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Alex is asked: Is it Joseph Marco or Arjo Atayde?

See ALEX page 28

VOL. XXII, NO. 32

SEPTEMBER 13 - 19, 2014

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

PHL detains Canadian Muslim preacher MANILA, September 11, 2014 (AFP) – A Canadian Islamic preacher has been detained in the Philippines, where authorities deemed him a potential threat to national security, the immigration bureau said Thursday.

Jamaican-born Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, who grew up in Canada, was arrested in the southern Philippine city of Davao on Sunday shortly after his arrival there and would now be deported.

“Philippine government agencies asked us to deport him because he could be a potential threat to national security,” bureau spokeswoman Elaine Tan told AFP. Tan said the bureau was aware Philips, described by Filipino police as being 68, had been blacklisted by a number of other countries.

The Canadian embassy said it was unable to comment due to privacy laws.

Philips was the second Islamic convert preacher to be detained by the Philippines since July, when it also arrested and later deported Robert Edward Cerantonio to Australia.

Police said Cerantonio had used the Internet to urge people to join “jihad” in Iraq and Syria, though they said they had no evidence to show he had managed to recruit any Filipinos.

Two southern Philippines-based Muslim guerrilla groups, the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have uploaded videos on the Internet pledging alliance to the Islamic State militants who have overrun large swathes See CANADIAN, page 9

DOJ OKs P32-M tax case vs. Napoles’ daughter Jeane ‘owned’ a Ritz Carlton unit near Staples Center in downtown LA MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Justice has ordered the filing of aP32-million tax evasion charges against the daughter of alleged pork barrel fund scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles for failure to pay taxes despite her ownership of pieces of property in the US and the Philippines.

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which initially filed the comAccording to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Jeane Napoles was able to acquire real estate and register them in her name in 2011 and 2012, but had no declared income during those years. Among these properties are a condominium unit in Los Angeles, California worth P54.73 million, and her share in a farm lot in Bayambang, Pangasinan worth P1.49 million.

plaint with the DOJ, Jeane Napoles was able to acquire real estate and register them in her name in 2011 and 2012, but had no See JEANE NAPOLES, page 9

President Benigno Aquino III said passage of the proposed law would improve the lives of millions of Filipino Muslims who are among the poorest inhabitants of the largely Catholic nation of 100 million people. If approved, it would have MILF leaders governing a region comprising about 10 percent of the Philippines’ land area. (MNS Phot)

VP Binay got 13% kickback from every Makati project: former vice mayor MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay received 13 percent kickback in every contract for projects entered into by the Makati City government during his incumbency as mayor, former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado told the Senate blue ribbon committee on Thursday.

During the hearing, Mercado said the 13 percent is divided into three portions – one for Mayor Junjun Binay, Binay’s son who was then a councilor; another for a certain Ebeng, supposedly Binay’s assistant; and another for Gerry Limlingan, Binay’s finance officer.

He said he personally delivered the money to the three.

Binay, a strong contender in the 2016 presidential elections, and his son have been named respondents in a plunder

complaint in connection with the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. Mercado said the money was placed in three different bags. He said the portion for Junjun Binay was for their family while the portion for Limlingan was for Binay’s vice presidential bid.

He said the amount of the money depended on the collections they got.

“Depende sa koleksyon, sa voucher na nakukolekta. P1.5 million to P2 million ang minimum. Minsan umaabot din sa P10 million ang isang bag,” Mercado said.

Money was delivered two or three times a week, Mercado said, although there were months when they did not receive any.

“May panahon na madalang, wala, See VP BINAY, page 9

Vigan finalist for New 7 Wonder Cities of the World Los Angeles, 11 September 2014 – Vigan, the Heritage City makes it to the Top 21 Official finalist in the search for New 7 Wonder Cities of the World. Vigan is the only city in the Philippines that has been chosen for this prestigious search, giving our country and the Filipino people pride and honor.

The 21 Official Finalists that have been voted through to the next round of the New7Wonders Cities campaign are: Bangkok, Barcelona, Beirut, Chicago, Doha, Durban, Havana, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, London, Mendoza, Mexico City, Mumbai, Perth, Quito, Reykjavik, Saint Petersburg, Seoul, Shenzhen and Vigan.

Announcing the 21 Official Finalists to the next round of the New7Wonders See VIGAN FINALIST, page 12

The Filipino community is encouraged to continue to support our beloved city by voting. The 7 Official New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on 7 December 2014. To vote, log on to www. new7wonders.com/en/cities and click on the city of your choice.

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Hilmarc’s exec: We didn’t see plan for Makati Building 2 MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – The chairman of the board of Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation claimed Thursday that the firm did not see the final plan for the Makati City Hall Building 2 despite being in charge of construction from start to finish.

Speaking before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee, Hilmarc board chairman Efren Canlas said his firm only concentrated on the scope of the work while bidding for the project’s five different phases.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano asked Canlas: “As the winner of the first phase and eventually lahat, there was no original plan of the whole building presented to you?”

“Wala po, your honor,” Canlas answered. He said all government projects are usually constructed in phases.

Sen. Koko Pimentel said he found it

strange that Hilmarc did not see the structural design and final plan for the building when it was in charge of construction from the foundation all the way to the finishing of the 11-storey building.

He asked Canlas: “Sir, yung mga drawings of the structural work definitely nanggaling yun sa drawings ng entire work.”

Canlas answered: “Siguro po. Hindi po ako sigurado. Yung binigay lang na scope namin, yun lang ang ginawa namin.”

For his part, Cayetano described Canlas’ testimony as “ridiculous” and “illegal.”

He noted that a contractor would need to see a final plan for the project before even starting with the foundation.

He pointed out that the foundation and structure will differ if a building is only four stories high or 20 stories.

He also noted that the Makati building permit signed by Canlas and submitted to

Makati City Hall left blank many fields such as total estimate cost, building electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other costs, cost of equipment installed.

He also noted that Canlas wrote that the building would be 10 stories high.

“How can you say it was 10 stories if you did not have the entire plan?” Cayetano asked.

Canlas, however, said he only signed the document.

“Siguro po yung nagpapirma sa amin yun na po ang alam nila na 10 floors po yun. As far as we are concerned talaga, phase 1 lang kami,” he said.

“Pinirmahan ko po, your honor, pero ang totoo duon ay phase 1 lang ang alam namin.”

He also denied that he wrote “10-storey parking building with one basement” on the building permit. (MNS)

Losing bidder trapped in elevator, submission of docs delayed MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – A supplier of firefighting and rescue equipment confirmed Thursday that he was the bidder who was trapped inside an elevator while on his way to submit documents to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) as testified by a former Makati City official.

Marcial Lichauco Jr., president and general manager of 911 Alarm, said he heard over the radio the testimony of Engr. Mario Hechanova, former Makati general services department head, before the Senate blue ribbon committee regarding a bidder who was trapped in the elevator.

“It sounded very similar what happened to us in Makati City Hall. I confirm that

I was the bidder who was trapped in the elevator on May 15, 2007,” he told the committee.

The Senate blue ribbon committee’s Thursday hearing was a continuation of the probe on the alleged overpricing of the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. Vice President Jejomar Binay, then mayor of Makati at the time of the construction, and incumbent mayor Junjun Binay, then a city councilor, are facing plunder raps in connection with the alleged overpricing.

Hechanova said during the hearing last Thursday that they stopped a bidder from going to the bidding by detaining him in

the elevator.

Lichauco said that they arrived at the city hall at 12:53 p.m. on that day for the 2 p.m. deadline for the submission of documents on the 9th floor. He said since only six of the 10 elevators were operational, the elevators were full of people.

“Elevator B got stuck. We were actually trapped for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The elevator was very full. It took a long time before the Makati Rescue came. They were not able to extract us until 1:55 p.m. after bringing the elevator back to the ground floor,” he said.

He said they were able to submit their documents at 2:02 p.m.

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3 witnesses in alleged overpriced Makati bldg. get protection MANILA, Sept 12 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Justice has admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program three witnesses who have testified against Vice President Jejomar Binay in the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II. In an interview Friday, Justice Secrtary Leila de Lima confirmed that lawyer Renato Bondal, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and Barangay Olympia, Makati chairman Nicholas Enciso VI have just been given “full WPP coverage.”

De Lima said the witnesses may invoke their immunity privileges under the WPP by applying with the Office of the Ombudsman in case counter-charges are filed against them in connection with the supposed anomalous project.

Bondal, Mercado and Enciso went to the WPP office last Monday to apply for government protection.

Bondal sought the Makati mayoral post during the 2013 elections. He lost to Binay’s son, Junjun.

De Lima earlier said the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee’s recommendation to place the witnesses under the WPP “should be given great weight.”

It was Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, during a Senate inquiry on the overpricing controversy, who recommended that the three be placed under the WPP. Testimoy, plunder raps vs. Binays When he first testified before the Senate committee on August 26, Mercado claimed Binay received bribes from the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. Mercado himself admitted to have benefited from the project.

On Thursday’s hearing, Mercado alleged that Binay received 13 percent kickback from every contract for projects entered into by the Makati City government during his incumbency as mayor.

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Life after bankruptcy According to government statistics, 1.664,000 Americans filed for bankruptcy between September 2010 and September 2011. What does this mean? It means you are not alone!

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Reporting Act), only accurate debts can Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you be listed. Your credit reports should only may think. While filing bankruptcy is ini- show the actual bankruptcy and then the tially considered a negative on your credit debts as “included in BK.” What this does report, since it lowers your fico score, it is to give you the opportunity to dispute can also help you secure new credit. How the accuracy of the information on your is that, you may ask? report, and clean it up.

That is because a bankruptcy on your Below are some helpful pointers so you credit report also sends another message. can achieve the best possible credit reports It tells future creditors that you do not owe and tips for rebuilding. any more unsecured debt. Your risk of colCheck your reports for errors lections and lawsuits on these items have Correct the errors by writing to the been wiped out. It also shows that your debt credit reporting agency. to income ratio has improved significantly, Apply for a few secured credit cards since you (hopefully) still have employOpen a bank account and secure credit ment income, but no debt. Furthermore, if with a savings book a new creditor gives you credit, it cannot be Keep employment stable discharged in a bankruptcy for a minimum Pay utilities on time (they may also of eight years. report when delinquent) Bottom line, it’s easy to re-establish How long may bankruptcy information credit. Creditors know you cannot dis- be included in my credit report? charge debt again, but you can afford to Both the Bankruptcy Code and the Fair service new debt. Creditors can also charge Credit Reporting Act (which regulates you more, because of the low fico score. what a consumer reporting agency may There is a whole industry of banks, credit include in your credit report) are federal card programs and retail charge cards that law, so the same rules apply to all states. are targeted to consumers discharged in A consumer credit report may include bankruptcy. In fact, it’s an essential criteria information on a Chapter 7 and Chapter for the reasons given above. Never has it 13 bankruptcy for 10 years from the combeen easier to rebuild credit then now. mencement of the case. However, those You should be aware, that all three-cred- clients who follow our credit building tips, it reports will still contain adverse informa- have rebuilt adequate credit to qualify for tion from the time before you filed. This credit cards and home loans within two information may still show some of the years of a bankruptcy discharge. charge offs, judgments, collection accounts For real help in dealing with debt, and and the like. However, once your bank- re-building your credit, call the Law Ofruptcy has been successfully discharged, fices of Paul M. Allen today. Consultations those debts are no longer collectable, and are free. We have two convenient locations new credit granters know what to look for. to serve you: Glendale and La Palma. Call They see past this, focusing instead on the now at 818-552-4500.

China warns citizens to avoid PHL MANILA, September 12, 2014 (AFP) – China on Friday warned its nationals to avoid visiting the Philippines, citing a foiled bomb plot against the Chinese embassy in Manila and the danger of criminal gangs.

“Given the worsened security situation in the Philippines, the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Chinese citizens not to travel to the Philippines for the time being,” a ministry statement said.

The warning came after three men were arrested last week over an alleged plot to bomb the Chinese embassy, the international airport and the business premises of ethnic Chinese tycoons.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Friday urged the Philippine government to do more to protect Chinese citizens.

Aside from the alleged bomb plot, Hua cited “criminal gangs” who had targeted Chinese citizens and businesses.

Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said last week that the bomb plot may be linked to a fringe politician who had been involved in a string of anti-Chinese protests.

However the Philippine military dismissed the alleged bomb plot, calling the fringe politician a crank who posed no real danger and saying his “bombs” were merely firecrackers.

Police arrested him but then quickly released him.

Diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines have been extremely tense in recent years due to a dispute over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. In response to the travel warning, the Philippine foreign ministry released a statement saying it had been liaising with Chinese diplomats to ease their concerns.

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‘Operation Fashion Police’ nets drug millions in downtown LA

By Michael THURSTON

LOS ANGELES, September 10, 2014 (AFP) – Police staged mass dawn raids in Los Angeles on Wednesday, seizing at least $65 million in cash and funds allegedly linked to money-laundering for Mexican drug cartels.

In what was dubbed “Operation Fashion Police, nine people were arrested as some 1,000 officers fanned out in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles, which one official called the “epicenter of narcodollar money laundering.”

One business targeted in the huge crackdown was alleged to have laundered ransom payments which secured the release of a US national who was tortured while held in Mexico, prosecutors said.

Police executed dozens of search warrants on businesses suspected of using so-called “Black Market Peso Exchange” (BMPE) schemes to launder narcotics proceeds for international drug cartels.

Some $35 million in cash was found in one warehouses alone. Police released pictures of the money crammed into cardboard boxes.

“We have targeted money laundering activities in the Fashion District based on a wealth of information that numerous businesses there are engaged in Black Market Peso Exchange schemes,” said Assistant US Attorney Robert E. Dugdale.

“Los Angeles has become the epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering with couriers regularly bringing duffel bags and suitcases full of cash to many businesses,” he added.

In all three indictments were unsealed

Wednesday, revealing details of alleged money-laundering and other criminal activity.

In one case the notorious Sinaloa Drug Cartel allegedly beat, shot, electrocuted and waterboarded the victim in a ranch in Culiacan, before relatives paid $140,000 in ransom for his release.

In another three members of the same family, named Chen, were charged with money laundering and various immigration offences linked to their businesses, Yili Underwear and Gayima Underwear.

Chen Xilin, 55, his 24-year-old son Chuang Feng and 28-year-old daughter Aixia face up to 100 years in federal prison if convicted.

Possible links to China were also being investigated, said an official speaking on background.

In a BMPE scheme, drug traffickers with illegally-earned dollars in the United States get it converted into Mexican currency by using US businesses as middlemen, buying goods that are then exported to Mexico and sold for pesos.

Homeland Security special agent Claude Arnold said: “These arrests and seizures should serve as a sobering warning to companies that seek to bolster their bottom line by doing business with drug traffickers.

“You will pay a high price for your complicity,” he said.

Drug Enforcement Administration agent Stephen G. Azzam added: “These indictments and arrests deal a massive blow to complex trade-based money laundering schemes in general.”

“Operation Fashion Police” netted seizing at least $65 million in cash and funds linked to Mexican drug cartels. Photo: USDOJ

But the raids will also “severely impair the ability of drug cartels to realize profits and further entrench themselves in our nation’s socioeconomic fabric,” he said.

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Cambe collected kickbacks for Revilla, Sandiganbayan told MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – Senator Ramon Revilla’s aide lawyer Richard Cambe went to the JLN Corporation’s offices to collect his and the lawmaker’s kickbacks from projects supposedly funded

by Revilla’s multimillion-peso pork barrel allocations, whistleblower Merlina Suñas told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday.

The witness, however, said she never saw Revilla personally collect money in connection with the pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by Janet Lim Napoles.

Suñas testified during the continuation of Revilla’s bail hearing. Revilla is facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Napoles is a co-accused in the plunder case.

Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada asked Suñas if she was present when money from the company’s vaults were removed, to which she replied in the affirmative. She added that she saw Cambe when he would get kickbacks for him and the senator.

“Galing yung pera (for the rebates) sa vault na naka assign kay Benhur. Dun ko lang nakikita si Atty. Cambe, pag kukuha ng rebates niya and ni Sen. Revilla,” Suñas said.

Suñas, however, admitted that she never saw Revilla personally receive money from Napoles.

“I only met Sen. Revilla during occasions like the death of Napoles’ mother nung February 2008,” she said.

Like principal whistleblower Benhur Luy, Suñas admitted that she received some P4 million to P5 million in total commissions fro the over her years of service to Napoles.

Suñas, however, said the amount didn’t amounty to the one percent from the cost of

the projects that she and Napoles agreed on.

“One percent [dapat yun commission ko] pero di nasusunod yun. Kung anong binibigay niya, we accept. From 2004, mga P4 million to P5 million. Karamihan nilo-loan namin sa kaniya,” Suñas said.

Suñas said there were three vaults at the JLN Corporation office at the Discovery Suites in the Ortigas area. She said fellow former employee Luy held the key to the main office vault.

Ponferrada asked Suñas why she decided to speak up after more than a decade of loyal service to Napoles.

Suñas said she worked for Napoles for 12 years, before suddenly turning around and executing an affidavit that implicated her boss as the alleged pork barrel mastermind.

“If you’re loyal to Napoles, why are you testifying?” Ponferrada asked in open court.

Suñas replied that she felt she had to speak up, due to the illegal nature of the Napoles transactions.

“Naging loyal po ako sa kaniya. Ang tine-testify ko naman yung naging kalakaran. Marami na po akong nalalaman na hindi na dapat patagalin pa. Hindi karapat-dapat ang mga nangyari. Dapat ‘di na to mangyari sa ibang lawmakers,” Suñas said.

Revilla, along with Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Jinggoy Estrada have been implicated in the scam that saw millions of pesos of lawmakers’ PDAF diverted to bogus NGOs. In affidavits executed by Suñas in 2013, she claimed that she was tasked by Napoles to withdraw money in the millions, which were then given to lawmakers as “rebates.”

(MNS)

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Cargo congestion in Manila’s container ports may last until Q1 2015 MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) – More containers are arriving daily in the ports of Manila – already overcrowded with shipments unprocessed shipments – due to the onset of the “ber� months, more than offsetting the pace of cargo withdrawals from the South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal, prompting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to issue a statement that the congestion gripping Port Area may last until early 2015.

Decongesting the port has become a gargantuan task as more container vans enter the ports this month, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said during the Department of Trade and Industry budget hearing

on at the Senate on Wednesday.

In this situation, resolving the port congestion may actually be addressed during the lean months of the first quarter of 2015, the Trade secretary said. “... Now na ‘ber’ months na tayo, where, iyong dating ng containers ay napakalaki, mahirap nating ma-reduce ang port congestion,� he said. “Iyong ship site ang naging problema, because there are more containers being brought in than being taken out,� he added.

Latest data from the DTI showed port utilization at MICT is about 100 percent, and 92 percent in the case of South Harbor.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. operates MICT, while Asian Ter-

minals Inc. is charged with South Harbor.

There are 78,000 containers piled up in the ports, compared with the total capacity of 80,000, but only 4,500 containers are released daily, Domingo said. “’Pag masyadong mataas ang container yard utilization, lalagyan na naman nila ng containers ang circulation roads which limit the movements of the crane, movements of the truck. Baka ma-affect na naman ang throughput ng trucks... So, doon po tayo,� the Trade chief noted.

Operating the ports on weekends is critical in stabilizing the port issue, he said. “We are now encouraging the companies at saka mga brokers and everybody to utilize the extra two days.

“Kung magawa po ang extra two days na iyon, then ma-stabilize ang situation, po. Then pagdating ng first quarter during the lean season, then we can clear a lot of the congestion sa port,� he added.

However, shipping companies and brokers resist the call of government and business groups to do their part on weekends. “We’ve been pushing. The chambers are part of the task force. Hindi rin nila matulak,� Domingo said. He did not cite the reason why.

Earlier this month, terminal operators offered financial incentives to importers and exporters who will remove their cargo from the ports during weekends and on Mondays. (MNS)

Pedro Ramirez with Philippine Consul General Herrera Lim (second from left).

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The Multicultural Health Awareness and Prevention (MHAP) Center at St. Vincent Medical Center in partnership with the consulate generals of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Peru and Thailand, invites members of the multicultural community to its “2014 Free Multicultural Health Fair� on September 27th from 9 AM to 3 PM at St. Vincent Ocean View Building located at 2222 Ocean View Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (near Third and Alvarado Streets).

The annual health fair supports St. Vincent Medical Center’s mission to serve the sick and the poor and also in response to the population needs of each consulates to provide low-income, uninsured and undocumented individuals with free access to primary care, health screenings, and education and health and social-welfare referrals. What is significant about the Annual Health Fair is that it is a partnership that enjoys the power of an entire health community and would greatly advance our goal of providing health access in our communities.

Mr. Pedro Ramirez, director for the Multicultural Health Awareness and Prevention (MHAP) Center encourages everyone to avail themselves of the free health services such as mammography screening, flu shots, cholesterol screening, dental screening, glucose/diabetes screening, ultrasound screening, pap smear screening, blood pressure screening, anemia screening, body fat screening, osteoporosis screening, HIV/STD screening, vision screening, acupuncture, depression and anxiety screening, and free or low-cost health insurance information and enrollment.

Information about cancer, heart disease, diabetes and nutrition, and other chronic diseases will also be provided. Ramirez adds that these services are available at no cost to anyone on that day, with or without any insurance coverage.

The event is made possible by the generous support of Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and Councilmember Gil Cedillo, St. Vincent IPA, AltaMed and the Pico Union Neighborhood Council.

Established in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul as the first hospital in Los Angeles, St. Vincent Medical Center has both a strong history and a future serving people of all ethnic groups.

To enable local residents to stay as healthy as possible, the hospital is dedicated to educating them about prevention. It also offers screening and early detection services for diseases such as cancer.

MHAP Center is one of St. Vincent Medical Center’s key community outreach and benefits programs that focuses on health education, disease prevention, early detection and information and referral services for at-risk ethnic multicultural communities. MHAP Center is recognized in the Los Angeles healthcare community as a significant community outreach program. Its services are a cornerstone of the St. Vincent Medical Center’s mission to serve the sick and poor in the timeless tradition of the Daughters of Charity.

About St. Vincent Medical Center With three consecutive years of awards for quality healthcare services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Vincent Medical Center has also won recognition by US News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals for 2011-2012. Out of 138 hospitals in Greater Los Angeles, SVMC ranked among the Top 5 Best Hospitals.

Providing compassionate healthcare and serving the sick poor has been the mission of St. Vincent Medical Center for more than 156 years. Located near downtown Los Angeles, St. Vincent is a world-renowned, 366-bed facility, offering comprehensive medical services.

For more information on the health fair, please call MHAP Center (213) 207-5766.

Balita

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., September 13 - 19, 2014

LOS ANGELES

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Midnight Chapter 13 filing saves client’s house Client is 48 yrs old and operates a construction business.

He also dabbles in fixer uppers to make money. His wife is an accountant and makes $5,000 a month. Business has not been good apparently. Their residence has equity of $200,000. He owes $150,000 of credit card debt which he used for business. Client has not paid his mortgage for a long time, and

believe it or not, his arrear is $150,000! The foreclosure sale date is set for September 5, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. He sets an appointment to see me on August 30, 2014 then lays his problem on me. Firstly, don’t do as this client has done, waiting for a week before the foreclosure sale date to consult on how he can stop the foreclosure. Although lawyers can file a Chapter 13 case by electronic filing, there are times when the court’s computers are down. When computers are down, cases cannot be filed which means there is a real risk that you will lose your house to foreclosure if you wait until the last minute. Additionally, it puts a lot of stress on me and my staff to get the complete petition and plan filed on time under the gun of a tight deadline, and this is not a nice feeling to have. Secondly, when the foreclosure is just around the corner, don’t even imagine that there is some other effective legal way of stopping it, other than a bankruptcy. Even though state law says that a pending loan modification stops a foreclosure, in reality it does not.

And suing the bank for predatory lending and asking the court to stop the foreclosure with a preliminary injunction, doesn’t really work either. The chance of getting an injunction is slim to none. Using a nonbankruptcy procedure to stop foreclosure is like going hunting for big game with a BB gun. Both of these procedures cannot be depended upon to stop a foreclosure on its tracks. Only a bankruptcy can stop a foreclosure on its tracks.

The bankruptcy has to be filed before the actual auction time. If the auction time is 9:00 a.m. of September 5, a bankruptcy filing at 8:59 a.m. on September 5 will stop the foreclosure. If the foreclosure pushed through despite the bankruptcy filing, you can file a motion in bankruptcy court to reverse the foreclosure and void the foreclosure sale. If you have a tax lien foreclosure sale, you should file your case way in advance of the sale date because

complications can arise.

On the foreclosure process, the start button is the “notice of default� with a recording date. Without a recording date, it’s just a piece of paper that does nothing.

The recording date is the date when the notice of default is recorded at the county recorder’s office. From this date, you have 90 days to pay up the default in full, or file a bankruptcy to stop the foreclosure. After the expiration of 90 days, creditor can set the foreclosure sale date at least 21 days after the end of the 90th day. So, if your creditor strictly adheres to this timeframe, your house can be sold off in a foreclosure 112 days after the recording date, more or less. You can still try to reverse a foreclosure in state court if creditor violated the procedural requirements on notice and service.

In this client’s case we filed his Chapter 13 the night before the foreclosure sale date, which really is cutting it too close because of client’s dilly dallying. If you really want to save your house; file your Chapter 13 at least a month before the foreclosure date. After the case is filed, we can then work on a loan modification without the fear of having a foreclosure since the bankruptcy already protects the house from foreclosure. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.� John 14:27.

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

Series for Seniors: Part 3 – Completing the Medicare Puzzle Having just the Original Medicare card is not enough. It does not cover the cost-sharing like deductibles, co-pays and 20% co-insurances. It does not cover prescription drug. It does not have worldwide coverage.

One way to complete the Medicare puzzle is to add a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) from work or private insurance to defray these cost-sharing AND to add a

Another way to complete the puzzle is Prescription Drug coverage (Part D). This means 2 more cards, total of 3 cards. These to have Medicare Advantage (Part C), serv2 additional cards have monthly premiums. ing all the benefits of Parts A and B, helping Medigap comes in several plans: Plan cover the cost-sharing, offering worldwide A, C, N, K, F, etc. Different insurance coverage and in most cases including the companies offer different plans. But all Part D, all-in-one card to show the providplans are standardized. For example, Plan ers and pharmacies. This 1 card may have F from different companies have uniform $0 or more monthly premium.

Different Part C plans offer different benefits. Most plans offer 365 more hospital days than Original Medicare. All these benefits. They may include worldwide plans differ fundamentally in how much coverage, dental, vision, transportation cost-sharing they cover and if worldwide services, etc. Part C can be PPO or HMO. coverage is included. In general, the more But either way, people can only use docexpensive plan covers more. Among the tors within the plan’s network. For HMOs, plans, Plan F covers the most. People primary care doctors (PCPs) serve like the who use plan F typically does not have hub giving referrals to specialists and other providers. any co-pay.

Deciding on which Part C to use norPeople who use Medigap can see any provider accepting Medicare without mally begins with checking if one’s PCP is within the network, the hospital list and referrals.

Part D plans vary according to premi- if one’s drugs are covered. ums and formularies. To find out the most Call 855-955-1800 for questions or cost-effective plan, the list of medications request for a quote from www.GlobalWealhas to be matched up with the Part D plans. thInsuranceServices.com.

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Families to ‘Walk n’ Roll’ on Sept. 20 for ataxia that afflicts many

By Rhony Laigo

If not for the universal campaign of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease may have been just that – a disease that has no cure. Now, ALS is known

worldwide. But unknown to many, another debilitating disease that affects many, including the young, also needs the same kind of attention and because it is passed from one generation to another.

On September 20, American families,

their relatives and friends, and advocates will do just that. They will troop to the City of Long Beach to participate in the Sixth Annual LA/OC Walk n’ Roll for Ataxia so more people may be aware of an unfamiliar neurological disorder called ataxia, which simply means “lack of coordination.”

Starting from 340 S. Pine Avenue, the Saturday 1K Walk n’ Roll for Ataxia Awareness in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific area will coincide with the International Ataxia Awareness Day. Personally, I know people here in Southern California who have been suffering from ataxia or the lack of muscle control caused by the disease. One is close to Balita family and her name is Moira, whose mother, Saira Velasco, better known in the Philippine celebrity world as Bunny Paras, used to be our Advertising Manager for the Motoring Section. Saira had to semi-retire to focus on her daughter, who was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. Moira is only 15.

Two other friends of mine, back from my Novaliches days – the former Pamela Jacob who is now known as Pamela Ching, and her sister, Aileen Jacob – are both suffering from ataxia. To be more specific, theirs is the SCA7 type (spinocerebellar

ataxia; there are several types). And that is not all. There’s more in their family.

Pamela’s twins – Catherine Joyce and Clarissa Janelle, aged 27 – are also both suffering from ataxia. But that is not the worst part. Pamela and Aileen lost a brother, Manuel “Boyet” Jacob, who died from it. Also a friend of mine, Boyet introduced me to the game of baseball, which we used to play in front of their house. As if this wasn’t enough, Aileen’s daughter also died from the disease last year. She was just 21.

To quote Pamela’s aunt, which Pamela posted on her Facebook Page, “It is truly inspiring that the ALS foundation fired up the people’s sense of generosity, but every time I see an ice-bucket challenge, I can’t help but feel a tug in my heart…a certain sadness actually because it is a reminder that to this day, another debilitating disease called Ataxia stays forgotten. It is too close to home for me – my cousin, her two daughters and three granddaughters are all afflicted with this progressively worse disorder.”

She continued, “It would mean the world to them if more people were aware of not only its existence, but the overall impact it has on the people who have it and their loved ones who witness its effects on a first-hand basis. Unfortunately, the medical community has not pursued any aggressive or significant research to find cures or relief for this disease. The biggest roadblock is the lack of awareness and funding. Let this be my personal rally and appeal to you to join us in the Walk n’ Roll to Ataxia and/ or donate to help spread the knowledge of this all-too-common disorder that’s too commonly slipped under the rug.”

According to ataxia.org.uk, SCA7 is a type of inherited cerebellar ataxia. “It is caused by a defect in a gene. This results in damage to certain parts of the brain and to the eyes.” Pamela’s sister, Aileen, apart from not being able to walk anymore (I used to dance with her in parties when we were young), has also lost her sight.

In Saira’s daughter’s case, Moira, she suffers from another type – Friedreich’s Ataxia – a progressive disorder “mainly affecting the nervous system…of the spinal cord.”

Saira posted on her Facebook page this message: “As many of you may know, our daughter Moira was diagnosed with ataxia four years ago. I want to first of all thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers – your support has given us strength and hope for the future. We are attending the annual Los Angeles/Orange Country Ataxia Walk for awareness and donations that go towards a cure. If you have time please feel free to join us for the stroll along the bay next to the Long Beach Aquarium. And if you can spare a little to donate towards a cure, we’d appreciate it.

Also, the more money we raise, the more tickets Moira gets to win prizes in the raffle after the walk!” Saira also posted videos of Filipino celebrities expressing their support and their generosity.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised over $100 million in just a few weeks. And to think that many just donated $5 when they doused themselves with icefull of water.

In spite of the physical challenges, the organizers hope the walk make more people become aware of ataxia and to raise more funds for research. If you know something as creative as the Ice Bucket Challenge, you are more than welcome to share your talent with them to make this a reality.

Event Details: Sixth Annual LA/OC Walk n’ Roll for Ataxia Saturday, September 20, 2014, 8 a.m. Behind PF Chang’s at Shoreline Aquatic Park 340 S Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802.

Balita

LOS ANGELES

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., September 13 - 19, 2014

Who should pay for work-related cellphone bills? CANADIAN

(Employees’ right to reimbursement) Colin Cochran sued his employer, Schwan’s Home Service, Inc., in a class action on behalf of about 1,500 customer service managers who were not reimbursed for necessary expenses pertaining to the work-related use of their personal cell phones, even though the employer knew or had reason to know that the employees incurred these expenses.

Under California law, employees are entitled to reimbursements for expenses incurred in direct consequence of the discharge of their duties. The purpose of this statute is to prevent employers from passing their operating expenses on to their employees.

The employer argued that there are no class claims because the employees did not have common damages to sue as a group.

Employees may have unlimited data plans and do not actually incur an additional expense when they use their cell phone for work. If so, they are not entitled to reimbursement. To determine whether expenses were incurred, each employee’s cell phone plan has to be examined. Also, there was an issue on whether the employees themselves or other persons actually pay for their cellphone bills.

Does an employer always have to reimburse an employee for the reasonable expense of the work-related use of a personal cell phone? Or is reimbursement necessary only if the employee incurred an extra expense because of this use?

In reviewing the case, the Court of Appeal ruled that reimbursement is always required.

When employees must use their personal cell phones for work-related calls, then they are incurring an expense. Whether the employees have cell phone plans with unlimited minutes or limited minutes, the reimbursement owed is a reasonable percentage of their cell phone bills. The court added that the details of the employee’s cell phone plan has nothing to do with the employer’s liability. Thus,

employers are prohibited from digging into the private lives of their employees to find out how they handle their finances when it comes to cellphone payment, or who in fact pays for the bill. To prove employer liability, the employees need only show that they were required to use their personal cell phones to make work-related calls, and they were not reimbursed.

The appellate court directed the trial court to allow the employees to sue as a group. As for how to compute the employees’ damages, the trial court was directed to allow the employees to use statistical sampling evidence to establish either liability or damages.

There are other types of reimbursable business expenses. If workers feel that the company is passing on the cost of doing business to its workers, they are wise to consult with an experienced employment attorney to determine if they are entitled to reimbursements.

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

From page 1

of the two Middle Eastern countries.

Superintendent Tony Rivera, a regional military spokesman, said Philips was arrested shortly before he was to deliver a lecture in Davao.

JEANE NAPOLES From page 1

declared income during those years.

Among these properties are a condominium unit in Los Angeles, California worth P54.73 million, and her share in a farm lot in Bayambang, Pangasinan worth P1.49 million.

The BIR said Jeane did not file income tax returns and pay taxes for 2011 and

VP BINAY From page 1

merong sunod-sunod na dumadating katulad nung ginagawa yung Makati building, Makati Science High School. Pero hindi po sa lahat ng linggo, merong isang buwan na wala,” said Mercado.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay, prospective presidential candidate of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in 2016, was conspicuously absent during a Palace event on Friday attended

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9

He had previously failed to get an official permit to hold a lecture in Zamboanga, another southern Philippine city, Rivera added.

The preacher is to be deported to Canada, Davao immigration officer Eddie Delima told reporters.

2012 in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

Jeane’s tax liability stood at P32.06 million, the BIR said.

This is broken down into P31.38 million in 2011 and P680,000 in 2012.

Henares said Napoles also did not file any donor’s tax to prove that the properties, gifts, bequests or devices were given or donated to her. (MNS) by his Cabinet, administration lawmakers and pro-government civil society groups, although he is part of Aquino’s Cabinet.

In a speech at the so-called “agenda setting dialogue,” Presdint Aquino said those present during the event were his partners in reform. Those absent represent forces who are against his programs.“Ang mga kontra sa atin, magtutulak ng sarili nilang kandidato. Sa kanila nga po, na hindi natin kasama ngayon dahil kontra ang prinsipyo nila sa atin, ‘di ba’t natural lang din na kokontra sila sa lahat ng nagawa natin?”

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Filipino singing star Angeline Quinto, with special guest Jon Secada, at Pala, Nov. 22 PALA, CA, September 9, 2014… Popular Filipino singing star Angeline Quinto, with special guest Jon Secada, will appear in concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 22, in the Infinity Showroom at Pala Casino Spa & Resort.

Quinto came to prominence in 2011 after she won Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Superstar in Manila, which earned her a recording contract with Star Records. Her career exploded after her album, Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs, went platinum in 2012.

Secada is an international star who has won two Grammy awards, has sold over 20 million albums and was one of the first bilingual artists to achieve international crossover appeal. His latest single, “I’m

Never Too Far Away,” is his first collaboration with Rudy Perez, Billboard magazine’s five-time producer of the year and producer of the decade (2000-2010).

Angeline Quinto with Special Guest Jon Secada at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 22 at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Infinity Showroom. Tickets: $98, $78.

Tickets on sale, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office in the casino, or call 1-877-WIN PALA (1-877-946-7252).

Tickets also are available at Star Tickets, 1-800-585-3737, or www.startickets. com.

Pala is located in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, Angeline Quinto

Jon Secada

take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles. Pala is 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula.

Address: 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059; Telephone: 1-877-WIN-PALA (1877-946-7252); Web site: http://www. palacasino.com Other shows coming to Pala: The Stylistics, The Dramatics, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 20, Events Center. Tickets, $65, $55, $45, $35 at www. startickets.com Tim Braun, Psychic Medium, 8 p.m., Friday, October 3, Infinity Showroom.

Tickets, $35, $25, at www.startickets.com Pala Majestic Nhac & Cuoi (Music and Laughter) Vietnamese Concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, October 4, Events Center.

Tickets, $70, $40, $30, at www.startickets. com and all Vietnamese ticket outlets.

Neil Sedaka, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 11, Events Center. Tickets, $47, $35, at www.startickets.com Battle of the Badges, Benefit for Cops 4 Kids & Communities, 6 p.m., Saturday, October 18, Events Center. Tickets, $30, $20, at www.startickets.com 4 Da Laffs, Filipino Comedy Show, 7 p.m., Saturday, October 25, Events Center. Tickets, $110, $88, $78, $68 at www. startickets.com Aaron Lewis, 8 p.m., Friday, November 14, Infinity Showroom. Tickets, $53, $48 at www.startickets.com Jim Gaffigan, The White Bread Tour, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 6,

Events Center. Tickets, $70, $65, $55, $40 at www.startickets.com Kathy Griffin, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $60. $50. $40. $30, at www.startickets. com About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 87 table games and 13 poker tables; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor whirlpool hot tub. Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 11 consecutive years.

Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa was named the number one spa on the West Coast and one of the top 100 spas in the United States for 2013 by Spas of America. Previously, Pala Spa was named the 2009 Best Casino Spa by Spas of America, the 2009 Best Casino Spa by the Southern California Gaming Guide and in 2012 received a spaAward and was selected by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas in the United States. In 2011, Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News.com annual A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.palacasino.com.

Billy explains what happened at police station “Wala akong nasaktan, wala akong tinulak, wala akong tinamaan kundi yung salamin.”

This was the brief explanation of singer-host Billy Crawford when he narrated what happened when he went berserk at a police station in Taguig early Sunday morning.

In an interview after he was held at the police station, Crawford said he was under a lot of stress when Billy Crawford the incident happened. He also admitted to being drunk.

“I was under the influence of alcohol.

I actually went to the precinct, nasa Fort kami, sabi ko, ‘Pa-hold na lang ako, dito muna ako.’ Of course, they can’t do anything kasi wala naman akong ginagawa so they couldn’t hold me. I walked back outside and called a few people. I asked if they can just hold me. Then I went back and I said to the officer on duty, sinabi ko lang po na ‘Please i-hold niyo na lang ako dito kasi makakasakit pa ako ng tao at makakasakit pa ako sa sarili ko.’ And then nakabasag ako ng salamin,” he said.

Saying he does not remember hitting anyone, Crawford said: “I’d rather myself be held kesa makasakit pa ako or maaksidente pa ako or mabangga pa ako. I was under the influence of alcohol, it was my responsibility, it was my fault.”

Admitting that he is not perfect, Crawford said it is unfortunate that he handled the situation the wrong way.

“Wala akong kaaway. To be honest, lahat naman tayo sumasabog. I’m under a lot of stress that time, fatigue, I was really tired. I actually just wanted to have a good time which turned sour. It was my fault. Wala akong nasaktan, wala akong tinulak, wala akong tinamaan kundi yung salamin,” he said.

Authorities said Crawford may be facing charges of malicious mischief, resisting arrest, direct assault and disobedience of agent of authority.

However, his lawyer said no complaints have been filed against the “It’s Showtime” host as of writing. (MNS)

Balita

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., September 13 - 19, 2014

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Automatic temporary restraining orders that are in effect upon commencement of divorce advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com. Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com.

It is typical, if not natural, for Parties to a divorce case to start hiding assets and income from each other as soon as divorce is anticipated. Spouse’s are thinking ahead of the game on how they can outsmart the other spouse so that they end up with the larger portion of the pie. This is a common reaction by clients not knowing that they are violating the automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROS) that are automatically in place the mo

ment divorce is commenced. I thought it would be important for family restraint from transferring, encumbering, law litigants to be aware of ATROS so they hypothecating, concealing, or in any way can avoid a violation and the consequences disposing of any property, real or personal, of such violation. ATROS takes effect on whether community, quasi-community, or the Petitioner upon filing the Petition and separate without the other party’s written summons while it takes effect on the Re- consent or court order; fam code 2040(a) spondent upon service of the Petition under (2) 3) restraint from cashing, borrowing family Code Section 233(a) and 2040(a).. against, canceling, transferring, disposing ATROS is not limited to divorce cases but of, or changing the beneficiaries of any also apply to legal separation actions and insurance or other coverage, including life, Nullity actions. ATROS stays in effect health, automobile, and disability held for until entry of the final judgment in the case. the benefit of the parties and their child The four standard mutual restraining for whom support may be orders. Fam C orders are 1) removing their minor children 2040(a)(3). 4) restraint from creating a from the state without the prior written nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonconsent of the other party or a court or- probate transfer in a manner that affects der. family code Section 2040(a)(1) 2) the disposition of property subject to the

transfer without the other party’s written consent or court order. fam c 2040(a)(4).

There are exceptions to the above restrictions. One exception is for property transfers in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life. Examples would be property transfers as part of your usual business operations or to pay for usual household living expenses. Another exception is payment of reasonable attorney’s fees. fam c. 2040(a)(2).

A violation of restraint against property transfer may be remedied by awarding the aggrieved spouse his/her 50% of the community property that the spouse would have received had the property not been transferred pursuant to Marriage of McTiernan and Fam. C 1101(g). A violation of the child move away restriction is punishable by fine and/ or imprisonment pursuant to Penal. Code 278.5. A violation of the other ATROS restrictions is punishable by contempt, fine, and/ or imprisonment pursuant to Penal Code 273.6. It is important for family law litigant’s to steer clear from violating the ATROS. Please note that this article is not legal

VIGAN FINALIST

Lawmakers smell ‘pork barrel’ in military budget

From page 1

Cities campaign, Bernard Weber, FounderPresident of New7Wonders, said the diversity of the remaining cities in contention for the “canon of 7″ is “remarkable in terms of regional geography and urban culture.”

The Filipino community is encouraged to continue to support our beloved city by voting. The 7 Official New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on 7 December 2014.

The next voting phases will be scheduled on the following dates and finalists will be declared the New 7 Wonder-Cities of the World: 7 July 2014 – 7 Oct 2014 – from 21

finalists down to 14 7 Oct 2014 – 7 Dec 2014 – from 14 finalist down to 7 As with all New 7Wonders campaigns, voting is via new7wonders.com, via the iPhone andAndroid apps, via the international voting lines, and, where available, via national SMS. NOTE: After the recently concluded elimination round, the scores will be back to zero; and hence, more votes are needed to win in the competition.

To vote, log on to www.new7wonders. com/en/cities and click on the city of your choice.

MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – Is there pork barrel for the armed forces chief in the 2015 budget?

A special provision authorizing the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “re-prioritize” items in the military’s appropriation was inserted by the Department of Budget and Management in the proposed 2015 budget without the knowledge of the Department of National Defense.

This came to light during the deliberations on the proposed P141.85-billion budget of the DND and the AFP in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, prompting Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate to comment that the AFP chief would enjoy

a “mini pork barrel” by 2015.

“We’re not aware of this,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said of the special provision upon questioning by Zarate.

Zarate was referring to a provision in the National Expenditure Program authorizing the AFP chief to re-prioritize items under Personal Services and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, provided that any re-prioritization or any change in the allotment class will be approved by the President.

“This is a very new provision. I did not find this in previous NEP (National Expenditure Program), nor in previous GAA (General Appropriations Act), authorizing the AFP chief,” Zarate said.

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Anaheim employees ‘bled’ enough to win Red Cross blood drive challenge The City Employees of Anaheim did whatever it cost even to the point of doing it with their own blood to win over 36 other cities in Southern California for the honor of donating the most of the life-saving blood to win the 2014 Red Cross City Blood Drive Challenge.

The employees bleeding for a cause donated a total of 154 pints of precious blood to beat equally determined Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange and others

to win the award which in reality redound to the benefit of future recipients will have eights pints of blood in his body who are the actual winners. and the average woman will have 6-7 lbs.

The City Blood Challenge Campaign The Red Cross is the nation’s largest is so timed strategically during the critical blood collection organization which supsummer season so as not to interfere with plies approximately 40 percent of the blood donors summer schedules where activities and blood products in the country. fill their calendars that leave them less time The Red Cross office serving Orange, to donate. Patients in need of blood could Riverside and San Bernardino Counties not afford to take summer breaks. is one of Southern California’s leading The city’s moment achievement will non-profit agencies staffed by volunteer be at the scheduled awards ceremony in workers dedicated to disaster preparedness Pomona. and response; health, safety and aquatics Generous volunteer blood donors sus- classes; the Lifeline program for indetain the Red Cross’s needs to provide blood pendent seniors; youth service programs recipients like children with leukemia and as well as educational and informational senior members of the society who reSee ANDRES, page 14 quire operations as well as accident and trauma victims. An average supply 1,200 pints of the life sustaining fluid are needed across Southern California.

Meanwhile, the amount of blood in the human body depends on size with an average man of 150 lbs or 70 ki- Priests Sing for a Cause: The singing priests take brief time out lograms needing around with Monsignor Jeffrey Malanog (fourth from right) and fundraiser hosts, Dr. Corazon Medina and her husband Realtor Cesar 8 pints or 5.2 liters of Medina, (third from left and fourth from right, respectively) at the blood. Women on the fundraising event to rebuild earth-quake damaged churches of other hand, weighing the Archdiocese of Tagbilaran, in Bohol, Philippines. The singing around 110 lbs. or 50 priests captivated their audience with their songs and acts.

The Medinas have for years supported medical and charitable kgs. will have about 5 missions especially in their native Bohol where the Fullertonpints of blood or 3.3 based couple maintains a regular outreach program helping in the liters. The average man building and reconstruction of their home-town. (an FB photo)

Preserving Precious Memories: Observance of Grandparents Day comes on the heels of the busy Labor Day where grandparents bask in a day’s moment of recognition for their commitment and dedication to their familial ministry. The Cornerstone Christian Fellowship of Orange County, a Filipino-American community church in Fullerton, joined the rest of the country in observing the day originated by Marian Mc Quade in West Virginia to honor the elderly under a Presidential Proclamation.

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Above photo is among Mimi Peter’s collection called “BODIE AT NIGHT,” shot in Bodie, Ca., a mining ghost town close to Yosemite. It was declared a state park in 1962 and is now being maintained in a state of “arrested decay.” The town’s heyday was during the gold rush in the 1880’s.

‘Off the Beaten Path’ - Mimi Peter’s photo exhibitiion now at the AIA Building Photographer/artist, Hanae Mae “Mimi” Blanco-Peters’ photo exhibit called “Off the Beaten Path” is now open to the public for free viewing at the American Institute of Architects Building on Wilshire Boulevard, from September 1-30, 2014.

There will be an artist’s reception scheduled on Saturday, September 13, 2014, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Mimi was born and raised in Manila, though her parents (mom, Ophelia Quevedo Verano and dad, Benedicto Blanco) were both from Paoay, Ilocos Norte. buildings off the side of quiet highways, where there’s nothing but wind and dirt kicking up on your face.”

The “compositions she shoots are focused mainly on what remains as a standing structure, that evokes unique architectural charm, depicting its change over time and a story to tell.” For Mimi, it wasn’t just finding abandoned buildings but finding structures that have “texture, lighting and a composition.” It also takes “planning and mapping locations, particularly with unfamiliar distant environments” and areas which were mostly “off the beaten path.”

She specializes on the type of photographs called “light painting,” where photos are “ taken over a few minutes of an exposure, while highlighting parts of buildings or structures with either white Hanna Mae “Mimi” Peters, Photographer/ or colored flashlight to give the illusion artist A pharmacist by profession, Mimi’s that the building or structures are lit up, creative desire was sparked by her inter- when they’re really not, much like a motel est in photography in her early 30’s.. She sign being lit up, while in reality, it was is a self-taught photographer who ventured just shot in darkness with no lights on.” into capturing “off the beaten path,” aban- In order to capture the right shot, some of doned structures, showcasing its “urban the photographs in her collection took all decay, while at the same time admiring its day and “time is of the essence for the right beauty which was most often overlooked.” moment to shoot.” For those interested to Together, Mimi and her husband of five view Mimi Peter’s exhibits and photograph years, Jason Peters would go on weekend collections, the AIA Building is located at: road trips, from Palm Springs to Route 66 3780 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. to Barstow, exploring unusual places to Exhibition hours are: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; go to, looking for interesting, “abandoned closed on weekends.

ANDRES From page 13

presentations to thousands of residents and business each year.

The local chapter serves some 7.3 million people and responds to local emergency calls every 22 hours. Nearly 1,000 adults and 2,000 youth volunteers donate their time to the organization. It trains more than 49,000 people in first aid and CPR annually and teaches nearly 60,000 residents in water safety and lifeguard skills. There are 600 local chapters in the local network.

September being a National Disaster Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross is urging “everyone to get ready for emergencies” and encourages citizens to join America’s PrepareAthon by creating a disaster plan for the household “that can keeps everyone safe in an emergency”.

Having an emergency plan, according to Maxine Margaritis, Regional CEO of the

American Red Cross, “is an important step so everyone in the household knows what they should do if something happens” and should mark National Preparedness Month by creating or updating their plans” The Red Cross serving Orange County will be providing the public various opportunities to learn how to get prepared by participating at the following scheduled events: Huntington Beach Disaster Preparedness Expo 2014, Sept. 13 at Sea Breeze Church, 36th Annual Fiestas Patrias, Main Street in Historic Downtown Santa Ana onSept. 14; Prepare SoCal Day at the Angels, Angels Stadium, Anaheim, Ca on Sept. 14; Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Presentations at Pacifica Institute in Orange County on Sept. 23 and at the American Red Cross in Santa Ana on Sept. 30.

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Conventional Financing with 5% down and no PMI payments or refinancing out of your PMI Has anyone heard of such a loan program, if you have not get on board we have been helping buyers avoid PMI and MIP with only 5% down. Yes, there has been a Fannie Mae program that allows lenders to self insure the loan therefore you don’t need to buy PMI insurance. These are typically the types of loan I always recommend my customers to take. Because a typical PMI factor for 5% down pay would be around .75-.90% depending on your fico scores, so if you choose to get a loan without PMI your rates would only have to take a rate that is about .25-.375% higher. loan and requirements you needed to provide Let give a more accurate example: to verify such. Here are some of the guidelines Loan Amount: $ 300,000.00 – Todays you need to know first: interest rate estimate : 4.25% Revolving debt may be paid off to qualify, Principal payment at 4.25% = 1475.82 as long as the account is being closed. If the plus pmi of additional $177.00 total PI + PMi revolving account will be paid off and closed = 1652.82 during the origination process, the payment Same balance with a 4.625% rate – NO does not have to be included in the DTI ratio, PMI would give you a payment only of $ provided the following documentation is ob1542.42. tained confirming that the account has been The savings would be around 109/mo with paid off and closed: no pmi option.

A letter from the creditor, on their letterHere are some of the requirements: Min head, evidencing that the account was closed fico score to be around 680, debt to income and has a zero balance, or a credit report ratio not exceeding 41-45% depending on the supplement evidencing that the account was fico scores. Lender DU ( delegated underwrit- closed and has a zero balance. If the revolving ing) have to allow or approve this loan first account will be paid off at loan closing, the before a lender would agree to self insure. payment does not have to be included in the Please call for if you have a scenario that you DTI ratio provided the following documentawould like to have discussed. tion is obtained: Can you compare this to FHA loans? If Note: Paying down debt to less than 10 the issue of another 1.5% is a problem then months, to avoid including the debt in DTI you cannot get this conventional loan. But if ratios, is not permitted. This applies to both you can save up to meet the 5% down require- installment and revolving accounts. But if you ments, you will have saved upfront 1.75% on do it prior to getting a credit for the lender, the MIP (Mortgage insurance premium) and there might be a way. the month 1.35% PMI (Private Mortgage If I already have Mortgage Insurance how Insurance) that FHA charges. As long as can I request for it to be removed? you meet the credit score and income ratio A federal law called the Homeowners requirements, I am all for 5% down payment Protection Act requires that mortgage insurwith PMI. ance be cancelled when you build up a certain Can I pay off my debts to qualify for a amount of equity in your home. The law aphome in case I owe too much money now? plies to most types of mortgages. Talk to your Great question, yes there are guidelines on lender about how this applies to you. how you should pay your debt to qualify for a When can I cancel MI?

When the balance on your mortgage reaches 80% of the home’s original value or current appraised value, you may request cancellation of your MI. You must have a good payment history with respect to the mortgage, mortgage payments must be current and there can be no other loans against the home. Some lenders also require verification that the property did not decrease in value. Even if its only a year or less as long as it meets the 80% limitation.

Unlike FHA. See FHA guidelines in regards to FHA MI removal: New FHA MIP Cancelation Policy Begins June 3, 2013 The Federal Housing Administration also made a second MIP-related announcement – the agency is reversing its policy which allows FHA-backed homeowners to cancel mortgage insurance premiums once the outstanding principal balance of an FHA loan reaches 78

percent of the original balance.

Going forward, the FHA will disallow the removal of MIP throughout the life of a loan, if the loan’s starting loan balance is higher than 90% of its appraised value. This is true for purchases and refinances.

For loans in which the loan-to-value begins at 90 percent or less, mortgage insurance premiums must be paid for 11 years. This change goes into effect June 3, 2013.

This will give it a homeowners the more reason to choose to put 5% down instead of a traditional FHA 3.5% down to not have to pay and go thru PMI. Thanks for your very interesting inquiries, now we have to really plan for our mortgages we want to take in the future.

Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net. Please like us on Facebook, type: 1st Innovative Finance.

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Part B covers MD visits, lab tests, Durable Medical Equipments, and some drugs (those that you generally do not administer yourself).

Part B charges a monthly premium (2014 - $104.90, or higher, depending on your income.) 3 months before and 3 months after your birthmonth (7 months premium in the future.

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., September 13 - 19, 2014

window), you must enroll for Part B. Those who enjoy employer or unionsponsored health plan may postpone paying the monthly premium until such time they lose coverage, provided the plan is considered “creditable�. Seek your HR’s or union’s advice on this. If your monthly employer or union-sponsored health plan premium is “too much� (sometimes be-

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Medicare Part B cause your spouse or dependents are included in the coverage), it may be wise to entertain other options.

If you don’t pay your Part B premium at the time when you have to, you may pay a penalty, if and when you decide to pay the mium. (I can help you apply for Medi-CAL online, at NO cost to you.)

What are items and services NOT covered by Medicare?

Long Term Care Most Dental Care Eye exams related to prescribing glasses Dentures Cosmetic Surgery Acupuncture Hearing Aids and exams Routine Foot Care Incidentally, some of the above services may be covered if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). However, to qualify for Part C, you need to have Medicare Parts A & B, among others.

If new to Medicare, it is wise to discuss your options only with experienced and knowledgeable professionals.

If you need help, you may reach me at 323-535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@ gmail.com.

Obamacare Alert: If you have recently received a letter from Covered CA regarding your Income or Citizenship verification, do NOT disregard the letter. It is important that you address it right away by submitting their required evidence. On or before September 30, 2014. If you fail to understand what is stated, or unsure of what the letter means, give me a call for help.

Open Enrollment starts on November 15, 2014 and ends on February 15, 2015.

If you have questions or concerns, it is wise to address them this early.

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

He worked for UNILAB where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division. He was a joint-venture partner of the San Miguel Corporation in an agri-business project. He holds CA license #0G55218.

He provides help at no cost or obligation to anyone.

City Clerk approves initiative ordinance petition for circulation minimum wage LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2014) – Los Angeles City Clerk Holly Wolcott announced today that a petition by proponents John Parker, Jose Medina, Maggie Vascessenno, Scott Scheffer, and Essie Crosby relative to a “Minimum Wage Initiative Ordinance,� was approved by the Office of the City Clerk on September 9, 2014 for circulation and collection of signatures of registered voters in the City of Los Angeles. The official summary of the proposal as prepared by the City Attorney is included below: This proposed ordinance establishes a minimum wage of $15 per hour in the City of Los Angeles; The minimum wage requirement would apply to most employers upon the effective date of the ordinance, and to small businesses and nonprofits on January 1, 2017; The minimum wage rate is subject to a yearly increase based on the Consumer Price Index for Los Angeles; The ordinance provides that tips or service charges shall be retained by employees and shall not be included in the minimum wage calculation; The ordinance requires employers to post notices of the minimum wage rate at job sites; The ordinance authorizes the City to issue guidelines, investigate violations, hold administrative hearings and impose administrative penalties, including fines to help offset the City’s enforcement costs; and The ordinance also authorizes civil court actions against employers for violations of the minimum wage requirement.

In accordance with Charter Section 451(b), all names signed to the petition must have been secured not more than 120 days prior to the date of filing of the completed petition. The petition must be signed by registered voters of the City of Los Angeles.

The number of signatures currently required is 61,486 (15 percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for the Office of Mayor at the last election at which a Mayor was elected) prior to the filing of the completed petition.

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Worker should leave abusive employer Q. I’m a live-in caregiver who is new to this country. The employer who first hired me lost his job and was not able to pay my salary. I then sought the help of an agency who charged me $1500 to look for an employer. The agency told me that it is better to have any new employer than no employer. I paid the fee and upon obtaining my work permit I soon discovered that the new employer didn’t need my help and was only an employer on paper. I was

forced to pay my own taxes to make it seem I am working. To make call the police. At a minimum, pack your matters worse the employer has made things and get out of this situation that sexual passes at me which makes me feel provides no benefit to you in any way. It uncomfortable. I told my agency but it only wastes your time. It is also important seems they do not care. They told me that to note that the Immigration department I need to pay another fee to find another is very sensitive to caregiver abuse. If you employer. What do I do to get out of this feel that you’ve been a victim of abuse in revolving door? your workplace, you may be eligible for A. The best suggestion is to stay far emergency processing of a new live-in away from your current employer and caregiver work permit to help you tranfrom that agency. Change your mailing sition to a new employer as quickly as address and your cell phone. Each day you possible. spend with these people is one day less on Q. I am already in Canada as Permayour four year eligibility work permit. Not nent Resident. I did not declare my child surprisingly, I disagree with the agency. upon entering. Am I eligible to bring him It is not better to have any employer than to Canada to visit or can I sponsor him? I no employer. Your employer does “zero� was told that I cannot ? towards eligibility and you gain no work A. It is not so black and white. While experience whatsoever. Paying your tax it is true that entering the country and in order to get a fake T4 at the end of the misrepresenting your family status is a seriyear is fraudulent. As well, charging you ous issue, it does not automatically mean $1500 is also illegal. Agencies cannot that your son cannot enter the country. charge workers for finding employment. The specific law is actually R117(9)(d) As well, in my experience, if you keep which states that if you failed to disclose connected to this agency you will never the child before coming to Canada, then be out of their clutches and quite often the Immigration Department is not going they will ask for additional funds for you. to consider that person as a family class For example, what if at the end of the year member after you enter. However, other your “employer� does not wish to issue you regulations focus on compassionate factors a T4? You cannot complain to immigra- that may or may not overcome the former tion (since you never worked there) and rule. In other words, it really depends on therefore you leave yourself vulnerable to the circumstance and each case must be further extortion by this tag team. dealt with on its own merits.

Regarding the sexual advances, that is Q. I applied to immigrate to Canada as a outright criminal. If you have the strength nurse and my visa was fast tracked. It only

LOS ANGELES took six months to process the application.

My questions are: Can I enter Canada and then leave right away? Do I have to work as a nurse? Am I permitted to sponsor my boyfriend after I arrive?

A. Yes, you can enter Canada, become an immigrant and leave the next day if you want. However, there is a caveat. If you leave so soon you will not have the actual PR card in your hand.

Therefore, you will not be able to get on a plane until you have the PR card. Second, you are not restricted in the occupation regardless of how you entered. Once you

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enter Canada as an immigrant you are free to work in any occupation in any city – regardless of the occupation in which you applied to become an immigrant. Finally, if you marry your boyfriend after landing, you would then be able to sponsor him as a spouse.

Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario. The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document. Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or call toll free 1-888-847-2078.

Canada unemployment steady at 7 percent in August OTTAWA, September 5, 2014 (AFP) – Canada’s unemployment rate remained at seven percent in August as the country unexpectedly shed 11,000 jobs last month, the government said Friday.

Analysts had expected a much rosier economic picture, forecasting the creation of 10,000 posts following the 41,700 added in July.

Full-time jobs declined by 2,300 compared to the previous month while parttime positions dropped by 8,700, Statistics Canada said.

Overall, the labor participation rate was 66 percent, down 0.1 percent from July.

Year-on-year, however, employment increased by 81,000 – or 0.5 percent – mostly in part-time positions.

Employment declined among young people aged 15 to 24 in August, as well as among women aged 25 to 54.

But men aged 25 to 54 saw an uptick in jobs, edging that group’s unemployment rate down by 0.2 percent.

Fewer people were employed in wholesale and retail trade, transportation and warehousing but gains were seen in construction, services and public administration.

Canada on Thursday started doling out hotly-anticipated tax cuts, thanks to its first budgetary surplus since the global economic slump.

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OPINION

AFP bats for speedy passage of BBL to ensure lasting peace in Mindanao

MANILA, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) – To ensure lasting peace, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed its full support for the quick passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that seeks to provide a political solution to the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.

President Benigno S. Aquino III turned over on Wednesday morning the final draft of the proposed BBL to Congress leaders in a ceremony in Malacañang.

The BBL is part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in March this year.

“Underlying CAB is the recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process,” it stressed.

“The AFP welcomes the announcement of the President that the BBL will be submitted to Congress this week. We believe that the successful implementation of the peace process with the eventual establishment of the Bangsamoro will provide the political solution that will end the four-decade conflict in Mindanao,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said.

He said that the Armed Forces has always supported the Mindanao peace process knowing that the problem cannot be solved through a military solution alone.

“By enacting the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, a just and lasting peace will finally dawn in Mindanao ending more than 40 years of fighting between Filipinos versus Filipinos.

With this political solution, the sacrifices of more than 150,000 Filipinos who perished in this strife would not be in vain,” the AFP chief also said.

Throughout the GPH-MILF peace talks, the AFP has expressed its support for the process as it has said that “the same suffering, misery, and misfortune that our people feel every time armed conflicts arise,” because soldiers suffer, too, as they “continue to risk their lives as first responders to armed conflicts and violence.”

The military had also expressed its optimism since the beginning of the peace talks saying that the milestones achieved had put into concrete example the principles embodied in its Internal Peace Security Program “Bayanihan” that concerted efforts and cooperation among stakeholders is key to achieve the common goal of just and lasting peace not only for Mindanao but for the entire country. (MNS)

Govt’s NCR-centric policy led to traffic – Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday blamed the traffic problem in Metro Manila on the government’s National Capital Region-centric policy as he pushed for massive infusion of resources and infrastructure funds to other regions.

Cayetano said the government should initiate the development of provinces now to allow them to grow and create opportunities for their residents.

“The answer given to us when we ask for solutions to solve congestion in Metro Manila is to build, build, and build; more, more, and more,” he said in a press statement.

“That is what makes it ridiculous. If you have a house na punong-puno na, ang tama bang sagot ay hatiin ang kwarto? Hindi ba ang solusyon is to buy another house o palakihin mo ang lote mo?” he added.

Cayetano said while billions of pesos are being lost due to traffic in the National Capital Region every day, other regions in the country continue to experience slow development.

“There are 19,137 Filipinos per square kilometer in Metro Manila. Ganoon kadami ang tao dito. Ang pinakamalapit na bilang ay sa Calabarzon, which only has 758 people per sq.km. The rest, ang average is around 300 per sq.km. Karamihan nasa Metro Manila na,” he said.

“The solution to decongesting Metro Manila ay hindi ang pinapakita sa telebisyon na mga bagong kalye, bagong Skyway. Hindi ‘yun ang solusyon.

Lalo lang sisikip ang NCR. Ang solusyon ay gawin ang mga projects na ‘yan sa labas ng Metro Manila,” Cayetano added.

He said that based on the data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), around 230,000 to 250,000 vehicles will be purchased in the country next year, 58 percent

of which will be filling up the already-congested streets of Metro Manila.

“100,000 new cars entered this year in Metro Manila. Add the 100,00 next year, for a total of 2.2 million vehicles in Metro Manila every year na gumagala, kaya traffic,” he said.

He added that this shows it is not the provincial buses that cause traffic in Metro Manila.

“Hindi dahil sa [provincial] buses kung hindi sa dami ng sasakyan. So how would we get inclusive growth? Bakit kasi sa Metro Manila lang (ang pinapaunlad)?” he said.

Cayetano said that a more feasible solution to decongest NCR is to allot more funds for infrastructure programs in other regions to encourage people to consider moving and looking for employment opportunities outside the capital.

He said that many Filipino families are robbed of opportunities because the biggest chunk of the national budget pie is allocated to NCR. The senator said in 2013 alone, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved P184.2 billion worth of 10 major infrastructure projects, eight of which are located in NCR. He said the two other projects are the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project worth P24.4 billion and Mactan Cebu International Airport Expansion at P17.5 billion.

Cayetano said this stressed the need for government to promote a more inclusive economic plan that will allow the implementation of a specific economic strategy for each of the 17 regions.

“There is no one cure, there is no one-size-fitsall. Kapag nag-economic planning tayo, dapat may national vision; may coherent policy. Pero dapat may 17 regional strategies kung saan ang bawat region ay may strategy at mabibigyan ng pera,” he said. (MNS)

Let Congress decide on Binay impeachment – Palace MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Tuesday distanced itself from a proposal to file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Ang prosesong ito ay tungkulin at kapangyarihan ng House of Representatives at ipapaubaya na lang natin sa kanila kung ano ang gagawin dito,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said during a Palace press briefing.

(This process is within the task and powers of the House of Representatives so let us leave it to them to decide on the matter.)

Albay Governor Joey Salceda on Monday said Binay should be impeached because of the allegedly overpriced Makati City parking building.

Meanwhile, Binay may not be impeached for an allegedly overpriced building because the allegations supposedly happened when he was Makati mayor, which is not an impeachable officer, a Liberal Party stalwart said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Iloilo City Representative Jerry Treñas said in one of his legal opinion, Vice President Binay was only a mayor when the allegedly overpriced Makati building was built.

Under the rules, impeachable officers only include the President, Vice President, members of the Supreme Court, the Ombudsman, and members of constitutional commissions.

The last officer to be impeached is ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona over false declarations of wealth.

“We are all advocates of the law. There is one legal opinion that he’s still an impeachable officer, there is also another that the alleged offense was committed at the time he was not an

impeachable officer,” Treñas said.

Binay and his son, incumbent Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., face a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman for the allegedly overpriced building.

The building was worth P2.3 billion but complainants said according to National Statistics Office data, the cost should have only been P245.6 million. The Senate, led by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV, is conducting a probe on the alleged overpricing. Both Cayetano and Trillanes, just like Vice President Binay, have openly expressed their intention to run for President in the 2016 elections.

Treñas said impeaching the Vice President is only a waste of time and Congress should instead focus on the budget and other pertinent laws such as the Bangsamoro basic law, freedom of information bill, and the anti-political dynasty bill.

For his part, Negros Occidental Representative Alfredo Benitez said the Senate probe appears to be politically-motivated, especially as the purported offense was brought up seven years after it was allegedly committed.

He said the proper forum should be in the courts and that the Senate should just leave the investigation to the Ombudsman.

“There’s too much politics involved. Seven years later and you’re going to bring it up. Isn’t there a political color on this?” said Benitez, who is also from the Liberal Party.

Calls for Binay’s impeachment were echoed

by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, who said that he would rather have an impeachment process so that the Vice President position “can be cleansed.” (MNS)

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DAP fund controversy I hope Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s intention to file a resolution requesting the Senate leadership to conduct question hour on Budget Secretary Butch Abad pushes through and force him to release vital information regarding the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

At least Santiago’s question hour with Abad is much, much more credible than the previous Senate inquiry that they did on

Abad. Senate President Frank Drilon, the biggest “pork barrel� benefi- like military, diplomatic and other national ciary, coached Abad in parrying questions security concerns. Whether Abad’s inforthrown by some senators amid allega- mation deals with any of these is anybody’s tions that most, if not all projects funded guess, but definitely significant to the through DAP, were either fake or grossly future of our country. overpriced.

Santiago’s move to hold a question hour As long as Drilon is the Senate Presi- session with Abad is pursuant to Congress’ dent, and Belmonte as Speaker of the oversight functions, a process provided for house, I don’t have much hope in both by Article 22 of the Constitution. If and chambers ever reasserting their indepen- when Abad will have the balls to appear dence from Malacaùang. Both Drilon and before the Senate, he has to explain how Belmonte will do whatever Malacaùang the P6.5 billion DAP funds were given to wants. lawmakers before and during the impeachDrilon and some other senators and ment trial of former Chief Justice Renato congressmen who benefitted from the DAP Corona. funds have lost all their moral authority to In her proposed resolution to the Senate govern. The public has lost faith in them, leadership, Santiago asked that Abad bring except for a few lawmakers. with him a list of the total DAP funds given Abad’s presence in the Senate however to each senator and congressman. Everywill require presidential approval, accord- body knows that the DAP funds we’re used ing to a Malacaùang spokesman. If and by the Aquino administration to bribe the when President Noynoy invokes his execu- lawmakers to seal the deal in the convictive privilege, the Senate cannot compel tion of Corona.

Abad to testify about the illegal DAP funds.

A ruling has been handed down recently I do not see any reason for the President by the Supreme Court declaring portions to prevent Abad from appearing before the of the DAP as unconstitutional. However, Senate and being subjected to the question President Noynoy and his allies have chalhour since the information the Senate seeks lenged the high court’s ruling. is not covered by the doctrine of executive The controversial DAP fund came out in privilege. Unless the administration wants the open after Senator Jingoy Estrada deAbad to withhold information regarding livered a privilege speech in the Senate last DAP allocations, Noynoy has no choice year that some senators, including himself, but to invoke that executive privilege. The received P50 million each as incentive for executive privilege is recognized only in voting in favor of the impeachment of the relation to certain types of information then Chief Justice Corona. He said the P50

million was on top of their regular PDAF allocations.

Only three senators voted against the Corona impeachment. They are Senators Santiago, Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos and Joker arroyo. All three of them denied having received DAP related funds.

As I write this column, there is still no word if Santiago will push through with her plan. Will President Noynoy allow Abad to testify before the senate? If he does, Abad will surely incriminate most of Noynoy’s senator allies who all received the P50 million fund bribe.

Now it’s in the open. Vice President Jojo Binay has been exposed by his former best friend and vice mayor on how he was able to accumulate millions of pesos throughout his 19-year reign as chief executive of the City of Makati.

Binay in hot water It seems that things are unraveling in the financial district. The former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado has just told senators in the hearing in the senate regarding the overpriced car park building that Vice President Binay allegedly gets 13 per cent kickbacks for every contract for projects entered into by the Makati City government throughout his incumbency as mayor.

For being subservient then to Mayor Jojo Binay, Mercado said he got P80 million as “commission,� although he was “promised� to get P120 million.

Mercado also fingered the vice presi-

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dent’s wife, Dra. Elenita Binay, one time Makati mayor, as having received from P1.9 to P2.4 million as “payoff� from the city’s garbage collection contract.

The Vice President Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, have been named respondents in a plunder complaint in connection with the alleged overpriced multi-billion car park building construction, which many hope affect his presidential ambitions in 2016. The elder Binay is the presumptuous opposition presidential candidate in the 2016 national election.

He has been leading all opinion polls conducted from time to time against other candidates aspiring for the presidency, including Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, whom he beat for the vice presidency.

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Where did your debt problems come from?

I was counseling someone the other day in my office. He looked shocked and confused as we sorted through all the credit card statements on my desk and added up how much he owed. $65,000! That’s how much the statements said he owed! How could this be? He said he remembered paying a lot of these debts off just a few years ago. When I asked him how it was possible for him to owe that much again, he replied: “Honestly, I don’t even remember�. their credit cards for so-called “emergenFor the vast majority of people, their cies�. The problem is that anything could debt problems usually stem from a series of pretty much qualify as an “emergency�. events or bad financial decisions. It can be The “emergency� could be new furniture that a lot of people simply don’t keep track that they don’t even need, a new car or of what they charge on their credit cards. an unplanned family vacation. Months So they use their credit cards for everyday or years go by and before they realize it, purchases without realizing how much their debts have skyrocketed beyond their debt they are accumulating. Some use ability to repay. And unless their income

has increased over that period of time, it becomes a struggle to make the debt payments every month.

If you don’t have the extra cash lying around every month to make those increasing debt payments, it will only be a matter of time before you start defaulting. And from there it just gets worse and worse until one day you have a big financial emergency in your hands. Some people even resort to borrowing from some credit cards just to pay other credit cards but quickly realize that this strategy doesn’t work and that they are only digging themselves into a deeper financial hole with no way out.

The truth is that your debt problems didn’t just suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Experience is often our best teacher. It would help to understand what past decisions led you to your present financial

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circumstances so that you can avoid making the same mistakes again. This can be a good first step to solving your debt problems. The late author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, said: “You may not be able to change your destination overnight but you can change your direction overnight.� It’s never too late to make the change and today is a good day to start.

If you need help, call my Valencia office at (866) 477-7772.. We have offices in Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped more than 5,000 clients get out of debt. To schedule a free attorney consultation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-888-224-7224 or 1-866-477-7772.

Millions’ worth of relief for Yolanda victims ‘wasted’ MANILA, Sept 12 (Mabuhay) – The House of Representatives should look into how the national government distributes relief during disasters following the disclosure that millions of pesos’ worth of goods intended for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda had either not reached them or gone to waste, a party-list lawmaker said Friday.

House Resolution No. 1492 filed by Kabataan Representative Terry Ridon stressed the importance of determining whether this was due to “inefficiency and criminal neglect of government offices and agencies mandated to do so,� or worse. “If we don’t make a full accounting of the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the national government, unscrupulous officials might just think that they can get away with their possibly criminal acts – including the possible malversation of funds intended for Typhoon Yolanda victims,� he said.

Ridon filed the resolution following the release of a Commission on Audit report that the Department of Social Welfare and Development had failed to distribute 128,000 tins of sardines, P69.2 million worth of bottled water, and at least P736.2 million in cash to families affected by Yolanda.

The COA also said as saying only P3.88 million of more than P740 million in local and foreign donations to the DSWD account had been disbursed.

The reported said improper storage had led to the wastage of P58 million worth of supplies. This is aside from 7,527 family food packs, valued at P2.7, wasted due to improper storage and handling.

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Msgr. Gerry Almariza, Bishop of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental in a “meet and greet� with the leaders of the San Carlos Asssociation of Los Angeles (SCALA) at Kapistahan Grill in Historic Filipinotown, where he was given a reception dinner by the SCALA during his visit in California last September 11.

LOS ANGELES

Weekend, Sat. - Fri., September 13 - 19, 2014

More reasons to smile this season The company that guarantees to deliver smiles and move more than just sea cargo and money remittances is once again making the upcoming holidays more exciting. In the spirit of spreading more smiles this season, LBC is giving away over two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) worth of prizes through their Smile and Drive promo which launched on September 1.

A total of nine (9) brand new Toyota Corollas and numerous Gift Certificates will be raffled off to LBC customers who avail of their cargo and money remittance services through any LBC branch or partner agents in the US and Canada. Smile and Drive runs from September 1 to November 30, 2014. All transactions during the promo period will be automatically entered in the electronic draw during the monthly raffle, the first of which will happen on October 3, 2014. For more details about the promo, you may visit www.lbchome.com or www.

lbcexpress.com.

To coincide with the launch of the Smile and Drive promo is LBC’s answer to the expected holiday rush.

Dubbed as the LBC Premium Service, our trusted friends from LBC will move your balikbayan box to your loved ones in no more than fifteen (15) days or your next shipment is FREE. This unique offering from LBC was introduced to mitigate the congestion and uncontrollable delays happening in the Philippine ports. Now, with LBC’s Premium Service, you will have more time to catch the best sales of the season and give you less worries about missing those special occasions.

LBC’s Premium Service is priced at a minimum of $130.00 for the timely delivery of a 50--pound balikbayan box.

To avail of this service, simply visit participating LBC Branches or call 1--844-LBCFAST (1-844--5223278) to schedule a free pick-up.

FACLA feeding program/food distribution for Fil-Ams on Sept. 27 Los Angeles – The HIFI CALI EXPO LLC, Filipino Ministry of the Wilshire United Methodist Church of Wilshire ( FMWUMC) and the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 9-11 a.m.

FACLA Director and Ms. FILAM INTERNATIONAL LLC President Bernie Targa-Ganon “ The feeding program has been one of the community services feature of FACLA since July 2014 and it is in this third month. We call all Fil-Am seniors

and indigent needy families to avail of this feeding program.”

Pastor Rudy Somaling of FMWUMC also said; “ we are not only involve on feeding the souls but also helping people to make their daily ends meet.”

Food Distribution Every Last Saturday of the Month On the other hand FACLA President Jun Baul said, “we welcome this monthly community service activity of these organizations so they can help in feeding the Fil-Am seniors, veterans, widows and

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indigent families and distributing food to the families who need it.”

The Justice for Filipino American veterans (JFAV) MS FILAM INTRNATIONAL LLC and the Seniors for Filipino American Community Empowerment supports this once a month endeavor and community service that is held in FACLA every last Saturday of every month.

For more information please call FACLA c/o Clarita Julian or Cording at (213) 484-1527 or JFAV at (213)2410995 email us newfacla@yahoo.com.

Divine Savior Rosary Group anniversary celebration Sept. 27 A friendly reminder to our members, family and guests to attend our Divine Savior Rosary Group Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 27, 2014, at the Club House of Manny and Offie Garcia at 16443 Murphy Road, La Mirada, CA 90638. Check

in time is 10:30 a.m. Rosary will start at exactly 11 a.m., followed by lunch, singing and dancing.

For more information, please contact Rey S. Ponio (909) 597-4452 or Email reysponio@yahoo.com

Mexican president slams Texas border troop deployment MEXICO CITY, September 12, 2014 (AFP) – Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto condemned Texas Governor Rick Perry’s deployment of troops to the border to curb illegal immigration, calling the move “unpleasant” and “deplorable.”

“It is not only unpleasant, I think it is reprehensible,” Pena Nieto said in an interview with El Universal newspaper published on Friday.

Pena Nieto said the deployment goes against the neighborly ties that have been established with the US federal government. “This attitude is totally deplorable and does not resolve a problem a problem that we have to face in a joint manner,” he said.

Perry, a Republican seen as a likely candidate for president in 2016, ordered the deployment in July following a summer surge of unaccompanied child migrants at the border. The first National Guard troops arrived at the border last month.

Perry’s office issued a statement this week saying 2,200 troops had volunteered to fill the 1,000 positions he authorized on July 21.

The surge revived a divisive debate over illegal immigration in the United States, with President Barack Obama taking fire from foes and allies after he decided to delay immigration reform until after November’s midterm elections.

US authorities say they caught more than 66,000 unaccompanied children at the border with Mexico between October 2013 and August this year, almost a twofold increase from the previous fiscal year.

LAW OFFICES OF LARRY BAUTISTA YANG

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

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Have you mortgaged your grandchildren to Mastercard and Visa? Snowed under by a mountain of debt? Worried about losing your home and car? Call me immediately today! Yes, I speak Tagalog. No, I won’t charge you for consultation. I can help you keep your home, car and other personal properties.

I look forward to help you: discharge debts; stop foreclosures; wage garnishments; stop harassments from collectors; stop repossessions.

•CANCEL 2ND TRUST DEEDS •DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW •CIVIL, BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE LITIGATION & TRIALS

L A R R Y YA N G i s a g r a d u a t e o f Georgetown University Law Center with a master’s degree in law and practices before California State Courts, United Sates District Courts, the California Appeals for the 9th Circuit and US Bankruptcy Courts.

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FOOD & DINING FAMILY FEATURES

F

rom everyday snacking to entertaining at parties, Americans adore their snacks. So, it’s no surprise that nearly 100 percent of Americans snack at least once every day, according to a recent survey conducted by the California Olive Committee.

Interestingly, the survey found that consumers, who snack most frequently at home on weekends, overwhelmingly prefer easy-to-prepare homemade snacks over prepared storebought varieties.

One versatile and affordable ingredient that pumps up the flavor of a wide array of snack recipes is the ripe olive. Olives are a double-duty pantry staple — ideal for snacking right out of the can and perfect to have on hand for preparing simple, mouth-watering snack recipes at home.

From pickling with spices and vegetables, to adding a pop of color and texture to hummus or cream cheese-stuffed celery, California Ripe Olives are a flavorful addition to crowd-pleasing snacks.

Here are some simple, scrumptious recipes that are sure to cure any snack attack.

For more tasty snacking recipes, visit www.CalOlive.org.

Olive Hummus Servings: 2 cups Prep time: 10 minutes 1 (6-ounce) can California Ripe Olives 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame tahini 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt Chopped fresh parsley (optional) Pita bread wedges, pita chips or cut raw vegetables Open olive can and strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of brine; set aside.

Puree beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic in food processor until very smooth.

Add yogurt and olive brine and mix again.

Add two-thirds of olives and pulse until coarsely chopped.

Transfer to bowl.

Coarsely chop remaining olives and sprinkle over top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve with pita bread wedges, pita chips or raw vegetables.

Olive, Sun-Dried Tomato and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Servings: 8 Prep time: 20 minutes 1 (8-ounce) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened 1 (2.2-ounce) can sliced California Ripe Olives, drained 2 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomatoes 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 finely chopped small green onions 2 minced garlic cloves 8 large ribs celery 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional) Place cream cheese in medium bowl. Chop three-quarters of the olives and stir into cream cheese with tomatoes, basil, salt, green onions and garlic. Cut each celery rib in half and fill with cheese mixture. Sprinkle with pistachios and garnish with remaining olives.

Pickled Olives and Vegetables Servings: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Chill time: Overnight 2 (6-ounce) cans California Ripe Olives

Olive, Sun-Dried Tomato and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt

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2 bay leaves 1 medium carrot, peeled, halved and cut into strips 12 small green beans, ends trimmed 2 sprigs fresh dill 1 small yellow squash, halved and cut into strips 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced Open olive cans and strain, reserving 3/4 cup of brine; set aside.

Place coriander, peppercorns, crushed red pepper and seeds in medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for two minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Add vinegar, water, olive brine, sugar, salt and bay leaves, and bring to boil. Add carrots and cook five minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in remaining ingredients, including olives.

Let cool then transfer to jars. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, chill overnight before serving.

Bahian-Spiced Olives Servings: 6 Prep time: 5 minutes 2 (6-ounce) cans California Ripe Olives 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin (preferably toasted) 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1/8–1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Sea salt to taste Open olive cans and strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of brine.

Stir together all ingredients (including brine) in medium bowl.

May be served immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. If refrigerated, warm slightly before serving.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

‘Raw’ the new beauty in Hollywood (TORONTO, Canada-AFP) – Starlets take note: Hollywood filmmakers pushed a no-fuss, no-makeup look in new movies at the Toronto film festival this week, redefining beauty as “raw”.

And established stars including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lapped it up. “I loved every minute of it,” said Aniston. “It was extremely liberating to do that because as women we do feel we have to live up to an expectation, whether it’s on camera or going to the market or whatever it is.

“And the truth is, that’s just not the way it is, we don’t always have our high heels on, we don’t always have our hair and makeup on.”

In her new film “Cake,” Aniston, 45, plays an unpleasant woman in chronic pain who has driven away all of her friends and lost all reason to live.

It is an unflattering role that sees her sporting greasy hair – and no makeup.

“I think there’s beauty in all forms, whether it’s in pain or grief, or an awards show or whatever it is, I think there’s beauty in all of it and I thought it was important to portray that,” said Aniston, who received a standing ovation at the film’s premiere Monday evening.

Director Daniel Barnz added: “It was an extraordinary experience seeing one of the

most beautiful women in the world without a stitch of makeup on, and somehow in this film because of the beauty that comes from the inside I’ve never found her more beautiful.”

Aniston said she consulted with two friends who suffer from chronic pain and pharmacologists to understand how drugs impact a body to prepare for the raw role of “Claire.”

She also wore a back brace, she said, “because I tend to slouch.”

Earlier in the week, Witherspoon described how “Wild” director Jean-Marc Vallee had ordered the actors not to wear any makeup during filming, going as far as covering the mirrors in their on-set trailer.

“Wild” is based on author Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling memoir.

It tells how, devastated by the death of her mother, Strayed self-destructs—destroying her marriage, becoming hooked on heroin and even pregnant by a stranger.

In a bid to find her way out of despair, she embarks on a 1,100-mile (1,800 kilometer) hike.

“It was raw,” said Witherspoon of her rumpled look in the movie.

“But if Cheryl could be brave enough to tell every part of her story, I had to be brave enough to throw away my vanity and go for it.”

Jennifer Aniston in ‘Cake’: In her new film “Cake,” Aniston, 45, is cast in a role that sees her sporting greasy hair and no makeup.©Courtesy of TIFF

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Nine in 10 children in US eat too much salt: experts (WASHINGTON-AFP) – Nine in 10 American children eat too much salt, greatly raising their risk of high blood pressure and heart disease as they grow older, experts said Tuesday.

More than 40 percent of the sodium children consume comes from what are typically their favorite foods, including pizza, sandwich meats, cheese, chicken nuggets and pasta dishes, said the report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kids aged 6-18 eat an average of about 3,300 milligrams of sodium a day before salt is added at the table, the report said. That is far higher than the 2,300 milligrams per day recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“Too many children are consuming way too much sodium, and the result will be risks of high blood pressure and heart disease in the future,” said CDC director Tom Frieden.

“Most sodium is from processed and

restaurant food, not the salt shaker. Reducing sodium intake will help our children avoid tragic and expensive health problems.”

The data was based on findings from the CDC’s 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Lunch and dinner tended to be the most salty meals of the day, said the report.

“Most sodium is already in food before you buy it or order it. About 65 percent comes from store foods, 13 percent from fast food and pizza restaurant foods, and nine percent from school cafeteria foods.”

Parents and caregivers are urged to give kids plenty of fruit and vegetables, alongside wholesome, unprocessed foods as often as possible, the CDC said in a statement.

Schools could help by reducing sodium in food and putting lower-sodium alternatives in vending machines and cafeterias, it added.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Alex asked: Joseph or Arjo?

Alex Gonzaga is proud to be single.

The 26-year-old actress said that she is enjoying juggling several projects.

Gonzaga was part of the recently concluded reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” and was one of the hosts of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice Kids.”

She is currently stars in the primetime series “Pure Love.”

“Talagang I’m so proud of myself. It has been 8 months. I’m so single and so loving it,” she said.

Gonzaga was formerly in a relationship with Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano.

She has since been linked with a celebrities, including comedian Ryan Bang and “Pure Love” co-star Alex Gonzaga Arjo Atayde. The two have expressed their intentions of wooing the actress, although Bang appears to have moved on after introducing his new “inspiration” in an episode of “It’s Showtime.”

Asked who she would pick between Atayde and her other co-star Joseph Marco, the actress picked the latter.

“Kay Joseph po. Kasi mas malapit siya sa edad ko. Pero okay lang si Arjo, okay siyang kaibigan. Sobrang bait niya,” she

Eraserheads

Eraserheads launches 2 new songs

said.

While she has only had a few relationships, this did not stop Gonzaga from writing her first self-help book about breakups.

“Gusto ko po talaga sa book is to help young girls na feeling nila na ‘yung lalaki na ‘yun ang buhay nila na magpapakamatay na sila, hahabulin nila,” she said.

“There are two things in life that you don’t chase—true love and true friends,” she added. (MNS)

Twelve years after officially calling it quits, Filipino music icon Eraserheads gathered again for one night at a magazine’s launch party in Makati City.

The group - composed of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro – performed together again for the first time since disbanding in 2002.

Eraserheads, whose Esquire cover was unveiled at the event, played some of their most memorable hits, including “Magasin.” Esquire editor-in-chief Erwin Romulo said they chose the band to grace the cover for one simple reason.

“We were in London and we decided to talk. We got together in a place at Portobelo Road and we started asking ourselves, what would Eraserheads sound like today? And that was the only

thing, we wanted to ask that question,” he explained.

And if the reaction of the crowd is any indication, Eraserheads still sounded the way fans loved them through the years.

The crowd could not stop singing along with the band in a night that proved to be momentous for another reason.

Eraserheads, whose last studio album is “Carbon Stereoxide” in 2001, launched two new songs entitled “Sabado” and “1995.” “It is a tribute to music in general basically. I mean it’s for OPM because people said OPM is dead,” added Romulo. The night became a big throwback and though the group has no plans for a major comeback, the night became a reunion for all OPM lovers and Pinoy rock fans. (MNS)

Former ‘Papaya Queen’ nude star is now a chef 1 A sexy actress during the 1990s is now a chef and restaurateur in her hometown in Albay.

Aya Medel, who was known as “Papaya Queen,” discussed her journey from posing nude in front of a camera to starting her own restaurant named IshiAya’s Garden Bistro.

“Nagluluto na talaga ako noon pa. I didn’t know what to do with my life pag wala sa showbiz so pinush ko ‘yung career sa kusina,” she said.

Medel started her career in films when she was cast as an extra in 1997’s “Nakalimot sa Pag-Ibig” directed by Artemio Marquez. She revealed that she was asked to do a rape scene, which she took professionally.

“I don’t care kung naghuhubad ako basta marami akong projects. Kasi I know hindi ito tatagal. Nag-eenjoy lang ako sa set. Pero after, naiiyak ako,” she said.

“Dapat kasi ine-enjoy ko ang teen life, nasa school. Pero matigas ang ulo ko at gusto ko kumita. Hindi naman ako nagagalaw. Trabaho lang ito,” she added.

She went on to star in several other films such as “Babae sa Bubungang Lata” (1997) and “Venus” (2001). Her peak came when she was recognized by the University of the Philippines for her role in the 1999 film “Sisa.”

“May talent talaga siya. High siya on emotional IQ. She’s able to survive on whatever role she’s given,” entertainment writer George Vail Kabristante said.

She disappeared from the limelight after she figured in a car accident that reportedly left her in critical condition.

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COMMUNITY

AARP TEK Workshops in San Diego empower Asian Americans 50+ to use technology Free AARP TEK workshops with translation support expanding to more cities in 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2014 – More than 300 people attended AARP TEK workshops designed for Chinese, Filipino, and other Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on how to use personal technology during AARP’s Ideas@50+ National Event and Expo in San Diego last week. AARP TEK (which stands for Technology Education and Knowledge) is a comprehensive technology education program specifically geared towards the 50+ audience and works to close the technology gap for older adults.

Workshops were held in English with

translation support available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Korean. As with the inaugural translationsupported workshops delivered in Boston earlier this year, the San Diego workshops were offered at no charge. As AARP TEK continues to provide more workshops with translation support, AARP trainers are learning how to better present and integrate multilingual content and materials within the program to better serve Chinese, Filipino, and other AAPI communities.

“After the hands-on training, the smartphone was no longer as intimidating or irrelevant to their lives,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience.

AARP TEK offered free, hands-on digital device workshops with translation support in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Korean in San Diego as part of its Ideas@50+ National Event and Expo.

“Transformations were occurring in the two-hour session as participants learned basic tools to stay connected with family and friends, including how to Skype, text, send emails, take photos and ‘selfies,’ use maps, and more. A 95-year-old Chinese American woman traveled from Los Angeles to join us! What great spirit!”

AARP TEK offered six free workshops at the San Diego Convention Center, the CCBA Senior Gardens (Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association) in San Diego, and the Loma Verde Center in

Chula Vista.

This year, AARP TEK has helped enriched thousands of people’s lives with technology in seven cities – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Jacksonville, New York, San Antonio and San Diego—with the intent to expand significantly in 2015. Sessions being offered include “Intro to Tablets & Smartphones” and “Staying Connected with Apps,” among others.

Additional information on AARP TEK workshops and online tools and resources can be found atwww.aarp.org/aarptek.

“After the hands-on training, the smartphone was no longer as intimidating or irrelevant to their lives,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience.

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California to be first US state to ban plastic bags LOS ANGELES, September 5, 2014 (AFP) – California governor Jerry Brown said late Thursday he will approve a ban on single-use plastic bags, in what would make the western US state the first to outlaw them.

Lawmakers passed the bill late last Friday, and it now only requires Brown’s signature to pass into law. The governor must do so before the end of September.

“I probably will sign it, yes,” Democratic veteran Brown said during a televised debate with his Republican election rival Neel Kashkari, who is trailing badly in opinion polls.

“In fact, I’ll tell you why I’m going to sign it: there are about 50 cities with their own plastic bag ban, and that’s causing a lot of confusion,” he said, cited by the Los Angeles Times and other media.

He added: “This is a compromise .. It’s taking into account the needs of the envi-

ronment, and the needs of the economy and the needs of the grocers.”

Under the Californian legislation, single-use plastic bags would disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies from July 1, 2015, and then from convenience and liquor stores from July 1, 2016.

The bill would allow stores to charge 10 cents for paper or reusable bags. Similar bans, backed by environmentalists, are already in place in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

A ban is opposed by Republicans who say it would be too much government meddling for small and medium sized businesses, and by bag manufacturers who fear job losses. Kashkari – who latest polls indicate trails by 50 percent to 34 percent for the November 4 gubernatorial post – said he opposes the legislation.

“No chance would I sign that bill,” he said in Thursday’s debate.

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

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

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

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

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PRAYER of ST. JUDE Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude faithful servant and friend of Jesus.

The church honors and invokes you universally as the Patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me.

Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you.

To bring visible help, where help is almost despaired of. Come to our assistance in this great needs that we may receive the help of heaven in all our necessities, tribulations and sufferings particularly [please mention intention]...that I may praise God with you and with all the elect, forever. I promise, blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor.To honor you as my most powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you, AMEN. -ABA

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

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

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

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GMA Pinoy TV presents Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez in Kapusong Pinoy sa L.A. After their recent trip to Singapore for the taping of their latest Kapuso romantic-drama My Destiny, rumored couple Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez have another opportunity to work closely together as they gear up for an exciting concert titled “Kapusong Pinoy sa L.A.” The concert, organized by GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network, in cooperation with Polaris Media and Marketing, will be held on September 27 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, California.

Following the success of their onscreen pairing in several projects, Carla and Tom are sure to thrill their fans abroad who ardently followed the story of Lally and Vincent in the groundbreaking, international hit series My Husband’s Lover, and the brewing romance between Grace and Matthew in My Destiny.

Carla is delighted that she has been given another opportunity to meet her fans in the United States. “During the US tour of My Husband’s Lover last year, we were given such a warm welcome by our kababayans,” she recalls. “The support we’ve been receiving from our fellow Filipinos, especially those outside the Philippines, is very heartwarming and inspiring.”

“This is our way of saying thank you to all those who continue to support us,” shares Tom. “We promise to put on a good show for our fans abroad.”

The concert also features some of the hottest Kapuso stars seen on GMA Pinoy TV – Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, Kapuso teen star Miguel Tanfelix and actor-comedian Betong Sumaya.

Nine-time Platinum Award winner Julie Anne San Jose, who just launched her newest album “Deeper” this June, will showcase her

vocal prowess with a repertoire of today’s hit songs. Julie Anne, who regularly appears in GMA’s variety program Sunday All Stars, is one of the most sought-after performers in GMA’s international shows, recently headlining a Philippine Independence Day Celebration concert in Kuwait earlier this year. “It is always exciting to be given the chance to meet our fans from all over the world,” she expresses. “I would like to invite all our Kapuso viewers in L.A. to watch this concert because we have prepared an exciting show for them.”

One of today’s young actors on the rise, Miguel Tanfelix, who topbills GMA’s toprating primetime series Niño, joins this stellar group of artists in his first-ever international event. A product of Starstruck Kids, the talented teen is primed to astound his fans abroad with his dancing skills. Miguel is looking forward to his first trip to the United States.

“I am grateful that Niño is successful not just in the Philippines but in other countries,” he says. “This will be my first time in the US and I can’t wait to see our loyal Kapuso fans in L.A.” Moreover, actor-comedian Betong Sumaya’s comedic performance is sure to elicit loads of laughter as he portrays his popular character Antonietta from the country’s longest running comedy show Bubble Gang, where he is a mainstay. Like Miguel, this trip is also Betong’s first visit to the United States.

“Excited talaga ako na makasama dito sa Kapusong Pinoy sa L.A. kaya pagdating ko roon hahalik talaga ako sa lupa. Maraming maaasahang kantahan, sayawan, at siyempre tawanan ang mga Kapuso natin doon [I’m excited to be part of Kapusong Pinoy sa L.A. that’s why when I get there, I’m really going to kiss the ground.

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SPORTS

Who wins Pacquiao Vs. undefeated Algieri?

The amazing Kreskin predicts: It’s Mannyfist Destiny NEW YORK (September 9, 2014) – Throughout his two-week, 27.273-mile international media tour with Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” Pacquiao, a lot of discussion centered on New York’s undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri’s belief in the power bracelets and pendants he wears outside the ring. Algieri believes they are a source of strength, energy and life improvement qualities.

At their final media tour press conference, which took place at the Liberty Theater in New York last Thursday, Team Pacquiao consulted with The Amazing Kreskin, arguably the world’s foremost mentalist, about Algieri’s cosmic accessories. Here is what Kreskin had to say: “Regarding all the talk about the bracelets and pendants that are being worn by Chris Algieri. Do I feel that they have any power? The answer is very simple – Yes! They can heal and they can increase tremendous energy to an athlete – If the athlete believes in the power of a rock, gold piece, glass of water, marbles – any of which have absolutely have no power at all. It becomes a matter of auto-suggestion.

“I was asked to use my “mental powers” to combat the power of these beads.

However, there is no need to do that!

“If I am correctly reading the thoughts of Algieri, I will tell you what I am convinced is in his unconscious mind. What other reason would he have to look for mystical or occult special outside powers unless, as I believe…Algieri is convinced that Manny is a stronger and more powerful boxer than he is.”

Algieri (20-0), from Huntington, NY on Long Island, who has Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management, a Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Upsets Inside the Ring, will challenge WBO welterweight champion Pacquiao (56-4-3), the Filipino icon and boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Saturday, November 22, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena. Promoted

by Top Rank and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Banner Promotions and Tecate, the Pacquiao vs. Algieri world welterweight championship event will be produced and distributed live

by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m.

ET/6 p.m. PT. For fight updates go to www.toprank. com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing,facebook. com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/ hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacAlgieri to join the conversation on Twitter.

The amazing Kreskin predicts: It’s Mannyfist Destiny. Photo Credit: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Magic Johnson calls for Ferry to go in latest racism storm LOS ANGELES, September 10, 2014 (AFP) – Magic Johnson, the retired NBA star dragged into the Los Angeles Clippers racism controversy, called Tuesday for the firing of Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry over unrelated racist remarks.

It was a photo of Johnson with the former girlfriend of then-Clippers owner Donald Sterling that led to racist comments from Sterling that later saw him banished from the NBA for life and the Clippers sold.

Racist remarks by Ferry in June regarding African-born British NBA star Luol Deng were made public Monday.

It has emerged those remarks led to an investigation that uncovered racist comments in 2012 by Hawks owner Bruce Levenson, prompting him to announce at the weekend that he was selling the team.

Hawks chief executive Steve Koonin has punished Ferry—the exact punishment has not been revealed—and Ferry has apologized.

But Johnson, a former Los Angeles Lakers star, wants Ferry out.

“I’m happy to see that Bruce Levenson is selling his share in the Atlanta Hawks after making racist comments,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

“Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry should step down after making racist statements about NBA player Luol Deng.

“I feel bad for my good friend and Hawks CEO Steve Koonin, who has been put in an awkward position by the comments from Levenson and Ferry.

“The City of Atlanta and the Hawks fans deserve and should demand better from the Hawks leadership.”

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A family van affair: 2015 Toyota Sienna, the only van in its segment available with all-wheel drive September 02, 2014 – The family van is alive and thriving, especially when it’s the 2015 Toyota Sienna debuting refreshed exterior styling packed with added safety, convenience and multi-media features.

The 2015 Sienna, the only family van to offer an all-wheel drive option, is the ideal choice for hauling a large family, or loading up all your stuff for a weekend getaway.

Inside, Sienna really shines with an array of upgraded interior appointments and new convenience features allow the family hauler to remain kid-friendly, but in a parents rule environment.

After the new and enhanced safety features, the one new Sienna feature for 2015 that will have parents talking is the new Driver Easy Speak option. If you’ve ever had the urge to use a bullhorn to carry your voice to back seat passengers, Driver Easy Speak is your dream come true.

Using the microphone from the Sienna’s voice-command multi-media system, Driver Easy Speak conveys your voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.

Combined with a standard conversation mirror integrated into the overhead console, Driver Easy Speak is the next best thing to having a hallway monitor in the van.

Subtle exterior styling refinements give the Sienna a more upscale look, with a revised front grille, and new slimmer headlight units with an advanced design for the SE and Limited grades. New LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), standard for the SE and Limited, give the Sienna a

more aggressive appearance. All grades except the SE get redesigned taillight clusters, too. It’s not all about appearance. A stiffer platform, with 142 additional spot welds, translates to a driving experience unexpected from a minivan.

The Sienna is powered exclusively by a silky-smooth 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the Sienna confident power for urban trekking or highway merging while using fuel efficiently. Combined with the standard Tow Prep Package, the V6 gives the Sienna a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a wide stance help deliver a solid, direct on-road feel.

Aerodynamic under-body elements also contribute to Sienna’s dynamic performance.

More Safety Features Toyota values the trust that customers put in the Sienna, and for 2015, the van’s safety roster gains numerous enhancements.

For securing child seats, there’s an additional LATCH location available in the third row seat, for a total of four locations.

Toyota increased the side curtain airbag coverage area by 30 percent, helping to improve protection in a collision.

A new front passenger seat cushion airbag enhances restraint performance during a collision. The front passenger airbag features a twin-lobe airbag, which simulates a twin-chamber design, with a depression in the center, to help reduce impact forces.

Tommy Uy-Cruz, one of the most veteran Filipino-American specialists in the car sales industry, serves as the Fleet/Internet/Special Finance Director at Norwalk Toyota. You can reach him toll free at 1-866-253-1083. Norwalk Toyota is conveniently located at 11404 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.

The front passenger seat has a new selectable force-limiting seatbelt to help enhance safety for a greater variety of physiques.

Airbag control in the 2015 Sienna has been modified to better match needs for vehicle rollover and small overlap collisions.

Unexpected Luxury and Style Family van drivers deserve a little more style and comfort. In the 2015 Sienna, a new center console and dash design elegantly groups the air conditioning, shifter and multimedia controls into a single unified panel. Controls fall within easy reach.

New soft upper door trim, dashboard graining, and new blue illumination, help make every drive just a bit more serene. A new Tri-Sync switch for the air conditioning lets the driver more easily control the three climate zones.

Sienna’s new three-spoke heated steering wheel, available trimmed in leather or premium leather, ups the luxury ante.

Not all arms are created equal, which is why the new available pushbutton driver’s seat center armrest in the 2015 Sienna can be adjusted to many positions. It even remembers the last position after the armrest has been stowed.

Getting vehicle information at a glance just got easier in the 2015 Sienna. All models come with a new multi-information display in the instrument panel, directly ahead of the driver. There’s a base 3.5-inch dot-matrix LCD version or a 4.2-inch color TFT (thin film transistor) display on uplevel models. With either, you can toggle to audio controls using the four-way switch on the steering wheel.

The TFT version is linked to the multi-media system and can also display navigation information. This version can even show all-wheel drive operation on AWD models. Sienna is super-easy to load, thanks to a wide tailgate and wide side doors, low floor height and tip up and slide second-row seats.

In order to appreciate the beauty of the new Sienna or view in person, you have to call our kababayan Tommy Uy-Cruz, one of the most veteran Filipino-American specialists in the car sales industry and who just got back to dealing again at Norwalk Toyota. You can reach Tommy, who serves as the Fleet/Internet/Special Finance Director at Norwalk Toyota, toll free at 1-866-253-1083. Norwalk Toyota is conveniently located at 11404 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.

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Nissan Altima named one of the ‘10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000’ by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A consumer favorite and Nissan’s top-selling model in the U.S., the Nissan Altima continues to impress with its premium exterior and interior design and functionality. This week, the 2014 Altima was named one of the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB. com. The Altima finished sixth on the list, with KBB.com editors specifically citing its “notably comfortable” NASAinspired “Zero Gravity” front seats as a selling-point.

To create the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” list, KBB.com editors selected cars offering comfort-oriented features that “debuted upmarket just a few years ago.” Each of the 10 vehicles start below $30,000 according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price (FPP), a tool designed to show shoppers what others are paying for a specific new car.

The 2014 Altima’s current FPP is $21,223 USD, among the top three most affordable on the list.

“In addition to its advanced ‘Zero Gravity’ front seats, the 2014 Altima fea-

Nissan celebrates Asian American heritage, sponsors largest Moon Festival events in U.S. LOS ANGELES (Sept. 8, 2014) – Celebrating diversity means being an active part of the culture, and Nissan is ramping up efforts to increase engagement in the Asian American community, starting with activations at the three largest Autumn Moon celebrations in the U.S. Nissan will host family activities, give away special prizes and showcase the brand’s latest line-up of innovative vehicles at each of these events.

“Moon Festival is one of the most important events in Chinese-American culture, bringing friends and family closer together to celebrate their heritage. As sponsors of the three largest Moon Festivals in the U.S., we have the opportunity to join in the revelry alongside the Asian American community,” said Jason Yang, general manager, Nissan West Region. “Nissan has the most diverse consumer base of any full-line auto manufacturer, and sponsoring cultural events such as Moon Festival is just one example of how we are broadening our outreach to reflect that diversity.”

Nissan kicked off the Autumn Moon Festival this past weekend as major sponsors of the World Journal 2014 Happy Moon Festival in Irvine, California on Sept. 6, the Chinese Merchant Association AT&T Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown Sept.

6 and 7, and the Harvest Moon Festival in Arcadia, California on Sept. 7. Nissan also is the title sponsor for this year’s Chinese American Museum’s Annual Historymakers Awards Gala in Los Angeles on Sept. 25.

Now in its 18th year, the gala is recognized as one of the premiere Chinese American events in Southern California and honors the achievements of extraordinary individuals who have made lasting contributions toward the advancement of the Chinese American community.

Nissan’s engagement with the U.S. Asian American community spans several decades. The company has donated brand new Nissan Titan pickup trucks to organizations such as the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), Korean Community Services and the Asian Youth Center. Since 2007, Nissan has been the title sponsor of the Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics’ “Leadership in Action” Internship Program, which develops emerging young leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

tures soft-touch f h armrests as well ll as noise i absorption materials to help reduce cabin noise and improve the overall experience inside the vehicle,“ said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Coupled with its innovative, stylish design and wide range of available technology features, the Altima is the perfect home-away-from-home. This honor from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com further reaffirms our commitment to comfortable, quality products and the needs of

our customers.”

With a starting MSRP of only $22,170*, the Nissan Altima is the centerpiece of the Nissan lineup. One of the top selling cars in the U.S., it offers a premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its many attributes include outstanding fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine only) and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a funto-drive demeanor. Altima is offered in five well-equipped models to meet a wide range of needs and budgets – and with a choice of a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

Both engines are matched with a smooth, efficient Xtronic transmission.

To view the complete Kelley Blue Book KBB.com “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” list, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviewsand-news/top-10/most-comfortable-cars-

under-30000-2014/2000011042/. *MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and handling $810.

If you want to find out more about Nissan Rogue or Nissan Quest, get in touch with our kababayans Augusto Montemayor and Mariefe Alipio of Nissan of Van Nuys, each of whom are experts in helping customers choose the best Nissan vehicle for their use. You may reach them on their mobile phones at 818-943-5471 (for Augusto) and 818-442-1983 (for Marie). Nissan of Van Nuys is located at 5425 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA CA 91401.

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The bold and the beautiful: Sweeping redesign keeps 2015 Toyota Camry at the top of its class Boldest looking Camry ever is also the quietest ever September 02, 2014 – The best-selling car in America for the last 12 years just got better! When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts.

Only the roof remains unchanged, and it caps off the boldest Camry body ever.

That provides an idea of the scope of the transformation that also endows the new Camry with a stiffer body structure, enhanced aerodynamics and its quietest ride ever. The redesigned, upscale interior, and advanced instrumentation with intuitive controls help keep the driver safely focused on the road.

The redesigned interior looks and feels much more upscale, featuring premium, soft-touch materials throughout.

Getting Sporty, Getting Younger The 2015 model is easily the best-handling and most comfortable-riding Camry

ever. Beneath the bolder body lines the Camry’s body structure has been bolstered with additional spot welds to enhance rigidity. Retuned suspension systems in all models put an edge on handling agility while taking the edge off bumps.

And, for the 45 percent of Camry customers who have been choosing the sporty SE model (and who are, on average, 12 years younger than other Camry customers), there’s even bigger news.

The SE is joined by an even sharperhandling XSE grade, with 18-inch wheels, suspension tuning and added luxury.

Like the premium XLE grade, each of those sporty models is available with the choice of a 178-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. The Camry Hybrid returns, as well, available in LE, XLE and the eco-fun SE grades.

An aggressive looking front bumper and grille, pronounced side character lines and low-profile LED headlamps give the new Camry a far more expressive style.

If you want to check out the new Toyota

Camry or buy one now, come and visit our friends and kababayans at Toyota of Glendale. Toyota of Glendale has Cecille Benitez, Richard Cruz, and Kay Cajulis, all of whom can help you get into a new

Camry or any other Toyota vehicle of your choice.

Toyota of Glendale is located at 1260 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale CA 91204. You can reach them toll free at 1- 866-522-5154.

2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles earn 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards Cherry Hill, N.J., August 19, 2014 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+.

The redesigned Subaru Legacy achieved the highest possible rating of ‘good’ in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations of front small overlap, front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact. The sedan also received a ‘superior’ rating in the Institute’s front crash avoidance testing.

The 2015 Subaru Legacy is a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner when

equipped with the optional EyeSight driver-assist system.

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback also achieved the highest possible rating of ‘good’ in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, as well as a ‘superior’ rating in the front crash avoidance testing. Similar to the mid-size Legacy, the Outback crossover is a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner when equipped with optional EyeSight.

Subaru has more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards than any other brand. Seven Subaru models, including the BRZ, Impreza, WRX/STI and XV Crosstrek, have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS –

four with TOP SAFETY PICK and three with TOP SAFETY PICK+ including its Forester, Legacy and Outback models equipped with optional EyeSight The Institute’s findings reinforce our dedication to building safe vehicles,” Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are proud of the 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK endorsement for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up.”

But while we all ponder as to why Subaru continues to become a favorite of many, come to Subaru Glendale where you will find that indeed these cars are selling like hotcakes just get in touch with our kababayans at Subaru Glendale, who

have been serving the Filipino-American market and who have made Filipinos love the Subaru brand and the Subaru vehicles’ versatility.

What are you waiting for, come on down to Subaru Glendale and our kababayans Christian Marilla, Bobby Cheng, Chris Garchitorena, Rico Dagohoy and Jojo Diala will be more than happy to inform you why Subaru is becoming a favorite of Filipinos and the whole American market.

Subaru of Glendale is located at 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach them at 1-855-230-1547 or you can visit their website at www.subaruofglendale.net.

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All-time record sales for Honda Accord leads to near-record August in US TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has reported that the August 2014 Honda division posted the third highest monthly sales result its 44-year history, on sales of 151,551 vehicles in August. Yearto-date American Honda sales reached 1,042,382 units.

Accelerating its strong summer sales performance, the Honda brand topped 150,000 units in a single month for only the third time in its history, as Accord led the way selling at an all-time record pace in August. [The all-time record of 153,104 units was set in the midst of a severe gas price hike in May 2008.]

51,075 Accords were sold in August, an all-time monthly record and an increase of 32.5 percent. It was the eighth-straight monthly gain for Accord.

Odyssey also showed strength in August, with 12,488 units sold for a gain of 12.9 percent.

“The fundamental strengths of the Honda brand are on full display as the Accord strengthened its position as the best-selling car uniquely driven by retail sales to individual buyers,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. “Our other core models, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey are also performing well and continue to drive our retail sales leadership

in 2014. And the early market response to the redesigned 2015 Fit is a strong indicator of great things to come as supplies improve,” added Conrad.

Coming off an exceptional year for Accord that included retail sales leadership and the introduction of the all-new 50-mpg rated2 Accord Hybrid, the 2015 Accord Sedan and Coupe, and 2015 Accord Hybrid begin to go on sale today. Four-cylinder 2015 Accord Sedans have a starting MSRP3 of $22,105, with the four-cylinder Accord Coupe starting at $23,775. Both models are also offered with a V-6 powerplant.

The 2015 Accord Hybrid, with Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) two-motor hybrid system, has a starting MSRP3 of $29,305.

The already very well equipped Accord Sedan and Coupe receive feature upgrades for 2015. The 4-cylinder Sedan and Coupe EX-L and EX-L Navi trims now include the convenience of the HomeLink universal remote system that

can be programmed with the codes of up to three devices, such as a garage-door opener or home security system. The 2015 Accord EX Coupe with 4-cylinder engine gains the Honda LaneWatch display that uses a camera and in-dash display to provide an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. All Accord EX-L and above Coupes will also now come equipped with an auto dimming rearview mirror.

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

fuel efficiency as well as safety and maintenance.

These are just some of the reasons why Pinoys come to the dealership.

Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds!

That statement is backed up by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multi-ethnic market. “He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito. Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205.

Its toll-free number is 1.866.237.7092.

Tesla chief says self-driving cars just around corner (TOKYO-AFP) – US electric car maker Tesla is developing technology that could see vehicles run on “full auto pilot” in as little as five or six years, according to its chief executive Elon Musk.

The colorful entrepreneur said his firm was stepping on the accelerator in the race against rivals such as Google and Volvo to create a driverless car, which could revolutionize the road by drastically cutting mortality rates.

“The overall system and software will be programmed by Tesla, but we will certainly use sensors and subcomponents from many companies,” Musk told reporters in Tokyo Monday.

“I think in the long term, all Tesla cars will have auto-pilot capability,” added

Tesla’s 43-year-old head.

There are no self-driving cars on the market yet, but several automakers have been working on autonomous or semiautonomous features, such as self parking, which are seen as a major advance for the auto sector.

Musk’s comments suggest that the arrival of self-driving cars could be closer than previously thought – a January report by the research firm IHS said they could start hitting highways by 2025 and number as many as 35 million globally by 2035.

On Monday, Musk also said electric car maker Tesla hopes to sign a new battery supply with Toyota in the next few years, as an existing programme comes to an end.

Musk was in Tokyo to announce the re-

lease of Tesla’s Internet-connected Model S sedan in Japan.

The luxury electric car costs 8.23 million yen ($77,000) and comes equipped with batteries made by Panasonic.

The collaboration between Tesla and the Japanese giant on the Model S precedes the planned joint construction of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery plant in the US state of Nevada.

Tesla will run operations at the $5.0 billion “gigafactory” while Panasonic will make battery cells destined for the plant and invest in equipment and machinery.

The factory will employ 6,500 workers directly and another 16,000 indirectly, Tesla said.

The electric car market in Japan, as in

other countries, has been growing slowly, hindered by high prices and a lack of locations for drivers to charge vehicle batteries.

Tesla Model S: Tesla announced the release of its Internet-connected Model S sedan in Japan this week. ©Tesla/NAIAS

Financing is subject to NMAC Tier 1 through Tier 3 credit approval. $13.89 per month per $1,000 financed at 0.0% for 72 months, subject to credit approval. Down payment may be required. See Carson Nissan for details. Good thru 10/31/14.

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