Weekend balita may 23, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

LOS ANGELES

VOL. XXIII, NO. 16

MAY 23 - 29, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

Helping ‘boat people’ moral duty: CBCP chief

Flyboarding is in Sarbay, Gumasa, Sarangani (May 18, 2015): Flyboarding is providing people more ways to enjoy Sarbay, the biggest summer beach festival in the Philippines. Dare to fly! It’s easy and it’s fun. The one flying is Mr. Guy, a professional flyboarding instructor. Noel Santiago of NPS Aqua Sports brought Mr. Guy to Sarbay. Santiago has been a Sarbay supporter since 2006, bringing in jetskis, exhibitions, and clinics through the years. Web updates powered by SMART. (Cocoy Sexcion for Sarangani Information Office)

Lacson inching closer to run for president

See LACSON, page 10

Cainglet: The ‘right choice’ for Carson CITY Of CARSON, California – For someone, whose community involvement and commitment to serve residents in the city where he lives k n o w n o b o u n d - Cainglet aries, there is no faulting Jesus “Alex” Cainglet in selecting the slogan “The Right Choice for Carson” for his campaign pitch. In an exclusive interview with this writer Thursday, May 14, Cainglet, the lone Asian American and the only Filipino American candidate in the special elections in this city on June 2nd, said that his “main reason” in running is to pursue “my community involvement and commitment to all the residents of this city, integrate my platform with the present city government and contribute more to the well being of every resident in this wonderful city.” Cainglet, the current chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission of Carson, is one of six candidates that include 4 Black Americans and 1 Caucasian vying for the remainder of the term of former Councilman Mike Gipson who has been See CAINGLET, page 10

See BOAT PEOPLE, page 10

Wife wants Binay to drop race

MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday said he will once again try his luck for the presidency next year if he gets a double-digit rating in the next survey. “Hindi ako magdi-declare nang wala akong pinaghuhugutan,” said Lacson, who got a 1 percent preference in the last presidential survey, at a forum in Manila. Lacson expects the next survey to come out in late June. He said he will decide accordingly before the start of the filing of

By Noel T. Castorillo

MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Soc Villegas lauded the Philippine government for its willingness to accept sick and hungry refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh. In a statement, the Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop said “there is a moral obligation to protect them from the harm they flee from. There is a legal obligation not to forcibly repatriate them. And by all precepts of morality and decency, there is an obligation not to leave them to the mercilessness of the elements on the high seas.” Villegas said while the Philippines has little resources to accommodate all the migrants, “there is always room for the weary and burdened to rest on our shores before they continue on their journey.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay addresses the crowd during the 36th National Conference of Employers at Marriott hotel in Pasay City on Friday. Binay told businessmen that he only has five bank accounts, denying an Anti Money Laundering Council report that he, his family, and associates have 242 bank accounts, investments, and insurance policies. (MNS photo)

MANILA, May 18 (Mabuhay) – If Elenita Binay were to decide, she would rather that her husband, Vice President Jejomar Binay, quit the presidential race. Makati Rep. Abigail Binay said her mother is already being affected by the corruption allegations being hurled at the vice-president, who has long decided to run for president in 2016. “If you ask my mom she’ll probably say, “Yes. I want your dad to quit,”” Rep. Binay said. “I know she keeps on telling my dad, “Why are we doing this?” The vice-president has been the subject of various allegations, including the alleged overpricing of several Makati government buildings. He has dismissed the allegations as mere demolition jobs because of his ambition to become the next president in 2016. Elenita herself is facing malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly anomalous transactions made during her stint as Makati mayor. The latest challenge for the Binays is the release of an Anti-Money Laundering See BINAY, page 10

Pinoy nurse jailed for life for poisoning UK patients London, United Kingdom (AFP) Tuesday 5/19/2015 – A Filipino male nurse was jailed for life with a minimum of 35 years on Tuesday for poisoning 21 patients with insulin at a British hospital, two of whom died. Victorino Chua, 49, injected insulin into saline bags, ampoules and other healthcare products while working on two wards at Stepping Hill Hospital, near Manchester in northwest England, in June and July 2011. When other nurses unwittingly used the products, the mostly elderly patients on the ward suffered sudden illness as they overdosed on insulin. Chua was found guilty of murdering two of the patients, Tracey Arden, 44, and Derek Weaver, 83, and also causing grievous bodily harm to a third, Grant Misell, 41, who was left brain damaged. Sentencing Chua at Manchester Crown Court, judge Peter Openshaw said: “He has committed a dreadful crime and he must now pay the price.” Relatives of some of the victims sat in silence in the public gallery as the verdict was delivered. Chua, dressed in a brown coat zipped up to his neck, showed no emotion. The hospital called in the police to look into the surge of illness on the ward, prompting Chua to change tack by sabotaging prescription charts. See POISONING, page 10

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When you can’t pay your business debts! If your business is in distress – you owe a lot of money but you can’t pay, your creditors will probably threaten legal action against your business and very likely, you personally as well. How much they can collect, and how they can go about collecting it, will depend on how your business is organized, and whether you personally guaranteed repayment of the obligation. To what extent you are personally liable depends on several factors, the most important being, how your business is structured and whether you personally guaranteed or secured the debt. likely it will be a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Sole Proprietors and Partnerships bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your If you are a sole proprietor, you and your assets (except for property that is exempt business are one and the same in the eyes which for the most part, usually includes your of the law, which means you are personally home, car etc.) go into a bankruptcy estate to responsible for all of the business’s debts. be sold, and the proceeds are distributed to If there isn’t enough money in the business your creditors. At the end of the process, all to pay these debts, creditors can take your of your debts that are eligible for discharge personal assets to pay them. in bankruptcy will be wiped out. In a Chapter Partners in a general partnership have 13 bankruptcy, you propose a repayment plan similar personal liability for business debts: where you repay part or all of the debt over Each partner is personally liable for the en- three to five years. tirety of the business’s debts (and any partner How Bankruptcy Helps can usually bind the entire partnership to a When you file for bankruptcy, something business deal -- a scary combination). This called an automatic stay immediately stops means that if there isn’t enough money in the your creditors from foreclosing on your house business to pay the debts, and your partners or any other personal property that is at risk. are broke, creditors can take your personal In some situations, this can be reason enough assets to pay all of the business’s debts, not to file for bankruptcy, because it will buy you just your share. time, if nothing else. Corporations and Limited Unpaid Rent. If your business owes your Liability Companies landlord back rent, you are probably personIf your business is organized as a corpo- ally liable for the debt. (Sole proprietors and ration or a limited liability company (LLC), partners are automatically personally liable your personal assets are usually protected for rent payments, and most small business from business creditors as a matter of law. corporations and LLCs also get stuck personShareholders and LLC members have a ally guaranteeing the lease payments -- check form of asset protection called limited per- your lease. If you didn’t, give yourself a pat sonal liability. Creditors cannot take owners’ on the back for being a savvy negotiator.) personal assets to pay business debts, unless Filing for bankruptcy might keep the a business owner specifically gives up that landlord from taking your personal property limited liability protection. to pay the debt, especially if you file under Unfortunately, most small business own- Chapter 13 and come up with a payment plan. ers are forced to give up their right to limited Ordinary, Unsecured Debt personal liability, at least for some of their If your business owes suppliers, you will business debt. Many creditors require per- be personally on the hook if you operated sonal guarantees and/or personal security your business as a sole proprietorship or from small business owners before they will partnership. Under the Uniform Commercial loan money or extend credit to a business. And Code, suppliers of goods usually have the many landlords require a personal guarantee right to take the goods back. Barring that, before they will lease commercial property to however, they can come after you personally a small business. for the unpaid amounts. If you have a lot of A personal guarantee is a promise by a this kind of debt, filing Chapter 13 could help business owner to hand over the owner’s you organize a payment plan (and Chapter 7 personal assets to a creditor if the business might wipe the debt out). can’t pay its debt and its assets are not worth If your business is a corporation or an enough to cover the debt. A creditor can also LLC, you may be off the hook for these debts. ask a business owner to secure a business debt This kind of debt is typically unsecured and is by pledging specific personal property, such rarely personally guaranteed. If your business as an owner’s house, boat, or car. When you has no money and no assets left, the suppliers sign a personal guarantee or pledge personal may be out of luck -- your personal liability property, you give up your protection against protection should protect your personal assets. personal liability, and creditors can come So if your corporation or LLC has only unseafter your personal assets if your business cured, un-guaranteed business debt, there’s no can’t pay. need to file a personal bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Option Does Bankruptcy Make Sense for You? If your business bank account is empty, a In the real world, just the threat of bankbankruptcy might be a viable option. It would ruptcy may be enough to help you work things certainly give you some breathing room while out. Many creditors will think twice before working things out, and in the case of personal leaning on you too hard if they think you’ll liability, a bankruptcy will protect your house, file for bankruptcy. Some creditors would your car, and other assets. rather work out a payment plan, or settle for Business vs. Personal Bankruptcy partial repayment, than become a creditor If you are a sole proprietor, you can file in your bankruptcy case. From a creditor’s for either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. perspective, bankruptcy is an expensive and Either type of bankruptcy can be used for long process that eats into profits. You can personal debts or business debts. use that to your advantage in negotiations If you are a corporate shareholder, LLC and perhaps spread payments out far enough owner, or partner in a partnership and you to be manageable. have signed personal guarantees or pledged If you think you are in imminent danger of collateral for business loans, putting your losing your family’s home or livelihood, and business through bankruptcy will not protect you need help quickly, personal bankruptcy your personal property. If you have placed might be a good option for you. But before your personal property at risk, you must file you file, get advice, call the law offices of for bankruptcy for yourself and your business Paul M. Allen and take advantage of their separately to protect your personal assets. In free consultation. It could save you a lot of this article, we assume you are considering money and a lot of heartache. Paul Allen personal bankruptcy -- because only personal also offers debt negotiation services and debt bankruptcy will protect your personal assets. work-out plans. Two convenient offices to Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy serve you: Glendale and La Palma. Call now If you file for personal bankruptcy, most at 818-552-4500.

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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Senate fails to arrest 17 for snubbing Binay hearings MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – The Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms failed to get any of the 17 people ordered arrested by the chamber for their repeated failure to attend the hearings on the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay. Ret. Gen. Jose Balajadia, OSAA chief, said that as of Wednesday morning, no single arrest has been made as not one of the 17 individuals was found in the addresses indicated in the arrest order. He added that one of the addresses provided to them was “wrong.” “Wala kaming nakuha kahapon. ‘Yung isang address nga mali. ‘Yung iba walang tao. ‘Yung isa sinalubong kami ng mga maid pero ‘yung tao isang linggo na daw hindi umuuwi. We will look for their other addresses,” he told reporters. He believed these people deliberately avoided them. “Alam nila ang pananagutan nila. Dapat sinalubong na lang nila kami,” he said. He added that in the case of the Chongs,

alleged dummies of VP Binay, their house was not attended. On Tuesday, Senate President Franklin Drilon signed the order directing the OSAA to arrest 14 individuals who repeatedly refused to attend the Senate hearing on the corruption allegations against VP Binay, his family and associates. “The Sergeant-At-Arms is hereby directed to carry out and implement this order and make a return hereof within 24 hours from its enforcement,” the order stated. Ordered arrested were: Businessman Antonio Tiu, who claimed to be the owner of a property called Hacienda Binay in Rosario, Batangas; Tiu’s brother James and James’ wife Anne Lorraine Buencamino-Tiu, who contributed P15 million to Binay’s campaign kitty in 2010; Vissia Marie Aldon, Makati-Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager and acting city administrator and city personnel officer; Danilo Villas, head of the Makati De-

partment of Environmental Services; Aida Alcantara; Hirene Lopez, treasurer of OMNI Security Investigation and General Services; Imee Chong, director of Meriras Realty & Development Corporation; Kim Tun Chong, director of Meriras Realty & Development Corporation and registered sole proprietor of Mugs and Cups Kitchenette; Irish Chong, director of Meriras Realty & Development Corporation; Chong, director of Meriras Realty & Development Corporation; and Kimsfer Chong, director of Meriras Realty & Development Corporation. Aside from these 14 individuals, also to be arrested are Binay’s personal secretary Ebeng Baloloy, Engineer Line Dela Pena and alleged Binay dummy Bernadette Portallano, who have pending arrest orders from the Senate. Arrest order vs. 3 Makati officials suspended On Wednesday however, Senator Teo-

fisto Guingona III ordered the holding in abeyance of the arrest orders earlier issued against Makati officials Engr. Line dela Peña, Vissia Marie Aldon, and Danilo Villas. At the start of the hearing of the Blue Ribbon committee on the alleged anomalies surrounding the acquisition of military equipment, Guingona made the announcement as he acknowledged the letters earlier sent by the three to the committee. “I’m giving the three persons up to Monday to appear before the Blue Ribbon committee office before the director general and make a verbal or written promise that they shall participate in the subsequent hearings,” he said. “In the meantime, because of the letter and the undertaking they have manifested, I order the director general to inform the Senate sergeant-at-arms to hold in abeyance the implementation of the order of arrest of the three persons until Monday or until they have complied,” Guingona added.

De Lima: 3rd batch PDAF scam cases may be filed next week

Ombudsman junks graft complaint vs. Drilon, others

MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday said that the filing of the third batch of cases involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam may be done next week. According to De Lima, the final recommendation of the special investigation team created to determine who should be charged in connection with the PDAF scam will be completed next week. The DOJ Chief gave assurances that the result of the investigation will be immediately known just like what happened in the filing of the first batch of PDAF cases, including those filed against Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile and several others. De Lima also cited the filing of the plunder charges against the alleged PDAF scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. Napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the Php10-billion pork barrel and the Php900-million Malampaya Fund scams. (MNS)

MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the graft charges filed against Senate President Franklin Drilon and other government officials in connection with the construction and development of the Iloilo Convention Center. A joint resolution submitted by a special panel and approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on May 13, 2015 stated that the complaint filed by Manuel Mejorada, Drilon’s former consultant and former Iloilo City administrator, failed to prove the allegations of wrongdoing against the respondents. Aside from Drilon, other respondents in the complaint were Public Work and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority chief operating officer Mark Lapid. Mejorada, in his press statement Wednesday, said he will be filing a motion for reconsideration. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the Office of the Ombusman has dismissed the criminal and administrative charges I filed against Senate President Franklin Drilon (and others). This is a minor setback as far as I am concerned. I am determined to raise the issues all the way to the Supreme Court to obtain a clear-cut ruling on the issues involved,” he said. Mejorada said he will point out that the special panel ignored or disregarded the documentary evidence submitted by no less

than some of the respondents themselves that substantiate the charges. He said the joint resolution was inordinately rushed without delving deeply into the evidence, and was submitted on March 26, 2015, just two months after he filed his Rejoinder-Affidavit for the criminal case and one month after he filed his Position Paper in the administrative case. “The Special Panel noticeably didn’t dwell into the charges that respondents violated Republic Act No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations in the engagement of William V. Coscolluela as the architect and the desecration of the entire bidding process enshrined under the law,” he said. Mejorada also said the special panel erred in accepting the claim of respondents that the architectural and engineering design services of W. V. Coscolluela was part of the donation made by Megaworld Corporation. “It was not, and even Architect Coscolluela admitted his services were engaged for the purpose six (6) months AFTER the Deed of Donation was signed,” he said. Mejorada also believed the special panel was wrong in ruling that the DPWH did not violate the law in adopting “value engineering” for the negotiated procurement of the contract with Hilmarc’s Construction Corp. “Value engineering” is part of the field investigation activities prescribed under the IRR of RA 9184 for infrastructure projects.

Kentex to pay P8K salary to survivors, families of Valenzuela factory fire victims MANILA, May 16 (Mabuhay) – The company that owns the gutted slipper factory and warehouse in Valenzuela City is set to give P8,000 to the families of the victims and survivors on Saturday afternoon. Atty. Renato Paraiso, lawyer of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, said the amount is the salary due the workers for the first half of the month. The amount is higher than the P5,500 initially reported. This is on top of the footwear company’s promise of financial assistance to the survivors and to families of the 72 people killed in the incident, it added. However, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said the amount is still not enough, and he is disappointed with how the company is facing its liabilities. Leody De Guzman, president of labor union Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, said on Friday it is not only Kentex that should be held accountable for the incident. “Tingin naming may pananagutan ang local government, dahil paanong ang kumpanyang kagaya ng Kentex na ilang taon nang lumalabag sa fire and safety standards ay nakakapagpatuloy sa kanilang operasyon?” De Guzman said. An earlier report quoted Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz as saying the deaths of 72 people in the fire exposed abusive conditions for millions of poor and desperate workers across the nation. “The deaths should serve as a wake-up call for businessmen to stop these abuses... they should give their employees dignity,” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

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US says ‘ready to share burden’ of Asian sea migrants Washington, United States (AFP) Wednesday 5/20/2015 – The United States is ready to help South East Asian countries “bear the burden” of a wave of sea-borne refugees, State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said Wednesday. Welcoming a decision by Malaysia and Indonesia to stop turning away migrants packed into rickety boats, Harf said the United States would help UN agencies to set up protection centers and would consider requests to resettle some refugees. “The US stands ready to help the countries of the region bear the burden and save lives today. We have a common obligation to answer the call of these migrants who have risked their lives at sea,” she told reporters. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken is in the region and will meet Thursday

with Myanmar leaders to urge them to work with Bangladesh to help rescue and aid refugees adrift at sea. “We remain concerned about the factors that drive people to risk their lives at sea, including the government of Burma’s policy towards its Rohingya minority, and racially and religiously motivate discrimination,” she added. Myanmar, whose policies toward its ethnic Rohingya minority are widely blamed for fuelling the human flow, earlier Wednesday also softened its line by offering to provide humanitarian aid to stricken migrants. Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand had sparked growing international outrage by driving off boats overloaded with exhausted and dying Rohingya as well as Bangladeshis.

US servicemen submit affidavit in Laude slay case MANILA, May 15 (Mabuhay) – Three US servicemen who were with Marine Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton in Ambyanz Disco in Olongapo City the night he met Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude went to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday to submit sworn statements in connection with the Laude slay case. Justice Undersecretary Jose Justiniano told media men the affidavits will be used in the case, but did not give details whether the servicemen will be hostile or prosecution witnesses. The servicemen were in a closed-door meeting with Olongapo City Prosecutor Emilie Delos Santos. Pemberton faces murder charges before an Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for Laude’s slay. (MNS)

Fast and furious Bancarera racers at Sarbay in Gumasa, Sarangani (15 May 2015) - Federico Canoy of Maasim (center); Sam Bastida of Davao del Sur (right); and Joviro Veresraiz of Maasim (left) race in the finals of Bombo Radyo’s Bancarera: SarBay 2015 Edition Friday, May 15, ousting the other 45 banca racers from different regions of Mindanao. Canoy crossed the finish line first with an official time of 3:39:08 closely followed by Bastida (3:45:08). Web updates powered by SMART. (Russell Delvo for Sarangani Information Office)

DFA repatriates 17 Pinoy fishermen from Indonesia MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – Seventeen Filipinos caught illegally fishing in Indonesian waters were repatriated to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The 17 fishermen were from the vessels KM Garuda 05, KM Geruda 06, KM Inday Hubag, KM JVY and KM JV from Jakarta, Indonesia. “The Philippine Government is committed to provide repatriation assistance to Filipinos who may find themselves in distress overseas, including our fisher folks who stray into foreign waters,” said Ambassador Ricardo Endaya of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA).

The fishermen were not in possession of passports nor travel documents when they entered Indonesian waters. The DFA said that of the 17, two are boat captains who served sentence after they were arrested in 2012. The DFA coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to arrange for the temporary shelter and transportation requirements of the said 17 Filipinos for their onward travel to General Santos City and Saranggani Province. Since January 2015, the DFA has repatriated 139 Filipino fishermen from Indonesia after entering Indonesian waters without proper documentation and permission.(MNS)

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Graceful in the Big Apple (Part 2 of 2) Samantha “Grasya” Lopez was a popular dancer/model/actor in the Philippines when she decided to leave everything behind and try her luck in the Big Apple. Fourteen years after the move, and now an accomplished realtor in Manhattan, she shares some of her tips for not just surviving but graceful living in New York. 5. “Listen to yourself and know when to take a break.” Despite loving and enjoying her position at Serafina, Samntha said that she got tired of it after 7 1/1 years: “Siguro mayroon akong 7-8 year itch. Yung Grasya ko, 7-8 years also. I started Immigration lawyer? I prefer referrals in 1994.” from friends. Good friends can give you She quit in March 2010, even without good referrals. They can also give you knowing what was going to be next for her. good advice.” All she knew was that another adventure, From 2010 to 2012, Samantha was back another opportunity was waiting for her. to showbiz in Manila, though still living 6. “Surround yourself with good people. in New York. Once the commute started

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

taking its toll on her, she realized that she wanted to get back in the New York work force. “I told another friend that I was so bored that I wasn’t used to not working. I needed a job but didn’t want to go back to Serafina. I’m willing to learn something new,” she said. “My friend, who was handling VIP guests of hotels, suggested I get into real estate. She said one of her clients’ son is going to New York to study and was looking for a place to stay.” That night, Samantha said she went home and did her research on real estate. Her first step was to look for a good institute to take a course and review for the licensing exam. “I took the exam before Thanksgiving. I passed the school and State exam but I couldn’t really start right away. Wanted to start in 2012. First Monday of 2012, I walked into a real estate company to apply. It was close to our house. That’s when I started as a real estate agent,” she said. 7. “It will not always be perfect. There are bumps. But my mantra is that I’m thankful for struggles because it’s from those struggles that I gain my strength.” Amid the roller coaster in her career, Samantha also felt a dip in her love life following her divorce from her British husband in 2014. She met the shoe designer, manufacturer and retailer in 2002. The pair got married in 2007. Through all the successes and challenges, Samantha also shared how important her faith have been for her.” 8. “Faith has been my biggest weapon.” A born-again Christian, she said that it was former “Eat Bulaga” host Toni Rose Gayda, who first introduced her to the Christian community. “It got strengthened by Donita Rose

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who brought me to Victory, I also became close to Christine Jacob because of that. We went to singles cell group together,” she said. These days, Samnatha religiously attends Sunday service and lights a candle for her petitions. “I always believe, with prayers, of course. I never get discouraged. I believe in signs. That’s what I pray for. And you will know cause it will be smooth-sailing,” she said. And even if it’s not, Samantha shared her last tip. 9. “Always see the positive sign... the good side of anything.” It was the first day of Spring when I sat down to catch up with this remarkable woman. And true to New York form, it was snowing heavily. But while others were trying to get off the roads and get indoors, Samantha suggested to take a stroll in the snow-covered Central Park, “It’s cold but it’s beautiful!” She’s not just sharing her tips for graceful living in New York; Samantha is also sharing the beauty of the Big Apple through Nest Seekers International, helping people find their home in the City. “For now, it’s me, New York and real estate,” she said. Jannelle So-Perkins is a FilipinoAmerican media pioneer, having created, produced and hosted America’s first and only daily talk show for Filipinos. After successfully running her show for almost 9 years, she left to take a break. Currently she’s preparing to launch her new project with Ecomedia, a division of U.S. mainstream media giant CBS. Connect to her on Facebook – www. facebook.com/JannelleSoOFFCIAL; Twitter – www.twitter.com/JannelleSo; Instagram – www.instagram.com/sojannelle; or email her at sojannelle77@gmail.com.

Lobregat: No to Bangsamoro chief police control MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – The provision in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) granting the Bangsamoro chief minister operational control and supervision over the region’s police must be removed, a lawmaker said. Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat said putting the control of the police at the hands of the Bangsamoro chief minister is dangerous as this would give him too much power. “Dapat tanggalin ito. Iyung puder na iyon ng operational control, it is given to the municipal and city mayors. It is not even given to the provincial governor,” Lobregat said. “Lahat ng munisipyo sa Bangsamoro siya ang mag-eemploy at magde-deploy ng kapulisan? Eh talagang maging super powerful nitong chief minister na ito.” The draft BBL being voted upon in the House ad hoc committee retains the provision giving the Bangsamoro chief minister operational control and supervision over the region’s police.

Lawmakers said the police power was already devolved in the law creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which the BBL seeks to replace with a new Bangsamoro region. Power over the police control in the proposed region became one of the most contentious provisions in the BBL in the wake of the Mamasapano clash last January 25, where 44 elite police commandos died in a clash with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters. The clash has triggered doubts towards the MILF and its intentions. A proposal by Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon to remove the provision creating a regional command for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was thumbed down by his colleagues. However, after initially being rejected, Biazon’s move to strike down a provision giving the Bangsamoro chief to request to the President to call upon the AFP was approved on second voting.

COA cites DBM for failing to release P302B of revenue allotments to LGUs MANILA, May 20 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not released directly to local government units (LGUs) over P302 billion worth internal revenue allotments from 2013, the Commission on Audit (COA) said in its latest report. “The IRA shares for CY-2013 of the local government units in the national taxes amounting to P302,806,286,459.00 were not automatically released to LGUs but maintained under DBM Administered Funds (Funds 103),” the COA said in its Annual Audit Report on the DBM posted on its website. The principal auditor of government assets said it was a clear violation of Section 6, Article X of the General Provisions of the 1987 Constitution which states that, “Local government units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national taxes which shall be automatically released to them.” The commission noted a 2005 Supreme Court ruling that declared the withholding of IRA as unconstitutional.

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LP stalwart: Mar Roxas won’t settle for vice presidential run in 2016 MANILA, May 19 (Mabuhay) – An administration ally on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II sliding down to a vice presidential candidate in the 2016 elections, saying it is only part of a plan to demolish his possible presidential bid. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said talk of Roxas settling for a vice presidential run was part of his opponents’ ploy to portray him as a “weak” presidential candidate. “His detractors want to convince the voters to shun a ‘non-winner,’” he said in a text message. Evardone, however, said questions about Roxas’ competence can easily be resolved by examining his track record as a public official. “[He is] an incorruptible leader,” he said. Talk about Roxas sliding down to run for vice president surfaced after the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that some Liberal Party stalwarts were pushing for a Poe-Roxas tandem in the 2016 elections. Another Inquirer report quoted Budget Secretary Florencio Abad as saying that the ruling party was open to a number of possibilities “considering the unpredictable nature of Philippine presidential politics.”

The report indicated that the possibilities included a Poe-Roxas tandem. Roxas has long been touted as the LP’s presumptive presidential candidate even though he has yet to announce his political plans for 2016. He backed out of his presidential bid in 2010 to give way to nowPresident Benigno Aquino III’s candidacy. Poe, on the other hand, maintained that she was still undecided about running for higher office. She has confirmed meeting Aquino recently to discuss the administration’s political plans. Non-issue Evardone also parried questions about Poe’s citizenship as a “non-issue” compared to the issue of corruption. “By bringing up the issue of citizenship against Poe, her detractors hope it would create doubts in the minds of the electorate,” the lawmaker said. Poe on Monday admitted she used to hold dual citizenship after a broadsheet reported the existence of a US passport under her name. The senator, however, said she already renounced her US citizenship even before she entered government service and become chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).(MNS)

LP solon: Poe’s citizenship non-issue unlike corruption raps vs others MANILA, May 19 (Mabuhay) – A Liberal Party (LP) solon slammed reports which shed doubt on the issue of the citizenship of Sen. Grace Poe saying that it is just a smear campaign against the administration party’s possible 2016 presidential bet. Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone said on Tuesday that media reports which divulged Poe’s alleged US citizenship is a non-issue compared to allegations of corruption faced by other possible presidential hopefuls. “By bringing up the issue of citizenship against Poe, her detractors hope that it would create doubts in the minds of the electorate. But I think this is a non-issue compared to the issue of corruption,” Evardone said. On Monday, Poe said that she has denounced her US citizenUS ARMY STAR ship before SPOTLIGHT 1 : she assumed SSG TJ Jerome Dela Cruz: “My journey that started the post of in May of 2005, and still Movie and continues, has given me Television such a remarkable sense Review and of accomplishment, both as a Soldier and Classificaas a better citizen of tion Board the United States of (MTRCB) America. The Army gave chair in me the opportunity to continue my education, 2010. which gave me the On the opportunity to complete other hand, my undergraduate degree Evardone while serving my country. The Army has given me also hit the knowledge and skills detractors that will be beneficial for of Interior me when my contract Secretary ends. The Army did not just take care of me, Manuel but it has also taken “Mar” Roxcare of my family!” For as II who more information about said that he US Army benefits, call 1.877.6168. would be

sliding to the vice presidential post. The lawmaker said that Roxas is not a “non-winner” and is an “incorruptible leader.” “As to Roxas sliding to vice president, his opponents want to portray him as a weak presidential candidate. His detractors want to convince the voters to shun a ‘non-winner’ Again, I think this can easily be demolished by Roxas’ track record as an incorruptible leader,” Evardone said. The Inquirer earlier reported that Liberal Party leaders are considering a “GraceMar” or “Grace-Chiz Escudero” tandem as its standard bearers in the 2016 polls. When asked by reporters on Monday, Sen. Poe,who has surged in the polls, said that she is “comfortable” of running with Escudero if she would seek a higher post in the next elections.

Senator Chiz Escudero, chair of the Joint Oversight Committee on Public Expenditures, conducts a hearing today on the report of the Development Budget Coordinating Committee on the status and direction of the economic, fiscal and monetary policies of the government. Also in photo is Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab.(MNS photo)

Poe-Escudero in 2016? MANILA, May 18 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe expressed high regards for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday amid talks of her possible presidential run either with Escudero or Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. Asked about reports that some are open or backing a possible PoeRoxas tandem in next year’s elections, Poe made no direct answer to the question and instead pointed her long friendship with Escudero. “Chiz and I have been friends and worked together since 2004. He has a proven track record in public service,” she

said in a text message. Asked then if she prefers to team up with Escudero over Roxas, Poe said, “I cannot comment yet because Chiz and I have not discussed at length his plans.” Poe and Escudero, who are both independent, ran under the Liberal Party-led coalition in 2013. While many LP members are rooting for Roxas to be its standard-bearer in 2016, a ranking party official, House Deputy Speaker Neptali Gonzales II, is openly lobbying for a Poe-Escudero tandem. (MNS)

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US surveillance aircraft shows Chinese ‘militarized island’ over South China Sea This author was surprised to watch CNN’s Chief Security Correspondent , Jim Sciutto’s breaking news this afternoon while he was on board a P 8 - A Poseidon, (America’s “most advanced surveillance and submarine aircraft”) which flew at 15, 000 feet showing a declassified video of a “series of man-made islands and a massive Chinese military build-up over the coastline of the disputed waters of South China Sea.” The seemingly “militarized islands were also reported last month as the reclaimed parts of Kagitingan Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.” tion of Southeast Asian Nations Summit As I have written previously in my (ASEAN) last month, President Aquino column dated August 9, 2014, Chinese stressed that he will “push for the craftaggression in our country has to be ing of a Code of Conduct in the South stopped soon and I am thankful that the China Sea.” US, particulalry the Pentagon is now Part of the disputed areas in the Philipaware of China’s expanding claim over pines is the West Philippine Sea, where parts of South China Sea which also in- the Philipine Department of Foreign Afcludes other claimants such as: Malaysia, fairs has “sought international arbitration Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan. before a Netherlands - based tribunal to In his speech at the recent Associa- nullify China’s massive claims in the

South China Sea.” China, on the other hand, uses the so-called “nine-dash line” to claim ownership of almost the entire South China Sea while the Philippines uses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as basis for its claim. It was also reported recently in Beijing that the Chinese were “undertaking reclamation work on Subu Reef in the Spratlys, creating landmasses that, if joined together could create a space for another 3,000-meter (3,281 yard) airstrip and that they rejected international arbitration proceedings to settle its territorial dispute with the Philippines insisting instead on

bilateral talks to settle the matter.” After attending last month’s ASEAN Summit, President Aquino was quoted as saying “ the whole world should fear China’s efforts to stake its claim in the South China Sea.” Finally, he said: “yung pagsasalita ng mga ibang bansa, lalo na yung hindi talaga nandito sa ating lugar, kumikilala doon sa bigat ng problema na problema ng lahat.” Sad to say, but this sounds like a David vs. Goliath problem, but I’m still hopeful that these territorial disputes can be settled through diplomatic means or as the Chinese say “bilateral talks.” PEACE!

Japan to earmark $100-B for Asian infrastructure: report Tokyo, Japan (AFP) Tuesday 5/19/2015 – Japan will announce a $100 billion plan to invest in roads, bridges, railways and other building projects in Asia, a report said Tuesday, weeks after China outlined its vision for a new infrastructure development bank in the region. In the latest twist of a tussle for influence in the fast-growing region, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to unveil the five-year public-private partnership this week, Jiji Press reported. The sum is in line with the expected $100 billion capital of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that Beijing and more than 50 founding member states are establishing. “The envisioned assistance is aimed at demonstrating Japan’s stance to contribute to building up high-quality infrastructure in Asia through human resource development and technological transfers and showing the difference from the AIIB, so that Japan can keep a high profile in the region,” Jiji said, without naming its sources. The report comes after Japan’s Finance Minister Taro Aso said earlier this month at an event hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a long-established body in which Tokyo plays a key role, that Japan was drafting a plan to boost investment in Asian infrastructure. Japan and the United States were the biggest standouts earlier

this year when Beijing began courting members for the AIIB. Washington led a high-profile, and ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to disuade allies from taking part in the project, which critics say will not demand the same goodgovernance and environmental standards imposed by other international bodies, such as the ADB. But supporters say fears over undue Chinese influence are overblown, and that the participation by more than 50 countries, including ones as diverse as Britain and Iran, will dilute Beijing’s power. Few observers doubt there is a need for billions of dollars of investment in infrastructure in Asia. The region also offers rich pickings for countries with strong infrastructure industries, like Japan. Tokyo, in common with other governments, uses loans or grants for big projects as a way of supporting large employers who export power plants, water systems, communication networks, railways and highways. The money reported Tuesday would come through government-affiliated bodies, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as the Asian Development Bank, Jiji said.

CHED grants tuition hikes in 313 private colleges and universities MANILA, May 19 (Mabuhay) – A total of 313 private colleges and universities nationwide will implement an increase in tuition and other school fees this school year. A statement released by the Commission on Higher Education said the average increase across all regions is 6.48 percent. There were no approved increases in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

According to CHED, the tuition hike was warranted given the effects of inflation and the improvement of facilities in the schools. CHED added however that it has made available more than 100,000 financial assistance grants for deserving students. CHED has yet to release the list of schools with tuition fee hike. (MNS)

Academy Award winner and Nobu founding partner Robert De Niro (2nd from left) welcomes co-chairman and CEO of MELCO Crown Entertainment Limited Lawrence Ho (2nd right) at the launch of Nobu Hotel in Manila on Monday. Looking on are Nobu Hotel Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (left) and Nobu CEO Trevor Horwell. (MNS photo)

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How can I sell my house and still live in it? Ken Go: You get a reverse mortgage. If you have a lot of equity,. You get to live there until something happens or you sell your house.. This will only work if you have a lot of equity and your qualify base on your age limitation. Or You could sell it someone and reserve a life estate for yourself (it’s just language on the deed saying it’s still yours for the duration of your life) but who would buy a piece of property if they had no idea when they’d be able to take possession? Well now a days, buyers and sellers can strike a deal up will be around $3500.00. That is inwhere as the sellers are allowed to stay cluding closing cost and reserves. Caller: I have lived in this house for in the house for an agreed upon number of years for free or for a very nominal over 30 years and I am retired and would monthly lease payment. This allows the like to move back to my home country to sellers to use their equity to travel, to help spend time with my brothers and sisters. out family members, to spend on anything Is this a good time to sell my house? Ken Go: Based on what has been they want or just to finally enjoy the fruits happening since last year, there is still of their labor. Caller: I have two sons that are work- a shortage in houses for sale, the ratio ing and would like to buy a house together between buyers and sellers still a very with minimal down payment. Please wide gap. Where there are more buyadvise if you have any program that might ers than sellers. Most of the sellers are still hesitant to sell mainly because they help them get into a house or condo? Ken Go : Based on the qualification cannot find something they like to move of the two brothers who currently do not into. However, if you are packing up live together, they will have to decide to and moving out of the area, I would say move in with each other and buy a condo this is a very good time to sell, base on to live in. We have a program that will al- your home location I am sure you will get low the two brothers to buy a condo under multiple offers and max out of your sales the CHDAP Program, the down payment price. Most important, is to prepare the required is only .05% down payment. For house properly for sale, now a days home a $350K condo the total down payment buyers want to buy a house that is mainly and closing cost they would have to save move in condition, they want upgrades,

US housing construction surges to 7-year high in April Washington, United States (AFP) Tuesday 5/19/2015 – US new home construction jumped to its strongest pace in more than seven years in April, leaving behind the winter slowdown, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. Housing starts rose 20.2 percent from March to an annual rate of 1,135,000 units, the best level since November 2007. Single-family housing construction, nearly two-thirds of the market, was up 16.7 percent, while construction of build-

ings with five units or more gained 31.9 percent from March. Further reinforcing the picture of a rebounding housing sector, building permits rose 10.1 percent in April to an annual rate of 1,143,000. Even given the fact that housing starts data is volatile and often revised in subsequent months, the fact that permits also surged “suggests more homebuilding activity ahead,” said Jennifer Lee of BMO Capital markets.

Drought face-lift: California paints lawns green By Sara Puig

Escondido , United States (AFP) Monday 5/18/2015 – The heat is stifling, the soil dry as a bone, and a new law in drought-stricken California restricts sprinklers. But far from saying farewell to their beloved lawn, some Californians are coping with the drought by... painting it green. With a simple squeeze of a spray gun, dried-out yellow grass regains its lush green color before the eyes of its proud owners. It is a kind of make-over which is becoming increasingly common among homeowners in California, which is now in the fourth year of a historic drought. Paula Pearson, who lives in Escondido, just north of San Diego, is one of those who has turned off her sprinkler faucet. She took the plunge after governor Jerry Brown announced unprecedented water-saving measures in April. Unsurprisingly, her lawn rapidly turned yellow. But she is determined to fight against nature. “If I wanted yellow I’d throw rocks down there. Green grass is supposed to be green in my opinion,” said Pearson, her eyes protected by shades from the dazzling midday sun. “I love it! This is the color of my grass when I water it every day. I absolutely love it. I am thrilled,” she told AFP. A Way of Life The first time she heard about the possibility of painting her lawn, she laughed— before admitting, maybe it could be a good idea. Neat houses with green front lawns are a traditional part of American culture and the landscape in suburbs across the country. Taking care of your garden is a question of pride – and can impact on home prices. “We want to have a perfect lawn, it’s a reflection of you,” said Jim Power, founder of Lawnlift, a company specialized in painting grass. “It’s like if your car is dirty all the time, or your house is messy all the time, or if your lawn is overgrown or dead. It just shows that you don’t take care of things. People want it to look nice and it’s an instant fix to that problem.” California’s extreme drought also has made many homeowners swap their lush lawns for desert plants like cacti or agaves, which need hardly any water.

they want a clean house. Usually buyers now are younger couple that are both working and might possibly be with a couple of children. That means, no one has the time to buy a house that needs improvements or upgrades. To get top dollar when selling, price it right, get it to a completely clean move in condition, then you will for sure be bombarded with buyers bidding your property up. Caller: I just refinance my house with a bank that took a long time but its finally done, but I heard the interest rates have dropped again. I am currently at 4.375 for 30 year fixed rate. Can I still refinance my home loan? Ken Go: Base on your loan amount and your previous refinancing. It will

definitely benefit you to refinance this loan again without cost to 4%. Since you have not been paying the current rate long and you can redo this loan without a cost. From my research, they got a higher rate because this loan was locked in close to 90 days ago, the lender took a long time but kept extending the rate and did not give this borrower the currently lower rate. I suggest for you definitely to refinance to a lower rate. Remember don’t pay any fees to refinance. If your loan balance increase due to cost of the loan, that is considered fees to close, avoid that. Thanks so much for your recent inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance group at 562-5087048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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POISONING From page 1

One patient was given an increased drugs dose as a result but recovered. Chua was arrested in January 2012, and after a three-month trial, was on Monday found guilty on two counts of murder, one count of grievous bodily harm and 22 counts of attempted grievous bodily harm among other charges. Detectives had described the father of two as a narcissistic psychopath and said he had shown a complete lack of remorse for his crimes.

Chua described himself in a letter found at his home as “an angel turned into an evil person”, writing that “there’s a devil in me”. “What he did was inexplicable and irrational,” the judge said in his sentencing remarks on Tuesday. “It is a striking, sinister and truly wicked feature of the case, he did not personally administer contaminated products directly to most of these patients.

CAINGLET From page 1

elected to the California State Assembly. The term expires in March 2017, after which a regular election will be held to elect the city mayor and the city council members. One of Cainglet’s three major priorities if elected to the post is to invite more investors to invest in Carson and, thus, improve the economic stability of the city. Cainglet, who is a well known businessman and banker here, says he will also actively help and continue to encourage the city government to undertake and fund worthwhile economic projects to open up more job opportunities for the city residents. He, also, said he will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency, and “encourage my fellow residents here to advocate and let their voices be heard on issues that affect or involve the citizenry.” Cainglet also mentioned his planned active involvement in promoting the general welfare of mobile home residents and pursue a more vigorous affordable housing program as “this is one of the priority issues of the city.”

Cainglet, who has been, and continues to actively engage in civic projects involving community groups, also plans to “enhance public safety” in this city by increased presence of law enforcers and neighborhood watch. “Public safety is a significant aspect of development and citizens are more likely to get involved in community projects for their development if there is a well established peace and order climate in the community, or city where they live.” Cainglet has distinguished himself as an active community leader here, among which included former membership in the Fine Arts Commission, Public Relations Commission, Utility Users Commission and past president of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Philomena Parish, to mention a few. He is being endorsed by incumbent Mayor Alberto Robles of Carson, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, retired Carson mayor Mike Mitoma, retired Carson councilmember Warren Furutani and past and present commissioners in this city.

BINAY From page 1

Council (AMLC) report showing huge transactions that supposedly do not reflect the vice-president’s declared wealth. But for the Makati representative, there is no more turning back for her father. “If you do that, you are in effect telling them, ‘You’ve won.’ We don’t want to give them that prize. Parang sinabi mo na na, ‘O sige dahil binugbog niyo na kami ng

sobra-sobra, mag-quit na kami,”” she said. “We have to be vindicated. We have to prove to people that they are lying. We have to prove to these people na walang katotohanan lahat ng binibintang nila.” The vice-president himself has rejected the idea of dropping his presidential bid at this stage. (MNS)

LACSON From page 1

candidacy in October. Lacson, a ranking police official before entering politics, first ran for president in 2004 but lost to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. At the forum, Lacson admitted that he was going around the country to promote his platform called “Equality in Budget Distribution,” where he promises a P12million yearly development fund to all barangays once he is elected to Malacañang. Lacson also owned up to some TV and radio commercials, as well as posters to boost his exposure. He said his donors paid for them. Lacson said President Benigno Aquino III has asked him three times regarding his plan for next year, but he said he did not commit anything.

He also said he had asked the President what keeps him from endorsing Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, but Aquino reportedly did not give an answer. Lacson also said an endorsement from Aquino will greatly benefit the chosen candidate, although he said he will not ask for it. Regarding his possible opponents in 2016, Lacson said he sees Roxas as “a problem analyzer, not a problem solver,” Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is embroiled in corruption allegations, as “having too many problems to solve,” Senator Grace Poe as “inexperienced but qualified,” and former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada as “localized.”

BOAT PEOPLE From page 1

The refugees, composed mostly of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar and economic migrants from poverty-stricken Bangladesh, have set sail toward neighboring countries to seek a better life. The Rohingya minority is dubbed by the Untied Nations as one of the most persecuted in the world, denied citizenship by largely Buddhist Myanmar. Myanmar’s immediate neighbors in Southeast Asia – Thailand, Indonesia, and

Malaysia – however have turned them away, leaving them adrift in the high seas, without food on board rickety boats.J10 Some of them were abandoned by human smugglers who promised to bring them to the neighboring countries. The migrant crisis has cast a shadow on the reputation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), whose members are seeking to integrate their respective economies this year. In what

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Seniors see no benefit in keeping credit card debts One seeks to discharge $20K and another $30K We all go through different stages in life. When you are in your twenties, your whole life is ahead of you. You may be starting a family or starting your career or profession. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying your starter home. If you have children, your whole life is centered on them. This goes on until they turn 18 and start striking $20,000. That required $600 of minimum out on their own. At that time, you are in monthly payments to keep them current. your forties. You still feel young and still She has kept them current for the last 7 look young. Maybe you focus on your years. So, she has paid a total of $50,400 in career more and try to make more money. the last 7 years to keep the $20K of credit You might travel the world to see places cards current. Yes, her credit cards are and people that you have never seen before. current right now but she still owes $20K You start to incur credit card debt to finance after having paid $50,400. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem your lifestyle, your version of the American right, so is she hallucinating and should dream. In your fifties, you feel pretty much her children send her to the sanitarium like you did when you were in your thirties for treatment, or should they send her for and forties. You actually still look vigorous. post-traumatic stress disorder, because Then when you enter the late fifties, you that is what she is feeling now as she gets start thinking about providing enough for stressed from collection phone calls as late retirement. You start thinking about your as 11 p.m. This senior client should not be mortality, something, which you never placed in this stressful daily situation now. really thought about. You start getting She should relieve herself completely of physical problems, maybe hypertension, that burden. Besides, with social security diabetes, or arthritis. You look at pictures of $1,000 a month, where will she get of yourself, and start noticing that your hair $600 a month to keep those cards current is thinning, your hairline receding, your for the next 10 years? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only renting a stomach becoming more like a balloon. room for $400 a month, and she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work Then you enter the sixties. Social se- anymore because she is already physically curity sends you letters showing you why frail. To even the playing field, client deyou should not get early retirement at 62, cides to discharge all of the $20K credit because you will get a lot more if you get card debt with a Chapter 7 petition, which your social security at 66, almost 50% she should have done 7 years ago. She more, and the amount increases at the rate would have saved $50,400, owed nothing of 7% a year. So you decide to continue to credit cards, and have a credit score of working until you can at least get full over 700. The minute she decided to file a benefits at 66, which is another 5 years if Chapter 7 petition, she felt total relief from youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 61. the burden of credit card debt! No more My first client retired in 2007 when she debt, no more harassing collection phone was 70. Now she is 77. She was working as calls; a peaceful retirement at last. a cashier at a dollar store when she retired. The second client is 55. She is still At the age of 70, she had credit card debt of working as an accountant and makes

PayPal to pay $25-M for illegally enrolling users San Francisco, United States (AFP) Tuesday 5/19/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Tuesday said PayPal will pay $25 million in refunds and penalties for illegally signing people up for its online credit product and mishandling complaints. â&#x20AC;&#x153;PayPal lured in consumers to this product with deceptive advertising, signed up people without them knowing it and then mishandled billing disputes when they arose,â&#x20AC;? bureau director Richard Cordray said during a telephone briefing with the press. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This kind of conduct has no place in the consumer financial marketplace.â&#x20AC;? The bureau simultaneously filed a complaint and a proposed settlement deal with a federal court in Maryland. The complaint accuses the eBay-owned online financial transactions service with illegally signing up and billing tens of thousands of people for PayPal Credit, formerly known as Bill Me Later. PayPal Credit operates along the lines of a credit card, with payments spread out over time and balances triggering interest and late fees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the first encounter a consumer may have had with PayPal Credit, there were problems,â&#x20AC;? Cordray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tens of thousands of consumers who were attempting to enroll in a regular PayPal account, or make an online purchase, were signed up for the credit product without realizing it.â&#x20AC;? Many people wound up with credit accounts because PayPal set the option as the default method of payment, according to the bureau. PayPal also failed to deliver on promises of $5 or $10 credit towards purchases that had been advertised in promotions, the

complaint charged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, once enrolled, consumers encountered headache after headache,â&#x20AC;? Cordray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;PayPal failed to post payments properly, lost payment checks and mishandled billing disputes that consumers had with merchants or the company itself.â&#x20AC;? Even when PayPal website problems thwarted efforts by people to pay, they were still charged late fees, according to Cordray. PayPal did not admit any wrongdoing in the proposed settlement, but did agree to put $15 million into a pool of refund money for affected customers and to pay a $10 million civil penalty to the bureau, the court filing showed. The settlement also requires PayPal to make it clear during enrollments and purchases when people are opting for the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit feature, and to better handle complaints. PayPal released a statement to the media saying that it continually works to improve its products and its communications with customers.

FIGHTING ANIMAL TESTING

LOS ANGELES $60K a year. Her son is 28 and lives with her because he has not been able to get a permanent job since he graduated from college. She co-signed his student loans of $80K. She pays $900 a month for her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student loans. She racked up $40K of credit cards since she divorced 8 years ago. Her first mortgage is $2,500, and her HELOC line is $500 a month. She is also paying for her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car loan at $500 a month. Her net take home pay is $4K. Not much room left, considering secured debt is claiming $3K a month just for the house and the car. Add $900 for the student loans, and there is nothing left for food. Credit cards require $1,200 a month minimum. There is no money to pay any part of that. Fortunately, son has just gotten an offer to work for a realty management company at $3K a month. But even with son paying his own way for the student loans and his car, client sees no way for her to pay off her credit cards in her lifetime. So, client decides to get rid of all of the $40K credit card debt with a Chapter 7 petition. This is a good decision for her because she will save the $1,200 a month. In one year alone, she will save $14,400, and she will have no debt. I refer you to ECCLESIASTES 3 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;A time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born, a time to dieâ&#x20AC;Ś a time to keep and a time to throw awayâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? There was a time when one needed the credit cards for whatever reason, but there is also a time to get rid of all of them. And that time is now. Unless you can get a big chunk of free cash from somewhere, the best alternative is to get Chapter 7 relief. You keep all your assets (in most cases), and keep all your income, but you get rid of all your debt and get a fresh start in life, no matter what your age is! Set an appointment

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to see to see if you qualify. You will feel relief from financial stress and the burden of debt instantly! â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE LORD IS MY PORTION,â&#x20AC;? SAYS MY SOUL,â&#x20AC;?THEREFORE I HAVE HOPE IN HIM.â&#x20AC;? LAMENTATIONS: 3:24. Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? In the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. spouse, who stayed at home most of the You are called in family law lingo “the in marriage, gets a one half interest on all the spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo accumulations during the marriage under also called the “out spouse” gets a half California community property law. For interest on everything accumulated during example, if you opened a savings account the marriage even if the asset is under your during the marriage under your name alone name alone or it was accumulated solely for which you religiously and diligently due to your sweat and hard work. The out stash away 25% of your earnings during the

marriage while your spouse blows away his/ her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business. Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7; Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party.Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872. Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b). Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612©; Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90. Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the

court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information. A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612©. If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce. 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, APLC This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section, Estates and Trusts section, and Immigration law sections 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 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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How you respond to debt problems will determine outcome If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re like most people, making money and thinking about money takes up a significant amount of your time. In the world that we live in, money is an important issue in our lives. Having enough of it gives us peace of mind knowing that we can provide for our families. On the other hand, when we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough of it, we feel restricted about our choices. Sometimes, we even feel guilty and question whether we are doing enough. There is no doubt that there are a myriad of emotional issues involved in case. A lot of debt problems can be caused dealing with money because it affects all by events beyond your control (example: areas of our lives. the real estate market crash in recent years) This is the reason why being in debt so it is not always necessarily your fault. can have devastating emotional effects on Other people respond with denial. people. When you are doing your best to Instead of acknowledging the reality of handle all your financial obligations but their situation and doing something about itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still â&#x20AC;&#x153;not good enoughâ&#x20AC;?, you may feel it, they do nothing until their situation like a failure although thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often not the gets worse.

S&P 500 at record on Best Buy earnings, CVS deals New York, United States (AFP) Thursday 5/21/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The S&amp;P 500 rose to a new record Thursday following strong earnings from Best Buy and news that CVS Health would acquire senior pharmacy services company Omnicare for $12.7 billion. The S&amp;P 500 gained 4.97 points (0.23 percent) at 2,130.82, a little less than two points above Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record. The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 19.05 (0.38 percent) to 5,090.79, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially flat, adding a scant 0.34 at 18,285.74. Electronics retailer Best Buy surged 3.9 percent after reporting that first-quarter earnings translated into 37 cents per share, eight cents above analyst forecasts. CVS said the purchase of Omnicare will enable it to boost prescription sales in assisted-living and long-term care facilities. The transaction comes on the heels of numerous deals in the pharma and health care industries.

Omnicare rose 1.7 percent, while CVS advanced 2.4 percent. Hewlett-Packard advanced 2.3 percent after announcing it will sell a 51 percent stake in its China-based server business for $2.3 billion to Tsinghua Holdings, the investment arm of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tsinghua University. The two companies are creating a new company called H3C. Apple rose 1.0 percent after Morgan Stanley raised its estimates for iPhone and Apple watch sales. Amazon gained 1.8 percent on news that Morgan Stanley raised its profit forecasts, citing improved efficiencies at the online retailer. Salesforce, a cloud computing company, vaulted 3.9 percent after reporting a profit of $4.1 million in the first quarter, compared with loss of $96.9 million a year ago. Lumber Liquidators, which sells hardwood flooring, tumbled 16.5 percent after it said chief executive Robert Lynch had resigned unexpectedly.

These people find it too difficult to face the facts so they put off dealing with their debt problems until something bad like a lawsuit, wage garnishment or foreclosure happens. They feel that confronting their problems is too painful and too stressful so they sweep things under the rug and pretend that their problems do not exist. Listen to me! You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to wait until your debt problems have taken over your life before doing something about them. There is a solution to every debt problem. You may not see it now because you have not taken the time to find out what your options are. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to say it will necessarily be easy. Sacrifices may have to be made to get you back on track but it is possible. So stop blaming yourself, others, the government,

the economy or anyone for where you are. Because the truth is that regardless of what caused you to be where you are right now, ONLY YOU can do something about it and change your life for the better. If you need help in getting out of debt, call my office at 866-477-7772 to schedule a free confidential consultation. Since 1998, I have successfully helped more than 6,000 clients in solving their debt problems. I have offices in Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL- FREE 1-866477-7772).

Prostitute pleads guilty in drug death of Google exec San Francisco, United States (AFP) Tuesday 5/19/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A prostitute who injected a Google executive with a lethal dose of heroin aboard his yacht off the coast of California faces a six-year jail term after pleading guilty on Tuesday. Alix Tichelman, 27, was originally charged with manslaughter, prostitution, destroying evidence and transporting a controlled substance for her role in the overdose of 51-year-old Forrest Hayes in November 2013. She pleaded guilty on Tuesday to administering a controlled substance and involuntary manslaughter, according to local media reports. Tichelman is to get credit for time she has already spent in custody pending trial. As the case worked its way through court, her attorney argued that the two were taking drugs together consensually and that his client had no intent whatsoever of harming Hayes. She was arrested on July 4 of last year by Santa Cruz police, who identified her as the woman in a surveillance video on the yacht where Hayes was found dead of an overdose some eight months earlier. The city of Santa Cruz is a beach community in Northern California, about 40 miles from Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in the Silicon Valley city of Mountain View. The video shows Hayes suffering â&#x20AC;&#x153;medical complicationsâ&#x20AC;? and passing out after being injected by Tichelman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and then shows her leaving the scene, instead of administering first aid or calling for an ambulance, police said. Tichelman stepped over Hayes at one point to finish a glass of wine, according to investigators, who added that she lowered window blinds to hide the man from view.

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15 OC Girl Scouts Bag Gold Awards for Community Impact Projects Fifteen young women belonging to the North and Central Girl Scouts of Orange County had achieved in the first 18 years of their lives a solid indication of what’s in store for them in the future. They represent shining examples of youth well spent and stood above the ordinary in bagging the honors that only rightfully belong to the dedicated and future-oriented. Averaging 12.6 years of involvement in the scouting movement among them, these 15 awardees, recipients of The Girl Scout Gold Award, had earned for

themselves the honor of achieving what is considered the highest achievement in Girl Scouting “where only 6 percent of eligible girls earn the award”. The award sets the high bars in making a difference to introduce change in the community and earn their tickets to college scholarships later on. What is more important is the overall process of what they had to undergo to earn the distinction- the development of leadership qualities that enable them to conceptualize projects that would address a community need Gold Award: Liza Villanueva (second from left) enjoys “not only in the short term but in the moment after receiving a gold award for her Girl the years to come”. From project Scout Project iDREAM for which she was nominated this year’sYoung Women of Distinction Award of concept to actual implementation, for the Girl Scout. Fourteen other awardees had their these young leaders were totally moment of fame at the awards rites in Fullerton last May 17. involved. King Solomon, the son of King David old, he will not depart from it’. This golden of the Bible, addressed a lot of issues in the guidance applied to the 15 awardees whose three thousand proverbs that he wrote in nurturing parents lived up to the advice and his life time. One of the important advises enjoyed the fruits later on. ABAOC Small Business Dev’t Day: Members of the Corporate Panel (from L-R) Virginia Abadessa (Orange County Transportation Authority), Marlene Gomez (Southern California he gave concerned the manner of dealing In vying for the award, Living contesMinority Supplier Development Council), Arnice Lamb (Disney Supplier Diversity), Eric Fisher with children when he penned in Proverbs tants had up to their sleeves in identifying (Southern California Edison) and Adam Stump (Wells Fargo Bank) share their area’s expertise 22, verse 6 which says “Train up a child community needs, becoming resourceful at the Asian Business Association of Orange County’s Small Business Development Day at in the way he should go: and when he is problem solvers, advocating for themselves Wyndham Hotel in Garden Grove. At the podium is ABAOC President Tom Nguyen, moderator. and others, educating and inspiring others to act and being empowered to make a Come Come difference in the world. Celebrate a Heritage of Freedom And be with your Countrymen Liza Villanueva of Troy High School with the Filipino American and Friends to Enjoy Great Food, in Fullerton, has been a girl scout since Community of Southern California Music and Dancing 2002 and was influenced by her mother, Lalaine, who was a girl scout herself in her days. Knowing the virtues the scouting movement had to offer and the characterbuilding advantage of being its fold, she became a staunch supporter of her only daughter in making a difference. Liza has earned her a nomination ticket as “Young Women of Distinction” given annually. The NYWOD is given annually to ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Awardee to bestow honor to senior girl scouts and ambassadors whose awardwinning projects demonstrated “extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and Guest Speaker sustainable impact, and addressed a local Honorable Rob Bonta challenge related to national and /or global Member, California State Assembly issue”. Liza is the founder of the nonprofit iDREAM an acronym for Imagination, Discovery, Research, Education and Art and Music Express which was established to put up learning centers around the world. The pilot mobile center is stationed in the Philippines where it travels to two locations with a team of volunteers. Targets of the project are street children who are cleaned, fed, and taught basic reading, writGinang Kalayaan Mutya Ng Kalayaan Binibining Kalayaan ing and math. The next countries targeted Iris Benitez-Ramirez Jannah France Napoles Orbita Gisella Marie Vasquez are Mexico and India. After graduating from high school this Hosted By Saturday, June 6, 2015 year, Liza will be attending American 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM University in Washington, D.C. as a community-based research scholar and work THE ANAHEIM with nonprofit organizations while study777 Convention Way, Anaheim CA 92802 ing Public Relations and Public Policy. Tel: (714) 884-8180 FREE SELF PARKING The other Gold Awardees at the awardFor Information and Tickets ing ceremonies held May 17 at Fisler Elementary School in Fullerton included Event Chair Zeny Sabocor: (323) 222-6531 Afraah Javed (for an inter-faith youth Event Vice Chair Josie De Jesus: (714) 272-0300 A 501 (c) (3) California Non-Profit Corporation program between a local mosque and a Mormon church), Angela Liou (Math MaBackground is the Silhouette of the Quince Martires Monument in Naga City nipulatives to improve math efficiency for Sponsors second graders), Ariel Min (Lego project A partial list of Kalayaan sponsors includes to enhance reading), Brenna Le (Personal Serry and Zeny Sabocor, Femy Araneta, Finance and Everyday Business),Brooke MEDIA PARTNERS Lolita Frialde Bandong, Atty. & Mrs. Hepner (Get Fit with Field Events),Celia Abraham Lim, Josie and Marc De Jesus, Janes (Find Your Voice, helping children and Chito & Bessie Mandap. to speak up and talk face-to-face), Destiny Mahood (Melanoma Awareness in Student Athletes), Emily Dabrow (After-School Speakers and Activities), Gena Hegazi UNIFIED PHYSICIANS IPA (Healthy Community Garden), Aamna Dr. Rene Lim, President & CEO Abbasi (Community Service Program for Middle School), Haleema Abbasi (The MAYFLOWER Science CAN! Initiative, and Lauren Tasse RESTAURANT (Making Meaningful Music).

The 117th Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

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Home electrical systems don’t have to show their age National Electrical Safety Month is a good time to upgrade older homes to combat the safety hazards that can occur with neglect By Paul Netter Southern California Edison

May 19, 2015 – It’s a fact that about half of today’s homes were built before 1970. It’s also true that many of the appliances and electronics used in those homes today did not exist when they were constructed. It is a combination that can compromise safety. Hairdryers, computers and video games can stress and overwhelm aging home electrical systems, creating the potential for fires, shocks and electrocutions. During National Electrical Safety Month and beyond, it is a good time to be aware of the potential hazards. Each year, home electrical problems lead to an estimated 53,600 fires, 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damages. Many of those fires start in older homes unequipped to handle today’s technology overload, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Rick Flores, an inspector with the LA County Fire Department, says overloaded older electrical systems and overused extension cords are the leading causes of electrical fires for his department. “It’s all education mostly that people need to understand and if they don’t, a qualified electrician will explain it,” he said. “If you have an older-style home, it’s probably just a good idea to get an upgrade to the newer style of breakers.” One of those upgrades includes more power outlets. Older homes generally have

fewer outlets than newer homes, which can lead to an overuse of extension cords. “Overusing extension cords is probably the No. 1 fire threat,” said Flores. “The first step is not to use them long-term. If you need more outlets, have a professional come and add them.” Another important upgrade to older homes is the installation of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters that immediately shut off power and prevent fires when they detect arc faults. These advanced circuit breakers protect against the unintentional release of electricity from aging, damaged or improperly installed home wiring, cords or appliances. “Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are very effective in recognizing and eliminating dangerous arcing conditions,” said Don Neal, director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety at Southern California Edison (SCE). “However, they should only be installed by a qualified electrician, and they should be tested regularly to make sure they’re working correctly and protecting the circuit.” Meanwhile, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets – also often lacking in older homes – are proven life savers in areas where water may come into contact with electrical items. Many experts believe that if they were present in most older homes, 70 percent of the estimated 400 home electrocutions annually could be prevented. “From aging wiring to deteriorating connections, your home may be showing warning signs,” said Neal. “A qualified professional who understands all of the electrical codes and wiring can help older homes achieve a new level of protection.” This story first appeared on the Edison Newsroom.

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Do you want to get clear skin? Introducing to you a special type of Korean skin care Aqua Peel Facial, the newest skin treatment that provides both non-invasive exfoliation and the delivery of solutions to safely and painlessly cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin. The Aqua Peel System is unique because it does not use crystallizers and other abrasive particles that can irritate the skin. This is a very basic step to clear skin. Visible results after the first treatment and more significant results can be seen after 4 to 6 treatments. Treatments are done every 7 to 10 days. This type of treatment treats all skin types including hyperpigmentation, acne, photo damage, dehydration, blackheads, and fine line wrinkles. This method cleans the skin very deeply while softening sebum and impurities to help with extractions. It also helps in removing dead cells for exfoliation and provides residual hydration that helps in firming and smoothing fine lines. If you are interested in getting clear skin, please contact Jane’s Skin Care at (213)725-8534.

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FOOD & DINING

FAMILY FEATURES

he fresh, enticing flavors of the sea are calling. This summer, amp up your outdoor dining experience with recipes that offer a nutritious and delicious alternative to garden-variety grilled fare like burgers and steaks. Low in fat and sodium, and high in heart-healthy omega-3s, Alaska seafood takes on a whole new appeal when prepared over an open flame. Grilling Alaska seafood is easy with simple preparations, such as these, that let the flavor of quality seafood stand front and center. For more guest-worthy recipes, visit www. wildalaskaseafood.com. Nutrition at a Glance Serve a smarter entree

option Families who want to feel good about what they eat can feel confident when they serve Alaska sockeye salmon, a versatile protein that is sustainably harvested. From one of the most bountiful fishing regions in the world, Alaska salmon have never been listed as endangered or threatened. In fact, sustainable seafood practices are so essential to Alaska, it’s written into the state’s constitution. As a flavor-packed source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein and other nutrients, such as selenium, phosphorus and potassium, wild Alaska sockeye salmon makes a great mealtime addition. At only 220 calories per 3.5-ounce serving, it’s a delicious, low-calorie entree.

The nutritional information for wild Alaska sockeye salmon, based on the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22: Serving size 3.5 ounces/100 grams Calories 220 Protein 27 grams Fat 11 grams Saturated fat 2 grams Sodium 65 milligrams Cholesterol 85 milligrams Omega-3 1200 milligrams

Border Grill Grilled Alaska Cod Tacos Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 Marinade: 2 1/2 tablespoons cumin seeds 3 jalapeño chiles, stemmed and cut in half 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1 large bunch cilantro 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 pounds wild Alaska cod fillets 12 small (4 to 6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed 6 lettuce leaves, torn in half 1 cup high-quality, store-bought salsa fresca 1 cup guacamole (see recipe below), or high-quality, store-bought guacamole Lime wedges, for serving Guacamole: 5 ripe avocados, preferably California Hass 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 medium red onion, diced 4 jalapeño chiles, stemmed, seeded and finely diced 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For marinade, lightly toast cumin seeds in dry skillet over low heat just until aroma is released, about 5 minutes. Transfer seeds to blender. Add jalapeños, garlic, salt, pepper and lime juice and puree until cumin seeds

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are finely ground. Add cilantro and olive oil and puree until smooth. Using hands, generously cover cod entirely with marinade and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat medium-hot grill, broiler oven or pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Cook fish until nearly opaque throughout, about 2–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove fish from heat, cool slightly and pull apart into large flakes. To make guacamole, cut avocados in half. Remove seeds, peel, quarter and place in mixing bowl. Mash with potato masher or fork until chunky. Add remaining ingredients and combine with fork. Serve immediately. To assemble tacos, place warm tortillas on work surface and line each with piece of lettuce. Top with chunks of fish, a generous spoonful of salsa fresca and guacamole. Serve immediately accompanied by lime wedges. Notes: Guacamole recipe will yield 3 cups total. To warm tortillas, dip corn tortillas in water, shaking off excess. Toast, in batches, in nonstick pan over moderate heat, about 1 minute per side. Wrap in towel to keep warm.

Alaska Sockeye Salmon with Herbs and Garlic Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 13 minutes Servings: 4–6 1 1/2 pounds Alaska sockeye salmon, fresh or thawed Cooking spray 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup white wine 2 tablespoons melted butter or extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Heat grill to 375°F. Cut 2 pieces of wide, heavy-duty aluminum foil about 6 inches longer than salmon side. Stack foil pieces (shiny side down) on baking sheet and spray generously with cooking spray. Place salmon, skin side down, in middle of foil. Fold foil sides and ends up (1–2 inches) to make shallow pan around salmon, leaving at least a 1-inch margin around fish. Season salmon with salt and pepper. In small bowl, mix together wine, butter, garlic and herbs. Spoon mixture over top of salmon, drizzling with any remaining liquid. Carefully transfer foil pan to center of preheated grill. Do not cover salmon with foil or close foil over salmon. Close grill cover and cook 10–13 minutes, cooking just until fish is lightly translucent in center — it will finish cooking from retained heat. Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes before serving. Cook’s tip: Check salmon for doneness at 10 minutes.

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Cannes beauty trends: Cat eyes, smoky eyes and luscious lips Monday May 18 2015 (Relaxnews) – After keeping things natural and subtle at the start of the Cannes Film Festival (headbands, nude makeup), celebrities broke out their more glamorous beauty looks over the weekend. The gaze is emphasized by smoky shadow or cat eye liner, while classic red hues and shiny glosses bring out the lips. While designer gowns may claim most of the attention on the red carpet, makeup is an equally essential element that can make or break any look. Before climbing the famous steps at the Palais des Festivals, celebrities must plan their look to avoid mishaps, keeping in mind the potential threats of rain, wind and possibly even tears. During the first weekend of Cannes 2015, celebrities went for classic Hollywood glamour, sporting dark and mysterious eyes, pin-up girl lips and refined up-dos on the red carpet. Smoky shadow vs. the cat-eye flick Always generously made up for this type of event, the eyes were shimmery and intense this weekend, with most celebrities choosing either dark and smoky eyeshadow or a cat eye flick of liner at the outer corners. A timeless technique, the smoky eye is still big on the red carpet at Cannes this year, though beauty-savvy celebrities know not to overdo it. Black and charcoal eyeshadows are still a popular choice, along with grey, olive green and burgundy shades, guaranteeing a dramatic effect and the appearance of larger eyes. Eva Longoria, Sophie Marceau and Sienna Miller were all spotted wearing smoldering smoky eyes this weekend. Meanwhile, some celebrities opted for more natural eyeshadow shades, leaving

Eva Longoria and her smoky eye. ©AFP PHOTO / Anne-Christine Poujoulat

the drama to the liner with a cat eye effect. Natasha Poly and Svetlana Khodchenkova were among those wearing a feline flick on the outer corners of their eyes. Gloss vs. red lips At the Cannes Film Festival just like anywhere else, the same rule of thumb applies: dark and dramatic eyes call for more subtle lips (nude shades or a simple gloss), while dark lips call for more natural eyes. For the most part, celebrities stuck to this formula, meaning that red carpet beauty looks alternated between glamorous red lips and glossy pouts in pale pink. Among those who chose red lipstick for a more sensual smile were Sienna Miller, Aishwarya Rai and Maïwenn, as well as Sonam Kapoor, whose lips popped in a redorange shade. Salma Hayek, Diane Kruger and Naomi Watts, on the other hand, simply wore a touch of gloss for a natural shine.

Caffeine linked with lower levels of erectile dysfunction (Relaxnews) – Men who drank two to three cups of coffee a day, or their equivalent in caffeine, were found to be less likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) in a study from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. In the study, which was published in PLOS ONE, men who consumed 85-170 milligrams of caffeine a day were 42 percent less likely to report ED, while those who drank 171-303 mg daily were 39 percent less likely com-

pared to those who drank 0-7 mg a day. That trend was also true among overweight, obese and hypertensive men, although not for those with diabetes, a strong risk factor for ED. Caffeine sources included coffee, tea, soda and sports drinks. It is suggested that caffeine triggers a series of pharmacological effects that ultimately result in an increase in penile blood flow. Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Omega-3s may boost cognitive flexibility in at-risk older adults A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has found that for adults at risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids could have a positive effect of cognitive flexibility. Looking at 40 cognitively healthy older adults between the ages of 65 and 75 who were carriers of the gene variant APOE e4, which is associated with risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s, researchers tested participants’ cognitive flexibility, measured blood levels of the fatty acids EPA and DHA, and did MRI brain imaging. Their findings: that those who consumed higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated greater cognitive flexibility – which refers to the ability to switch between tasks – and had a larger anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that is associated with cognitive flexibility. The study was published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

Foods containing omega-3s may keep our brains sharp as we age. ©HLPhoto/ shutterstock.com

For a tighter tummy eat your meals, don’t skip them Thursday May 21 2015 (Relaxnews) Skipping meals could lead to abdominal weight gain, according to a new study on mice from Ohio State University. Mice that ate one large meal and fasted the rest of the day developed the prediabetic condition of insulin resistance in their livers. This means the liver stops responding to insulin, continuing to produce glucose, which leads to a surplus of sugar in the blood. That extra sugar is stored as fat, the energy-storing white fat, which is less desirable than its counterpart, energyburning brown fat. In the beginning, these same mice were fed a restricted diet and lost weight while a control group was given free-for-all access to food. Mice that had dieted gained back most of the weight they had lost, nearly catching up to the control group by the study’s end. Even though they didn’t gain back the entirety of the weight they lost, the mouse equivalent to human belly fat weighed more for those that had dieted. This kind of fat, in addition to being unsightly, is associated with the very kind of insulin resistance described above in addition to increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Not an excuse to graze all day Human nutrition professor Martha Belury of Ohio State says her findings do not support the notion that eating multiple

small meals over the course of a day could help you lose weight. “But you definitely don’t want to skip meals to save calories because it sets your body up for larger fluctuations in insulin and glucose and could be setting you up for more fat gain instead of fat loss,” she says. Even though mice were used, Belury says the behavior of the group that dieted matched that of human dieters, developing gorging behavior as a result of calorie deprivation that eventually made them so full they would go as long as 20 hours without food. Make it the end of one-meal-days This bingeing-and-fasting behavior turned the mice’s metabolism topsy-turvy and the research team believes it caused insulin production to spike and subsequently plummet. These same mice exhibited increased inflammation and higher activation of genes that promote fat storing, according to the study, published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. “Under conditions when the liver is not stimulated by insulin, increased glucose output from the liver means the liver isn’t responding to signals telling it to shut down glucose production,” says Belury. “These mice don’t have type 2 diabetes yet, but they’re not responding to insulin anymore and that state of insulin resistance is referred to as pre-diabetes.”

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OPINION

US raises pressure as more grim Asian migrant tales emerge By Nurdin Hasan

Langsa, Indonesia (AFP) Saturday 5/16/2015 – Washington raised the pressure on Southeast Asia to open its ports to boatpeople on Saturday after migrants described a terrifying battle for survival between Rohingya and Bangladeshi passengers as their shunned vessel sank off Indonesia. The US State Department said John Kerry had phoned his Thai counterpart “to discuss the situation of migrants in the Andaman Sea and to discuss the possibility of Thailand providing temporary shelter for them”. “We urge governments in the region to refrain from push-backs of new boat arrivals,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said. He called on Southeast Asian authorities “to work together quickly, first and foremost to save the lives of migrants.” Southeast Asia is in the grips of a deepening crisis over a flood of boatpeople with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand coming under pressure to rescue the starving and helpless migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar’s oppressed Muslim Rohingya minority. The UN refugee agency has reported a surge in departures from Bay of Bengal ports in recent months, and activists say 8,000 people may be adrift after a Thai crackdown severed busy human-trafficking routes. Survivors of a boat that sank off the east coast of Sumatra island – among roughly 900 people rescued off Indonesia on Friday – described a violent struggle between Bangladeshis and Rohingya for scarce food and space. “They were killing each other, throwing people overboard,” said Sunarya, police chief of the city of Langsa near where they were rescued. The jam-packed boat had put to sea two months ago, and with supplies running low, its Thai captain would shoot dead migrants who asked for food, said Muhammad Amin, a Rohingya. Violent struggle on doomed boat The captain and crew abandoned ship earlier this week, and as the boat was turned away first by Indonesia and then Malaysia, the Rohingya won a violent struggle for remaining supplies, said Bangladeshi survivor Muhammad Koyes. “When we asked for food, they beat us. The Bangladeshis were very weak, so we could not fight back,” he said. More fighting broke out as the boat took on water, Muhammad Amin said, and he and others were thrown overboard. He drifted six hours before being rescued. “Thank God we survived, I have a wife and children in Malaysia,” he said. Nearly 600 migrants were already sheltering in Sumatra’s Aceh province after managing to get ashore in recent days. The Bangladeshis are believed to be mainly economic migrants. But Rohingya have been fleeing their homes in Rakhine state in droves—bound largely for Malaysia—to escape years of sectarian violence and discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Each spring, boats stream southward out of the Bay of Bengal, trying to beat seasonal monsoon storms. Hundreds die every year, according to the UN refugee agency. The flow has surged recently as traffickers have duped migrants by waiving payment for passage, said Hla Myint, a Rohingya leader in a refugee camp near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe. Instead, they later demand ransoms from migrants’ families once at sea, or ashore in Thailand or Malaysia.

Mar Roxas ‘unwinnable?’ Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Mar Roxas and his popular and controversial broadcaster wife, Korina Sanchez, must be having sleepness nights nowadays. Despite his constant exposure in both print and broadcast media as Cabinet secretary in the Aquino administration, Roxas has very little or no success at all in endearing himself to millions of Filipino voters. There also seems to be a growing consensus among Liberal Party bigwigs that they will have a tough time besting Vice President Jejomar Binay in 2016 should Roxas be their presidential candidate to the point that they are now discussing the option of adopting a winnable candidate even outside the LP. As of now, Roxas has very limited options for 2016. I don’t think he will swallow his pride and slide down to being a vice presidential candidate again. He already sacrificed his presidential ambition when he gave way to then Sen. Noynoy six years ago. Besides, there is also no guarantee that he will win hands down if he decides to run for the vice presidency. That is exactly what happened to him when he lost to then Makati Mayor Binay, the running mate of Mayor Joseph Estrada in the 2010 presidential election. His only option is to run for a senate seat. I think he has a good chance of being elected as a senator. His poll survey ratings for the 2016 presidential election has remained stagnant for months, causing concerns and apprehension in the party. Although Roxas has not made any categorical statement whether or not he will run for president, most political analysts are giving him a slim chance of winning due to his consistent poor showings in almost all poll surveys conducted in recent months. Worried about the possibility of the opposition party winning the prersidency next year, Senate President Frank Drilon called on Roxas to make a categorical statement regarding his presidential aspiration as soon as possible to preserve the gains and achievements of the Aquino administration on reforms and “(sa) daang matuwid.” Roxas’ failure to improve his ratings among voters preference is well known to his party-mates. LP bigwigs are now entertaining the possibility of adopting Senator Grace Poe as the administration presidential candidate in next year’s national elections, instead of Roxas. They have a point. Sen. Poe has closed the gap between herself and Vice President Jejomar Binay, based on then latest poll surveys conducted by the Social Weather Station. Binay and Senator Poe are separated by only five points. Roxas, the presumptive administration candidate, is way way down in third place and tied with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Roxas’ poor showing

in political surveys for months have caused concern and apprehension among political leaders aligned with President Noynoy. Even the President is giving a broad hint of anointing Senator Poe as his successor, following their recent closed door meeting in Malacañang before departing for Canada two weeks ago. The President, however, gave no details to the media about his closed door meeting with Poe. Sen. Poe, on the other hand, told the media that she and the President discussed possible political alliances in the coming 2016 election and choosing the right presidential candidate who will continue the programs of the Aquino government. She also made it clear that the President did not say what would be her role in 2016 once she agrees to join the LP. As of now, the surveys are showing that Binay and Poe are the frontrunners for the 2016 presidential election. If Duterte will persist in running, he will be the third force. I doubt it if he will pursue his candidacy, considering that he has no political machinery to rely on, and has limited financial resources to ensure an effective presidential campaign. Of the three, Binay is the only one who has an effective political machinery and a vast amount of financial resources to sustain him throughout the presidential campaign period – despite the recent freeze order on what could be hundreds of bank accounts. If Sen. Poe agrees to be the administration candidate, she can match the amount of money Binay will spent through the campaign period. The LP has an unlimited supply of money. All President Nonoy has to do is order Secretary Butch Abad to withdraw the “people’s money” from DAP, PDAF, Bureau of Customs and Public Works. Senator Poe and Mayor Duterte have yet to announce their plans for the coming presidential elections. Sen. Poe, however, is being secretly recruited by some LP bigwigs close to President Noynoy, over the strong objections of some political leaders loyal to Secretary Roxas. Despite a significant drop in approval ratings Binay remains to be the top choice of Filipino voters to be their next president, according to the latest SWS poll survey. For the past several months, Binay and his family has been hounded by bad publicity, due to alleged unexplained wealth and involvement in anomalous government contracts.

Drilon: Binay not immune from lawsuits MANILA, May 19 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon contradicted on Tuesday a lawyer’s statement that Vice President Jejomar Binay was immune from suits, saying that “no one is above the law.” Drilon said it would be difficult to accept the argument of University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque Jr. that any case that would be filed against the Vice President would be dismissed since he was enjoying immunity from lawsuits while in office. “Medyo mahirap pong tanggapin ang ganung klaseng position dahil sa ating sinusunod sa demokrasya, tayo po ay pantay-pantay sa ilalim ng batas. Mayaman ka man o mahirap, makapangyarihan o pangkaraniwang mamamayan, kung tayo po ay may pananagutan sa batas, dapat tayo ay (panagutin),” the Senate leader said in a radio interview on Tuesday. (That kind of argument is a bit hard to accept because in our democracy, we are all equal under the law. Whether you are rich or poor, powerful or ordinary citizens, if you have violated the law then you should be held liable) “No one is above the law. Under the theory of

Professor Harry Roque, kung ikaw ay nagnakaw, basta impeachable official ka, hindi ka pwedeng sampahan ng kaso. Ako po ay hindi sang-ayon diyan at ‘yan po ay labag sa ating basic principle of justice dahil lahat po tayo ay pantay-pantay sa ilalim ng batas. Kung tayo po ay nagkasala, dapat po may pananagutan tayo. No one is above the law,” Drilon stressed. (No one is above the law. Under the theory of Professor Harry Roque, if you stole from the people, you can’t be charged as long as you’re an impeachable officer. I do not agree with it and that’s a violation of our basic principle of justice because we are all equal under the law. If we committed a crime, then we should be held liable. No one is above the law) In his blog, Roque also said that the Anti-Money Laundering Council’s (AMLC) petition to freeze Binay’s assets and any court action to declare these funds as proceeds of crimes would violate the Vice President’s immunity from suits. The Court of Appeals has reportedly granted the AMLC petition and subsequently ordered to freeze the bank accounts of Binay, his wife and son, and some of his alleged dummies. (MNS)

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ENTERTAINMENT

Janice de Belen breaks silence on Gerald Janice de Belen finally broke her silence amid persistent speculations that she is the real reason Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador broke up. De Belen said she did not feel the need to speak up about the matter because “everybody already believed it.” “Kasi feeling ko wala ng point kasi naniwala na lahat eh. Ano pang point para klaruhin ko ‘yung issue or para i-deny ko or whatever when everybody already believed it? Kaya sabi ko huwag na. Kasi kapag persistent na masyado, Instagram na lang. Ganun na lang kasimple. Isip ka na lang ng pinakamadali – parang your point will get through so ‘yun na lang,” she said. Both Anderson and Salvador have already denied that de Belen is involved in their breakup. Just like the former couple, de Belen said she is also clueless as to how the rumor started, especially because she was in Korea when it first surfaced. “Magandang tanong [kung bakit ako ang natsitsismis], kasi kahit ako hindi ko alam. Bakit ako? Wala bang ibang mas sexy or mas maganda? Bakit ako? I feel na lahat sila, parang ‘yun din ang tanong, ‘Bakit siya?’” she said. But having been in show business for a very long time, de Belen said she is no longer bothered by reports which she knows are not true. “Ilang taon ko na ba ginagawa ang pagaartista? So para sa akin, sanay na ako na natsi-tsismis. Of course ang worry ko lang was my children. Tinanong lang nila ako. Tapos sinagot ko na ‘yung katanungan, klaro na. Alam na kaagad nila,” she said.

ba? That’s why I never bothered to take down any pictures from my Instagram. I never bothered to unfollow anybody kasi bakit?” she explained. Nonetheless, de Belen said she is thankful to both Anderson and Salvador for clearing her name. The two Kapamilya stars, in separate interviews, said they have nothing but respect for the “Oh My G” actress. “Hindi naman nila kailangan gawin because there really is no reason to. Siguro

out of their respect and their love for me kaya nila ginawa ‘yun. I am really very thankful,” she said. Asked how she will act if she comes across Anderson, de Belen said: “I will still hug him as tight. I will still be that close to him kasi wala naman talaga. It’s really weird.” De Belen portrayed Salvador’s mother in “Ina, Kapatid, Anak,” a year after she played Anderson’s mom in the 2012 primetime series, “Budoy.” (MNS)

Why Richard Gutierrez is picky with showbiz projects Janice de Belen

According to de Belen, she remains friends with Anderson despite the issue, although she also admitted that she considered distancing herself from the actor just so the rumors would die. “Hindi naman [kami awkward]. Wala lang talaga kaming chance na magkita. Alam mo naisip ko yan. Paano kapag nagkita kami? Kasi more than the tsismis itself, nakakasira kasi yung tsismis ng friendships. So feeling ko, dapat ba akong umiwas? Dapat ba wag ko na lang siya pansinin? Or dapat ba kapag nakita ko siya, tumakbo ako palayo para wala na lang masabi ‘yung tao?” “‘Di ba dapat ang basis ng friendship niyo, kung magkaibigan kayo, kahit ano pa ang sabihin ng ibang tao, dapat walang magbago. Although I really thought about that para wala na lang masabi ang tao. But then, if you do that, mukha akong guilty ‘di

Richard Gutierrez said it was his choice to be picky with his television projects as he wants to spend more time with son, Zion. “As of now I’m choosing my shows carefully. I don’t want to be tied up particularly to one network. So, I’m happy with that kind of set up right now,” he said. The actor will soon be back on television via talent reality competition “KISPINOY,” which he co-hosts with model/DJ Jinri Park. The show, slated to premiere on TV5 in June, will also feature Rico Blanco and General Luna’s Nicole Asencio. Gutierrez said he accepted the project as it’s something new to him and the viewers. The actor previously hosted a reality show in GMA. “I think it’s a different landscape in our local television. Bago siya sa audience natin, it’s something fresh to our audience. And also, the global appeal of this show. I think it’s important to notice that this will give opportunity to Filipino talents to break into, not only the local scene, but

also around Asia,” he said. Gutierrez’s upcoming hosting stint in TV5, however, does not mean he has signed an exclusive contract with the network. In fact, he will appear in the third season of cable reality show “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez” and may do a movie this year. “If it’s a good project and I feel it’s going to do well for me and I can devote time for it, why not? If it’s a good project, why not? I get to have free time and I get to choose wisely of which shows I should do. But I’m very happy to be part of TV5 right now,” Gutierrez said. Asked if his decision to be choosy with his shows has something to do with Zion, the actor said his son is his topmost priority. “We are not getting any younger and you want to choose your projects wisely and spend time wisely also, especially now that I have Zion. I’m just trying to choose which projects are right for me now,” he said.

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SPORTS

Aussie wins ‘tougher’ Sarbay Fest triathlon GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) – The 2nd SarBay Swim-Bike-Run for the Environment triathlon tested the gears and grits of every participant as the course was designed to be more challenging this year. Early morning on May 16, 65 triathletes answered the gun start at the white sand shore of Gumasa, Glan for the highly-anticipated triathlon organized by the provincial government and Smart Communications. There were alterations to the usual route of the triathlon this year making the race more challenging. However, 36 veteran triathletes were undaunted. They registered in the standard or Olympic distance which included a 1.5km swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run or a total of 51.5-km. Those new in the world of triathlon registered in the sprint category. It is half the distance to be traversed in the Olympic set. Michael Murphy, an Australian elite triathlete representing the Red Cross, expressed how challenging the race was. He won the Olympic category with a time of 2:22:43. “The race was unbelievable. It was my first time here in Sarbay (triathlon) and it blew my expectations,” Murphy stated. “It was one of the toughest courses I have ever been in a bike and run. But what

kept me going is the cheers of the children, like there was an entire community supporting you here,” he added. Murphy also revealed that he is planning to start a training camp in Sarangani Bay to prepare himself for the next SarBay Swim-Bike-Run triathlon of Smart and Sarangani Province. Lea Coline Langit (2:16:48) grabbed the first place in the over-all standard female category. Mark Alfred Arroyo and wife Collie Castillo Arroyo added a milestone in their married life as they finished the hardened triathlon. Mark finished the race in 03:01:15 while Collie followed 17 minutes later, specifically 03:18:07. “It was a tough race but we finished it together,” said the Arroyo couple when asked to describe the triathlon. Surprisingly, young triathletes reigned in the sprint category of the Smart SwimBike-Run for the Environment. Kimi Jade Wee, 16, and Gennex Rey Combatir, 15, both from the Gensan Red Sea Lions, finished the sprint category in 2:01:50 and 1:28:00, respectively. “It was a very hard race, especially the running course, where we have to force ourselves just to traverse the uphill and winding roads,” Combatir said. “It was crazy.”

Australian wins Sarbay triathlon in Gumasa, Sarangani (May 19, 2015): Michael Murphy, an Australian triathlete representing the Red Cross, leads the pack of 65 competitors in the 2nd Sarbay triathlon on May 16. Murphy was the over-all male standard winner who finished the swim, bike and run in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 48 seconds. Before winning the Sarbay triathlon, he had already conquered five big triathlon events as recently placing 5th in the 2015 Place Challenge Philippines, and four major events in 2014

According to Nova Concepcion, senior manager of Smart Community Partnerships for Environment and Disaster Preparedness, the SarBay Swim-Bike-Run for the Environment is not just a regular triathlon, but rather, it was designed for advocacy. “Originally, it was just a ‘bike for the environment’ but we piloted it in the SarBay Fest (as Swim-Bike-Run) because we want to have an innovative way of supporting environmental causes,” Concepcion said. “For the past years, we have been

raising an amount of support in specific advocacy, and for this year the proceeds will go to a turtle hatchery. It is just an innovative way of supporting something and Smart is known for innovation, so this is just a translation of that corporate responsibility,” she added. Aside from supporting the Sarangani Bay Turtle Hatchery, Smart will also help the local government in the coastal clean-up after SarBay 2015 and will also conduct a release of some 100,000 bangus fingerlings.

Timberwolves snag first pick in entry draft as Lakers grab second

MTB joins Sarbay action in Gumasa, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – The 1st downhill mountain bike competition is one of the events of Sarbay Festival 2015. Forty participants joined the competition on May 16 to explore the hills of Gumasa. Their age brackets are 19-29 years old, 30-39 years old and the elite pro. Web updates powered by SMART. (Tres Besana/Sarangani Information Office)

New York, United States (AFP) Wednesday 5/20/2015 – The Minnesota Timberwolves won the NBA draft lottery Tuesday, becoming the first team with the worst record to be awarded the top overall pick since the Orlando Magic in 2004. The Los Angeles Lakers moved into the top three and will pick second. The Philadelphia 76ers stayed put at number three, the New York Knicks get the fourth pick and the Orlando Magic round out the top five. It marks the first time in team history Minnesota will pick first. “We have a very young team, and we will add one outstanding young player,” Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said.

“We just want a young man with a great heart and a great mind.” The top draft prospects include power forward Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky and centre Jahlil Okafor of Duke University. Minnesota’s first pick will join forward Andrew Wiggins who was recently named the NBA’s rookie of the year. The Sacramento Kings will pick sixth, the Denver Nuggets seventh, the Detroit Pistons eighth, the Charlotte Hornets ninth, the Heat 10th, the Indiana Pacers 11th, the Utah Jazz 12th, the Phoenix Suns 13th and the Oklahoma City Thunder 14th. The entry draft will be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center arena on June 25.

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Los Angeles City Council approves $15 minimum wage LOS ANGELES – This week, the Los Angeles City Council voted 14-1 to raise the minimum wage in Los Angeles to $15.00 an hour by 2020, plus an additional one-year “phase in” period for small businesses, bringing all workers to $15.00 by 2021. Councilmember Paul Krekorian played a leading role in shaping the legislation. “This is a historic day in the City of Los Angeles, and a step forward in our national dialogue on income inequality,” said Councilmember Krekorian. “We are showing that Los Angeles is leading by increasing our citywide minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers. Los Angeles has become one of the most unaffordable cities in the country. Our wages have not kept pace with the cost

of food, the cost of housing and the cost of transportation. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020 for large businesses and 2021 for small businesses will help close that gap and bring more people into the middle class.” Krekorian continued: “I want to thank Mayor Garcetti for starting the discussion last September and consistently challenging the City Council to do the right thing and raise the minimum wage. His leadership was absolutely critical to this entire process.” New Minimum Wage Schedule Beginning July 1, 2016, the minimum wage in the City of Los Angeles will be as follows: 2016: $10.50

2017: $12.00 2018: $13.25 2019: $14.25 2020: $15.00 Increases will happen on July 1 of the calendar year. Starting on July 1, 2022, the minimum wage will be indexed to THE Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Small Business Wage Schedule Businesses with 25 or fewer employees will receive an additional year to phase in the City’s minimum wage, putting all businesses on the same wage scale on July 1, 2021. 2017: $10.50 2018: $12.00

2019: $13.25 2020: $14.25 2021: $15.00 The full motion approved by the City Council is attached to this email. Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and vice-chair of the Economic Development Committee, represents Council District 2, which includes North Hollywood, Studio City, Valley Village and other communities in the east San Fernando Valley. His website is paulkrekorian.org, where you can sign up for news updates. Visit him on Twitter (@ PaulKrekorian) or Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/krekorian

PHL US Millennium Challenge Corporation reaffirm strong partnership WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a meeting at the Headquarters of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Washington D.C. on 14 May 2015, MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde and Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Philippine Government and MCC. Secretary Soliman noted that the partnership contributes to and strengthens the country’s democratization process.

She cited MCC’s support for the Philippine Government’s community drivendevelopment (CDD) approach in order to empower ordinary citizens to actively and directly participate in local governance. She lauded MCC’s support for the KALAHI-CIDDS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) - one of the three core social protection programs of DSWD in alleviating poverty. Ms. Hyde, in turn, affirmed that MCC is “proud of the partnership” and acknowl-

Shown in the photo above are Secretary Soliman and MCC CEO Dana Hyde

edged the hard work that the DSWD is doing to sustain the MCC projects through the Millennium Challenge Account-Philippine Compact. She also expressed interest to visit the Philippines before the end of the year. Signed on 23 September 2010 in New York City and entered into force on 25 May 2011, the US$434 million First Philippine Compact is intended to allow poor communities to develop small-scale projects and manage assets in a sustainable way, facilitate increased commerce by reducing transportation costs, and increase the efficiency and sustainability of revenue collection through the redesign and computerization of business processes. The Compact symbolizes the strong bilateral ties between with the Philippines and the United States.

The current five-year compact is due to end soon and the Philippines is now working with MCC in preparing for a second compact. The MCC approved the selection of the Philippines as a country eligible for a second compact last December 2014. Secretary Soliman also had several meetings with other MCC officials to discuss the implementation of the KALAHICIDSS. Her meetings with MCC officials came at the end of her four-day visit to Washington, DC from May 11 to 14, which included activities/meetings with World Bank officials led by President Jim Yong Kim and her participation in the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) Forum in which she received the GPSA Award for Leadership in Social Accountability.

Consulate launches iRehistro online application for PHL docs 14 May 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General launches the iREHISTRO Online Application Form Accomplishment and Submission. All Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old on May 09, 2016 and not otherwise disqualified by law, who expect to vote during the 2016 Presidential Elections may avail of the iREHISTRO system to apply for registration as an overseas voter from 13 May to 31 October 2015. The iREHISTRO is an online system which provides Filipino registrants another way of accomplishing the Voters Registration Application Form before coming to the Embassy or Consulate or any Registration Venue. The aim of the project is to lessen

the time of the registrants when applying for voter’s registration. The applicant must present the printed accomplished form to the OV Operator and have their biometrics taken to complete the registration process. To access iRehistro, log on to www. irehistro.com and do the following steps: On the upper right side, click “For Overseas Filipinos, proceed to this page” Select the type of application from the list. Fill up the application form. Print the accomplished application form. DO NOT SIGN THE PRINTED FORM Select the preferred appointment date and time for biometrics capture. (OPTIONAL)

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Outlander Sport named among â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 Most Affordableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but best SUV The 2015 Outlander Sport has a starting MSRP of only $19,595

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced that the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crossover has been named by Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBB. com as one of its â&#x20AC;&#x153;10 Most Affordable SUVs.â&#x20AC;? Known for a long list of features at an affordable price point, the Outlander Sport also received this same recognition in 2014. In its assessment this year, Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBB.com noted that the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport â&#x20AC;&#x153;combines bold, sporty styling with an exceptional warranty that includes 10-year/100,000mile powertrain coverage.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; offers distinctive styling like no other vehicle in its class,â&#x20AC;? said Don Swearingen, Executive

an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Safety Pick,â&#x20AC;? features seven air bags including driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side knee air bag, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control with Traction Control Logic, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Mitsubishi Motorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Filipino Sales Consultant Alex Jacinto with Ruben and patented Reinforced Impact Marliza Maruquin who bought their 2015 Mitsubishi Safety Evolution (RISE) body/ Outlander Sport from him at Puente Hills Mitsubishi. Call Alex at 1-866-400-1067 for your next Mitsubishi car. chassis construction technology that helps absorb and/or Vice President of MMNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of its dissipate energy in the event of extensive list of features, safety technolo- a collision to help protect the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ocgies and an industry-leading warranty, the cupants. In addition, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has established itself as an Outlander seven-passenger crossover has extraordinary value for new car shoppers.â&#x20AC;? also been named by Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, KBB.com as one of its â&#x20AC;&#x153;10 Most Afford-

able 3-Row Vehicles.â&#x20AC;? In 2014, Outlander also was recognized for its affordability by Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBB.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is an outstanding value proposition and comes with a long list of standard safety features and amenities,â&#x20AC;? states Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President, MMNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And for 2016, the Outlander will feature bold new styling and over 100 key engineering and interior refinements, adding even more value to an already feature-laden vehicle.â&#x20AC;? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested to know why the SUV and the Mitsubishi has captured the fancy of millions Americans through the years, all you have to do is get in touch with out kababayans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Filipino Sales & Leasing professional Alex Jacinto and Finance Manager Norm Bustamante â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at Puente Hills Mitsubishi. You can reach them at 1-866-400-1067.

Honda Civic Sedan and Fit are top choices of Edmunds.com The 2015 Honda Civic Sedan (automobiles.honda.com/civic-sedan/) and all-new 2015 Honda Fit 5-door (automobiles.honda.com/fit/) have been recognized as Top Rated Vehicles by Edmunds.com. A total of eight Honda models in six vehicle categories have received the award from Edmunds.com so far this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thrilled to have two more of our core models recognized by Edmunds.com as we continue our progress toward a record sales year for the Honda brand,â&#x20AC;? said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. Edmunds.com evaluates about 200 cars each year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Civic and

Visit Norm Reeves Honda West Covina and check with Patrick Lucas (right) on how to get great deals on a new Honda. To get more for your trade, call Oliver Gilley (left) to check t h e V I P ( Ve h i c l e Improvement Program) that they offer at their dealership. Hurry! Call them now at 1-888-868-9779.

the Fit often represent new buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; introductions into the Honda brand, and this recognition from a trusted

resource offers reassurance that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making the right choice with a Honda.â&#x20AC;? Each vehicle is driven on a standardized road test loop and a test track where instrumented testing in controlled conditions is conducted. Edmunds.com uses its findings to grade how a car stacks up against competitors in respect to size and price class. Vehicles that earn an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? rating receive an Edmunds.com Top Rated Award. Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, and CR-Z along with the Pilot, and CR-V sport-utility

vehicles and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. Find out why Honda is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top brand, get in touch with Patrick Lucas, the Filipino Internet Sales Manager of Norm Reeves Honda West Covina. Call him at 1-888-868-9779. Patrick can show you the new Honda Civic Sedan and Fitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best features or all the features of any Honda vehicle for that matter. Norm Reeves Honda West Covina is located at 1840 East Garvey Ave., South, West Covina, CA 91791. Or visit their website at www.normreeveswestcovina.

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Genesis named one of Autotrader’s top 10 cars for golf lovers FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 14, 2015 – Hyundai’s 2015 Genesis continues to prove its luxury merit, making Autotrader’s list of Top 10 Best New and CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Cars for Golf Lovers. The vehicle was praised for its striking design, advanced technologies, and range of powerful engines. “The Genesis has the suave character of a car that costs twice as much,” said Brian Moody, site editor for Autotrader. “There’s more than enough room in the trunk for two sets of golf clubs, and the vehicle comes standard with a host of luxury and convenience features that golfers everywhere will enjoy.” A feature that golfers are sure to love is Genesis’ Smart Trunk, which will automatically open when drivers stand within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key

loaded club bag, with no leg or foot-waving required to engage. “The 2015 Genesis has a luxury appeal that is undeniable,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Any way you “slice” it, Genesis’ quiet ride, luxurious interior and superb driving dynamics make it a perfect vehicle for golfers.” The 2015 Genesis is also the centerpiece for the 2015 Hyundai Invitational golf tournament Filipino Sales Consultants Jay Trinidad and Jun Milan series, returning in 2015 to conof Win Hyundai of Carson. Give them a call at 1-888- nect golfers from around the 718-7473. country with the Hyundai brand. Fifty of the best charity golf tournafor more than three seconds. This feature is particularly useful for golfers approaching ments around the country will add a Hyunthe vehicle with full hands and a fully- dai sponsorship that includes hole-in-one

opportunities for a new Genesis, donations toward the tournament and numerous other prizes and giveaways. Two winners from each tournament will be invited to compete at the Hyundai Invitational National Final in Las Vegas at the Cascata Golf Club, October 21-23. Whether you play golf or not, Genesis is one of America’s sought-after cars. And if you would like to check out why Genesis is one of Hyundai’s top selling cars, call our kababayans Jun Milan or Jay Trinidad, Filipino Sales & Leasing professionals at Win Hyundai of Carson at 1-888-718-7473. Better yet, drive down to Win Hyundai and feel the luxury of Genesis first-hand. Win Hyundai is conveniently located at 3462 N Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731 in San Gabriel Valley and at 2201 East 223rd St. in Carson, CA 90810.

Google self-driving prototype cars to hit public roads

Google said its self-driving prototype cars were ready to leave the test track and hit public roads in California, in a step forward for its autonomous automobile program.

San Francisco, United States (AFP) Friday 5/15/2015 – Google announced Friday its self-driving prototype cars were ready to leave the test track and hit public roads in California, in a step forward for its autonomous automobile program. The move comes after Google’s internal testing of the bubble-shaped vehicle over the past year and more extensive experience with technology adapted for existing cars. “Now we’re announcing the next step for our project: this summer, a few of the prototype vehicles we’ve created will leave the test track and hit the familiar roads of Mountain View, California, with our safety drivers aboard,” said project chief Chris Urmson in a blog post. “We’ve been running the vehicles through rigorous testing at our test facilities, and ensuring our software and sensors work as they’re supposed to on this new vehicle.” The Google car uses the same technology as its fleet of Lexus SUVs which has logged some 1.6 million kilometers (one million miles). “So the new prototypes already have lots of experience to draw on – in fact, it’s the equivalent of about 75 years of typical American adult driving experience,” Urmson said. In Google’s home town of Mountain View, speeds will be limited to 40 kilometers (25 miles) per hour “and during this next phase of our project we’ll have safety drivers aboard with a removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal that allow them to take over driving if needed,” Urmson said. “We’re looking forward to learning how the community perceives and interacts with the vehicles, and to uncovering challenges that are unique to a fully self-driving vehicle.” Google said earlier this week its adapted vehicles on the road had been involved in 11 minor accidents, but that none were the fault of the technology. That included being hit from behind by other cars or side-swiped.

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All-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata features redesigned Bose sound system optimized for open-air driving MAY 19, 2015 – Today, Bose announces a new sound system for Mazda’s fourthgeneration MX-5 Miata roadster. Redesigned and updated with newly engineered speakers and proprietary technologies, the Bose system in the 2016 MX-5 delivers improved audio performance – optimized for driving with the top down. “Through the years of our close collaboration with Mazda, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the MX-5 has become an industry icon with a loyal legion of owners and enthusiasts around the globe,” said Marc Mansell, vice president, Bose Automotive Systems Division. “So, we wanted to make the sound system for the new MX-5 better than it’s ever been. We improved audio quality, and for open-air driving, the experience is thrilling. You’ll feel and hear the difference the first time you listen.” Adjusting for Open-Air Driving Cabin acoustics in the MX-5 differ significantly depending on roof position. When the top is down, reproducing lifelike sound with a conventional approach compromises clarity and musical detail – vocals and instruments can be lost when competing with ambient noise. But advanced Bose engineering solves that. Bose tuned the system with two separate equalization (EQ) settings – one for topdown driving and one for top-up. The EQ settings, combined with Bose AudioPilot 2 noise compensation technology, adjust automatically depending on roof position, wind noise and road noise. Bose also added new speakers to the driver and passenger seat headrests. Debuting in the 2016 Mazda MX-5, each pair of 2-inch (50mm) Bose UltraNearfield speakers were developed specifically for

Bose sound system for Mazda was introduced in 1993, and Bose audio has been offered in Miata models since 1998. About Bose Automotive Systems In the early 1980s, Bose engineers created the world’s first factory-installed premium sound systems Ferry Maringka Gozon, Sales Manager/ Special Finance Manager for General Motors of Puente Hills Mazda. luxury automobiles. headrest placement and performance – Unlike conventional or aftermarket rather than simply placing conventional automotive systems, Bose systems were speakers in a headrest to add a feature. The designed and tuned for a specific vehicle new Bose UltraNearfield speakers work – and changed the industry. with proprietary Bose TrueSpace digital Since then, Bose has developed proprisignal processing technology – and it’s this etary speaker designs, advanced amplificacombination that delivers on the promise tion and signal processing technologies, of headrest speakers. exclusive analysis and design tools, and TrueSpace technology creates a wide technology for managing engine and powsound stage, even though the speakers are ertrain sounds inside vehicles – all based just inches away from the listener. on a heritage of research and engineering. The music envelops the driver and Today, Bose automotive sound systems passenger, it’s spacious and natural, and are recognized globally as the industry remarkably, it doesn’t fade in the breeze. benchmark for performance and customer A pair of 6.5-inch (165mm) speakers are satisfaction. For more information, visit placed in each door for full-range sound, Bose.com/auto. and 1-inch (25mm) neodymium tweeters For a closer look at the new Mazda are located in each A-pillar for enhanced MX-5 Miata or any other Mazda vehicle high-frequency clarity. Powerful bass is of your choice, just give Ferry Markingka delivered by a 5.25-inch (130mm) woofer Gozon a, Puente Hills Mazda’s Sales Manhoused in a 6-liter custom enclosure ager and Special Finance Manager call at designed to fit under the front passenger 1-888-255-5715 and he’ll give you your footwell without taking up valuable cabin life’s true adventure. Of course, a visit at space. Mazda of Puente Hills is still the best opThe 2016 MX-5 Miata continues a tion. Mazda of Puente Hills is located at long history of collaboration and innova- 17723 East Gale Avenue, City of Industry, tion between Bose and Mazda. The first CA 91748.

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Icahn pumps $100-M into ride-share startup Lyft San Francisco, United States (AFP) Friday 5/15/2015 – Lyft on Friday said that heavyweight investor Carl Icahn has pumped $100 million into the ride-sharing startup whose rivals include Uber. Icahn Enterprises led a $150 million funding round that gave Lyft an estimated market value about $2.5 billion. “We are very happy to be investing in Lyft,” Icahn said in a release. “I believe that ride-sharing is poised to become a fundamental component of our transportation infrastructure.” Icahn added that Lyft revenue has been rising, and that the growth in cities in the coming decade promised to drive demand for the ride-sharing service. “We’re thrilled to partner with Carl during this exciting period in Lyft’s growth as we work to rebuild the US transportation infrastructure and reconnect local communities,” Lyft president John Zimmer said in a release. “With this additional investment, we remain focused on deepening our US footprint, continuing to lead with product innovation and providing the best possible experience for drivers and passengers.” Lyft said in March it raised $530 million in a funding round led by Japanese ecommerce giant Rakuten to fuel expansion in the US and abroad. Startups in the “on-demand” sector – such as Uber and Instacart, which offer speedy services on a smartphone app—are seeing an unprecedented surge in venture capital, a new report showed Thursday. Funding for on-demand companies jumped 514 percent last year to $4.12 billion, and new investments in early 2015 have totaled at least $3.78 billion, according to venture capital research firm CB Insights.

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Victory Autos Connection: ‘Reach your goal this Memorial Day Holiday’ May 23, 2015, Azusa, Calif. – Victory Auto Connection has managed to perfect a seamless relationship with its customers and dealership community. From bad credit to no credit, Victory Auto Connection has forged a wayto help our kababayans affected by the economic crisis. Unlike any other car dealership, Victory Autos is committed in providing great and personalized car-buying experience, equipped with skilled sales staff and financing options. Greeted by rows upon rows of brand new or certified pre-owned cars, visiting a car dealership showroom can be both astonishing and intimidating for a first-time buyer, especially if you find yourself purchasing a car that you don’t really want. But for Victory Auto Connection, CEO and President Hedelito “Hedi” Trinidad assures that by choosing Victory Auto Connection, “You can never go wrong in finding the right car for you.” Aside from 100% financing for those who’ve filed bankruptcy or have had an old car repossessed, Victory Auto Connection offers a “7 Days Exchange Policy” if you are not satisfied with a purchase – a great deal that guarantees a customer’s ability to replace or upgrade a car. Hedi says, “We treat each and every customer as our best client where you get the vehicle you want, at a great price you deserve. The goal of our team is to devote, delight and deliver for our customers. We are proud to say that it will be here for years to come as

it continues to build and grow a solid foundation of successful customer experiences.” Here are some of Victory Auto Connection’s customer testimonials: “Thank you Hedi and staff for the kind hospitality you extend to your customers. You treat them with respect and honesty. But most importantly, for your generosity in extending what you can do so customers could acquire a vehicle with no pressure.” – Ron “I’m a first time buyer and I was able to obtain my dream car without downpayment. I applied for financing online and the car was delivered. Their staff is extremely helpful and professional.” – Kris “Customer service is awesome. I had never seen such car dealership as yours who helped customer meet their needs. Victory Auto Connection is great and customer service representatives are friendly. Alex and Hector are both great, they helped me a lot.” – Angelica “The service is good and I like it as well as the customer service. I will surely recommend you guys!”-Jerome “As a first time car buyer, the environment is good. They assisted me well especially when I’m busy. I’m with my kids and they gave them papers and played with them. That is a very good experience very professional.”-Solanie “For me, the car I bought is very good. I appreciate the agent – she is very helpful. She spent time with me so I can have a good car.” – Rommel

Victory Auto Connection also offers a variety of options and deals to its customers: 30% discount in labor and repair and for a limited time, Victory Auto Connection will pay as much as $300 on your first monthly payment. Just mention “victory888.net”! This Memorial Day holiday weekend, with generous incentive programs as Victory Auto Connection has managed to perfect seamless relationship with customers and dealer community. From bad credit to no credit, Victory has made its way how to help our customers to get their dream cars. Unlike any other car dealership, Victory Auto Connection is committed in providing great car-buying experience equipped with skilled sales staff and financing options. This Memorial Day holiday weekend, Victory Auto Connection great offers for brand new cars 2016 ACURA ILX 8 speed dual-clutch featured special lease for only $229/months for 36 months, for 2015 TLX 8 speed dual-clutch P-AWS $299/months for 36 months, 2016 RLX 6 speed automatic with technology package $499/ months for 36 months, RDX 6 speed automatic $309/months for 36 months and 2016 MDX 9 speed automatic $439/months for 36 months all these cars are $2999 total due at signing. Promo is up to $2000 on rebate for customers. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you to “Ride Your Dreams” Victory Auto Connection constantly refreshes their inventory so

they can offer a variety of models at prices that shoppers want. Brands offered include: Toyotas, Hondas, BMW’s, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury cars as well as trucks and SUVs. Victory Autos has it all. Customers can also view our inventory at our website! No matter what the style or the brand shoppers are looking for, rest assured, Victory Auto Connection will find your ideal automobile here. More great offers for this weekend so you we encourage you to contact us for more information visit us at www.victory888.net. You can also visit our office branch at 1557 E. Amar Rd. Ste I West Covina, CA 91792, our Auto Garage and Repair address at 14340 Arrow Highway, Baldwin Park CA 91706.

US pushes pedal on car-to-car communication New York, United States (AFP) Saturday 5/16/2015 – Engineers have known for some time that if cars could only “talk” to each other, they could avoid a lot of accidents. Vehicles could be driven more safely with information about another car, obstacle or pedestrian around a blind curve, for example. But the hurdles to implementing these systems are numerous: they require a legal framework and the allocation of wireless spectrum to enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. The US administration announced this month it was speeding up efforts to promote V2V in a push for better road safety

and to help facilitate the self-driving cars which are on the horizon. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said during a visit to Silicon Valley that he hopes to have regulations for these technologies by the end of the year. “We’re accelerating our timetable on a proposed rule that would require vehicleto-vehicle – or V2V – technology that allows cars to ‘talk’ to one another,” Foxx said. “And it is something that we believe can have a huge impact on preventing accidents from ever happening – and in helping us eventually produce a car that can drive itself better than a human can.” The National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, which has been testing V2V since 2012, said the technology can accomplish a number of things such as determining if a car can safely make a left turn across traffic by calculating the speed of oncoming vehicles, whether it is feasible to overtake another car and if it is safe to enter an intersection with limited visibility. Researchers say systems which cost around $350 per car can avoid 592,000 accidents and save 1,083 lives per year, if the fleet of US cars is equipped with the technology. But reaping benefits will take time: Even if the technology is mandated on new cars, it will take years until older vehicles

are replaced and for infrastructure to be upgraded to be part of the system. The Association of Global Automakers, which represents non-US manufacturers including Honda, Nissan and Toyota, welcomed the effort by Washington to speed up the process. “The faster we move toward deployment of V2V communications, the sooner consumers will receive the benefits of this lifesaving technology,” said John Bozzella, president and chief executive of the group. One of the issues regulators face is setting aside part of the wireless spectrum, amid a crunch due to the surging use of smartphones and tablets.

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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Most popular car in the U.S – Honda Accord – continues as #1 in owner loyalty: IHS TORRANCE, Calif. – The Honda Accord has been recognized by IHS Automotive for having the highest Model Loyalty in the Non-Luxury Traditional Mid-Size Car Segment for the 2014 model year. This is the second year in a row the Accord, America’s most popular car with individual buyers*, has been recognized by IHS Automotive with a loyalty award** for superior performance in owner retention. “Customer loyalty is one of the key measurements of product excellence and customer satisfaction,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This recognition from IHS Automotive in the hyper-competitive mid-size segment is further proof that Accord continues to check all the boxes for the American car buyer.” IHS Automotive tracks owner loyalty throughout the year and regularly works with its customers to effectively manage owner loyalty and conquest efforts through in-depth analysis of automotive shopping behaviors, related market influencers and development of retention and conquest strategies. The IHS Automotive Loyalty

Airport Marina Honda Finance Manager Jay Felix (left) and Filipino Sales Consultant Wilford Solancho

Awards recognize manufacturers for superior owner-loyalty performance, which is determined when a household that owns a particular vehicle returns to market to purchase or lease another new vehicle of the same model or make. The 2014 awards are based on an analysis of personal new vehicle registrations during the 2014 model year, which ran from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new-vehicle retail registrations data for Jan-Oct 2014 **According to IHS Automotive’s U.S. owner loyalty analysis of the non-luxury

2014 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan.

traditional mid-size segment, Honda Accord had the greatest percentage of owners who returned to market and purchased another Honda Accord in the 2014 model year. Just recently, the award-winning Honda Accord Hybrid boasting the highest EPA city fuel economy rating of any four-door sedan sold in America1, was named to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com annual list of the 10 Best Green Cars for 2015, its second

straight appearance on the KBB.com green car list. The industry experts at Kelley Blue Book praised the Accord Hybrid’s stellar fuel economy ratings and excellent value proposition. “Eco-minded drivers looking for a new ‘green’ vehicle with low CO2 emissions don’t have to look further than the fun-todrive and fuel-efficient Accord Hybrid,” said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Recognition from the trusted editors at Kelley Blue Book is proof positive of the progress Honda has made developing increasingly cleaner vehicles over the last 40 years.” The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid is designed for outstanding fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance and boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 50/45/47 mpg (city/highway/combined). The Accord Hybrid’s two-motor hybrid system, part of an expanding lineup of Honda EarthDreams® Technology powertrains, seamlessly blends electric-only, hybrid and engine drive modes along with powerful regenerative braking to provide highly responsive, refined and fuel-efficient performance in a wide range of driving situations. “The Honda Accord is one of the best values in the American auto market, and we expressed our admiration for the model by naming it our Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the hotly contested midsize car category,” said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst and executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “So when you take all that goodness – fun-to-drive, great ergonomics and stellar reliability – and add a sophisticated powertrain that has a 50 mpg fuel economy rating, you have a very compelling proposition.” For a closer look at Honda Accord, you better give Jay Felix, Finance Manager of Airport Marina Honda, a call for a personalized assistance as he can get you the best deal and the best car of your choice. At Airport Marina Honda, Jay and the rest of the staff led by Filipino Sales Consultant Wilford Solancho at the dealership value customer service. Airport Marina Honda is located at 5850 W. Centinela Ave in Los Angeles. They offe new Honda vehicles including Accord, Civic, Civic Hybrid, Odyssey, CR-Z, CR-V, Insight, Pilot, Ridgeline, Fit and many quality preowned vehicles. Airport Marina Honda is a car dealer with automobile knowledge that they are ready to share whether you are looking for a pre-owned used cars or you have your eye on one of the fine new cars or SUVs offered by Honda. Their certified pre-owned vehicles comes stress free. All of their certified pre-owned cars meet manufacturer specifications and have been handled with the utmost care by their technicians. Search through entire Los Angeles Honda dealer inventory and see all the used Honda cars. Or, just call now at 1-888-898-9546.

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., May 23 - 29, 2015

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