February 28, 2013

Vol. XXII, No. 8

Online: www. manilamail.us

February 28, 2013

Was Filam kid a victim of school bullying?

VIRGINIA - Was a Filipino American teenager of Virginia who reportedly committed suicide last month, a victim of school bullying? There have been no ofcial reports to describe how Jeremy C. Tabones, 18, a high school student of Potomac Falls High School, took his life at his residence in Herndon, Virginia on January 22, 2013. But the next day, on January 23, Ms Jennifer L. Moore posted a petition online saying in loving memory of Jeremy Tabones, a fellow student at Potomac Falls High School. By signing this petition, you vow to put an end to bullying. The Manila Mail issue of January 31, 2013 carried an obit-

Jeremy C. Tabones

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Nurse Menchu de Luna Sanchez is anked by First Lady Michelle Obama and Mrs. J. Biden, wife of the vice president.

PH proud of Filam honored by Obama

MANILA - The Philippines is prepared for the worst as followers of the Sultan of Sulu continued to defy requests for them to leave Sabah amid threats of foreceful action by Malaysian security forces. When government plans, there is also a plan for any eventualities. We have to take into consideration . . . the worst. [But] hope things will work out the way we want it in expeditious manner, Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a press brieng on Feb. 25. He did not elaborate. Hernandez disclosed that to prevent bloodshed, Secretary Albert del Rosario of the Foreign Affairs department is in constant contact with the Malaysian prime minister. WASHINGTON D.C. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. conveyed the Philippines pride to a Filipino American nurse who was seated in a place of honor and praised by President Barack Obama during his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress Feb. 12, 2013. In a congratulatory letter to the nurse, Menchu de Luna Sanchez, Cuisia praised her for devising a rescue plan that kept 20 at-risk infants safe when Hurricane Sandy cut the power at NYU Langone Medical Cente in New York. Even as her own home was ooding, she organized doctors and nurses to carefully carry the babies down a ight of stairs with only cellphones to light the way. President Obama urged

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Map of Sabah shows its proximity to Sulu. [Del Rosario] is talking to the minister of Malaysia everyday, almost twice a day. Both governments are also in touch with each other [and] both are committed to solving [the issue] peacefully and expeditiously, Hernandez said. Latest reports from Kuala

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US Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla) with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in Manila.

Filams want Cardinal Tagle to be Pope

By Jennie L. Ilustre
WASHINGTON, D.C.-As speculations swirled on the successor to Pope Benedict XVI after his stunning resignation on Feb. 11, recently ordained Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was among six possible candidates mentioned in a Washington Post front page story the following day. The Post article noted, With the church declining in its former stronghold of Europe but nding its future in Latin America, Africa and Asia, pressure was

Justice for Filvets unnished - Cuisia

Cardinal Tagle with Mail columnist Oscar Bunoan. WASHINGTON D.C. Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. urged the United States government to nish the task for Filipino World War II veterans who were stripped of recognition and benets 67 years ago this month. In a statement issued to mark the anniversary of the 1946 Rescission Act that deprived Filipino veterans of US benets,

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Vargas faces Congress P2

Filam tutor extradited P6

Filam nixes Pinoy judge P8

PH donation to US Red Cross P16

Loren, Aquinos 1st crush P20

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WASHINGTON D.C. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas was hailed as one of the faces of aspiring American citizens as he sought fairness for the millions of undocumented immigrants who will be affected by proposed reforms being crafted on Capitol Hill. Vargas, who was brought here as a child and did not learn he was undocumented until he applied for a drivers license, testied during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing on immigration earlier this month. What do you want to do with me? he asked the committee members. Vargas has emerged as one of the leading voices for immigration reforms ever since he voluntarily revealed his status. For all the undocumented immigrants who are actually sitting here at this hearing, for the people watching online and for the 11 million of us, what do you want to do with us? Ben Monterroso, national executive director for Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, applauded the committee members who invited Vargas to testify. Its important that Congress sees the real faces of aspiring citizens who appreciate the opportunities that America provides, and are eager to contribute to society, he said in a statement. In his Senate testimony, Vargas told committee members strate who are some of the undocumented immigrants living in the US. I am the only one in my extended family of 25 Americans who is undocumented, he said.

February 28, 2013

Pinoy TNT with guts challenges US Congress

thorized immigrant. Janet Murguia, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, noted that most undocumented immigrants are long-term US residents who work hard, pay taxes and otherwise abide by our laws. Many of them are the primary breadwinners for US citizen spouses and children. Their lives are inextricably linked with ours. The interests of our country are best served by allowing them to come forward, pass a background check, pay taxes, learn English and earn the ability to apply for citizenship just like every other group of immigrants before them, she emphasized.

Online ICE scammers extort money

WASHINGTON - Online scammers have employed a new hoax to extort money from web users in the name of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cyber Crimes Center. The latest version of this scam which has imitated the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center in the past lures victims to a drive-by download website, at which time ransomware is installed on the users computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and the user is warned that their computer has been blocked due to federal criminal violations. The user is then told they must pay the ICE Cyber Crimes Center $400 within 48 hours to have their computer unlocked. This is a hoax, not a legitimate communication from ICE. If you have received this message, do not follow the payment instructions. Instead, it is suggested that you: File a complaint at www.IC3.gov; Keep operating systems and legitimate antivirus and antispyware software updated and; contact a reputable computer expert to assist with removing the malware.

Jose Antonio Vargas testies before Senate committee. that immigration was not only about borders. We dream of a path to citizenship so we can actively participate in our American democracy. We dream of not being separated from our families and our loved ones regardless of sexual orientation, no matter our skill set, he said. Vargas told his personal story in an attempt to demonWhen you inaccurately call me illegal, youre not only dehumanizing me, youre offending them. No human being is illegal, he declared. Vargas is part of the growing number of mixed-status families in the US. The Center for American Progress estimates that more than 16 million people currently live in mixed-status families with at least one unau-

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path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the country. - 54% of Asian Americans indicate that visa backlogs is a signicant problem for their families, with 38% indicating that it is a very serious or fairly serious problem. - Among national origin groups, concern about visa backlogs is highest among Indians (67%), Hmong (66%), Vietnamese (51%), and Filipinos (48%). In Washington DC, meanwhile, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas has announced that users of E-Verify, the free Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States, have given the program high marks in a recent customer survey. More than 1,300 randomly selected employers across the nation who use E-Verify evaluated key program aspects, including registration, the online tutorial, ease of use, technical assistance and customer service. They rated the program as exceptionally high in overall customer satisfaction, with an average score of 86 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scale. We are proud of the advancements we have made in the E-Verify program, said Director Mayorkas. This customer survey validates the success of our efforts, which we have undertaken in collaboration with the business and labor communities and other key stakeholders. CFI Group, a consulting rm specializing in customer satisfaction measurements, conducted the survey. According to CFI Groups latest gures, the average score for government agencies is 67.

54 percent of AsianAms back immigration reform

LOS ANGELES - Asian Americans favor immigration reforms, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Asian American Survey (NAAS). The key ndings of NAAS of the survey titled Opinions of Asian Americans and Pacic Islanders on US immigration policy are: - Federal immigration policy is particularly important to Asian Americans. About three in four Asian American adults are foreign born. - Since 2008, Asia has been the largest regional source of immigration to the United States. - 58% of Asian Americans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States. - This represents a dramatic change from 2008, when just 32% of Asian Americans supported a

Workers clean the EDSA Shrine as the Philippines prepared to mark the 27th anniversary of people power that toppled the Marcos dictatorship in 1986. One of the heroes of the revolt, former President Fidel V. Ramos said the country has not been freed from the ills of authoritarian rule. Today, 27

years later the greed, the apathy, the cronyism and the corruption we brought down at EDSA during those four days are still with us in our land, he said after a wreathlaying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. President Aquino III led the EDSA celebration.

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WASHINGTON D.C. - The Reporters Without Borders 2013 annual report has ranked the Philippines, which is known as having the freest press in Asia, as 140th among 170 countries. And while the United States is also known as the land where press freedom exists, RWB ranked it as 32, down from its 20th spot last year. The doubledigit demotion is due to a spate of arguably unlawful arrests of reporters who were minding their own business at Occupy Wall Street protests. In its World Press Freedom Index, ranking is based on things like transparency, plurality, media censorship and a safe working environment for reporters. In Asia, Japan dropped to 53rd because of lack of transparency and almost zero respect for access to information related to the Fukushima nuclear accident. Malaysia also dropped to 145th because access of information is becoming more and more limited. The same situation prevails in Cambodia (143rd) because authoritarianism and censorship are on the increase. The following are the rankings of press freedom in Southeast Asia: Brunei 125, Bangladesh 127, Singapore 135, Thailand 137, Philippines 140, Malaysia 145, Indonesia 146, and Burma 169. No mention has been made about the number of journalists have been killed in the Philippines last year and the failure of Congress to pass the freedom of information bill. To the south of the US, Mexico where six journalists were killed last year, has maintained its status as the hemispheres most dangerous country for the media. It ranks 153 in the world for press freedom, three places behind Iraq. China is ranked 173. Eritrea and North Korea are the bottom one and two on the Index. In Africa, Mali (99th, -74), which was long presented as the continents star performer in democracy and press freedom, was prey to the political events that overtook it during the year. The military coup in Bamako on 22 March and the seizure of the north of the country by Touareg separatists and Islamic fundamentalists exposed news organizations to censorship and abuses. Some of the countries in Africa ranked better than Asian counties. In the upper reaches of the index, *Niger* (43rd) nonetheless fell 14 places as a result of the irresponsibility of a few journalists who succumbed to the temptation to abuse the freedom that they enjoyed. Within the space of four months in Tanzania (70th, -36), one journalist

February 28, 2013

PH ranks 140th in press freedom survey

was killed while he was covering a demonstration and another was found dead, a clear victim of murder. Burundi (132nd) fell only two places but remains a low position. But still, their record is better than that of the Philippines. There has been little change in the marked contrasts that were seen in Central America in 2011. A lack of pluralism, intermittent tension with the political authorities, harassment and selfcensorship are the main reasons for the scant change in Nicaragua (78th), Guatemala (95th) and Panama (111th), where attacks on journalists tripled in the space of a year, local unions said. On the other hand, El Salvador owes its enviable 38th place to government efforts to combat violence crime, even if journalists and media often complain about the lack of access to stateheld information. The Dominican Republic rose 15 places to 80th because of a decline in violence against journalists and legal proceedings that threaten freedom of information. But it is still far behind its neighbour Haiti (49th), where the situation is still largely unchanged although some journalists have accused President Michel Martelly of hostility towards them.

Philippine Daily Tribune

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prize winner will receive $200, the second prize winner $100 and the third prize winner $50. Limit one entry per student. Previous winners are not eligible to participate. The winner will be announced on SCBPMMs facebook page and website on June 15, 2013. Given permission, we may also post winning entries on the website. Please visit _www.philippinemedicalmission.com <http://www.philippinemedicalmission.com>_

Essay tilt on We are one human family

The St. Charles Borromeo Philippine Medical Mission in Arlington, Virginia is announcing its 2013 student essay contest. The contest is open to all U.S. based high school students, including home schooled students. The theme is We are one human family and loving our neighbor has global implications. The contest seeks to educate students on the value of caring for the poor in faith and charity. Essays must be 300 to 400 words, in English, typewritten and double spaced. Students must register with their name, email address, grade level, school name, city, state and teacher/advisor name at pmm@stcharleschurch.org <mailto:pmm@stcharleschurch. org> no later than May 17, 2013. Students can send their essay as an attachment on email. Essays will be judged on comprehension, organization, creativity and writing skills (grammar/ punctuation/spelling). The rst

White House Easter Egg Roll Poster tilt

The White House invites all elementary and middle school students to submit poster designs for the 2013 Easter Egg Roll. Designs should reect this years theme, Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You! The First Lady will select the winning design, which will be used as part of the White House 2013 Easter Egg Roll program. The deadline for submissions is March 5th , 2013 at 10:00 AM EST. Submissions should be uploaded to http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/2013easter-egg-roll-poster-contest <http://edit.whitehouse.gov/ webform/2013-easter-egg-rollposter-contest>, Please note submissions may be made public during the selection process. For full details on souvenir eggs, submitting artwork, and the event, please visit <http://www.whitehouse. gov/eastereggroll>.

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PLAINFIELD, New Jersey - Jennalin M. Garcia-Calle, 28, the Filipino American teacher in Plaineld High Scool accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student has been extradited from Florida. She has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree child abuse, according to the Union County Prosecutors Ofce and Plaineld police. Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said investigation revealed her sexualrelationship with the male student that started sometime in December 2012. What made this particularly ... unusual is that they actually had sex in school, in her classroom, Romankow told the Courier News and Home News Tribune. Evidently they blocked the windows and locked the door. When Jennalin discovered that school ofcials had learned of the investigation, she traveled to Florida and entered a rehabilitation program at the Recovery Institute of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. That institute treats drug addiction, facilitates healing for sexual compulsivity, psychiatric issues, depression and other psychiatric issues. Jennalin and the student allegedly engaged in sexual relations on at least three occasions in her own classroom starting in December, 2012. The teacher, who taught The student reportedly had three sexual encounters beginning December 2012 and continued until the student started bragging about the encounters

February 28, 2013

Filam tutor is back in NJ to face raps

charges, the Plaineld Board of Education placed Jennalin on administrative suspension, It said Jennalins employment as a math teacher at the school had been extended for one year and a salary of $50,600. Jennalin is the latest in a string of female teachers arrested this year and accused of illegal sexual relationships with male students. Clarice Lee, a 22-year-old teachers aide in Tucson, Arizona was arrested earlier and charged with having group sex with three Amphitheater High School students while other boys watched and lmed the orgy. Last month, Tonya Flink, 39, a former teacher at Haltom High School in Haltom, Texas was arrested over allegations she had sex with four students.

Everymans Journey in DC March 8

Union County Sheriffs Ofcers Kenneth Randazza and Joann Huss escort Jennalin M. Garcia-Calle away from Newark Liberty International Airport when she was extradited from Florida Feb, 14. algebra at the school, is also accused of performing indecent, immoral or unlawful acts in the presence of the unnamed teen, the U.S. Marshals said. What made this particularly...unusual is that they actually had sex in school, in her classroom, Romankow told the Star-Ledger. She locked the door and put up paper to cover the door and the windows, he added. with friends, authorities said. When Garcia-Calle learned that the student was talking about the encounters and that authorities began getting into the picture, she went to Florida. Her whereabouts became known when she allegedly sent messages to the student, demanding that he get rid of all communications that took place between the two of them. Upon learning of the Filam lmmaker Ramona Diazs Dont Stop Believin:Everymans Journey, will be shown at the Westend Theater in Washington D.C. on March 8. Directed by Baltimorebased Diaz, the lm traces events that have made Filipinos proud in the last two years. Included are boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, Miss Universe runner-ups Shamcey Supsup and Janine Togonon, American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez, internationally acclaimed lm talents like Brillante Mendoza, Eddie Garcia & Nora Aunor, recently canonized San Pedro Calungsod, and world renowned singers like Apl. de.Ap, Charice, and of course Arnel Pineda, not to mention a thriving economy thats now become the tiger of Asia, and tourism thats triple the numbers and fun each year! With these, we have every reason to celebrate and get our friends and family together, and watch DONT STOP BELIEVIN--a musical journey that proves that miracles can happen. The lm will be simultaneously shown on March 8 nationwide, including California, Denver, Colorado; New Haven, CT; Chicago; and Washington DC at the West End Cinema and Richmond, Virginia at the Criteriaon Cinema.

February 28, 2013

Donaire-Rigondeaux bout set in NY April 13

NEW YORK - Filipino American junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. will ght WBA titleholder Guillermo Rigondeaux at Radio City Music Hall in New York April 13. Donaire has agreed to ght the Cuban ghter after his team agreed to sign an agreement to submit to random testing for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA). Both ghters and their camps were present at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New Yorks Times Square, but the event was delayed for more than an hour until Rigondeauxs team signed the form before New York State Athletic Commission head Melvina Lathan. Rigondeauxs team nally signed the papers after negotiating the option to reserve the right to do additional testing with the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Once the event was underway, promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank announced that all results will be held in condence by the ght camps and promoter and submitted to the New York State Athletic Commission, who will be the only entity that has jurisdiction of what action, if any, to take, based on those reports. Well, [Rigondeauxs team] didnt give no phone number so were gonna hassle for each and everyones phone numbers, said Donaire of San Leandro,

Nonito Donaire Jr. and Guillermo Rigondeaux Calif. by way of Talibon, Bohol, Philippines. The ght between Donaire (31-1, 20 knockouts) and Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) will be only the second boxing event to take place at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. In 2000, then-pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr., defended his light heavyweight championship by defeating David Telesco by unanimous decision in the rst boxing event at Radio City Music Hall. Donaire admits to idolizing Roy Jones Jr., as a child. Im honored. I idolized Roy Jones growing up, its exciting for me and historical, said Donaire, who is rated No. 5 by The Rings pound-for-pound rankings. Donaire is also The Ring champion at 122, while Rigondeauxs is the magazines No. 1 contender at that weight. Donaire, 30, is coming off of a careerbest year in 2012, moving up to 122 pounds after winning world titles at yweight, super yweight and bantamweight and winning four title ghts.

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JERSEY CITY - Rejected by a fellow Filam for municipal judgeship here, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Peter Bariso named Carlo Abad as municipal judge. The appointment was made two days after the City Council blocked Abads nomination by Mayor Jerramiah Healy for the same post. The deciding vote against Abads appointment was made by Filipino American councilman at large Rolando Lavarro. Judge Bariso named Abad to the post in an acting capacity, a move applauded by both Healy and Fulops allies. Abad will remain the acting chief municipal judge until a permanent choice is made, Barisos order states. Lavarro, who became the councils rst Filipino member in November 2011 and is running for re-election on Fulops ticket, has said he wants a process by which council members can review mayoral appointments. He was one of the ve council members who blocked Abads appointment this week. I am committed to reforming the process expeditiously and bringing Carlo Abad back before the council so he gets fair consideration based purely on The council earlier also

February 28, 2013

Rebuffed by Pinoy, Abad still gets judgeship

blocked Healys appointment of former councilman and exdeputy mayor Ray Velazquez as a full-time municipal judge to denied a six-gure salary reward and a seat on our court, Lavarro said. Velazquez was appointed as a part-time municipal judge in 2007, and he resigned from that post when he became a councilman in 2010. Previously he served for two years as a Hudson County Freeholder starting in 2003. Bariso appointed attorney Kenneth Lindenfelser as an acting municipal court judge until the mayor and council come to an agreement on a permanent choice. I struggled with the decision and I know how important it is to the Filipino community and I know how important it is myself to see one of my kababayans...I just ask for the folks patience because these tactics by the mayor are the lowest tactics to divide communities and pit kababayan against kababayan, an emotional and tearyeyed Lavarro told the Asian Journal after he voted. I can assure the Filipino people that I will not rest until what is right is done and were going to ght to make sure that the process is corrected so that Carlo Abad has the fair opportunity that he deserves. He believes that when confronted with a fair and transparent process, his fellow Filipino Americans will welcome the opportunity to compete for positions based solely on the merits of their qualications because they know they can compete with anybody if the process is fair and equitable. Until that process is in place, we have to treat all of our candidates the same, whether Filipino, Hispanic, Black, White, which is why I voted the way I did, he said. While it pained me and I am fully aware that my vote prevented history from being made last night, my vote was based solely on doing what I thought is right and in the best interests of all of Jersey City, Lavarro said. As we develop and propose a process quickly, it is my hope that the making of history may have only been delayed.

Jersey City Councilman-at-large Rolando Lavarro (left) and Judge Carlo Abad. the merits of his qualications, Lavarro said in a statement. Healy, meanwhile, said hes happy that Bariso recognized the need for leadership in the Jersey City Municipal Court. Hes doing the job that the council failed to do, Healy said, referring to Fulop and his allies on the nine-member body. replace Abad. Healy appointed Velazquez to the council in 2010, but Lavarro defeated him the following year in a 17-candidate race to ll two at-large vacancies on the nine-member council. This is the outcome I would have liked from the beginning a qualied Carlo Abad as chief and Healy crony Ray Velazquez

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below: March 16, 2013 at Fairfax Skill Source Center, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West, Annandale, VA Friday, February 22 & March 1, 2013 at the Department of Family Science, 255 Valley Drive, Room 1142, University of Maryland, School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD. Visit our website http:// www.faia-metrodc.org.

Free income tax filing

With the 2012 Income Tax Filing to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) underway, IRScertied volunteers from the Filipino American Institute of Accountants of Metro DC (FAIA) have joined the VITA program in Fairfax County and University of Maryland. If you worked and have gross income of $51,000 or less in 2012, you will qualify for free income tax preparation with electronic ling at several local VITA sites. Volunteers will ensure that your tax returns are prepared accurately. Additionally, FAIA is reaching out to members of the Filipino American community who may qualify for earned income credit and other tax benets or need Tagalog-English bilingual translation assistance with their 2012 tax returns. For more information, please send an email to: info@faia-metrodc.org. If you qualify, come to these 3 FAIA Volunteer Days listed

FCA fund-raising gala set March 2

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland - The Filipino Cultural Association (FCA) will hold its 4th Biennial Filipino American Studies Gala. FCA seeks to raise awareness about Filipino American Studies (FAST) at the University of Maryland. The only courses of its kind offered at higher educational institutions in the East Caoat, FAST embodies the value of sharing our stories and the stories of our families. FAST was organized with the collaboration of students, the University, and the community. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, doors open at 5pm and dinner will be served promptly at 6pm. The event will be a fundraising dinner held in the interest of two Asian American Studies Program scholarships: the Major General Antonio Taguba Proles in Courage and Leadership Scholarship, and the Philip Vera Cruz Outstanding Community Service Scholarship. Through the active sponsorship of these scholarships, FCA hopes to continue to foster a spirit of public and community service that reects and encourages true citizenship. The theme for the Gala is Inheriting History. It recognizes the importance of learning from the past in order to create a better future. As an organization, FCA revisits the legacy of past student leaders who exceeded the expectations of a cultural group for a worthwhile goal. Inheriting history is not a passive acceptance of the past by the next generation, but rather an active engagement to work for a better tomorrow for all people. To purchase tickets, please visit www.tinyurl.com/fastgala2013.

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By Rodney J. Jaleco
WASHINGTON D.C. Various Filipino and migrants rights groups converged last week in New Orleans, La. to express solidarity and raise awareness on the plight of Filipino oil rig workers who were allegedly exploited in the Gulf Coast. Several national organizations, including the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), International Migrants Alliance-USA, and the National Guest-worker Alliance helped organize the Solidarity and Fact Finding Mission that kicked off in North Carolina on Feb. 20 and wrapped up in Louisiana on Feb. 25. This is one of the most signicant campaigns of my lifetime, said NAFCON president Terry Valen. These brave oil rig workers, trafcked from the Philippines, are standing up for their rights as workers, as migrants, and as human beings against slavery, trafcking, wage theft, fraud, and other forms of abuse, and exploitation - right here in our backyard, he added. Meanwhile, State Asst. Sec. Anne Richard of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration assured the United Nations in a forum last Feb. 20 that the United States was committed to upholding the human rights of migrant workers. The United States is their migration systems and the security of their borders, there are also important international obligations that provide protection to all persons, including migrants. Richard pointed out the US

February 28, 2013

Filam groups stage caravan for Pinoy oil workers

we protect trafcking victims in various ways, including by granting them what we call T immigration status under our Trafcking Victims Protection Act, she explained. T status allows the victim to remain and work in the US legally, to apply for permanent residence after a prescribed period, and for certain family members to be eligible for a T visa. Our trafcking legislation is an excellent example of a law that advances both law enforcement and humanitarian objectives - objectives that can and must work together, Richard averred. A number of Filipino victims of human trafcking, labor abuses and related crimes have been able to avail of this visa to pursue their complaints in US courts. Filipino contract workers have accused their employer Grand Isle Shipyard (GIS) of abusive and exploitative working conditions akin to slavery. In addition to being made to work under unsafe conditions, the migrant workers alleged that they were paid approximately $5 an hour for 10-14 hour days with no overtime. They were also deducted $1000- $3000 a month for employer housing that consisted of 4-6 workers sharing a single 10 feet by 10 feet room, said Katrina Abarcar in a statement explaining the Louisiana actions. Bunkhouse lockdowns, a 10:00 PM curfew, constant surveillance from security cameras, and limited communication with the outside world were also enforced. Workers also endured discriminatory practices from their employer such as restrictions on religious practices and threats of termination and deportation if workers failed to comply with their employers strict rules, she added. The group said the Nov. 16, 2012 Black Elk oil rig explosion in the Gulf Mexico that killed three Filipino workers, helped draw international attention to the agrant abuses and injustices they have suffered, Abarcar said. Their activities include a press conference and community forum with the Filipino American Organization of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; a forum with GIS workers at the Danna Center, Loyola University in New Orleans; and a caravan from New Orleans to the Manila Village in Latte.

File photo of Filipino OFW oil worker in Gulf of Mexico. unwavering in its commitment to respect the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their immigration status, and we urge other States to do the same, she declared. While States have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of enacted ground-breaking federal hate crimes legislation in 2009 that expanded protections against violence motivated by a victims race, color, religion or national origin. In addition to criminally prosecuting human trafckers,

One OFW saved, another in peril of execution

WASHINGTON D.C. Filipino America leader and businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis has remitted the money she helped raise to stave off the execution of Filipino contract worker Rogelio Dondon Lanuza to Saudi Arabia. Lewis actively campaigned to collect donations from friends in the Philippines, US and other countries to raise blood money for Lanuza, who was earlier convicted and sentenced to death for murder. Even as Lanuzas benefactors heaved a sigh of relief, reports from Saudi Arabia show that another Filipino worker, Joselito Zapanta of Mexico, Pampanga, could be executed (also for murder) in mid-March. Lewis was able to raise $121,313 or about 400,000 Saudi Arabian Riyals to help Lanuza. Although it was far short of what the victims family sought, the Saudi government announced it would put up the rest of the SR3 million demanded as blood money. The Filipino contributions were sent to a bank account in Al-Rajhi Bank in Dammam, specically opened by and managed by the ofce of the Emir (Governor) of the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. The money came from four separate bank accounts in Manila and New York. Of the amount, ation Committee for conrmation that all donations have been received by the Saudi bank account for the blood money. After the committee conrms that the full amount for the blood money is complete, this will be submitted to the courts so Lanuza can nally be processed for release. Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay said they have already raised P5 million out of the P33 million in blood money sought by the family of Zapantas victim. He was supposed to have been executed last November but the Philippines was able to win a reprieve. According to Migrante, a non-government organization devoted to promoting the rights of overseas Filipino workers there are some 125 OFWs on death row in various countries, mostly in China and the rest in the Middle East, Malaysia and Thailand. Of this number, 85 are drug-related. Although exactly how many OFWs have been executed is unknown, Migrante said it was aware of six since 2005 because they were directly involved in defending the Filipino workers. China carried out the last known executions in 2011 against three Filipinos convicted of drug trafcking. The Department of Foreign Affairs says there are at least 7,000 OFWs in jail all over the world. (RJJ)

Rogelio Dondon Lanuza $36,030 came from the account of former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor and $46,459 from the account of Dondons mother Letty Lanuza. Another $19,116 and $19,607 came from Lewis bank accounts in Manila and New York, respectively. Aside from the donations, the Philippine government is expected to soon send to the Saudi Bank account $100,000, their share of the blood money. Secretary Albert del Rosario, when I talked to him last 2011, he said that the policy of the government is not to give for blood money, no more than one hundred thousand dollars, Lewis told ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau. Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Ezzedin Tago said the embassy has already sent their request to the Saudi Reconcili-

Fewer Filams are poor - Census

WASHINGTON D.C. There were fewer Filipino Americans living below the poverty line even amid the recession and housing crash that battered most of the country, and appear to have weathered the worst effects better than other groups, including fellow Asians and even the Latino community. The Census Bureaus latest 5-year American Community Survey (ACS) suggested that Filipinos had the lowest incidence of poverty in the US, faring even better than whites, African Americans, Hispanics and the Asian & Pacic Islanders community. The survey, taken during the recession-stricken period between 2007 and 2011, revealed that only 5.8 percent of Fil-Ams lived below the poverty line compared to 11.6 percent for whites, 25.8 percent for AfricanAmericans, 23.2 percent for Hispanics and nearly 12 percent for Asians. The ACS is designed to provide demographic, social, economic and housing data for the nation, states, congressional districts, counties and other localities. It typically has a sample size of over 3 million addresses across the United States and Puerto Rico, the Bureau explained. It showed nearly 43 million people or 14.3 percent of the US population lived in poverty. By race, they were highest for American Indians and Alaska Natives (27 percent), African Americans (25.8 percent) and Hispanics (23 percent). But among whites and Asians, less than 12 percent were poor. And among Asians, Fil-Ams had the lowest poverty rates compared to the Koreans with 15 percent; Vietnamese with 14.7 percent; and the Asian Indians and Japanese with 8.2 percent. In the region, Blacks and Hispanics in Maryland and Virginia are much more likely to be poor than whites or Asians but their poverty rates are still lower than the national average, the ACS showed. The Census Bureau measures poverty by comparing annual income to poverty thresholds (adjusted yearly to take into consideration changes in the cost of living) that vary by family size, number of children and the age of the household members.

February 28, 2013

11
But Maryland ofcials said that in the long run, Obamacare will save the state money on health care. In addition, this legislation would revise Maryland health policies in accordance with federal guidelines which require all insurance plans to provide certain essential benets, such as mental health coverage and maternity services. It would also expand Medicaid coverage to include those with incomes at or below 133% of the federal poverty line, as dictated by Congress. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown told the House Health and Government Operations Committee that he strongly supported the Health Progress Act, which he described as the last step of an extraordinary process to implementthe federal health reform law in Maryland, the Examiner said. Maryland is among rst states to implement act. Because of your work... [Maryland] will be among the rst states to bring the full benets of the Affordable Care Act to families, Brown said, adding that the policy would save the state money because the federal government would be picking up 100% of the tab for Medicaid in2014 and 2015.

MD adopts Obamacare; VA skips it, cuts work hours

WASHINGTON D.C. While Maryland is speeding up implementation of Obamacare, Virginia is doing everything to circumvent it. Last week, the OMalley administration asked state legislators to take the nal steps to implement Obamacare and pass the Maryland Health Progress Act of 2013 that would dedicate funding to the state health exchange before Jan. 1, 2014, according to the Washington Examiner. But in Virginia, the Examiner said the governor is cutting the hours of about 10,000 state employees in order to avoid complying with a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would prove expensive to the government. About 10,000 Virginia public employees are poised to see their hours cut back as Gov. Bob McDonnell continues to nd ways around what he said were President Obamas costly health care reforms, it said. Last month, McDonnell let the federal government to run its health exchange. The Examiner said both the Virginia House and Senate passed budget amendments that will cap part-time state workers at 29 hours a week to avoid complying with a provision in the

VA Governor Bob McDonnell and MD Gov. OMalley (right). Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that requires businesses and governments to offer health insurance to any wage employee that averages 30 hours a week. By ensuring no employees reach that threshold, the state estimates it will save $110 million a year that otherwise would have gone to provide benets to workers and their families starting next year. Businesses like national pizza-maker Papa Johns have threatened similar action, the Examiner said. The newspaper said workers to be affected are about 1,479 in Virginia Community College System, 883 in Virginia Commonwealth University, 605 in Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 504 in Norfolk State University, 500 Dept. of Conservation and Recreation and hundreds of others in various agencies.

Bad weather holds Tubbataha salvage

MANILA - Big waves caused by a low pressure area (LPA) spotted at 1,120 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao hampered the start of the removal of the US navy minesweeper USS Guardian that ran aground at the protected Tubbataha Reef on Sulu Sea. If the weather disturbance becomes a typhoon, it will be codenamed Crising. Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena, Coast Guard commandant, said the crane ship Jascon 25 cannot immediately proceed to the site because of inclement weather. Malalaki pa ang alon doon sa site, so delayed muna ang operation, Isorena said. Commo. Enrico Efren Evangelista, PCG Palawan District commander, said the transfer of equipment and crew from the salvor Smit Borneo to the Jascon 25 has been completed and the crane ship is just waiting for the weather to normalize. The much bigger Jascon 25 arrived in Puerto Princesa City on Saturday night to remove the Guardian from the reef. Earlier, the US Navy retained the services of the Jascon 25 in place of the Smit Borneo because the former could withstand the big waves on Tubbataha. According to authorities, the Guardian has already destroyed more than 4,000 square meters of coral reef which the US government promised to pay. On January 17 the USS Guardian ran aground on Tubbataha Reef.

12
Adriana Latonio may not be the rst Filipino American to make it to American Idol but shes breaking ground nevertheless as the shows rst ever seminalist from Alaska. The 17-year-old from Anchorage, Ak. made it through a brutal sudden death round where each performer is given just one chance to stay in the game. On Feb. 20, ten girls sang but only ve were selected by the judges. The process will be repeated until they trim the current eld of 40 aspirants to just 20, where audience votes will start to matter. Latonio sang Aretha Franklins Aint No Way in what post-show reviews described as one of the strongest performances that evening. She is following some very big footsteps. Jessica Sanchez almost made it to the top in last years edition of American Idol, nishing a very strong second to Philip Phillips after 132 million votes cast by viewers. The Chula Vista, Ca. native is busy with concert tours, including several in her mothers own Philippines. Sanchezs father is a Mexican American veteran of the US Navy whos seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan; her mother hails from Samal, Bataan. Latonio admits shes been inspired by Sanchezs achievements. I just feel I can relate to her. I know shes been working to be a popular singer for a was Filipina. She asked Latonio how tall she was (5 feet) because shes apparently formed a picture of diminutive Filipinos that pack powerful voices like Sanchez or YouTube sensation Charice Pempengco. There is no fear. I did not see one ounce of fear from you Congratulations, my little lady bug, she told Latonio. Your emotions completely belied your age It was so hard not to react because it was so damn good, judge Keith Urban observed. Randy Jackson kept it short and sweet with, This girl is a pro. Mariah Carey, legendary vocalist in her own right, was all smiles saying, I was really proud of you. Thats Aretha Franklin, giving the performance a grade of A+. Based on feedback from judges, Adrianas toughest rivals (at least among the girls) are Kree Harrison (about whom Nikki raved, I would be very afraid if I were any of these other girls here tonight), Angela Miller (whom Keith said has a big, big gift), and Amber Holcomb (whom Randy said, stood out like a shining diamond). The other semi-nalist was Teena Torres. Latonios talents are apparently well known in the large

February 28, 2013

Filam teen is 1stAlaskan to make Idol Top 20

Fil-Am community in Anchorage, fronting for visiting stars from Manila including Erik Santos in 2008 and Sheryn Regis in 2009. Shes a student at the East High School in Anchorage and reportedly topped the Great Alaskan Vocal Competition in 2010 and was 1st runner up in Alaskas Got Talent in 2011. She was just 16 when she auditioned for American Idol (shes now 17), making her one of just 5 semi-nalists who are still minors.

Its Filipino Night in Wizards-Knicks game

WASHINGTON D.C. Its Filipino Heritage Night at the Verizon Center when the Wizards play the New York Knicks on March 1. It will be the rst of its kind for the National Basketball Association (NBA) which has a wide following among hoopscraze Filipinos here and in the Philippines. The event is collaboration between the Wizards franchise and the Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA) of Washington D.C., according to the groups head Ken Mendoza. FABA-DC is only one of 5 youth basketball partners of the Washington Wizards and Mystics. The other organizations are the Arlington County Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Germantown Hardknocks Youth Foundation, I-270 Hoops and the Mercer Lunsford Basketball League. The audience will get a chance to enjoy the popular tinikling to be performed by folk dancers from the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) during the half-time break. As is customary, the audience will be encouraged to try out their footwork amid clapping bamboo poles. It promises to be a fun intermission especially for Americans who havent seen it yet. The MHC dance ensemble is composed of Jolin and Kathleen Calaro, Matthew Aninzo, Joyce and Khrisna Mata, Alex and John-John Cabrera, Lex Crisostomo, Ian Tamayo, Neng Poliquit and Julie Quitoriano.

Adriana Latonio while, she said. Among the other Fil-Ams whove placed in American Idol were Thia Magia (Season 10), Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco (Season 3). Two other Fil-Ams are waiting for their turn to join the Top 20 Bridget Jett Hermano and Bryant Tadeo. The other girls that made it through this rst sudden death round to earn a coveted spot on the Top 20 are Tenna Torres, Kree Harrison, Angela Miller, and Amber Holcomb. The apparent wealth of singing talent from the Fil-Am community even prompted judge Nikki Minaj to ask Latonio if she

February 28, 2013

13

14
WASHINGTON D.C. A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos found that 53 percent of US citizens want most or all of the nations over 11 million undocumented immigrants to be deported, according to a survey by Reuters News Agency. The survey, released last week, presented the polarizing effect of the sentiment of the people on the legislative push for immigration reform. The studyss results show that most Americans oppose the trend of easing immigration laws, despite the strong movement for reform in Congress.

February 28, 2013

Majority of Americans want all TNTs deported

Of the respondents, 23 percent wanted all undocumented immigrants to be deported, and 30 percent wanted most undocumented immigrants with some exceptions to be deported. Meanwhile, 31 percent wanted to allow most undocumented immigrants to stay in the country, whereas only 5 percent of the respondents said that they would allow all undocumented immigrants to remain in the US legally. Julia Clark, an Ipsos poll worker, said in a Reuters report that that these results were similar to other polls taken in the recent years, suggesting that peoples views on the issue have not dramatically shifted. Its not Americans views that are shifting. It is that the political climate is ripe for this discussion, after the November elections when Hispanics voted overwhelmingly in favor of Democratic President Barack Obama, Clark said. Clark observed that the Democrats see their recent wins as opportunities to capitalize on, while the Republicans, because of the bad blow they suffered, are now willing to reach out to Hispanics. The survey also showed that while most Americans support immigration reform, they are divided on their views on what that reform means. Some people are for more lenient immigration reform, while others call for stronger border security.

February 28, 2013

March 1 (Friday) Filipino Heritage Night in the NBA East Coast at the Wizards vs Nicks Games. Sponsored by Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA). Youth/Adult Teams will play from 1pm to 5pm on the same court when the WIZ/ NYK will play on later that night. Entertainment includes dances and music by Migrant Heritage Commission performers. Tickets ranges from $27UL, $40CL and $89 pressbox with gourmet buffet. Contact: fabaofmetrodcinc@aol.com March 2 and every Saturday Night (8-12pm) FilipinoAmerican Multi-Cultural Center features Julian and the Tutubi Band whove volunteered to help support the Center at 7500 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. FREE concerts. Special guest musicians are welcome. Visual artists create their paintings live. Huge dance oor. Beer, wine, sodas and snacks are for sale. Donations encouraged. Contact: julianoteyza@gmail. com . (703) 969 5469 . Grace Villanueva (301) 567-2280 March 2 (Saturday) Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia MensGroup Fact vs. Fiction: Knowing & Loving Your Catholic Faith. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree St., Herndon, Speakers: Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Boston College; REV. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.,Pontical Academy of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington D.C.;Bishop Paul S. Loverde, third Bishop of Arlington at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas Moore. $45, Students $25. Go to www.arlingtondiocese.or/familylife/mc_registration.php March 3 (Sunday) 1:003:00pm. Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA) Open House. Free 2 Hour Clinic for Beginners. Open Courts for Youth South County HS. $85 per player $700 per team with FABA Youth Jersey. Register during the Open House days or Online using PayPal at www.fabametrodc.org. 8501 Silverbrook Road Lorton, VA 22079 March 9 (Saturday) 9:30 am-2:00pm. Philippine American Foundation for Charities Community Salu-Salo for Volunteers/Supporters to kick-off Annual Philippine and Asian Festivals. Tapsilog Breakfast at Filipino-owned Bistro 7107, 513 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA 22202 9571-882-24780. Street Parking. Contact: Contact: Bing Branigin at mcbranigin@aol.com March 9 (Saturday) 9am -4pm Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia Lenten Retreat for Adults and Youth with Msgr. Balbago. Missionhurst Chapel, 4651 North 25th Street, Arlington, VA 22207-3518 Cost: $30 adults/$20 youth (covers venue, food, stipend for priest, materials). RSVP requested due to limited space. Contact: lipinoministry@catholicweb.com or Ed Tiong 703-403-5624 March 10 (Sunday) Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA) Youth Spring League opens. See www.fabametrodc. org for details. March 11-15, Bicol Association of Metropolitan Washington DC Surgical Mission at the Bicol Eastern Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes. March 16 (Saturday) 6:00pm. Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Philippine Culture Night, Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Great Room, Catholic University of American, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E. Washington, DC 20064. March 16 (Saturday) 10:00am-4:00pm. Filipino Ameri-

15
can Institute of Accountants Tax Assistance at the IRS VITA Program. If you worked and have gross income of $51,000 or less in 2012, you qualify for free income tax preparation with electronic ling. Tagalog-English translation assistance available. Fairfax Skill Source Center, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West, Annandale, VA. Contact: info@ faia-metrodc.org. to nd out what documents to bring. March 23 (Saturday) 5pm. Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia, Fil Am Youth Mass: Come, Follow Me with Fr. Randy Gonzales, CICM. Guest Speaker: Fr. J.D. Jaffe. Contact: Choir: CFC/Youth for Christ. Venue: Missionhurst Chapel. 4651 North 25th Street, Arlington, VA 22207. RSVP requested due to limited space. Salu-salo after the Mass. Contact: lipinoministry@catholicweb.com or Ed Tiong 703-403-5624 April 6 (Saturday) 6:00pm12:00am,. Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan, D.C. Inc. Induction of Ofcers. Hilton Springeld, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springeld, VA 22150. $65 pre-paid, $70 at door. Contact: Nora Mendoza at 703-765-8474 or norrad79@verizon.net. May 11 (Saturday) 12:00noon-4:00pm. Asians for Mary Annual Pilgrimage, includes a 60 Filipino man/ woman choir for the event. Basilica Shrine of The Immaculate Concepcion, Upper Church. 400 Michigan Ave., Washington, DC 20017. Contact: Jacinta Mascarenhas at terjac@hotmail.com. Details to follow. May 18 (Saturday) 6:0011:30pm, Feed the Hungry, Inc. Spring Shindig. Fort Myer Community Center, McNair Road, Fort Myer, VA. Contact: Tessie 571 333 5327. May 23 (Thursday) PAFC Philippine Festivals Brown Strokes on White Canvas Art Exhibit. Location TBA. Contact: Julian Oteyza at julianoteyza@ gmail.com or 703.969.5469 May 26 (Sunday) Miss Teenage Philippines Pageant, Inc. Annual Coronation and Ball. Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. Contact Trini Padama-301-705-8550 . June 15 (Saturday) 6:00pm12:00pm. Philippine Independence Gala Ball. JW Marriott Washington, DC. Contact: Bing Branigin at mcbranigin@aol.com June 30 (Sunday) PAFC Philippine Festivals Community Picnic and Sports Fest. Tucker Road Recreational Park, Fort Washington, MD Contact: Mya Talavera at myatalavera@aol.com or 241-441-6941.

March 1 (Friday) Filipino American Institute of Accountants Tax Assistance at the IRS VITA Program. If you worked and have gross income of $51,000 or less in 2012, you qualify for free income tax preparation with electronic ling. Tagalog-English translation assistance available. At the University of Maryland, School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD University

of Maryland, School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD. Contact: info@faia-metrodc. org to nd out what documents to bring. March 1 (Friday) VFW McLean features Tutubi Bands Luau Night, 1051 Spring Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22102, Friday, 8 pm - 12 midnight. Free. Contact: (703) 969 5469 or julianoteyza@ gmail.com

16 Around DC in Pictures

February 28, 2013

Smithsonian hosts Inouye forum

Champagne and Sweet City desserts with birthday cheers went to community leader Mitzi Pickard (center) as she was feted to dinner by friends on February 15 in Arlington, Virginia. Front row from left: Ceres Busa, Mitzi, Nancy Ceniza, Priscilla Tacujan. Standing from left are Rodney Garcia, Sonny Busa, Al Santoli, Kevin Owens, and Froilan Tiglao.

Senator Daniel Inouye, a highly decorated American WWII combat veteran, an eight term United States Senator, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate from 2010 until his death in 2012, was the most powerful Asian American politician in U.S. history. Senator

Inouyes life and place in American history is an opportunity to understand the arc of the Asian American experience over the past 100 years. The Smithsonian Asian Pacic American Center hosted on Feb. 23 a special forum to discuss the life and legacy of Senator Inouye, a man of our

time. Among the speakers were* Terry Shima, 442nd RCT veteran; Antonio Taguba, Retired Army Major General; and Tuyet Duong, Senior Advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacic Islanders. Moderator was Kathy Park, ABC 7 and NewsChannel 8 anchor. Master Chef Evelyn Bunoan during a cooking demo (January, 2013 Bethesda, Maryland) at a function of Culinary Historians of Washington, D.C. (CHoW/DC) a nonprot organization dedicated to the study of the history of foodstuffs, cuisines, and culinary customs, both historical and contemporary, from all parts of the world. Chef Evelyn, who has been promoting healthy Philippine cuisine for more than three decades, also showcased popular Filipino recipes at this time, which were devoured by about 60 attendees.

Philippine Government check donation of $ 253.197.39 for Hurricane Sandy victims last month presented by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (center) to the American Red Cross represented by Senior Vice President for International Operations Harold W. Brooks (right) and Vice President for Readiness and Capacity Development Gregg ORyon (left).

L to R: Elvie Melegrito, Marcia Cruz, former Fil Am leader in the Washington, DC area, Bing Branigin, and Jon Melegrito, celebrated Melegritos Birthdy in Manila, last February 6, at a restaurant in Makati.

L to R : Bing Branigin, Imelda R. Marcos, and journalist Roy Mabasa, at the fund raising concert heldt at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City, last February 12.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. inducts the new ofcers of the WB-IMF Filipino Staff Association for 2013 on Feb. 21. Cuisia urged the WBIFA to continue their good work at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and demonstrate that this community of Filipino professionals is a force to reckon. From left are the ambassador with Mrs. Vicky Cuisia. The new ofcers are President Emmanuel Manny Jimenez, First Vice President Antoinette Toni Dakanay, Second Vice-President Pilar Loren Nadres, Secretary Roanna Maan Cruz, Treasurer Leonita Leony Gimeno, and Deputy Treasurer Honeylet Tuanda.

February 28, 2013

17

That Fiesta Feeling

By Jocelyn Porteria
When I came here in the U.S in 1994, one of my worries was what am I going eat? Being born and raised in the Philippines all my life, I cannot imagine not having Filipino food on the table. What about my rice and all time favorite sinigang? I was so surprised and delighted that there is a Filipino store just a mile where we lived in Arlington and its called Fiesta Oriental Store. As expected, it is owned and managed by husband and wife team of Fred and Vangie Sunga just like most of the Filipino stores in the DC area with the help of their three girls. The store is one of the pioneers in bringing us the taste of Philippines and that closer back home feeling. It opened in 1991 with lots of challenges and uncertainties competing with mainly Vietnamese and other oriental stores; but they were so determined with their goals considering the increasing number of Filipinos in the area. Both from Pampanga and share the love for cooking, that is one of the advantages and they know what will sell. Being one of the pioneers, they had trouble nding suppliers of what are the specic demands because of our unique products and had issues with the returns. They are glad they stayed and keep

Wheres Jon Melegrito? This photo pasted on Facebook recently shows him in Mexico, Pampanga. His caption: Just so you dont think Im irting, Im interviewing the supervisory nurse at the Mexico Community Hospital during the Medical Mission of Mercys (Washington D. C. group) visit to this town in Pampanga recently.

Fred Sunga mans Fiesta store. the store running because it is a different story nowadays. Due to the demands and communication channel improvements as the years go by, we basically have everything we need in the store just like way back home. It became a one stop shop of Filipino products as to food, ingredients, delicacies, video rental, phone cards, money remittances even travel agency and I see some shirts hanging with the Filipino ag designs. The only thing they dont have is the take out but they sell snacks on the weekends as a treat to customers after church... The store became their pride and glory as they gained a lot of friends and build connections through the years. They feel so at home in the store with wonderful customers and sharing Filipino culture and values each day. They were able to raise their family and provided them good education through the stores income. An accountant and a nurse by profession, Kuya Fred and Ate Vangie had no regrets choosing to run the Fiesta Oriental Store which will be on its 22 years in existence. Being with Filipino people every day, providing what they need to cook their good food and bring smiles to everyone; every day is as exciting when they opened the doors 22 years ago.

Atty. Ramon A. P. Paterno (PASCO-JVOIBG Exec.-Dir.) presents $25,000 donation to Rev. Fr. Jose Ramon (Jett) Villarin, S.J., President of the Ateneo de Manila University, on behalf of the Phil-Am Support Committee for the Jaime V. Ongpin Institute of Business & Govt., WDC, to benet projects of the JVOIBG (Manila) (Feb. 8, 2013, at the ofce of Fr. Villarin, S.J.). From left are Jun Dalandan, director, Ofce of Alumni Relations; Atty. Isabelita Tapia-Paterno and Atty. Paterno; Rev. Fr. Villarin, S.J.; Ms. Maribel Ongpin; Atty. Jaime G. Holena, ADMU VP for Social Dev. A lunch reception hosted by Fr. Villarin S.J. followed. The PASCO-JVOIBG had previously donated $45,000 to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility in the Philippines.

18 U.S. News Briefs

WASHINGTON D.C. - The White House says President Obama wants to give hard working citizens a decent living wage of $9 dollars per hour instead of the current $7.25 to boost life of 15 million workers and reduce poverty. The Press Ofce said the President also plans to provide high-quality preschool for every child;_Partners with communities to help them rebuild and put people back to work;Creates pathways to jobs for all Americans_by giving incentives to companies that hire Americans; Expands early childhood opportunity for all Americans by expanding Early Head Start, child care, and other health and education programs and Strengthens families by removing nancial deterrents to marriage for low-income couples; as well as continuing to support the critical role that fathers play in enhancing the intellectual, emotional, and nancial well-being of their sons and daughters. including registration, the online tutorial, ease of use, technical assistance and customer service. They rated the program as exceptionally high in overall customer satisfaction, with an average score of 86 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scale. We are proud of the advancements we have made in the E-Verify program, said Director Mayorkas. This customer survey validates the success of our efforts, which we have undertaken in collaboration with the business and labor communities and other key stakeholders. CFI Group, a consulting rm specializing in customer satisfaction measurements, conducted the survey. According to CFI Groups latest gures, the average score for government agencies is 67.

February 28, 2013

Obama wants $9-hour wage; Asians back immig reform

eliminated in tilt
LOS ANGELES - FilipinoAmerican cheftestant Sheldon Simeon was eliminated from the popular reality TV cooking show last week, ending his bid to become the second Filipino to win the shows ultimate prize. factors: 1. Education: Secondary and post secondary completion is an important part of demonstrating one can be economically established in Canada. working on welcoming in.

Canada cops hunt Pinoy caregiver

TORONTO -Canadian authorities are searching for a 46-year-old Filipino man wanted in the death of a 78-year-old widow. Toronto police have issued a warrant for rst-degree murder for Fernando DeCastro in connection with the murder of Manijeh Bostani-Khamsi last November. Authorities found Bostani-Khamsis body in her high-rise apartment in Toronto on November 17, a day after De Castro cleaned her apartment. Police said the septuagenarian lived alone and there were obvious signs of trauma to her body. Police believe DeCastro and his wife, who had been in Canada for the past ve years, purchased plane tickets to the Philippines and left the country three days after the murder took place. Police said the Filipino couple worked as housekeepers and were well-known in the area. DeCastro also worked with elderly clients as a health-care provider, he added. They believe robbery was the motive. Authorities believe DeCastro is in hiding somewhere in the southern part of the Philippines. The justice department will request for extradition of the couple to Canada.

No more red, blue states, says RNC

ATLANTA, Georgia - After the 2012 election, Republicans knew we had to get to work growing our party . The election exposed trends showing we must reach more voters. So the Republican National Committee (RNC) launched the Growth and Opportunity Project in December to get input from across the country. What could the party do better? How could we better communicate our message where its not being heard? In a press release to the Manila Mail, RNC said the Growth and Opportunity Project came to Atlanta. We gathered with local African American leaders and political activists to solicit answers to those questions and more. The feedback we received-along with information gathered from similar meetings and thousands of individuals--will help guide the Republican Party as we work to be more welcoming and more inclusive. ...We must build relationships in communities where we havent been. Thats why we must stop talking about reaching out and start

Sheldon Simeon The 30-year-old Simeon just came up short of the nale, after cooking a roasted quail dish with pine nuts, garam masala and tangerine that just didnt suit well with the judges. Overall, this is not Sheldon, its someone else who has put on Sheldons hat. I want the old Sheldon, said Judge Hugh Acheson, after tasting the entree. Simeon was eliminated, leaving LA Chef Brook Williamson and Bostonian Kristen Kish to battle for the Top Chef title and claim the $125,000 grand prize. In an interview with the Asian Journal, Simeon said he was disappointed that the judges didnt like his new approach. After 15 episodes and besting 21 other chefs to make it into the top 3, Simeon wanted to try something new. Thats what my heart felt at the time. I believe what makes great chefs are people that continue to grow and evolve. You see artist like Picasso and how he kind of evolved in his shows. As chefs we have to continue to evolve. Thats what I wanted to cook at the moment. I didnt forget my roots, he said.

Filam aids orphaned kids cop with life

NEW YORK- Filipino American Maya Rowencak heads a movement to help children who didnt have a family and make them feel thay are important and loved. She started the movmeent a year after her mother is the late Manilena Maria Milagros Cruz Rowencak passed away. While helping desolate kids cope, the children in turn helped ll the void left by her mothers untimely passing a year earlier. The U.S.-born Rowencak, whose father is a Ukraine

54 % of Asians back immig reform

LOS ANGELES - Asian Americans favor immigration reforms, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Asian American Survey (NAAS). The key ndings of NAAS of the survey titled Opinions of Asian Americans and Pacic Islanders on US immigration policy are: About three in four Asian American adults are foreign born; Since 2008, Asia has been the largest regional source of immigration to the United States; 58% of Asian Americans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States, a dramatic change from 2008, when just 32% of Asian Americans supported a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the country; 54% of Asian Americans indicate that visa backlogs is a signicant problem for their families, with 38% indicating that it is a very serious or fairly serious problem and Among national origin groups, concern about visa backlogs is highest among Indians (67%), Hmong (66%), Vietnamese (51%), and Filipinos (48%).

Pinay runs in ABCs The Bachelor series

LOS ANGELES - Catherine Ligaya Mejia Giudici is a half Filipino who is running to be ABCs next sweetheart of the Bachelors reality series. She is a 26-year-old graphic designer and blogger from Washington who has survived eight episodes. So far, she has bested 23 other female contestants to make it in the top three for Sean Lowes affection in The Bachelor. Catherine is the daughter of Cynthia Mejia-Giudici, a trustee for the Filipino-American National Historical Society in Seattle. Her father, Carey Trip Guidici, is of Scottish and SwissItalian descent, and a renowned journalist and former editorin-chief of Northwest Asia Weekly. The Bachelor is a popular reality television dating game show where women compete for the affection of a Bachelor. This season (its 17th) features 28-year-old Sean Lowe, an insurance agent from Texas, as the Bachelor. Early this month, the TV series showed Catherine introduce Lowe to her family in

Maria Rowenak with orphan children in Manila. national, heads one of Americas fast growing non-prot childrens charity that prides itself on providing nutrition, medical care and education to orphanages and disadvantaged children living in extreme poverty, and offers hope by instilling value and purpose in each child. The charity group, named Mayas Hope, concentrates on children in Rowencaks parents home countries, the Philippines and Ukraine, although it also responds to international emergencies as they arise. Our mission is to provide the love a mother these children have never felt, said Rowencak, who previously worked as executive assistant to managing directors in nance. For Rowencak, traveling to the Philippines and Ukraine every now and then helped her understand her parents better.

Canada bares new immigration program

TORONTO, Canada Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program to take effect on May 4, 2013. While the ofcial launch of the program and its laws are not yet ofcial, there are key elements that have been proposed. In order to qualify for a Canada Immigrant Visa, professional applicants must: Have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in the past 10 years; Pass a minimum threshold of language ability in English or French; Attain at least 67 points based on Canadas immigration selection factors. To accumulate the required 67 points the following summarizes the selection

Catherine Ligaya Mejia Giudici Seattle. There, the couple ate lumpia and Catherine shared how to show proper respect to her Lola (grandma) in traditional Filipino culture by placing her hand on his forehead (doing the mano po). Catherine is a graduate of Washington State University and is a self-proclaimed opportunistic vegan. According to her bio, she currently works at Amazon and blogs for Seattleite, a lifestyle website.

E-Verify successful, says USCIS director

WASHINGTON-U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced that users of E-Verify, the free Internetbased system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States, have given the program high marks in a recent customer survey. More than 1,300 randomly selected employers across the nation who use E-Verify evaluated key program aspects,

Top Filam chef

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February 28, 2013

China nixes UN tribunal

MANILA - China has ofcially rejected a Philippine move to bring the long-running territorial issues over the South China Sea before a U.N. arbitration tribunal, saying ManilaS claim was legally inrm and carried unacceptable allegations against Beijing. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it received on Feb. 19 from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing a Note Verbale stating that China is rejecting and returning the Philippines Notication and Statement of Claim. In its Note, China reiterated its position that it has indisputable sovereignty over the entire South China Sea encompassed by its nine-dash line claim, which covers nearly the entirety of the sea, including areas that are well within Philippine territory and several disputed islands. With this rejection, there is nothing the Philippines can do in the UN. Arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) requires that both parties agree to arbitration. Despite this setback, the Philippines remains committed to Arbitration which is a friendly, peaceful and durable form of dispute settlement that should be welcomed by all, the DFA said in the statement. The rejection came at a time when the US, Japan, and the European Union threw their support behind the Philippines. According to Chinese state news Xinhua, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, at a brieng in Beijing, said the Philippines note and statement of notication and claim have serious mistakes both in facts and law. Although widely expected, Chinas move was still a blow to Philippine governments efforts to take a legal track in confronting China on overlapping claims in the resource-rich waters, called West Philippine Sea by Manila, which have long been a source of diplomatic and maritime tensions. Philippine ofcials have said that the arbitration process would proceed even if China would decide to ignore it but Chinese experts have asserted otherwise. The tribunal, which operates under UNCLOS,could decide whether the arbitration case could be heard even in the absence of China. Manila initiated an arbitration process under the UNCLOS on January 21 to try to declare as illegal Chinas expansive claim to the South China Sea.

NPA raises poll fees from bets

MANILA - The Communist New Peoples Army has increased the fees charged on politicians who are seeking their support or asking to campaign in areas under its inuence. All the Philippine military could do is to warn the candidates against succumbing to the NPA pressure. The Armys 8th Infantry Storm Troopers Division operating in Eastern Visayas reported that it intercepted documents indicating that the fees for the permits to campaign and permits to win (PTC-PTW) being charged by the NPA to all local candidates have increased by as much as 150 percent. Those seeking congressional seats or running for governor are now being charged P5 million, or P3 million more than what the Armed Forces said the NPA was charging gubernatorial and congressional candidates in 2010. During that years elections, the NPA issued PTCPTW cards to candidates in before the May 13 automated midterm elections. We are going to ask the help] of the parishes all over the country so in one sweep, we can easily reach the 5.2 million signatures imagine, a people power through the churches, said Olivares in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday. In the pastoral statement, the CBCP vowed to back any popular initiative to pass a law that would put an end to political dynasties, which the proliferation of such breeds corruption and inhibits general access to political power, which is a fundamental mark of democracy. Olivares, MAD will launch signature campaigns at the Quiapo Church, the Sto. Domingo Church, the Binondo Church in Metro Manila and exchange for payment of their Electoral Alliance Fee, the Armed Forces said in a statement. Citing the 8ID report, Col. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., Armed Forces Public Affairs Ofce chief, said that these cards were color-coded according to the price and the ofce the politician was running. The blue card, worth P2 million up, was being offered gubernatorial and congressional candidates. The yellow, green and red cards, priced between P10,000 and P500,000, were intended for other candidates. The 8ID said that for this years elections, the NPA is charging candidates running for vice governor P500,000; for provincial board member and mayor, P100,000; for vice mayor, P75,000; and for councilor, P50,000. The division said the cards bore serial numbers and the signature of the local NPA leader. Burgos said military records show that in 2010, the NPA collected some P25 million through extortion. ultimately in big churches and cathedrals in Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Davao, among others. MAD, composed of advocacy groups, including civic clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis and Jaycees, will also tap the help of other churches like the Iglesia Ni Cristo and Protestant churches. Realizing that Congress will never pass an enabling law that will make Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution operational and enforceable against its members own political dynasties and that the Supreme Court will never rule against political dynasties for the very convenient excuse that there is no enabling law yet that will enforce this provision of the constitution, MAD intends to use the only option left, a Peoples Initiative, the group stated.

Pinoys launch anti-dynasty campaign

MANILA - Because Congress which is controlled by political dynasties does not want to tackle the issue, Filipino citizens are now doing it through Movement Against Dynasties (MAD)which was launched in historic Baclaran Church Feb. 16. MAD has launched a nationwide signature drive at the Baclaran site. The Movement against Dynasties (MAD) staked out all day at the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Redemptorist in Paranaque City until the last Mass was held, drawing registered voters from young to old, residing as far as Zamboanga City to sign the petition. The initiative petition, which is hoping to gather 5.2 million signatures, Initiative and the minimum requirement of Republic Act 6735 or the Peoples Referendum Act, is hoping to result in the adoption of a law prohibiting political dynasties in the country. The target signa-

MAD campaigners collects signatures in Paranaque city mall. tures, which should come from 250 legislative districts, appears impossible to achieve. But it is possible with the help of the Church, which has more parishes than legislative districts in the country, according to MAD co-chair Danilo Olivares. A similar move was launched last week by the Bicol Autonomy Movement,hoping to gather at least 1.5 million voter signatures by the end of April this year or a couple of weeks

PNoy says 1st crush was Sen. Legarda

MANILA President Benigno Aquino III has confessed that four decades ago, his rst teenage crush was Sen. Loren Legarda. While members of Team PNoy were having lunch at a seafood restaurant by the beach in Arevalo district in Iloilo City recently, the President out of the blueadmitted that Sen. Legarda had been his crush since he was 18. He said it in front of the senator herself, who blushed. When I saw Loren before, I will say it now in front of everybody, we were still teenagers, but I already had a crush on her, Mr. Aquino said in a matter-offact tone. Legarda blushed and was speechless for a moment. Legarda, a guest candidate of Vice President Jejomar Binays UNA along with Sen. Chiz Escudero, have stayed away from it because of former President Joseph Estrada who is running for mayor Manila. This was the day the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) announced that it had decided to drop all three common candidates - Legarda, Sen. Francis Escudero and Grace Poe. Aquino said that since the launching of the slate last year,we have already wholly embraced these three candidates. Legarda, the only female candidate to twice top senatorial elections (1998 and 2007), has decided to seek another sixyear term in May to continue ghting for the rights of women, children, indigenous groups and senior citizens. The President told reporters last December that he was looking forward to attending to matters of the heart after his term ends in 2016.

Sen. Loren Legarda.

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to November 24, 2013 as the Year of Faith. Ms. Federigan also said, We pray that the Pope will get rest and joy in next stage of his added: The pope is going to teach the world that even after his retirement, there are divine purposes to fulll. He will not quit his ministry of promoting Christian virtues. He is teaching us to grow in faith, hope, and love for the purpose of evangelizing the world. He is the type of leader-servant who will make important use of every day of his life, continuing the mission of Christ as an example of unending service. Jun Medina of Virginia said in an email: I respect the Popes decision and will continue praying for him, he said. And Im quite condent that in the next few weeks the Conclave of Cardinals, as always, will be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing a new leader for the church established by Jesus Christ. I trust that in this Year of Faith, the good Lord will raise for us a new Pope to lead the one and holy Church that is ever more catholic, meaning universal, because it is Gods gift to all people.

Filams want Cardinal... from page 1

already growing on the College of Cardinals...to break tradition and elect a non-European Pope. Below Tagles photo, the caption read The archbishop of Manila is one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals and is known for being charismatic. Ed Tiong, coordinator of the Filipino American Ministry of Northern Virginia in the nearby state, said in a phone interview he wanted this to happen, but added he was being realistic. With so many tough issues facing the church as an institution, it would come down to who is the best to lead the church at this point, he added. Among the issues: Priest sex abuse scandal, and the clamor for a more progressive stand on contraception and women priests. Gloria Maria Talastas Federigan was among those who attended Tagles elevation as cardinal in Rome. She also realizes the odds are against it. But anything is possible, said Ms. Federigan, founder and publisher of the Legacy International, a family enterprise publishing and distributing Filipiniana materials. Cardinal Tagles rise has been meteoric. Ms. Federigan said in a phone interview she and her husband Bobby witnessed the elevation of Archbishop Tagle as cardinal last year. On November 24, the rst day of the events, we were shocked to see Pope Benedict XVI riding his pope mobile, looking tired and ill, as he made his way towards the altar for the ceremony for new cardinals. Tiong said he learned about the news from Facebook, and shared the same sentiments of sadness and surprise over the Popes decision. But on further reading the Popes announcement, I realized his continued life is lived in deep spirituality and communion with God living in a life of humility and virtue of prudence. Perhaps, now I also come to understand why he had declared from October 11, 2012

The Federigan couple visiting the Vatican.

Prayers
Tiong said, As for me and my family, and the members of the Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia and the many organizers of Simbang Gabi, we will continue to pray and support the Holy Father as he moves forward into a new chapter in his life, a journey of faith.

life. We have the utmost respect for him. Carmelita de Castro of Maryland wrote in an email, I believe we must all accept this historical change and must focus on Christ, and added she would be praying for the pope. Ms. De Castro, former Lord is my Shepherd servant leader,

EDSA remembered as Marcos clan maps comeback

In one of the most meaningful celebrations of the 1986 People Power revolt, President Aquino signed a new law that established a compensation fund for human rights victims of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The President and his family, who are themselves victims after his father was assassinated by Marcos henchmen, chose the 27th anniversary celebration of the EDSA revolt to sign the landmark Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013. It establishes a P10 billion ($243 million) fund to help Marcos human rights victims. The President has already announced that his family will not seek compensation from the fund. As the nation remembered the evils of Marcos Martial Law, the strongmans widow, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, does not hide her fervent hope that their only son, Ferdinand Jr. now a senator could one day re-capture the presidency. In a series of recent interviews with Kyodo News, the 83-year-old Mrs. Marcos, unabashedly boasted that her 55-year-old son, popularly known by his nickname Bongbong, has great potential. Between 1998 and 2007, the younger Oxford-educated Marcos served three consecutive terms as governor of Ilocos Norte, his fathers birthplace, now led by his elder sister Imee. He also represented the Marcos stronghold in the House of Representatives before becoming a senator in 2010. Id be privileged and happy, not only because Im dents father) in August 1983 because Marcos was reportedly bed-ridden at the time. But the charge has never been proven. Former President Corazon Aquino has stated in the past that the family is not after compensation but ofcial recognition of the tragedy that was Martial Law, deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said. Under the measure, a Human Rights Claim Board will be created to go over the claims of victims, including all claimants in the class suit and direct action plaintiffs in Hawaii and all victims recognized by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation. Aside from the reparations fund, the law also mandates the creation of a Human Rights Violations Victims Memorial Commission to educate the young about the abuses committed by the Marcos regime and the heroism of those who opposed it. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority deployed about 1,000 trafc constables and street sweepers for the 27th anniversary celebrations. The ruling Liberal Party said in a statement that the people were now reaping the benets of the People Power uprising, but the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said the spirit of EDSA has been lost to millions of Filipinos still mired in hunger and poverty. Unless we free the estimated 11.1 million Filipino households, or 55 percent of our population, (from) the bondage of poverty and hunger, there would be no true and genuine peoples government said UNA senatorial bet and Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos for President? the mother, but because he was molded, even as a child, in an atmosphere of service to people. He knows exactly an idea of what leadership is, Mrs. Marcos, who wielded vast powers during her husbands rule. There were speculations of her role in the assassination of former Sen. Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. (the current Presi-

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PH set for worst... from page 1
Lumpur said a relative of the Sultan of Sulu who is a Malaysian citizen has been arrested by security forces. Hernandez added that Malaysia has been cooperative and tolerant and has given directions to solve this issue peacefully. The spokesman of the sultanate of Sulu, Abraham Idjirani, earlier said that none of their followers will be boarding the ship sent by the government to fetch them if there is no ofcial order from the sultan of Sulu. This, as Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram 3rd, said in a radio interview that it was a case of do or die for them I believe we are right [and] this place belongs to us. We will stay, he added. He said that they would not leave Tanduao village in Lahad Datu town until the issue is resolved. Despite the deadline set by the Malaysian government, Raja Muda maintained that he and the royal army would remain in Tanduao to assert their claim on Sabah. In Malacanang, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda reiterated that the governments call on the entire group to go back to their homes and families, while the countrys ofcials are addressing the core issues they have raised. They already were informed that they said that they will refuse to board. But, again, we hope that that report is not true but we certainly hope that they will think about their women and, if there are any children there or if there are any sickly among them, that they will consider allowing our social workers, our doctors to take care

February 28, 2013

and this is his way of pointing out he is still in the picture. The peace deal, they said, handed control of much of Sulu to MILF rebels and left out Jamalul Kiram III, 74, a former Sultan of the Sulu as well as Misuaris MNLF that had struck a peace deal with Manila in 1996 which had resulted in the formation of the MILF. Kiram was cited by AFP as saying that the sultanates exclusion from the deal, which aims to set up a new autonomous region to be administered by Muslims, prompted the decision to send the men to Sabah. The standoff in Sabah has reportedly infuriated Aquino, who suspects that the incident is an attempt to sabotage his administrations peace initiatives with the MILF that has made marked progress since last year. The peace agreement was signed last year by the Aquino administration with the MILF, which broke away from Misuaris MNLF when it was negotiating peace with the government in 1996. Sources said that among those suspected of instigating Kiram are Misuari, former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales and even Aquinos uncle, Jose Cojuangco and his wife Margarita, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). The Cojuangcos are reportedly linked to both Misuari and Kiram, and Margarita Cojuangco reportedly wants to be part of the transition commission for the framework peace agreement with the MILF. Up to 200 followers of Kiram are still holed up in Lahad Datu surrounded by Malaysian forces. Kiram has said his followers would not leave because Sabah is our home. review of the cases of thousands of Filipinos veterans whose claims were rejected. Miller said there is support in the US Congress for such a review. But that doesnt guarantee that theres going to be a change. There are widows, dependents that have applied, there have been some fraudulent claims that have been discovered, he explained. Obviously those persons are not due the compensation. However, we want to make sure that every person that is due compensation receives, he added. We are pleased that the United States, both the Administration and the Congress, continue to engage with us in addressing outstanding issues. Various proposals have been put forward with the aim of securing compensation and recognition for our veterans, Cuisia said.

Nur Misuari of MNLF. of them, he said. The ship will stay there as long as it is needed, Lacierda said. Its a humanitarian mission. There are conrmed reports of women but we dont know of children. But certainly there are women and a number of them, if you recall, only-I think the DFA mentioned already that among the group, there are only 30 armed security personnel of Datu Puing, he said. Lacierda said that Malacanang, the Malaysian government and the Kiram family would like to have a peaceful resolution to this entire situation. We continue to hold that prayer. And we would certainly hope that the Kiram family, or Datu Puing in Sabah would recognize that there may be some concerns there, certain difculties that theyre experiencing, and thats why we sent a humanitarian ship to Sabah, he added. Earlier, Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein stated he wanted the standoff to end sooner than later, without bloodshed. President Benigno S. Aquino III slammed the Sultans followers for their action which threaten to derail the peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and affect the countrys friendly relations with Malaysia which brokered the peace deal.

Malaysian commandos in Lahad Datu.

Sultan Jumalul Kiram III (left) with followers in Taguig, Rizal. At the same time, the government has assured the Sultan that it will continue to pursue their claim to Sabah which has remained dormant for more than 30 years. The Sultanate claims Sabah (formerly North Borneo) was only leased to the British who later turned it over to the Malaysian federation in the midsixties. Malaysia said its now up to the security forces to conduct an operation to end the standoff if the deadline was ignored. While the Philippines government has tried to persuade the Sulu Sultan to take their Sabah claim through diplomatic channels, the Kiram family have been adamant that Azzimudies group would stay put in Lahad original estimates about how many surviving veterans could be qualied to receive the benet grew. We appreciate the various efforts the United States has exerted in responding to our advocacies, Cuisia said. According to the Veterans Administration, over $223 million have been disbursed to 18,728 veterans at the start of 2013. But some 24,440 applications have been disapproved. At the twilight of their lives, Filipino World War II veterans continue to struggle for recognition and just compensation, the envoy stressed. The VA reported that they are looking at more 4,500 appeals from veterans whose applications were rejected. Many petitioners were turned away because their names couldnt be found in the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri or failed to produce at least two documents Datu (Tanduo). Talks with Azzimuddie through emissaries are continuing in the Philippines and pressure is mounting on President Aquino and his administration to resurrect the long dormant Sabah claim following accusations that the Oct 15 peace deal with the MILF had left out the Sulu sultanate as well as Nur Misuaris Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Observers suspect that Misuari is involved in this standoff. To help defuse and bring the stand-off to a peaceful conclusion, Analysts have said that Misuari is aware that he would be rendered irrelevant by any peace deal that may be forged between Manila and the MILF to prove their service in World War, as required by the VA. Nevada Rep. Joe Heck led House Resolution 481 earlier this month that will mandate the VA to relax its rules on the type and number of documents that can be accepted as proof of a Filipino veterans service. We understand that there are other individuals who claim that they have a right to compensation, and I agree that every person should have the opportunity for a full and complete review, Miller said in Manila. But we have to be careful that only those that have earned the compensation get the compensation, added the lawmaker, who led four other solons on 3-day visit in the Philippines. Miller represents a district that includes Pensacola, Fl. which has a large Filipino American community. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario sought Millers support as he called for a

Justice for Filvets... from page 1

Cuisia said the ght for fairness and justice remains unnished after almost seven decades. Visiting Rep. Jeff Miller (1st District, Florida), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and head of a congressional delegation that visited the Philippines last week, said the government was willing to take a second look at claims of Filipino veterans earlier denied by the VA. But he quickly pointed out that such review was not a guarantee of a reconsideration, saying the US government is very careful in studying and approving claims of Filipinos who served under the US ag more than six decades ago. The US Congress passed the Rescission Law in February 1946 which expressly denied recognition for the thousands of Filipinos who fought under US military command during World War II and over the promises of top American ofcials from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to General Douglas MacArthur. For the past 67 years, we have joined our Filipino and Filipino American veterans in a long and arduous struggle to obtain recognition for their military service and their fair and just compensation, Cuisia said in the statement. He thanked the US government for Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund that was part of the socalled US stimulus bill signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009. The FVEC provided for a lump-sum payment of $15,000 for Filipino veterans in the US and $9,000 for those in the Philippines. An initial amount of $198 million was set aside for the payments, but the fund has been replenished over the years after

Continued on page 23

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lessly to bed at night. Suicide was always the rst think on my mind. When I heard about his sudden tragedy (Jeremys death), I just couldnt believe what I was hearing.. I knew him... He was in my class. He wasnt like other people. He had a heart. Unlike anyone else, he was that one kid who opened up to me when no one else would. I knew Jeremy, and he touched my heart. Hes a good person and I believe that people should learn more from him. He was one of the people who made me felt as if I was actually someone. Another aimed his message at Mrs. K (obviously an ofcial of the high school). Seriously, Mrs. K get a clue. You were way off base, yes Jeremy was bullied! I cannot believe you could say otherwise. Jeremy was bullied everyday. You need to learn what goes on in your school. Carol Lynn Beninca on Jan 30, 2013 said My son met Jeremy at Monroe Technology Center. He said was a very kind person. Too sad of his tragic end. I can only hope the county lives by their words of zero tolerance and expel those bullies who tormented Jeremy. No one should be bullied anywhere, anytime, anyhow. RICHMOND, Virginia - The Virginia House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed a bill on Feb. 18 dening the term bullying and instructing individual school boards to adopt policies happening, Sanchez told the Asian Journal in a phone interview six hours before the Presidents address. Ni sa guni-guni ko, hindi ko ito pinangarap (I never thought this would happen even in my wildest dreams), she added. Sanchez, a nurse at the New York University Langone Medical Center, was invited by the Obamas to attend the address in Washington, DC. Even as Menchus own home was ooding, she thought only of protecting the babies in her care. Menchu was born, raised, and educated in the Philippines and she immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. She has worked as a nurse in New York for more than 25 years, and has been at NYU since 2010. Menchu currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, both of whom are in college, read the advisory released by the White House earlier. I was just doing my job. Hindi ko nga alam na may mga camera pala doon noon. Ang priority lang talaga namin ay yung mailabas na maayos yung mga bata sa department namin, (I didnt know there were cameras there. Our priority was to take the children in our department out to safety) she said. Menchu said that she found and procedures to prevent its occurrence. The House approved HB1871, sponsored by Del. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond, Henrico Co.), by a vote of 93-6, with all 32 of the lower chambers Democrats and 61 Republicans voting in favor. The Senate is expected to approve it, too. The bill denes bullying as any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. It specically states that bullying includes cyberbullying, but does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument or conict between students. The bill also requires each school board adopt a character education program aimed at promoting certain values and personal character traits that are aimed at reducing the incidence of bullying and improving school environments to make them more conducive to learning. Examples of values that could be taught in a character-education program listed in the bill include respect, accountability, self-control, kindness, nondiscrimination and citizenship, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the American ag, concern for the common good, respect for out about the invitation last week, when the hospitals management emailed her. I screamed when I found out, sobrang gulat at saya ko (I was so surprised), she remarked. Together with other White House guests, they were briefed a few days ago as to what was going to happen. Among the rst questions she had was her attire. She initially wanted to go Filipiniana but she was told they didnt need to be in formal clothes, just business casual. They were also told not to reveal the news yet. On Monday (Feb. 11), they were given the gosignal to tell their friends. I am so excited to meet the President and his wife, I voted for him in the last two elections, she revealed. A native of Catanauan town in Quezon, Sanchez has been working at Langone for the past 18 years. Previously, she was at St. Vincents Hospital for 24 years, until the hospital closed in 2010. The Sanchez family has not gone back to the Philippines for 12 years because they would rather save up for their kids education. Instead na umuwi, we just saved up for the tuition fee of our children. Kaunti na lang (Just a little more), they are both in colauthority and law, and community-mindedness. Under the legislation, each board of education is tasked with establishing criteria for the character education program, and will award grants to school boards that implement innovative character education programs. Boards of education are also expected to establish guidelines and model policies for student codes of conduct that will provide guidance to local school boards about how best to implement such policies, which will include criteria for punishment by offenders and standards for the in-service training of school personnel. Under the proposed law, each school board must include a prohibition on bullying as part of its code of conduct, but the policies in such a code shall not be interpreted to infringe on the First Amendment rights of students and are not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical or political views, provided that such expression does not cause an actual, material disruption of the work of the school. The law also requires school boards to adopt appropriate procedures to educate employees about the importance of fostering a bully-free environment. lege now, she said. The couples 20-year-old son, Jude, is studying at Seton Hall University while their 19-year-old daughter Michelle is at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Wala kaming maipapamana sa kanila na kayamanan kaya pinag-aaral na lang namin sila. Thats the only thing we can leave them, education, Sanchez added. The President said Sanchez exemplied the many Americans who help their fellow citizens usually without fanfare. We should follow the example of a New York City nurse named Menchu Sanchez, Obama said. When Hurricane Sandy plunged her hospital into darkness, her thoughts were not with how her own home was faring - they were with the 20 precious newborns in her care and the rescue plan she devised that kept them all safe. New mom Jo-An Tremblay-Shepherd, 34, of Brooklyn said the White House couldnt have picked a more deserving person. Her son, Jackson, born three months early, was among the infants Sanchez and her colleagues saved.

Was Filam kid a... from page 1

uary of Jeremy that did not mention how he died or the cause of his demise. But the more than 700 bloggers who responded to Ms Moores Jeremy Tabones Petition showed that the young Filipino American was a victim of bullying. Up to the middle of February, more angry folks sent in their opinions about bullying. Ms Moore continued: This petition goes beyond online; this goes for students at school, in the workplace, at the grocery store, on the road- day to day life. So when you see someone sitting alone at lunch, sit with them. When you see a coworker talking about someone else negatively, speak up. Most importantly, when you hear a friend cry out for help, help them. A young life should never be taken away. Specially by the ones who taunt them. You do not need to be a student or alumni of Potomac Falls High School! Just by taking the time to sign the petition, you are already making someones life easier. Please help others like Jeremy, please let them be able to live a long, prosperous life with random acts of kindnesses. All those who responded, including some who have experienced bullying in school, also denounced school authorities for failing to stop the practice that have left many of the victims to take their own lives. An anonymous responder said it all: Bullying is an insidious poison...ending in death and misery like what happened to our dear Jeremy and to many people like him. I join the Jeremy Tabones Petition to stand up against bullying. Another blogger said: To the family of Jeremy Tabones: My heart and condolences go out to you. I am truly sorry for your loss. Lets REALLY put an end to bullying. Not just on paper. NO parent should have to go through this. I almost did. PLEASE check out BullyPolice.org and Mrs. Widner. Lets PLEDGE to stop the BULLIES and provide substantial support for the bullied. Because the bullied ARE victims!!! A student of the same school said: Virginia is listed as A++ for its laws against bullying. So enforce those laws, in this case!!! Come on Loudoun County, and Mrs. K, do something about this. Jeremy was a wonderful, bright, engaging young man with so much to offer. A bright student we so much life in front of him and it was stolen. Stolen by a group of popular kids who think its funny to make others feel bad. Its not going to stop until these kids are held accountable. One blogger said he too was a victim of bullying the majority of my life. It really hurts. There are times when I cry myself end-

PH proud of Filam... from page 1

Americans to follow her example in his State of the Union address. Cuisia conveyed the countrys pride in the fact that she was born, raised and educated in the Philippines and is now recognized as a role model in her adoptive country. I admire you for your leadership and selessness and I hope that you will continue breaking new ground, the Ambassador said. Sanchez was seated in the box between First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. I still cant believe this is

Justice for Filvets... from page 22

He called on Filipinos and Filams to come together, unite and rally behind those efforts to give the Filipinos veterans what was due them. It is our hope that the United States will do everything in its power to complete the work in correcting the wrongs of the past and granting the veterans the recognition and honor they deserve, Cuisia said. This comes after a string of suits led by or on behalf of the Filipino World War II veterans suffered defeat in various courts. Last Feb. 7, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided against the plaintiffs in the case of Recinto v Department of Veterans Administration (VA) for lack of jurisdiction. This comes after a string of suits led by or on behalf of the Filipino World War II veterans suffered defeat in various courts. Last Feb. 7, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided against the plaintiffs in the case of Recinto v Department of Veterans Administration (VA) for lack of jurisdiction. On Feb. 19, the US District Court of Northern California dismissed the class action lawsuit led by Romeo de Fernandez, Ciriaco C. dela Cruz and Valeriano C. Marcelino and the Veterans Equity Center challenging VAs reliance solely on the Missouri List as basis for denying Filipino veterans benets due them. Lawyer Arnedo Valera, counsel for some of the veterans, announced they are appealing the Appeals tribunal ruling before the Supreme Court. The ght continues, he declared.

24 Entertainment
At the rate action star Robin Padillas female partners are running away from him, he may soon run out of leading ladies. First it was Anne Curtis, one of a pair of leading ladies in the teleserye Kailangan Koy Ikaw who begged out of a kissing scene after a squabble reportedly erupted between Padilla and his wife, former TV host Mariel Rodriguez because of a passionate love scene between Padilla and Kris Aquino, who happened to be one of his many exs. The spat got so hot that Rodriguez reportedly took off her wedding ring. So when another of Padillas former paramours, Ruffa Gutierrez, was asked to join him in a magazine pictorial, she confessed that she was all stressed out. When the former couple exchanged pleasantries at a press event announcing the magazine coup, Gutierrez reportedly quipped, Baka may magalit ah. Di bali, friend ko naman si Marie (Someone might get mad. Thats alright, Mariel is my friend). ever, that she still feels a certain kilig when seeing her former boyfriend.

February 28, 2013

Robins leading ladies cautious of wife

to do the kissing scenes with Padilla out of solidarity with his wifes plight. Knowing how Mariel feels about of course her husband, I understand that and Id rather not go to that extent to upset her. So siyempre as a woman I give respect to that. Id rather not na lang, she said. Padilla admitted on live television that his wife of three years had given back her wedding ring supposedly after watching his scenes with Aquino. In one episode of Kailangan Koy Ikaw, Bogs (Padilla) and Roxanne (Aquino) are seen exchanging vows, before going on a honeymoon trip to Boracay. But he revealed it was Aquino who helped patch up the couple whove since reconciled. Curtis said that the writers of Kailangan Koy Ikaw have taken into consideration what happened between Padilla and Rodriguez and have factored this in future episodes of the toprated teleserye. Maraming issue ang naganap eh (There a lot of issues that happened), Padilla told ABSCBN News. Mahirap kasi ang maging reputasyon ng isang lalaki ay laging nahihiwalay, hindi maganda yun (Its tough when a man has a reputation of break-ups, that cant be good). Kaya minsan kailangan dapat mong pinaglalaban ang pag-ibig (Sometimes, you have to ght for love), he said. Padilla also said that Rodriguez is now past the issue of his intimate scenes with Aquino. Referring to his work with Gutierrez, the action star expressed condence his wife wont feel jealous. Hindi pa naman kami naghahalikan. Hindi naman ganoon kababaw yung asawa ko. Siguro pag naglove scene kami ngayon (We havent kissed. My wife is not that shallow. Maybe when we have a love-scene), he said in jest.

Robin Padilla Proceeding to pose sideby-side for photos, Padilla held Gutierrez by her waist, prompting the actress-host to say, Nakaka-stress! Parang kinakabahan ako, nanginginig ako (Its stressful. Im nervous, Im shaking). Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Gutierrez admitted, how-

Anne Curtis Syempre nakakakilig naman si Robin because hes an icon, and makikita mo naman, hindi siya tumatanda (you can see hes not getting older). He still looks fresh, he takes care of himself. He actually looks better now than he did before, she said. Curtis said she decided not

KC busts French suitor

TV host and actress KC Concepcion is telling her French suitor that if he really loves her, then he has to wait. But Concepcion, 27, easily one of Manilas prettiest faces, says she and Pierre Emmanuel Plassart are still in constant communication because they remain close friends. Our friendship is deep. True love waits, she told ABSCBN News. She earlier described the Frenchman as God-sent. They say that when you want to ask God for something, you pray about it and you should be specic and believe with all your heart as He has already given it to you, Concepcion said in the The Buzz. But the sparks, it turns out, were just that. She said she asked Plassart for space. Well see if its really true love and if I can reach that stage when Im ready and hes still around, Concepcion said. She revealed that while Plassart tried to ght for their understanding, she said she does not want to get into another serious relationship yet because she still wants to do a lot of things. He understands but of course hes pushing like hes ghting for it. But you have to be in same level and since Im not at that level right now, we just have to sacrice, she explained. She declined to answer questions if Plassart, a photogra-

Sunshine sets movie comeback after split

Sunshine Cruz is raring to go back to show business after her 13-year marriage to Cesar Montano appears to be sailing through very rough waters. Their union started to unravel after Krista Miller, a relative unknown cast as Montanos leading lady in an upcoming biopic about Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, posted pictures on social media sites of objects that turned out to be Cruzs gifts to her husband. Montano produced, directed and acted in Alfredo Lim: The Untold Story which still has to be released to theaters. Cruz, who was one of Manila hottest rising stars when he voluntarily took a hiatus to play the role of wife to Montano and mother to their three daughters, said she was excited about starting all over again. Im nervous but Im also excited, she confessed. Ive been getting offers lately but I dont want to seem greedy by accepting them all, she added in jest. For now, she has two movie projects lined up. Although she declined to discuss the movies plots, Cruz is already declaring that she wont be doing the type of bold, sexy roles she did before her marriage. Im 35 and a mother of three. Its awkwardI did that

Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz. in the past but not now. Im sure my kids wont allow me, she explained. With the man out of her life, Cruz said she lives for her children. I fought, lied and cried just to protect the love of my life but like they said if you love someone you should set them free. If you feel youre no longer happy or contented, why try to force it? she reasoned. But Montano signaled he wasnt ready yet to give up on their marriage. We are in the process of xing things. Only God, who brought us together, can mend whats broken, he said. He still hasnt opened up about what really happened, suggesting that all hes guilty of is giving gifts he shouldnt have to one of the actresses in his movie. Im only human. I fall, I get up again. Life goes on, he declared.

KC Concepcion pher and one of her most ardent suitors whos chased Concepcion virtually around the world from Italy to the Philippines, had proposed marriage. She had acknowledged that Plassart was husband material. If there was anyone sadder than her, KC said it was her mother Sharon Cuneta. There are times when she feels its a shame because he is a decent man. But I told her its better this way. I just want to have fun right now. I dont want to get into something I cant stand up for. Plassart came into Concepcions life right after a bitter and very public split with former celebrity beau Piolo Pascual. She admitted shes entertaining other suitors. Everything should start with friendships for me, she explained, hinting that some of them are not necessarily based in the Philippines.

February 28, 2013

25

Phone service complaints

QUESTION: I am having problems with my telephone service and I would like to le a complaint with the government agency that regulates telephone providers in the U.S. With whom should I le the complaint and how should I go about it? ANSWER: If the telephone service about which youre complaining is interstate or international, the government agency that has jurisdiction over those services is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). By interstate I mean those services that traverse state boundaries (for example, calls from Virginia to California). By international I mean those services that traverse national boundaries (for example, calls from the U.S. to the Philippines). The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. It was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and operates as an independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress. The Commission is governed by ve CHYPERLINK http://www.fcc.gov/ leadershipommissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and conrmed by the U.S. Senate. The President also selects one of the Commissioners to serve as Chairman of the Commission. Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a nancial interest in any Commission-related business. All Commissioners, including the Chairman, have ve-year terms, except when lling an unexpired term. The Commission is organized into bureaus and ofces, based on function. Currently, the Chairman of the Commission is Julius Genachowski, a Democrat. The remaining commissioners are Robert M. McDowell (Republican), Mignon Clyburn (Democrat), Jessica Rosenworcell (Democrat), and Ajit V. Pai (Republican). The FCC has several bureaus, one of which, the Enforcement Bureau, has primary responsibility for enforcing the provisions of the Communications Act, the Commissions rules, orders, and various licensing terms and conditions. The Enforcement Bureau investigates and responds to potential unlaw-

Whats Next?
It looks like the sun is shining in the real estate market after the storm and literally tropical depression of those homeowners who were affected by the disaster. Hey, a new phase now and lets all move forward and look what lies ahead. Arent you glad you did short sales and the burden is now all over? I should say lucky are those who thought about short sales the earlier years of the housing market chaos. Its now time to buy a new home and be done with the renting. If you have done short sales for the past couple of years or more; you may be qualied for a mortgage loan by now provided nothing derogatory is showing on your credit report except the mortgage default due to short sales. These are the most common scenario that would help most of our potential homeowners (again) in purchasing their new home. Lenders categorize events including loan modication, short sales etc Major Derogatory Credit in the homebuyers credit history. The following waiting period must be met before a buyer is eligible again to nance a new home. The waiting period begins from the date the sale of their previous home settled with the lender and the date loans have been modied. You can apply for a loan for a primary residence under conventional nancing after two years with 20% down payment of the sales price or 10% down payment in the event it has been four years or more. If you are looking for low down payment you can apply for an FHA loan with 3 % down payments after three years or more. If you are qualied for a VA nancing, you may be able to avail the no down payment program after three years or more from the date of settlement. Some previous homeowners have security clearances although generally; it should not affect their jobs as long as the employers were notied; or opt not to be late while doing the short sales since they can still afford the monthly payment but experiencing hardships, there will be no wait period and you may immediately be approved for FHA or VA loans provided no loan modication had been made and all 12 months payment prior to short sale were on time including all other debts. However, these are still case to case basis with strong credit at the time of application. Rules and guidelines may or may not include Bankruptcies, foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosures. These may have different waiting period time frames. Before you get excited, contact mortgage loan professionals based on your own case and situation. Guidelines change from time to time. There may be better loan options for you right there at this time. Who knows, you may be on your way again to the American Dream of home ownership. Note: Jocelyn Porteria is a Realtor licensed in V She A. earned a designation of ABR, GRN Accredited Buyers Specialist and GREEN Designation, CDPE Certified Distressed Property and Short Sale Expert, (SFR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource. For more info, visit her website at www.jprealdeal. com or call her at 571-432-8335 or email at realdealconsulting@yahoo. com for a free confidential evaluation of your individual situation, property value, and possible options. She is also an accredited agent of Ayala Land, SM Residences and Century Properties in the Philippines.

ful conduct to, among other things, ensure consumer protection. The Enforcement Bureau regularly receives complaints from consumers on a wide variety of issues. While the Commission encourages consumers to always try to resolve their problem rst with the company whose products, services or billing are at issue, the Commissions rules do allow consumers to le a complaint if theyre unable to resolve their issue with their telephone provider. There are two types of complaints that a consumer may le: informal and formal. The rst step in the complaint process is ling an informal complaint. The informal complaint process requires no complicated legal procedures, has no ling charge, and does not require the complaining party to appear before the Commission. Consumers not satised with the response to an informal complaint can le a formal complaint. A formal complaint must be led within six months of the date of the Commissions response to your informal complaint. The current fee for ling a formal complaint is $200, but it is subject to change. Formal complaint proceedings are similar to court proceedings. Each party must comply with specic procedural rules, appear before the Commission and le documents that address legal issues. Parties ling formal complaints usually are represented by lawyers or experts in communications law and the Commissions procedural rules. QUESTION: Are there other agencies that have jurisdiction over telephone service? ANSWER: Yes. Each U.S. state, including the District of Columbia, has a regulatory agency, usually called public utility commission, which regulates intrastate telephone service. For example, in Virginia, the Virginia State Corporation Commissions Division of Communications has oversight over the telecommunications industry in Virginia. Lets say, hypotheti-

cally, that you have a problem with Verizons local service in Virginia. You may le a complaint with the SCCs Division of Communications. The SCCs Division of Communications would prefer that you contact Verizon rst in order to give the telephone provider an opportunity to resolve your phone problem. However, if youre unable to resolve your problem with Verizon, you may contact the Division of Communications and le a complaint. The Division of Communications has a special form, called Telephone Service Inquiry/Complaint Form, that you must le in order to formalize your complaint. Complaints are generally resolved within two weeks, and the Division of Communications will contact you with the results of their investigation. QUESTION: Is it a good idea to le a complaint with either the FCC or the relevant state public utility commission in the event of a problem with my phone service? ANSWER: Yes, subject to certain caveats. Clearly, regulatory agencies, such as the FCC and the VA SCC, are designed to, among other things, protect consumers from potential abuses from their service providers. However, often, consumer issues can be addressed by talking directly to your service provider. While these regulatory agencies have formalized processes and procedures for handling consumer complaints, ling a complaint can be resource-intensive and expensive, particularly if the complaint is a formal one. Accordingly, ling a formal complaint with the relevant regulatory agency should be your last recourse rather than your rst option. A. Enrico C. Soriano, Esq., is the managing member of Axxis Law Group, PLLC (www.axxislaw. com). The answers and discussions provided in this column do not constitute legal advice, and no attorneyclient relationship is created hereby. You should consult a competent attorney for further assistance.

26

February 28, 2013

KING CRAB AND CORN SOUP

Here is a classic soup that can be ordered in a restaurant. But you dont have to if you try this recipe, and you can tailor the taste to your personal preference. Remember that making a hearty soup depends on using a good homemade stock (see Chefs Tips). And if you do not have time, you can just buy broth and stock at any grocery store. Serves 4-5 meat) 2 eggs, slightly beaten Salt and white pepper to taste 2 tablespoons cornstarch, diluted in 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon nely chopped red bell pepper Garnishing: parsley or scallions 1 teaspoon

Ingredients:
6 cups stock or broth 1/2 cup sauted red or yellow onion 1 cup cream style corn (in can) 1 to 2 cups king crabmeat (substitute: canned jumbo crab-

Methods:
Bring the stock or broth to a boil then stir in the sauted onion and corn. Reduce heat to medium so the stock/broth continues to simmer. Combine eggs, salt and white pepper to constitute the egg mixture; set aside. While the stock is simmering, mix in the corn starch mixture until the soup has thickened slightly. Then stir in the red bell pepper and gently beat in the egg mixture. Allow the soup to simmer again for another minute or two. Remove from heat, garnish and serve hot. Chefs tip: Here is one way to make a good vegetable stock: Use rough cuts of 1 carrots, 1 stalk celery, 1 onion, 2 bay leaves, 2 to 3 stalks of lemon thyme and 2 quarts water and bring to a boil and simmer for up to 1 hour. Ladle into a ne

strainer held over a bowl. Press the vegetables with the ladle to extract all of the liquid. It can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 1 month. Editors Note: Master Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009, Filipina Womens Network; MHC Most Outstanding Migrant Award in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFC Dakila Special Achievement Award, 2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, Arlington, Virginia; Founder and President of CHEW (Cancer Help Eat Well) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity formed to help and cook pro-bono for Filipino-Americans who are afflicted with cancer and other serious illnesses; Culinary writer; Member, Les Dames dEscoffier International, Washington DC Chapter; Member, International Cake Exploration Society, Master Chef, French Cuisine and Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu, London.

BOYFRIEND
The wife and her husband were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table. The husband asked her, Do you know him? Yes, she sighed, Hes my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasnt been sober since. My God! he said, Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long? Thats when the ght started. his wifes back. With a different anticipation, he whispered, The weather out there is terrible. The loving wife of 15 years replied, And, can you believe my stupid husband is out shing in that kind of weather? And thats how the ght started... And then the ght started.

COMPLIMENT
Sue was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She was not happy with what she saw and said to her husband, Eric. I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment. Eric replied, Your eyesights damn near perfect. And then the ght started.

RETIREMENT
After retiring, Jack went to the Social Security ofce to apply for benets. The woman behind the counter asked him for his drivers license to verify his age. He looked in his pockets and realized he had left his wallet at home. He told the woman that he was very sorry, but that he would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, Unbutton your shirt. So he opened his shirt revealing his curly silver hair. She said, That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me and she processed his Social Security application. When he got home, he excitedly told his wife about his experience. She said, You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability benets, too.

TAKAS
Baliw tumawag sa mental hospital: Hello... may tao po ba sa Room 168? Duty Attendant: (Mga ilang sandali...) Wala po, sir. Bakit po? Baliw: Check ko lang kung nakatakas talaga ako!

Misis: Inday, mawawala ako ng dalawang linggo kaya siguraduhin mong hindi kakain si Sir mo ng mga bawal sa kanya. Alam mo namang may alta presiyon siya. Inday: Oo nga po mam. Palagi ko pong pinapagalitan si Sir, eh. Tigas talaga ang ulo... ayaw makinig sa akin. (Naku, patay ka Inday ka!)

dulot ng mga anak ko; kumikirot ang dibdib ko sa kaiisip ng mga utang namin; sumasama ang loob ko sa.... Doktor: Teka... maglason ka na lang.

EBIDENSIYA
Detektib: Sir, sinundan ko po ang misis niyo at ang lalaking kasama niya. Kumain po sila sa restoran, pagkatapos pumunta po sila sa bahay ng lalaki at tuloy-tuloy sa kuwarto. Naghubad po sila tulad ng nasa litrato at nahiga sila sa kama. Nagyakapan po sila ng husto. Kaya lang sir, biglang namatay ang ilaw sa brown-out. Kaya hindi ko na po alam kung ano ang nangyari. Mister: (Sumigaw sa matinding galit.) Aaaarrrggghhh!! Talagang makakapatay ako ng tao! Buwisit na Meralco yan. Malapit na sana akong makakuha ng ebidensiya, nawala pa... buwisit! (Ay, tange!)

FISHING
Saturday morning Joe got up early, quietly dressed, made his lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. He hooked the boat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so he pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. He went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. He cuddled up to

SAKIT
Doktor: Ano ang problema mo, iho. Pasiyente: Doc, masakit na masakit ang tiyan ko. Doktor: Maliban diyan, meron ka pa bang sakit na nararamdaman? Pasiyente: Opo doc. Marami pa. Doktor: Ano pa? Pasiyente: Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa kabubungangera ng misis ko; tumataas ang blood pressure ko sa mga problemang

REGALO
Juan: Birthday ng asawa ko kahapon... Pedro: Anong iniregalo mo? Juan: Tinanong ko kung anong gusto niya. Pedro: Ano naman ang sinabi? Juan: Kahit na ano daw, basta yung may diamond. Pedro: Anong ibinigay mo? Juan: Eh di, baraha.

BAWAL

February 28, 2013

27

The Confessions of Retirees

I
Drivin Miz Myrna

riving Miss Daisy is a lm that came out in 1989. It is an adaptation from a play of the same name. It starred Jessica Tandy as the peevish Miss Daisy; and Morgan Freeman as her chauffeur, Hoke. Daisy was forced to give up driving after several mishaps. She resented the loss of her independence and mobility and took out her frustrations on Hoke; but his graciousness and patience won her over. ~~~~~~~~~ I left Virginia in mid-January for the Philippines. Several class and family reunions in Cebu, Manila, Bohol, and Lipa meant I will be at the mercy of public transportation if I wanted to attend any of them. I had several run-ins with cab drivers in Cebu on my previous visits so the thought of hailing random taxicabs became stressful. I managed to get ve Hokes, four of them spoke Visayan, my preferred dialect. And all of them were deferential without being obsequious. What luck! In the Philippines, the help are invisible. They appear by your side to give whatever aid you require but they dont speak unless spoken to or pointedly addressed. I am naturally curious and interested in what people think so I engaged my Hokes in conversation. Three were clever in evading very personal questions, but the other two opened up after some prodding. I wasnt prepared for some of their stories. My Cebu Hoke lost his parents while he was very young. He was the oldest of the brood so the responsibility of feeding and raising his siblings fell on his tender shoulders. He forged his papers to make him older than his 15 years old. He wasnt legal for employment. He related the many menial jobs he took on. Instead of pity, I heard deep pride and accomplishment. What provoked his ire was the way the young women dressed and acted. He thought the west-

ern inuence was destructive. But he puts the blame squarely on the families of the women. He admitted that there is little a parent can do once the children start school. Peer pressure become paramount. Mao, dili na lang tingali ko maminyo, maam. Ma ingon ana unya akong mga anak. Porbida paita. So I will not get married, maam. My children could end up like them. Woe is me. Manila Hoke came from Bohol and has a young wife who is pregnant with their second child. He dreams of saving enough money (a joke according to him since he earns just enough to feed and clothe them), or hitting the jackpot so he could buy his own car and drive for rich foreigners. In the meantime, he pedals his bicycle to and from work, an hour each way. I gave him pamasahe (jeepney fare) when it was pouring rain one evening. He returned the money and preferred the kamikaze ride through Manila. According to him, pedaling his bike would get him home faster. I had to laugh. What a horrible testament to local trafc. The overriding hope for all my Hokes is for their siblings and/or children to nish school and climb out of the poverty pit they found themselves in. Absent is any self-pity. I realized how fatalistic their mindset was. Pagbuot sa Ginoo. Gods will. The child like acceptance of their lot in life brought tears to my eyes. Their will and ambition gave me renewed hope for my beloved Philippines. All is not lost. I am very grateful for the trust they gave me and for the stories of humanity. We were friends while we were conned inside the cramped space of the car; but as soon as the day ended and I was safely deposited to my destination, the wall between master and servant was raised once more. Send comments to: myrnamlopez2012@yahoo.com

n our community numerous senior leaders are nearlyretired, semi-retired, fully retired or will continue to work till maybe the computer system in the ofce are upgraded which require all employees to undergo rigid and comprehensive training. This is the most compelling reason to retire, they said, otherwise theyll wait until they could no longer remember the password to log in to start work. Now-a-days, some workers retire even at the early age of 50 especially those at the World Bank. Some others choose to work just part time for convenience. They want freer time while still at their prime time. Luckily, money must not be a problem with them. Others must have other priorities in life and have ample resources. Some friends in the community are currently at various stage of retirement: Fely Gomez will retire in a year or two or probably earlier; Vicky and Fred Embuscado are almost retired; Maurese Owens has been working part time; and Vilma Mataac, Florence Soriano, Alma Conty, Inday Alvir, Lulu Devera, Betty Litorja, Linda Frondoso and Josephine Masanque who are full retirees. There many more others in the community who fall under the different categories. A number of my semiretired and fully retired friends tell me that while still young to go out and about, they take the time to enjoy the tours and cruises in the U.S., the Philippines, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, South America, Alaska, Canada and Asia. We discussed that they did not want to wait when they are already sick, suffering from arthritis, had heart attack or stroke, or being pushed on wheelchairs. Observing these cases, I must admit this is very true and factual. Some others elect not to do the expensive and spectacular activities but instead just going to Atlantic City or Charlestown to play slot machines or see show for amusement and have ne dining experience. The others choose to do humanitarian volunteer work in the library, fundraising for the church or activities in community centers. The most recent retiree that we knew was Josephine or Jojo Masanque who retired in Novem-

ber last year. I believe, she was one of the younger ones among the full retirees. She worked for the World Bank for a number of years and was sent to different Middle Eastern countries to assess nancial matters/needs with the World Bank. Experiencing the luxury of having household help, she is now adjusting herself to do the daily wearisome and tedious chores in the house. With this transition, she often reminded herself that these all are just temporary state of adjustment of doing household tasks. Later, she will get used to it and everything will turn to normalcy. Admittedly, there are newly found projects that were actually right there in their house but did not see. Not that she ignored, but just did not have the chance to focus on them, her priorities being different then. Now that she eagerly wants to start her projects room by room, she has to decide on when and where to start. Here, I belong to her league. Meanwhile, Jojo and her husband, Buddy, just enjoy having dinner out and not worry about cooking, They now take care of the needs of their son, Francis, and enjoy the antics of their apo, Miles, whenever around. A few days back, I asked her if she has plans to work just part time or start a private business or something in the near future. Right now, she just wants to enjoy the luxury of not waking up that early to prepare for work and endure the heavy trafc on way to the World Bank. Furthermore, ying to Middle Eastern countries to perform her task for the World Bank was not fun anymore. Time has come to take a rest for her. As the saying goes All good things must come to an end by Khalil Gilbran holds true. Jojo had a wonderful retirement party at the World Bank

attended by some ofcers and colleagues, her family, relatives and friends. She and her family were introduced and was beautifully commended. She was given an appropriate and nice accolade that was inspiring. Her good work for the WB was acknowledged. We congratulated and felt so proud of her whom after all was our pamangkin. Everyone enjoyed the program and the food that was served buffet style like the Lechon, Kawali, Pancit, Pilipino Egg Roll, Fried Chicken, Menudo, Empanada, Leche Flan, Kakanin, Turon, Fuits and others.

Memories of a Family Retirement

The perception used to be the retirees were grey-haired seniors. When my Dad retired at age 62, with my Mom devoted their time with simple leisurely activities at home with garden projects, attending parties with friends and some time with their apos. My Mom as a tradition would cook a-plenty every Sunday and be at their house after Mass for lunch and dinner. It was like a mini-esta with their seven children and eleven grandchildren by four married ones. She would cook big pots of either Kare-Kare or Nilagang inahin na manok, Adobo and Inihaw na Bangus. We ate outside the house on a long table under the big tree. There was a nearby dirty kitchen with big and large pots and pans using kahoy (wood) for cooking. The memory of our family gatherings was priceless which I shared with my own children. We did it with our own way which in turn my children appreciated very much. Sadly, my Mom died at age 56 and my Dad at 82, a long gap which did not allow my Mom to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. My Mom died in the Philippines but my Dad passed away in California.

Visit us online: www.manilamail.us

28 Editorial

February 28, 2013

People Power?
Barring a last minute compromise, the sequestration cutting $85 billion in defense and non-defense expenditures in the next six months will take effect. The obvious difculty of both Democrats and Republicans to craft a compromise has surprised even seasoned pundits who say this debacle was uncharacteristic so soon after a national election and with the next one still two years away. The budget cuts will hit federal agencies and corporations hard, especially in the Metro DC region. Itll be felt by Filipino Americans like the millions of others in the region who rely directly or indirectly on the vast government infrastructure. Congress and the White House may still come around to xing the mess they created. But their actions have left a more disturbing message as they start to grapple with the debt ceiling and nalizing the budget, which both have a March deadline. If they cant get together on these issues, what middle ground could they nd for a comprehensive immigration reform or meaningful gun legislation? Perhaps, what America needs is some old-fashioned People Power the kind that dismantled a fearsome dictatorship and was celebrated last week in the Philippines. For as impossible as it appears today, people power can be a potent tool to push the nations discordant leaders to nally work together. (RJJ)
Manila Times

Washington Tsismis

State of the Community

ike President Obama, Tsismoo takes the oor for his own State of the Filipino American Community in the greater Washington D.C. area. Today, I am very happy to report that the State of the Community in the Greater Washington D.C. area is strong. And it is growing stronger every day. After the bitter election contest last year, some bitterness still remains. But many Pinoy Republicans and Democrats have started to embrace and kiss.., no embrace only, even if its not too tight. But a handful still says pue when asked to forgive and forget. Many of the former snooty kababayans are rubbing shoulders with the hoi poloi (backya crowd) on the dance oor in parties. Even the TNTs (tago nang tago) are coming out from the shadows, unafraid that their fellow Pinoys will squeal to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement.. The reason the community is growing stronger is because organizations are now keeping a very low prole. Wala na destructive competition. Wala na ingitan. Wala na kayabangan. (Oops, just a little). And no more election anomalies. Rivalries are a thing of the past, or is it? Individually, perhaps yes. But not among organizations. Or oldtimers. Democrat Dave Valderrama welcomes Republican Warie Azarcon into his den, at the Philippine Multicultural Center. Jon Melegrito remains close to the rabid Republicans. The Manila Mail is full of Republican volunteers, but they get along together with diehard Democrats like LK, MB, RJ and AA? Organizations are getting stronger because lines are becoming blurred. Most of the ofcers or members of some organizations are also recycled ofcers or members of other groups. Thats the reason why some leaders have convoluted titles. For example, Mr. So and So, president of .;,secretary of ..,; auditor of ranking member of Bigger organizations are swallowing other small groups. Top membership recruiters are the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), the National Association of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) , Pinoys for Good Government, ,,, But there are a few crabs still crawling around. There are no more traitors in the ranks, one Tsismoso says.. That is why

Tsismoso is running out of tsismis. There are no more reports of Pinoys suing each other in court or spreading Tsismis around. Of course, there are still individuals like AB, DT, CB, JP, DV, RA, and TD who still spread Tsismis around. Sooner or later they will be exposed. The PAFC, for instance, raises funds and distributes them to other non-prots and charitable groups in the Philippines. It also sponsors numerous projects and remains among the most dominant nonprot in the area. It is followed closely by MHC which handles almost everything under the sun. These include helping send dead OFWs home, defending the defenseless in court, staging religious activities and performing the tinikling in cultural shows on streets, stages or hotels., etcetera. There are also big organizations in Virginia Beach and Baltimore. Then there is Feed the Hungry whose objective, of course, is to feed the hungry in the Philippines. It also feeds the kids hunger for education by building schoolrooms and giving gifts to schoolchildren. When there are disasters, FtH are among the rst one to respond. There are also medical missions to the Philippines whose members pay for their own fares, hotel accommodation, transportation, food to treat the poor and the sick back home Of course, they take memorable pictures of their two-to-three day stints there and have them published in local Filam newspapers... The richest organization, of course, are the medical associations led by the Philippine Medical Association of Metropolitan Washington D.C., They have no money problems. Other professional organizations are not doing so good because some members are not fast in putting out their wallets. And some are not members of the same profession. Also well-organized are the Filipino Nurses and Teachers. Many of them are aware of their rights and will ght for them. The Tsismis going around town is about professional organizations that are not made up of members of that profession. Some Tsismosos are also casting aspersions on other groups which they say exist only in press releases. These include.oh never mind., They are being spread by the crabs, a dying specie.

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Opinion 29

Sequestration scare

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Memory Tour, Continued

Manila isiting the homeland only for the third time since departing for the U.S. in 1965, I allowed myself 45 days this time so I can make all the obligatory family get-togethers, courtesy calls to friends and the desired trips to destination tourist spots. I also wanted to return to scenes of my childhood, notably towns and barrios in Mindanao. There, home was where ever my family was at a given time and place. In many ways, thats what spurred these trips, a longing to rediscover those places and nd out what has changed, and how my own life has changed. Theres also a curiosity to reconnect with people, living or dead, and events that happened here while I was in the states. Life-changing events that stirred and shaped my consciousness as a Filipino-immigrant-turned-UScitizen who is still trying to grasp what it means to have a home in America. My rst trip, after nearly 30 years, was more than a culture shock. I felt a profound sense of loss, heightened by illusions harbored over the years that things would look more or less the same. Of course, nothing ever stays the same. Our home in Guimba, Nueva Ecija -- where I grew up with a stern grandfather, a hardworking grandmother, a very strict aunt and rowdy siblings and cousins -- had been dismantled a long time ago. Not a trace is left. Still, I can picture the two-story wooden house with sliding capiz windows by a santol tree. I can still hear the sounds of energy unleashed, tempered only by threats of a whipping in the hands of Tatang and his dreaded senturon (belt). Today, the old neighborhood is more crowded. Tricycles have replaced karitelas (horse-drawn carriages). I dont see the boy anymore who used to walk by our street crying Pandesal ni Payat before the break of dawn. Never Again. The second visit in 2009 was to Vigan and Laoag in Ilocandia, with a stop over in Paoay where the body of Ferdinand Marcos was on display, preserved by formalin and other drugs. It was designed

to make him look like hes still alive. But its clear that hes dead. No one ever stays the same, in life and especially after death.

Walden Bello Theres been much controversy about where to bury him, where to nally put his body to rest. On my third visit, which coincided with the 27th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, talk about the Marcos years is still very much alive. Thats what the Philippine Congress had hoped when it passed a bill last month providing monetary reparations to the victims of the Marcos dictatorship. The P10-billion fund set aside for this purpose would come from the ill-gotten wealth recovered from the Marcoses. Recognizing for the rst time that the dictatorship committed atrocities against Filipinos, the measure also mandates the teaching in schools of the human rights abuses inicted on the regimes opponents. Never Again, blared one newspaper headline. So the nation will remember not to forget the lives and sacrices of courageous people who fought repression and violence, their stories will be included in history books. Finally, over two decades after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, we will have a law that provides justice for all those who suffered under his reign, said Rep. Walden Bello, a member of Congress who played a key role in drafting the bill. In the 1970s thru the 80s, Bello was a leader in the U.S. anti-Marcos movement that pressed the U.S. government to withdraw its support from the regime. Walden was also a comrade-in-arms, a co-conspirator who exposed Ferdinands crimes in the U.S. Congress and hounded Imelda relentlessly anywhere she went, driving her to tears and rage. One time

istening to Pres. Barack Obama, one would think that the sky is about to fall on America- thanks to sequestration. So these cuts are not smart. They are not fair. They will hurt our economy. They will add hundreds of thousands of Americans to the unemployment rolls. This is not an abstraction- people will lose their jobs. He warns that looming budget cuts will hamper Border Patrol, the FBI, Air Trafc Controllers and will lead to layoffs of thousands of educators. And he blames the Republicans for making it happen. If you dont know the real story behind this animal called sequestration, you could likely be lulled into swallowing Baracks slick talking. Anticipating that there could be economic pain as a consequence of sequestration, Pres. Obama is trying to rewrite history to whitewash the fact that the idea of automatic spending cuts was born in the White House and successfully sold to Congress. In the summer of 2011, the White House and Congressional Democrats were wrestling over whether or not to increase

the debt ceiling. Republicans were not inclined to increase the debt ceiling without serious reductions in spending growth to address the runaway budget decits. A compromise resulted in the passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011 in August, 2011. The law created a super committee composed of selected Democrats and Republicans charged with identifying budget cuts and if they fail to come to an agreement, automatic spending cuts otherwise referred to as sequestration will take effect. Sadly, the super committee did only produced a super deadlock, thus triggering sequestration. Investigative reported and author Bob Woodward, wrote in his book The Price of Politics that the sequester idea was concocted by the White House and proposed to the Democratic and Republican leaders in the senate on the assumption that a bipartisan agreement can be ham-

mered out by a super committee because Republicans would want to avoid automatic cuts in defense while Democratics would not want automatic cuts in social programs. Woodwards narrative must be true. A few months after the Budget Control Act of 2011, Pres. Obama said in a speech on November 21, 2011- Already, some in Congress are trying to undo these automatic spending cuts. My message to them is simple: No. I will veto any effort to get rid of those automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense spending. There will be no easy off ramps on this one. Clearly he was all for sequestration. One would think that the impending automatic cuts would ignite a sense of urgency on the part of our leaders. No need to panic, says Barack. He could not

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Alaska on my mind

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hen people talk about Alaska, said 17-yearold Adriana Latonio, they think about igloos. Right off, I suspected she was Filipino. The high school student from Anchorage became the rst contestant from Alaska to make it to the American Idol semi-nals. But watching her on TV, what jumped out was the realization there were probably enough Filipinos in Alaska to produce an Idol contestant a thought premised on what little I knew about the law of averages. For weeks I have been hooked on another show about picturesque houses being sold in Alaska. The panoramas were breathtaking and made me want to move there until I remembered how cold or how long the nights can get there. This morning, I also read Atty. Nedo Valeras Facebook message that he was off again to Alaska, where hes taken on the case of hundreds of Fil-Am assisted living home operators who are suing the state for alleged discrimination. There are about 600 of these homes all over Alaska and about 85 percent of them are Filipino owned and operated. The Fil-Am Assisted Living

Home Providers Association of Anchorage is demanding the repeal of Alaska Statute that grants immunity to health ofcials against civil lawsuits. The assisted living homes have reportedly become the biggest service sector in the state. This speaks not only about the spread of Fil-Am communities across the North American expanse, but also their growing clout. Filipinos already comprise the biggest Asian group in the state and one University of Alaska study estimated that by 2025, one in four people in Alaska will be Filipino. In a play of the mother tongue, some of these Filipinos have started calling themselves Alaskeros which is translated from Pilipino slang as someone wont to tease or joke. The rst Filipinos reportedly arrived in Alaska aboard fur trading ships in 1788 and later aboard whaling ships. Its truly a testament to their resilience and

adaptability that theyve thrived there despite the obvious and extreme differences from their tropical homeland. Starting in the 1920s, migrant Filipino workers from the West Coast spent their summers in Alaskas canneries where they were called school boys because many spent the money they earned there to pay their school tuitions. The Alaskeros eventually dominated the labor force and led the formation of unions that in 1938 successfully fought for abolishing the contractor system that prevailed in the canneries. By the 1970s, the Alaskeros had played such a prominent role in the labor union movement in Alaskas salmon canneries that two of them 1st generation Fil-Ams Gene Viernes and Silme Domingo were murdered in Seattle, Wa. in 1981. They were reportedly trying to clean up their union, which

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February 28, 2013

Stateside waiver processing

VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES FEBRUARY 2013 FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES First: Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens Mar. 08, 1997 Second: A: Spouses/minor children of permanent residents: Oct. 22, 2010 B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 years of age or older of permanent residents May. 15, 2002 Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Aug. 22, 1992 Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Jun. 01, 1989 EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES First: Priority workers Current Second: Professionals holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability Current Third: Skilled workers, professionals Aug. 22, 2006 Other Workers Aug. 22, 2006 Fourth: Current Certain Religious Workers Current Fifth: Employment creation/ (Million or half-million dollar investor) Current
In order avoid the three or ten-year bar, the alien needs to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility from the Department of State. This requires a showing that the US citizen relative will suffer extreme hardship as a result of the separation from the alien. Under the old procedure, the application is led at a foreign consular ofce after the alien has exited the US. If disapproved, the alien would be stranded in his home country and separated from his family in the U.S. The new rule change will allow the ling and determination of the merits of the waiver application in the US without requiring the alien to exit while the waiver is in process. It does not alter or lower the standard of proof required for a showing of extreme hardship. What does this mean to somebody who walked across the border without a visa,

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Disasters r us

MANILA oes the Philippines have a monopoly on disasters? They never seem to stop coming to this unlucky country. Australia is the country that calls itself unlucky, even though the land Down Under is blessed with abundant natural resources, a vast and wondrous land, and a resilient and resourceful people. A number of countries in Africa are prone to disasters too, both wrought by nature and by man. In the Americas, Haiti and Bolivia are among the poorest nations on earth. And yet, the Philippines, a Catholic country at that, cant seem to escape trouble. It cant seem to get its head above water, drowning in both self-inicted and natural calamities. At this writing, heavy rains are pummeling parts of the big southern island of Mindanao, resulting in oods that disrupt peoples lives there. Last year and the year before, typhoons lashed at several provinces and cities in that area, dislocating thousands of people from their homes and places of work. So whats the big deal about that in a country that is host to annual monsoons, the perceptive reader might ask. The big deal is that Mindanao had never been a traditional destination of typhoons and heavy rains before. Its only in the past few years that this disruptive weather condition has visited the region, proof that weather patterns all over the world have changed drastically. The Visayas in central Philippines and many parts of Luzon, including the capital Manila, have been the favorite places where storms hang out in the rainy season. The Pacic side of the Philippines expect to be battered by furious seasonal rains and high winds; places on the eastern seaboard of the Visayas and the Bicol region in southern Luzon. But lately, storms have not been discriminating, they been making themselves felt hard in non-traditionally typhoon-prone areas. And the problem with ood waters is they tend to stay on for weeks or months even after the storms have left. Still on the subject of Mindanao, there is currently an unexpected ticklish situation in the southernmost part of Min-

danao, on Sulu island, because the descendants of the Sultan of Sulu have taken a yet-inexplicable move to invade Sabah in Borneo, claiming it as belonging to the Sultan. Media reports say about 300 armed men have landed in Sabah a week or so ago at this writing to claim Sabah. The Philippine government has an outstanding but dormant claim over Sabah. This is an age-old dispute over real estate that the Muslims in Mindanao and the national government have been pushing based on ancient rights. While previous governments in Manila have kept the claim alive theyve also put it on the back burner in order not to annoy Malaysia (where Borneo is located) because Kuala Lumpur has been helpful to the Philippine government in brokering peace between the latter and the Muslim Mindanaoans who have been attempting to secede for decades. So there is at this writing a stand-off in Sabah between the Sultans men and Malaysian authorities, the end result of which is murky and speculative at this point. The national government in Manila is taking a cautious approach, leaving the matter to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The hope is that the armed impasse will not end in a bloody confrontation, with cooler heads prevailing. And nally, the campaigning for the May 13 midterm elections has started for aspirants vying for national ofce (senators). These elections, as usual, promise to be rambunctious, unruly and expensive, and even deadly in some areas that are not unlike the American Wild West where the gun ruled the land. By the way, the Observer stated in the last column that candidates here have been campaigning prematurely, against election law, in violation of the rule xing the length of time for campaigning. The number of days allowed for national candidates is actually 90 days and for local bets (congressmen, governors, mayor and other local ofces), 45 days. The Observer gave shorter periods in the last column but that doesnt change the observation that candidates had violated campaign rules

he Department of Homeland Security has released on January 2, 2013 new rules changing the procedure for obtaining a waiver for a ground of inadmissibility based on unlawful presence in the country. Starting on March 4, 2013, certain aliens who are in the country without valid status and who need a waiver of unlawful presence to qualify for a green card can now apply for obtain a waiver decision before exiting the US for an interview abroad. Those who could avail themselves of this rule change are spouses, children under 21 years and parents of US citizens who are unlawfully present in the US because they entered without having been admitted or paroled. These are mostly people who crossed the border without a visa and includes those who entered with ance visas but did not marry their original petitioners. These aliens do not qualify for adjustment of status in the US and must exit the country for a visa interview. Upon departure however, they are subject to a three year or ten-year bar depending on the length of unlawful presence.

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Smoke-lled eyes
MANILA erome Kern 1933 pop song Smoke Gets in Your Eyes has little to do the papal conclave to elect a successor to Benedict XVI. Yet, the world will track the smoke that wafts from the Sistine Chapels chimney. There, ballots from 116 cardinalelectors are burnt ( Indonesia s Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja is ailing and has sent regrets..). Is that black smoke drifting upwards? This centuries-old system signals no one, including got a two-thirds vote To avoid confusion, bells will peal out when white smoke summons people to gather at Piazza San Pietro. Habemus Papam ( We have a pope) proclaims the dean of cardinals. The ancient formula reads, The most eminent and most reverend ( rst name) Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church ( last name), who takes for himself the name of (new pontiffs name ). The conclave could be advanced from March 15 to 10, with a quarter-to-midnight ruling from Benedict XVI. Rome

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correspondents speculate. One suggestion focuses on the rst day after Benedict steps down. March 1 is the rst day of the sede vacante., The caretakers --- College of Cardinals dean and camerlengo, call for a, vote among all the cardinals present in Rome. March 10, is a Sunday, and the Mass for Electing the Pope could be celebrated that day along with an opening ballot. Speculation on the papabili intensify meanwhile. These include: Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina , Marc Quillet, Canada , Peter Turkson, Ghana and the Philippines own Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. Filipino Catholics plump for Cardinal Chito, known for serving the poorest. The cardinal developed a taste for slum staple: rejected chicken legs made into stew by most deprived families.

Tagle could become the rst developing world pope, in the absence of notable Church leaders in Africa and Latin America, where the majority of the worlds Catholics live, Vatican analyst Sandro Magister speculates. Some are charismatic preachers, like Manilas 55-year-old Cardinal Luis Tagle Tom Heneghan wrote in FaithWorld New Yorks Cardinal Timothy Dolan, 63, effectively debates moral issues in public. Speculation about any cardinals chances because of his age or passport overlooks a key element: universality, of the Catholic Church, a church ofcial says. .Its thinking about the best man, not necessarily geographical balance or someone different from the last popeBut you can never predict what happens at a conclave.

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the protests that followed, culminating in the People Power Revolution that was EDSA, burned brightly during one of the darkest times in Philippine history. Its the spirit of resistance that made martyrs and heroes of Rizal, Bonifacio, Lapu Lapu, Gabriella Slang, Ninoy Aquino, Gene Vierness, Silme Domingo and countless of others who made the supreme sacrice for justice, freedom and love of country. State of Becoming. Its both sad and liberating to discover that once familiar landscapes have been altered, that places dont stand still, that things are not what they used to be. Inner lives have been profoundly altered as well. Never to be the same again. of family dynasties that control their respective bailiwicks. Members of the same family take turns running for the same or similar position in order to maintain their control over their towns, provinces, even regions. And, often, the same politicians are also the economic and nancial elite in their areas, some local, others at the national level. There is a growing clamor among the more discerning voters here to get rid of political dynasties. The Philippine Constitution forbids the presence of such dynasties but there is no implementing law to enforce the prohibition. And why would politicians in Congress pass a law that bans dynasties when most of them are themselves political dynasts? Its a political Catch-22 with no solution in sight in the near future. So where will the burgeoning movement to break up political dynasties end up? The way things work around here, probably in the dustbin of history. But hope springs eternal, of course, Maybe times have really changed, and the people are serious and committed enough to change things and not vote for any politician who is a member or is identied with a political dynasty. That would be the day! already warned that he will veto any efforts to undo the automatic spending cuts. Now there is a President Obama who is asking Congress to undo the automatic spending cuts that the White House originated. Will the real Pres. Barack Obama please come out and clear this mess? *** Saturday Night Live, NBCs late night Saturday show produced a comedy skit involving a parody of Jesus Christ coming out from the dead armed with an assault weapon exacting revenge on his tormentors. Many believers in Jesus would nd it offensive and insulting. I bring back from this third visit not only a sense of nostalgia but a much better appreciation and a much deeper respect for what this beloved country is moving towards. Always in a state of becoming, she is struggling to overcome a painful past and striving to become better for the sake of her childrens future. That will be for so long as we remember not to forget.

Memory Tour, Continued... from page 29

Walden, dressed up as Kermit the Frog and I, as Miss Piggy, crashed one of Imeldas exclusive soirees. Today, Walden is in the same inclusive chamber as Imelda. Some would call that poetic justice. I call it the art of insurrection. Remembering Not to Forget. My stern grandfather had been dead now for more than ve decades, but I will never forget the constant threat of corporal punishment and the scowl on his face that never failed to strike fear among his grandchildren. Our house may have been dismantled but Ill always be haunted by memories of this place. For all his aws, my grandfather was a dedicated school teacher whose legacy continues to sustain our familys devotion to public service. We remember him so we dont forget why we are who we are, and why we do what we do. Marcos had been dead now for years. During his reign, I was always reminded with dread of the dead and disappeared even as we continued to defy his goons and guns. The sight and specter of his corpse did not completely allay my fears that someone like him might someday rise again. We remember him so we dont forget that in a time of tyranny, Filipinos rose in resistance, fought back and prevailed. The Filipino ghting spirit that red up the First Quarter Storm and

Alaska on my mind... from page 29

they believed was corrupt, and calling for better working conditions in the canneries when they were killed their deaths were blamed on then President Ferdinand Marcos and his supporters in the US (that allegedly included the president of the union they were trying to reform). It is remarkable that two pillars of Filipino American labor activism traced their roots in Alaskas sh factories. Alaska does not have state income or sales taxes. When I was new in America, I was incredulous when someone told me they paid people a thousand dollars just to live there which it turns out was a dividend from oil companies for residents. A dear friend and Manila Mail colleague Lito Katigbak of the Philippine Star and his wife Mimi had taken a cruise there a couple of years back. He told me about his surprising discovery of the ourishing Filipino community there and the plain beauty of the Alaska, and urged me to take the same trip. Id almost forgotten about that, until Adriana reminded me about the Filipinos in Alaska.

Disasters r us... from page 30

because they indeed started campaigning too early and prematurely, which is typical of Filipino politicians who disregard regulations. In the coming weeks leading to the May 13 election day, the political scene here will be lively, inane and disruptive. Politicians of all stripes will be traipsing across the landscape to market themselves to the voting public. Some candidates will invade town centers to plug themselves, with showbiz celebrities in tow to better attract the curious and the star-struck. Giant billboards will literally litter public areas, every space available (in violation of election rules that designate specic areas for billboards, posters, and streamers). Unlucky for the poorer candidates who cannot match the resourceendowed politicians who have all the money to pour into their campaigns (even though election law sets campaign nance limits and forbids overspending). (When I lived in the United States, one of the things that struck me about elections there, especially at the local level, was the relative quiet and undisruptive conduct of campaigns. Local elections are barely noticeable because campaigning and posters and streamers are conned to specic sites and not all over the place as here in the Philippines.) Money, with inationary implications, will ow from the candidates who, if elected, will of course, recoup their investment by proting from the privileges enjoyed by elected ofcials. Im sure there are other countries where public ofcials make money out of their positions, but here in the Philippines, politicians have turned moneymaking out of government projects into an art. Many, probably most, politicians here go into politics to make money. Is Philippine politics a disaster too to merit mention in a column about disasters? It is, from the point of view of the people. The people, and the country in the end, suffer from the kind of politics that is played here. Still feudal in character, politics here is controlled by warlords and their henchmen. Whole provinces and towns are under the thumbs and dominated by powerful local politicians reminiscent of ancient practices in countries that have long ago modernized and gotten rid of such rotten and crooked practices. One of the hottest political topics here is the continuing power and suffocating inuence

Smoke-filled eyes... from page 30

Of after any conclave for that matter. The 1958 conclave elected the 77-year old Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli as a caretaker. But as Pope John XXII, he convened the Second Vatican Council which recast the church. Its unimplemented reforms will challenge the 257th successor to Peter. For now, though, there is no front-runner. among potential candidates. . Benedict named 57.3 percent of the cardinalelectors . Its quite extraordinary that hes been able to create this majority in eight years, writes the British Catholic weekly: The Tablet. Ecce Catholicism Inc:, wrote Bob Keller in New York Times.. Behold a global business in distress. What Catholicism Inc. might learn from the temporal business world? *** Warren Buffett cleaned up Salomon Brothers after a bondtrading scandal and Ed Breen revived Tyco International after its chief executive went to prison for theft. The remedies included:, a purge of those responsible for abuses and cover-up. Second, unstinting disclosure to investigators, waiving any privileges. Third, appointment of a compliance ofcer with impeccable credentials, ethical tenacity and conspicuous support at the top. *** Once the new pope has dealt with the legacy of past disgrace, it will be time to look ahead. Most big companies assemble executives every few years for an intensive strategic review., The last time the church took stock was the Second Vatican Council, half a century ago.says Ted Stenger, a corporate turnaround expert and a devoted Catholic, ( This years synod doesnt count.?) (Email: juan_mercado77@yahoo.com)

Stateside waiver... from page 30

worked under the shadows for years and married a US citizen? Many of them do not risk departing the US for a visa interview in their home country for fear that the waiver will not be granted. That would mean a long separation from their spouse and children in the US, unless their immediate family will choose to join them abroad. With the procedural change, the alien will know in advance if his waiver application is Remember when an unidentied person in California produced a video that ended up in You Tube caricaturing the prophet Mohammed and igniting riots in Pakistan and Egypt? Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton apologized to the Muslim world and the producer of the video was even arrested by the police on American soil. approved or denied before he makes a decision to appear for a visa interview abroad. Those who could not tolerate a long separation may just decide to forego with the visa interview abroad and continue to live in limbo status in the U.S. if the provisional waiver is denied. This is the main benet that the rule change brings in addition to the promised shorter processing time. Will the U.S. government apologize to the Christian populace and arrest the producer of Saturday Night Live? Dont bet your allowance. The bishops dont riot. The moral of the story is that if you get slapped on one cheek, dont offer the other cheek or they will only slap you over and over again.

Sequestration scare ... from page 29

resist getting lost out of sight for four days more than a week ago in the sunshine state of Florida reportedly taking golf lessons costing $1,000.00 per hour before taking on Tiger Woods on the golf course. I would not fault the president for the golf getaway. Every president is entitled to a vacation. Besides, according to my unreliable source, he was actually trying to solve the looming economic crisis mixing work and play. He wanted fresh ideas from somebody who had real life experience in dealing with sequestration. Tiger Woods is a good t for consultation. He once endured sequestration by his former wife Erin after being caught with his pants down. While I give him the benet of the doubt, the timing of his vacation in the midst of what he himself describes as an impending serious crisis reminds me of the captain of the cruise ship that ran aground two years ago in Italy. He was reportedly entertaining his girlfriend aboard the ship and was not in control when his vessel hit the rocks. Pres. Barack Obama,

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