Weekend balita april 18, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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Kris Aquino, son Bimby in car mishap See KRIS, BIMBY page 17

VOL. XXIII, NO. 11

APRIL 18 - 24, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

US mulls air, naval support to PHL DFA chief deployment is in response to China’s actions

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (April 6, 2013) Civil service mariners assigned to the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) train with U.S. Marines by connecting a Marine Corps Humvee light vehicle to an MV-22B Osprey at Subic Bay International Airport. Marines and civil service mariners are cross-training in cargo operations with the V-22 ashore before attempting the operation at sea during Exercise Balikatan 2013, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement and will take place in the from April 5 to 17. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Chang Liu/Released)

MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Wednesday revealed that the United States is looking at sending advanced air and naval support to the Philippines amid the country’s simmering dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea. Del Rosario quoted US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter as saying the US is looking at deploying to the Philippines various advanced air force, naval, and maritime domain equipment. “These were outlined by Secretary Carter recently and we welcome these,” del Rosario said. Del Rosario said the plan was revealed a few days ago and the Philippine governSee US MULLS, page 10

Sen. Grace Poe leaps forward in SWS ‘presidentiable’ survey MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe is one of the strong contenders for the presidency if elections were held today as the latest survey by pollster Social Weather Stations showed she has narrowed the gap between her and firstplacer Vice President Jejomar Binay. The SWS survey conducted March 20 to 23 showed second-placer Poe enjoy-

Two former Makati residents claim receiving P1,500 to vote for Binay MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Two former Makati City residents who were relocated to Laguna said Thursday that they were given P1,500 each to vote for Vice President Jejomar Binay in the 2010 elections. Edison Rivera and Domeng Arcillas told the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee during the hearing on the corruption allegations against Binay that they received P1,500 in exchange for their vote. They were among hundreds of illegal settlers who were transferred to Makati Homeville Project in Calauan, Laguna in 2009. Arcillas said in 2010, they were already residing in Laguna but were still registered voters of Makati. He said they were given P500 for their transportation expenses. “Pinangangakuan kami na pag halata nilang bawal ang sasakyan sa presinto bibigyan kami ng pamasahe na P500 para makaboto kami sa Makati,” he said. “Bibigyan kami ng pera bago umalis sa Calauan, pagdating sa barangay pagkatapos bumoto ay may P500 pa. E sayang din ang P1,500 na natatanggap ng bumoboto sa Makati,” Rivera said. See VOTE FOR BINAY, page 11

ing a big increase from her previous 21 percent rating in December to 31 percent in March. Binay remained on top with 36 percent, a one-percent drop from the 37 percent in December. Binay had suffered huge drops in his satisfaction ratings since he was linked to corruption charges. His camp has denied the allegations, saying these were politically motivated. On the other hand, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was third place in the survey, also surging ahead to 15 percent See GRACE POE, page 10

Senator Grace Poe

Pacquiao eager to trade blows with Mayweather By Greg Heakes

Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Thursday 4/16/2015 – Manny Pacquiao pronounced himself ready to fight Floyd Mayweather, saying he’s willing to engage the unbeaten American in the middle of the ring if that’s what it takes to win. The eagerly-anticipated May 2 welterweight unification showdown in Las Vegas promises to be the most Manny Pacquiao lucrative fight in boxing history. “I am very excited,” Pacquiao said Wednesday at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood. “My training and my conditioning is good. I can feel it. I am ready.” Pacquiao says that is why he is training harder and with more drive and determination than for any other fight in his career. “I know this is one of the biggest fights ever in boxing,” he said. “I am not saying it is the biggest, because that would be insulting to the other fights that have been done already. “But it is one of the biggest.” Pacquiao defended his aggressive style after Mayweather, 38, on Tuesday called the 36-year-old Filipino superstar a “reckless” fighter whose careless actions leads to knockouts. Pacquiao said boxing fans appreciate a fighter who comes to box and put on a good show. See PACQUIAO, page 8

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Can I borrow some more... My client sat down and sighed deeply. He had a plastic bag which he emptied on the desk. Mostly unopened mail, you just knew who they were from. “I don’t know what to do”, he said. “I’ve tried to borrow money to pay off these debts, but the banks turned me down, even the payday loan guys have turned me down”. He was interested in getting an unsecured to be purely hypothetical, since he didn’t debt consolidation loan, to pay off exist- have the money to pay the existing loans, or ing debts, and hopefully clear his negative for that matter, any new loan either. What credit report at the same time. he had, was accumulated credit card debts, It had to be an unsecured loan, because growing at the rate of 22 % annually, to the he didn’t have any real estate or other point where he couldn’t even service the collateral to offer the prospective lender. interest. It’s truly amazing, that at an interHe income was average, but not enough est rate of 22%, the principle will double to service his debts that kept growing. within 4 years, if you only pay minimum Further, his credit report indicated, recent payments. So before long, the $20,000 will delinquencies, proof that his economy was become $40,000. Incredible, isn’t it? under stress, and getting worse. I recommendation to this gentleman Of course banks and other lenders he was to give up being nice, and consider the approached turned him down, which was advantages of bankruptcy. I explained that depressing, but turned out to be a good he was really past the point of no return, thing anyway, since it was this predicament since monthly minimum payments each that brought him to our office. month was more than he could manage. Had a lender actually lent him money, In his case, the bankruptcy would actuhe wouldn’t have achieved his objectives ally help his cash flow, and speed up his anyway, but would have simply ended up ability to re-establish credit. His current further in debt than he already was, and debt to income ratio was way too high, ( this is the reason why: a term banks use). And more importantly, Unsecured debt consolidation loans he couldn’t afford to pay them. provide no tax benefits. They are usually The bankruptcy did meet his objectives. high interest loans, higher than the credit He got rid of the debt, immediately qualicard loans that they will replace. In effect, fied for a new unsecured visa card with a you just move the debt from one lender to $1,000.00 line of credit, He also opened a another, and add loan costs on top. Pay- new (secured) visa card, eight days after his ing bills does not rehabilitate your credit bankruptcy was finalized. By following our standing either. If before, you had a collec- recommendations on credit repair, he will tion, or delinquency, upon payment it will rebuild some credit again within a year or only change the rating from “collection” so, if he can show a regular income. More to “Paid collection”, or “Current, was de- importantly, he discharged $20,000, enlinquent”. That really doesn’t help, unless abling him to save a little instead. What is it your debt to income ratio has dramatically they say? Money saved is money earned!!! improved. Call the Law Offices of Paul Mendoza There is a way to repair your credit, but Allen and get the relief you deserve. Conjust paying the bill is not the solution. In sultations are free, but you must make an fact, as long as you still owe money, you appointment. Two offices conveniently lohave negotiating leverage. Once you have cated to serve you: Glendale and La Palma. paid, you have nothing. In the case of my Call us to make an appointment for a free nice middle-aged gentleman, it turned out consultation at 818-552-4500.

COA finds Boy Scouts on the losing end in Alphaland deal MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – The transaction between the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and property developer Alphaland Corp. is disadvantageous to the youth organization, initial findings by the Commission on Audit (COA) show. The initial findings covering the joint venture agreement between BSP and Alphaland were enumerated by COA Director Joseph Anacay as ordered by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee. “The provision on the joint venture agreement regarding the sale of property, fixing at P600 million, and the subsequent sale thereof in 2011 appear to be disadvantageous to the BSP,” he said during a hearing at the Senate on Thursday. No income was recognized and received by the BSP from its supposed share in the project, he added. “It also appears that the BSP is not reconciling and examined the records of the Alphaland Makati when it comes to this project,” said Anacay. Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado earlier accused Vice President Jejomar Binay of getting a P651 million kickback from the deal. Binay then allegedly used the money to fund his vice presidential bid in 2010, Mercado noted. Under the contract between Boy Scounts of the Philippines and Alphaland, the BSP was supposed to receive P600 million for the development of a one-hectare property in Makati City, donated by BF Goodrich Philippines (now Sime Darby), to the BSP in 1976, Mercado said.

But up to now the BSP has yet to receive its share from the deal, he added. Binay has denied Mercado’s allegations. The BSP transactions in Manila and Pasig City were also audited by the commission. However, because the feasibility study was not available and no research was conducted, Anacay said the COA auditing team was not able to verify how the BSP arrived at its decision over the construction of the BSP building in Manila. “In view of the non-availability of the materials received from the DMCI, we were not able to determine if the proposal was the best for the BSP,” he said, referring to property developer DMCI. On the selling price of the Pasig property, the COA official said the amount was reduced to the actual price of P263 million as indicated in the memorandum of agreement from P418 million during discussions when the BSP corporate committee held a meeting. The COA audit on BSP transactions is ongoing and the commission is now waiting for other documents they requested from the youth organization, Anacay said. Above-board The leaderships of both the Boy Scouts and Alphaland earlier said the BSP-Alphaland deal was legal and above-board saying it was Mercado himself, then BSP’s Senior Vice President and chairman of assets management committee, who signed the contract.

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Aquino determined to suppress Marcos anger By Karl Malakunas

Manila, Philippines, AFP, Thursday 4/16/2015 – Like the bullet embedded in his neck that may kill him if removed, Philippine President Benigno Aquino believes it is safer that some atrocities of his nation’s previous dictatorship remain buried. But like the thousands who were tortured, jailed or lost relatives during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago, Aquino is still seething. In a lengthy interview with AFP this week from the presidential palace that was once the domain of his nemesis, Aquino offered rare insights into his struggle to ensure anger did not impact his running of the country. “I am 55 years old right now. I cannot act like I am a hot-headed 16-year-old,”

Aquino said when asked to reflect on the Marcos dictatorship. “It doesn’t mean I don’t have emotions. It doesn’t mean I’m not frustrated. It doesn’t mean I am not angry. But I do know that letting go of my emotions does have serious repercussions.” The power struggle between the Marcos and Aquino families has created one of Asia’s great political rivalries, with betrayals, murders and family secrets worthy of a Shakespeare plot. The duelling began with Aquino’s father and namesake leading the democracy movement that sought to end Marcos’s martial law in the 1970s. Marcos infamously ruled the Southeast Asian nation with the aid of the United States, his theatrical wife, Imelda, and

omnipresent security personnel who were willing to abduct, torture and kill for their boss. But the deadly shooting of the elder democracy-champion Aquino at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from exile proved to be the dictator’s undoing. ‘New cycle of violence’ The assassination triggered national outrage that launched the victim’s wife, Corazon, into the leadership of a suddenly powerful opposition. In 1986, the previously timid housewife led millions onto the streets in what became known as the “People Power” revolution that forced the Marcos family to flee aboard a US military plane to exile in Hawaii. Corazon Aquino had a tumultuous

six years as president, surviving coup attempts by military figures who were once loyal to Marcos, then to her, then only to themselves. The Philippines endured many more years of political chaos after she stepped down in 1992, as Imelda Marcos and her children returned home and began plotting their return to power. In 2010, Benigno Aquino was elected president in a landslide victory after pledging to eradicate the corruption that was crippling the country. Many also hoped Aquino would use the full powers of his office to uncover more of the crimes committed during the dictatorship. Previous administrations, including his mother’s, were unwilling or unable to do so.

Trillanes ‘desperate’ to be Roxas’ VP, Binay daughter claims MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is leading the smear campaign against Vice President Jejomar Binay because he is “desperate” to catch the eye of presumed presidential candidate, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, so the latter would choose him as running mate in 2016 elections, a daughter of the Vice

President said. In a statement on Wednesday, Makati Representative Mar-len Abigail Binay said Trillanes wants to smear her father’s reputation banking on a supposed plan for the Liberal Party and Nacionalista Party to ally in the next presidential elections. “Senator Trillanes has been desperately

trying to sell himself to voters and more importantly, to Roxas. This is why the senator has been leading the charge against the Vice President, who remains the biggest obstruction to Roxas’ own aspiration to become president,” Rep. Binay said. Trillanes’ latest accusation against Binay is that the latter supposedly paid off Court of

Appeals justices in the issuance of a temporary restraining order on the Ombudsman’s suspension order against Vice President Binay’s son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. Mayor Binay was preventively suspended due to graft charges over the questionable bidding in the allegedly overpriced Makati Parking Building. (MNS)

National carrier Philippine Airlines’ parent firm says they’re ‘back in black’ Manila, Philippines, AFP, Friday 4/17/2015 – Philippine Airlines’ parent firm said Friday it had returned to profitability for the first time in three years as passenger yields improved and fuel and other costs were reined in. In a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange Thursday, PAL Holdings reported an after-tax net profit of 129.74 million pesos ($2.93 million) in its fiscal year to December 31. The annual profit was PAL Holdings’ first since March 2011, the company said

in a statement issued Friday. “Our encouraging performance in 2014 signals that PAL has now turned the corner,” Jaime Bautista, president of both PAL and PAL Holdings said in the statement. PAL Holdings recorded a net loss of 11.85 billion pesos in its previous fiscal year, according to the exchange filing. PAL Holdings said the previous three years had been difficult as it grappled with industrial unrest, surging fuel prices, major natural disasters in key international and domestic markets, and robust competition.

In 2011 it cut 12 percent of its international flights, 30 percent of domestic flights and laid off nearly 40 percent of its staff to cut costs. Last year, operating revenues nearly doubled to 100.9 billion pesos as passenger revenues soared, the company said. While expenses also surged as PAL added 19 aircraft, the re-fleeting allowed it to retire 16 ageing wide-body aircraft, trimming its biggest costs of fuel and maintenance, it added. The United States’ decision to lift

aviation safety restrictions on Philippine carriers was also key, it said. This allowed the airline to deploy a fleet of newly-acquired Boeing 777 jets for long-haul flights to the United States. PAL resumed flights to New York last month. The airline also recently announced the purchase of two Airbus jets for regional flights, on top of the 54 Airbus planes it had ordered in a 2012 re-fleeting program worth more than $7 billion. PAL is controlled by billionaire Lucio Tan, Philippines’ fifth-wealthiest man.

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Iqbal is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Datucan Abas,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Cayetano MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Datucan Abasâ&#x20AC;? is the real name of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano claimed on Thursday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang tunay na pangalan po ay Datucan M. Abas,â&#x20AC;? (His real name is Datucan M. Abas) Cayetano said in two separate radio interviews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At ako ay nagtataka dahil ito naman ay tadtad sa ibang dokumento katulad ng DILG at OPAPP issuances way back

2003,â&#x20AC;? (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m puzzled because it [name] appears in many documents like in DILG and OPAPP issuances way back in 2003) he said. DILG is Department of Interior and Local Government while OPPAP is Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. Cayetano said the names â&#x20AC;&#x153;Datucan Abasâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mohagher Iqbalâ&#x20AC;? both appeared in a DILG circular as among those given a safe conduct pass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;May na-dimiss na kaso (si Iqbal). Ang problema hindi ako makakuha ng kopya

dahil sineal yung kaso because of the peace talks,â&#x20AC;? (There was a dismissed case. The problem is I cannot get a copy of the case for it has been sealed because of the peace talks) the senator said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang nilagay dun Datucan Abas, Mohagher Iqbal,â&#x20AC;? he said. Cayetano said Iqbalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name should have not become an issue if he admitted his real identity from the start. The MILF chief peace negotiator himself disclosed that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iqbalâ&#x20AC;? was one of the many aliases he was using. (MNS)

LBC launches add-on services in No. America for balikbayan boxes LBC Express, the leading courier service provider in the Philippines, is introducing LBC VIP (Very Important Padala) in North America and Canada, a menu of add-on services that allows customers to increase the benefits of their existing transactions, at a discounted rate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At LBC we always look for additional ways to answer to the needs of our customers. We want to give our loyal customers the options to customize the service we provide them, â&#x20AC;? said Hugo Bonilla, president of LBC North America. For its initial release, the courier service launched the Extra Pack, which allows customers to send a small box for those items that did not fit one regular box without having to fill up another balikbayan box. The Extra Pack also prevents the risk of overstuffed boxes, which increases the risk of the packageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s security. Customers can send a small box (24x18x9) for $25 when sending one regular box. Those sending two regular boxes need to pay only $20 for the small box, while those sending three regular boxes need to pay only $15 for the add-on service. LBC is offering this service to customers in the United States (excluding Hawaii, Alexandria, and Florida), and customers in

British Columbia and Toronto in Canada. The service is advantageous for Filipinos based in the regions who regularly send packages to their relatives back home. As of 2012, there are 3,494,281 in the USA and 852,401 in Canada. Other packs such as Security Packs, which will include protective gear and added insurance, and Air Packs, which

will focus on air cargo, will be available in LBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VIP add-on menu in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This add-on service will answer the need for additional space or security or time. We hope to make smiles bigger with LBC VIP,â&#x20AC;? Bonilla concluded. For more information on LBC, please visit http://www.lbcexpress.com; or call 1-800-241-1312 Extn. 7007.

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Binay camp wants SC to probe â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;briberyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The camp of Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junjunâ&#x20AC;? Binay urged the Supreme Court to probe the alleged bribery at the Court of Appeals involving his case. Lawyer Claro Certeza told reporters they are not afraid of the probe since they did not bribe anyone at the appellate court. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier alleged that CA Justices Jose Reyes Jr. and Francisco Acosta had been bribed P25 million each to issue favorable rulings to stop the suspension of Binay. Reyes and other sectors slammed Trillanes for issuing allegations sans evidence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, because being involved in this, I know one hundred percent that such thing did not happen,â&#x20AC;? Certeza said. He said they would even participate if the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) would push through with its own probe. The IBP said it can do its own investigation on the matter, but called on Trillanes to bring the case to the SC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we will be summoned [by the IBP], we are ready to participate. That is what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to say, there should be a proper venue,â&#x20AC;? Certeza added. Binayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp already filed separate libel raps against Trillanes before the Makati prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. In a separate statement, Certeza said the senator cannot invoke parliamentary immunity since his statements were made in public and not related to his functions as a senator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is apparent that his motivation is to besmirch the reputation of the Binay family and destroy the integrity of the judiciary. He has consistently shown his utter disregard of the rule of law in order to further his selfish ambition. Thus, he must be held accountable,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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The Changing (May)weather The fighter best known for his unblemished boxing record and best-hated for his arrogance and big talk is seeming likable these days, less haughty in interviews and even talking about things other than money. “The main thing that’s important is family,” said five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during his media day at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. The upcoming fight is the biggest purse in history. It is speculated that the match that was 5-years in the making could generate major key in a fight of this magnitude,” up to as much as $500 million. But it’s he said. “But the most important thing is also one of the most historic fights ever. family.” Mayweather was asked what was more The undefeated American boxing important for him: money or legacy? champion holds a record of 47-0. No loss “A little bit of both, my legacy. But of in all of 47 fights, which is the justification course being a prize fighter, I want to make behind him branding himself as “The Best money. A little but of everything plays a Ever.” While it may be the case, fans see

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this kind of self-branding and promotion as arrogance, turning many would-be supporters off. “Money May” has also been hated for his flashy ways. The fact that he served 60 days of a 90-day sentence at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges involving a former girlfriend, also doesn’t endear him to fans. What’s making the fans pay close attention to Mayweather these days, however, is the apparent change in his demeanor. The normally-haughty champion is now quoted for more subdued comments that may even be interpreted as respectful. Certainly, that’s what Top Rank top man Bob Arum thinks. “It just goes to show that both fighters have a lot of respect for each other,” he said during Pacquiao’s open media workout at the Wild Card Gymn in Hollywood, after being asked for a comment about Mayweather’s apparent change. The undefeated fighter even responded positively to Pacquiao’s invitation to share the Philippine boxing champion’s faith and Christianity. “I appreciate it. I heard he’s preaching a lot now. He can preach after the fight. But come May 2nd, we want to get the people excited,” said Mayweather who made Pacquiao happy with this response. After interviewing with different members of the media for different outlets Pacquiao sat down with this writer for an exclusive one-on-one interview where the champ specifically asked us about Mayweather’s reaction to his invitation. “That’s good. Good for him because

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Jannelle So and Manny Pacquiao

he’s open to God and for the word of God. I’m hoping that after the fight, we can have a conversation and share my faith,” Pacquiao said. God will make a way na mai-share ko sa kaniya na in this world, it’s not just about material things.” On speculations that Mayweather’s change is an indication that he knows he may lose to Pacquaio on May 2, so he’s trying to be humble, Pacquiao said: “Well only the Lord can humble us. It’s a promise that those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.” Jannelle So is credited for creating, hosting and producing America͝s first and only locally-produced daily talk show for Filipinos, that ran for 8 ½ years under her leadership, making it the longest-running Filipino talk show outside of the Philippines. Connect to her on Facebook – www. facebook.com/JannelleSoOFFCIAL; Twitter – www.twitter.com/JannelleSo; Instagram – www.instagram.com/sojannelle; or email her at sojannelle77@gmail.com.

Filing bankruptcy when necessary may be the fresh start that you need If you are in debt and are seriously considering bankruptcy as an option, I am sure a lot of thoughts are going through your mind. I just want to get out of debt and start over but how quickly can I recover from bankruptcy? What are the different types of bankruptcy available? How do I know I am making the right decision? These are all legitimate concerns and a competent and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney should be able to help you determine whether bankruptcy is in fact your best course of action. I find that most people are Whether or not bankruptcy is the right concerned about the effects of bankruptcy solution for you also involves looking at on their credit more than anything else. your long-term financial goals. For exThey are under the mistaken notion that ample, while your credit may suffer for once they file for bankruptcy, their credit a few years, the fact that bankruptcy may is ruined forever and that they will never be be your only and quickest way to recover able to buy a house or obtain credit again. financially outweighs any temporary disOf course, this is simply not true! Yes, advantages. Have a long-term focus and bankruptcy is reported on your credit re- start thinking outside the box. Filing bankcord for 7-10 years depending on the type ruptcy often means getting rid of old ways of bankruptcy you are filing but a lot of of thinking and developing a new mindset. people quickly bounce back from bankFiling bankruptcy may be just what you ruptcy in as little as 2-3 years. I also find need in order to get immediate relief from that most people who are in debt trouble creditor calls, harassment, wage garnishalready have bad credit anyway and filing ment and to protect your property and other bankruptcy, if anything, can only help them assets. When appropriate for your situation rebuild their credit in the long run. Yes, bankruptcy protection can help you get out in most cases that I see, bankruptcy can debt, rebuild your credit and give you peace actually improve credit by allowing the of mind once again. If you are tired of being person a chance to start over after wiping in debt and having sleepless nights worryout debts. ing about your finances all the time, your What most people don’t understand is life doesn’t have to be this way and there that creditors look at several factors when may be something you can do right now to evaluating a credit application and that turn things around quickly. Let me evaluwhether or not a bankruptcy shows up on ate your situation and help you explore your report is only one of those factors. all possibilities. For a free consultation, For example, when buying a home, banks please call Toll-Free 1-888-752-8211 or are not as concerned about it if your bank- (661) 775-4880 and let me review your ruptcy is at least 3 years old and all other situation. We have offices in Pasadena, credit characteristics are appropriate (good Cerritos and Valencia. character, stable employment, amount of (None of the information herein is down payment, etc.). intended to give legal advice for any And if you are buying a car after specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has bankruptcy, this is usually not a problem successfully helped over 5,000 clients in although in the beginning, you will obvi- getting out of debt. For a free attorney ously pay a higher interest rate or may even evaluation of your situation, please call need a co-signor until such time you prove Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE creditworthiness. 1-888-752-8211).

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Mom with two teenagers wants Chapter 7 discharge of $20k credit cards Senior revisits Chapter 7 after 20 years; Disabled client seeks to discharge federal student loans of $70k without BK Client No. 1 Young mother of two teenagers, both daughters, presents her problem as follows. She is a registered nurse with gross income of $70K. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t own a house but pays rent of $2K for herself and daughters. Husband is still abroad in their country of origin, waiting to be petitioned to migrate when clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances have stabilized. She is pay- files her Chapter 7 case, her credit score ing for a new Acura SUV at $600 a month. will be 500, but in 2 years, if she handles Her net income is $5K. The problem it new credit on a timely basis, her credit seems is that she has $20K of credit card score will be at least 600, or over it. All debt, which she has been paying for two she needs to do is pay the Acura on time, years after they migrated to California ten and her credit score will be over 650 on the years ago. She pays about $750 a month for third year. On the 7th year, her credit score minimum card payments. She has paid this may well be over 730, and on the 10th year, amount for the last 8 years. She is unaware there is no record of bankruptcy filing on how much total she has paid to keep $20K the credit report. Between getting her husof credit currents for the last 8 years. I said band to California and paying credit card just multiply your minimum monthly pay- debt, I guess you know what she opted for. ment of $750 by 12 months, then multiply Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not easy taking care of two teenagers the sum by 8 years, and that results in on your own, any parent can tell you that. $72K. I said you have paid $72K to keep Client No. 2 $20K of credit cards current in the last 8 Client is 67. She and her husband were years. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem fair but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true. That my Chapter 7 clients 20 years ago. That really is the simple truth about credit card means that she was as young as Client debt. If she did not have credit card debt in no. 1, the one with two teenagers above the last 8 years, she would have $72K of described. Unfortunately, this also means cash in the bank right now, assuming she that when I first met client no. 2, I was saved all of that money. also 20 years younger. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you my Now the problem is that she wants to exact age then. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really matter petition her husband to migrate. So, I asked because as this client has just expressed whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the problem you can do that right to me, she feels physically and spiritually now? She said she has to pay lawyer and invigorated. immigration fees to bring him in, and she That is well and good, I tell her. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have money to do that if she keeps needs debt relief again because she still on paying for her credit cards. Her credit has two houses, her residence and a rental, score is about 600. I told her that when she which is upside down. Further, the rental

Biggest loser is biggest winner in Manny Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight loss contest With a week to go before the winners of Manny Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biggest Loser is known, the boxing champion tried to break down the will of the 153 contestants at the Temptation Night 2015 last April 11 at the Glendale Community Center by eating in front of them. Amidst the aroma of four lechons and four roasted goat, Manny tried to lure the participants into crossing the barrier where tables are set indicating that they had enough of the 38-day long $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000. An additional competition and were ready to settle for $2,000 is also awarded for losing 15% of monetary consolation prizes in the en- the body weight. velopes beneath the plates at the table. The aromas of roasted delicacies and By giving up after a month line crossers other mouth-watering Filipino specialties forfeited the opportunity to win heftier were too much to resist for at least 60 prizes of the contest initiated by the box- contestants who had to endure a month ing champion in at least five occasions for of some kind of deprivation, determinaTeam Pacquiao both here in California and tion and discipline to be in the contest. In the Philippines. addition to the weight loss, winners who Contestants Ezra and Olive who already will be known on April 19 are required lost 18 and 12 pounds, respectively, in a to have memorized two Bible verses in little over a month, must shed off at least order to win. Manny, known for pushing 15 pounds of their body weigh to be in many advocacies, gamely played the role serious competition for the top prizes of See AROUND TOWN, page 8

has a second trust deed of $70K. She also owes a significant amount of attorney fees to another lawyer for a transaction that I will not discuss here. I explain to her that she can either do a Chapter 13 or a Chapter 7. There are different considerations. In a Chapter 13, she may be able to strip the 2nd t. deed on the rental but she has to pay something to the Bk court for at least 3 years. On a Chapter 7, the 2nd t. deed of the rental will get discharged but not stripped, but considering that the property is upside down, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem likely that the 2nd t. deed holder will foreclose on the property for a long time. There is no incentive for the 2nd t. deed holder to foreclose on the rental because if it does that, as the new owner of the rental it has to take care of the first mortgage, which means it has to continue paying the first mortgage, or it can sell the rental, but in this event, the sale proceeds will not be enough to pay even a portion of the 2nd mortgage, therefore, there is no incentive for the 2nd to foreclose. However, because of a Chapter 7 discharge, creditor can no longer collect on the mortgage. Client opts for Chapter 7. Client No. 3 Client is 66. He co-signed on the student loans of his son for $180K. Son cannot pay his student loans because he has not been able to get employment since he graduated from college 3 years ago, so Uncle Sam is now collecting the $180K from him. I inform him that he may be able to discharge his FEDERAL student loans without a bankruptcy. However, he must prove permanent and total disability. There are 3 ways to prove this. If the application is successful, in other words, Uncle Sam

believes clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contention that he is now suffering from a permanent and total disability; all FEDERAL student loans will be discharged without bankruptcy! If you are in this kind of situation, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter how old you are, come and see me. Note that this only applies to FEDERAL student loans and does not apply to PRIVATE student loans. By FEDERAL, we mean William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, Federal Family Education Loan, older loans that predate the FFEL program, Federal Perkins loan and TEACH Grant service obligation. Permanent and total disability means that you cannot engage in any â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;substantial gainful activityâ&#x20AC;? due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result death, or has lasted continuously for at lest 60 months, or can be expected to last continuously for at least 60 months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THOSE WHO FEAR HIM, ON THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PSALM 33:18. Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. Loser â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winnersâ&#x20AC;?Contestants of Manny Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biggest Loserâ&#x20AC;? Contest had it quits at the Temptation Night in Glendale last April 11 for the $10 Grand prize and settled for a few hundred as they crossed the line indicating that they had enough. Still their efforts were not for naught as they still are winners in their own right.

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PACQUIAO From page 1

“Reckless fighter, that is how people like me and love me,” Pacquiao said. “Fans like an exciting fight. Our sport is called boxing, people like a boxer.” Pacquiao was speaking in Hollywood

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at the final news conference he is giving before he heads to Las Vegas for the fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The boxer said he doesn’t need a blockbuster fight with Mayweather to define his legacy, that winning titles in eight divisions has far exceeded his expectations. “My entire career defines my legacy.

could earn 100 pesos (about $2) for a fight. The 12-year-old used the money from that first decision victory to buy rice for his poverty-stricken family in the Philippines. “I don’t want to boast and talk about the eight different weight divisions, but that accomplishment is amazing. Beyond my expectation,” he said. “When I started boxing, I never imagined it.” Pacquiao spoke to a small group of reporters in the basement of the Wild Card gym in Hollywood. He then went upstairs to the main gym for a workout in front Must mention of a standing-room only offer code “BOXING” crowd of photographers and television cameras. Pacquiao began his workout with a shadowboxing session without gloves. Wearing a grey t-shirt with the words Team Pacquiao on the back, he worked out on his own for several minutes.

Everything I have done in boxing,” he said. “I have had some great, great accomplishments and achievements in my career. I won titles in eight different weight divisions.” His hall-of-fame career has surpassed anything he could have imagined when he got into sport after someone told him he

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International programming requires additional $10/mo International Basic package or any America’s Top package. PPV Fight Offer: Must provide Offer Code BOXING at time of order. The cost of the Pay-Per-View is $89.99 (SD) or $99.99 (HD); by providing Offer Code you will receive a credit in the amount of your selected PayPer-View. You will be responsible for any taxes or costs beyond the value of the credit. Valid for activation of qualifying new America’s Top or DishLATINO service. The price and the preliminary ﬁghts are subject to change without notice. Offer ends 5/1/15. Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional Offers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service. All prices, fees, charges, packages, programming, features, functionality and offers subject to change without notice. After 12-month promotional period, then-current monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during first 24 months, early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. Additional Requirements: Installation/Equipment Requirements: A second dish antenna may be required to view both International and American programming. Free Standard Professional Installation only. Leased equipment must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Miscellaneous: Offers available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Taxes or reimbursement charges for state gross earnings taxes may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. Offers end 6/10/15.

of the Tempter by gamely eating before them a share of lechon to whet the appetites of the contestants and usher them to the “quitters’ tables.” Manny himself being a boxer is not stranger to losing weigh too quickly, which experts say should generally be aimed at just losing no more than 2 lbs in every 7 days. Attempts at losing more and too quickly would expose him to dangers like a messed metabolic rate, risk of accelerating diabetes, hormonal changes and hair loss and abnormal gain weight afterwards as the body’s defense to retaliate. Also weigh loss experts cite of a number of detrimental psychological and physiological changes. Boxers lose weight fast by restricting intake of calories which experts also claim “ to cause severe damage to the body and alters metabolism, lower blood sugar levels which lead to an extreme lack of energy”. They also restrict fluid intake and dehydrate themselves which themselves to the risk of acidosis (a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the acidity of the blood and extra-cellular fluids) and extreme sweating by over-exercising. Tidbit: A previous winner of Manny Pacquiao’s Greatest Loser Contest is his own trainer, Buboy Hernandez. Loser “Winners”- Contestants of Manny Pacquiao’s “Biggest Loser” Contest had it quits at the Temptation Night in Glendale last April 11 for the $10 Grand prize and settled for a few hundred as they crossed the line indicating that they had enough. Still their efforts were not for naught as they still are winners in their own right.

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Sorority ‘sisterhood’ – the unconditional bond of friendship It’s really difficult to define what sorority “sisterhood” really means. People from the “outside” looking in will never understand it, while those from the “inside” can’t seem to explain it. This writer is proud to be part of the “unconditional bond of friendship” brought about by joining the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority. For some of us who came from sheltered Catholic schools we were overwhelmed enrolling in a large campus setting and we seemed “lost.” However, joining large organizations such as the Student Catholic Action (UPSCA) wasn’t what we thought to be. We likewise didn’t feel the sense of “belonging” in a large group. So, the five (5) of us: Cely, Malou, Jon, Eva and I embarked on joining the university sorority group called the SIgma Delta Phi Sorority, which was also known as the “Society of Dramatics and Fine Arts.” This group produced successful campus Broadway musicals such as: “Once Upon A Mattresss,” “A Property Is Condemned,” Gloria Lucero.Monzon, SDP Founder “Aloyan,” and numerous others; We joined because someone said so, thus allowing this particular university sorority in order us to learn and form our own beliefs and to alleviate the mental challenges we have values) the “Sigma Delta” way. in school, find a sense of “belonging” in After three months of rigorous initiation a smaller group and to also challenge the rites which for me, included submitting plebeians (students who have no desire a synopsis of the two-volume book of in joining Greek-lettered groups) in their “Dante’s Inferno” in one day, or submitbelief that sorority and fraternity groups ting a “century egg” the following day, were “just a bunch of fun-loving drinkers The three-month initiation rites the 26 of and party-goers;” and we wanted to prove us went through gave us the strong bond them wrong. we have today. And when we became fullThere were a total of 26 of us in our pledged “sisters” all of us (including the batch of neophytes who joined and col- alumni and the resident sisters who initilectively, we were indoctrinated (a form ated us), shared the common bond of unof being taught to seek information, and conditional friendship. Though you’re not become critical thinkers, which meant related by blood, the bond of unconditional never accepting or believing anything just friendship in “sisterhood” means having

PNB Remittance Center opens newest branch in Los Angeles Los Angeles, 13 April 2014 – Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony of PNB Global Remit attended by the Filipino community, Filipino business leaders and ACTIVE community leaders in Los Angeles, California on 10 April 2015. PNB is one of the biggest companies in the Philippines and is the only BANK fully licensed in the United States. It is the pioneer in the remittance industry with more than 130 centers in the United States and present in various countries around the globe. “We are proud that PNB breaks ground and OPENED its doors to the people of Los Angeles and to the community. It is a sign that there is progress both in our country and in our community” stated Consul General Herrera-Lim. President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros affirmed that “The opening of the PNBRCI new LOCATION will be closer to our Filipino community so we can better serve our Kababayans in a more convenient way.” He shared his joy and gratitude on this latest accomplishment together with PNBRCI team and partners. He added that PNB will CONTINUE to expand throughout the country to offer top-quality products and services to the Filipinos. The new remittance center will serve mainly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino-Americans, entrepreneurs and Kababayans by providing them a FULL suite of services. In addition to remittance services, the office’s other services include document authentication of Philippinebased bank ACCOUNTS . Customers may also book their travel plans in the branch through Mango Tours, send packages and balikbayan boxes through XYZ Global Cargo.

Filipinos who wish to do business within the branch will find no trouble finding the LOCATION . Equitable Plaza is home to the Philippine Consulate General Office and is accessible by commute at 3435 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90010 with phone NUMBER (213) 401-1825. PNB CONTACT : Nina Masangkay, Branch Manager.

Photo shows Sigma Deltans at the recent installation of the West Coast SDP Chapter are (foreground from left): the author, Lainie Tengco-Castro, Maribel Catala; middle row: Tanay Cruz-Duldulao, Maribel Cabrera Bingle Neumann, Ditas Tipton, Carol Dela Paz; last row: Tessa Flores, Carina Slepia, Sonia Madsen, Gigi Javier and Evelyn Evans.

someone who’s always around that cares for you in good times and bad,; who shares your dreams and aspirations as well as love you unconditionally and selflessly. In a recent mini-reunion and 2015 installation of officers of the West Coast Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association, Inc., a sorority sister, Concepcion “Bee” Monzon, of Batch ‘58 defined the Sigma Delta “sisterhood” as a “language of love and respect for one another. We share our joys and sorrows, we bask in the accomplishments of our ultra successful sisters and we commiserate with the failures, losses and misfortunes of others. As our founders envisioned,, the sorority aim was the promotion of the arts and drama among the student population. And so we did.” (Bee is the daughter of one of Sigma Delta Phi’s founders, Gloria Lucero-Monzon). Lainie Tengco-Castro, also a Batch

‘58 Sigma Deltan, during the installation stressed the SIgma Delta motto of: “COR UNUM VIA UNA” which means one in mind, one in heart, and one in the communion of the spirit.” “Sisterhood” during our campus days also meant “giving back” to our school and community. We helped plant trees during “Arbor Day,” rode opened Army trucks during Lantern parade or help raise funds for the needy. It symbolizes more than just its letters or what SDP (Sigma Delta Phi) meant; it was something much greater and treasured; it is “so many things all at once” such as learning about life, about people and making a lasting impact for the betterment of our school or our community. Overall, I am privileged to have been and will forever be a trueblooded Sigma Deltan. It is the ultimate experience of a lifetime!

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Home refinancing for the able is opening up great opportunities But with lesson learned hopefully, let’s start with why you should not refinance your loan. Going through the home refinance process may seem like a good idea to save money or to get money for home improvements or other purposes, but there are some instances when you should not refinance your home. By understanding the situations where getting a refinancing loan is not such a good idea, you can better understand when you should look into the your financial situation more tenuous. By home refinance process. What are some of considering the reasons why you should the reasons why you should not refinance not refinance your home, you can better your home? determine if your reasons are financially Paying off a car is questionable, depend- sound for you and your family. ing on what interest rates you have for your • To cash out to buy another property auto loan and how much longer to pay off. for investments. • Make sure you always factor in closing This one is definitely case by case becost and how much time you need to break cause it will depend on what your are buyeven, it’s always better to consider the least ing and where you will leave your financial amount of fees at closing especially for situation at. I suggest a detailed evaluation refinancing. Better yet ask about the no in regards to this issue. Now, as a lot of you closing cost refinancing options. have remembered, I strongly was against Make sure that you are going to stay this, two to three years ago. But now with in the home long enough to recoup your home prices being very affordable and with closing costs and refinancing fees that rates at all time lows, it’s time to consider. you have to pay. By considering the lower FHA Streamline refinances might sound monthly payment and how long it will like a good deal but consider the .50% take to make up the closing costs that you increase in your upfront MIP (Mortgage are going to pay, you can make sure that Insurance Premium) and see if it’s even you will stay in the home long enough to worth it now. recoup the costs of refinancing. Evaluate That extra premium of thousands of this carefully to ensure that it will be worth dollars will carry an interest payment the money that you will have to spend to and PMI (private mortgage insurance) refinance your home. payment. If you have an FHA loan most • To pay off credit card debt without likely you have only a little equity from addressing the spending problem. a year or two ago, if any. So, if you have Refinancing your home to pay off your to increase your balance will this benefit credit cards, only to rack up the debt again you long term. is not a reason to refinance. If you do not My recommendation now is to try to address the spending issues that you and/ build your equity and make sure you don’t or your spouse have, you will not do any keep adding to your loan balance. Some good in the long run. You are putting your lenders will paint a big picture on lowering home at risk and are possibly setting your- monthly payments but will not comments self up for bankruptcy in the future. You on the loan balance increase. Look at are exchanging your short-term debt for everything now a days, asking many queslong term debt that you are going to have tions even dumb questions a must. to pay for up to 30 years. Addressing the Now, if you have an interest rate of over spending issues that you have will help 4.25% or higher it is important for you to your refinancing decision to be a sound call to find out if you can lower your interone, rather than just a quick fix. Cut up the est rate to cut down your payments. Even credit cards or make other changes that will if you have no equity, Freddie Mac and keep you out of this situation in the future. Fannie Mae have options for loans to go A home refinance loan may sound like up to 105% refinancing without cash out. a good idea, but it is important to evaluate Call for details. why you are getting the loan to ensure that Please call for any inquiries or comit is best for your long term goals. Make ments, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Fisure that it is a sound financial decision that nance Group at 562-697-7028 or write to will help you in the future, rather than make kennethgo@verizon.net.

US MULLS From page 1

ment has yet to discuss the matter with the US government. “We have not talked about to what extent this will happen. With that equipment, you can surmise there will be US presence,” he said. “It’s the first time it was announced a

GRACE POE From page 1

in March from 5 percent in December. Poe and Duterte have yet to announce their plans to run for president in 2016. The survey had asked respondents to name up to three people who they thought should succeed President Benigno Aquino III. Results of the survey were posted Thursday on SWS’ media partner BusinessWorld. Duterte tied with Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whose score fell to 15 percent from 19 percent in December. Tied for fifth and sixth were Sen. Miriam Santiago with 11 percent (10 percent in December) and Manila Mayor

few days ago. It’s the first time we’re hearing about it. We have not engaged in any discussion. We will find out more about what these plans involved.” Del Rosario said he is set to fly to the US in two weeks to meet with members of the US Congress and possibly, Carter and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Joseph Estrada with 11 percent (9 percent in December). Sen. Francis Escudero was seventh with 8 percent in March (9 percent in December). Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was eighth with 7 percent (3 percent in December), and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was ninth with 4 percent (3 percent in December). In December, Poe said she is not yet ready to make a decision as to her political plans in the next elections. “Para sa ‘kin, wala naman akong balak, pero salamat sa pagmamahal. Gayunpaman, sa tingin ko, ‘di naman ‘yan magiging problema pa sa ngayon dahil wala pa naman akong sinasabi,” Poe said.

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US Supreme Court sets rules for identifying pregnancy discrimination at work Peggy Young worked as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS), picking up delivering packages. When she became pregnant, her doctor told her that she should not lift more than 20 pounds and then than 10 pounds during her pregnancy. Young requested to be placed on light duty but UPS told Young she could not work at all while under a lifting restriction because all drivers like Young must satisfy the lifting requirements of up to 70 pounds. Young sued UPS for discriminating against her based persons not so affected but similar in their on sex, due to her pregnancy, and that it had ability or inability to work.” In ruling for refused to treat her equally and in the same the employee, the U.S. Supreme Court manner as other employees with a similar set requirements for how Peggy Young, ability or inability to work. and other pregnant employees, should Young argued that UPS accommodated show that they are being discriminated or its other workers and gave them light-duty treated differently at work because they’re assignments if they were injured on the job, pregnant. A pregnant employee must offer had a car or truck accident, were disabled, proof that: or failed their medical exam and lost their She belongs to a class of persons who license. These drivers were similar to are or who can become pregnant; Young in their inability to do their work. She asked to be accommodated in the However, they were accommodated and workplace when she could not fulfill her Young was not because she was pregnant, normal duties; and they were not. The employer refused to provide acThe Pregnancy Discrimination Act commodation, and yet the employer had requires employers to treat “women af- actually provided an accommodation for fected by pregnancy . . . the same for all others who are just as unable to do their employment-related purposes . . . as other work temporarily.

VOTE FOR BINAY From page 1

Asked by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV if this happens every election, the two replied in the affirmative. “Tuwing eleksyon po ganoon,” they said. “Komo po mahal namin si Binay dahil binabayaran ang boto namin, natural po nalulungkot kami ngayon dahil mawawalan na kami ng tatanggaping bayad sa kanya ngayon dahil doon na kami boboto sa Calauan,” Rivera said.

He added that he would no longer vote for Binay, who is aspiring the presidency, because of the situation in the relocation site. “Kahit na tanggalin pa iyong senior citizen (benefits) ko ay ayaw ko na sa kanya,” he said. Rivera and Arcillas told the Senate subcommittee the difficulties they encounter at the relocation site after they were transferred there in 2009.

Once the employee has proven all three of the above, the employer must then show that its workplace policy was not biased against pregnant workers, but had a neutral business reason. In response, the pregnant employee must show that the business reason was false, and was only a pretext for bias. The employee must also show that the workplace policy puts a “significant burden” on female workers, and the policy is “not sufficiently strong” to justify that burden. If these are established, then the employee has a valid discrimination claim. Peggy Young’s case was decided in the context of federal law. In California, pregnancy and all its related medical conditions (such as severe morning sickness, doctorordered bed rest, childbirth, recovery from childbirth) is considered a temporary dis-

ability and, therefore, protected as such. If an employee is disabled because of pregnancy or childbirth, and requests reasonable accommodation upon the advice of her health-care provider, an employer must provide reasonable accommodation. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against insurance companies and employers. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center Washington, D.C. and the University of the Philippines. Visit his website at www.joesayaslaw.com or contact his office at (818) 291-0088 for a no-cost inquiry.]

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‘Economic circumstances’ approach in distributing family owned businesses or professional practice in divorce cases The court does not always equally divide each piece of community property in a divorce case “In kind.” An equal partition of each item of property in the community estate is rarely practical or feasible and, in some cases, may be inequitable. The court may award a community asset exclusively to one party ‘on such conditions as the court deems proper to effect a substantially equal division of where economic circumstances warrant. Family.Code. § 2601. This method of distribution community 214 CR 661; Marriage of Kozen (1986) property often yields awarding another 185 CA3d 1258, 230 CR 304; Marriage piece of equally valued community prop- of Tammen (1976) 63 CA3d 927, 930, 134 erty to the other spouse or , if none exist, CR 161, 163] then an equalization payment. Marriage of In applying the ‘economic circumFink (1979) 25 C3d 877, 160 CR 516; Mar- stances’ approach, it is necessary to make riage of Bergman (1985) 168 CA3d 742, an inquiry into the nature of the property,

as well as the parties’ individual needs, ‘emotional attachments,’ business acumen, and financial positions . Marriage of Fink; Marriage of Cream (1993) 13 CA4th 81, 89-90, 16 CR2d 575, 580 . Marriage of Quay (1993) 18 CA4th 961, 972-973, 22 CR2d 537, 544-545 The economic circumstances approach is commonly used in awarding family run businesses. An award of a family-run business to one spouse is appropriate where inevitable deadlock between the divorcing spouses would result from an assignment of undivided interests therein. Marriage of Brigden (1978) 80 CA3d 380, 145 CR 716; Sometimes, only one spouse is capable of operating the business. In those situations, it is appropriate to award the business to him or her, rather than sell it off to a third party or order an in-kind division in favor of a spouse whose lack of experience could impede the business’ success. This approach was applied in the following cases Marriage of Burlini (1983) 143 CA3d 65, 191 CR 541 Marriage of Smith (1978) 79 CA3d 725, 145 CR 205 Marriage of Clark (1978) 80 CA3d 417, 145 CR 602 This rule has been applied flexibly by the court though and evaluated in a case by case scenario. In situations where the non-managing spouse is equally capable of running the business, the court may award the business to the non-managing spouse. In situations where the managing spouse is about to retire, it might make better sense for the court to order a sale of the business and division of the proceeds. Marriage of Rives (1982) 140 CA3d 138, 151, 181 CR 572, 578-579 Where both parties are equally capable of operating a family business, and each seeks its award and can afford to buy out the other’s share it would normally be an abuse of discretion not to adopt the asset distribution/cash-out approach, awarding it to one of the parties. Marriage of Cream

(1993) 13 CA4th 81, 89-90, 16 CR2d 575, 580 A business or professional practice requiring a license, such as a medical practice, legal practice, or accounting practice, must be awarded to the spouse who holds the license with an equalizing award to the other to offset the community interest in the business. Marriage of Lopez (1974) 38 CA3d 93, 105, 113 CR 58, 65 Marriage of Morrison (1978) 20 C3d 437, 453, 143 CR 139, 150. If you have substantial community assets or have a family owned businesses and are planning to file a divorce, it is best to obtain the representation of an experienced attorney to assist you in the process. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com. For more info, visit our website: kenreyeslaw.com.

Pilipino professionals give advice to UCLA-bound students O n S a t u r d a y, April 11 th at the UCLA Carnesales Commons’ Venice Room, the UCLA Pilipino Recruitment and Enrichment Program (PREP) and the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association presented a panel of Pilipino professionals who graduated from or taught at UCLA. Panelists included profession- From left to right: Bobby Rimas, UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship als in the fields of Director, Trish Eusala, UCLA Prep Student Coordinator, and Dr. education, nursing, Jeffrey Mariano of Kaiser Permanente engineering, enterevent, ensured that the panel ran smoothly tainment, and medicine. and warmly answered questions from UCLA Pilipino Alumni Chair Roselyn prospective UCLA students and their famiCastro moderated the panelists as they of- lies before and after the event. Bobby T. fered prospective students and their parents Rimas, the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholinsights and advice relating to their experi- arship Director, spoke with students and ences as undergrad and graduate students, their families immediately after the event the challenges they encountered, their to discuss details regarding available scholaccomplishments, and how they entered arships through the UCLA Pilipino Alumni into their professions. One of the panelists, / Lovell Sevilla Scholarship Program. Dr. Jeffrey Mariano who recently became The UCLA Pilipino Alumni / Lovell a Partner at Kaiser Permanente Hospital Sevilla Scholarship Program usually in West Los Angeles, indicated that “the culminates in the awarding of the UCLA students and their parents and families are Pilipino Alumni Endowment Scholarship inspirations to me and countless others. at UCLA Pilipino Alumni’s annual scholEducation is key!” arship benefit, which is scheduled to take Patricia “Trish” Eusala, UCLA PREP place at the UCLA James West Alumni Student Coordinator, who spearheaded the Center on May 2nd.

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JFAV remembers 73rd Bataan Day during KMB/SIKAP Filipino Visibility Week in Historic Filipinotown

Photo above shows Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim addressing the audience. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anna Doo, New Mexico National Guard Public Affairs Office)

ConGen Herrera-Lim graces Bataan Day Commemoration in Albuquerque, New Mexico Los Angeles, 15 April 2015 – Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim participated in the Annual Bataan Day Commemoration (Day of Valor) at the Bataan Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 11 April 2015. The event was attended by Dr. Dely Alcantara, President of the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico; Ret. Brigadier General Jack Fox, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Affairs; Atilano David, William Overmier, Ernest Montoya and Tony Reyna, WW II veterans and survivors of the Bataan death march. This annual event also honors the members of the New Mexico’s National Guard’s 200th and 515th Coast Artillery Regiments who saw action in the Philippines. Comprised of more than 1,800 men, the 200th Coast Artillery was reckoned to be the single largest US military unit

stationed in the Philippines at the start of WWII. The Bataan Memorial Park in Albuquerque consists of 12-granite columns bearing the names of the 1,800 veterans from both regiments. Many children and grandchildren of WWII veterans and Native Americans who took part in other wars also joined the Bataan Day commemoration. In his remarks, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim recalled for the audience the many wars that the Filipinos and the Americans stood side by side, including the American Civil War, the War of 1812, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and others; but the joint sacrifices in Bataan endure the most. Consul General Herrera-Lim called on the younger members of the community to honor these sacrifices by embracing the few remaining veterans as their living treasures and perpetuate their stories.

Los Angeles – Scores of youth, students, community advocates and Filipino World War II Veterans and widows from the Justice For Filipino American veterans (JFAV) commemorated the 73rd Fall Of Bataan, April 9, 1942 at the culmination of the KmB Pro People Youth /SIKAP Filipino Visibility week last Saturday, April 12, 2015 at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles in Historic Filipintown. JFAV Arturo P. Garcia said, “ we are still fortunate that we have three Filipino American veterans who were able to attend this event while in the Philippines there was none who were able to attend. Most of our veterans are in their 100 years and late 90’s. They fought for us, this is the time we must struggle for them.” Filipino Visibility Week, 2015 At the culmination of the Filipino Visibility Week, the California Coalition for Philippine Studies (SIKAP) shared their stories with the veterans and widows as well as community members and imparted

it into the murals they were making. The murals being completed by different youth organizations were on the display at the stage of FACLA Social hall during the event. Students from UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona PASK and XPO, USC Troy Phi , LAKAS Mentorship and ANSWER-LA attended the event. Veterans and widows from the JFAV and SPACE and community advocates from FACLA and FILAMARTS were also at the event. In the event the Filipino World War II Veterans also shared their stories during war against the Japanese as a form of inter-generational sharing. Eddy Gana and Stepahnie Sajor also gave a Spoken Word performance during the event, A truly novel way to remember the 73rd Bataan Day in Historic Filipinotown Community. For more information please call JFAV at (213)241-0995 or email us Pilipinokami76@yahoo.com.

VA extends program for veterans with traumatic brain injury WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday announced the award of 20 contracts for the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI). Originally slated to end in 2014, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“VACAA”) extended this program through October 2017. “We are pleased to extend this valuable program and provide specialized assisted living services to eligible Veterans with traumatic brain injury that will enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life and community integration,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA’s Interim Under Secretary for Health, “TBI is one of the prevalent wounds of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and VA remains committed to taking care of those Veterans suffering from TBI.” Under the AL-TBI program, Veterans meeting the eligibility criteria are placed in private sector TBI residential care facilities specializing in neurobehavioral rehabilitation. The program offers team-based care and assistance in areas such as speech, memory and mobility. Approximately 202 Veterans participated in the AL-TBI Pilot Program in 47 facilities located in 22 states. Currently, 101 Veterans participate in the pilot as VA continues to accept new eligible patients into the program.

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OPINION

World should fear China’s actions in South China Sea: Aquino By Karl Malakunas

Manila, Philippines, Tuesday 4/14/2015 – China’s efforts to stake its claim to most of the South China Sea should spark fear around the world, with military conflict possible, Philippine President Benigno Aquino told AFP on Tuesday. In an exclusive interview, Aquino also warned that China’s increasingly assertive actions raised the specter of other nations having access cut to vital international shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds in the sea. “Does it engender fear? Yes, I think it should engender fear for the rest of the world,” Aquino said when asked to assess Chinese government moves in recent years to assert its sovereignty claims over the sea. Aquino said that while he did not believe China intended to engage in a military conflict over the territorial disputes with the Philippines and other Asian nations, there was a possibility of one breaking out. “The question of it escalating to something beyond everybody’s control should be at the top of the minds of all world leaders,” he said. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas just off the coasts of other Asian nations, using vague demarcation lines that first appeared on Chinese maps in the 1940s. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims. The contested claims have for decades made the sea one of Asia’s flashpoints, and tensions have risen in recent years as China has moved to assert its authority over the areas. Following a tense standoff between Chinese maritime patrol vessels and the Philippine Navy in 2012, China took control of a rich fishing ground called Scarborough Shoal that is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Satellite images have also shown China recently embarking on major construction activities to expand Chinese-controlled reefs and islets in the Spratly Islands, one of the sea’s biggest archipelagos. Some of those images, published this month on the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, showed a flotilla of Chinese vessels dredging sand onto a feature known as Mischief Reef. The reef is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the southwestern Philippine island of Palawan, and roughly 1,000 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese landmass. Images of other outcrops in the Spratlys showed aircraft runways appearing from jungle, smooth-sided solid masses where there once was coral, and man-made harbors replacing natural reefs. Security fears Aquino said China was building two airstrips on the expanded land formations – the first to be sited so far south of the Chinese mainland – which posed major defense concerns for the Philippines. “With these new features, the two airstrips that come to my mind, once operational, puts into effective (Chinese military) range the entire country,” Aquino said. “The (Chinese) turnaround time, the sustainability of operations, etcetera, are enhanced by all of these airstrips, and potentially other naval ports.” Emphasizing repeatedly that he did not believe China intended to start a war over the competing claims, Aquino said it was nevertheless successfully intimidating other nations. “When you have to use the power, then you are really not powerful, when the mere threat of using the power is sufficient to achieve your aims. And that is where they’re successful,” he said.

Rep. Binay to Sen. Trillanes: Apologize or resign

MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – A day after Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay filed a libel case against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, his sister, Rep. Mar-len Abigail Binay urged the lawmaker to apologize to two Court of Appeals justices and to resign from the Senate. Rep. Binay, a lawyer, warned Trillanes he could be liable for contempt for his “nasty and irresponsible” accusation that CA Associate Justices Jose Reyes Jr. and Francisco Acosta received P20 million each in exchange for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the suspension order against her brother. “Senator Trillanes clearly risks facing contempt charges. Since he has already confessed that he has no evidence to support his reckless allegation other than purported ‘raw intelligence reports’, or hearsay, then the right thing for him to do is promptly say sorry to the court,” she said in a statement. Contempt of court is the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful towards a court of law and its officers in the form of behavior that opposes or defies authority, justice, and dignity of the court. The CA has issued an extended stay order for an indefinite period against the preventive suspension meted out by the Ombudsman to Binay Jr., who is also under investigation in the alleged overpricing of Makati City Hall Building II. The CA’s ruling effectively barred the Ombudsman and the Department of the Interior and Local Government from enforcing the Ombudsman’s March 10 order suspending Binay for six months. Citing the reported bribery of Reyes and Acosta, Trillanes on Monday filed a resolution asking the

Senate to investigate the alleged “justice for sale” system at the CA. Reyes and Acosta have denied Trillanes’ accusation, calling it a form of harassment and intimidation. Rep. Binay added it would be be better if Trillanes resigns from the Senate because he has already become a “big embarrassment” to the institution. The lawmaker said Trillanes’ dogged determination to go after her family is linked to his desire to be drafted as the vice presidential candidate of the Liberal Party-Nacionalista Party (LP-NP) coalition. She said Trillanes is counting on his chances to run alongside LP’s presumptive standard bearer, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. “Senator Trillanes has been desperately trying to sell himself to voters and more importantly, to Roxas. This is why the senator has been leading the charge against the Vice President, who remains the biggest obstruction to Roxas’ own aspiration to become president,” she said. Even before he accused the CA justices of receiving bribes, the Makati lawmaker noted that Trillanes had already established a pattern of making allegations against the Binays based on “wild guesswork,” then trying to gather evidence to back up his claim. The senator previously accused Pulse Asia of receiving bribes to make Vice President Jejomar Binay’s rating favorable in its surveys, she recalled. “Senator Trillanes has thrown all standards of objectivity and fairness out the window in his bid to destroy the Vice President and everybody else that gets in his (Trillanes’) way,” Rep. Binay said. (MNS)

In parched California, Beverly Hills may go greener by going brown By Sara Puig

Los Angeles, United States, AFP , Wednesday 4/15/2015 – With its lush shrubs and manicured lawns, posh Beverly Hills is being shoved somewhere it’s never been – pinched by deepening drought, mandatory cuts and now potential fines. Even its mega-rich have had to shut the spigot, under fire for over-watering. “The lady of the house now has come to terms. She is going to let the garden die,” Mexican-born long-time gardener Gilberto, who declined to give his family name, told AFP, outside an elegant two-story home of an octogenarian surrounded by a wall of shrubbery. “She says that the important thing now is to cut back. Because this has become reallly serious,” he added, adjusting his big straw hat to keep the scorching sun out of his eyes. California is now in its worst drought since records began, now in its fourth year. Reservoirs are nearing empty, agriculture has been hard hit. For the inhabitants of this enclave of extreme wealth, a water shortage usually has meant they simply paid more for the water they used – which might be more, instead of less. But in the crisis – in this state which has a climate ranging from Mediterranean to desert – has turned so harsh that Governor Jerry Brown has ordered 25-percent cuts in water use to try to put a dent in the crisis. Cutting back On average wealthier neighborhoods like Beverly Hills consume three times more water than less affluent ones, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). “With income and water use so tightly bound together, further incentive must be given to higher water users – and thus higher-income customers – to conserve more,” the study said. Brown’s 25 percent reductions would be achieved by ramping up enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, while investing in technologies designed to make California more

drought-resilient. The order also set out new measures to reduce water use, including the replacement of 50 million square feet (4.6 million square meters) of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping. It can be a tough sell for people with plenty to spend. And many Americans who developed California came from the wetter US East, used to rolling lawns, hedges and flower beds. But “really, everyone here has got the message on what is happening” in terms of drought, said Onesimo Jauregui, another gardener from Mexico, hose in hand, carefully watering plants in front of another mansion. “For some weeks now, the people who live around here have been watering less. A lot of them are putting gravel everywhere the green used to be,” he said. Fines or fine-tuning? As he said, many Beverly Hills residents have started giving some thought to the crisis. And some have reduced the time irrigation systems are run. Others have opted to replace some of their plantings with others that have deeper roots and look fine with less frequent watering. But getting out of the typical American mindset of homes needing big lawns and gardens remains a challenge. “It is a huge culture change – and a way of thinking,” said Trish Ray, with the city’s of Beverly Hills’ public works office. “What we have to work on with our citizens is how do we redefine what a garden city means,” she said. With some changes made, “it may look a little different, but it’s just as beautiful.” The move to fining hasn’t started yet, but could soon if the situation does not change. Governor Brown’s order also set out new measures to reduce water use, including the replacement of 50 million square feet (4.6 million square meters) of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping.

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Justice for sale?

If Senator Antonio Trillanes’ exposé is true that some cases in the Court of Appeals are being decided not on merits but on how much a person facing a lawsuit is willing to pay a judge to get a favorable ruling is both alarming and despicable. In response, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said it will initiate its own investigation regarding the alleged bribery. Trillanes himself is facing libel charges filed by suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay before the Makati Regional Trial Court after stating that two CA justices allegedly received P25 million a justice has been involved in a scandal. each from the Binay camp. Last year, the Supreme Court dismissed The Supreme Court refused to be drawn Sandigan Bayan Associate Justice Gregory in the bribery scandal. Supreme Court Ong after he was linked to pork scam Chief Justice Sereno promised to initiate mastermind Janet Napoles, who was just a probe if Senator Trillanes will come up convicted for kidnapping Benhur Luy, the with hard evidence against erring CA jus- main witness in the pork barrel scam. tices. She also shut down the proposal of According to Trillanes, those who acTrillanes for the Senate to initiate a separate cepted bribes were CA Justices Jose Reyes investigation. But Sereno said only the Su- Jr. and Francisco Acosta of the 6th division. preme Court has the power to investigate Both were accused by Sen. Trillanes of erring justices or judges suspected to be each “pocketing” P25 million to prevent involve in bribery. the temporary suspension of Mayor Binay It is often said that a corrupt judicial over corruption charges. The country has system not only violate the basic right to 23 CA divisions with 66 members. Both equality before the law but also deny the justices were responsible for issuing a procedural rights of individuals guaranteed temporary restraining order (TRO) and by the Constitution. If the allegations are preliminary injunction that forestalled the true, these corrupt judges or hoodlums in Office of the Ombudsman and the Departpurple robes must be booted out from of- ment of Interior and Local Governments fice and jailed if we want to live in a place (DILG) from carrying out the six-month where there is an equal opportunity for suspension order against Binay. everyone to live a life with dignity. Prominent lawyer “Pancho Villaraza Corruption in the country has become was “fingered” by Senator Trillanes as the pervasive. Every government official “facilitator” of the bribe given allegedly by thinks that it is their God-given right to the family of Vice President Jejomar Binay make a “fast buck” while in office. No to save the “neck” of his beleaguered son. wonder, even some of our “honorable” As a former newspaperman from Majudges are now doing it. nila Bulletin, I heard several “amazing” This is not the first time that a judge or stories about Attorney Villaraza. He has

been known as an influential lawyer and political operator with strong ties with politicians and government officials. They said that with Villaraza as your lawyer, “everything is possible.” He is also the personal counsel of former President and now Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo. He is also reportedly supporting the candidacy of Vice President Binay in the 2016 national election. Both of the accused justices have no other choice but deny the allegations made against them by Trillanes. Villaraza also denied having anything to do with the alleged bribery. He said the younger Binay is not even a client of his firm. Vice President Binay’s reputation has been besmirched so many times as a result of his unexplained wealth, multi -million-

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peso “Hacienda Binay” and for his alleged involvement in the P2 billion overpriced Makati car park building. He has also been accused by his former friend and Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado of getting 15 % commission for every condominium property erected in Makati. So who do think is lying? The Binay family, Trillanes or the two justices and the high-profile lawyer? If you will ask me, I will say it’s the Binay family. Just like his friend, President BS Aquino, Vice President Binay has been accustomed to lying, being a lawyer and a politician for so many years. I hope the IBP will initiate a thorough investigation on Trillanes’ revelations in order to cleanse the judiciary of hoodlums in robes.

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FOOD & DINING

FAMILY FEATURES

reen beans are no longer a plain side dish for dinner. Here are some fun, kid-friendly recipes to try at home to help encourage your kids to eat a healthy serving of green beans. “Florida green beans are great with a dip. Try them with hummus, ranch or any of your favorite dressings,” suggested Justin Timineri, Executive Chef and Culinary Ambassador, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can find more delicious recipes for Florida green beans at http://bit.ly/flsnapbeans. Chef Justin Timineri

The Power of Green Green beans are a flavorful way to eat healthy all year around.  They are a good source of dietary fiber.  Green beans contain vitamin C and folic acid.  They are also an important source of potassium and many micronutrients.  One cup of cooked, fresh green beans has only 30 calories and no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

Green Bean Poufs

When choosing beans, look for plump, crisp beans that are reasonably well shaped. The beans should have even color with fresh blossom ends and snap readily when broken. Many people prefer smaller beans, which are usually more tender.

Yield: 4 servings 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed 1 can prepared crescent roll dough Fill large sized stock pot 3/4 of the way full and lightly salt water. Bring lightly salted water to rolling boil over mediumhigh heat. Fill medium-sized mixing bowl halfway with ice and water. Add trimmed and cut green beans to boiling water and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Using hand strainer, remove green beans from boiling water and place them into ice water to stop cooking. The green beans should be crisp-tender and vibrant green. After green beans have cooled down, remove from ice water and set aside. Dry blanched green beans with paper towel. Open tube of prepared crescent roll dough. Cut each dough roll into strips. Wrap bunches of 3 green beans in spiral manner and place on cookie sheet. Continue process until all dough and green beans are used. Bake wrapped green beans until the dough is cooked and golden brown. Let cool and serve. Kids Can: Wrap dough around the green beans.

Mini Green Bean Casserole Yield: 4 servings

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1 pound green beans, ends trimmed 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 1 tablespoon olive oil Fill large sized stock pot 3/4 of the way full and lightly salt water. Bring lightly salted water to rolling boil over mediumhigh heat. Fill medium-sized mixing bowl halfway with ice and water. Add trimmed and cut green beans to boiling water and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Using hand strainer, remove green beans from boiling water and place them into ice water to stop cooking. The green beans should be crisptender and vibrant green. After green beans have cooled down, remove from ice water and set aside. Preheat oven to 370°F. Divide blanched green beans evenly into four mini casserole dishes. Add an even amount of cheese on top of green beans. In small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and olive oil. Mix ingredients to combine. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top of green beans and cheese. Place mini green bean casseroles in oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool before serving. Kids Can: Add shredded cheese to the top of green beans.

Green Bean Stir-Fry Yield: 4 servings 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed 2 cups sweet bell peppers, sliced 2 cups zucchini, sliced thin 1 cup carrot, sliced thin 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon black and white sesame seeds Preheat large sauté pan or wok over medium high heat. Add olive oil to preheated pan. Carefully add all vegetables to preheated pan. Cook vegetables for 4 to 7 minutes or until desired doneness. Add honey and soy sauce to pan and stir to combine. Serve stir-fry with rice and garnish with sesame seeds. Chef’s Tip: Add favorite vegetables in place of the ones listed in recipe. Kids Can: Snap green beans and help measure honey and soy.

Green Bean and Potato Salad with Yogurt Dressing Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1/2 pound fresh green beans, washed, ends trimmed and cut into thirds 2 pounds potatoes, washed, peeled and diced large 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt 2 lemons, juiced 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine 1/4 cup olive oil Sea salt to taste Fresh ground pepper to taste Fill large sized stock pot 3/4 of the way full and lightly salt water. Bring lightly salted water to rolling boil over mediumhigh heat. Fill medium-sized mixing bowl halfway with ice and water. Add trimmed and cut green beans to boiling water and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Using hand strainer, remove green beans from boiling water and place them into ice water to stop cooking. The green beans should be crisp-tender and vibrant green. After green beans have cooled down, remove from ice water and set aside. Carefully add cut potatoes to same boiling water greens beans were cooked in. Cook potatoes in boiling water for around 15 minutes depending on size. The potatoes should be slightly firm, yet tender to the bite. Using colander placed in the sink, drain potatoes and run cold water over them to cool off and stop cooking. In large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, parsley and olive oil. Stir yogurt mixture to combine. Taste potato salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep potato salad cold in refrigerator and stir before serving. Kids Can: Help combine ingredients for dressing.

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ENTERTAINMENT Gerald confirms breakup with Maja Kapamilya stars Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador have decided to “take a break” from their relationship, the 26-yearold actor confirmed on Tuesday. Anderson was asked about the rumored breakup during a press conference held Tuesday for his upcoming primetime series “Nathaniel,” which will premiere on Monday. “Opo, we are taking a break muna sa relationship namin,” Anderson said, “but okay kami, we’re on very good terms and nag-uusap kami. We’re doing this together and we’re taking this step by step together.” He added: “I don’t want to go into

details... Hayaan niyo po muna kaming mag-recover muna, dahil hindi po biro po ‘yung pinagdaanan namin, so just please, sana po respect our privacy and all I ask is please respect her as much as you can.” Anderson also thanked their fans, family and friends who “were always there” for him and Salvador. “I just want to say thank you sa fans namin, who are always there, sa friends and family namin... All we ask right now is just please respect our privacy, please respect us. ‘Yun lang po sasabihin ko about that,” he said. Anderon and Salvador first confirmed their relationship in May 2013. (MNS)

Kris, son Bimby in road mishap TV host Kris Aquino and her son, actor Bimby Aquino-Yap, Jr., figured in a minor road accident on the way to a shoot on Tuesday. On Instagram, Aquino narrated the incident that happened along EDSA. “Unfortunately on our way to our shoot, on EDSA 2 armored cars abruptly changed lanes swerving to lanes to the right, the vehicle in front of us made a sudden stop,” the 44-year-old actress said. “Our brakes were good and we were all wearing seatbelts but we were bumped by the car immediately behind us.” She added: “I wanted to be a professional and finish our commitment, but Bimb and I are really feeling dizzy from the impact and I want to make sure we’re both okay.” In another post two hours later, Aquino shared that she and Bimby visited their emergency doctors at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig. Detailing results of their checkup – Aquino said she had muscle spasms in her neck and right shoulder – the “Feng Shui” star reported that they were cleared to go home for bed rest.(MNS)

Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes announce pregnancy Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes are expecting their first child. The TV superstars, whose highly publicized nuptials last December were dubbed a “Royal Wedding,” made the announcement Monday in an interview with broadcast journalist Jessica Soho that aired on “24 Oras.” “Gusto po namin sabihin na nagbunga ang aming pagmamahalan,” said Dantes. “Nabiyayaan kami ng Panginoon ng isa sa pinaka magandang regalo na puwedeng ibigay and that’s the gift of life.” The pregnancy was scheduled, according to the 34-year-old actor. He explained: “Iyon din po ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nagpursige na magpakasal – to really build a family. At alam naman namin na ang pagkakaroon ng anak ay isa sa mga mahalagang bagay para sa isang pamilya. Magmula noon, ipinagdasal na po namin na ibigay sa amin, na ibibigay po sa tamang panahon.” When asked whether they have a preferred sex for their baby, Dantes answered, “One step a time. Sa ngayon, nagpapasalamat kami na may biyaya kami ng isang buhay. Okay na, kahit ano ang ibigay sa amin.”

Kris Aquino and son Bimby

Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador

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SPORTS

Where Manny Pacquiao sees himself ten years from now By Jannelle So

He trains hard from Monday to Saturday. But on the Lord’s day, Sunday, Philippine fighting congressman Manny Pacquiao focuses on his family and his faith, making it a point to attend Sunday worship service at Westside Shepherd of the Hills. “Before I came to this church, I was praying and crying to the Lord. ‘Lord, I don’t know where I’m going. Where will I go every Sunday, what will I do?’ The Lord brought me here,” said Pacquiao who has been attending this particular church since he was introduced to it by his Aunt Lillia. Pastor Dudley Rutherford, leader of the church, had this to say about meeting the 8-division world boxing champion: “I know that God has the future lined up for both of us. I don’t know when he’s done fighting, if I’d see him again. If I’ll go to the Philippines, to help start a church over there. But I do believe that God put it in my heart just to help him. I don’t want anything from him. I don’t need anything from him. I just want to hep him. I want to help him grow spiritually. Because so many people are pulling on him. And I just want to help him to be the man God wants him to be.”

The one-on-one live interview Rutherford had with Pacquiao, started with the Filipino pride narrating how he started in boxing. He said that at a young age of 12, even without knowing what boxing was, he put his name in a signup sheet, “because all I know [sic] is you can get money. And I needed money to give to my mother to feed our family.” He said that he ended up actually winning that day, earning himself PhP100; “that’s $2,” he said, with his popular smile. The crowd cheered. “If you lose [sic], you get [sic] PhP50. That’s $1.” Rutherford also showed clips from the “Manny,” the movie about Pacquiao’s life, documenting his rise to fame and fall to vices, “gambling, drinking, girls and womanizing,” Pacquiao said. Through the whole hour or so of the interview, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao got emotional while watching her husband’s testimony. ಯKasi naiisip ko ಫyung buhay namin dati and now; more on the happiness side. Answered prayer talaga, na ಫyung mga pinagdaanan namin, nakayanan namin,” she said in an interview, after the service. And even offered an advice to people going through hard times: “Be strong. If you

“Director Manny Pacquiao”: The Sunday Easter lull had boxing hero Manny Pacquiao display his other talents, this time at directing, as he put his skills in the production of a video that will also showcase his singing talent. The video features him singing ‘Para Sa ‘Yo Ang Laban Na ‘To’ (This fight is for you) and shot with Team Pacquiao in the cast will serve as the rallying visual presentation at his May 2 encounter with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.

have a relationship with God, you can do everything when you have God by your side. Just never give up.” As for their family, husband and wife agree in separate interviews that their fu-

ture includes serving God. When Rutherford asked him where he saw himself 10 years from now, Pacquiao replied: “Serving God and serving the people.”

‘Floyd training in a swimming pool is a sign he knows Manny is taking him into deep water’ – Roach HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 7, 2015) – SACRÉ BLEU! We have all heard of France’s New Wave style of filmmaking but has Floyd “Money” Mayweather decided to incorporate New Wave training into his preparations for his battle against Fighter of the Decade Congressman Manny “Pacman”Pacquiao or is he just a fish out of water? Their welterweight world championship unification battle takes place Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. By the looks of the footage Mayweather posted on his Instagram account http:// www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/ boxing/9793142/floyd-hits-the-pool it seems like the undefeated reigning welterweight and super welterweight world

champion is underwater from the pressure of his impending battle with the man he has finally been forced to fight—eight division world champion and boxing superhero Pacquiao! “Sounds like we should start calling him Floyd “Flipper” Mayweather,” said Hall of Famer and seven-time Trainer of the Year World-Famous Freddie Roach. “Team Mayweather would be wise to add a lifeguard to their corner on fight night because Manny is taking ‘Mr. 47 and 1’ into deep water. Swimming lessons or whatever he thinks he is doing will not help him survive the shark-infested waters he will be entering on May 2. I’m betting his little buddy Justin Bieber will be walking him into the ring

singing this: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=azEOeTX1LqM.” Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the Mayweather-

Pacquiao live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Life sentence for NFL star Aaron Hernandez New York, United States, AFP, Wednesday 4/15/2015 – Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday for the firstdegree murder of a semi-pro football player two years ago. The sentencing in a Massachusetts court after a four-month trial cements a spectacular fall from grace for Hernandez, who once had a $40 million, five-year contract with the New England Patriots.

The victim, Odin Lloyd, was a 27-yearold semi-pro football player whose bloodied body was found in North Attleboro, Massachusetts on June 17, 2013, less than a mile from Hernandez’s luxury home. Lloyd had been dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. Hernandez, 25, glanced to the side and pursed his lips after the jury pronounced the first-degree murder conviction. His mother and fiancée sobbed in the gallery.

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COMMUNITY USCIS expands myE-Verify used in hiring workers

Photo above shows: (from left) PNB Global Filipino Banking Group Head Benjie Oliva, Pilipino Workers Center Executive Director Aqui Soriano-Versoza, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees President Linda Granados, Pinoy Town Hall Global Marketing Head Malou Villacisneros, PNB President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros.

Consulate meets with community, business leaders to access opportunities in LA Los Angeles, 15 April 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Los Angeles Filipino community and business leaders paid a courtesy call to Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim on 10 April 2015. The Filipino community and business organization leaders informed Consul General Herrera-Lim about recent organization program partnerships and events. They also announced that registration is now open for a FREE SEMINAR on How to Apply for Jobs in the City of Los Angeles in tandem with How to Land a Contract in the City of Los Angeles presented by the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) and Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), organized by Pinoy Town Hall (PTH). This event, sponsored by Philippine National Bank Remittance Center Inc.

(PNBRCI) will be held on Saturday, 25 April 2015, at the PWC Community Room 153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026. A complimentary Filipino lunch will be available to all attendees who will be registering online. Event Details are shown below: â&#x20AC;˘ Date: Saturday, 25 April 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Time: Sign-In 9:00am, Seminar 9:30am â&#x20AC;˘ Location: PWC Community Room, 153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 â&#x20AC;˘ Cost: FREE â&#x20AC;˘ Registration: :WWW.PINOYTOWNHALL.COM/REGISTERNOW or call (855) 746-6984 Ext. 801. Contact: Cynthia

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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the expansion of myE-Verify services nationwide. myE-Verify is a one-stop shop for employees to create and maintain secure personal accounts and access features for identity protection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since its inception, E-Verify has provided employees with valuable online tools and resources regarding the employment eligibility verification process,â&#x20AC;? said USCIS Director LeĂłn RodrĂguez. â&#x20AC;&#x153;myE-Verify signifies a significant step forward for added transparency, features, and identity protection.â&#x20AC;? myE-Verify gives workers a free and secure way to participate in the E-Verify process by accessing features dedicated for employees, including Self Check and the Employee Rights Toolkit. For added security, individuals will have their identities verified through Self Check, in order to create a myE-Verify account. myE-Verify introduces the following services now available nationwide: Ă&#x192;ĂšÂ&#x203A;-Ă˛Â&#x203A;Ă&#x2122;ÂŽÂĽĂš Â&#x192;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x160;Ă§Ă&#x201E;ĂŁĂ? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Allows employees and job seekers to set up free and secure personal accounts to manage the use of their information in E-Verify and Self Check. Ă?Â&#x203A;Â˝ÂĽ Â˝Ă&#x160;Â&#x2018;Âť â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Allows individuals to lock their social security numbers to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use within E-Verify. Users can proactively protect their identities from being used by others to illegally gain employment. Self Lock is available only to myE-Verify account holders. Ă&#x192;ĂšĂ&#x2122;Â&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x160;Ă§Ă&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A section of the myE-Verify site that contains information in multi-media formats to educate employees about their rights and the responsibilities of employers in the employment eligibility verification process. myE-Verify accounts and Self Lock were previously released in 21 states and the District of Columbia. USCIS plans to roll out additional myE-Verify services focused on employees and job seekers in the future. E-Verify is the free web-based service from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security used by nearly 590,000 employers to verify the employment eligibility of persons they hire. For more information on E-Verify, visit the www.dhs.gov/E-Verify, or for myEVerify visithttp://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify. For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

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Star-studded Los Angeles-Makati Sister City on May 3 at Omni Hotel KC Concepcion to receive Anak ng Makati Award, Geneva Cruz and Garrie Concepcion to grace First Filipiniana Gala event of the LA-Makati Sister Cities, Inc. The Los Angeles-Makati Sister Cities Fundraising Gala will be true to their status as the FilAm organizers has been working to put up a star-studded night with top celebrities from the entertainment, government and business worlds. The event will be held at The Omni Hotel at downtown LA, right at the center of one of the world’s richest cities. KC Concepcion will be the top awardee as a very outstanding Anak ng Makati. It is not just because of her stellar power nor her pedigreed name because of her equally stellar parents Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion but because of her outstanding work as United Nations Ambassador Against Hunger of the UN’s World Food Programme. All these years KC is an epitome of a very good, blessed and a role model citizen. Behind the glam and glitter to show the finest in Filipiniana fashion is no other than Cora Manimbo, Philippine fashion guru herself. Her spectacular creations using the finest indigenous Philippine fabrics in her glamorous designs has stunned her audiences both in the Philippines and abroad. It has earned her the respects of her colleagues and fashion aficionados. She is the most sought after designer especially among the power men and women both here and abroad. Her gowns and barongs are totally intricate works of art that requires incredible craftsmanship. Her creations are a must see and must have in every closet of every men and women that values fashion. Geneva Cruz of the famous Smokey Mountain and Garrie Concepcion a recording artist and TV personality are both endorsers of one of the event’s major sponsors, Image Spa MD.

KC Concepcion

Geneva Cruz

Geneva started her career quite young and has carved a name for herself with several hits to her credit like Anak ng Pasig and Garrie Concepcion Kailan. Garrie went further and studied acting lessons in the US. Both had bloomed into beautiful and glamorous ladies and has continuously lent their support to the community. If there is one Filipino Group who had sang their way to prestigious stages in the United States like the The Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, The Ford Amphitheater, The Carnegie Hall, it must be The Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles. This group was started by Dino Padallan and some UST Singers including Pete Avendano with Gordon Lejarde as the original Musical Director. Mr. Gelo Francisco of Madrigal Singers is one of the founding members. The PCSLA has continuously serenaded the almost jaded Angelenos with their repertoire of great Filipino and contemporary music. Every performance has become a source of pride to the FilAm community. Philippines is known for its ethnic dances. Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts has captivated the imagination of the world with their superb performances especially the Singkil, Tinikling and other colorful dances that are very special to every Filipino. The North Hills based group will once again wow the crowd with their fabulous dances that has made them famous. It’s

not just the highly disciplined and fluid performances that has made them great but their costumes were equally beautiful and eye catching. President of the Los Angeles Sister Cities, Inc. is Atty. Abraham Lim. Other Board members of the powerhouse group are VP Ms. Trinity Foliente, Annie CuevasLim formerly head of the Department of Tourism in LA, Ms. Janelle So-Perkins, TV Producer and former producer of the famous Kababayan LA 18, Atty Ernie Ocampo, Atty. Michael BantillanAndrawis, Healthcare Specialist Lourdes Garcia, RN, MSN, MHA, CIME and Mohamed Sellami, a well known heart surgeon , Vic Perez of V Entertainment, Ms. Cora Aragon-Soriano, a well-known

community leader and Ms.Grace Mercado of FoodTrients. These brilliant men and women of the FilAm community have joined forces to create this biggest event not just to be memorable but to truly showcase the arts and culture of the Philippines in full pomp and pageantry. Makati is the host city of the year. Sponsors for the event are FoodTrients, Island Pacific, Leelin Bakery, Arcadia Retirement Village, Law offices of Atty. C. Joe Sayas,, Image Spa MD, Miss Asia USA, Asian Journal Publication Inc., Balikbayan Magazine, Virgilia VillegasProductions of Miss Asia-USA,Filipino Heritage Festival, Jessie and Lydia Alfonso, Weekend Balita and US Asian Post.

Get free tickets to see Lani Misalucha at the Pechanga Theater If you are interested in seeing Lani Misalucha live at Pechanga Resort & Casino, then perhaps this is your lucky day. Pechanga Resort & Casino announced a raffle contest, which will giveaway two pairs of tickets to Lani Misalucha’s Concert at the Pechanga Theater on May 22, 2015 at 8 p.m. The raffle contest will begin on April 11 and will be ongoing until April 29. Entry forms can be submitted via email at advertising@balita.com and put LANI as subject. Your entry form should contain your complete name, age and phone number. Participants must be over 21 years old and must also be California residents with a valid form of identification. Contestants will be asked to answer the two (2) trivia questions about Lani Misalucha. If the contestant submits the correct answer, their names will be entered in the raffle drawing to win tickets for themselves and a lucky guest of their choice. What was Lani Misalucha called since she arrived in Las Vegas in 2004? What is the name of

the Hawaiian troupe performing with Lani Misalucha in Las Vegas? To join this raffle contest, please visit one of the following websites: www.usasianpost.com and www.balita.com or get a copy of The US Asian Post and Weekend Balita. You have to answer the trivia questions and send your answers via email. You will be entered into the May 1, 10 a.m. drawing at the Balita Media, Inc. office in Glendale, CA. The winners of the contest will be contacted via phone or email immediately after the raffle drawing. The winners will be able to claim their tickets through willcall at the Pechanga Theater on May 22, 2015. Lastly, winners will be announced in Balita Media’s weekly publications, The US Asian Post and Weekend Balita. Come and experience it all at Pechanga Resort and Casino located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592. For more information, call 1-877-711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

How do Medicare bills get paid

Many providers (doctors, hospitals, dentists, laboratories, pharmacies) are contracted with Medicare. They provide services to Medicare members for a fee. This system of payment is called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fee for service.â&#x20AC;? Under this system, more visit to the doctor means more fees; more diagnostic, preventive or treatment procedures done mean more fees. It is no wonder then that many doctors want to see Medicare patients more often berâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of cost, which is usually 20% of than is necessary. They tend to prescribe total. If not enrolled, the member pays the various medical procedures than are called share of cost out of pocket. If a member is for. also a Medi-Cal beneficiary, depending on This system puts a lot of pressure on his level of participation, Medi-Cal takes Medicare funds. Unless checked, this care of the rest of the share of cost. system will cause the funds to dry up The system differs for those who are sometime in the very near future. enrolled on a Medicare Advantage Plan. The estimated 10,000 baby boomers Under this system, CMS or Medicare that age in to Medicare daily adds up to pays a monthly sum of, more or less, $1,000 to a private health insurance the pressure. Above is a brief description of how company contracted with Medicare, for a providers get paid for services to Medicare memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care. The private commembers who are on Original Medicare. pany negotiates with providers (such as If the member is enrolled on a Medicare doctors group called IPAs, or Independent Supplement Plan, the Plan bears the mem- Physicians Association, etc.) for fees called

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capitation rate. Medicare members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan usually are in an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) model. On this model, a member selects a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from the private health insurance network, who manages or coordinates a memberĂ˘â&#x201A;Źâ&#x201E;˘s health care. A PCP is paid a fixed sum, whether or not his patient comes to visit. But, under this system, a PCP has the motivation to keep his patient healthy and live long because of the fee. An IPA may or may not treat a Specialist in the network, just like a PCP. The IPA manages the funds paid for by the private insurance companies. Since doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees and other medical/ hospital bills are important components

of a Medicare memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care cost, being aware and knowledgeable on their dynamics is critical in light of escalating costs that threaten to undermine the sustainability of Medicare services in the future. Leo Monsalud hails from Sta. Cruz, Zambales. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He worked for UNILAB, where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division. He was a joint venture partner of the San Miguel Corporation in an agri-business project. He holds CA license 0G 55218 and a Non-Resident license for Nevada. You may reach him at 323-535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com. Visit his website: www.healthremediesandoptions.com.

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JOB MARKET For advertising, call (818) 552-4503

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Mid-Wilshire business management and tax firm is looking for a full-charge Bookkeeper with a minimum of 3 years experience at a public accounting or business management firm. You must have strong computer, organization and communication skills. Knowledge of payroll and brokerage statements is required. Competitive fringe benefits, including retirement and cafeteria plan are provided. Salary will be based on experience. All responses will be treated in a confidential manner. Bookkeeping test is required.

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(* DrĹ˝Ć&#x2030; KÄŤ KĹśĹŻyÍ&#x2DC; >Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ĺ˝ĹśĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ĆľĹśĹ?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2022; Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;rdwarÄ&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ˝Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;Ć? Ä&#x201A;rÄ&#x17E; Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;rĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ć?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;raĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻyÍ&#x2DC; Ä&#x161;Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ć&#x;Ĺ˝ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹŻ Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;rĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? ĹľaÇ&#x2021; Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2030;ĹŻy.)

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

Oh most beautiful Ă&#x20AC;ower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. - MARLENE

PRAYERS

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

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

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MOTORING A showcase of top Honda vehicles now ongoing at Norm Reeves Honda West Covina

50-MPG Accord Hybrid is among Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 Best Green Carsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Apr 16, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The award-winning Honda Accord Hybrid, boasting the highest EPA city fuel economy rating of any four-door sedan sold in America1, was named to Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBB.com annual list of the 10 Best Green Cars for 2015, its second straight appearance on the KBB.com green car list. The industry experts at Kelley Blue Book praised the Accord Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stellar fuel economy ratings and excellent value proposition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eco-minded drivers looking for a new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vehicle with low CO2 emissions donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look further than the fun-todrive and fuel-efficient Accord Hybrid,â&#x20AC;? said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recognition from the trusted editors at Kelley Blue Book is proof positive of the progress Honda has made developing increasingly cleaner vehicles over the last 40 years.â&#x20AC;? The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid is designed for outstanding fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance and boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 50/45/47 mpg (city/highway/combined). The Accord Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-motor hybrid system, part of an expanding lineup of Honda EarthDreamsÂŽ Technology powertrains, seamlessly blends electric-only, hybrid and engine drive modes along with powerful regenerative braking to provide highly responsive,

From left are Norm Reeves Honda West Covina Internet Sales Manager Patrick Lucas, Sales Manager George Ventura and General Sales Manager Gen Balouev, who are ready to make a deal.

Find out why Honda is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top brand, get in touch with Patrick Lucas, the Filipino Internet Sales Manager of Norm Reeves Honda West Covina. Call him at 1-888-8689779. Patrick can show you Accord Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best features or all the features of any Honda vehicle for that matter. Norm Reeves Honda West Covina is located at 1840 East Garvey Ave., South, West Covina, CA 91791.

refined and fuel-efficient performance in a wide range of driving situations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Honda Accord is one of the best values in the American auto market, and we expressed our admiration for the model by naming it our Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the hotly contested midsize car category,â&#x20AC;? said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst and executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBB.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So when you take all that goodness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fun-to-drive, great ergonomics and stellar reliability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and add a sophisticated powertrain that has a 50 mpg fuel economy rating, you have a very compelling proposition.â&#x20AC;? KBB.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honor adds to the growing list of prestigious awards for the Honda Accord Hybrid that include being named

About.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best New Cars of 2015â&#x20AC;? and Green Car Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Car of the Year. The Accord Hybrid also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)2. Find out why Honda is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top brand, get in touch with Patrick Lucas, the Filipino Internet Sales Manager of Norm Reeves Honda West Covina. Call him at 1-888-868-9779. Patrick can show you Accord Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best features or all the features of any Honda vehicle for that matter. Norm Reeves Honda West Covina is located at 1840 East Garvey Ave., South, West Covina, CA 91791.

Super welcome kayo dito! Patrick Lucas Internet Sales Manager plucas@normreeveswc.com

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Subaru of America reports record March sales Record March – monthly sales increase 10.4 percent over March 2014; 40th consecutive month of year-over-year growth Cherry Hill, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for March 2015 totaling 49,111 vehicles, a 10.4 percent gain over March 2014. The company also reported yearto-date sales of 131,281, a 16.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014. March marked the 13th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Forester, WRX/STI, Legacy, Outback and XV Crosstrek sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best March ever. Legacy sales for March 2015 increased 90 percent over the same month in 2014. The Forester, WRX/STI, Outback and XV Crosstrek also enjoyed gains over March 2014. Subaru of America, Inc., distributors and retailers were today celebrating the best first quarter in the company’s 47 year history. “We are very pleased to be able to continue our sales momentum into 2015,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are well on our way to making 2015 our seventh consecutive record year thanks to the tireless efforts of our retailers in satisfying the many needs of our customers.” “We have hardworking retailers who have made these record results possible; and we have the right products for consumers,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “The Subaru line-up of vehicles delivers safety, durability and all-wheel drive confidence. It is a winning combination that will continue to drive sales.” Meanwhile in New York, Subaru of America unveiled the STI Performance

tuning capability of STI, featuring the racing engine developed by STI for the BRZ Super GT racecar, suspension and chassis components and aerodynamic upgrades. Complete cars (extensive tuning by STI) and performance parts available now in Japan focus on the Subaru of Glendale Filipino sales team: Christian Marilla (left) WRX STI, Forester and BRZ and Chris Garchitorena models. Concept at the New York International The Japanese domestic market uses Auto Show. the nomenclature “S model” as its namThe STI Performance Concept siging for the WRX STI and uses “tS” on nifies a plan for U.S.-expansion of BRZ and Forester vehicles that have STI Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the components, but a naming convention for performance division of Subaru, in its any future US models has not yet been three core business areas; aftermarket parts, STI-tuned cars and motorsports. established. STI was founded as Subaru The expansion has already begun, with parent company Fuji Heavy Industries’ STI-engineered parts replacing Subaru motor sports division in 1988. In 1989, a Performance Tuning (SPT) aftermarket first-generation Subaru Legacy, tuned by parts in the U.S. market, and with STI’s STI, broke the FIA-certified world speed increasing engineering presence in Subaru record over 100,000 kilometers. From there, STI moved on to the World of America’s Global RallyCross team. Rally Championship, winning 3 construcIn the future, further models tuned by tors championships and 3 driver champiSTI will be available in the US. These cars onships for Colin McRae, Richard Burns could feature more extensive modifications and Petter Solberg. It currently competes from the factory than previously offered, in the Nurburgring 24 Hour Challenge race such as suspension, performance, braking, winning its class two times in 2011 and chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. 2012 and also in the Super GT series with “At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have its BRZ-based Super GT. For more information about Subaru or high power, but also that all aspects of become a new member of the elite Subaru performance are balanced over the whole club, all you have to do is to come on down car,” said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of to Subaru Glendale and our kababayans Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. “When Christian Marilla and Chris Garchitorena we achieve this balance, the driver feels will be more than happy to inform you why that the car is easy to handle and reliable, Subaru is becoming a favorite of Filipinos and he can use it fully to the limits of its and the whole American market. performance. Our plan is to produce cars Subaru of Glendale is located at 1308 S and accessories that drivers can really Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach enjoy.” them at 1-855-230-1547 or you can visit their The STI Performance Concept is a website www.subaruofglendale.net. showcase for the engineering prowess and

Carmakers race to China auto show despite market slowdown By Bill Savadove

Shanghai, China, AFP, Thursday 4/16/2015 – China is crucial to foreign carmakers as the world’s biggest auto market, but slowing economic growth and a corruption crackdown are denting its appeal as they gather for the country’s premier industry show. The Shanghai auto show – the location alternates with Beijing – is a chance for global automobile manufacturers to show off their latest offerings to the massive market. Vehicle sales in China reached 23.49 million last year, well ahead of the United States, which it overtook in 2009. But annual sales growth halved to 6.9 percent last year from 13.9 percent in 2013, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The slowdown continued in the first three months of this year, when sales rose just 3.9 percent. “The reality is, despite lower growth rates... the numbers in China are still the largest in the world,” said Londonbased principal analyst for IHS Automotive, Namrita Chow. “It’s still a big market for automakers to fight for market share.” The downturn comes as growth in China, the world’s number two economy, is faltering. It expanded by an annual rate of 7.0 percent in the first quarter, the lowest level since 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis. At the same time, Chinese cities are slapping limits on the number of vehicles as heavy pollution and traffic-choked roads spark calls for change. The southern boomtown of Shenzhen became the latest to impose such measures in December, bringing the total number of cities to at least seven, but carmakers expect more to follow. A prolonged corruption crackdown and government austerity drive are also hurting the “premium” market—defined by analysts as vehicles costing from $33,000 to $197,000 – as well as rarefied luxury brands with even higher prices. “The whole corruption crackdown is affecting premium products,” said Chow of IHS.

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2015 Nissan Murano named U.S. News ‘Best 2-Row SUV for Families’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Already the U.S. News Best “2-Row SUV for the Money,” the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano adds another title to its growing list of accolades. Today, U.S. News & World Report named the 2015 Nissan Murano Best “2-Row SUV for Families” in its annual “Best Cars for Families” awards. Murano, which is also currently listed as the U.S. News “No. 1 Affordable Midsize SUV,” bested two fellow 2015 finalists to earn top honors in the class. The “Best Cars for Families” awards combine professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features into a composite score. Within each of 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest score is named the Best Car for Families in that category. Based on the U.S. News analysis, the 2015 Murano was recognized for having the best combination of positive reviews, safety and reliability scores, interior space, and family-friendly features in its class In particular, features like Around View Monitor helped Murano win because it gives parents a virtual 360-degree bird’seye view of the area around the vehicle, helping to make parking easier. The Murano was also noted for its multiple USB ports and well-reviewed touchscreen system that helps to keep everyone in the family entertained among other qualities to capture the crown of “Best 2-Row SUV for Families.” Earlier this year, the 2015 Murano beat out 11 fellow midsize SUVs to earn its current position as U.S. News “No. 1 Affordable Midsize SUV.” “When the all-new 2015 Murano went

on sale in December, we were confident this vehicle would be among the best,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Manuel Lava of Nissan of N i s s a n Mission Hills Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. “Featuring undeniable comfort, ample interior and cargo space, advanced safety features and so much more, experts and customers alike are now seeing in the 2015 Murano what we’ve seen all along – the all-new Murano is in an elite class, and we’re ecstatic to validate this with another highly-coveted U.S. News award.” The all-new third-generation Murano features modern styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology. The breakthrough exterior design projects a sense of refined intensity, creating an immediate “wow” response, while delivering a low 0.31 Cd drag coefficient. The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof. Premium features and driving assistance

technologies abound in the 2015 Murano, including available NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Every 2015 Murano comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Fuel economy has increased 20 percent (over the previous generation) for combined mpg and is rated at 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. The 2015 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the Murano S FWD is $29,560 USD, while the top-ofthe-line Murano Platinum AWD is priced at $40,600 USD (full pricing is available at NissanNews.com). If you have been desiring to own a new Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a Test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Nissan of Mission Hills. Call Manuel at 1-888-588-7635 and test drive a Nissan vehicle today! Nissan of Mission Hills is located at 11000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345.

Toyota ends plant freeze with $1.0-B Mexico factory By Hiroshi Hiyama

Tokyo, Japan | AFP | Wednesday 4/15/2015 – The world’s biggest automaker Toyota ended its freeze on building new factories Wednesday, unveiling plans for a $1.0 billion plant in rising industry power Mexico and another production line in China. The Japanese giant said it would build a factory in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato to start production of the Corolla sedan in 2019, creating about 2,000 jobs. The company also said it was adding another production line to an existing plant in southern China to start from 2017. Together, the investments would raise its global capacity by 300,000 units annually – including 200,000 at the Mexican plant – at a combined cost of about $1.4 billion, Toyota said. Toyota will shift Corolla production away from a Canadian plant to the new facility in Mexico, a favorite destination for automakers thanks to its cheap labor and proximity to the huge US market. Mexico surpassed Brazil to become the world’s seventh biggest auto producer last year, with companies such as Japan’s Honda and US firm General Motors building up their presence in the country. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said production rose 10 percent in the first quarter compared to last year. “Toyota’s decision to invest in Mexico is not a coincidence. This projects Mexico as a reliable investment destination,” Pena Nieto said from his official residence in Mexico City, accompanied by Toyota executives. Toyota said it would announce later which model would roll off the new Chinese production line. Earlier reports said the automaker would probably produce fuel-efficient passenger vehicles under a local brand through a joint venture with a Chinese firm. The vehicles would meet stricter environmental regulations as China, the world’s biggest auto market, grapples with a serious air pollution problem. The Japanese carmaker began operating a new Thai plant in 2013, but since then it has halted investment as the global car market has struggled with oversupply and weak demand. Despite Wednesday’s announcement, Toyota chief Akio Toyoda said the firm would not embark on an unrestrained expansion. “An increase in production does not mean an undisciplined pursuit of more,” he said in a statement. Last month, Toyoda announced plans to overhaul the firm’s production methods, vowing to slash development costs and describing the shake-up as crucial to navigating “sudden and drastic changes” in the auto sector. While the car giant is on track for a record $18 billion fiscal year profit, largely due to a weak yen and strong North American sales, Toyoda has said his family firm must go further to protect its bottom line in a fast-changing market. The company said it would raise the fuel efficiency of its powertrains – the engine and transmission – and build more new models on common platforms, as its rivals also increase the number of shared parts on different vehicle models. Toyota said the move, aimed at cutting development costs by 20 percent, would start with mid-sized, front-wheel-drive vehicles this year.

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Mitsubishi Motors reports 13th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases Best March sales since 2007; Fifth straight quarter of double-digit sales increases Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has reported another outstanding month with March 2015 vehicle sales of 9,764 units, an 8.5 percent sales increase from March 2014. Sales in the first quarter of 2015 for the auto manufacturer are up 19.9 percent from the same period last year; this is the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales increases for the brand. The U.S.-built Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover led the way with sales of 3,226 units. The affordably-priced, fuel-efficient Mirage 5-door subcompact delivered its best-ever month of sales since its relaunch with 2,488 units in March. The Outlander 7-passenger crossover once again posted strong sales with 1,615 units – its best March since 2007. “March sales put an exclamation point on first quarter results for Mitsubishi Motors,” said Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President MMNA. “Demand remains strong for our core models, and Mirage sales show that desire for affordable, economical and reliable transportation are still major purchasing motivators. And we expect Outlander to continue its healthy sales, strengthened by the upcoming debut of a new 2016 Outlander with over 100 improvements.”

Meanwhile in New York, Mitsubishi Motors North America unveiled the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander sevenpassenger crossover at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The 2016 Outlander is the first Mitsubishi production vehicle to showcase the brand’s new design language. The 2016 Outlander is not just a cosmetic “refreshing,” however, and features an unprecedented number of important engineering and design improvements that increase the level of refinement and overall driving experience. The 2016 Outlander is a segmentleading vehicle that will appeal to buyers wanting value, quality and safety. “The 2016 Outlander has an eyecatching new design aesthetic inside and out, and with its long list of engineering upgrades, the new Outlander literally looks, drives and feels like an entirely new vehicle, making it an even more compelling value than before,” said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen.

“Mitsubishi’s outstanding sales momentum is carrying into the new-year and with the arrival of the 2016 Outlander crossover we are well positioned to sustain our growth.” The 2016 Outlander features Mitsubishi’s new front design concept, “Dynamic Shield.” This feature is inherited from the bumper side protection seen on generations of the Montero, providing unique protection for both the people and car. Numerous design and engineering improvements have been made to the chassis of the 2016 Outlander, including increased body and suspension structural rigidity, redesigned suspension and Electric Power Steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, more sound insulation throughout the vehicle, new dynamic front suspension and rear differential dampers, improved weather stripping and engine compartment trim (all models). Additionally, the new generation continuously-variable transmission offers improved acceleration, performance, shift

feel and torque delivery (all CVT-equipped models). The exterior design features of the 2016 Outlander include a redesigned front fascia, front fenders, halogen headlights, LED position lights, lower door sections, 18-in. alloy wheels, rear fascia and LED taillights (all models); and power-folding side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer and LED headlights (GT model). The reconfigured interior includes a redesigned steering wheel, seating surfaces, accent trim, rear folding seat, headliner, display audio system (all models) and auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink (GT model). Mitsubishi’s advanced safety systems including Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are now available for the SEL and GT Models. Mitsubishi Motors finished 2014 with vehicle sales up 24.8 percent over 2013 – among the highest sales growth in the U.S. auto industry. That sales moment For more information on the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage, please visit media. mitsubishimotors.com or better yet If you want to know why the Mitsubishi is up in its sales and why the Mirage is among the best in America or why Mitsubishi vehicles are the choice of many of our kababayans – nostalgia perhaps? – who are looking for reliability, efficiency and comfort, call Richard Samaco, Cesar Macandili or Mark De Leon the dealership’s Filipino salespersons at Glendale Mitsubishi at (888) 465-7218.

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