and integrity of the program.

Physicians seeking civil surgeon designation need to complete Form I-910, Application for Civil Surgeon Designation, and pay a $615 application fee. This new application form and process implements provisions of the agency’s 2010 Fee Rule.

It does not affect current civil surgeons.

Previously, civil surgeon designation has been a local process at the district or field office with jurisdiction over the prospective civil surgeon’s office location.

The new process is detailed in Volume 8, Part C of the USCIS Policy Manual,

which replaces the civil surgeon designation guidance found in Chapter 83.4 of the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM). The new policy on civil surgeons: Reaffirms and clarifies the purpose, role, and responsibilities of civil surgeons; Outlines the professional qualifications needed for civil surgeon designation; Explains the application requirements for civil surgeon designation; Clarifies the process for adjudicating civil surgeon applications; Provides consolidated guidance on blanket civil surgeon designation; Reaffirms USCIS’s ability to revoke civil surgeon designation and clarifies revocation grounds; and Provides guidance on maintenance of the civil surgeon list.

According to the USCIS, civil surgeons must perform the immigration medical examination, in particular those who are adjustment their status as part of U.S. Permanent Residence requirements. These are doctors who conduct physical examination on green card applicants and those who are willing to immigrate to the U.S. For more information on civil surgeons, visit the Civil Surgeons Web page. For more information on Form I-910, visitwww. uscis.gov/i-910.

Adds Dietrich-Hall: “I’m grateful to have been invited to serve and represent our community. We have a lot to offer in terms of our experience, insights and ideas.” Dietrich-Hall served during the George W. Bush administration as one of 14 members of the White House Advisory Commission for Asians and Pacific Islanders. An active member of the Filipino American Republicans of Virginia (FARV), she was a delegate to the 2004 GOP convention in New York City.

The two other members of the council, Austria and Ramos, are prominent leaders in their respective communities. Austria represented Ohio’s 7th congressional district as U.S. Representative from 20092013. Ramos is a community activist and

school administrator in Los Angeles, Ca. Rozita Lee, a Democrat and a member of the White House Initiative on AAPIs, says she’s “delighted that the Filipino American community is recognized and being taken seriously as a valuable resource. Both major parties are served well when they engage us in meaningful ways, not only during elections but on a permanent basis. We need dedicated Democrats and Republicans working together in a bi-partisan spirit to help solve our nation’s problems and move us forward.”

Members of the advisory council are expected to attend quarterly conference calls, RNC meetings and community events, as well as speak with grassroots activists nationwide.

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Grand Park celebrates LA’s love for local authors, publishers and booksellers at Second Annual Grand Park Downtown Bookfest WHAT: Los Angeles’ only book festival that focuses exclusively on the local community, the second annual Grand Park Downtown Bookfest offers Angelenos of all ages access to the largest coalition of Los Angeles-based presses and publishers in an outdoor bookstore setting. The free Bookfest provides a platform for writers and budding authors of all ages as well as literary support communities, including libraries and local non-profit organizations.

Book lovers big and small can see, hear and read from the largest coalition of Los Angeles-based authors, publishers and literacy groups brought together in one day.

Guests can enjoy:

• Bilingual performances by Birdie’s Playhouse, featuring upbeat Latin rhythms and catchy pop refrains to get kids up and moving.

• Performances by Story Pirates, with a one-of-a-kind sketch comedy musical based entirely on stories by children, including those in the audience.

• The World’s Longest Story by 826LA, where they can add their own lines.

• A massive comic book by Ryman Arts, where they can draw in their own characters.

• A customized poem-on-demand by Poesia Para la Gente.

Woman jailed for defrauding nuns Sisters. Instead, Gagnon used the funds to pay for her personal expenses and to fund the unprofitable operations of her real estate finance company – burning through the entire $285,000 in only 64 days. Gagnon used the funds to pay for personal expenses, including travel, lingerie, groceries, manicures, hair dressing, restaurants, lease payments for an Audi TT sports car, and valet pet-sitting services for her dog.

In addition to the prison term, which Gagnon was ordered to begin serving

by June 13, Judge Guilford said he would order the defendant to pay full restitution to the victim nuns. The amount of restitution will include at least the $285,000 that Gagnon stole from RJM, but the court may order her to pay RJM for other related losses.

This case was investigated by the FBI.

SANTA ANA, California – An Irvine woman was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for defrauding a group of Roman Catholic Sisters out of $285,000, which she misappropriated and spent for her own use after promising to use the money to help the nuns purchase a retirement home.

Linda Rose Gagnon, 59, was sentenced

by United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford, who presided over Gagnon’s trial last year.

Gagnon was found guilty of three counts of wire fraud in November for defrauding the U.S. Province of the Religious of Jesus & Mary (RJM), an order of nuns devoted to educational and charitable work. The evidence presented at trial showed that Gagnon promised to use RJM funds to purchase a retirement home for the

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• Selections from the California African American Museum collection, including a rare textbook used in classes at Madam C.J. Walker’s Beauty College.

• Writing prompts to inspire would-be adult writers provided by Publish!

• The Writ Large pop-up bookshop to discover books, zines and literary gems.

• Storytellers dressed as children’s authors presented by The Music Center Education Department.

• Los Angeles’ best DIY authors creating and selling their work presented by Zinefest.

• Readings of essays about Union Station’s 75th anniversary commissioned

by Metro.

Guests are also encouraged to bring books in good condition to donate to Grand Park’s Little Libraries (please no explicit materials), where they can also take home books for free.

WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2014, noon-5 p.m.

WHERE:Grand Park, downtown Los Angeles, 200 N. Grand Avenue Between Grand Avenue and Hill Street Take the Metro Red or Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station, Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.

More info: Visit http://www.grandparkla.org/bookfest2014 or call 213-972-8080.

Workers sue McDonald’s for stealing wages NEW YORK, March 13, 2014 (AFP) – US workers accused fast-food giant McDonald’s Thursday of systematically stealing wages through illicit practices like forcing them to work off-the-clock and failing to pay overtime.

Seven class-action lawsuits were filed Wednesday and Thursday in California, Michigan and New York demanding that McDonald’s pay back the stolen wages and end the practices that violate state and federal laws, lawyers representing the workers said.

McDonald’s Corporation is named in all seven lawsuits, while franchisees were included in five of them.

The lawsuits argue that McDonald’s, which took in nearly $5.6 billion in profits last year, regularly fails to compensate its already low-paid workers for all the hours they work.

It allegedly forced employees to work off-the-clock, failed to pay them overtime, shaved hours off time cards, and deprived employees of timely meal and rest breaks, among other practices. “We’ve uncovered several unlawful schemes, but they all share a common purpose – to drive labor costs down by stealing wages from McDonald’s workers,” Michael Rubin of Altshuler Berzon, who filed the California suits, said in a statement.

“These suits have been filed to stop this widespread employee pay theft,” Joseph Sellers, of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, co-counsel in the lawsuits filed in California and New York, said in a conference call.

Fast-food workers, some of the worstpaid in the US economy, have been campaigning for higher wages in recent years.

Last August thousands of workers went on strike at McDonald’s and other fast-food restaurants in 60 cities across the nation seeking a minimum wage of $15 an hour and the right to form a union without retaliation by their employer.

President Barack Obama currently is pushing to raise the $7.25 federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, but is facing fierce opposition from Republicans in Congress.

Sellers said the class-action suits in the three states cover more than 30,000 McDonald’s workers.

The workers were referred to the lawyers through a consortium of locally based organizations that are addressing working conditions in the fast-food industry, he said.

He added that he did not know the amount of money sought, but it would include back pay and perhaps penalties.

Sellers voiced hope the class-action lawsuits will “change the workplace behavior of the fast-food industry. There may be more suits coming,” he said.

McDonald’s spokeswoman Gidi Sa Shekhem said the company was currently reviewing the allegations in the lawsuits.

“McDonald’s and our independent franchisees are committed to undertaking a comprehensive investigation of the allegations and will take any necessary actions as they apply to our respective organizations,” she said in an email to AFP .

US senator rejects ‘sucks’ as online domain suffix WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – A high-ranking US senator urged Internet regulators Wednesday to pull the plug on a proposed online neighborhood for website addresses ending in “.sucks.”

Senator John (Jay) Rockefeller argued in a letter to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that such an Internet zone aimed to compel companies to buy addresses for the sole purpose of preventing someone from using them.

“I view it as little more than a predatory shakedown scheme,” the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee said in a letter addressed to the head of ICANN’s board of directors.

Any benefit from such a new generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) would be far outweighed by its potential to be used to “defame” individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses, Rockefeller said.

He identified three companies vying for ICANN’s blessing to run the domain with the expressed reasoning that such addresses would inspire debate and benefit consumers.

Rockefeller contended that the apparent business model aimed to get people, groups or companies to pay recurring fees to avoid having “.sucks” appended to their names in website addresses.

One contender for running the domain is offering pre-registration of website names for $2,500, with a warning that the price will leap 10-fold when it is close to opening, according to the senator.

ICANN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

New online neighborhoods began opening in January with the arrivals of “.guru,” “.bike” – and even “.singles.”

Opening the Internet to domain names that go far beyond .com, .net, .gov, and .edu has been heralded by ICANN as the biggest change to the Web since it was created.

More than 100 new gTLDs have cleared hurdles to reach registries such as Donuts.

“This is a historic milestone for ICANN’s new gTLD program and the Internet as a whole,” vice president of gTLD operations Christine Willett said in January.

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Putative spouse status as a defense to a petition for nullity of marriage All property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void. These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of

having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 having any community property interest on CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 property acquired by your spouse during “Good faith� belief is tested by an the marriage. A nullity may also cut off objective standard based on facts that your claim for spousal support. would cause a reasonable person under What options do you have if your the circumstances to harbor a good faith spouse files a nullity against you? You may belief in the existence of a valid California still have a claim to community property marriage. Domestic Partnership of Ellis and support as a putative spouse. A party & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, to a void or voidable marriage has “putative 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun spouse� status only if he or she believed in (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d good faith the marriage was valid. Fam- 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas ily.Code. § 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180, (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 183. Whether a party had an objectively 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 reasonable “good faith� belief is a question CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813. A party of fact to be determined in light of all the who has the requisite objectively reason- circumstances. able “good faith� belief may be a putative Successfully proving putative spouse spouse where any legal infirmity in forma- status or putative marriage status in court tion of the marriage renders the marriage gives rise to certain property, support invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 certain other rights that ordinarily attach CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) only between lawfully married persons.

97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143, 155; see Property that would have been community Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at or quasi-community property had the mar718–719, 248 CR at 811–812. riage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital A party’s “good faith� belief in the property� and, in a proceeding to terminate validity of the marriage is not tested by the invalid marriage, “shall� be divided bewhether he or she believed a “marriage� tween the parties as if it were community. lawfully occurred under some private, Family.Code. § 2251(a)(2); Marriage of secular or spiritual set of standards. A Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973, 983, 102 putative spouse must have had a good CR3d 361, 368; Quasi-marital property faith belief in the existence of a lawful divided pursuant to § 2251 is also liable for California marriage. Estate of DePasse the parties’ debts to the same extent as if it (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d had been community or quasi-community 143, 156; Welch v. State of Calif. (2000) 83 property. Family.Code. § 2252.

CA4th 1374, 1378–1379, 100 CR2d 430, In addition, “temporary� and “perma-

Obama wants ‘more humane’ way in deportations as expulsions continue WASHINGTON, March 14, 2014 (AFP) – President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered a review to see whether US deportation policies could be conducted more “humanely� following complaints by Latino advocates over mass expulsions of illegal immigrants.

Obama last week blamed Congress for high levels of deportations, saying he had no choice but to enforce existing laws because an attempt to pass immigration reform had been jammed in Congress.

Obama told a group of Hispanic lawmakers that he had asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to probe “the department’s current practices to see how it can conduct enforcement more humanely within the confines of the law,� the White House said.

It was not immediately clear if actions following such a review would halt any deportations.

Obama was this month branded “deporter in chief� by one Latino advocacy group over mass expulsions.

But he said that Congress was forcing his hand. “I cannot ignore those laws any more than I can ignore any of the other laws that are on the books,� he said.

Obama said he had ordered government agents to give priority to deportations of those involved in illegal activity and gangs – and had used executive power to shield undocumented young people with illegal status who have known no home other than the United States. “What I have done is to use my prosecutorial discretion,� Obama said.

The National Council of La Raza, America’s largest Latino advocacy orga-

nization, says the administration is close to reaching the two million mark for deportations.

The Senate immigration bill, passed last year, offers a path to eventual citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants.

It includes tighter border monitoring, an overhauled work visa program and other key reforms.

But many observers believe it is such a tough vote for many Republicans that it has no chance of passing the House before mid-term elections in November.

Mexico uncovers tunnel for smuggling migrants into US Mexican authorities in the border city of Tijuana found a tunnel designed to smuggle people without documentation into the United States, the government said Thursday.

Three suspected people-traffickers were arrested, a statement from the National Migration Institute said.

It gave no details on the size of the secret underground passage.

Police acted on an anonymous tip about a possible kidnapping of migrants held in a residential area of Tijuana, which borders California.

Tunnels of varying degrees of size and sophistication have been found in Tijuana.

Authorities say some were used to smuggle both people and illegal drugs into the United States.

In one of the most elaborate ones, found in October of last year, police came across eight tons of marijuana and 148 kilos of cocaine.

It was 200 meters long and was equipped with electricity and ventilation, officials have said.

nent� spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable�

Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of fraud or wrongdoing in inducing or entering into the marriage, and free from knowledge of the then existence of any prior marriage or other impediment to the contracting of the marriage for which a judgment of nullity is sought.� Family Code Section 2255.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than

would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a 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@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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CCA 5k Walk for increasing colorectal cancer awareness and screening among Filipino Americans The Cabanatuan City Association in southern California sponsored a FiveKilometer Walk event on Saturday, March 8, to increase colorectal cancer awareness and screening among Filipino Americans..

Colorectal cancer is the third most common and the third most deadly cancer found in men and women of any racial or ethnic group, age 50 or older in the United States (Cancer Facts and Figures 2014. ACS).

This cancer occurs in the colon more commonly known as the large intestines and rectum, the passageway connecting the colon to the anus.

In the early stage of colorectal cancer it is typical to have no symptoms. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, blood in stool, change

in bowel habits or stool shape (narrowing of the stool), cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss, and in some cases, weakness and fatigue secondary to anemia, caused by blood loss from the cancer.

Aside from – age, the other nonmodifiable factors that increase the risk for colorectal cancer include personal or family history of colorectal cancer and/or polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Cronh disease), certain inherited genetic conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis), and type 2 diabetes.

The modifiable factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include a diet

high in red meat or processed meat , lack of exercise, obesity, , long-term smoking, alcohol consumption and very low intake of fruits and vegetables.

Colorectal screening is highly recommended beginning at the age of 50 for both men and women who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. Screening can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful; it can also detect and allow removal of polyps that might become cancerous. .

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends three colorectal cancer screening tests for the early detection of colorectal cancer namely: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or stool blood test, for short, once every year; Sigmoidoscopy once every 5 years; or Colonoscopy once every 10 years.

Talk to your doctor or provider about the colorectal cancer screening test that is

right for you.

The 5K Walk event is part of the CCA’s strategic plan to increase colorectal cancer screening in collaboration with the UCLA Filipino-American Health Research Study Group.

For more information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening, CALL your CCA Community Health Advisors: Aurora and Ely Garcia @ 626.357.3018 Aurea Briones @ 310.836.6028 Priscilla Nanong @ 626.358.4415 Cynthia Reyes @ 626.404.4581. (Noel Castorillo In collaboration with CCA and the UCLA Filipino American Health Research Study Group.

(Noel Castorillo is not affiliated with UCLA and is not a CCA member. He is a ‘kapamilya ‘ of a CCA member through church affiliation.)

New research suggests five-second rule exists (Relaxnews) – We’ve all done it: a piece of food falls on the floor and we immediately pick it up while possibly saying “Five-second rule!” While it’s been believed that eating food on the floor for five seconds isn’t the greatest idea, new research from the Aston University’s School of Life and Health Sciences indicates the food actually features much less bacteria when picked up right away compared to a longer period of time.

The study was performed by final year biology students and led by Anthony Hilton, Professor of Microbiology at Aston University in Birmingham, England. They monitored the transfer of the common bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus from several indoor

floor types, including carpet, laminate and tiled surfaces, to toast, pasta, biscuit, ham, dried fruit and a sticky dessert, with contact lasting between 3 and 30 seconds.

Researchers found time an extremely important factor in bacterial transfers, with the type of flooring involved also having an effect.

For example, bacteria has less chance of making contact with food on carpeting and was more likely to transfer when on laminate or tiled surfaces, especially when food was moist and left on the floor for more than 5 seconds.

The research team also found 87% of people surveyed said they would eat food that had fallen on the floor, with 55% percent of these people women.

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How to buy properties now!

I just attended an Auction recently and was amaze with the amount of people that showed up looking for good deals.

Did they find them? Well depends on where you’re looking.

I saw properties going for between 30-40% less than what it is worth. The farther out from the main the city, the bigger the discounts. People are buying properties for $70,000 all the way to $500,000 just depending on where it is. Of course, I could not have possibly check out the conditions of each and every one of the properties, but San Fernando Valley to South Central LA, the auctioneers will disclose whether you San Diego, Apple Valley and more. would need more down payment on each Another way to buy a property is thru a of the properties. If you do, that means the short sale before the bank forecloses on it. condition is probably a fixer-upper and Short Sale listings seem to be coming back that would require more down payment. in some areas. For a little while these short Typically, they only require 10% down, sale listings were going down in numbers, which most lenders do anyways to put a but recently there is a surge in short sale bid. Properties that are being auctioned are listings. It’s not going to be easy to get those located in Aliso Viejo to Buena Park, these offers accepted because most agents

US regulators warned of problems on Boeing 777s WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – Months before Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 mysteriously vanished, US regulators warned of a “cracking and corrosion” problem on Boeing 777s that could lead to a mid-air breakup and drastic drop in cabin pressure.

The revelation comes amid a desperate search for traces of the plane with 239 people on board, which lost contact with air traffic control at around 1730 GMT Friday, about an hour after take-off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing.

“We are issuing this AD (Airworthiness Directive) to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane,” the Federal Aviation Administration said.

During a sudden drop in cabin pressure, the crew and passengers can become unconscious, leaving no one at the controls of the affected aircraft.

In 1999, a Learjet carrying golfer Payne Stewart crashed into a field in the US state of South Dakota after flying uncontrolled for several hours after those on board apparently became unconscious due to a lack of oxygen brought on by a loss of cabin pressure.

Malaysia’s air force chief has raised the possibility that MH370 inexplicably turned back and was quoted as saying the jet had been tracked hundreds of miles from its

intended flight path.

The FAA circulated a draft of the directive warning of the cracking and corrosion problem on September 26, 2013.

A final directive was issued March 5, three days before the Malaysia Airlines jet disappeared. The FAA directive is to take effect April 9.

The FAA said it was “prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter.”

“This AD requires repetitive inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary,” it added.

The FAA said an estimated 120 US registered aircraft are affected by the directive.

A supporting document accompanying the directive indicates that one unidentified operator reported a “16-inch crack” (940.6 centimeter) of the fuselage skin in an aircraft that was 14 years old.

Boeing performed a “metallurgical fracture analysis” of the affected section of the fuselage skin, according to the document.

As the hunt for the missing plane dragged into its fifth day, Malaysian authorities said they were expanding their search zone off Vietnam’s South China Sea coast to the Andaman Sea north of Indonesia, hundreds of kilometers (miles) away.

US, Filipino Marines conduct military exercises MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – In a bid to increase their interoperability, American and Filipino Marines kicked off the first field training exercise portion of the Philippine Marine Engagement Program (PMEP) last March 10, the US Embassy in Manila revealed in a statement Friday.

This was done at the 3rd Marine Amphibious Brigade Headquarters in Puerto Princessa, Palawan.

PMEP is a regular bi-lateral training program between the US Marine Corps and the Philippine Marine Corps with the goal of creating a PMC unit capable of amphibious operations and improving US-Philippine interoperability.

This initial field training event, a subject matter expert exchange between the US Marine Corps’ 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, based in Okinawa, Japan, and the PMC’s 3rd Marine Brigade, focused on small unit tactics, and tactical radio operations from March 10-14.

Later this month, the senior enlisted Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force in San Diego, California, will hold a subject matter expert exchange with counterparts from the Philippine Marine Corps aboard at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

They will discuss the importance of developing junior Marines and other best practices in leadership and management.

At the end of the month, personnel from Ist Marine Expeditionary Force will also conduct a maintenance management exchange, with events in Manila and in Palawan.

Effective maintenance management is vital to maintaining unit readiness, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines said Friday a deal to allow a greater US military presence on its territory could be signed next month, in a timely defense boost amid a worsening territorial row with China.

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carry buyers of their own. However, lenders are starting to require short sale agents to list properties longer and sometimes requiring agents to put property listings up for auction as well. Unless you are going in with an all cash offer it’s going to be an uphill battle to get your offers accepted.

Please call me if you are qualified and interested. Take over loans are probably not a good way to inquire about a property today because you are probably taking over an upside down loan that is also due to reset in a few years.

I have noticed first-time buyers and investors that are still aggressively making offers and are overbidding everyone.

They are chasing after the price and some of them don’t care what they pay for; it’s a little too risky for me. But when I see what they are trying to do with these flip properties, I can’t believe they are still turning a profit even at this time. Kudos to them. Homebuyers don’t care about house flippers making all that money because that saves them the trouble of having to fix up homes themselves and maybe spending the same amount of money and time.

Make smart choices and forget about market value. There is no such term now due to the condition of the market. You pay whatever you think you want to pay for,

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otherwise walk away and go for the next property. Remember, buy something that you probably don’t need to do any work on, because all these properties were already taken care of by their previous owners. If you have to buy a fixer make sure you are buying it 20-30% below market for the trouble that you have to put on it.

Multi units or apartment units are scarce, but good to buy now. Money will be well placed in it than keeping your money in your savings account. These safe havens will provide income and security, and cash flows will be more stable compare to a single family home.

That is if you have the money for the down payment. Look into FHA loans for these multi units that might give you more for your money.

Call me to get pre-qualified and for smart advises. Rates are still very descent and you’re borrowing what I call “Cheap Money.” This is the time to be more aggressive in your offers. Refinance your high mortgage rates if you have not done so, now is the time to cash out and invest into another Real Estate.

Happy investing. Call me at 1st Innovative Finance at 562-697-7028 or write to: kennethgo@verizon.net. For your inquiries. Thank you very much.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Instant non-surgical nose job; pick one

For those who want a nose-job, but are afraid to go under the knife or simply can’t afford the cost or the post-surgical downtime, I am glad to tell you that there is a non-surgical option.

Pain-free and at a lot lower cost, non-surgical nose job is the non-invasive alternative to surgical nose-job. Also known as non-surgical rhinoplasty, or injection rhinoplasty, this 15-minute non-surgical procedure is lower risk.

Non-surgical nose job can smooth out nose contour irregularities are also risks associated with injecand can make the nose appear smaller on tions. However, these problems have the face. It is used to improve symmetry historically been mostly associated with by fixing the unsightly depressions and improperly trained or unqualified injectors. grooves.

At SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute, Dr. The most popular and demanded nose- Apolinar Tiongson’s non-surgical nosejob for us at SouthMain Rejuvenation job method significantly reduces the risk Institute is the raising and defining of a of complications. His decades of experiflat-bridge and also lifting of the droop- ence and high qualification as an Aesthetic ing or rounded nasal tip. Improving the Physician are very important factors to saddle-nose contour is also an extremely consider – because the nose is at the center desired correction. of the face and vital to attractive features.

Non-Surgical Nose job is done by inFor more information on non-surgical jecting microdroplets of an injectable der- rhinoplasty, but are unsure which filler mal filler into areas that need to be filled material might be best for you, please call out to obtain more symmetrical facial (888) 678-SKIN to help you to learn more appearance. The procedure is repeated about your options. if needed in 6-8 week intervals until the About SouthMain Rejuvenation Instidesired outcome is achieved as determined tute (SRI): by both the doctor and the patient.

SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute This 15-minute nose-job method carries specializes in non-surgical cosmetic proless risk than a surgical rhinoplasty because cedures. Serving the community since there is no cutting involved. The added 1999 , SRI main office is in Milpitas, bonus is that it does not require sedation California and has offices in Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley) (est. 2008), and San or general anesthesia.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty has limitations Francisco (est. 2000). All three offices in as it is non-surgical. It cannot correct Milpitas, San Francisco and Los Angeles deviated septum or improve breathing Offices are all staffed with highly qualified problems. It definitely will improve facial registered nurses and physician providers and equipped with advanced lasers and symmetry and appearance.

As with any medical procedure, there instruments in order to consistently render

quality care. For more information please visit http://www.southmainrejuvenation. com or call (888) 678-SKIN (7546).

About Apolinar Tiongson, MD Apolinar F. Tiongson, M.D. obtained his Physician’s and Surgeon’s Certificate given by the Medical Board of California in January 1999. Dr. Tiongson holds a board certification in aesthetic medicine (administered by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine), which he acquired by fulfilling training requirements and passing both written and oral examinations. He received his medical degree from Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines in 1990, satisfactorily completed both internship in internal medicine at New York University Medical Center-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1994 and residency in anatomic and clinical pathology (with special interest in dermatopathology) at New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center in 1998. After residency, he pursued independent training in aesthetic medicine and all his continuing medical education is exclusively focused on cosmetic dermatology and medical aesthetics. He acquired his Diplomate in Dermatology from Australian Institute of Dermatology.

Through the years, he has accumulated intensive specialized training in non-surgical aesthetic procedures including Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, chemical peels, medical lasers for skin resurfacing, acne treatment and hair removal, radio frequency skin treatments, among others. Since 1999, Dr.Tiongson has personally performed more than 100,000 laser procedures, over 10,000 botox treatments, and almost 10,000 injectible dermal filler procedures.

Dr. Tiongson as a scientist developed the proven clinicallly-effective APOLINAR skincare line.

About Louella D. Eischen, MBA, CAC, LE Louella has definitely mastered the art, science and business of medical aesthetic practice management and patient consultation. While at SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute, Louella continues her post graduate education and racks up hundreds of hours of hands-on experience learning the science and business of aesthetics inside and out. She is well-educated in the areas of skin anatomy, cosmetic skin diseases, current aesthetic treatments & technologies, lightbased treatments (ablative & non – ablative), botox & cosmetic fillers, laser lipolysis, radio frequency technology (tightening, fat & cellulite), fractional skin resurfacing and many more. She has been awarded as Certified Aesthetic Consultant by The Aesthetic Practice Association.

With professional trainings and guidance of Dr. Tiongson, Louella has become an accomplished Skin Care Consultant as well as an Educator of Aesthetics. Her recent continuing education includes live participation in a meeting titled “Aesthetic and Laser Skin Therapy: What’s the Truth” at Harvard Medical School.

As a Director, Louella has worked on all levels of medispa business development from general management to sales and marketing to understanding laser physics and the chemistry of the skin. Louella is a Licensed Aesthetician.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences, Majors in Chemistry, Management and Mathematics, Louella developed her career with SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute as the Aesthetic Director in 2007. Louella finished her Masters in Business Administration in International Business Management from Pacific States University in Los Angeles.

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FOOD & DINING

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If you enjoy my recipes, then you might also enjoy US SPEC IAL! VegWeek! Kicking off on Meatless Monday, you can join Mongolian Beef thousands of people by pledging to choose vegetarian foods for at least seven days from

April 21 – 27. Visit USVegServed with Soup of the Day, Salad, Steamed Rice or Brown Rice Week.com for details. There are 52 weeks sharing them with friends, relatives, and Chicken Chow Mein in a year — why not make at least one of those interested in vegetarian cooking. them meat-free?

Elena is also the Special Projects Manager Multigrain Pancakes at Compassion Over Killing, a national Makes 6 – 8 pancakes animal advocacy organization focusing ½ cup all-purpose flour on cruelty to animals in agriculture and Mon - Fri: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM ½ cup whole wheat flour promoting vegetarian eating as a way to Saturday: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM ¾ cup multigrain cereal (including oats, build a kinder world for all. Elena comSunday: Closed www.wonderchinesefood.com rye, barley, wheat) bines her passion for vegetarian food with ¼ cup wheat germ a love of teaching by offering cooking 1 tsp. baking powder demonstrations to the public. To learn more 1 tsp. baking soda about why she went veg, visit TryVeg.com. ½ tsp. salt Questions/feedback: email ejohnson@cok.

GET RESULTS! ADVERTISE WITH 2 cups soy milk net. Follow Elena on Twitter: @ElenaEUS TODAY! 1 Tbsp. agave Johnson.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Gutierrezes in first Asian reality family series With the family of showbiz veterans Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama set to star in their own reality show this summer, daughter Ruffa Gutierrez shared what fans can expect from the six-episode special.

Said to be the first show of its kind in Asia, “It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez” will feature the personal and professional lives of the celebrity family.

“I’m very, very proud. It’s historic,” Ruffa said Thursday during a press conference attended by her parents and siblings, twins Raymond and Richard.

According to the actress, viewers can expect spontaneity and “mayhem” from the family. “The good thing about this is that we’re not only starring it, we’re producing it as well,” she said.

“Ang ayaw lang kasi namin na hindi totoo lang lalabas sa publiko. Kaya now that we’re in control, mapapakita namin ‘yung gusto namin ipakita sa mga tao.”

If there’s one thing their director, Emmy award-winner Michael Carandang, asked of the Gutierrez family, Ruffa said it is “to be as real as possible.”

But she stressed that the freedom given to her family can be a double-edged sword, noting the lack of filtering and editing on the show for her notoriously outspoken mother.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ni mommy sa show. Kasi reality show ‘di ba?

So usually na-fifilter namin si mommy eh ‘to, baka pagtapos ng cruise at pagtapos ng taping, white na ‘yung buhok ko sa stress,” she said, laughing.

“There’s always one member of the

Nikki Gil

Nikki Gil on love: Definitely much happier now Half a year since her controversial breakup with TV host Billy Crawford, Nikki Gil said she is “definitely much happier now” when the subject of her love life was brought up Thursday.

During a press conference announcing the production of her forthcoming album, Gil was asked whether she is dating again after her 5-year relationship with Crawford ended.

“I’m happy. That much, I can say,” she said. “I’m definitely much happier now. I am at peace. Mapayapa ang life ko ngayon. So parang I don’t want to do anything to mess that up.” Asked how she is acquainted with the man she is currently seeing, Gil said, laughing, “Ayaw ko mag-share ng information! Nakakastress! Baka ma-jinx pa!” “I want to... let’s try, I want to try as much as I can to keep that part of my life private because we all know what happens if it’s not kept private. So parang this time... as much as

family na kailangan lagyan ng subtitles,” Ruffa quipped, referring to her mother’s preference to speak in Filipino.

Despite their already well-documented lives, Ruffa said that viewers can still expect a lot of surprises and revelations in the show. “Siyempre, hindi naman lahat lahat ni-reveal na namin. Because everyone, I believe, has personal life, a public life, and a secret life. So maybe secrets will be revealed here,” she hinted.

Ruffa said that even the most private member of her family won’t be able to hide anything when the camera starts rolling. “’Yung mga question na matagal niyo ng tinatanong, sasagutin niya dito. This is the proper venue,” she said, referring to her brother Richard.

It was earlier announced that the show will also feature Sarah Lahbati, Richard’s girlfriend, who is treated as part of the family, according to Annabelle.

“Family naman si Sarah. Tuwang-tuwa ako kasi lahat ng prayers ko nasagot,” she said of her son’s willingness to be part of the show. Rama couldn’t contain her excitement, adding that she is proud that her family is being likened to the Kardashians, stars of the hit US-reality television series, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

“Dream come true kasi sabi ko sana maging ganoon ako, maging ganoon din ang buong pamilya ko. Siyempre, lahat ng tao may pangarap, maski hindi kami magkapantay, dumating kami sa maski kalahati man lang,” she said.

“It Takes Gutz to be A Gutierrez” is set to premiere on E!, Sky Cable Channel 57 in May. (MNS) possible, I will keep it to myself first,” she said. Dating someone who is not from showbiz is also an advantage, Gil said, citing privacy and the opportunity to learn new things as a welcome change.

“I mean, it’s hard enough maintaining a relationship, add to it pa klieg lights and so many people involved,” she said.

Mahirap na nga siya, mas mahirap pa talaga siya in the showbiz setting. So for me, sana malayo ko ‘yung panibagong relationship ko perhaps sa spotlight.”

She added: “It helps, the non-showbiz part of it. Nakakatulong kasi magkaiba kayo ng mundo, with anyone in general, anyone not in showbiz.

Parang magkaiba kayo ng mundo at parang iba ‘yung tingin niya sa mundong ginagalawan mo. Nakakakuha ka ng ibang perspective sa ibang bagay, outside of the world that I know. So in that sense, I prefer that he is non-showbiz.”

As if she is ready to enter a relationship anew, Gil was quick to answer: “I always said I was always ready. I always said I never went through the ‘Pagpapahingahin ko muna puso ko’ stage. Wala, hindi ko pinagdaanan ‘yon. Kasi for me it’s not always like that. Not everyone is like that. Hindi lahat ng relasyon ay uuwi sa iyakan o sa sakit. So hindi ako nagdaan sa, ‘Ayoko na!’ Walang gano’n.”

New chapter Gil and Crawford’s separation in July 2013 was met with surprise by their fans, as the former couple had been open about plans of settling down.

The breakup also drew speculation of a third party being involved, which Crawford denied repeatedly. In January, the “Bright Lights” hitmaker confirmed he has been courting Coleen Garcia, a cohost on “It’s Showtime,” but emphasized that she had no part in his separation from Gil.

The Gutierrez family (MNS photo)

Richard Gutierrez happy about reconciliation of Sarah Lahbati ACTOR Richard Gutierrez is thankful that all is well now between his girlfriend Sarah Lahbati and GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar.

“I was very happy and there’s relief that finally they were able to forgive each other.

Finally lahat ng pinagdaanan nila, ngayon tapos na,” said the 30-year-old actor at a recent press conference.

The former GMA talent added that in the start of the new year, Lahbati, with his help, decided to settle all her differences with the people she was at odds with in 2013.

Gutierrez said his girlfriend wanted a clean start again in the business.

“Matagal ng balikan sa court, nakakapagod and ang daming kaso. (There’s) so much negative energy and we just want to start the year positive. Napag-usapan namin na kung pwedeng tapusin yung

problema, tapusin na para pareho kaming mapayapa at makapag trabaho na,” he said.

Earlier, Lahbati said “under the table” deals between GMA Artist Center and Icons Management. She filed four charges against Abrogar, which were later on junked by the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. The television executive, on her part, filed libel case against the actress.

Months later, both camps decided to withdraw Abrogar’s charge and Lahbati’s petition for review.

Gutierrez hopes this is a good start again for her girlfriend of two years.

Meanwhile, the actor confirmed that Lahbati will be part of his family’s latest reality show “It Takes Gutz to be A Gutierrez” on E! He said many questions about him, his girlfriend and the entire Gutierrez clan, will be answered in the new program.

Charice, who is in Los Angeles for her West Coast 2014 World Tour leg, treated local fans with her presence when she dined at Barrio Fiesta Glendale recently, where she enjoyed traditional Filipino favorites including Filipino beef steak, lumpia, sinigang and halo-halo. Charice is scheduled to perform today, March 15, at the Wilshire Ebell Theater.

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COMMUNITY

Chicago ConGen Herrera-Lim to replace De La Vega Los Angeles, 10 March 2014 – Consul General Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega is pleased and honored to announce the appointment by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario of the current Philippine Consul General in Chicago, Hon. Leo Herrera-Lim, a career diplomat as the new Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles with jurisdiction over Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Prior to his posting in Chicago, Consul General Herrera-Lim has represented the Philippines in the United States as Second Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1998 and had frequent interaction with the World Bank Group, Intelsat, U.S. De-

partment of State and U.S. Treasury and in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as First Secretary and Consul and later Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in London from 2000 to 2007 dealing with government, international organizations and the private sector.

Consul General De La Vega is delighted and welcomes warmly the assignment of Attorney Herrera-Lim to Los Angeles. She describes the incoming Consul General as a cool, humorous and witty person with strategic vision and leadership of great value and benefiting the Fil-Am community and the overall excellent ties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

He studied economics and law at the

University of the Philippines.

In the Philippines, he previously served in the Department of Foreign Affairs in various capacities, such as Special Assistant in the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy (OUP) and in the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), as Director of the U.S. Division of the Office of American Affairs, and Assistant Director of Treaties Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. He was with the Office of Senator Edgardo Angara and the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan.

He has extensive experience with foreign governments, international organization and financial institutions. He was intricately involved in the crafting and formulation of Government policies

8 envoys, 87 other career diplomats including De La Vega get CA nod MANILA, Mar 12 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday gave its approval to the nominations of eight ambassadors and the appointments of 87 other career diplomats of the Department Foreign Affairs. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign affairs, said the 95 DFA officials comprise the biggest number that got the CA’s nod. The eight ambassadors include Petronila P. Garcia, ambassador to Canada; Lamberto Monsanto to Kuwait; Ma. Amelita C. Aquino to Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay; Antonio A. Morales to Singapore; Joseph Gerard B. Angeles to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; former DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez to Korea; Virgilio A. Reyes to Italy, San Marino, Albania and Malta; and Bayani V. Mangibin, to Kenya.

Aside from Kenya, Mangibin was also nominated as envoy to Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somali, Tanzania, Uganda and is also the permanent representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), and HABITAT. Santiago said all of the 95 diplomats were qualified, being career diplomats, meaning they have passed the foreign service officers’ (FSO) examination which is a year-long examination considered as one of the toughest in the country. ”A career diplomat rises from the ranks.

This is different from a political appointee, who is appointed to the position of

ambassador, public minister, or consul, by the president at his pleasure,” Santiago explained in her opening statement.

The confirmed 25 chiefs of missions are: Wilfredo Cuyugan, Carlos Sorreta, Joselito Jimeno, Alfonso Ver, Gina Jamoralin, Ma. Teresita Daza, Wilfredo Santos, Bernardita Catalla, Nathaniel Imperial, Millicent Pardes, Ma. Theresa De Vega, Rosalita Prospero, Marciano de Borja, Jerril Santos, Gilberto Asuque, Jose Eduardo Malaya III, Ma. Helen dela Vega, Jaime Victor Ledda, Ma. Lumen Isleta, Domingo Lucenario Jr., Julio Dery, Medardo Macaraig, Noralyn Baja, Belinda Ante and Eduardo Aro. On the other hand, the 26 career ministers include: Edgard Badajos, Robespierre Bolivar, Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Josephine Reynante, Grace Cruz-Fabella, Enrico Fos, Roberto Manalo, Donna Rodriguez, Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Aileen Mendiola-Rau, Chairmaine Aviquivil, Lilibeth Pono, Deena Joy Amatong, Senen Mangalile, Jaime Ramon Ascalon, Josel Ignacio, Margarita Ibayan, Patrick John Hilado, Eric Gerardo Tamayo, Racquel Solano, Igor Bailen, Patrick Chuasoto, Leo Tito Ausan Jr., Nina Cainglet, Arlene Macaisa and Ma. Lourdes Salcedo.

The 36 foreign service officers are Ariz Severino Convalecer, Maria Anna Lilia De Vera, Edna May Lazaro, Gunther Emil Sales, Raphael Hermoso, Jesus Enrique Garcia II, Edward Yulo, Jeffrey Salik, Bertrand Theodor Santos, Arvic Arevalo, Maria Paz Cortez, Conrado Demdem Jr., Lorenzo Rhys Jungco IV,

Utility scammers continue to target SCE customers by phone and email

By David Song @Sce_Davids

March 05, 2014 – Utility bill scammers are once again targeting customers throughout the United States by phone and sometimes even email. In both scenarios, the scammers often request personal information and threaten to cut off electrical service if they do not receive immediate payment.

Some Southern California Edison (SCE) customers have reported receiving these suspicious emails that look like a bill.

Others have reported aggressive phone scams threatening immediate service disconnection if customers don’t pay a

purported overdue bill.

“SCE never uses high-pressure tactics to collect or demand money for past due bills,” said Marlyn Denter, SCE’s manager of Consumer Affairs. “We are not in the business of threatening our customers with the immediate termination of service.”

This latest email scam follows a recent utility phone scam where more than 2,000 SCE customers were targeted.

Unfortunately, more than 300 customers have fallen victim to the scam, many of them mom and pop business owners and entrepreneurs whose first language is not English.

Maria Alnee Gamble, Roberto Bernardo, Voltaire Mauricio, Mersole Mellejor, Jim Tito San Agustin, Christopher Patrick Aro, Mark Francis Hamoy, Marford Angeles, Leah Victoria Rodriguez, Rea Oreta, Aian Caringal, Susana Mendiola, Sheila Marie Tario, Grace Anne Bulos, Melanie Rita Diano, Lorena Joy Banagodos, Ma. Carmela Teresa Cabreira, Greg Marie Marino, John Reyes, Reichel Quinones, Jason Jovencio Anasarias, Emmanuel Donato Guzman and Edwin Gil Mendoza. (MNS)

ConGen Leo Herrera-Lim and positions on bilateral, multilateral and special issues. He was also a member of Philippine delegations to the United Nations (UN), Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) and treaty negotiations. He attended trainings, seminars and programs at the Foreign Service Institute in Manila, the United States, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Italy.

Consul General Herrera-Lim comes from Manila. He is married to Fidelis Cariño and is a father to Leonardo Ignatius and Frances Leanne.

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Notice of registration and election to all Filipino citizens Los Angeles, March 4, 2014 – Notice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the elections, and who are registered overseas voters, may vote for President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives.

All qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996”, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act (registered elsewhere and not in L.A.) shall file an application for certification.

For purposes of the May 9, 2016 elections, the filing of applications for registration/certification shall be from May 6, 2014 (Philippine time) to October 31, 2015 (Philippine time). Requests for transfer of registration records may be filed at the concerned Posts or before the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) of the COMELEC during the registration period.

The 30-day voting period will commence on April 9, 2016 (Philippine time) until 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon of May 9, 2016 (Philippine time) at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the place where the overseas voter is registered as such. (The time for voting to be announced later) For details, please contact Vice Consul Mary Joy Ramirez at telephone number 1-213-637-3011 or go to the following website: www.philippineconsulatela.org.

Powerful 6.9 quake strikes off California coast LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck late Sunday off the coast of northern California, the US Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or a tsunami threat.

The quake struck at 0518 GMT with an epicenter located 77 kilometers (48 miles) west-northwest of the town of Ferndale and at a depth of seven kilometers (4.3 miles), said the USGS, which monitors earthquakes worldwide. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but early reports indicate the quake was felt as far away as San Francisco, around 400 kilometers south of Ferndale.

Authorities in Humboldt County, the part of sparsely-populated northern California some 250 miles up the coast from San Francisco, said they had no calls about damage of injuries, local media reported.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a bulletin announcing the quake, but downplayed any danger.

“A widespread destructive tsunami threat does not exist based on historical earthquake and tsunami data,” the Center said.

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Above shows (from left) Deputy Consul General Imelda Panolong with Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega and Acting Regional Administrator Mr. Eric Harbin signing the partnership Alliance. Right photo above shows Deputy Consul General Panolong, Consul General De La Vega and Mr. Harbin with the signed alliance.

PHL Consulate signs alliance with Texas’ OSHA Los Angeles, 10 March 2014 – Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega signed an “Arrangement Establishing an Alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Texas Area Offices and the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles” on 03 March 2014 in Dallas, Texas. Signing on behalf of the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is Mr. Eric S. Harbin, Acting Regional Administrator.

The agreement calls for a collaborative

relationship between the two offices to provide Filipino workers and employers in Texas information, guidance and access to resources to promote workers’ rights in occupational safety and health and to ensure that they understand their rights and the employers’ responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

With the signing of this arrangement, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles now has two (2) agreements on the protection of workers’ rights the other one deals with wages and hours.

PHL to stay at Ayungin Shoal – DFA MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines is not inclined to pull out its grounded vessel in Ayungin Shoal off the disputed South China Sea despite China’s allegation that it agreed to withdraw the ship that has served as Manila’s military outpost in the area for 15 years.

Defying China’s call to remove the broken-down vessel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday maintained that the shoal – also known as Second Thomas Reef – is part of the country’s continental shelf “over which the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”

Seven Filipino navy personnel are guarding the detachment that was set up in 1999 to mark Ayungin as part of Philippine territory.

Further, the DFA, in a statement, said “the BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned Philippine Naval Vessel, was placed in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as a permanent Philippine installation in response to China’s illegal occupation of Mischief

Reef in 1995.”

Mischief (Panganiban) Reef is a Philippine-claimed territory in the South China Sea that was occupied by China in 1995.

The Philippines last week filed a diplomatic protest against China – the second in two weeks – for preventing its two vessels carrying supplies and personnel from going to Ayungin Shoal off the South China Sea. Before that, Manila accused China of harassing a group of fishermen off the Scarborough Shoal, another Philippineclaimed feature in the South China Sea now being controlled by China after a standoff in 2012.

The DFA said the installation of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin was prior to the signing of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002.

The DOC is a non-binding code of conduct signed by Beijing and the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, of which the Philippines and other South China Sea claimants are members.

Solon seeks publication in newspapers of new foreign aid agreements MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker is seeking the publication in newspapers of recently signed foreign aid agreements to show the government’s transparency in the utilization of the fund.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District) sought the publication of any agreement on foreign aid, whether loan or loan and grant, through House Bill 3931.

“Considering the present allegations of misuse or non-use of foreign aid, it is high time that the government shows transparency in the utilization of foreign aid.

Requiring publication of the foreign loan agreement upon its signing is a step in this direction,” said Rodriguez.

He said the lack of transparency in the disclosures of foreign aid granted to the Philippines and the supposed beneficiary of the fund is perceived as one of the main causes of the wastage in foreign aid.

Even a study by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) shows that the country’s capacity to meet commitments based on the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness by 2010 is “disturbing” according to Rodriguez.

“Of the nine indicators mentioned in the Paris Declaration, the Philippines has so far achieved the 2010 target for only one indicator, that of coordinated capacity development,” said Rodriguez.

The lawmaker explained that the Paris Declaration is an international agreement endorsed by more than 100 ministers, heads of agencies and other senior officials on March 2, 2005. It commits the signatories to increasing efforts in harmonization, alignment and management of foreign aid, including official development assistance (ODA), using a set of actions and indications that can be monitored according to Rodriguez.

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FACLA launches search for Ms. FACLA/Miss teen FACLA Los Angeles – The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles(FACLA) proudly announced that it launched the Search for Ms. FACLA /Ms. Teen FACLA Contest for its 69th Year Anniversary, April 26, 2014 The Search Committee for Ms. FACLA/ Miss Teen FACLA, Chair Bernie TargaGanon also announced that her Committee is still accepting applications for candidates until the 1st canvassing on or before Thursday, March 27, 2014 The Candidates for Ms and Miss Teen FACLA, 2014

The Search Committee has laid out the following criteria for candidates: 1. Must be 25 years old or above ( for Ms. FACLA) and 13 years old or above for (Miss teen FACLA); 2. Must be of Filipino descent or at least 50% of Filipino blood; 3. Must possess good moral character and a member of FACLA; 4. Must be willing to represent as Ambassador of Goodwill to Community events like SantaCruzan, Philippine Independence Day and other occasions upon the request of FACLA and

5. Must be willing to support ongoing projects of FACLA especially in enhancing solidarity among Filipinos in California.

The candidates for MS. FACLA at present are Monet Marual, Precy Montero, Donna Canarez, Emitte Underwood and Cora Miller.

Meanwhile candidates for Miss. Teen FACLa are Caroline Jimenez, Jazmine Morada and Mary Banawa.

They were presented in a press conference to the media and the the public last Saturday, March 01, 2014 at FACLA. There will three canvassing dates for the candidates votes on March 29, 2014 from 2 to 5;00 PM; April 20, 2014 from 2 to 5;00

PM and the final canvassing on April 26 at the FACLA’s 69th Anniversary on the night of April 26, 2014.

There will a dance party at the coronation and final canvassing. Buddy Reyes and his Band will play the music for the 69th FACLA Anniversary. They will be crowned by the outgoing Ms.FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA 2013.

Applications are still available at the FACLA office or please contact Bernie Targa-Ganon or Clarita Julian.

For more information, contact or call us at (213)484-1527 or email us at newfacla@ yahoo.com or visit our website atwww. newfacla.org

The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California celebrated their Annual Town Fiesta last March 9, 2014 at Bill Blevins Park in Rowland Heights, CA. An upcoming big event will be on July 19, the 32nd Anniversary & Coronation of Ofie Villanueva, Mrs. Sto. Tomas 2014 at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills. For inquiries about the association please contact Willie Manacsa at 747-202-035 or Ofie Villanueva at 626-960-8407.

Deportation not just a Latino issue: Rep. Judy Chu Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, President Barack Obama ordered Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s deportation policies. The President cited his deep concerns for families separated by our immigration system. Immigration leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair said, “Deportation is not just a Latino issue – it’s an Asian issue. In just four years, our inhumane enforcement policies deported over 214,000 immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Islands – separating thousands of families here in the U.S. I urge an expedient review of our current policies – every day that we wait, another 1,100 people are forced to leave. “ Chu also said, “Despite the President’s actions, legislation is the only way to permanently fix our broken immigration system. House Republicans must allow for a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.”

Another House member, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce Co-Chair said that “Every person deserves to be treated with respect. Too many families are being torn apart by our broken system, and too many people are suffering because of deplorable conditions in our detention centers.”

President Obama on Thursday ordered a review to see whether US deportation policies could be conducted more “humanely” following complaints by Latino advocates over mass expulsions of illegal immigrants, but said he had no choice but to enforce existing laws.

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VISAYAN INTERPRETER CAREGIVER

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El Segundo location ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MANUFACTURING TRAINEE POSITIONS Please submit resume w/salary history/requirement.

Must be a high school graduate, be computer literate and fluent in English.

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SEEKS SINCERE RELATIONSHIP Blue eye gentleman 5'9”, br. hair, athletic, university teacher, seeks Filipina, Asian or Latin Lady 33-45 for Meaningful relationship.

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CLASSIFIED ADS TEL.: (818) 552-4503 ext 402

JAY D” PLUMBER/HANDYMAN Plumbing repair, drain cleaning, copper repipe, bath & kitchen, remodel hydro jetter, toilet, disposal, heating water heater, iron works, electrical & carpentry. Free estimate. (818) 730-6571

JC SERVICES Handyman you can trust!

Plumbing repair, repiping, electrical, iron works. Carpentry, bath & kitchen renovation.

Appliances repair, washing machine & air dyer repair & central a/c. Lic. # 597250 C-20 Free estimates 30 miles. 818416-0516

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APT. FOR RENT Move-in special. 1 BR, laundry, covered parking. Close to freeways and schools. 137 N. Rosemont Avenue (between Beverly & Temple), Los Angeles.

Manager: Mercy (213) 4835117.

APT. FOR RENT Hollywood. 1 BR $1,025; Single $875 brand new hardwood Àr, intercom entry, a/c, TFC cable ready, gated parking, pool, near Sunset & Wilcox, no pets.

Manager speak Tagalog.

(323) 462-3573

•

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

BEDSPACER $325 Panorama City. Close to WalMart, Island Paci¿c, Food4Less & bus line. Month to month. Call 818-205-8655.

ROOM -NORTH HILLS $575/mo. Furnished, free utilities, cable & internet. Near Seafood market Nordhoff branch.

Welcome students, caregivers & single male/female. Call after 3pm (818) 693-1358.

LARGE ROOM $480/mo. Own BA, share kitchen. Hardwood Àr. Free internet, 2428 W. Ave. 33, LA. Mnts to Downtown L.A., Glendale, N.Hollywood Close to frwy 2, 5, 110, 134 (626)759-2530.

ROOM FOR RENT W/ parking, fully furnished, 3rd & Vermont Sts., L.A. near Seafood City, close to everything.

Call (213) 219-9293 (Serious caller only) ROOM FOR RENT $450 Atwater area near Costco in Los Feliz LA. Call 323-6644560.

GUEST HOUSE 1BR, 1BA guest house in North Hills, w/ own entrance. $775/ mo. Beautiful, quiet, private, clean, tile Àr, parking inside gate. No smoking & no pets.

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ROOM FOR RENT Reseda area, furnished, secured & gated community, swimming pool, tennis court, internet, cable. Near Northridge hospital in Roscoe, & bus station. See to appreciate, 818263-4620 ROOM FOR RENT $425; $475/mo. including utils.

Close to market, bus stop, near Occidental College. York/Eaglerock area, 20 min fr. Downtown L.A. 323-540-6942; 323257-5930.

ROOM FOR RENT 1 Lady occupant $370. Collett & Woodley Ave North Hills, near Seafood. 818-893-1204; cel. 818-658-7994.

CALL 818-552-4503 GIFTED PSYCHIC NADIA TELLS THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE WILL HELP YOU IN ALL MATTERS ONE FREE QUESTION BY PHONE CALL HER AND SHE WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTION

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PRAYERS PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

Oh most beautiful Àower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.

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

PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted.

Grateful Thanks -GBS

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INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PLACE CLASSIFIED/JOB MARKET ADS

BY PHONE

BY FAX

818-552-4503

818-550-7635

Please have this information ready: Company Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone # and Fax #. Payment is made using a credit card.

Faxed ads should include this information: Company Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone # and Fax #. Payment is made using a credit card.

BY SNAIL MAIL OR E-MAIL 520 East Wilson Ave. Ste. 210 Glendale, CA 91206

advertising@balita.com

Check or Money Order should be made payable to Balita Media Inc.

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Diamond Honda of Glendale of Glendale

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Charice

chael Buble, Josh Groban and other stars in “Hitman: David Foster and Friends,� a concert that aired several times on PBS. She impressed Bocelli, who invited her to sing “The Prayer� at his birthday concert in his hometown in Tuscany, and Dion, who sang “Because You Loved Me� with her that aired at Oprah’s show.

In 2009, Charice performed at President Obama’s pre-inaugural events, two Oscar after-parties, and sang the U.S. national anthem to 57,000 people at Dodger Stadium. She guested in a second concert

by David Foster, who also produced her first international single “Note to God.�

In 2010, she released her first international studio album, Charice, which debuted at No. 8 at Billboard’s Top 200the first Asian to land in the Top 10. Her single “Pyramid� charted in a number of countries, and Charice performed it live on “The Oprah Winfrey Show� (guesting in that episode was another YouTubediscovered young singer-Justin Bieber).

Charice then crossed over to acting when she joined the cast of the smash TV series “Glee� (as Sunshine Corazon). With that, Charice becomes possibly the only Asian singer to appear in three top-rated American TV shows (Ellen Degeneres, “Glee,� and Oprah).

In 2011, she released her second international album, Infinity, featuring “Before It Explodes,� written by Grammy winner Bruno Mars, and “One Day,� co-written

by Nick Jonas. In 2012, Charice became a judge in the top-rating Philippine version of “The X Factor.� Now she is finishing her album in Los Angeles and preparing for her first ever World Tour.

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OPRAH WINFREY called her “the most talented girl in the world.� Super producer David Foster (Andre Bocelli, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston) called her his favorite singer. Josh Groban said she possesses one of the most beautiful voices he’s heard in a long time. “When that girl opens her mouth, angels fly out,� gushed “Glee� executive producer Ryan Murphy.

Bruno Mars wrote a song for her.

And Michael Jackson wanted her for his planned last tour.

Her tiny, baby-face appearance belies a high-voltage voice and a fearless spirit that allows her to sing “big songs at a tender age� (New York Post)-indeed, Charice is a certified talent. Charice’s big break. It happened the 21st Century way: through the Internet. A fan posted her videos on YouTube that soon became viral-15 million hits-and came to the attention of South Korean talent show “Star King,� which invited Charice to perform. She sang “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going� and “A Whole New World.�

Actress and comedian Ellen Degeneres saw the “Star King� videos and soon after hosted Charice in her top-rating TV showher first performance outside the Philippines. She sang “I Will Always Love You� and “And I’m Telling You.�

She was 15, and was on a meteoric track to stardom.

In 2008, Charice guested in “The Paul O’Grady Show� in London, and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,� singing “I Have Nothing�-after which Oprah Winfrey referred her to David Foster. Charice shared the stage with Dion, Bocelli, Mi-

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All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emissions testing charge. Ad expires close of business date of publication. For well qualified buyers on approved credit. Not all who apply will qualify. Ad expires on 03/16/14.

32

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SPORTS Bryant to miss remainder of season for Lakers LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2014 (AFP) – Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will miss the remainder of the NBA season because of a nagging left knee injury, the team announced Wednesday.

The 35-year-old, who inspired the Lakers to five NBA titles from 2000 to 2010 and the United States capture Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012, has been recovering from a left knee fracture.

“Obviously this has been a frustrating and disappointing season, but I appreciate all the support I’ve received from the Lakers and the fans and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp,” Bryant said.

After Bryant was examined Wednesday by team physician Steve Lombardo, the doctor decided that Bryant’s injury has not healed, making it easy for the Lakers to let him rest till next season.

“With Kobe’s injury still not healed, the amount of time he would need to rehab and be ready to play, and the amount of time remaining in the season, we’ve simply run out of time for him to return,” said trainer Gary Vitti.

“However, Kobe will have the entire offseason to heal, rehab and prepare and we look forward to him being 100 percent for the start of next season.”

Bryant returned earlier this season from an Achilles tendon tear after 7 ½ months of rehabilitation and played only six games before being sidelined in mid-December with the fractured left knee, which at first it was thought would see him miss only six weeks.

Despite the injury, Bryant was voted into the NBA All-Star Game by fans, but he was unable to play in last month’s elite showdown of top talent.

Kobe Bryant

Phil Jackson in line to be Knicks top exec: report NEW YORK, March 11, 2014 (AFP) – Phil Jackson, who has won a record 11 NBA titles as a coach, is near to concluding a deal to become the New York Knicks basketball operations boss, ESPN reported Tuesday.

The US-based sports news network, citing unnamed sources, said the Knicks were confident they would have final details sorted out this week and an announcement of a deal by next

week.

Jackson, 68, retired as a coach in May of 2011 after having guided the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s and the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA crowns from 2000-2010.

Jackson is engaged to Jeanie Buss, the brother of Lakers owner Jim Buss.

Jackson would replace Steve Mills, who was named president and general manager of the

Knicks last September.

But the Knicks have been a flop this season at 25-40, 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The team also has superstar Carmelo Anthony looking at free agency after this season, although having Jackson in the fold could entice talent to the Knicks that might have had second thoughts given their struggles this season.

MOTORS SALES•LEASING • ALL MAKES & MODELS

WE MAKE CAR BUYING SIMPLE.

Ang dealer ng Pinoy na tumutulong sa mga Tax ID pa lang ang hawak at International Drivers pa lang ang lisensya!

BAGO SA AMERICA? FIRST TIME BUYER? NO CREDIT HISTORY? ANY CREDIT SITUATION? REPOSSESSIONS? FORECLOSURES? COLLECTIONS? SLOW PAYS? LEASE RETURNS? TRADE INS?

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NISSAN OF MISSION HILLS

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Offers subject to availability. Net cost based on current rebates. *Nissan Customer Cash in lieu of Special Financing. **Must finance through NMAC. ***All U.S. Military personnel (active and reserve) All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic fi ling charge, any emission testing charge, and dealer add-ons or accessories. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Interest accrues from date of contract. Ad prices good thru 3/16/14 close of business. NMAC financing may be required on some vehicles see dealer for details. All financing subject to credit approval. Factory rebate in lieu of special APR.

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MOTORING

The real ‘no-hassle’ car-buying is at Victory Autos 100% financing guaranteed to folks even with bad or no credit; Buy from us and we’ll pay $300 towards your first monthly payment You go to a car dealership and a swarm of people come to you. Good thing there is now the Internet, where you can “shop” for your new car so you know what to buy before you even enter the premises of a car dealership. Or, so you thought.

Despite the “click of a mouse,” car buying still seems to be a daunting task. The dealership is huge, there are many cars, many people to talk to and by the time you know it, you are stuck with a payment that wasn’t in the laptop when you first visited the site and what’s worse, the car of your dreams was not the one that you took home because of a variety reasons...it wasn’t the right color, the right model, or it was lacking in features that you wanted, etc.

Well, these hassles were the main reason that Victory Autos was established and make car buying more fun. Not only that, you get to drive home the car that you wanted in the first place or you don’t buy any car at all.

Why? This is because Victory Autos is not stuck with what car is in the lot. They will not ram your throat with any other vehicle just so you can bring a new car.

The staff at Victory Autos know full well what car buyers go through each time they think of driving down a dealership.

And since many of our kababayans may still be suffering from this stubborn economic recovery, the more that the people at Victory Autos are aware of these needs.

“We know that one of the drivers of the economy is mobility,” Hedi Trinidad, owner and proprietor of Victory Autos said.

“This is why we strive to provide the best

way of making sure that our customers go home with the car of their choice when they come to Victory Autos.”

“If you need a new car, or a pre-owned certified vehicle, come to us. We can help you buy that new car,” Trinidad said. “You don’t even have to worry if you have bad credit or no credit at all.”

Trinidad also said that they can also help people buy a new car even if they filed for bankruptcy or if their old car had been repossessed. “This is not a problem,” Trini-

Victory Auto Connections Inc. owner and proprietor Hedelito “Hedi” Garcia Trinidad (inset) as he delivers to another satisfied client her new car. For a hassle-free car buying experience, come to Victory Autos, where customers are pampered with perks and other deals not found in most car dealerships. For details, please visit the Victory Autos Showroom at 791 E. Arrow Highway, Azusa, CA 91702, phone # (626) 859-9199; 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.

dad said, “thousands have been affected by this plodding economy. Just give us a call and we guarantee 100% financing. Even if the bank says no, we say yes.”

Unlike most dealerships, Victory Autos

sell different brands. “This is a one-stop shop for any vehicle,” Trinidad said. “We have Toyotas, Hondas, BMWs and other luxury cars, even trucks or SUVS. We have it all. And what’s more, we have brand new cars.”

In addition, Trinidad said that any customer who buys a vehicle from Victory Autos get an automatic 30 percent discount in labor and repair.

With 25 years of experience serving the area, Victory Autos is dedicated to offering high-quality, 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,” Trinidad said.

He stressed, “Our goal is for you to be so delighted with your vehicle purchase that you’ll come see us when you need your next car and will happily recommend us to friends and family. Customer referrals are the ultimate compliment.”

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.

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Balita

Mazda3 and Mazda6 earn top ratings in government crash tests; Five stars overall for crashworthiness WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire – The 2014 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door hatchback received a five-star overall (five-star frontal and five-star side impact) crashworthiness rating in the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests. The Mazda3 also received a four-star rollover rating.

Additionally, the 2014 and 2015 Mazda6 mid-size sedans recently received a five-star overall (four-star frontal and five-star side impact) crashworthiness rating in NHTSA tests. The Mazda6 also received a four-star rollover rating.

“The Mazda3 and Mazda6 combine performance and safety with a level of power and driving satisfaction seldom found in the compact and family sedan categories,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president of Mazda North American Operations. “We are proud to offer the Mazda3 and Mazda6 as vehicles that blend class-leading performance and fun-to-drive with excellent crash test ratings.”

NHTSA’s frontal collision ratings are determined by placing crash-test dummies in the driver’s seat and frontpassenger seats and securing them with the vehicle’s seat belts. Vehicles are then crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, which is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles that are moving at 35 mph.

The 2014 Mazda3 introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to help support the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and minimizing damage, should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to help minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

The combination of the SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis offers high performance, lightweight materials for added strength and stability. Carefully engineered load-transfer ensures a firm grip on the road that the driver can sense. The SKYACTIV-Body provides

increased rigidity of 30 percent compared to the previous model while reducing weight as well. 1,800MPa ultra high-tensile steel also is utilized in the front and rear bumpers for additional weight savings as well as increased strength.

The SKYACTIV-Body efficiently absorbs impact energy from any direction and helps to minimize the chance of the cabin structure being compromised. Other standard safety features for the 2014 Mazda3 include six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, headrests for all seating positions, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc solid brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, a collapsible steering column (following air bag deployment), a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in the rear seats.

Side-impact crash testing represents an intersectiontype collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into the Mazda6, with crash test dummies buckled into the driver and rear passenger seats.

Standard safety features for all 2015 Mazda6 models includes six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat side mounted and full-length side curtain), daytime running lights, whiplash-reducing front headrests, height-adjustable headrests for all seating positions, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), power-assisted ventilated front brakes and solid rear disc brakes, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment

For a closer look at why Mazda is one of America’s top vehicle brands, visit the Star Mazda Glendale, located at 1401 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach our kababayans Nick Barber (left) and Mike McCain toll free 1-888-646-1664.

release system, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

A rearview camera is added to Sport models equipped with an automatic transmission. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are standard on Touring models with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) available as a package option. Grand Touring models receive SCBS and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) as standard equipment with Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) available as package options.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For a closer look at why Mazda is one of America’s top vehicle brands, visit the Star Mazda Glendale, located at 1401 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach our kababayans Nick Barber (left) and Mike McCain toll free 1-888-646-1664.

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Mercedes-Benz posts best-ever February sales ever at over 22,000 Double-digit gains and CEO of MBUSA. “The across Sprinter and smart depth and breadth of our product is unmatched, our model lines dealers are more engaged M O N T VA L E , N J , than ever, and our absolute March 3, 2014 – Mercedesdedication to the customer Benz USA (MBUSA) today experience has given us the reported sales of 24,971 No. 1 spot in luxury market across the Mercedes-Benz, loyalty for eight years runSprinter and smart model ning.” lines, a 3.8% increase over February sales for the the 24,051 vehicles sold Nelson Sioson, the Filipino in February 2013, making Fleet Manager at Mercedes- Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and Mit the highest volume on Benz of Long Beach. record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz Class model lines. The sporty C-Class, brand alone achieved record February which enters a new generation for the retails of 22,609, increasing 2.6% from 2015 model year arriving this fall, came the same time last year, while year-to-date in first at 5,621 units, followed by the sales rose 1.5% to 45,213 units. Adding E-Class with sales of 4,271. The brand’s year-to-date sales of 2,709 for Sprinter top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded Vans and 1,462 units at smart, MBUSA out the top three at 3,258, up 19.2% over the comparable period in 2013. At the high achieved a year-to-date total of 49,384.

“Our consistent sales momentum points end, sales of the all-new 2014 S-Class flagto the strong foundation of our business ship jumped 93.8% to 1,789.

Both the Sprinter and smart model lines priorities,” said Steve Cannon, president

delivered double-digit gains in February.

The redesigned Sprinter lineup posted an increase of 15.7% at 1,421 units, while monthly sales at smart totaled 941, up 20.2%.

Mercedes-Benz’s BlueTEC diesel models recorded sales of 1,314 for the month, up 5.0%, and 2,388 year-to-date, increasing 3.6% from the 2,305 units sold in February 2013. The company’s high-performance AMG models finished the month up 96.2% at 975 with year-to-date volumes increasing 83.6% to 1,821.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded the highest sales month in its history with 9,988 vehicles in February, an increase of 32.4% compared to the 7,541 units sold in February 2013. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 18,293 vehicles, climbing 16.5% from the 15,700 vehicles sold during the same period last year.

MBUSA also reported the highest January retail volumes in its history with sales

of 24,413 units across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 1.5% increase from the 24,059 vehicles sold the same month last year. The MercedesBenz brand alone achieved its best-ever January with sales of 22,604. Gains were made across the MBUSA brand portfolio as Sprinter Vans advanced 19.6% to 1,288 units and smart increased 8.3% to 521.

Now, isn’t it about time you join the list of new Mercedes-Benz owners? Why not?

Call our kababayan Nelson Sioson, the Filipino Fleet Manager at MercedesBenz of Long Beach for the best in deals, among the best, if not the best in Southern California. He will guide you in choosing what Mercedes-Benz is right for you. And don’t worry, Mercedes-Benz is not just for those who “can afford it.” Ever wonder why your kababayan neighbor or your relative has one?

Call Nelson now toll free at 1-866-8702966 and find out how you can own a new Mercedes-Benz.

Rolls-Royce to go hybrid (Relaxnews) – The head of the luxury car maker has confirmed that using batteries will soon be the only way to keep offering clients 12-cylinder engines as environmental regulations continue to increase.

Speaking to Auto Express during the Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce’s CEO, Torsten Müller-Otvos, described hybrid technology as “essential in two years, maybe not from customer demand but through legal regulation on emissions,” if the car company wants to continue using V12 powerplants.

Rolls-Royce has already toyed with an all-electric version of its Phantom flagship, the 100EX, but it failed to excite any of the brand’s existing clients and so never went any further than the prototype stage.

“A Rolls-Royce cannot come with any kind of compromise, and both the recharging times and the range were not acceptable for our buyers – but with hybrid technology that is no longer a problem,” Müller-Otvos is quoted as saying.

Indeed to see how far hybrids have come since the original Honda Insight and mark I Toyota Prius, simply stop by the Ferrari, Porsche or McLaren stands at this year’s event.

Each car company is showcasing how backing up a petrol engine with an electric motor doesn’t just have to be about saving fuel or cutting CO2 emissions. Hybrid technology can also be used to make a car even faster and more powerful, essentially bringing new levels of performance.

In a separate interview with MotorTrend also conducted at Geneva, Tobias Moers, head of AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, confirmed that retaining the V12 engine was about not offering customers a compromised product and that the company will continue to build them: “As long as there are customers. Some people like the extra sophistication. Maybe the next-generation V-12 needs a plug-in hybrid? Who knows?”

Moers also let it slip during the interview that as well as maintaining V12s, the company has a new V8 engine coming and a new sportscar designed to challenge the Porsche 911, both of which will be making their debuts at the New York International Auto Show in April.

Nelson Sioson

Filipino Fleet Manager

38

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Subaru sets February sales record Forester up 95%; XV Crosstrek, including new Hybrid model up 68% Cherry Hill, N.J., March 3, 2014 Subaru of America, Inc. has announced continuing record sales with February sales of 34,909 vehicles, a 24% increase over February 2013.

Increased availability of the strong selling Forester and Crosstrek models helped sales as both models continued their strong performances. Subaru expects this sales momentum to continue throughout the year, with the debut of the all-new 2015 Legacy mid-size sedan which is due to launch later in 2014. The continued growth in Subaru sales is the result of strong retention and attracting new buyers - 60% of Subaru buyers are new to the brand.

Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America said; “Our sales momentum continues and we are launching new models at record pace. We have a lot to look forward to in 2014.”

H. William Cyphers, senior vice president

of sales said; “With an-all new line-up due by mid year, we can expect our strong sales performance to continue for the remainder of From left: Christian Marilla, Chris Garchitorena, Bobby Cheng and Jojo Diala of Subaru of Glendale. the year and as both models continued their strong per- market and who have made Filipinos love put us in great position to achieve our target of formances. Subaru expects this sales mo- the Subaru brand and the Subaru vehicles’ mentum to continue throughout the year, versatility. What are you waiting for, 460,000.”

Also in January, Subaru of Amer- with the recently announced all-new 2015 come on down to Subaru Glendale and ica, Inc. has announced record sales Legacy mid-size sedan set to debut at the our kababayans Christian Marilla, Bobby for the beginning month of the year Chicago auto show this month and more Cheng, Chris Garchitorena, Rico Dagohoy as it looks to continue its strong sales new models due to launch later in 2014. and Jojo Diala will be more than happy to performance into 2014. The company, But while we all ponder as to why Subaru inform you why Subaru is becoming a fawhich has set sales records for the past continues to become a favorite of many, vorite of Filipinos and the whole American five consecutive years, announced its come to Subaru Glendale where you market. Subaru of Glendale is located at best ever January sales of 33,000 ve- will find that indeed these cars are sell- 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. hicles, a 19% increase over January 2013. ing like hotcakes just get in touch with You can reach them at 1-855-230-1547 Increased availability of the strong selling our kababayans at Subaru Glendale, who or you can visit their website at www.

Forester and Crosstrek models helped sales have been serving the Filipino-American subaruofglendale.net.

Can magnets help autonomous vehicles stick to the road?

(Relaxnews) – Volvo seems to think so and has just completed a research project in its native Sweden that integrated them into the road surface to help cars identify where markings are and to stay in lane.

As such, magnets could be a potentially simple and very cost effective solution to an often complex problem: communicating to self-driving vehicles where the road is and where it is going.

Existing solutions, be they GPS positioning, cameras, batteries of radar or laser sensors, are all effective, but they are also more expensive and each has limitations.

Poor weather or poor light can impinge on

a camera’s performance, whereas a GPS system can lose the signal.

Volvo’s project, carried out in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket), took small magnets, measuring just 40x15mm, and embedded them in a pattern 200mm below the road surface on a 100-meter stretch of road. It also fitted a car with magnetic field sensors. “The magnets create an invisible ‘railway’ that literally paves the way for a positioning inaccuracy of less than one decimeter. We have tested the technology at a variety of speeds and the results so far are promising,” says Jonas Ekmark, preventive

safety leader at Volvo Car Group.

But as well as guiding self-driving cars, the magnets could be used for other safety purposes. For example, during severe snowfall, they would help to indicate where road lane markings are to any type of car fitted with sensors. They could also be used as an automatic switch for activating a car’s safety systems – for example, if it were to leave the road altogether in the course of an accident. And by using magnets as a guide, it is conceivable that road lanes could be made narrower.

“Our experience so far is that ferrite magnets are an efficient, reliable and rela-

tively cheap solution, both when it comes to the infrastructure and on-board sensor technology. The next step is to conduct tests in real-life traffic,” explains Ekmark.

Claes Tingvall, traffic safety director at the Swedish Transport Administration, agrees: “The test results are very interesting, especially when adding the potential for improved safety as well the advantages for the development of self-driving vehicles. A large-scale implementation of road magnets could very well be part of Sweden’s aim to pioneer technology that contributes to sustainable mobility,” says Tingvall.

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