Weekend balita march 5, 2014

LOS ANGELES

Nikki Gil: My heart is very happy right now See NIKKI GIL page 23

VOL. XXII, NO. 9

APRIL 5-11, 2014

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

US urges ASEAN to prepare for more disasters

By Dan De Luce

HONOLULU, April 3, 2014 (AFP) – US officials on Wednesday offered to help ASEAN countries prepare for the devastating effects of climate change, urging stronger cooperation among armies and emergency agencies.

Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel and other top officials discussed the danger posed by rising global temperatures with ASEAN defense ministers in Honolulu, home to a major US weather research center that tracks sea levels and tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean.

“The more we can understand the science behind these natural disasters the more we can coordinate and communicate our efforts to help each other,” Hagel told his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Hagel said that cooperation among ASEAN militaries for humanitarian operations was

steadily growing but that more collaboration was needed, as scientists predict more typhoons and other natural disasters will hit the region.

“We can do more. We will do more,” Hagel said.

The head of the US Agency for International Development, Rajiv Shah, told the ministers that a report this week from a UN expert panel on climate change made clear that erratic weather would “wreak havoc on societies all around the world.”

“What that report also highlighted is that the Asia-Pacific is hit by more than 70 percent of all of these natural disasters,” Shah said. “And so you bear a greater brunt of the burden of those consequences.”

Shah said governments had to collaborate and rehearse for typhoons, flooding and other “extreme weather events” that See MORE DISASTERS, page 8

Residents hang on to a rope as they pass strong currents along a flooded area in Marikina, east of Manila, Philippines on Aug. 9, 2012 triggered by nearly two weeks of relentless rains. A UN expert panel on climate change said climate change will “wreak havoc on societies all around the world” particularly the Asia-Pacific region, which is hit by more than 70 percent of all of these natural disasters. (MNS photo)

Customs probes Sen. Yee’s PHL gunrunning link MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is conducting an investigation into the supposed plan to smuggle firearms into the United States from the Philippines, an official said.

Customs’ public information

chief Charo Logarta-Lagamon said the BOC has been conducting an investigation after California state senator Leland Yee was arrested last Wednesday over charges of corruption and an alleged conspiracy to illegally trade in firearms with his associates in

the Philippines.

She added that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, a unit under the BOC Intelligence Group, is leading the investigation.

Meanwhile, she noted that See SEN. YEE, page 8

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam lays wreath at the monument of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, on Thursday (April 03, 2014) at the Luneta Park in Manila. The Singaporean President is on a 4-day state visit in the Philippines. (MNS photo)

Strengthening PHL-Singapore defense cooperation is key to regional stability: Aquino Top Rank host Crystina Poncher poses a question to Manny Pacquiao during Wednesday’s Media Day at the Wild Card boxing gym in Hollywood. Pacquaio will have a rematch against Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12. Photo: Benny Uy

Pacquiao-Mayweather could still happen: Roach

BY Rebecca Bryan

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2014 (AFP) – Trainer Freddie Roach says avenging losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez are the top items on Manny Pacquiao’s to-do list, but believes the Filipino will one day face Floyd Mayweather.

But Hall of Fame trainer Roach said Pacquaio’s legacy depends more on turning the tables on the two opponents who beat him in 2012 than on a belated, late-career tilt at Mayweather.

“In the history books you have to avenge your losses, you have to avenge your losses in life,” Roach said Wednesday at his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao’s media workout drew a throng.

Pacquiao, the former world champion in eight weight See PACQUIAO, page 8

MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is the key to maintaining stability in the Southeast

Asian region.

The President made the statement as he welcomed visiting Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his delegation at Malacanang Thursday morning.

See SINGAPORE, page 8

One in 10 Filipina teens a mom – study MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – One in every 10 Filipinas aged 15-19 is a mother, according to the results of the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and Demographic Research Development Foundation, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

The study also found 2.6 percent of Filipinas in the age group pregnant with their first child “while 13.6 percent have begun childbearing,” the PSA said in a statement.

It also said that 35.5 percent of males aged 15-24 and 28.7 percent of females have engaged in premarital sex. Three of every four males in the age group also said they had watched pornographic videos or movies, while three of five females said they had done so.

See TEEN MOM, page 8

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Drilon to respect arrest warrant if issued against 3 senators facing plunder, graft raps MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday he will respect it if a warrant of arrest will be served against the three senators facing plunder and graft charges over the pork barrel scam. ”I have no discretion. If the warrant of arrest will be issued, we will respect that,” Drilon said.

He said the arrest warrant can be served against Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr. even if Congress is in session. Congress is currently on Lenten break.

However, Drilon urged the Sandiganbayan not to serve the arrest warrant during the actual session. ”I hope they will not enter the session hall and will serve the arrest warrant. We will not allow that. It should not be done inside the session hall,” Drilon clarified.

Drilon said the Senate leadership has also no power to prevent suspension order once the plunder charges have been formally filed against three senators.

Once the information is filed in the Sandiganbayan, Drilon said the Ombudsman will file a petition to suspend all the public officials, including the three senators, involved in the plunder complaint.

“The Sandiganbayan has no discretion to deny this (suspension). It has to grant this. Suspension is automatic the moment the petition is filed by the Ombudsman in

the Sandiganbayan,” Drilon said.

Drilon said the respondent senators have five days to file a motion for reconsideration in the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Senate President, on the other hand, is expecting his colleagues to respect whatever the decision of the Ombudsman and the anti-graft court. ”Once the warrant of arrest has been issued, I think, our colleagues will respect the process. As public figures, we have to respect the arrest warrant,” Drilon said.

The Ombudsman announced on Tuesday that it had found probable cause to file plunder and graft cases against the three senators and 54 other individuals, including Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the misuse of priority development assistance fund (PDAF).

Based on the Ombudsman’s recommendation to file charges, Estrada allegedly received P183.73 million kickbacks while Revilla and Enrile got P224.5 million and P172.8 million commission, respectively.

The alleged commission of each senator is more than triple of the P50 million threshold for filing of plunder case which has life imprisonment penalty.

Also last Tuesday, Senate Blue Ribbon chairman Teofisto Guingona III released an unsigned committee report that also recommended the filing of plunder charges against his three colleagues and six others individuals.

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Baligod: 3 more senators/ ex-senators involved in ‘pork scam’ MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – Not just Pogi, Sexy, and Tanda?

Lawyer Levito Baligod on Thursday alleged that three other individuals who have either served in the Senate or are incumbent senators are involved in pork barrel anomalies. The former counsel of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy said the pieces of evidence against these individuals have already been filed.

He refused to name these individuals, saying the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation have yet to assess the strength of the complaints.

He said the cases at the Office of the Ombudsman resolved last Tuesday are only small parts of the whole pork barrel scam story.

These were all based on documents in the care of Luy, who was businesswoman

Janet Napoles’ right hand man before turning whistleblower. These documents cover the alleged plunder of taxpayers’ money from 2004 to 2010.

The Office of the Ombudsman found evidence to file plunder and graft charges against Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada Jr., Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and others tagged in one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country’s history.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales signed three separate joint resolutions indicting the senators, Napoles and other individuals for being involved in a modus operandi where they “repeatedly received sums of money from [businesswoman Janet Napoles]…” for several years. (MNS)

Jinggoy to appeal Ombudsman’s decision on plunder raps over ‘pork’ scam MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – Although he called the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation as “moro-moro,” Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday said he will appeal the decision to file plunder charges against him over the alleged pork barrel scam.

Estrada said his camp will file a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday next week, although he is pessimistic about this move.

“Maghahain na po kami sa darating na Lunes sapagkat natanggap na po ng aking abogado ang joint resolution na nanggaling po sa Ombudsman. Siyempre ine-expect ko na ibabasura nila iyon. Pero siyempre, we will exert all legal remedies,” the senator said.

On Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it has decided to charge Senators Estrada, Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile with plunder over the pork barrel scam.

The three senators are being accused of pocketing the kickbacks from the alleged scam, supposedly engineered by detained

businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. They have earlier denied these allegations.

Estrada added that even before the recommendations were made, he did not fully trust the Ombudsman’s deliberations on the plunder charge.

“Alam naman namin na moro-moro na lang iyan. Kaya ito na nga ang nangyari.

Mukha talagang [minadali] ang kaso laban sa amin. It took them only six months to read voluminous documents,” he said.

Revilla’s camp had also earlier signified its intention to appeal the Ombudsman’s decision. Enrile meanwhile has yet to make a statement on the matter.

In 2001, Estrada already faced a plunder case before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly conspiring with his father, former President Joseph Estrada, to amass billions of ill-gotten wealth from jueteng operations and kickbacks from tobacco excise taxes.

In 2007, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Senator Estrada in relation to this plunder case, although his father was convicted.

(MNS)

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Pinay worker, Chinese tourist kidnapped from Sabah resort KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – Armed men abducted two women, a Chinese tourist and a Philippine hotel worker, from a diving resort in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah, Malaysian security forces said on Thursday.

The two women were taken at around 10:30 a.m. (1430 GMT) Wednesday from Singgahmata island off the coastal town of Semporna in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah, Eastern Sabah Security Command Director Mohammad Mentek said.

“We have handed this to the police to quickly investigate and come up with (a) full report,” Mohammad said in a statement.

Some Malaysian media reports said the

29-year old tourist from was in her room when the gunmen forced her out into a waiting boat, but it was unclear where the hotel worker, aged 40, was when she was abducted.

Other reports said both women were on the jetty when they were snatched.

An employee at the Singamata Reef Resort, contacted by Reuters, confirmed an abduction had taken place, but declined to provide details. Malaysian police could not immediately be reached for comment.

Malaysia’s image has been battered in China over the handling of the investigation into the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines flight with 239 people aboard, most of them Chinese nationals, on March

8.

The official Xinhua news agency said Chinese embassy officials in Malaysia have met Sabah’s chief of police and the state’s tourism minister, urging them to confirm and investigate the incident quickly. The embassy officials were on their way to the island resort, on the southeastern side of Sabah, Xinhua added.

Sabah has become a popular tourist destination for Chinese in recent years, but has faced security problems due to its proximity to the restive southern Philippines.

Last February, more than 100 armed Filipinos landed by boat and launched attacks on Malaysian security forces, spark-

ing a major security crisis in the area close to the Singamata resort.

In November, armed men landed on nearby Pom-Pom island off Semporna, killing a tourist from Taiwan and abducting his wife. She was later rescued by Philippine security forces.

Sabah made world headlines in 2000 when Philippines-based, al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group, known for kidnapping and beheading hostages, abducted about 20 Malaysian and Western tourists on Sipadan island—not far from Singgahmata island.

All but one of the hostages, a Filipino, were eventually released and rescued by Philippines security forces. (MNS)

Military, NBI seize ammonium nitrate, blasting caps from Compostela Valley stores MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – A military ordnance team and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation confiscated 11 sacks, weighing 275 kilograms in all, of ammonium nitrate and 569 blasting caps and other bomb components from several stores in Barangay Poblacion, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command said that, aside from the fertilizer, which is also a common ingredient in improvised bombs, authorities seized 1,132 meters of time fuse, a drum of cyanide and three kilograms of mercury usually used by small-scale miners.

Compostela Valley is a gold rush area but is also a major base of operations for the communist New People’s Army,

which often uses improvised explosive devices in ambushes against government forces.

The military says the rebels have exploded 465 landmines since 2010, killing 138 troops and wounding 345. There have also been an unspecified number of civilian casualties.

The government has condemned the NPA’s use of the mines, claiming it violates international law, but the rebels point out that what they use are “command detonated” explosives, which are triggered remotely, and not “contactdetonated” landmines that explode when weight is applied to them, which are banned.

Caber said illegal possession of explosives charges are being readied against the merchants and suppliers. (MNS)

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Consumers group blasts PNP over courier delivery of gun licenses MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – A consumer rights group criticized the Philippine National Police for insisting on the need for a courier service to deliver licenses to some 1.5 million gun owners in the country following the recent controversy involving its former service provider.

“Consumers are getting a double whammy from the PNP leadership by persecuting legitimate gun owners whose only fault is wanting to obey the laws,” Jaime Tagalog, secretary general of the Coalition of Filipino Consumers, said in a statement as he accused the PNP of being “more interested in making money instead of preventing crime and going after well armed criminals.”

Two organizations, Gun Owners in Action (GO Act) and Peaceful, Respondent Owners of Guns Inc. (PRO Gun), have filed petitions before the Supreme Court contesting provisions of Republic Act No.

10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.

PRO Gun also claimed the PNP’s outsourcing the delivery of firearms licenses to a courier service violates due process because it “deprives the licensed firearms holder of his license for the period after approval, when his license is not delivered and of its use for other ancillary purposes.”

Last Tuesday, the high court asked the respondents to answer the petitions.

The PNP has justified using a courier service, saying it is one of the measures against the proliferation of loose firearms.

However, only recently, courier firm Werfast backed out of its contract with the PNP after coming under intense criticism from gun owners who complained of its overpriced services and questioned its registration papers.

PNP Director General Alan Purisima

also came under fire for defending Werfast. Even some police officers have questioned the need for a courier service.

One official in Camp Crame, speaking on condition he not be named, said the service has enough measures to check on the authenticity of gun license applicants.

“Sapat naman ang mga measures to prevent ‘yung mga tinatawag na ‘ghost gun holders’ kasi may Oplan Katok at humihingi ng proof of billing para mapa-

tunayan na ‘yung applicant mismo for a gun license ang kukuha (There are enough measures to prevent so-called ‘ghost gun holders’ because there is Oplan Katok and we also ask for proof of billing to make sure the gun license applicant is the one who receives it),” the official said.

Oplan Katok is a program under which police officers personally visit the addresses listed down by applicants to verify their identities. (MNS)

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Fil-Ams urged to experience new PHL in July tour April 3, 2014 – Filipino-Americans will be able to see firsthand why the Philippines is becoming more one of the best value travel destinations in the world and one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia.

The recently launched 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) to the Philippines gives Filipinos and Americans living in North America the chance to experience the beauty of the country’s top destinations and witness remarkable progress that has been achieved during the past years. “The ACGTDT is a wonderful opportunity for balikbayans and our American friends to experience some of the Philippines’ best tourist destinations, as well as to meet Ambassadors, Consul Generals, and the President himself. The country has grown so much in the past year, and

what better way to see this than to travel to the Philippines,� said Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. The 9th ACGTDT was launched on 25 March 2014 at the Embassy. The tour is scheduled for 28 to 31 July.

Some 30 people, representing local travel agencies, media and selected Filipino American community organizations, attended the lunch briefing at the Filipiniana Room of the Embassy. Ms. Mitchelle Dy, Philippine Department of Tourism Representative based in New York, provided the itinerary of activities and enumerated the post-option tours available to participants, including reasonable packages to Banaue, Sagada, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Camarines Sur and Legazpi.

Also in attendance was Ms. Alejandra Clemente, Chairman of the Rajah Group

of Companies, who called the ACGTDT “one of the best deals aroundâ€? as the tour is heavily subsidized, owing to the sponsored meals and activities. Indeed, no other tourism package includes an opportunity to have an audience with the Philippine President and lunch at MalacaĂąang Palace. The basic tour package, offered at $530 for double occupancy (excluding airfare), consists of a 3-night stay at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati with daily buffet breakfast, lunches and dinners with special entertainment, wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, an out-of-town tour at Villa Escudero in Laguna, and visits to special sites in the Manila and Makati areas. Leading the delegation will be Ambassador Cuisia.

The ACGTDT was initiated in 2005 under the tutelage of then Ambassador to the United States Albert del Rosario,

who now serves as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The flagship tourism project has become an annual event involving all Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines and Rajah Tours Philippines. It has also become a venue for members of the Filipino-American community to see firsthand the recent positive growth of the Philippines.

For more information, visit www. acgtdt.com or contact the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in New York at telephone number 212 575-7915 / email pdotny@aol.com or the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. at telephone number 202 467-9398 / email cultural@ philippinesusa.org. Hurry as participation is limited. Deadline for registration is on June 01, 2014.

Singapore president: Pinoys are integral part of our society MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – Visiting Singapore President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam on Thursday touted the “strong people to people ties� between his country and the Philippines, saying Filipinos are an integral part of their society. “Many Filipinos visit, work, and live in Singapore. Singapore has been a home away from home for them and they are an integral part of our society,� Tan said during his joint statement with President Benigno Aquino III at the Palace.

In the same manner, Tan said there are also many Singaporeans seeking “economic opportunities� in the Philippines.

Tan’s visit to the Philippines came a month after some Singapore-based Filipi-

nos felt slighted by a letter asking that they be separated from Singaporean citizens during bus rides.

Aquino, however, thanked the Singaporean people and government for the “hospitality� they have extended to around 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore. “This is a vital part of the people-topeople exchanges that foster greater understanding and strengthen relations between our countries,� he said, Given these ties, Tan said they “share� the grief of Filipinos when super typhoon Yolanda struck the country, particularly in the Visayas, last November. “We are heartened that the spirit and resilience of the Philippine people remain

strong in such devastation,� he said. “We have been working with the Philippine government and stakeholders in the rehabilitation efforts.�

Tan is expected to visit Tacloban, Leyte and Basey, Western Samar to turn over medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, the beneficiary of the joint rehabilitation project between the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross. “Mary and I look forward for a fruitful visit, where we will meet all and make new friends, and to cement the deep friendship between our two peoples,� Tan said, referring to his wife.

Aquino, for his part, said Filipinos never

forget the kindness extended to them by friends. “Singapore was one of the first countries to reach out to the Filipino people in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan –and the assistance that their people and government gave is deeply appreciated.

Singapore’s generosity will indeed be remembered with gratitude,� he said.

Tan, meanwhile, congratulated the Philippine government for signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, describing it as a “momentous accomplishment and a testament to the leadership and efforts of President Aquino and his administration in brokering peace and stability for the Philippines and the region.� (MNS)

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LOS ANGELES

MORE DISASTERS From page 1

are expected to become more frequent in coming decades.

The United States was “fully committed to working with and supporting you in this effort,” he said. The ministers were given a tour of a new regional center for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which houses scientists that track typhoons, tsunamis and rising sea levels across the Pacific.

The gathering of defense ministers marked the first time the United States had hosted an ASEAN meeting, and US officials said it was the latest example of a strategic “rebalance” aimed at countering

SINGAPORE From page 1

In his welcome message, President Aquino expressed excitement in the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security Exhibition on July 16 to 18, 2014.

“The Philippines proposed the holding of a Defense Dialogue in order to further strengthen our cooperation,” the President said. He also enumerated the topics he discussed with President Tan on both countries’ defense and security cooperation, including high-level training, educational and intelligence exchanges.

President Aquino said that the “revival of the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan, as a mechanism for expanding bilateral

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., April 5-11, 2014

China’s growing military might and assertive territorial claims.

Over the past decade, the US military has expanded its disaster relief operations in Asia, deploying ships and aircraft to carry out rescues and to deliver food, water and supplies.

US forces deployed in large numbers to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan struck the country in November, killing thousands.

Apart from saving lives, humanitarian operations offer Washington a way of cultivating trust among countries that are anxious about China but are wary of entering into an open alliance that might antagonize Beijing, analysts and officials say. discussions between our countries” had also been discussed.

“The Action Plan provides a consolidated framework for strengthening our bilateral cooperation, covering expansive areas, including trade and investments, information technology, education, culture, defense, and people-to-people exchanges,” the President said.

“I look forward to the implementation of initiatives in these areas, knowing that it will have a positive impact on relations between the Philippines and Singapore,” he added.

The Singaporean President arrived in Manila on Wednesday afternoon for a four-state visit to the Philippines. (MNS)

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SEN. YEE From page 1

while they have yet to receive “an official correspondence from any local or foreign agency asking for assistance,” the BOC is ready to cooperate with other agencies.

According to an earlier report, Yee was alleged to have a military contact in the Philippines – identified only as Wilson Lim – in the arms smuggling operation.

“Lim’s associates in the Philippines were said to be trying to overthrow the current government and needed money,” according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s affidavit against Yee. For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is looking into an allega-

PACQUIAO From page 1

divisions, will get his shot at retribution against Bradley in Las Vegas on April 12.

Both fighters are calling it a chance for redemption, after Bradley beat Pacquiao by a controversial split decision in June 2012 – a bout that many observers thought Pacquiao had dominated.

“We feel we got robbed in the last fight – now we need to be sure that we get the victory,” said Pacquiao, 35, who will be fighting to regain the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown he surrendered to Bradley.

Six months after losing to the American, Pacquiao was knocked out in the sixth round by Mexico’s Marquez in the fourth bout between the two.

If Pacquiao beats Bradley and Marquez beats American Mike Alvarado in May, a fifth Pacquiao-Marquez fight could be on the cards.

“I’m not thinking about the next fight,” Pacquiao said. “I’m thinking about this fight.”

However, Pacquiao can never escape speculation about a matchup with unbeaten Mayweather.

In late 2009 and early 2010, Pacquiao

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tion that one of its officers may have been involved in a supposed plan to smuggle firearms into the United States, but stressed the guns could not have come from its arsenal. “Kahit na wala pa kaming hawak na pangalan (of the military officer), kahit na wala pa kaming hawak na dokumento o anumang request, tinitignan na rin namin itong allegation na ito,” Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesman, said.

Zagala however said that it seemed impossible that the smuggled firearms would come from the AFP’s inventory.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has announced it will coordinate with US law enforcement officials regarding the matter. (MNS) and Mayweather were considered the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters and record profits were expected from a showdown. But a disagreement over pre-fight blood testing scuttled talks.

Mayweather vowed never again to do business with Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum, but the subject never goes away.

“I’ve thought about it so much, I’ve had dreams about that fight,” Roach said.

While he added that it seems to be “getting further away instead of closer” Roach added that he thought it would happen simply because there are so few big-draw opponents for Mayweather and Pacquiao as they seek to extend their careers and cement their legacies.

TEEN MOM From page 1

Aside from this, the study found 56 percent of young Filipino women and 50 percent of the men have a social networking account but only two percent of each gender maintained personal blogs.

Other indicators of Filipino youth’s health, lifestyle and media exposure highlighted in the YAFS are included in this year’s Factsheet on Women and Men, the PSA said.

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Do I qualify for bankruptcy?

Most people qualify to file bankruptcy under either chapter 7 or 13. If you’re 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.

Can I file jointly with my spouse?

Yes, you may file individually or jointly as husband and wife. You may file jointly even

if you are currently separated or have filed for divorce, as long as the likely need to re-establish a good credit divorce is not yet final. Since California history. This can be done by obtaining one is a community property state, the bank- or more secured credit cards, using them ruptcy court considers joint income, vs. wisely and establishing an excellent payjoint living expenses to determine your ment history. If you reaffirm any existing eligibility for bankruptcy relief. Most debts debts, such as a mortgage or an automobile are usually considered joint debts as well, loan, making your payments on time will so filing together with your spouse is the also help to re-establish your credit. In preferred option. most cases, you can re-establish credit in Will I have to appear in court?

1 or 2 years. Your ability to obtain credit It is very unlikely that you will ever also depends on various other factors, such appear in court or in front of a bankruptcy as your income, employment history, etc. judge on a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, Some creditors may actually consider you about 4 to 6 weeks after filing bankruptcy to be a better credit risk after bankruptcy you will have to meet with a bankruptcy than before because you will essentially trustee. The trustee is usually a private be “debt free” and will likely have more practicing attorney appointed by the US disposable income to pay future debts.

Trustee’s office. In some instances, the How long can a bankruptcy filing trustee assigned to your case may be a appear on my credit report? non-attorney, possibly a licensed accountA bankruptcy filing can appear on your ing professional instead. credit report for up to 10 years. However, A typical trustee meeting lasts about 1 to this does not mean that you will have 3 minutes and is usually held in a meeting bad credit for 10 years. You can start room at the bankruptcy court or federal re-establishing your credit within a few building in your area. A bankruptcy trustee months after receiving your discharge will usually ask you whether everything from bankruptcy. Remember, if you have in your bankruptcy petition is true and delinquencies, charge-off’s or collection correct, whether you would like to add or accounts, they will stay on your credit change anything in your bankruptcy peti- report for 7 years, and prevent you from tion and may ask a few questions about re-establishing credit for a lot longer than your financial situation. it takes after filing bankruptcy. So bankThis hearing is also referred to as the ruptcy can actually be a very helpful tool in “Meeting of Creditors”. However, creditors starting over, and getting a second chance. rarely attend in a Chapter 7 cases. ApproxiAre there any negative consequences mately 60 days after your meeting with the to filing bankruptcy? trustee you should receive your final disFederal bankruptcy laws were estabcharge order in the mail. Your debts will be lished by United States Congress to proformally discharged and your bankruptcy vide individuals and organizations with a proceeding will be closed. “fresh start” by allowing them to legally In a chapter 13 case, you will also at- eliminate all or a portion of their debts and tend a “Meeting of Creditors” as described to start anew. above.

Federal bankruptcy laws were designed Sometimes, you may have to attend a to help those in financial distress – not to second hearing with the trustee to have further burden or hinder them. Despite your payment plan approved, but usually, the many rumors propagated for years by your attorney handles this appearance for creditors, debt collectors, debt counseling you. organizations and the like for their own Where will my bankruptcy be filed? self-interest, there are virtually no negative A bankruptcy petition must be filed in consequences to filing bankruptcy. To the the federal bankruptcy court district where contrary, various bankruptcy laws have you have resided for the majority of the been enacted to ensure that no person is past 180 days. discriminated against because of a bankWill filing bankruptcy ruptcy filing. By federal law, no person can affect my ability to obtain credit? be denied employment, a student loan or If you already have bad credit, filing grant, or a license or permit by reason of a bankruptcy will probably not make your bankruptcy filing. credit any worse than it already is. Your If you have good credit and file bankFICO® credit score may initially decrease ruptcy your credit will, of course, be after your bankruptcy filing but will gradu- negatively impacted. But if your credit is ally start to improve after your bankruptcy already bad, filing bankruptcy can only discharge. This is because the amount of improve your life and your ability to reoutstanding debt, including current and establish a good credit history. If you are delinquent accounts, presently appearing suffering from financial problems and are on your credit reports will be eliminated or considering filing bankruptcy, you should substantially reduced. Approximately 30% also consider the consequences of not filof your FICO® credit score is based on ing. That could be a lot worse! the amount you owe on outstanding debt.

If you need advice concerning conDebt owed on revolving lines of credit, sumer credit or managing debt, contact such as credit cards, negatively impacts me - attorney Paul Allen, at the Law Ofyour FICO® credit score more than other fices of Paul M. Allen. Consultations are types of debt. free. Offices in Glendale and Cerritos. Call In order to obtain future credit you will today - 1-877-356-6729

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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What is my liability for debts incurred by my spouse?

Couples have different spending habits and different philosophy in handling marital finances. Some spouses are conservative in managing their finances and stick with a budget while other spouses do not even set budgets. What is your exposure if your spouse is a shop-a-holic and runs though his/her credit card like there is no tomorrow? What if your spouse has a gambling problem and continues to get in debt to finance his/her gambling habits or what if your spouse has child support arrears from a previous relationship? To add insult to injury, what if you are the primary bread winner in the family working two jobs at the hospital while your spouse philanders around for other prospects.

Generally, the community estate is liable for a debt incurred by either spouse before or during marriage and prior to separation. The

liability accrues regardless of which spouse has management and control of the property or whether one or both spouses are parties to the debt or to a judgment for the debt. Fam.C. § 910(a) and (b). The communnity estate are the property and earnings accumulated during the marriage. In other words, your community property can be liable to creditors of your

spouse for debts accumulated even prior to marriage. The community estate liability is not limited to debts incurred for the benefit of the community. Under Family Code § 910, the community may be liable even to debts incurred by one spouse exclusively for his or her personal benefit.

However, where community property is used to satisfy child support arrears arising from a previous marriage at a time where the spouse has separate property to satisfy it, the community has a right of reimbursement from the debtor spouse’s separate property up to the amount of community property used to satisfy the support obligation.

What then is exempt from your spouse’s premarital debt? A non debtor spouse’s “earnings� during marriage are not liable for debts incurred by the other spouse before marriage under Family.Code § 911(a). This does not include income received from passive investments through. The non debtor spouse’s earnings cannot be garnished to satisfy the debtor spouse’s prematrital debt as long as it is deposited in a separate account and not comingled with other community property.

In addition, community liability for a debt “incurred during marriage does not include “the period during which the spouses are living separate and apart� before a dissolution or legal separation judgment. Family.

Code. § 910 (a) and (b). Debts incurred by either spouse after separation are the debtor spouse’s separate obligation, neither chargeable against nor reimbursable from the community estate. As a result, the community estate is not liable for debts accumulated by your spouse after your date of separation.

So if your spouse continues abusing his/her credit card after the date of separation, the community assets such as savings during the marriage or real property are no longer liable for those debts accumulated after separation.

Those post separation debts are the debtor spouse’s separate debt.

A spouse’s separate property is not liable

for the other spouse’s debts, no matter when they were incurred. Family.Code. § 913(b) (1). Therefore, any savings or real estate that you accumulated prior to marriage will not be liable to your spouse’s debt whether your spouse incurred the debt prior, during, or after marriage.

A spouse’s spending and financial irresponsibility is a common cause of marital break ups. Sometimes, the non debtor spouse have to make the difficult decision of filing for divorce and dissolving the marriage as a means of self preservation and to preserve whatever is left of the community estate from total destruction from the debtor spouse.

Making this move is a personal decision that only the non-debtor spouse can make. However, other factors should also be considered such as consequences to minor children.

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 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. Web: kenreyeslaw.com.

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Become a Nursing Assistant in 5 weeks at ADL Nursing School 10 percent discount will be given to the first 6 students who register and an additional 10 percent discount will be given to those who pay tuition in full The health industry is the healthiest job sector at the moment. With thousands of Baby Boomers now retiring, working as a health professional will not only be rewarding but will give individuals economic stability. So if you’re thinking of joining this hugely in-demand labor force, the time is now.

Addressing the lack of healthcare provider is actually the reason why ADL Nursing School was established in the first place by a visionary Filipino nurse by the name of Dedito Bayeta, owner and instructor at ADL Nursing School.

Headquartered in Glendale, Bayeta said any student that enrolls in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at ADL Nursing School by Monday, April 7, may be qualified to take the California state exam to become certified by May 12, with just a mere month of training. And if you act fast, you may take advantage of the 10 percent student discount (available for the first six enrollees) that the school is currently offering. We are also offering an additional 10 percent discount to students who pay in full during time of registration.

This discount applies to ANY student who pays the tuition in full.

In addition, a student loan program is also available to any student who qualifies, Bayeta said. Total costs for the CNA program is only $1,500, which includes student uniform, CPR class, live scan and textbook, he said.

The nursing assistant program (total of 150 hours) at ADL Nursing School covers the subjects of Anatomy, Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Infection Control, Communication Skills and Resident Rights. Students will learn skills in assisting patients with activities of daily living and encouraging patient’s independence.

There are three convenient class schedules: Weekdays (Mon-Thurs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Afternoons (Mon-Thurs 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sundays (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

In cooperation with Global Atria Staffing, successful examinees will also be provided with job placement assistance, Bayeta said.

ADL Nursing School is located at 335 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 270, Glendale, CA 91203. They can be reached at (818) 5482673 or (626) 732-9140. For more information, please visit their website at www. adnurshingschool14.com or drop them a note at savedit@yahoo.com.

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Ban collection of fees from OFWs as travel precondition MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – “Why demand unnecessary fees and make travel more difficult for our financially hard-pressed workers seeking employment abroad?� a partylist lawmaker bewailed.

OFW Family Party-list Rep. Roy SeĂąeres is pushing for the passage of the proposed “OFW Travel Protection Act of 2014â€? contained in HB 4004.

HB 4004 prohibits the collection of any amount of money in any form or for any purpose from departing Filipino workers as precondition for travel. “The right to travel is guaranteed by the Constitution. It is absolute except when the interest of: a) national security; b) public safety or; c) public health is at stake,â€? SeĂąeres stressed. The author was citing Section 6, Article III of the Constitution providing interalia: “Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety and public health, as may be provided by law.â€? “Our modern-day heroes do not deserve to be punished, inconvenienced or annoyed when seeking to exercise their right to travel to foreign countries to find golden opportunities for the sake of their loved ones,â€? SeĂąeres pointed out.

Acknowledging that money is the lifeblood of the economy, Seùeres cited the OFWs’ yearly contribution (remittances) to the coffers of the government to the tune of US$ 22-billion which need not be overemphasized.

Trillanes pushes passage of bill granting loans to students MANILA, Mar 31 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Antonio Trillanes on Monday pushed for the passage of a bill granting loan programs for poor but deserving students. “With this measure, we look forward to helping a number of our students who are determined to finish their studies,�

Trillanes said, referring to Senate Bill No. 637 he filed in August last year.

Trillanes said he is hoping SB 637, entitled ‘The Comprehensive Student Loan Program’, will be included as one of the priority bills at the resumption of the Senate session on May 5. “In the end, it is our country that will benefit from having a learned and skilled citizenry. It is just right that we invest on them,� Trillanes said.

The proposed measure seeks to strengthen the educational assistance program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

It also aims to create a Php 5 billion student loan fund to be administered by an Educational Loan Fund Authority under the CHED, according to Trillanes.

“It proposes to establish a comprehensive mechanism that would allow eligible students, who are financially incapable, to apply for loan to support their matriculation, school fees and other expenses needed for quality education,� he added.

Trilllanes said the bill is intended to fulfill the commitment and resolve of the State, as enshrined in the Constitution, to pursue the democratization of educational opportunities for every deserving citizen and promote social and economic development for every Filipino family. “Despite the government’s efforts to provide quality and accessible education, a number of capable students are prevented from pursuing college degree due to their dire financial conditions,� he explained. “There are existing government scholarship programs for these students but due to their limited scope and coverage, the results are still far from the government’s aim,� the lawmaker added. Trillanes pushed for the passage of his bill as parents prepare financial needs of their children in another academic year this coming June.

Angara seeks passage of bill to help new grads find jobs MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – As the new college graduates join the country’s labor force, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara on Wednesday pushed for the passage of a Bill of Rights for fresh graduates to help them find jobs or establish their own businesses right after graduation.

Angara said Senate Bill 59 is a compilation of state support for fresh graduates for a period of one year after graduation as they face a difficult transition into the labor force. “As in all modern democracies, the state has to firm up its social contract with the young,� Angara said.

The measure suggests that fresh graduates should be made sponsored members of the Social Security System, the PhilHealth and the Pag-IBIG Fund from graduation up to a period of one year.

These can be enjoyed after graduates shall have secured from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) a “New Graduate’s Incentive Card� that will certify that he or she can avail of the privileges being sought by the proposed law.

Angara said the card shall be the primary document that fresh graduates will use in obtaining government support and incentives. “By investing in our new graduates, we are effectively investing in their future and ultimately, in our country’s national development and progress,� Angra said.

Pilipino po tayo!

LAW OFFICES OF

KENNETH U. REYES, P.C.

* Certified Family Law Specialist The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

- Certified Family Law Specialist - Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) - J.D. Southwestern University Law School, Los Angeles, CA - B.S. Accounting, California State University, San Bernardino, CA

FAMILY LAW • Divorce • Community Property Division • Child Custody and Spousal Support • Domestic Violence Restraining Order • Legal Separation and Nullity • Parentage • Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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IMMIGRATION • Marriage Petitions • Relative Petitions • Removal of Conditional Green Card • Humanitarian Reinstatements • Child Status Protection Act Issues • Deportation Defense • Employment based Petitions and PERM • H-1B Visas

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*Kenneth U. Reyes, Esq. CFLS

ESTATES AND TRUST • Living Trust • Wills • Probate • Conservatorship

CIVIL LITIGATION • Contract Disputes • Business Disputes • Corporate and Partnership Disputes

3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Still amazed at the recent FBI arrest of California State Senator Leland Yee The recent FBI arrests on California State Senator Leland Yee and 26 others, which was repeatedly played out on national television and on almost every major national and local publication, has not only shocked me but it kept haunting me, maybe because I met the Senator a couple of times and like many of us in the Filipino community who have placed him on such a high pedestal, the allegations and charges against him was and it still is, unfathomable, amazing and definitely surreal.

Though I agree with some of the statements in Attorney Alma R. me. So, here goes that famous poem as I Luna’s “manifesto� which states that have recalled which in a way might help “the foundation of a democratic society me accept or negate whatever the outcome that is faithful to its constitution is the will be on Senator Yee’s future: Presumption of Innocence Until Proven “Out of the night that covers me Guilty,� the resounding verses of W.E. Black as the pit from pole to pole, Henley’s famous “Invictus� poem which I thank whatever gods may be I won during a high school declamation For my unconquearable soul. contest spearheaded by our great drama In the fell clutch of circumstance teacher, Zenaida Amador, kept haunting I have not winced nor cried aloud

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Under the burgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate How charged the punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul�

I also agree with Atty. Luna’s claim that Senator Yee’s public service is exemplary and remarkable. Unfortunately, when someone is in public service, every iota of error is subject to scrutiny and lest we forget, that even if you hold the highest office in the land, no one is “�above the law.�

Depositions: The proof is in the pudding Much of the evidence in a litigated case, be it in family law or a business case, is so-called “ he said, she said� with not much by way of a paper trail of evidence. One party may even dare the other to prove what the former knows to be the truth. Do you take your chances at trial for the other side to put on a performance worthy of an Academy award or is there something else that you could do to prove the truth without the risk of putting all your eggs on what happens at trial? Why not take a deposition of the

opposing party or any of his tion of the other party and other witnesses. or her supporting witnesses?

A deposition is when your attorney The time and money spent on deposition gets to directly ask relevant and pointed may well be justified by the savings you questions to the witness who must answer may realize from the positive results you them without intervention of their lawyer may get from gaining an evidentiary adand under penalty of perjury. It is usually vantage going into trial or by expediting conducted in the conference room of the an amicable settlement as an outcome of attorney conducting the deposition and said deposition. It is good old-fashioned with the use of a court reporter to transcribe lawyering that you should consider with all that is said. Although conducted well your attorney. Our office is ready, willing before trial and outside the courtroom, the and able to assist you in these matters.

Attorney Miguel Inumerable is a gradudeposition is treated as a regular proceeding in the case and all the questions and ate of UCLA Law School and has more than statements made can be used by either 25 years experience serving the Filipino party as evidence at trial or for purposes community. He is bilingual in Tagalog and of amicable settlement.

English. His areas of practice includes If you are in the middle of litigation Family Law (divorce, custody, support, or contemplating one, it may be to your restraining orders) Bankruptcy, Business interest to inquire of your attorney as to the Litigation, Immigration and Deportation, necessity and the value of taking a deposi- Probate and Criminal and Regulatory Law.

The Savior of The New City – A Lenten play ONTARIO, Calif., Mar. 17, 2014 – This April, the Banal Na Pag-aaral presents one of its most prominent Lenten traditions, the production of “The Savior of the New City�. This powerful, moving drama depicts the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, from birth to the beginning of His mission, from His Passion and death to His glorious resurrection.

Savior of The New City is a powerful, moving drama The all-volunteer cast The depicts the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, from birth to and crew are members of the the beginning of His mission, from His Passion and death to Banal Na Pag-aaral who His glorious resurrection. devote countless hours of preparation each henewcity.org. year towards the success of this production.

About Banal Na Pag-aaral Under the guidance of the director and The Banal Na Pag-aaral is a duly regwriter of “The Savior of the New City�, istered non-profit religious organization Sis. Salve Stuart, their performance is not incorporated in the State of California in only a reflection of their talent, but of their 1983. Its Mission is to bring the people faith in and love for God. This year, they back to God, and to bring God back to hope to once again deliver the universal the people. Since its inception, the movemessage of love to the hearts of the people, ment has spread worldwide, with chapters and invoke in each one an inner awakening established throughout the United States, of their love for God. Canada, Europe, Australia, and the differ“The Savior of the New City� will take ent regions of the Philippines. The Banal place on April 12 and 13, with a matinee Na Pag-aaral family continues to grow show at 2 p.m. and gala show at 7 p.m. on today through spiritual retreats and aposboth days. For more information, please tolic works conducted in all its chapters. visit the official website at www.savioroft- To learn more, visit www.bnp.org.

Jeepney Asian Grill hosts Friday Open Mic Nights Now on its 6th year, Jeepney Asian Grill hosts Friday Open Mic Nights commencing on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. in their location at 11900 South Street, Suite101 Cerritos, CA. 90703.

The public is invited to come and enjoy the fun including savoring on their sumptuous meal specialties such as Adobo

Flakes, Crispy Calamari, Grilled “Inihaw�

Platters, Oxtail Kare-kare and a lot of other selections.

For reservations and further information, please call JAG’s General Manager, Ramon Saporsantos at 562/207-0070 or visit their website at: www.jeepneyasiangrill.com. (MYA).

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Cancellation of PMI now that your value has gone up Cancellation of PMI now that your value has gone higher First you must contact your mortgage lender to request cancellation or inquire how much longer mortgage insurance will remain on your loan. Most of you probably don’t realize that your PMI could stay with your between 2-5 yrs. Surprisingly your mortgage lender may also not know this fact.

When can I cancel MI? When the balance on your mortgage reaches 78-80% of the home’s original value or current appraised value, you may request cancellation of your MI. the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

You must have a good payment history FHA also insures lenders from losses with respect to the mortgage, mortgage when borrowers default, but the taxpayers payments must be current and there can bear substantially all the financial risks be no other loans against the home. Some when those loans are not repaid. lenders also require verification that the Tax Deductibility of MI. The ability property did not decrease in value. of borrowers to deduct MI premiums from Will it get cancelled automatically? federal income taxes expired at the end When the mortgage balance reaches of 2013. This critical provision should 78% of the home’s original value be restored because MI premiums are the and payments are current, the lender is economic equivalent of mortgage interest required to cancel the mortgage insurance payments, and so should remain deductible. automatically.

Here are some of the MI companies But, do lenders freely give up this with their contact info and guidelines: protection towards their investment. Mostly Genworth Financial – 800-444-5664 likely not.

– MI removal per Genworth Rep is that What is Mortgage Insurance typically you have to maintain MI pmt for Mortgage insurance is a first level of 2 yrs and the loan to value has to be 78% protection that protects against the risk of or less. But its at the discretion of your loss on a mortgage in the event a borrower servicer. is not able to repay the loan and there is MGIC – 1.800.424.6442 See MGIC not sufficient equity in the home. Mortgage guidelines below: insurance has helped millions become Borrower-requested cancellation under HPA Borrowers must provide a written homeowners by enhancing their ability to borrow in an affordable way by reducing the request for MI cancellation to the lender, who cancels the MI policy: risk of their loans.

• On the date the mortgage loan There are two types of mortgage insurers: government agencies and private insurers. balance is first scheduled to reach 80% of The main government mortgage insurer is original value, based solely on the initial

Holy Week: Glorious welcome to glorious Resurrection The period of Lent is that time of the year where soulsearching, piety, and religiosity are at their extremes where Christians and a time they are reminded of their mortality and the essence of embracing the belief that the extreme sacrifice of Jesus being nailed on the cross at Golgotha was to save mankind from eternal damnation to give an assurance of an eternity being spent with their Creator.

The Holy Week leading to the solemn remembrance of Christ journey to His death to fulfill a sublime mission on earth is a period of purification for many Christians who perform practices as a way of honoring the extreme sacrifice made on their behalf.

The Philippines’ Semana Santa – from Palm Sunday or Domingo de Ramos where worshippers carry palm fronds to church to be blessed by the priest to the triumphant Easter Sunday that commemorates Christ’s victory over death marks a series of events that add up to a feeling of spiritual rejuvenation.

In between two Sundays of the Holy Events are religious observances that culminate in the explosion of practices some of which are only peculiar to the Filipino traditions that were fused with practices from the Spanish rituals and assimilated over the years.

The Philippines becomes eerily quiet, on Tuesdays of the Holy Week with TV and radio stations going off the air. Pious Catholics cease eating meat, as a form of personal abstinence in honor of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the Cross. They turn to fish instead and for the deeply religious, they fast to cleanse their bodies and prepare themselves for spiritual nourishment.

The traditional pabasa (the “reading” or chanting of verses about the suffering of Christ) starts on Sunday and ends on Maundy Thursday, which is the day when the washing of the feet is celebrated.

Good Friday marks the crucifixion and death of Christ. This is the day of the year that many streets are deserted and the faithful become one in remembering the supreme sacrifice of their Savior for their sake.

In many parts of the Philippines, religious figures are carried out in processions in beautiful carrozas (carriages). The

religious images and statues are veiled in black as a color of mourning for the death of Jesus.

The Semana Santa is a period where seeing blood has become an “expected spectacle” with the gory sight of Filipino penitents whipping themselves red as a form of atonement for sins committed and “ as a method of gaining favors from God”.

The reenactments remind of the torture and punishment inflicted on the body of Jesus Christ on the way to the Cross more than two thousand years ago to die for our sins.

This bloody spectacle of being nailed on the cross has become an attraction to foreign tourists who marvel at the penitents’ dedication to engage in the rituals. Tondo in the City of Manila has the distinction of having most of these flagellants with Pampanga and Nueva Ecija north of Luzon coming in close.

Good Friday, (Biyernes Santo) is also observed with solemn street processions, the Way of the Cross, the commemoration of Jesus’ Seven Last Words (“Siete Palabras”) and staging of the traditional Senakulo (a Passion play).

The marathon chanting of the epic narrative of Christ’s life, passion, death and resurrection in the Pabasa in many parts of the country also concludes on this day.

Pasko ng Pagkabuhay on Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration marked by a dawn commemoration of the “Salubong” or meeting that reenacts the “reunion of Christ and His Mother” after the Resurrection. In this ritual, the statues of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried by the faithful in two separate processions and meet at a designated area (called Galilea) in the plaza fronting the church. The moment is marked by pealing bells and fireworks, followed immediately by the Easter Mass.

amortization schedule2, regardless of the outstanding balance of the loan OR • On the date the mortgage loan balance actually reaches 80% of the original value • MI coverage can be cancelled only if: • The borrowers have a good payment history AND • The borrowers satisfy any lender’s requirements that the property value has not declined and that no subordinate liens exist.

Lender-required cancellation under HPA The lender must automatically cancel the MI policy: • On the date the mortgage loan balance is first scheduled to reach 78% of original value, based solely on the initial amortization schedule, regardless of the outstanding loan balance AND • If the borrowers are current on the payments required by the terms of the mortgage • Different cancellation requirements apply to loans designated at origination as “high risk.”

Essent Guaranty – Toll-free: 877.673.8190 their guidelines to remove MI: See Below There are two types of mortgage insurance cancellation available to borrowers: 1. Automatic Cancellation: Borrowerpaid mortgage insurance is automatically cancelled by the mortgage servicer when the loan amount is reduced to 78 percent of the original property value (or when the loan reaches its half-life, ex. 15 years on a

30-year mortgage).

2. Voluntary Cancellation: Borrowers can request that mortgage insurance be cancelled when they believe that their current loan amount is 80 percent or less of their current property value. An appraisal will be required to validate the value of the property.

National MI – Main: 855.530.NMIC (6642) Per Rep send request to : Servicing@ nationalmi.com.

From what I understand from talking to several MI companies and thru their websites, seems real easy to get your PMI removed once you have built equity on your property? But you have to deal with your servicer who is really benefitting from the MI coverage, will they will so willing to remove your extra MI payment voluntarily?

Probably not, so do your own homework and research your value and see if you have some more savings from getting rid of your MI every month.

There is always the option of refinancing with the current rates, you just have to check if your rates are higher to benefit both lowering of your mortgage interest rate and removing that extra $100-300 MI payment you are paying that is no longer tax deductible.

Thanks for all your inquiries, this is definitely something most of you MI paying homeowners have to realize.

Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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OPINION

Filipinos don’t need arrogant solons, says Lacson

MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – The fate of three senators who are facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the “pork barrel” scam should remind everyone in government that a “new normal in public service has finally dawned on us,” former Senator and now rehabilitation czar Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Thursday.

Lacson, who rejected his ”pork barrel” allocations when he was senator, was referring to Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who were implicated in the P10 billion “pork” scam.

“While it is unfortunate that three and probably more of my former colleagues may have to be incarcerated while undergoing trial, still, I believe that’s the way to go if only to remind everyone in government that a ‘new normal’ in public service has finally dawned on us, courtesy of COA, DOJ and the Ombudsman,” Lacson said in a text message.

COA is Commission on Audit while DOJ is Department of Justice.

“The Filipino taxpayers deserve a break from the hubris and arrogance of many lawmakers and other executive officials who thought all along that callousness as a way of life will remain unchecked as long they are in a position of power,” he said.

Lacson’s name was mentioned in the news again after he had been reportedly approached by Revilla to ask how he evaded arrest during the time of then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The former senator reportedly confirmed meeting with Revilla but was mum about it.

Asked if it was true that Revilla asked some tips from him, Lacson said: “I can’t remember. We discussed a lot of things then.” (MNS)

VP Binay to govt agencies: Don’t be selective in filing plunder raps MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday dared government agencies to also file plunder charges against officials who are not aligned with the opposition.

In a statement, Binay said the administration should not be “selective” in lodging cases against government officials allegedly involved in irregularities.

“If it stops with the filing of the plunder cases against three senators who are not political allies and confines itself to the (Janet) Napoles case, it will create the impression of being selective, and that political partisanship – not justice – is the sole motivation behind these charges,” the vice president said. On Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman recommended plunder charges against two of Binay’s political allies over the alleged pork barrel scam: Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada. Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. is also being implicated in the alleged anomaly. The Ombudsman has yet to act on plunder complaints filed against other lawmakers allegedly involved in the scam, including administration ally and former Customs chief Ruffy Biazon. Binay added that he hopes the three senators will get “a fair trial,” in case the Ombudsman elevates the plunder charges against them to the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.

Last February, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Binay’s earlier statements “belittling” the government’s pork barrel scam charges “are raising fears from the ranks of the pork scam whistleblowers and state witnesses that the case might be abandoned once he wins as president.”

Rights lawyers on sterling PHL governance: ‘Life in the Philippines is easy breezy’ The Noynoy Aquino administration has clearly upped the ante on several fronts in recent months: poverty alleviation, privatization of public services, and peace. With his trusty coterie of officials and advisers, he is putting up an incredible, consistent, and formidable governance record for all others to follow. All bets are on: would the Philippines take its place on the top 10 happiest countries in the world by the end of 2016?

By and large all this progress seems to be particularly brought by Noynoy’s keen eye on the country’s coffers.

Where “walang korap, walang mahirap” succeeds, the Aquino government thus can afford to efficiently and effectively allocate national fiscal resources to areas and people who need it the most.

Many of course can attest to that: The victims of Pablo, Sendong, and supertyphoon Yolanda. The beneficiaries of the billion-peso conditional cash transfer program in the urban poor areas. And most especially, the beneficiaries of the million-peso assistance and incentive system in both houses of Congress.

Noynoy’s economics, partly polished by his exprofessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is a combination of well-tested and -proven liberalization and privatization schemes. The Malacanang-led charter change proposed in the lower house is a potent mix of investor-friendly provisions that would bring a breath of fresh air to our bustling and thriving local economy.

With the government privatizing even public hospitals, there is certainly a lot of space for socially responsible business competition. It’s a win-win situation altogether.

Eradicating poverty has been Noynoy’s cornerstone program during his presidency, and he has done well in land reform and job security.

Others are taking his lead what with his family’s Hacienda Luisita peacefully partitioned and

given to their tenant-farmers already. He’s already shown best hiring practices by tapping the most qualified – kabarkada, kaklase, kamag-anak – for key positions in his government. After all, millions of migrants leave their families for pleasure trips abroad instead of for work.

Fair treatment is the order of the day. Poor Janet Napoles is now getting her choice food, security, and myoma operation from the public funds at least openly and not surreptitiously. Even sick or preggy daughters who take after their commie fathers deserve humane treatment no less.

Ending the decades-long Muslim strife in the south has raised the bar for other peace negotiations in the country. All the sincerity is now focused upon the National Democratic Front and its short-running banditry.

As Noynoy puts it, there shouldn’t be any barriers to peace because the government holds no political prisoners; does not persecute its political enemies (it is all lawyers’ propaganda that the police and military plant rusty firearms and grenades); does not torture and provides counsel; has appointed the best general to give compensation to victims while the Marcoses themselves have willingly offered their fortune; and most importantly, honors all its obligations and commitments towards a just and lasting peace.

And anyhow, aided by a multi-million reward scheme for informants, rebel returnees, and law enforcement officials who will spill the beans, tell the truth and/or do their jobs seriously, won’t the armed conflict end anyway in five years?

After all, even human rights defenders like big fish Palparan are about to return to the fold.

The summer sun and hey, the US troops are staying put in this part of our tropical paradise to give aid and comfort, so things definitely can’t get any better.

Take us not for April fools – life here in the Philippines is easy breezy.

Philippines pledges restraint in China sea row MANILA, April 4, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines pledged to act with restraint on Friday a week after China tried to block a boat ferrying supplies to Filipino troops on a disputed reef in the South China Sea. “(The) Philippines makes clear that it will continue to exercise self-restraint and will not raise tension in the South China Sea,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

He issued the statement after a week of diplomatic wrangling following a Philippine boat’s delivery of food, water and fresh troops to Second Thomas Shoal, also claimed by Beijing, by slipping through a blockade by two Chinese coastguard vessels.

A small number of Filipino soldiers are stationed on a Navy vessel that was grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty.

A day after the incident, the Philippines further infuriated China by asking a United Nations tribunal to declare Beijing’s claims to undisputed sovereignty over most of the strategically important sea as illegal.

China strongly criticised the Philippine government actions, warning Tuesday that the UN appeal had “seriously damaged” bilateral ties and holding Manila responsible for the “consequences” of the UN move.

“The Philippines is not the country that has greatly increased its naval and maritime presence in the South China Sea,” del Rosario retorted Friday.

“Nor has it challenged freedom of navigation.

Nor has it blockaded nor forcefully intimidated any other country in the South China Sea. Countries should be judged by their actions, not by their words.”

China has said its coastguard turned away another Filipino vessel on a similar resupply mission early

last month, forcing the Philippine military to airdrop supplies to its small unit of marines aboard an old navy ship guarding the reef.

The reef lies 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the nearest major Philippine island, and more than a thousand kilometers from a major Chinese land mass.

It is part of the Spratlys, a chain of islets and reefs that sit near key shipping lanes and are surrounded by rich fishing grounds.

Apart from China and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have overlapping claims to parts of the area.

Manila’s UN appeal argues Beijing’s claims are contrary to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and interferes with the Philippines’ sovereign rights to its continental shelf.

Both countries are signatories to UNCLOS, but Beijing argues that its provisions do not apply to the row.

It has urged the Philippines to negotiate directly with it.

Del Rosario said Friday UN arbitration “is a peaceful, friendly and a durable settlement mechanism under international law” that allows the Philippines to defend “what is legitimately and rightfully ours”.

Meanwhile, a senior US official has voiced confidence that the global response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea would have a “chilling effect” that deters China from contemplating similar action in Asian.

Since Russia seized Crimea last month, US lawmakers and Asian diplomats have asked about the message sent to an increasingly confident China – especially with regard to Taiwan, which is claimed

by Beijing and relies on US support.

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What happens when you are denied?

Question: I filed for a change of status to E-2 as an investor because I bought a restaurant in Los Angeles. However, the USCIS denied my application to change status to E-2 because it claimed that my investment was not substantial. I suppose this means that the amount I invested was too small. However, I spent in total almost $100,000 on the investment. I want to appeal this decision but my attorney says it

cannot be done. What can I do?

How much time do I have to try to have this application reconsidered or and petition has a specific manner in which appealed? to seek review or reconsideration.

Answer: You received the dreaded denial Did you know that certain applications notice from the USCIS. Ordinarily, before and petition are not appealable? Immigrathe USCIS denies a petition or application, tion regulations control what petitions can be it gives some indication of what it considers appealed and which ones cannot. Normally, is wrong with your filing in the form of a when an application or petition is denied, the notice called a Request for Evidence, (RFE.) USCIS will provide a notice of rights to apAn RFE is a written notice from the USCIS peal. You must read this notice carefully as it that informs the applicant or petitioner that provides the procedure for filing an appeal. the USCIS considers the filing deficient. The Appeal periods vary but normally you are RFE also is supposed to provide specific de- given 30 days to file an appeal administratails or reasons why the filing is deficient and tively through the USCIS channels of appeal. often proposes how the applicant can remedy Do not miss this deadline or your appeal will the problems the USCIS has encountered. If not be considered. Most appeals require a you or your attorney received the RFE, you filing fee as well. Be sure to check online at were put on notice that the USCIS did not www.uscis.gov to find out the correct filing find your application to be complete and most fee. You submit the wrong fee and your aplikely sought more documents or perhaps an peal will be rejected. Also be sure to send explanation. Usually, if you fully respond the appeal to the proper location for filing. to the RFE and provide the USCIS what it is Again check online at the USCIS website for seeking, there is a good likelihood of receiv- filing locations. ing an approval.

You are also given the opportunity to subOf course, if the petition or application mit arguments or a brief in support of your was not fully documented or simply could appeal. Be sure to take advantage of this and satisfy the requirements of the law, respond- spell out clearly why you believe the USCIS ing to the RFE may not result in an approval improperly denied your petition. If you have and the next notice you receive is either an evidence that you think the USCIS did not Intent to Deny or an outright denial. So, if you consider or understand, attach that evidence receive the dreaded denial what do you do? and refer to it.

The answer to this question depends upon Petitions for most non-immigrant workwhat petition you filed as every application ing visas are appealable such as petitions for

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H-1B status, H-2 status, L-1 status, O-1 status, R-1 status. However, requests for changes of status from tourist to student (F-1) or requests for extension of status for tourists are not appealable. Instead requests for changes of student status or extensions of tourist status can be reviewed by filing a motion to reopen or reconsider. These motions are similar to appeals and must be filed within the time provided. Petitions for immigrant visas based upon a family petition for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling are appealable. However, applications for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident are not appealable. Again, a motion to reopen or reconsider must be filed.

Petitions for removal of conditional residence are likewise not appealable. In these cases, the denials are reviewed in immigration court in deportation or removal proceedings.

The same procedure controls applications for

15

political asylum.

Thankfully, petitions for naturalization are appealable and in fact can be appealed twice: once before an immigration officer and if that fails an appeal can be filed in federal district court. It is clear from this article that immigration law is complicated, tricky and confusing.

Be sure to read instructions carefully and if you have questions, it is best to seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney.

(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 ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR 818 324-8110)

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18,000 kids dance on Music Center Plaza at Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival Students to kick up heels in simultaneous participatory dance performance on the music center plaza at 44th Annual Blue Ribbon Children’s WHAT: More than 3,100 fifth grade students (18,000 over three days) from throughout Los Angeles County will simultaneously perform a choreographed dance on The Music Center Plaza as part of The 44th Annual Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival.

The free three-day festival provides many children with their first performing arts experience.

Students prepare in advance with curriculum provided to their teachers by The

Blue Ribbon in partnership with The Music Center. Students learn what to watch for during the performance, history and terminology, themes, and the choreography for their dance.

During their visit to The Music Center, students attend a performance of three dances by the iconic modern dance company, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, led by celebrated choreographer and modern dance pioneer, Paul Taylor. Afterwards, students gather on The Music Center Plaza

to perform a special dance that incorporates music and movements from the live performance in a dance choreographed just for them.

To read teacher blogs about the Festival, visithttp://bit.ly/1lzaiDL WHEN: Festival Launch Day, April 9, 2014, with student performance at approximately 11:00 a.m. Media should arrive by 10:30 a.m. Media wanting access to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion prior to the student performance on the Plaza should

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arrive by 10:00 a.m. Media check-in is at the information table located between the flagpoles on The Music Center Plaza.

WHERE: The Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 WHY: The Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival responds to the important positive impact of arts education on the entire school culture, especially student motivation, attitudes and attendance. As a result, students have a much greater chance of staying in school and succeeding there, as well as succeeding in both life and work.

Despite cuts in arts and music programs over the years, The Blue Ribbon has opened the eyes of more than 800,000 students in Los Angeles to the performing arts with a comprehensive program that informs and extends their understanding.

PARKING: Parking for media trucks is available in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Grand Avenue.

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Now on its third year, the Search for The Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Students (TOFASS) is now on-going.

The college-bound awardees who will be chosen will be honored and recognized for their academic achievements by providing them with supplemental scholarship grants to tie them over in a small way in their transition to college life.

Nomination forms and other protocols have already been sent to high school principals in Greater Los Angeles to nominate their outstanding senior students of Filipino parentage. The deadline for submission of nomination and other requirements is June 16.

Sponsored by the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Assn. of Greater Los Angeles (APOGLA), this nation-building project was first endorsed by then Los Angeles Consul General Mary Jo B. Aragon who stated, “Allow me to reaffirm my support for Alpha Phi Omega’s continuing mission of developing not only our societies, but also the young men and women who will be our next line of leaders.”

The selection process will be entrusted to a select group of educators and community leaders with no affiliation with Alpha Phi Omega and its project partners who will determine the final awardees. Aside from the scholarship grant, the awardees will be honored in a banquet to be held sometime in August. The venue will be announced later.

The criteria in selecting the top awardees are based on Scholastic Grades or GPA (85%), Extra-Curricular Activities (5%), Family Financial Status (5%), Essay (3%) and School Size (2%). The theme of the essay written in about 150 words: What Are My Aspirations In Life And How To Achieve Them.

Twenty college students of Filipino ancestry have already availed of this scholarship program from APOGLA. For more information, interested parties may call Project Chairman Tony Amon at 818-970-4214 or tamon4769@gmail.com; Media Affairs and Nomination Committee Chairman Dan E. Nino @ 562-921-5116 ordenino1951@gmail.com; or Chairman of the Board Eric Serrano @ 818-434-3313 or ericserrano882@gmail.com. (Dan E. Nino)

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Jury awards $26.1-M to employee terminated due to age discrimination In 2002, Bobby Nickel was hired by Corporate Express as a facilities manager. In 2008, Corporate Express was acquired

by Staples. In 2011, at the age of 64, Mr. Nickel was suspended and fired. He sued Staples for age discrimination and harassment. The jury awarded him $26.1 million in damages.

For several years, Mr. Nickel has received positive job reviews. But the employer wanted to get rid of older, higher paid employees like Mr. Nickel. When he re- the denial of an employment benefit such fused to resign, he began experiencing har- as hiring, promotion, compensation, proassment from co-workers and managers, vision of a discrimination-free workplace, including false accusations against him. He and freedom from termination. testified that his co-workers often referred Age-discriminated employees who can to him as “old coot� and “old goat.� One prove their case may recover back pay, employee testified that she was ordered by reinstatement, damages for pain and sufmanagement to provide a false statement fering, attorneys’ fees and court costs, and against Mr. Nickel, which she refused to punitive damages if a non-governmental do. The series of harassment culminated in employer acted with malice or reckless Mr. Nickel being accused of taking a bell indifference. pepper worth 68 cents from the company Older workers are also vulnerable in cafeteria. He was suspended and then fired. other ways. They may be made to work The employer denied any wrongdoing, long hours without being properly paid. stating that Mr. Nickel took the bell pepper In this instance, they are victims not only in violation of the company’s zero-toler- of age discrimination, but also of financial ance policy on dishonesty and stealing. abuse. The Financial Elder Abuse law may After hearing the evidence and delib- provide senior employees with remedies erating for two days, the jury awarded the employee $3.2 million in compensatory damages and over $22.8 million in punitive damages. The employer plans to appeal.

Age discrimination is a reality in the workplace. In this challenging economy, some employers may claim business necessity as an excuse to get rid of older workers.

However, the law requires employers to evaluate employees on the basis of their abilities and not their age. Employers cannot use age-based stereotypes or unsupported generalizations about the qualifications or job performance of persons who are 40 years or older. The law also protects against forced retirement based on advanced age.

Age discrimination may exist where an employee’s age was a motivating reason in

MMDA enforcers, street sweepers get anew ‘heatstroke breaks’

MANILA, Apr 3 (Mabuhay) – If you’re wondering where Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers are during midday, they’re in the shade.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino on Thursday said the agency will revive the “heatstroke break� policy for on-duty traffic constables and street sweepers starting on April 8 until May 31.

Tolentino said the heat stroke break is from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., which health agencies and weather experts said is the hottest part of the day this season.

During these 30-minute breaks, the field personnel are allowed to leave their posts alternately to rest and get away from the sun. “Considering that our traffic constables and street sweepers work continuously under the scorching heat of the sun, we deemed it appropriate to re-implement this ‘Heat Stroke Break Policy,� Tolentino explained as he asked for the public’s understanding for the “missing enforcers� during that time period.

The special break is available for traffic constables and street sweepers who are on duty at daytime. Traffic constables work in shifts- 6 a.m. to 2p.m.,2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Traffic constables with 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift are not entitled to this special break, according to Tolentino. On the other hand, Metro Aide sweepers work from 7 am to 4 pm, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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in addition to those provided under antidiscrimination laws.

[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

17

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.]

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ASSISTED CLIENTS FROM OVER 50 COUNTRIES SINCE 1993 Edmund Anciano is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Board of Immigration Appeals. He is authorized by Federal Law [US Code of Federal Regulations 8 C.F.R. 1.1(f)] to represent persons in all 50 states before the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. His law practice is limited to Immigration and Nationality Law. He is not an attorney licensed to practice state law in California but is an attorney licensed in New Jersey. Edmund Anciano received his bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania. He received his law degree from Rutgers University

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Gandi Acupuncture now expands to Wellness Center Fusing the power of acupuncture, yoga, meditation and modern technology to offer weight loss, detox, pain management and beauty all under one roof Burbank, CA, April 24, 2014 – Gandi Acupuncture has partnered up with Equanimity Yoga and Lila Shapes Me Well to offer a full health, beauty and wellness retreat in the heart of Burbank at the new Gandi Wellness Center. Fusing the power of ancient medicine with today’s fast paced society, Gandi Wellness Center will offer a series of packages that target both beauty and wellness issues. With this new collaboration, clients will have the opportunity to experience complete beauty and wellness programs that target the root of the issue

and not just the symptoms.

The weight loss program will integrate the power of yoga, meditation and acupuncture with the modern technology of lipo laser for not only safe, effective weight loss, but a lifestyle change to combat daily stresses and factors that can cause weight gain. Using the FDA approved lipo laser, along with the patented compression garments, clients will be able to measure inch loss with every visit. Combining a yoga and meditation session and acupuncture session to the program allows users tools

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to take control of the new way of life.

The detox, stress reduction and pain management programs all target the cause of the problem and focus on solutions to prevent and manage the effects of stress or pain through yoga, meditation and acupuncture.

The antiaging beauty treatments have ingredients like fresh fruit enzymes that can be done during an acupuncture treatment and could be paired with a private yoga session focused on postures that literally turn the world upside down.

Clients can visit the office in Burbank or schedule a private session in their home, office or business for any of the treatments through the holistic concierge program.

About Gandi Wellness Center: Located in the heart of Burbank , Gandi Villareal’s journey in beauty and wellness began more than ten years ago. Starting out as a licensed aesthetician, she developed signature treatments and techniques, along with her own line of skincare. After discovering the incredible health and beauty benefits of acupuncture that would target issues like antiaging, obesity and more, she knew it was the natural evolution. Now, as a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a licensed acupuncturist, Gandi has developed programs that provide instant and long term beauty, health and wellness, from the inside out..

Now offering Holistic concierge medicine with her partners in yoga/meditation and shapewear, they have curated a list of holistic services designed specifically to address the needs of today’s fast paced lifestyle using ancient Chinese medicine

Gandi Villareal

and the healing benefits of yoga and meditation that be done in the office, a plane or hotel. Fusing their unique backgrounds in the world of luxury and eastern medicine they have developed a program tailored to the jetsetter lifestyle, utilizing medical grade garments to increase the overall benefits. With packages developed to reduce stress, detox, lose weight or restore youthful vitality and beauty, this is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to look like a million dollars but doesn’t have the time to dedicate to a high maintenance routine. For more information, please visit www.gandiacupuncture.org About Equanimity Yoga: Michelle Vink discovered yoga over ten years ago, but it was during her career as a publicist that it truly changed her life. Working in Beverly Hills as both a journalist and a publicist, she has been surrounded by the socialite world and the entertainment industry elite, yet always struggled to stay balanced with the de-

See GANDI, page 28

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Tutorials: How to get two of Shakira’s recent beauty looks (Relaxnews) – The Colombian popstar has a new album out, so in her honor, here’s how to steal her beauty style.

The singer’s steamy video with Rihanna, “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” inspires these two tutorials, the first focusing on Shakira’s luscious curls, and the second breaking down her makeup: Purple Lace uses a leave in treatment on wet hair to detangle and then divide hair into four sections, apply a hair styling mousse and comb it through. Work high braids on the two sides, and on the two

sections on top, making sure to braid as close to the root as possible.

Let it dry overnight then untie the braids, backcomb the curls section by section, and part down the centre. Hold the style with hairspray.

Check this site to view the video: http:// youtu.be/CuJ5auRhEQs.Trina Duhra starts with a light foundation all over, contouring with a darker color. Apply concealer under the eyes, then powder all over face to set the makeup and reduce shine.

Fill in the eyebrows then use two eye-

Hundreds of millions with tropical diseases lack treatment PARIS, April 2, 2014 (AFP) – At least 1.4 billion people worldwide require treatment for a group of “neglected” tropical diseases and almost two-thirds are going without adequate medical care, eradication campaigners said on Wednesday.

Ailments including intestinal worms, elephantiasis and river blindness – lumped together as “neglected tropical diseases” (NTDs) -- mostly affect poor people living in remote rural areas, slums or conflict zones. A new report from the World Health Organization, released in Paris on Wednesday and supported by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, found that 700 million people received some form of treatment for NTDs in 2012.

But many did not complete a full course of drugs, while hundreds of millions received nothing at all. “We still need diagnostics and we still need drugs,” Gates said at the launch of the WHO progress report dubbed “Uniting to Combat NTDs”.

The list of NTDs also includes Guinea worm, blinding trachoma, bilharzia, leprosy, Chagas disease and visceral leishmaniasis (black fever).

The diseases are carried by parasites

and bacteria that tend to spread in dirty, cramped living conditions with polluted water and poor sanitation. They “shackle more than a billion people of the world and most of them are women and children,” said WHO chief Margaret Chan.

Many of the diseases are treatable and avoidable, yet they kill, impair and disable millions every year. More than 800 million children live in areas where worms are “intensively transmitted” and are assumed to be infected. That has an impact on their nutrition, education and general health.

“Funding shortfalls and constrained human capacity in many endemic countries continue to limit the scale-up of drug delivery,” the report said.

The report said progress was gradually being made, with the pharmaceutical industry donating nearly 1.35 billion doses of treatments last year.

The World Bank Group will commit $120 million (87 million euros) for NTD treatment in low-income African countries, it said in a statement, while a group of donors announced on Wednesday they would give a similar amount to combat intestinal worms in poor communities.

shadows all over the eyelid, with a darker brown in the crease, and a lighter shade as a liner. Pencil liner in brown is applied on the lower lash line and blended in with a finger to soften the effect.

Sculpting powder on the cheekbones and ink eyeliner on the lips, with a pink lipgloss over the top finish the look.

For video, pleases visit this site: http:// youtu.be/XVpbuQPz1Rw. Meanwhile, if you’re inspired by Shakira’s look on TV show “The Voice,” watch the singing competition’s Makeup Department Head Darcy Gilmore show how to get it: http://youtu.be/oHCrPWxhhLE Line the eye on the upper and lower line, bringing up on the outside edge, then smoke out the pencil line.

Apply powder shadow over the pencil to set it. Curl lashes before applying false

Shakira’s natural makeup and voluminous hair inspire these beauty tutorials. ©AFP PHOTO/Leon Neal

lashes, and apply mascara and liquid liner near the base of the lashes. Use a waterline pencil to make eyes look extra white. The lips are achieved with a transparent gloss over a berry base.

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FOOD & DINING

GRILL UP AN INCREDIBLE STEAK FAMILY FEATURES

Q

uite possibly the ultimate steak, the T-bone embodies the rich blend of varied beef flavors that steak lovers crave, from tender and mild to bold and beefy.

On one side of the T-bone is the filet mignon. French for “dainty fillet,” the filet mignon is considered the most tender cut, with a mild beef flavor. On the other side of the T-bone is the strip loin or New York strip, a firm, robust steak that is naturally marbled and offers a bold taste. The bone itself also provides additional flavor in the cooking process. With this pairing of tastes, it is no surprise that the T-bone is considered to be “the best of both worlds” by steak connoisseurs.

For more steak recipes, visit www.OmahaSteaks.com.

Ten Tips for Perfect Grilling 1. Clean and preheat your grill on high.

2. Lightly oil everything before you put it on the grill. This helps the searing process and prevents sticking.

3. Season your food before grilling.

7. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to douse any unexpected flare-ups.

8. Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after you turn over the food.

This will give you an evenly cooked product.

Ancho Chile Rubbed Grilled T-Bones

olive oil. Generously cover both sides of steaks with Ancho Chile Rub by dipping them in rub. Continue until steaks are completely covered. Place steaks on heated grill and grill to desired doneness. (For a medium-rare steak, grill approximately 8 minutes on first side and 6 to 7 minutes on second side.)

Remove steaks from grill and garnish with grilled tri-colored sweet baby peppers.

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Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes 4. Sear the outside of steaks when 9. Place your cooked product on a Serves: 4 grilling. This really helps with the clean plate. Never place cooked 4 Omaha Steaks T-bone flavor and juiciness. product on the plate you used to steaks transport the raw product to the 5. Use tongs or a spatula to turn your Ancho Chile Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil grill without thoroughly washing it meat on the grill. Using 4 tablespoons Ancho Chile Makes: 4 tablespoons first. a fork can damage the meat.

Rub (see recipe below) 1 tablespoon smoked 12 grilled tri-color sweet baby 6. Cover your grill as much as possible 10. Allow your foods to “rest” for paprika peppers 5 minutes between cooking and during the grilling process. This 2 teaspoons sea salt eating. This will help them retain helps to lock in 2 tablespoons ancho chile Preheat grill to medium. Thaw and moisture when you cut into them. the grilled flavor and will help powder blot dry steaks. Brush steaks with prevent flare-ups.

1 teaspoon brown sugar Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Thick Steak, Bone-in Steak and Chop Cooking Chart Grilled T-Bones with Tabasco and Cooking times are in minutes and based on fully-thawed steaks.

Roquefort Cheese Butter Gas grill: Preheat grill to high, reduce to medium heat prior to cooking.

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 4 hours refrigerator Charcoal grill: Sear over red hot coals, finish over indirect heat. time Cook time: 15 minutes 1” 1 1/4” 1 1/2” 1 3/4” 2” 2 1/4” 2 1/2” Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes THICKNESS Serves: 4 6 6 7 9 11 13 14 Rare First Side 4 Omaha Steaks T-bones 3–4 4–5 5–6 6–7 7–8 8–9 10–12 120° to 130°F After Turning Omaha Steaks All Natural 6 7 8 11 13 14 16 Medium Rare First Side Steak Seasoning, or salt 4–5 5–6 6–7 8–9 9–10 10–12 12–14 130° to 140°F After Turning and pepper, to taste 4 slices (1 1/2-inch coins) 7 8 9 12 14 16 17 Medium First Side Tabasco and Roquefort 5–6 6–7 7–8 9–10 11–12 12–14 14–16 140° to 150°F After Turning Cheese Butter (see recipe below) 9 10 12 14 18 19 20 Well Done First Side 2 tablespoons minced chives 7–8 8–9 9–11 12–14 14–16 16–18 21–23 160° to 170°F After Turning Thaw steaks overnight in refrigerator or quick thaw by placing sealed steaks in sink with water for approximately one hour. Preheat grill to medium. Season both sides of steaks with E. Gladstone St. seasoning, or salt and pepper. Grill steaks 468 W. ARROW HWY. to desired doneness.

COVINA, CA. 91722 (For medium-rare steak, grill approximately 8 minutes on first side and W. Arrow Hwy 6 to 7 minutes on second side.) Just removing steaks from grill, place Malaki Po ang Parking Lot Natin! before butter slice on each steak.

DINE IN - TO GO - CATERING Pasyal na Kayo!

The idea is to have butter half melted on top as you are serving steaks. Garnish : s l a i SPECIAL CATERING PACKAGES c e p S y a each steak with sprinkle of minced chives. d Holi Chicken Relleno Tabasco and Bangus Relleno Roquefort Cheese Butter Embotido Chicken and Pork 4 ounces unsalted butter, FREE DELIVERY W/IN 20 MI FREE DELIVERY W/IN 10 MI FREE DELIVERY W/IN 5 MI softened FULL TRAY HALF TRAY SMALL TRAY 4 ounces Roquefort blue cheese, crumbled SMALL TRAY FULL TRAY HALF TRAY 3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce FULL TRAY HALF TRAY SMALL TRAY 1/4 cup fresh chives, minced S u n da y ! & y a d 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, r Satu FULL TRAY SMALL TRAY HALF TRAY minced 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, HALF TRAY FULL TRAY SMALL TRAY seeded and diced FULL TRAY SMALL TRAY HALF TRAY 1 teaspoon kosher salt

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Whip butter slightly in mixer. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Transfer mixture to sheet of parchment paper. Roll into tube (approximately 1 1/2-inch diameter) and twist paper at the ends. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.

When ready to serve, slice into coins as needed. Unused butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nikki Gil: My heart is very happy right now “I am very happy at the state of my heart right now.”

These were the words of Nikki Gil when asked how she is doing almost a year after she made headlines because of her separation with five-year boyfriend Billy Crawford. Gil said she is happy that she is finally able to move on.

“I’m okay. I’m happy. I’m dating. I believe [I have moved on]. Right now it’s all I can share about it,” 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.

“Preferably kasi mahirap eh, complicated eh. Kasi nasa industriya na ako so siguro lang para meron akong ibang perspective na naririnig, ibang insight from someone sa ibang mundo,” she said.

Without confirming whether the non-

showbiz guy she is dating is already her boyfriend, Gil said she has never closed her doors on love.

“I’ve always been ready. I always say naman na right after the breakup, hindi ko sinara yung puso ko. Tinanong ako kung dumating yung tamang tao at one point, isasara ko ba ang puso ko, sabi ko hindi.

Ganun ang buhay eh,” she said.

Gil said she’d rather be happy and at peace now than still carry the excess baggage from her past relationship.

“Bakit tayo magtatanim, bakit natin dadalahin yung past excess baggage into a new relationship? Basta I’m happy. Ayaw ko na masyadong i-chika. I know I cannot [hide anything] because I’m in the industry but I can try. As much as possible, kung pwede lang naman, sasarilinin ko muna siya,” she said.

But doesn’t she get jealous of her ce-

Sam initially worried about working with ex-GF Anne Sam Milby initially thought that it would be “awkward” being the leading man of his ex-girlfriend, Anne Curtis, in the ABS-CBN primetime series “Dyesebel,” especially since it has been four years since they last worked together.

“Akala ko lang ‘yung first day magiging awkward. Kasi four years na… hindi naman kami nagkikita. We haven’t had any projects together since ‘Babe I Love You’ (movie) which was four years ago,” the actor said.

Milby said, however, that things turned out smoothly when they started working together on the set of “Dyesebel.”

“It wasn’t [awkward]. Masaya naman,” he said.

If asked if he still feels the butterflies whenever he sees his ex-girlfriend, Milby said, smiling: “Sa tingin niyo ba kailangang sagutin? I’m sure you already know that.”

“I think we were too young and too immature noong time na ‘yun,” he said of his previous relationship with Curtis.

Curtis is currently in a relationship with food blogger and restaurateur Erwan Heus-

Anne Curtis and Sam Milby

saff, the brother of model Solenn Heussaff.

Milby, meanwhile, recently ended courting “Maria Mercedes” star Jessy Mendiola, saying that they are “better off as friends.” (MNS)

Anne denies confronting Sam Concepcion “No issue here.”

These were the words of Anne Curtis in addressing a report by a showbiz news website on Tuesday alleging that she confronted young actor Sam Concepcion, who is the rumored boyfriend of her younger sister, actress Jasmine.

Curtis took to Instagram to clarify that while she spoke with Concepcion during the birthday party of comedian Vice Ganda on Monday night, she did not “say any of those words written in the article.”

“Of course I spoke to Sam that night and as always, I told him to take care of my baby sister like any ate would do,” Curtis said in the caption of a photo showing her with Vice Ganda and Concepcion, among others, at the party held at an upscale bar in Makati City.

“BUT to clarify I DID NOT say any of those words written in the article.

Kahit tanungin nyo pa si Sam. Even he doesn’t know where those words came from. Basta. Ang mahalaga Sam and

I are ok. End of story, no issue here,” she added.

The report, which was published Tuesday evening on Philippine Entertainment Portal, cited a “source” who “got the details from a party guest at the celebration.”

PEP quoted the source as saying that Curtis “drank at the party,” and that the actress told Concepcion: “Why are you here? Who invited you? You are not classy enough to be here!”

Curtis, the report added, then allegedly asked Concepcion: “Ba’t mo niloloko ang kapatid ko?”

The 29-year-old actress posted her statement about the allegations on Instagram about two hours after the report was published on PEP. In December, Curtis similarly took to Twitter to issue a statement regarding another PEP report detailing her alleged drunken tirade at a bar in Taguig, which the “Dyesebel” star admitted and apologized for. (MNS)

lebrity friends who are now settling down?

“I’m very happy for them. It’s a challenge, alam naman natin na hindi madali maitawid yun and for them to have made that plunge, I’m really genuinely very happy for them. But for me, no pressure.

To begin with, I’m much younger. I know I have a lot of time on my hands.”

Nonetheless, Gil said it is already her to walk down the aisle one day with the man she wants to spend the rest of her life

Nikki Gil

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COMMUNITY

Carson requires beverages to carry warning label At its Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, the Carson City Council passed a resolution in support of Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) that proposes legislation to promote informed consumer purchasing decisions by requiring a warning label on beverage containers about the harmful health effects that result from the consumption of beverages with added sugars. SB 1000 would establish the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Safety Warning

Act that prohibits the distributing, selling, or offering for sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in California unless the beverage container bears the following specific safety warning label: “State Of California Safety Warning: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.”

The City of Carson is the FIRST municipality in the state to support this legislation that addresses the prevalence of

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obesity in California. According to the legislative report, nearly 40% of the children in California are currently overweight or obese, and although no group has escaped the epidemic, communities of color, i.e., diverse communities like Carson, are disproportionately affected. The obesity epidemic is of particular concern because obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and certain types of cancer.

Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina, a former local public high school teacher for over 45-years, stated that he was “honored to know that the City of Carson was the very first city in the state to support this legislation, and while the warning label required by this bill may not eliminate obesity, it was a good first step toward that goal.” Carson Councilmember Albert Robles added, that “doing nothing to address this obesity epidemic was not an option. The minimal intrusion of mandating a simple warning label on sugarsweetened beverages was clearly justified by the great potential benefit of a child, adolescent or adult being a little healthier due to a better informed purchasing decision.” Councilwoman Lula Davis-Holmes, mother, grandmother and former Parks and Recreation Superintendent, stated that “we

need to put children’s health first, and with this action we make it clear that in Carson children’s health is a priority.”

A representative from the American Beverage Association was present at the Carson City Council meeting arguing against the City taking this action in favor of SB 1000. After some back-and-forth dialogue, the Carson City Council ultimately voted to support SB 1000 on a 3-2 vote; the three proponents of the resolution expressing the City’s support for SB 1000, are Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina and Councilmembers Lula Davis-Holmes and Albert Robles.

In California, adult obesity rates have increased from 8.9% in 1984 to 25% in 2012. If current trends continue, the obesity rate is expected to increase to a staggering 46.6% in 2030, which, as has been scientifically proven, results in significantly greater medical costs that ultimately burden the public. While the passage of SB 1000 may not stop obesity, it will help reduce the rate at which it is increasing. Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina, Councilmember Albert Robles and Councilwoman Lula Davis-Holmes encourage other cities to support the passages of this bill and thank the sponsors of the legislation for their leadership.

Consulate celebrates 2014 Women’s Month Los Angeles, 31 March 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General honors 2014 Women’s Month in support of the theme set by the Philippine Commission on Women and the Civil Service Commission at the Rizal Hall on 27 March 2014. The celebration of Women’s Month was participated by the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, Grants and Communications Manager, Ms. Jessy Needham addressing issues of domestic violence and child abuse in the community, especially in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This was followed

by MOTHER (Movement to End Rape and Other Child Abuses) holding a Leadership Training with a Self Defense Training highlighting the event. The event was attended by members of the community and personnel of the Consulate General.

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To find out more about U.S. Army career opportunities, please call a recruiter near you: Pasadena (626) 793-0621; Lakewood (562) 496-3815; Rowland Heights (626) 9650239; or Culver City (310) 313-2675.

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Congen hosts lecture on Dr. Jose Rizal for Pepperdine students: Los Angeles, 31 March 2014.

– The Philippine Consulate General lectures on Dr. Jose S. Rizal for Pepperdine University students at the Conference Room of the Philippine Consulate General on 28 March 2014.

Acting Head of Post Imelda Panolong presented a lecture to twenty-six (26) students of Modern Asian Political Philosophy from Pepperdine University led by Political Science Professor Joel Fetzer on Dr. Jose S. Rizal’s life and influence in the Philippines with a general overview of society and government in the country. From Professor Fetzer’s class, eleven (11) of the undergraduates are reading on Dr. Jose S. Rizal life and works with focus on present life and politics in the Philippines.

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Can debtor pre-filing admission of fraud be used to defeat bankruptcy relief?

In this discussion, we envision a situation where a person signs a declaration before he files a bankruptcy admitting that he has defrauded someone, and that if he should file a bankruptcy later on, the admission of fraud can be used against him to defeat his bankruptcy. To illustrate, A owns a business. He convinces people to invest in his business. In exchange for the investment, he signs a promissory note that guarantees a 10% monthly return. The promissory

note contains a statement saying that if he is not able to pay on the note as investments. In December 2009, the parties he promised, he admits that he defrauded entered into a settlement agreement with the investor and that if he should file for the debtor agreeing to pay $750,000. If he bankruptcy in the future, this declaration failed to do so, then a judgment would be can be used to defeat his bankruptcy. A entered against him for $1.1 million. The pays the monthly interest of 10% for the agreement also required debtor to sign an first 6 months. On the 7th month, he files affidavit under penalty of perjury admitfor bankruptcy relief under Chapter 7. ting that he misled the investors. This The investors file an adversary complaint declaration was to be sealed and held by saying that their claims are non discharge- an escrow agent. If debtor failed to pay able based on Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission of fraud in the $750,000 and filed for bankruptcy the promissory note and his agreement seeking to discharge the $1.1 million to have this declaration used to defeat his judgment, then the declaration was to be bankruptcy. Is this a slam dunk case for the released to the bankruptcy court. Sounds investors since A has admitted to fraud and bulletproof? Debtor did not pay and filed agreed that the admission can be used to for bankruptcy. Investors filed an adversary proceeding against debtor asserting that defeat his bankruptcy?

In Re Wank, the 9th Circuit Court of Ap- their claims were not dischargeable. They peals ruled in January 2014 that the bank- submitted debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s declaration admitting ruptcy court erred by granting summary fraud. Debtor submitted a second declarajudgment based on the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prepetition tion, refuting the statements made in the declaration which was designed to defeat first declaration, saying that he promised the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to obtain effective returns using Yamashitaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gold, not the bankruptcy relief! The plaintiff investors Fuhrerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The bankruptcy court granted the alleged that the debtor induced each of investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; motion for summary judgment, them to invest in a fraudulent currency ruling that $825,000 of the debt was exspeculation scheme called the European cepted from discharge pursuant to Section Investment structure where each $100 523(a)(2)(A). The 9th Circuit Reversed! investment will receive a return of one The 9th Circuit found that the bankruptcy gold bullion from the Third Reichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stash court should not have relied solely upon the of gold at the bottom of the Rhine and a declaration, which was expressly designed lifetime membership with the Fuhrer fan to defeat the debtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to obtain efclub. They sued the debtor after losing their fective relief in bankruptcy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While we do

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BANKRUPTCY WE ARE A DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. WE REPRESENT DEBTORS IN CHAPTER 7, 13, 11 AND 12 OF THE NEW BANKRUPTCY LAW. THIS INCLUDES RELIEF FROM MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFAULTS AND PRE-FORECLOSURE RELIEF FOR RESIDENCES AND OTHER REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES.

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The CA found that the bankruptcy court should have denied summary judgment, and should have looked into evidence that established all the elements of fraud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.â&#x20AC;? 2 Corinthians 13:11.

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

He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Bldg A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

US unearths sophisticated border drug tunnels LOS ANGELES, April 4, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; US investigators said Friday they have uncovered two sophisticated drug tunnels under the border with Mexico and arrested a 73-year-old woman in connection with one of them.

The tunnels, which are up to 650 meters (700 yards) long and one of which had an electric rail system and ventilation equipment, are the sixth and seventh underground passages found near San Diego in the last four years.

The tunnels are used by organized crime groups to traffic drugs and people into the United States. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here we are again, foiling cartel plans to sneak millions of dollars of illegal drugs through secret passageways that cost millions of dollars to build,â&#x20AC;? said US Attorney Laura Duffy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going underground is not a good business plan. We have promised to locate these super tunnels and keep powerful drug cartels from taking their business underground and out of sight, and once again, we have delivered on that promise.â&#x20AC;?

The first tunnel to be found, about 550 meters long between the US side and a warehouse over the border in Mexico, was discovered Tuesday after a five-month investigation, said the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

A local woman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly running the tunnel, which is accessed via a 70-foot (21-meter) shaft from a warehouse filled with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toys and televisions. The end of the tunnel was topped with a cement cover to hide it.

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not here attempt to address all possible scenarios, we agree with Wank (debtor) that, given the circumstances surrounding his execution of the First Declaration in this case, and when viewed in light of the strong public policy prohibiting debtors from contracting with creditors to forego the protections of a bankruptcy filing, Wankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statements in the First Declaration must, at a minimum, be viewed with great skepticism. As a result, and considering the other facts in the record, we believe it was inappropriate for the bankruptcy court to grant a summary judgment to the appellees based sole on Wankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statements made in the First Declaration,â&#x20AC;? the CA said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There can be no doubt about the purpose for the First Declaration; â&#x20AC;Ś The purpose is that the amounts due Plaintiffsâ&#x20AC;Śof $1.1 million shall not be discharged in bankruptcy.â&#x20AC;?

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DSP/CAREGIVERS Live-in male caregiver needed immediately for a board & care facility. Driving & experienced a must. Call (562) 477-8704 or (626) 839-5212 during office hours.

CAREGIVERS Male caregivers with or w/out experience only in Boarding Care Facility for Elderly (6 beds) in Oxnard and Camarillo area, City of Ventura County. Please call: (805) 300-6140.

LIVE-IN COMPANION Male companion for an elderly couple in Orange County. Weekly pay with room and food. Please call (804) 519-4235 for more info.

*CAREGIVER NEEDED* Female full time staff in San Fernando Valley for ARF. Must be able to write & speak English Àuently. Would like to consider a nurturing, hardworking & self motivated individual. 818-674-8675

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MALE CAREGIVER Permanent full-time live-in male caregiver needed in Buena Park facility. Will train. Pls. call (714) 5232635 for details.

CAREGIVER NEEDED For DD facility. All shifts available. LA area. Call Vorakrit 626-354-9876.

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER DSP female staff needed for DD facility in Azusa near Glendora. Fullt-time. Call Tammy @ 714-351-1012 or Richard 818-231-0704 CAREGIVER Couple only. Live-in. DD or dementia experience & driver's license required. Pls call 909-636-7848.

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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

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Call Veronica: 562-492-5311 OR 323-386-1231 PRAYERS PRAYER FOR SAINT THERESE Oh Glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I invite your miraculous intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul, Our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a "Prodigy of Miracles". Now fervently beseech you to answer my petition: (mention here) and carry out your promise of doing good upon the Earth of letting fall from heaven a shower of roses. Henceforth, Dear Little Flower, I will ful¿ll your plea "to be made known everywhere and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen (Say prayer every day for 9 days. By 4th day, you will see a rose in a magazine, TV picture or receive roses. You can also get strong scent of roses in home even if no roses present.

Must promise publication. Thank you. - NM

PRAYERS PRAYER TO ST. JUDE O holy St. Jude, apostle and martyr great in virtue rich in miracle near in Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have renounced from depth of my heart and humbly beg great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and caused you to be invoked. St. Jude Pray for us and all who invoked thy aid.

-Pray this prayer 9x a day for 9 consecutive days. The eight day your prayer will be answered. For this prayer has never known to fail. Pls don’t forget to publish this once your wish is granted. --LO

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 -NINA

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Oliver Tolentino returns as 1st Filipino in 53 years to dress winner at the Academy Awards Fresh off A-Lister Jessica Alba wearing his piña cocktail dress in a Redbook magazine photo shoot, Hollywood fashion designer Oliver Tolentino arrived back in the Philippines last week with a new achievement to his credit.

Most Filipinos know that Bobby Lopez became the first Filipino to win an Oscar, but not everyone knows that when Frozen co-director Jennifer Lee won her Oscar for Best Animated Film and took the stage in her Oliver Tolentino gown, both the winner and designer entered the history books.

The first female director of any Disney animated feature film, Lee joined the very small list of female directors to win an Oscar. Additionally, she is now the female director with the highest-grossing film (live or animated) of all time, as Frozenworldwide revenues hit $1 billion last weekend to become the highest-grossing animated film ever.

And when Lee walked up on stage to collect her Oscar in his black textured velvet mermaid gown with hand-beaded

lace top, accented with Swarovski crystals, Tolentino became the first Filipino designer in 53 years to dress a winner at an Academy Awards. The only other Filipino designer to do it was Pitoy Moreno when he dressed Rita Moreno in 1961.

“I’m so honored to be a part of Oscar and Filipino history,” Tolentino reports.

“Growing up in Orani, Bataan, I would watch the Oscars with my mother and dream of dressing Hollywood stars one day, but when you’re a kid in the province so far from Hollywood, it seems like a crazy dream to have,” admits the designer.

He adds, “To dress a winner on Oscar night is rare, so I’m thrilled and humbled at the same time.” More of Oliver’s “crazy” Hollywood dreams came true in the monthslong awards season that just concluded with the Oscars.

It began when two nominees, Outstanding Supporting Comedy Actress Mayim Bialik and Outstanding Choreographer Allison Holker, wore his gowns to the Emmys.

Next, Kat Dennings (Two Broke Girls)

hosted the People’s Choice Awards in his dress. She appeared in the gown for half the show before another outfit change.

Then, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Julie Delpy (Before Midnight) wore 2 of his dresses to events, HAL SPARKS (Queer As Folk, Lab Rats) wore a tux to Emcee The Satellite Awards, and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Brooke Burke, Kristin Cavallari, Jamie Chung, Aisha Tyler (The Talk), Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), and Becca Tobin (Glee) all wore his dresses to various events. Jackie Cruz (Orange Is The New Black) wore his gown in a magazine shoot, and Candace Cameron-Bure (Dancing With The Stars) wore his dress to a movie premiere last month. Many of these dresses were featured in international magazines.

Tolentino is back in the Philippines for the month to work out of his Makati boutique with his bridal and custom-made clientele. For more information visit: www.

OliverTolentino.com, email: LA@olivertolentino.com, or call (02) 856-7088.

Philippine Independence Day Grand Parade in Filipinotown June 7 Los Angeles – All is set for the Second Philippine (115th) Independence Day Grand Parade in Historic Filipinotown on Saturday, June 7,2014 at 8;00 AM FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. announced today that the preparations are on the way. FACLA’s parade theme is the Santa Cruz De Mayo and The Filipino Ministry will join the Santacruzan with their Sagalas. “There are at least more than 50 groups from regional to town organizations who have committed to participate in the said event.

The Parade starts and end at Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA). The assembly time will be at 7 a.m. and the parade will start promptly at 9 a.m.

All participants and contingents are advised to converge at N. Burlington St from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the formation.

They can assemble with their contingents and vehicles at the N Burlington St south side of FACLA for FACLA cannot accommodate all the people and contingents that will join the parade.

FACLA Director Arturo P. Garcia, Parade Coordinator said, the preparations and working meeting will start the first week of April for the 116th Independence Day and the Grand Parade to be held in Historic Filipinotown on June 7.

This is the second time that the HFT PH Independence Day Parade will be held in Historic Filpinotown where 30,000 Filipinos lived since 1945.” Garcia added.

Participating Organizations for the Parade.

The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) and the Philippine Town Inc (PTI) organized and will lead the parade.

GANDI From page 19

mands of her career and lifestyle. It was through her love of yoga, meditation and philanthropy that kept her grounded and that continues to do so today. Now she wants to share what she has learned and show more people how to integrate this wisdom into today’s fast paced life.

Michelle graduated from the Yogaworks Teacher Training 200 hour program in Los Angeles and is a registered teacher through Yoga Alliance. She continuously studies, practices and teaches yoga and mediation as a solution for the stress in today’s modern lifestyle, working with both underprivileged and professional communities. www.equanimityyoga.org About Lila Shapes Me Well: Lila Shapes Me Well integrates the patented fabric of Marena with the FDA approved Lipo Laser to provide both instant inch loss with long term results. With just 20 minutes per visit, clients can experience inch loss with the Lipo Laser. No surgery required. With continued wear of the Marena compression yoga line, clients receive the benefits of cellulite reduction and slimming compression with anti-microbial and moisture management, durability, softness and stretch. The compression provides support and discourages the client from overeating. The certified fabric from Marena promises to reduce soreness, boost performance, reduce impact during exercise, kill bacteria and keep you cool and dry. www.shapesmewell.com

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The event was hosted by Anjanette Abayari, actress, beauty queen and herself a model and co-hosted by singer Angeline Vibar. Guest performer was Tanya Varona, a metropop â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Searchâ&#x20AC;? finalist. On May 3, Tanya will open for The Commodores with Club Nouveau at Pala Casino.

The panel of judges were prominent Filipino-Americans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designer Alan Del Rosario, journalist Janet Nepales, Leila Aquino of Synergy Financials, CFO Asian Commodities and Arko Foods Susie Fung and Trade Marketing Manager Japan Food Company Tohru Okuhara. Also part of the panel were Century Pacific Executives who flew in from Manila for the event - Jack Lumaban and Marvin Ngo, Marketing Manager .

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The Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 is always remembered as the biggest single surrender in U.S. military history. 75,000 troops consisting of 63,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans were forced to surrender and march some 60 miles away under extreme tropical conditions with no provisions for food, water or shelter. Those who could no longer go on were beaten, bayoneted and some even beheaded by their Japanese captors. And civilians who tried to help were dealt with in the same manner. Approximately between 10,000 to 15,000 Filipino and 750 American soldiers died during the march. What is not remembered today is how the defenders of Bataan, despite suffering from massive disease and starvation, held on for four months to delay the timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army and prevented them from reaching Australia.

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Los Angeles, CA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 13, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In commemoration of the 72nd Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan (A Day of Valor), the Filipino Veterans Foundation will present Bataan Legacy on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:00AMat the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Admission to the Program is Free. Doors will open at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Purple Heart Inn (Basement) at 12:30 p.m. (Donation of $10).

The Bataan Legacy Historical Project was created by Cecilia Gaerlan to depict the real story of World War II in the Philippines and the major role of the Filipinos during the war. The multi-media program will combine film, music, photographs and spoken word. A Q&A with veterans and survivors of the war will follow the presentation. Bataan Legacy Project has received Commendations, Certificates of Recognition and Letters of Support from

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The runner-up winners were Holly Ann Olalia and James R. Curry. Each one received $500 worth of Body Sculpting treatments courtesy of LILA Body, $500 worth of Acu-Pampering services from Gandi Wellness Center and ShapesMeWell shirts from LILA ShapesMeWell and $200 cash.

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SPORTS The Team Pacquiao Guarantee

By Jannelle So

“What is more difficult to accept: the loss to Timothy Bradley via controversial decision; or the loss to Juan Manuel Marquez via knock out?”

This was the question I asked at the media day of world boxing champion and congressman from the Philippines Manny Pacquiao as he prepares for his April 12th rematch bout with Timothy Bradley.

“Walang masakit. Tanggap ko lahat,” Pacquiao said. (Nothing is diffuclt. I’ve accepted both.)

“Marquez was devastating of course.

With Bradley, we got robbed. But that’s part of life,” said Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach. “We see that in boxing all the time. People see things differently and it’s not the first or last time we will see that.

But the Marquez fight, I don’t ever want to see that again.”

“Of course ‘yung pagkatalo kay Bradley. Kasi ‘yugn kay Marquez, not expected.

Kahit sino’ng magaling na boksingero, kahit sabihin mo na nakuha mo na ‘yung kalaban, hindi mo expect na ‘yung swerte, sa kaniya pa rin,” said long time friend Buboy Fernandez who also works the corner of Pacquiao for each fight. (Of course the loss to Bradley; because the loss to Marquez was unexpected. Any good boxer, even if you say you got your opponent, you don’t expect that luck could be on his side.)

“Pero ‘yung sa Bradley kasi, lahat ng nanuod ‘nung laban sa buong mundo, alam at nakita nila kung sino ang talagang panalo,” Fernandez added. (But with the Bradley fight, everyone in the whole world who watched the fight saw and knew who won that fight.) “So mas masakit ‘yun. Sa

tagal ng ilang minuto, nakikita ng mga tao kung sino’ng panalo. Kaysa Marquez fight, split seconds lang ‘yun.” (It’s more painful because in a matter of so many minutes, people saw who as winning; whereas with the Marquez fight, it was over in a few seconds.)

But though they differ in views on this, all agree that a rematch with the “Dessert Storm” – who broke Pacquiao’s winning streak when they first met in the ring on June, 2012; and halted the Filipino’s dominance in the Welterweight Division – is needed.

“Kailangan kasi para i-prove na mali ‘yung mga sinasabi niya na siya ang nanalo,” said Pacquiao. “Nasa kaniya ang korona ko. Kailangan ko maibalik.”

(It’ is needed to prove that what he’s saying that he won that fight is wrong. He has my crown. I need to get it back.)

“Well in the history books, it goes down as a loss and people forget how the fight really went, and so forth. And you have to avenge your losses in life. So for the history books, we need to do that,” said Roach, adding a dig on Bradley: “Yeah, Bradley is a well-liked guy. I’m not really sure why. But he’s talking a lot of trash. I think he’s true colors are coming out that he’s not such a nice guy.”

Fernandez adds how they plan to win convincingly: “Kaya nga pina-igtingan pa naming ‘yung training namin. Dine-velop naming ang dipensa at pag-atake. Kahit ‘yung fighting congressman natin, inamin niya na naging masyado siyang mabait sa mga ibang laban. So within this time ibang Manny Pacquiao ang makakaharap ni Bradley. Nung nag-uumpisa pa lang kami

ng training, sinabi ko na ‘Kalimutan mo muna ang maawa kasi kailangan nating manalo at bumawi. Kung pwede kunin na natin nang maaga para wala nang maisulat ang mga judges.’” (That’s why we are training harder. We developed his defense and attacks. Even our fighting congressman admitted that he had been very nice in his last fights. So this time, a different Manny Pacquiao will face Bradley. When we started training, I told him ‘Forget mercy first. We need to win and avenge the loss. If we can get it early, we should, so the judges will have nothing more to write.)

Another strategy for the fight is to reunite with an old friend, strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune who helped Pacquiao many years before, in the same capacity. He now vows to bring back the “old Pacquiao” to face Bradley next week in Last Vegas.

Fortune said he was “somewhat” keeping tabs with Pacquaio and his fights even when he stopped working in his camp.

“There were different opponents back then.

When he was with me, he was beating Marquez and Morales and Barrera. These guys were at the peak of their careers. And then the other guys who were not such much at their peak. But now we are again facing a guy who is at his peak and is doing very well. He’s in shape. He’s coming to fight.”

Fortune added that despite this, there’s no need for major changes in Pacquiao’s regimen: “Few of the exercises have changed but we basically went back to the old style – old school training and hard work.” He guarantees fans that they will see the “old Manny Pacquiao back; for sure!”

Fernandez echoes the same guarantee: “Masaya si Manny sa training. Lahat expecting for knockout.” (Manny is happy

Kababayan host Jannelle So with Justin Fortune, Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach. with training. All expect a knockout.)

“Kababayan Today” continues its tradition of bringing you the highlights and sidelights from Las Vegas. For your daily does of Pacquiao features and interviews during the week of the fight, catch “Kababayan Today” on LA18, weekdays at 4 p.m. in Southern California.

For complete interviews and more check out previous “Kababayan Today” segments on YouTube - www.youtube. com/kababayanla18.

Jannelle So is Host/Producer of “Kababayan Today” that airs daily at 4:00pm on KSCITV-LA18; and syndicated in Hawaii on weekdays at 3:30pm on Kiku. Catch previous programs at www.youtube.com/kababayanla18. Like her on Facebook: www.facebook. com/JannelleSoOFFICIAL. Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JannelleSo.

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MOTORING MATT MORENTE

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Toyota no. 1 retail manufacturer in March 2014 TORRANCE, Calif. (April 1, 2014) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March 2014 sales results of 215,348 units, an increase of 8.9 percent from March 2013 on a daily selling rate (DSR). On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 26 selling days in March 2014 versus 27 selling days in March 2013, TMS sales increased 4.9 percent from year-ago month.

Toyota division posted March 2014 sales of 186,755 units, up 6.5 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 2.5 percent over March 2013.

For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 520,997 units, flat versus the same period in 2013 on a DSR basis. With 75 selling days in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 76 selling days in the first quarter of 2013, sales were down 1.6 percent on an unadjusted raw-volume basis.

“Solid March sales pushed first-quarter industry results ahead of last year’s pace despite one of the harshest winters on record,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager.

“Toyota dealers had their two best sales weekends of the year late in the month, and we’re optimistic that momentum will spring us into April.”

Last month, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. recorded its best non-holiday sales weekend of the year with sales of nearly 20,000 units. This is a 12 percent volume increase when compared to the same weekend last year (March 22-23, 2013). Additionally, this weekend outsold the three-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in January.

Overall retail sales are running 4 percent above the same period last year (March 1-23, 2013). A 5 percent combined sales increase in the Midwest and Northeast also signals an early spring.

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TMS is no. 1 retail manufacturer; Toyota division is no. 1 retail brand in March and first quarter Camry up more than 11 percent with sales of 42,000 units All-new Corolla records sales of 30,000 units Toyota division trucks up 10 percent All-new RAV4 is truck volume leader with sales of 20,000 units in March; best-

ever first quarter FJ Cruiser up over 94 percent All-new Highlander up 14.3 percent in March; best-ever first quarter 4Runner up over 53 percent All-new Tundra up 25 percent; bestmonth since August 2008 If you need to “adorn” your garage with a brand-new Toyota, all you have to do is come down ton Hamer Toyota located at

11041 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345 and get in touch with any of our kababayans Matt Morente (Floor Manager), Marylou Santiago (VIP/Internet Coordinator), Wency Magno, Reno Reyes, Tony Pijuan and Rico Ayala (Leasing & Sales). Call our kababayans now toll free at 1-855-592-7077 and make your dream of owning a new Toyota vehicle a reality today.

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Mercedes-Benz posts best-ever 1Q with March sales of 27,401, up 11% April 01, 2014, hit a new first quarter sales MONTVALE, N.J. – record in 2014,” said Steve Mercedes-Benz USA Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. “Our CLA is (MBUSA) today reported the highest making strong headway in first quarter sales in the entry luxury arena with its history with 30,091 sales of more than 20,000 vehicles sold across units after just six months on the market. With another the Mercedes-Benz, knockout series of products Sprinter and smart waiting in the wings, we model lines in March, up 11% from the Nelson Sioson, the Filipino expect even higher growth 27,104 units sold over Fleet Manager at Mercedes- this year and beyond.”

March sales for the Merthe same month last Benz of Long Beach. cedes-Benz brand were led year. The MercedesBenz brand alone hit a new benchmark by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. for the month with sales of 27,401, an The E-Class took the top spot with 6,335 increase of 11.2%, while year-to-date vol- units, increasing 58% from the same umes climbed to 72,614 units, up 5% from month last year, followed by the C-Class March 2013. Adding year-to-date sales of at 5,660. The M-Class, perennial best4,624 for Sprinter Vans and 2,237 units at seller on the SUV side, rounded out the smart, MBUSA delivered a year-to-date top three at 4,052, up 15.7% from March 2013. At the high end, the flagship S-Class grand total of 79,475.

“Thanks to a best-ever March, we’ve continued to post strong gains with vol-

umes of 2,299 for the month, up 89.1%, while sales of the CLS-Class four-door coupe rose 7.3%.

As a whole, retail volumes for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were up 8.8% in the first quarter of 2014, boosted by sales of the 2014 CLA-Class four-door coupe with 6,129 units year-to-date.

The new generation S-Class finished the period up 74.5% compared to the first quarter of 2013. Total first quarter sales for Mercedes-Benz light trucks reached 24,435.

The redesigned Sprinter lineup posted sales of 1,915 in March, an increase of 25.2% from the 1,529 units sold in March 2013, while retail volumes for the smart brand totaled 775.

Mercedes-Benz AMG high-performance models finished the month up 59.9% at 1,009 with year-to-date volumes increasing 74.4% to 2,830. The company’s BlueTEC diesel models recorded March sales of 1,535 and 3,923 year-to-

date, on par with the 3,945 diesel units sold through March 2013.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales volumes of 9,757 vehicles in March, an increase of 12.5% compared to the 8,670 units sold in March 2013. On a year-todate basis, MBCPO sold 28,050 vehicles, up 15.1% from the 24,370 vehicles sold during the same period last year.

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 1-866-870-2966 and find out how.

Home service for new Mercedes-Benz car owner Greg Punzalan recently bought his 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 from Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach. Many own a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. But Greg bought his with a special service – at home service, that is – from no less than Fleet Manager Nelson Sioson himself who demonstrated to Greg how to use the HomeLink-compatible features of his new 2014 MercedesBenz C250.

For those who have yet to own a Mercedes-Benz, the new models come equipped with the HomeLink Garage Door Opener. The new system comes with three buttons on the rear view mirror that can be programmed to operate many types of garage door openers, security gates and other

Greg Punzalan proudly displays his 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250

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HomeLink-compatible features.

Although HomeLink is a very userfriendly technology, Nelson made sure that Greg, a kababayan, takes advantage of all the features of the garage door opener. Not only did Nelson showed Greg how to use them, Nelson assisted Greg with the set up both for his garage and his gate to his housing complex.

Of course, Greg gets to enjoy not just his new HomeLink system, he has a brandnew car! Greg’s new ride is powered by a1.8L I-4 201hp engine intercooled turbo.

It has a 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, BabySmart airbag childseat sensor, automatic air conditioning, 17” aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and an electronic stability.

Need we say more?

Now, isn’t it about time that you do a Greg for a change? It is so easy. Just call our kababayan Nelson Sioson, the Filipino Fleet Manager at Mercedes-Benz 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.

1435 East 223rd St. Carson, CA 90745 Conveniently located within 10 minutes from anywhere in the South Bay

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A happy Danny Esguerra of Cerritos with Merlina Dichoso of Victory Autos. Danny thought he will have a hard time purchasing a car. But with Victory Autos’ easy loan program, he went home in a new Toyota Camry.

No down payment, no problem, says a satisfied Victory Autos customer

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Special Toyota APR financing rates in lieu of rebate. Factory rebate programs must meet Toyota qualifications. All sales taxes must be paid prior to any applicable factory rebates. On approved credit. Toyota Customer Loyalty Program valid for any qualified current Toyota, Scion or Lexus owner or lessee that purchases or leases a new Toyota vehicle through Wondries Toyota will receive a complimentary 2 Year/25k mile Premium Toyota Auto Care (TAC) provided by Toyota + Must be financed or leased through TFS. ***Graduate from an accredited four-year college, university or registered nursing degree program within the next six months; graduate from an accredited two-year college: or be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program. *Must trade in non Toyota vehicle to qualify. In all cases, the student will have two years from receipt of their degree to take advantage of the program. ****If you are a member of the U.S. Military with current active duty status or an inactive reservist, you may qualify for a $1,000 rebate towards the purchase or lease of a new Scion when financed or leased through a participating Scion dealer & Toyota Financial Services (TFS). Eligible customers must currently be on active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard & active Reserve). Inactive Reservists also qualify. Verifiable proof of military status or proof of active service is required at time of purchase in the form of one of the following documentation: All vehicles subject to prior sale. All advertised prices exclude government fees & taxes, any finance charges & $80 dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge & any emission testing charge. The Hero 2 program is made possible by a grant from the Reformulated Gasoline Settlement Fund created as a result of an antitrust action, the purpose of the fund is to achieve a clean air fuel efficiency benefit for California consumers. *Wondries Toyota Loyalty discount is available to everyone that has purchased a new Wondries Toyota vehicle within the last 5 years. Not everyone will qualify for this Loyalty discount.

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Last week, Weekend Balita published a story of a working student who thought she won’t be able to buy a car because she thought her earnings were not enough to get approved a loan. But then Krissel Anne Dichoso found out about Victory Autos’ easy loan program that has benefited many customers who may have had bad credit, while some didn’t have any credit record at all.

To make her story short, Krissel Anne went to Victory Autos one day and came home with a new 2014 brand-new Toyota Camry. That was last week.

Speaking of stories, here’s another one.

Danny Esguerra of Cerritos is what you call the “Average Joe” guy. He goes to work and then comes home to his wife. He used to own a Kia Sedona, a 2002 model, until one day when eventually his ride just conked out. Needless to say, after several years, his very reliable van died on him.

“I was driving my van one day,” Esguerra recalled in a letter he later wrote to Victory Autos, “and I was heading to a AAA Club office to request an insurance quote. After that, I went straight to the DMV office to have the van registered under the name as it was in my wife’s name.

I was only given a temporary registration, though, as the van needed a smog check clearance which turned out to be the start of what would be a difficult day for me.”

In his letter, Esguerra continued that instead of going to the smog shop, he went home to get some documents and had lunch. “When I decided to drive down the smog center, however, the van wouldn’t start anymore.”

“I tried calling a car dealership and asked If I could trade my van. However, they still asked for a $2,000 down payment.

But I didn’t have the cash. I then tried a another dealership in Carson. They too turned me down, so did a one more car dealer in Cerritos. I felt dejected. I wondered why I could not get a new vehicle even with a van that I thought could help me with the down payment.”

“Weeks have passed I still didn’t have a ride,” Esguerra wrote. “Then one day, I picked up a copy of a Weekend Balita and I read the advertisement of Victory Autos and about the story about the young woman – Krissel Anne – who was able to get a car.”

Esguerra narrated, “I told myself that maybe Victory Autos could help me.

Ang akala ko wala na akong pag-asa na makakuha ng kotse. So, I called Hedi Trinidad (owner and proprietor of Victory Autos) and I told him the truth. Lahat ng

pinagdaanan kong problema. Immediately, Hedi told me to come to Victory Autos and that he was gonna help me get a car. As soon as we hung up, I called my best friend to pick me up and drove to Azusa to where Victory Autos is located.

After talking with Merlina (Dichoso) and Hedi, they promised me that I would be able to bring home the car I want. Now, I am proud to say that finally I got my car, a Toyota Camry!”

“If you need a new car, or a pre-owned certified vehicle, come to us. We can help you buy that new car,” Hedi said. “You don’t even have to worry if you have bad credit or no credit at all. Even if you are just a working student. All you need to show is your paystub.”

According to Trinidad, 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,” Trinidad 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.”

Backed by their 25 years in car business, 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.

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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Honda Civic is top choice for Californians in 2013 Individual car purchases by Californians make Honda Civic the most popular vehicle in the Golden State in 2013 TORRANCE, Calif. – More individual Californians purchased a Honda Civic than any other vehicle in 2013, according to new-vehicle registration data now available from Polk, which was recently acquired by IHS. Individual California car buyers purchased 65,910 Civics in 2013, more than any other vehicle in the state when subtracting sales to government and corporate fleet buyers. California is the largest vehicle market in the United States.

“Retail sales leadership is the ultimate seal of approval, and Californians have made Civic the clear winner,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Our focus on individual buyers is unmatched in the industry, and reflects our commitment to Honda customers and the investment they make in our products.”

Nationally, the Honda Civic ranked as the top-selling compact car in America with total sales of 336,180 units – and was one of three Honda models in the U.S. with sales of more than 300,000 units in 2013, with the Accord, Civic and CR-V combining to sell more than one million units.

Honda has further improved the Civic for the 2014 model year with more performance, increased fuel economy, and additional new features including LaneWatch™ blind spot monitor, Smart Entry with Push Button Start, and Display Audio with 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. The 2014 Civic also marks the introduction of the HondaLink™ Next Generation connected-car technology.

“The value proposition of Civic just keeps getting better,” added Mendel.

Based on IHS Automotive, Polk U.S. new retail vehicle registration data for 2013 in the Honda small car segment.

The 2014 Civic is available as a 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe, and with gasoline, gas-electric hybrid and compressed natural gas powertrains. For customers interested in the ultimate performance Civic, there is the Civic Si Sedan and Si Coupe, both offering added performance, features and refinement for 2014.

Honda has been named the Most Trusted Brand by Kelley Blue Book for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) and the Best Value Brand by Automotive Lease Guide for six years in a row (2008 through 2013), in part due to the consistently high resale value of its products.

From left Tio Adriosula, Orly Roque and Helen Park of Diamond Honda of Glendale.

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

These are just some of the reasons why are the Pinoys coming in droves to the dealership. Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds! That statement is backed up

by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and

his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multi-ethnic market. “He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito.

Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Its toll-free number is 888.856.2420.

Mercedes’ S-Class coupé is the latest vehicle to get the AMG treatment (Relaxnews) – The results will be seen for the first time when the ultra fast car makes its global debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.

For many, the S-Class coupé was already jaw-dropping to look at. A car that offers all of the creature comforts, refinery and technological innovation of a premium, premium, executive car, yet distilled into a sloping, GT form.

And now, thanks to the addition of an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, it is going to be equally jaw-dropping to drive. As Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH says: “The new S 63 AMG Coupé is another exciting AMG dream car in the luxury segment. Mercedes-AMG is putting the pedal to the metal again in the new year.

Our model initiative is set to continue at blistering pace in 2014.”

And, looking at the performance specs, that is not hyperbole. This car is huge and

®

seats four in living room levels of tranquility. Yet, with enough pressure applied to the accelerator, it will go from stately to 100kph in as little as 3.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h).

Part of this is down to the engine’s huge levels of torque and horsepower 900 Nm and 585hp respectively, but it’s also due to the fact that AMG has managed to shed the car of 65kg thanks to prodigious use of aluminium, composite materials in the braking system, specially forged light alloy wheels and a lithium ion battery.

This weight saving also helps to improve fuel efficiency. The car is capable of returning 27.9 mpg on the combined cycle.

And of course, being a top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz, the S 63 AMG Coupé is packed full of technological toys and cutting-edge driving features. Not least the magic Body Control suspension system that keeps the car planted and comfortable

plus a curve tilting function that makes the car literally lean into corners and bends – like a skier or motorcyclist—for better roadholding grip and a better racing line.

The S 63 AMG Coupé is scheduled to go on sale before the end of 2014.

As far as any Mercedes-Benz is concerned, you’ll always get the best deals at the Mercedes-Benz of Encino because of our kababayans led by Raymond Orosa, Internet Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Encino. Having been working with Mercedes-Benz cars for several years, the highly experienced Raymond says Mercedes-Benz of Encino is one of the best dealerships he’s ever worked with.

“We have the best team here,” Raymond says. “Everyone is very friendly, extremely professional and here to help you with whatever you need.”

“Some people think it’s impossible to own a Mercedes-Benz but that’s not true,” Raymond stresses. “We’re here to

help put you in the car of your dreams. “Just point out which car you want to drive and I’ll give you the best available deal on it.”

So what are you waiting for? Visit your Raymond Orosa of Mercedesk a b a b a y a n Benz of Encino Raymond Orosa, who speaks Tagalog, at Mercedes-Benz of Encino located at 16721 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436. Give Raymond a call toll free at 888.898.8996 today.

Balita GET RESULTS! ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY!

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1505 East 223rd St.Carson, CA 90745

*Source: dealerrater.com, #1 top rated Nissan dealer YTD as of 9/9/11.

JAN JOSEF “JJ” ANGLO Sales Associate

310-525-9262

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Shick Automotive Inc.’s service center uses only genuine German products “We specialize in all models” is the typical statement that many auto repair shops advertise. Some even say that they are experts in German and Japanese cars. With the advent of another Asian car manufacturer, Korean was added to the mix.

However, being an expert in so many car manufacturing models may also have a drawback. This means a spread of resources, which is lesser knowledge in one particular field as it is difficult to accommodate each and every car model on earth – if it’s even possible. Needless to say, the shop that claims that they can fix any car model may be able to repair your vehicle, but don’t expect it to be in the best of shape than it could be since becoming an expert in one particular brand takes time, experience and a lot of knowledge.

This piece of wisdom is what Shick Automotive Inc. would like Weekend Balita readers to remember. Shick Automotive would also like to remind us that our cars – any type of a vehicle – are not just a mode of transportation, it’s an extension of our daily lives. Individuals need cars everyday to get to their destination in the safest manner possible. Families use them to take their children to school in hope for an accident-free drive. No one wants to have their morning ruined due to a stalled vehicle, which can result in a child being late to school. Oh, how we all dread seeing a tardy slip, not to mention the frown our children wear when we get to see them later.

Of course, no one can escape these facts of life, but we can reduce them by being responsible and getting our vehicles in tip-top shape. Shick Automotive Inc. professionals are not only highly certified and experienced technicians, most of them are also parents – husbands and wives – who also want to go home to their families safely.

But before they do that, they too are being responsible and use the best products and engineering known to man in terms of car manufacturer: German engineering.

At Shick Automotive Inc., only genuine German products are being used. These include the several types of engine oils that one particular type of vehicle needs.

Shick Automotive Inc. also has a huge stock of German filter brands and other engine, transmission, tire and accessory products that were manufactured specifically for one particular German brand.

Shick Automotive Inc. has a made a commitment to specialize in this only one type of engineering. This is

Shick Automotive Inc., only genuine German products are being used. These include the several types of engine oils, filters and other products.

why they also sell mostly Germanmade cars because they know that their customers are assured of top quality vehicles, including pre-owned vehicles that undergo several points of inspection before they are sold.

If you have German vehicle – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Volkswagen – try visiting Shick Automotive and experience the difference. To hear the real sound of your engine roar and for a smooth ride, have your German vehicle inspected, repaired and maintained by the expert and highly-trained Shick Automotive technicians. You will thank yourself for doing so.

And did we mention that Shick Automotive Inc. has cars in the lot?

Shick Automotive Inc. has great deals especially for luxury cars, including BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes. Their pre-owned luxury cars are also among the top of the line because of what has been mentioned earlier: the service department puts in extra work to make sure that each and every vehicle being repaired results in enjoyment from the customer receiving a three-month or 3,000-mile engine/transmission warranty..

In addition, Shick Automotive Inc. is also among the most aggressive in buying vehicles that they have the

reputation to pay more than what your car is normally worth. This is because Shick Automotive Inc. buys vehicles at fair market value as imposed by Kelley Blue Book, plus $1,000 more.

Wow! To know more about Shick Automotive Inc. or if you are thinking about buying a top-quality pre-owned car, shop Shick Automotive Inc. first.

Shick Automotive Inc. is located at 9459 Sepulveda Blvd., North Hills, CA 91343. You may reach them at (818) 892-7000. They are open Monday thru Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.except Saturdays, which is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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LOS ANGELES

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., April 5-11, 2014

Balita

Seductive Style. Seductive Price.

2014 C250 Sport Sedan

369

$

Lease for

per month for 27 months**

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2011 Mercedes-Benz C300

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*

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E350

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*

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2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450

* , Now 51 815

$

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2013 Mercedes-Benz C250

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

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$28,990*

$29,749*

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844095/L8581

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

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$30,750*

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762969/L8618

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350

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692623/L8590

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View Our Pre-Owned Inventory at www.mbzlongbeach.com/vehicle/search/preowned

mbzlongbeach.com 2300 East Spring St. • Signal Hill, CA 90755 At the 405 and 605 in Signal Hill. Exit Cherry Ave. off the 405. *All prices plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer preparation charges and any emission testing charges. All vehicles subject to prior sale. **Available only to qualified customers at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (where applicable to advertised lease) through April 30, 2014. Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $37,808. Includes destination charge and optional Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $9,963. Cash due at signing includes $2,950 capitalized cost reduction, $750 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $369.

Total payments equal $13,708. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 22,500 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Subject to credit approval. No security deposit required. ***Qualified customers only. See dealer for details. 1.99% APR limited term financing for up to 72 months on select Certified Pre-Owned models through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. 1.99% APR limited term financing applies to Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2010, 2011 & 2012 Certified Pre-Owned C, E, M, GL, GLK, & S-Class vehicles. Available at Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach through Mercedes-Benz Financial for Super Tier through Tier II customers only, subject to credit approval. Offers expire close of business 4/6/14.

Nelson Sioson Filipino Fleet Manager

866.870.2966