Weekend Balita november 7, 2015

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VOL. XXIII, NO. 40

LOS ANGELES

November 7 - 13, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

TANIM-BALA FIASCO:

Balikbayan bribes her way to ‘freedom’

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MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Traumatic and embarrassing. This is how a balikbayan described how she felt when she fell victim to the “tanim-bala� scam during her visit to the Philippines in 2009.

Rose Valdez, 66, said she and her husband went to the Philippines for a vacation in 2009. She said they were about to return to the US when an airport screener claimed to have seen a 22-caliber bullet in her carry-on bag. “Nagulat ako kasi dumaan na yun sa US screening bago dumating dito. Tapos nung pauwi na kami dun nangyari yun. Sabi ko ‘Ano ba ito?’�

she said.

Valdez said she and her husband were brought to another ofÀce inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where they were detained and questioned. Police also took photocopies of their passports.

The balikbayan said that because of the long wait, her husband surmised that the airport cops were trying to extort money from them. “Tinignan niya yung wallet niya kung may peso, e wala na. Papunta na kami ng US, 100 dollars ang nahugot niya. Sabi ko: ‘Aba, ang laki naman niyan.’ E yun, binigay na See BALIKBAYAN, page 8

Woman who had DNA compared to Sen. Grace Poe opens up MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Mixed emotions. That’s how Imelda HoÀlena feels about the results of Senator Grace Poe’s DNA sample.

HoÀlena is one of the people who had their DNA compared to Poe. She is the daughter of Edgardo Militar, the man who found Poe in a church in Jaro, Iloilo.

HoÀlena said she only knew about

the results when she watched Poe’s radio interview.

She said many people started thinking that Militar was Poe’s father because he was the one who discovered the foundling. “We never claimed that she is our sister biologically...Because of what we heard, sometimes you would also See DNA COMPARED, page 8

US defense chief jabs at Beijing in S. China Sea visit %\ 7KRPDV :DWNLQV

Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, UndeÀned | AFP | Thursday 11/5/2015 – Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Thursday visited a US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, where he took a jab at Chinese actions that have been blamed for raising tension in the disputed waterway.

Carter Ă ew to the USS Roosevelt – an enormous, nuclear-powered supercarrier – as it churned through international waters about 150-200 nautical miles south of where China is constructing artiĂ€cial islands to underpin its expansive claims to the region. “There’s a lot of concern about Chinese behavior out here,â€? Carter said aboard the ship.

He described the vessel’s presence as “a sign of the critical role that United States military power plays in what is a very consequential region for the American future�.

Washington and Beijing are engaged in a big-power face-off over the Chinese island-building program.

See US JABS CHINA, page 8

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Tacloban, Philippines | AFP | Friday 11/6/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Two years after a super typhoon devastated the Philippines and sounded a global alarm on climate change, a massive rebuilding program has had big successes but at least one million survivors are still without safe homes.

In Tacloban, a major coastal city that was nearly completely destroyed and where thousands died, restaurants and shops are bustling again â&#x20AC;&#x201C; showcasing the best of a remarkable resurrection for many communities.

But on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outskirts and elsewhere, many people endure deep poverty as they live in Ă imsy new homes that make them extremely vulnerable to future storms that will inevitably whip in off the PaciĂ&#x20AC;c Ocean.

More than 7,350 people were killed or left missing after Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, with the strongest winds ever recorded on land.

Tsunami-like storm surges higher than trees exacerbated the disaster, demolishing communities on central Philippine islands that were already among the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poorest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I cry almost every night. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, how are we going to survive,â&#x20AC;? Esliba Bascal, 59, who lost her son and home in the disaster and now lives in a makeshift dwelling just outside Tacloban, told AFP last week.

Like many others, Bascalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes for a new government-provided house in a safe place have not come true.

She lives with her husband, widowed daughter-in-law and six grandSee PAINFULLY REBUILT, page 8

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., November 7 - 13, 2015

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., November 7 - 13, 2015

UHDVRQV WR FRQWDFW D EDQNUXSWF\ DWWRUQH\ The first step to overcoming a debt problem is recognizing it. If worries about your credit cards or a pending foreclosure are keeping you awake at night, you probably already know you’re in over your head. Just cruising along, juggling credit cards, taking from one to pay the other is not the answer. If this describes your situation, then doing nothing just makes the hole bigger and your position more desperate.

Here are 12 signs that that could indicate Ànancial stress.

1. You routinely spend more than you earn.

2. You make only the minimum payment required on your credit cards.

3. Your credit limit is maxed on most of your cards.

4. You’re unsure about how much you owe or what may be on your credit report.

5. You skip payments on some bills in order to pay others, or use cash advances on one credit card to pay off another.

6. You Ànd yourself arguing with your spouse about money.

7. You’ve recently been turned down for credit or a loan.

8. You panic when faced with an unexpected expense, such as a car repair.

9. You owe more on your car than it’s worth.

10. There’s no more equity in your house.

11. Creditors are calling you about overdue bills.

12. You’re thinking lately about Àling for bankruptcy.

Though it is a common enough word, what exactly does bankruptcy mean? And what are its implications? As is to be expected, Àling for bankruptcy is a complicated process but before such a step is taken it is essential to understand exactly what it is all about.

Simply put, bankruptcy can be deÀned as the legal process thorough which individuals or businesses in Ànancial trouble are able to work out their debts and pay them out under the protection of the bankruptcy court. Often “liquidations” or “reorganizations” are the words that are used to sum up the process that unfolds when you Àle for bankruptcy.

The two kinds of bankruptcy that you can Àle for are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. There are various factors that would determine whether you should opt for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy you liquidate all unsecured debt, providing any assets you may have are exempt under bankruptcy rules. Most people never lose anything, because they don’t have

any non-exempt assets. In the event debtor is making too much money, they choose Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, which is the reorganization type of bankruptcy. The debtor is allowed three to Àve years over which to pay back a portion of the debts, based on disposable income. Say that you have $100.00 in disposable income.

You would have to pay that into a plan for 60 months. After 60 months, the balance of your debts would be discharged in full, even if they are far from being paid off.

One should keep in mind that there are intricate details to this legal process that need to be taken into consideration before decisions are made to Àle for bankruptcy. Who qualiÀes? Which kind would apply to you? Will you be able to keep all of your property? There are many such questions that arise in such a situation. In this situation, you need to consult with an experienced bankruptcy law Àrm that can guide you through these complicated decisions and procedures.

Filing for bankruptcy may not be the solution to all your Ànancial problems though. In fact, bankruptcy does not cover all debts. For example, debts related to child and spouse support, or taxes are not covered in bankruptcy.

Do you have a Co-signer?

Before Àling for bankruptcy it is important to know that your co-signer might be held liable for the cosigned debt. However, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may protect your co-signer, since it offers a partial repayment plan. With a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, only the debtor is protected and the co-signer would be liable for the debt.

In this case, the creditors have the right to demand that your co-signer pay off the outstanding payments.

Under chapter 13 bankruptcy, as long as the bankruptcy plan is active the co-signers will receive a stay for the duration of the debtors payment plan. At the end of the plan, a co-signer could once again liable to pay any outstanding payments, even though the debt is discharged in favor of the bankruptcy debtor.

Don’t lose another sleepless night!

For advice on bankruptcy, debt consolidation or mortgage loan modiÀcation, call the Law OfÀces of Paul M. Allen. Consultations are free, but by appointment only. Call us 818552-4500. We have two convenient locations: Glendale and La Palma.

Bongbong hits Aquino for defending MIAA chief MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Vice Presidential aspirant Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. slammed President Benigno Aquino III for defending the “incompetent” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado despite calls for the latter’s resignation over the “tanim-bala scam” going on in the airports.

“How can you possibly defend somebody who has allowed this kind of victimization of our overseas Filipino workers to carry on? In the face of public scrutiny, exposure, scandal and clear violations of trust and the law, pinagtatanggol pa rin (he is still being defended)?” Marcos said at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday.

He also called for the immediate dismissal of Honrado from the position as he should not have been tapped to manage the airports because of his lack of knowledge in the Àeld.

“He should be fired immediately. He’s clearly incompetent. He should’ve never been in the job in the Àrst place,” said Marcos.

The scam, which was allegedly pulled off by a syndicate composed of airport ofÀcers and porters, victimizes airline passengers, particularly OFWs and senior citizens, by planting bullets in their luggage and then demanding money from them in exchange for their release.

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Lito Lapid, 5 others charged over fertilizer fund scam MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Senator Lito Lapid and Ă&#x20AC;ve other individuals are facing graft charges for their alleged involvement in the multi-million peso fertilizer fund scam in 2004.

In a case Ă&#x20AC;led with the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, the OfĂ&#x20AC;ce of the Ombudsman, through its OfĂ&#x20AC;ce of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), charged Lapid and his Ă&#x20AC;ve co-accused with violations of Sections 3 (e) and 3 (g) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Aside from Lapid, named as respondents in the case were Pampanga provincial account Benjamin Yuzon and provincial treasurer Vergel Yabut.

Also charged were three private individuals namely, Ma. Victoria

Aquino-Abubakar and Leolita Aquino, incorporators of Malayan PaciĂ&#x20AC;c Trading Corporation (MPTC) and Dexter Alexander Vasquez, proprietor of D.A. Vasquez Macro-Micro Fertilizer Resources (DAVMMFR).

Based on the information of the case, in May 2004, the provincial government of Pampanga during the term of Lapid as governor, purchased from MPTC 3,880 liters of liquid fertilizers formulated by DAVMMFR amounting to P4.761 million.

The Ombudsman said the purchase was done without public bidding as required under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. The Ombudsman said the respondents also violated the procurement rules by resorting to direct purchas-

ing â&#x20AC;&#x153;despite the availability of a suitable substitute offered at a much lower price in the locality.â&#x20AC;?

The Ombudsman alleged that it was Lapid who certiĂ&#x20AC;ed that there was no suitable substitute to MPTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Macro-Micro Foliar Fertilizer, which paved way for the provincial government to unlawfully resort to the direct purchase agreement.

The Ombudsman further pointed out that specification of a brand name in a purchase request was also a violation of the procurement rules under RA 9184.

The anti-graft body also cited the â&#x20AC;&#x153;inordinate speedâ&#x20AC;? in the consummation of the transaction between the provincial government and the private respondents.

The Ombudsman noted that it was on May 12, 2004 when Vasquezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DAVMMFR submitted the price quotation for the fertilizer products.

The Ombudsman said that on May 24, 2004 Lapid had already issued the purchase order and on the same day, delivery was supposedly made.

The Ombudsman noted that on May 26, full payment was made by the provincial government to MPTC, thus, the full transaction was allegedly completed in a span of 14 days.

The Ombudsman further alleged that MPTC was not authorized supplier fertilizer products as it has no product registration and certiĂ&#x20AC;cate of license to operate.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman

said that the purchased items were also not registered with the Fertilizer Pesticide Authority (FPA) as it was only in August 2005 when DAVMMFR applied for Product Registration with the FPA. Finally, the Ombudsman stressed that the purchased items were overpriced by as much as P4.268 million as the fertilizer was sold at P1,250 per liter when its real tvalue was only P150 per liter, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thereby causing undue injury to the government.â&#x20AC;?

Section 3(e) of RA 3019 prohibits a public ofĂ&#x20AC;cial from causing any undue injury to any party, or giving any private party unwarranted beneĂ&#x20AC;ts, advantage or preference in the discharge of his ofĂ&#x20AC;cial administrative or judicial functions.

Meanwhile, Section 3(g) of RA 3019 prohibits the act of entering, on behalf of the government, into any contract or transaction manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government, â&#x20AC;&#x153;whether or not the public ofĂ&#x20AC;cer proĂ&#x20AC;ted or will proĂ&#x20AC;t thereby.â&#x20AC;?

The Ombudsman has recommended a bail bond of P30,000 for each count of the alleged graft offense.

Alex Marcelino, a staff of Lapid, declined to comment, saying they have yet to receive a copy of the Ombudsman resolution on the graft case against the senator.

Lapid is set to end his term as senator in June 2016. He earlier Ă&#x20AC;led his certiĂ&#x20AC;cate of candidacy for mayor of Angeles City in Pampanga. (MNS)

&HEX ERDUG PHPEHU 0DUWLQH] RWKHUV FKDUJHG ZLWK JUDIW MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Incumbent Cebu provincial board member and former Bogo City, Cebu mayor Celestino Martinez III was charged with graft over the alleged misallocation of municipal funds worth P20 million to a private organization in 2007.

In a complaint Ă&#x20AC;led by the OfĂ&#x20AC;ce of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, a copy of which was only made available to the media on Thursday, Martinez and four other former ofĂ&#x20AC;cials of Bogo City (formerly Bogo municipality) were charged with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Aside from Martinez, named as respondents in the case were former municipal accountant Cresencio Verdida, former municipal treasurer Rhett Minguez, former municipal budget ofĂ&#x20AC;cer Mary Lou Ursal and former municipal assistant treasurer Julio Ursonal Jr. Based on the information of the case, Martinez who was then the municipal mayor â&#x20AC;&#x153;conspiredâ&#x20AC;? with the other accused ofĂ&#x20AC;cials to â&#x20AC;&#x153;unlawfully and criminallyâ&#x20AC;? award to Bogo Municipal Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMEMPC), a private organization, the amount of P20 million which was originally allocated for agricultural and livelihood assistance for farmers, Ă&#x20AC;sherfolk and members of marginalized sectors in the municipality.

The Ombudsman, through its OfĂ&#x20AC;ce of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) said the P20 million fund came from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the implementation of its Ginintuang Agrikulturang Makamasa (GAM) program.

The Ombudsman said that instead

of using the fund to assist GAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intended beneĂ&#x20AC;ciaries, the entire P20 million became exclusively available to BMEMPC members through salary loans. The Ombudsman alleged that the respondents also availed themselves of â&#x20AC;&#x153;huge loansâ&#x20AC;? from the fund. The case information states that it was Martinez, being the mayor of Bogo, who signed the disbursement voucher covering the release of the P20-million fund to BMEMPC while it was the other respondents who aided in the processing of the fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release and its transfer to BMEMPC on April 26, 2007. The Ombudsman said the respondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collective act had frustrated the objectives of GAM program and had â&#x20AC;&#x153;caused undue injury to the government and the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intended beneficiaries who were deprived of the opportunity to avail of Ă&#x20AC;nancial support in the amount of P20,000,000.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, Martinez and Ursonal are also facing a separate case of violation of Section 3 (g) of RA 3019 for entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BMEMPC for the supposed implementation of the GAM program in Region VII (Central Visayas). The Ombudsman said the MOA that the respondents entered into with BMEMPC was â&#x20AC;&#x153;grossly disadvantageousâ&#x20AC;? to the DA and the government â&#x20AC;&#x153;as it prevented them to implement the GAM program in Region VII despite disbursement of funds for the purpose.â&#x20AC;?

The case information also stated that the MOA was entered with BMEMPC, in which Ursonal was then the president, without requiring the organization to show proof that it has the capability to implement the P20-million GAM program.

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10 Filipina traϪcking victims rescued in Iraqi Kurdistan ERBIL – Ten Filipina trafÀcking victims are now en route to Manila after they were rescued a few days ago by ofÀcials from the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad and authorities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

In a statement, the Embassy expressed its appreciation to the Kurdistan Regional Government for the successful rescue of the 10 Filipinas as well as for the arrest of their employer and the closure of his establishment.

“Our 10 kababayans are now on their way home because of the strong support and cooperation extended to us by the Kurdistan Regional Government of the Republic of Iraq,” Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Elmer G. Cato said.

At the same time, the Embassy expressed its appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the crucial role it played in the repatriation of the victims who were subjected to exploitative and abusive conditions at a spa in Erbil owned by a Lebanese national.

Citing statements given to the Embassy and Kurdish authorities, Chargé d’Affaires Cato said the 10 worked 12 hours seven days a week with only three hours off once a week.

They were paid only $300 monthly of the $500 that was promised them and get deductions ranging from $100 to $500 for infractions such as smoking, taking naps or even failing to clean the toilet properly. Chargé d’Affaires Cato said the women were also subjected to what is tantamount to debt bondage. “For the small amount they were making, there was no way these women would have been able to raise the $10,000 their employer wanted them to pay if they return to the Philippines before the end of their two-year employment contract.”

The Embassy said it has been

monitoring the establishment as early as June this year when two Filipinas ran away and reported the exploitation and abuse they suffered from their employer. The two were eventually repatriated after the Embassy sought the assistance of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

In the latest case, the Embassy approached the Ministry of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government which immediately brought the 10 Filipinas to a shelter, closed the establishment, arrested the employer and Àled a case against him in court.

“We want to send a strong signal to everyone that here in Kurdistan, we follow the law and will not tolerate the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers,” said Dr. Sami Jalal Hussein, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, who was personally directed by Interior Minister Karim Sinjari to resolve the case.

Chargé d’Affaires Cato said Director General Hussein and his team from the Directorate for Combatting Violence Against Women played a crucial role in the swift resolution of the case. “They showed great concern for our nationals and we are very grateful for their help,” he said.

Chargé d’Affaires Cato also thanked the IOM for its support.

“We very much appreciate the assistance that IOM extended to our kababayans,” he said. “The IOM was instrumental in ensuring that the 10 trafÀcking victims would be repatriated smoothly to the Philippines.”

“IOM is pleased it could assist the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Philippine Embassy in Iraq to ensure the safe return of these vulnerable migrant women,” said Dr. Thomas Weiss, IOM Chief of Mission in Iraq.

.LGQDSSHUV GHPDQG PLOOLRQV IRU IRUHLJQ KRVWDJHV Manila, Philippines | AFP | Wednesday 11/4/2015 – Philippine Islamic militants are demanding one billion pesos ($21 million) each for the release of two Canadians and a Norwegian kidnapped six weeks ago, according to a new video of the captives. In the video released by the US-based jihadist monitor SITE on Tuesday, the masked captors identiÀed themselves as members of the Abu Sayyaf, a US-listed terrorist group notorious for kidnappings and deadly bomb attacks.

Canadian tourists John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor were seized from yachts at a marina in the southern Philippines on September 21.

Philippine authorities have said they do not know where the hostages are being held. But security analysts say they are likely on Jolo island, the Abu Sayyaf’s stronghold about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Manila.

In the SITE video, the three foreigners all said they were being ransomed off for one billion pesos each. They were speaking in a jungle setting, surrounded by heavily armed men. Flor, who is Hall’s girlfriend, did not speak. Founded in the early 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, the Abu Sayyaf gained international notoriety for kidnapping dozens of foreign tourists for ransom in the early 2000s.

The group has also been blamed for the country’s worst terrorist attacks, including the bombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

It is believed to have just a few hundred gunmen, but thrives in lawless sections of the southern Philippines where Muslim rebels have for decades fought for independence or autonomy. The Abu Sayyaf is known to be holding three other foreigners – two Malaysians and a Dutch man, according to the military.

An Italian ex-priest, Rolando del Torchio, was also abducted from his pizza restaurant in the southern port city of Dipolog last month.

The Abu Sayyaf is widely believed to be holding him, but authorities have not conÀrmed this.

And a 74-year-old South Korean kidnapped in January was found dead on Jolo at the weekend. The military said the Abu Sayyaf abandoned the hostage after he died from a “severe illness”. Philippine military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla declined to comment to AFP on Wednesday about the new video.

The Philippine government has repeatedly said it has a “no-ransom policy”. But parties linked to captives frequently pay.

In October last year, the Abu Sayyaf claimed it received 250 million pesos ($5.3 million) in exchange for two German hostages they held captive for six months. Security analysts said a large ransom was paid.

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., November 7 - 13, 2015

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&HOHEUDWLQJ \HDUV RI ERQGLQJ IULHQGVKLS VLVWHUKRRG DQG EURWKHUKRRG Much like Frank Sinatraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s song â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a very good year,â&#x20AC;? for a group of us. The signiĂ&#x20AC;cant year of 1965 â&#x20AC;&#x153;was a very good year.â&#x20AC;? For most of us, this memorable song resonated the sisterhood/brotherhood bond of freindship which has lasted all these years. Now celebrating our 50 years, by sheer nostalgia, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re haunted by the lyrics of the song which goes â&#x20AC;&#x153;when I was seventeen, it was a very good year; it was a very good year for small town girls (boys) and soft summer nights; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hide from the lights or the village (campus) green...when I was seventeen.â&#x20AC;?

As one of our batchmates, Dante Canlas (former NEDA chief in Manila) has described the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signiĂ&#x20AC;cance to us,1965 was the time our batch â&#x20AC;&#x153;yearned to be socially integrated... when we were full of dreams, ambitions and aspirations.â&#x20AC;? We were â&#x20AC;&#x153;the young ones,â&#x20AC;? per my favorite Cliff Richardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; song, seemingly invincible â&#x20AC;&#x153;and young ones shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to live, love while the Ă ame is strong.â&#x20AC;?

Though still jetlagged, on my second day in the homeland, I was priveleged to have been invited by glamorous senior sisters (Beth Lorenzana-Diaz, Priscilla Pacheco, Lulu Trinidad-Ocampo and Angie Lazo) to the UPLB Loyalty Day at the Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, where we met other familiar faces such as: Linda Gamboa, Cheloy Dans, MariPaz Tagle, Mila Alipit and Gigi Javier. We all left with bags full of â&#x20AC;&#x153;pabaonâ&#x20AC;? such as atis, bananas, guavas and half-gallon of home-made yogurt.

And so this past month, we cel-

ebrated our golden reunion with a blast,starting with a sumptuous dinner at the posh and palatial Ayala Alabang mansion of senior brod, Doni Altura. We were ushered in his massive house going down a renaissance-like staircase and was amazed at the formal, white-linen laden tables and chairs in a hotel-like garden setting,. complete with four uniformed servers.

They served us with a wide array of warm dishes including lechon, baked salmon, kaldereta, Spanish lengua, shrimp camaron and delicious cassava, bibingka and leche Ă an, paired with overĂ owing red wine, champagne and other light beverages. Not to be missed was our quick visit with Ambassador Willy Gaa, who was in high spirit when he saw yours truly, Becky and Mon Maronilla, picking up his lovely wife Linda who joined us at Doniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place.

On a rainy night, another welcome dinner at the exclusinve 7th Note Restaurant was hosted by batchmate Tong Puno who was the overall chairperson of the golden jubilee team. It was overwhelming to see old, familiar batchmatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faces, along with other batches. There was free-Ă owing wine

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served with lechon, Filipino-styled spaghetti, baked chicken, stir-fried veggies and sweet buko pandan. The night of merrymaking was highlighted by the nostalgic 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music of the 88.8 band to the delight of batchmate, Joey Dela Cruz who danced with two pretty DIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, along with dance enthusiasts, Ignie Ocampo and Jean Dee, who both danced with good-looking DIs. Other batchmates dancing were: Ray Orozco, Cesar Dionisio and Tong Puno with their signiĂ&#x20AC;cant others, as well as Nol Martinez and wife Lil. Toward the end of the night, in came brod Dick Gordon, the Red Cross Czar who insisted on sending Rosary Benitez along with Dante Canlas and Joel Moral to the ER for her minor â&#x20AC;&#x153;downtownâ&#x20AC;? incident, while Malou Reformina and this author were chauffered back to our homes by our gentle and cool opthalmologist batchmate, Jack dy Liacco.

This author opted on the trip to Davao for batchmate Sunny Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist nephew Richard and his wife Nadineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offer to have family time trekking to our hometown by the Philippine Sea, to visit their momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (my sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) computerized poultry farm and pay respect to our loved ones (particlularly my mom) in their resting place. At least, our visit was quite timely due to the upcoming All Soulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration.

Due to 50 years of separation, when we all met to spend a day at George Sanchezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Magalang farm, batchmate Ignie San Agustin-Ocampo didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognize Michigan-based Bunting Feria-Verde, which made all of us realize how time really Ă ew. Though we had two native kapampangans with us, Dante Canlas and Joel Moral, it took us quite a bit of confusion searching for the particular Barangay where Magalang is.

Nevertheless, the trip was well worth it as we all savoured native kapampangan dishes, plus the experience of picking fresh fruits like apples and oranges and veggies, including bags full of calamansi. To highlight our trip, Dante offered to treat all of us at the Via Mare Restaurant inside the UP campus and to our surprise, we truly admired the remarkable progress done by brod Fred Pascual in his capacity as current UP Prez.

On behalf of our Los Banos batchmates, some of us attended their lunch reception at sis Becca Rellozaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R & R Resort in Calamba, Laguna.and we were all treated with a selection of grilled â&#x20AC;&#x153;kamayanâ&#x20AC;? dishes including grilled hito, squid, sinampalukang maya-maya, grilled fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, eggplant, Lukbanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pancit habhab and bibingka.

Earlier on, we have agreed with our batchmate/chauffeur Ray Orozco to leave early due to the trafĂ&#x20AC;c jam on a Wednesday afternoon, but before we left, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist posing for our souvenir group photo with the hired photographer.

Pressured by the preparation for the grand event, Bunting Verde and I were grateful for the roundabout rides to the alteration shop for our programme presentation uniforms, with the able assistance of bosom buddy sisters - Grace Castro-Tuason and Rosary Benitez.

Robie Laguda and yours truly were lucky to have been picked up by Mila Rosales-Montaner on the day to the grand event. Registration promptly started at 6:00 pm where we received

our logoed souvenir bag that had the 66-paged souvenir magazine edited by batchmate Noy Dy Liacco (former Philipinensian editor), logoed tee-shirt and a CD with a selection of 24 songs of the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such as 5 Beatle Songs: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She Loves You,â&#x20AC;? In My Life,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;All My Loving,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I Love Herâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;From Me to You.â&#x20AC;? Other nostalgic songs were: The Temptationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Girl,â&#x20AC;? The Cascadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rhythm Of The Rain,â&#x20AC;?The Lettermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love Me With All Your Heart,â&#x20AC;?

Ray Coniffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;?Somewhere My Love,â&#x20AC;?

Marvin Gayeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Heard it through the Grapvine,â&#x20AC;? Tom Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unusual,â&#x20AC;?

Louis Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a Wonderful World,â&#x20AC;? and numerous other memorable songs.

The superb cocktails served reminded me of Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s antipasto where there was a wide selection of Ilocano hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ouevres such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;papaet,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;kilawin,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;tawilis,â&#x20AC;? fried frog legs, and pancit molo along with a selection of beer, wine and other beverages.

Buffet dinner was also served promptly around 7:30 pm and the great event programme began with the overture title song of Sinatraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;It Was A Very Good Year,â&#x20AC;? followed by the quartet song & dance rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;California Dreaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performed by Jake Marques,Jean Dee, Cely Corpus and Taalena Boss, Mar Galicia.

Hightlighting signiĂ&#x20AC;cant events in 1965 were shown on the screen which deĂ&#x20AC;nitely signiĂ&#x20AC;es batchmate Benny Fulgencioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative production talent, along with husky-voiced Bim Javierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;MacArthur Parkâ&#x20AC;? musical rendition.

Next came the almost unrecognizable, but hilarious Beatle-looking brods Joey Dela Cruz, Lito Navarro, Cesar Dionisio and Ed Castaneda who all sang a Beatlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; medley, followed by the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attired Florida-based Edwin Palileo, singing his version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Satisfaction.â&#x20AC;?

And of course, not to be outdone was overall golden jubilee Bossman Tong Punoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The House of the Rising Sun.â&#x20AC;?

A solemn candlelight â&#x20AC;&#x153;memorialâ&#x20AC;? ceremony participated by all batch was sang, to the tune of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Leaves of Summerâ&#x20AC;? dedicated to the rest of our batchmates who have gone aheadâ&#x20AC;?

Collectively, we all sang various memorable medley 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s songs such as:â&#x20AC;?Let It Be,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Side By Side,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop In The Name Of Love and â&#x20AC;&#x153; Those Were The Days.â&#x20AC;?

With utmost gratitude to musical director/choreographer Freddie Santos, our amateur voices projected like the pros that we were on stage.

For me, the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s denouement was our roll call.Those whobelonged to our 1965 Batch were each called. There were a total of 93of us: There were 60 brods and 33 sisters, including 18 brods and 2sisters who were no longer with us. We were honored to receive ourroses fromformer GA Tita Lubi while the brods received their cane and fez fro IF Chitong Rivera.

A standing ovation followed when emcee Noy Dy Liacco announced theâ&#x20AC;&#x153;reunionâ&#x20AC;? of two senior brods: Ernesto Castaneda (father of our batchmate Ed Castaneda) who belonged to Batch â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;36 and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 102 years old; the other was DelĂ&#x20AC;n Gonzales, Batchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;37, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 101 years old.

To top it all, both of these guys havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen each other for 70 years, which was admirably remarkable particularly when both of them were having fun during the programme; See LIGHTHOUSE, page 10

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)LOLSLQRV FHOHEUDWH 7KDQNVJLYLQJ 'D\ LQ VW\OH Although assimilation in the cultural mainstream is one of the least of the problems of many Filipinos who have considered U.S their home, observance of Thanksgiving Day, which this year falls on a Thursday of November 26, is one that will be marked with a deep touch of their native land.

Known for their months-long preparations to celebrate the Holiday Season in the Philippines, Filipinos in the U.S. adopt the ingrained tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving Day with indulgence in style and substance especially in terms of satisfying their palates.

And off course, as is the custom, Thanksgiving Day which signals the merry-making season in this part of the globe is celebrated not only with immediate members of the family but with their extended kindred as well.

Filipinos in the U.S. celebrate the age-old tradition in their own special way as the “Araw ng Pasasalamat” amidst blessing in this literal land of the plenty. This day also kicks off the elaborate preparations for the onset of the holiday season which gives them the excuse to splurge for themselves and their friends.

Filipinos have slowly assimilated into the American observance of Thanksgiving and injecting the event with Filipino colors in the process and synthesizing the beauty and depth of the tradition.

Thanksgiving has been a yearly celebrated federal holiday since 1863 with President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation the day during the Civil War as a “National Day of Thanks-

giving and Praise to our BeneÀcent Father who dwelleth in Heaven”.

Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year with Christmas and New Year, The Americans trace the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday in 1621 to a harvest celebration at a plantation in Plymouth (now known as southeaster Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the home of Wampanoag natives), Autumn or early winter feasts continued in later years as an impromptu religious observance, and later on as a civil tradition.

The celebration lasted for three days for the Pilgrims where about 50 of the 100 who landed aboard the MayÁower ship and close to a hundred Native Americans attended the event that would be the forerunner of a great American tradition.

Thanksgiving is a time when differences are set aside and one that is characterized by thankfulness, unity and harmony with loved ones and friends and enjoy the American tradition of watching football and the Annual New York Macy’s Parade.

Back home, the same spirit is being observed with the advent of Christmas when families join together for a late midnight feasting fondly See REY ANDRES, page 10

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children in a brick-and-tin structure built on the same site as their previous home that was wiped out by the storm surges.

“We were poor, but now we’re poorer. Life is hard but I have to be strong for my grandchildren,” said Bascal, who earns about 20 pesos (50 cents) a day selling biscuits, chips, soap and other daily goods from her home.

Mixed success -President Benigno Aquino’s government launched a 150-billion-peso ($3.2 billion) reconstruction programme for the disaster zones, which the United Nations has praised for its efÀciency in some key sectors.

About 60 percent of that money has been spent, much of it on roads, bridges and schools, according to Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who is in charge of the recovery programme.

Money has also been used for start-up capital for survivors to start small businesses, as well as farm and Àshing supplies.

A resilient local private sector and hundreds of millions of dollars in aid

China’s expansion of tiny islets – some of which were previously mere reefs – has included runways, fuelling concerns of a future Chinese military presence far out into a sea that is a vital conduit for world trade.

The US has called for a halt to any island reclamation and said freedom of navigation must be preserved.

Carter arrived on the ship on an Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and spent about three hours speaking to sailors on the Áoating military airport, which has a crew of about 5,500.

He harkened back to the aircraft carrier’s presidential namesake in stressing that the US was in the region to stay, and that China should become “part of the security system of Asia and not to stand apart from it.”

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think, is it possible? Things like that.

So, you heard other people or you knew telling you na ganun. I just can’t explain what I actually feel, like I’m relieved in a way, it clears my father’s name that he is not the father.

It also saddened me because Grace also needs to know who her parents are,” she said in a Skype interview.

Poe is facing a disqualiÀcation case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) on the grounds that she is not a natural-born Filipino because her

from the international community has also been extremely important.

The Red Cross, for example, said it had given cash assistance to more than 90,000 families and rebuilt or repaired 65,000 homes.

Yet, the government has come under Àre for not doing enough to help the more than one million survivors it identiÀed as living in coastal areas who were vulnerable to future storms and needed to be resettled.

Out of the 205,128 families living in the path of future storms, just 928 have been transferred to permanent shelters, according to the government.

The government calculates an average of Àve people per family.

Many of the others who have yet to receive new homes are simply living in repaired or rebuilt homes, like Bascal.

The government is aiming to relocate nearly 100,000 families by next year, with the project to be completed by 2017, Chito Cruz, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, told reporters this week. biological parents remain unknown.

Under the Constitution, only natural-born Filipinos may sit as president, vice president, senator and congressman. A natural-born Filipino is one whose biological father or mother is a Filipino citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

Poe was found abandoned as an infant at a church in Iloilo City in September 3, 1968. She was later adopted by the late action king Fernando Poe Jr. and veteran actress Susan Roces.

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namin. E in an hour na yung Áight namin. Maiiwan kami, binigay na lang namin,” she said.

“Ang funny thing is – in the US, we passed through an x-ray at wala naman silang nakita. Mas strikto dun e. Pagbalik namin dito, saka lang nakita ng Philippine x-ray. Sabi nga ng husband ko: ‘Ang ano ng x-ray ng Pilipinas, meron silang nakitang bala.’” Valdez admitted they decided to pay the $100 bribe and sign an afÀdavit claiming that they had been caught with a bullet because they did not want to risk being left behind by their Áight. “No choice ako dahil male-late ako sa Áight ko. [I would have to get another ticket],” she said.

She said one foreigner who was also about to take the Áight was detained because he had bought a toy gun for his son.

Valdez said she and her husband

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‘Carry a big stick’ “Theodore Roosevelt’s motto was ‘speak softly but carry a big stick’ – speak softly means talk to other people, see what we can do to reach an agreement,” Carter said.

“This is a region that has enjoyed stability for a long time. It would be a shame if people ruined that, and I don’t expect that to occur.”

China’s claims to almost all of the South China Sea are widely disputed.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have various claims, some overlapping, though none are as extensive as Beijing’s.

The body of water has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint, and the Chinese island-building has heightened those fears. went back to the Philippines in 2010 to retire for good.

Asked how she felt about the experience, she said: “Very traumatic.

Nakakahiya.”

“I can feel for the people who are getting into these kinds of situations.

Ma to- trauma ka. Matatakot ka kung ikukulong ka,” she said.

“Based on the stories we hear on the TV, iba ngayon. Grabe, kinakawawa ang tao, this is pathetic talaga.”

Philippine ofÀcials are currently investigating claims that a syndicate in the country’s airports are planting bullets inside the luggage of passengers so they could extort money from them.

Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya earlier said authorities recorded 2,184 passengers carrying bullets in 2013. This dropped to 1,813 in 2014. As of October 2015, airport authorities have so far recorded 1,394 cases of passengers carrying bullets.

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0RGLI\LQJ GRZQ FKLOG DQG VSRXVDO VXSSRUW REOLJDWLRQ DIWHU D GLYRUFH Divorced parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ă&#x20AC;nancial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation?

If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to Ă&#x20AC;le a modiĂ&#x20AC;cation of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations.

Child support in California is based on guideline formula. One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look at several months or even an average of the last 12 months income. If your average income has decreased, you may be able to modify your child support to a lower amount. Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation.

Spousal support may also be modiĂ&#x20AC;ed unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modiĂ&#x20AC;able.

However, spousal support are usually calculated differently than guideline.

The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this.

Those factors are listed in family code section 4320.

If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you. However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment.

If your income has gone down or

your spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child support and spousal support obligation. Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased. It is important to Ă&#x20AC;le a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your Ă&#x20AC;nancial situation changes.

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-speciĂ&#x20AC;c legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The speciĂ&#x20AC;c 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 OfĂ&#x20AC;ces of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a CertiĂ&#x20AC;ed 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, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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called Noche Buena where tables are Ă&#x20AC;lled with different culinary delights.

While it is customary in the U.S. to feast Thanksgiving favorites consisting of the conventional roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, pumpkin or pecan pie, and drinks like eggnog or apple cider; many Filipino homes would add to the table Filipino specialties like lechon manok, chicken relleno crispy

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both of them were cognitive with unbelievable sense of humor and one of them (Ernesto Castaneda) revealed that his secret was eating two scoops of ice cream after each meal.

As a Ă&#x20AC;nal nostalgia perfdormance, Rosary Benitez sang her damous rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Downtown,â&#x20AC;? and as were all exiting, to the tune of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zorba The Greek,â&#x20AC;? quite a number of other batches joined in with the likes of Linda Gamboa, Iris Bonifacio, Arlene Agustin, Peachy Lorenzana, Jun Andres, former Ambassador Joey Ampeso, UP Prez Fred Pascual, Teddy Asuncion, Louella Jurilla, Yoly Pajaro, Becky and Mon Maronilla.

For the staff at the Ayala Alabang Country Club, the expected number of guest was counted at around 283, but

pata, pancit bihon, hamon, kaldereta, lumpia, and kare-kare.

The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday, not because people â&#x20AC;&#x153;block outâ&#x20AC;? from over-eating, but rather it is the time when Filipino shoppers join their local counter parts to scamper to department stores and other venues satiate their shopping desires with bargains all around. It the opportune when businesses hope to see black in their accounts signifying a good cycle. it was overwhelmingly attended by almost 420 guests. The highly-attended golden jubilee reunion of Batch â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;65 will most probably be difĂ&#x20AC;cult to follow.

There were a couple of despedida dinners hosted by Chitong Rivera, Gary and Gladys Tiongco as well as batchmates: Tony Gloria and Dante Canlas, where the goodbyes reminded us of Cliff Richardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Young Onesâ&#x20AC;? song â&#x20AC;&#x153;and someday when the years have Ă own, darling, this will teach the young ones of our own.â&#x20AC;?

Finally, we will never forget Frank Sinatraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s song â&#x20AC;&#x153;but now the days grow short and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the autumn of the year, and now I think of my life as vintage wine from Ă&#x20AC;ne old kegs, from the brim to the dregs, and it poured sweet and clear, it was a very good year!,â&#x20AC;? for the Batch â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;65 of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sigma Delta Phi Sorority.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

\HDU MXPS LQ OLIH H[SHFWDQF\ IRU ULFK QDWLRQV 86 ODJV 2(&' Wednesday November 4 2015 (Paris, France-AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rich countries have gained more than 10 years in life expectancy on average since 1970, a study released by the OECD said Wednesday, but the United States ranked near the bottom in the latest ranking for 2013.

Averaged across men and women, the US â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at 78.8 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was 27th in life expectancy at birth among the 34 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the intergovernmental organisation said.

Forty years ago, Americans lived a year longer than the OECD average, but today they have fallen well below the median, it said.

At the same time, the US outstripped other nations in per capita health expenditure, spending two-and-a-half times more than the average within the OECD, which also includes a handful of emerging economies such as Mexico and Turkey.

Life expectancy at birth measures how long someone born today would live if current mortality rates continued to apply.

In reality, improvements in medicine means that age spans are likely to increase over time.

Average lifespan across all OECD nations reached 80.5 years in 2013, an increase of more than 10 years since 1970.

A persistent gap in life expectancy between women, who live longer,

and men has gradually narrowed from about seven years to Ă&#x20AC;ve, the study found.

Japan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at 83.4 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with Switzerland and Spain topped the charts for life expectancy in 2013, followed by Italy, France and Australia, according to the annual overview of health metrics.

At the bottom of the OECD 34-strong ranking were Slovakia, Hungary and, in last place, Mexico, where life expectancy was nine years less than in Japan or Spain.

Several factors account for the poor and declining life expectancy in the US, the report said, starting with its weak public health sector and the millions of Americans who remain uninsured.

High income inequality, illegal drug use, along with high rates of obesity, trafĂ&#x20AC;c accidents and homicide also push average life spans down.

Looking at major risk factors -smoking, alcohol and obesity -- the US ranked last on the obesity index, but was among healthiest nations for tobacco consumption.

Austria, Estonia, France and Hungary scored very poorly across two risk categories: smoking and drinking. Hungarians were the only people to seriously overindulge in all three.

Sweden and Norway were the only countries among the 34 in which all three risk factors remained very low.

11

2EDPDFDUH Âą 6KRXOG , RU VKRXOG , QRWÂŤHQUROO There are many who would rather pay the Ă&#x20AC;ne ($695 or 2.5% of Adjusted Gross Income, whichever is greater in 2016) than enroll on a health insurance plan, due to the high cost of premium.

Besides the high cost of premium, they have to deal with very high deductible (under the Bronze and Silver plans), very high copays and coinsurance.

They prefer to take the risk of getting sick and pay all medical bills out of pocket rather than pay the high cost of health insurance.

I sympathize with everyone and agree that health insurance costs are high. (Obamacare provides free health insurance to those whose income is 138% or below Federal Poverty Level and tax subsidies to those earning 400% and below Federal Poverty Level).

But, what if you suddenly develop a catastrophic illness or meet an accident that entails hospitalization and a medical cost of $50k or even $100k? With no health insurance, you will have to dig deep into your pocket and touch your savings which may have been earmarked for retirement. Is the risk worth it at all?

If you are enrolled, Obamacare mandates that health insurance companies should limit your out of pocket expenses to a certain level so that you will not be bankrupt. (I believe that a very high percentage of Ă&#x20AC;nancial bankruptcy is caused by a high cost of medical expenses.) The term for this provision is MOOP or

This could be my best move yet.

Loida Nicolas Lewis, AARP Member Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

Dahil sa Health and Wellness resources ng AARP, si Loida at iba pang katulad niya are now able to have as much fun in the ballroom as they did in the boardroom.

Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo.

To learn more, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

AARP is a non-proďŹ t organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant.

Caregiving â&#x20AC;˘ Health & Wellness â&#x20AC;˘ Fraud Prevention â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteer â&#x20AC;˘ Life Reimagined

Maximum-Out-of-Pocket. In 2016, MOOP for most health plans is more or less $7,000.

Medicare Alert. There is a new law which aims to replace your Social Security number in your Medicare Claim Card.

This transition will be done in a period of 4 years. Beware of persons who will pose as agents of Medicare or Social Security and get your information under the guise as authorized by the said agencies.

Said agencies will never do this. Do not give your information.Medicare open enrollment is until December 7, 2015. Choose the right Medicare plan for you.

If you need help, call me at 323535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@ gmail.com.

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

He worked for UNILAB where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division. He holds CA license # 0G55218 as well as a Non-Resident license for Nevada. He is a CertiĂ&#x20AC;ed Insurance Agent (Broker) for Covered California.

12

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., November 7 - 13, 2015

Balita

%DQNUXSWF\ FDQ SURYLGH LPPHGLDWH GHEW UHOLHI ZKHQ \RX QHHG LW If you are facing the prospect of Ă&#x20AC;ling bankruptcy for the Ă&#x20AC;rst time in your life, this could be a frightening process. You probably have a thousand questions going through your mind as you contemplate your next move. Is bankruptcy the right thing to do or will it make my situation worse? Will I lose everything that I have?

Will my credit ever recover? Will the whole world know that I Ă&#x20AC;led bankruptcy?

I think it is human nature to be paralyzed with fear when we are dealing with uncertainty so most people end up doing nothing. Initially, you may believe that you can handle your Ă&#x20AC;nancial problems on your own without getting any help.

Unfortunately, once you let your bills get behind, the problem quickly escalates and

it becomes harder and harder to catch up with every month that goes by. This can be a risky situation especially when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re falling behind on your mortgage or car payments since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now in danger of losing the roof over your head or your only reliable transportation to get to work.

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ă&#x20AC;nd a quick solution, things can easily go from bad to worse. This is not what you want, is it?

How about putting the law to work for you? Filing bankruptcy can provide immediate debt relief, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eliminating debts you can no longer pay or simply reorganizing your Ă&#x20AC;nances so that you can pay your creditors slowly as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able.

The law says that once you Ă&#x20AC;le, creditors must leave you alone immediately. This gives you some breathing room, allowing you think more clearly while trying to get back on your feet. Bankruptcy is nothing more than a tool that you can use for Ă&#x20AC;nancial recovery.

Consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can explain to you how bankruptcy may possibly work to your advantage. And if you come to the conclusion that it is in fact your only way

out of debt, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drag your feet in implementing the solution.

Keep in mind that the sooner you act to know your options, the sooner you will also Ă&#x20AC;nd out if non-bankruptcy alternatives exist.

Inaction can only worsen your problems, and you may Ă&#x20AC;nd yourself having no choice but to Ă&#x20AC;le bankruptcy at the last minute in order to deal with lawsuits, garnishments, bank account seizures or liens against your property. Plan ahead of time so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not caught unprepared. If you need help Ă&#x20AC;guring out your legal options, call my ofĂ&#x20AC;ce at 866-477-7772 to request a free initial consultation. We have ofĂ&#x20AC;ces in Los Angeles, Cerritos, Pasadena and Valencia.

68 years later they remained unrecognized as American veterans. Out of the 66 nationalities that fought during the war, only the Filipinos were excluded from beneĂ&#x20AC;ts and privileges they deserved.

Fight Systemic Racism and Discrimination As if rubbing salt into the gaping wounds, the US Congress in 2008 did not pass the S 1350 that recognized the Filipino Veterans and that give them lifetime pensions but instead passed the ARRA Law of 2009 that gave them measly lump sum.

But the most insulting about this law is that out of the 41,000 Filipino veterans who applied, only 18,000 were granted and more than 52% 0r 25,000 of them were denied their beneĂ&#x20AC;ts.

Garcia also added, â&#x20AC;&#x153; We have been marching for the last 15 years and have been lobbying at the US Congress at the US Congress and we only got was a lump sum and small beneĂ&#x20AC;ts like healthcare.

We will continue to march for equity and justice and we will not stop until we get

justice and equity for our lolos and lolas and for community.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about the 14th JFAV March for Justice and Equity please call JFAV at (213)241-0995 or visit our website at www.jfavusa.org or email u at alpiegarcia@gmail.com.

-)$9 WR OHDG )LO $P YHWV UDOO\ 1RY Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Justice League based in Los Angeles or the Justice for Filipino American Veterans, an alliance of veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organizations, community advocates, youth and students announced that they will march for the fourth time in 15 years on Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11 in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The Justice League with 34 organizations endorsing the mass action on November 11 will dramatize and remind America of their broken promises and unfulĂ&#x20AC;lled pledges to our veterans and relatives for the last 70 years.

Assembly Areas JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hollywood Veterans Day March will start at 11 a.m. at the assembly area at Hollywood and Ivar St. The groups will assemble at 10:30 a.m. for a pre-rally.

Garcia said The Justice League will march together with 34 other groups.

The other assembly areas are at The Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI) at 135 N. Parkview St. Los Angeles CA 90026 at 8 a.m. for the veterans,

widows, youth /students and community advocates.

History of Betrayal and Deception JFAV described the history of the Filipino veterans struggle as , â&#x20AC;&#x153; On July 26, 1941, six months before the war, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt conscripted the 160,000 army of the commonwealth of the Philippines into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) making the Philippines, the largest US Garrison outside of the US mainland.

During the war, USAFFE surrendered but not the Filipino people and they waged a three year long war of resistance and rallied again under the US colors and liberated the Philippines from the Japanese yoke.

For their military service, at least 250,000 USAFFE soldiers and guerillas were recognized by the US Army as American soldiers making them eligible for veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beneĂ&#x20AC;ts.

But six months later on February 18, 1946, the 79th US Congress declared their â&#x20AC;&#x153;military service inactiveâ&#x20AC;? and until now,

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13

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higher rates or not enough equity build into the home.

For reÀnancing, even if you have signed loan documents to close, the law gives you three full days from that day to rescind on the loan if you think you can get a better program with better fees. I have helped multiple customers understand their new loans and have requested for a number of clients not to sign their loans due to

have to reÀnance in two to three years you might end up losing the property due to

excessive charges and high rates from other lenders.

Please feel free to consult with our ofÀce if you are getting a fair market rate and fees on your existing loan application, I will be more than happy to give you a free advice on this subject. Good luck and again be a smart home loan borrower.

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In order to understand the closing cost, your lender will supply you with a complete breakdown of where these fees would be applied. However, for the sake of this discussion, a brief explanation of the closing cost is: >> Closing costs, or settlement costs, that are paid when the homebuyer and the seller sign the Ànal documents at closing.

On the average, closing costs run approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of the house price.

This percentage may vary, depending on where you live but may be payable even on no money down type loans. >> Closing costs include the loan origination fee (if not already paid), points, prepaid homeowner’s insurance, appraisal fee, lender processing and underwriting fees, recording fee, title search and insurance, tax adjustments, agent commissions, mortgage insurance (if you are putting less than 20% down) and other expenses. >> Points: Points are Ànance charges calculated at closing. Each point equals 1% of the loan amount. For example, 2 points on a $100,000 loan equals $2,000. Companies may charge 1, 2 or 3 points in up-front costs in addition to the down payment.

Commercial loan points may be higher.

In some cases, you may be able to Ànance the points. In some cases, the smaller the loan, the more points are charged. In most cases, points can be negotiated.

Tips on what to ask for when buying or reÀnancing your home. >> What the actual interest rate is on your mortgage >> Term of the loan (30 years Àxed, Adjustable rate mortgage, Negative amortization etc…) >> Does the loan/s carry a prepayment penalty clause and if yes for how long? >> How many points are being charged for this loan? >> Request for a complete breakdown on all closing cost and fees to this loan and request for guaranteed rates And fees.

If you are getting pre-qualiÀed and providing all the information to a lender, then the lender should be able to provide you with a complete list of rate options and fees involved. In some instances, if your credit has not been checked and or all the income documentation have not been veriÀed, the process might take a bit longer.

I have received too many calls from new homeowners calling me asking me about their closed loans, they were not properly educated and informed on the program, and the fees are not disclosed. Unfortunately if the loan has closed there’s not much we can do for you about it. Please be a smart buyer and make sure the money you saved could help you in the future.

If you have low credit scores or bad credit, that should only affect your rates not fees. Most lenders do charge more because you have bad credit but that should not be the case. Be very careful with lenders that thrive on your credit mishaps, you have to shop your loan and get this loan rate quotes and fee quotes in writing, this could help you keep your property for a long term. If you are given a loan that you don’t understand and you

14

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., November 7 - 13, 2015

OPINION

&HOHEUDWH 81&/26 OHJDO ZLQ ZLWK FDXWLRQ 3+/ ODZ\HU Manila – “This is only the Àrst hurdle against our legal battle with China,” said lawyer and KABAYAN Àrst nominee Atty. Harry Roque, “and we have more to come.”

Atty. Roque was referring to the Hague arbitration court’s ruling that it has jurisdiction to hear the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines regarding the West Philippine Sea. “However,” noted Atty. Roque, “the tribunal ruled that it has jurisdiction only over seven assertions, out of the Àfteen which the Philippines has submitted.”

These assertions include territories of Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, Gavin Reef and Mabini Reef, to name a few.

Seven other assertions, the Court noted, will be considered in conjunction with the merits.

“That’s what we have to be prepared for,” Atty. Roque said.

“One of our strongest arguments, that China’s imaginary 9-dash line has no legal force and effect under international law, has yet to be decided by the court whether it has jurisdiction or not.”

Basing its claim on ancient title, China claims sovereignty over the entire West Philippine Sea under its proposed 9-dash line. China’s claim was articulated in the 1950s, but resurfaced only recently in 2009, when it submitted an opposition against Vietnam and Malaysia’s application for an extended continental shelf.

Since then, China has employed its ships to patrol the area and has commenced the building of artiÀcial islands in low-tide elevations.

The Philippines, claiming that these actions constitute transgressions on national maritime territory, has since initiated arbitration with China in January 2013 under the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China’s insistence on not being bound by the arbitration court has been countered by the court itself, which stated that it has jurisdiction to hear seven of the Àfteen submissions by the Philippines against China.

The ruling also directed the Philippines to clarify the content and narrow the scope of its 15th submission regarding its prayer for China to “desist from further unlawful claims and activities.”

“That is why we should celebrate with caution,” Atty.

Roque said. “We still have a long way to go.”

Atty. Harry Roque is the former Director of the Institute of International Legal Studies at the UP Law Center, and professor of Constitutional Law at the UP College of Law. He is now running for party-list under KABAYAN, whose main advocacies are KAlusugan (health), PaBAhay (housing) and KabuHAYan (livelihood).

While focusing on using his legal expertise in the national arena to Àght for the socio-economic constitutional rights of Filipinos, Atty. Roque remains an active part on the legal battle of the Philippines in its international claims.

Balita

Grace Poe’s DNA shows no match; mulls second test

MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe is considering taking a second set of DNA tests with her probable biological kin after the initial trials yielded negative results.

“Just like [in getting] a medical opinion, you can always get a second opinion. So we’re open to having a retest,” Poe told reporters. during the Makabayan coalition’s formal endorsement of her tandem with Senator Francis Escudero at the Quezon City Sports Club. While Poe is saddened over her failure to Ànd ties to her biological parents, she said the negative results of her DNA test does not mean she has lost in the disqualiÀcation cases Àled against her supposedly not being a natural-born Filipino citizen.

“Malungkot [ako] na di pa rin nahahanap [ang aking mga tunay na magulang] pero hopeful sa kaso,” Poe said.

Poe told reporters that she would undergo another test with another probable biological relative who has yet to take the DNA examination.

“Mayroon pa kaming iniisip na gagawin pa. Ang proseso niyan ay patuloy… Mayroon pa kaming isang test na kailangang gawin,” she told reporters Thursday Poe refused to go into more details.

Her spokesman Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said she will be able to prove

her citizenship even if the results of her DNA tests turn out to be negative.

“Natural-born Filipino si Sen. Grace Poe dahil ‘yun ang nasa batas. Hindi ‘yun naka-angkla sa resulta ng DNA test. Yung resulta ng DNA test was just an additional information that we volunteered to submit,” he said in a separate interview.

Gatchalian added that Poe’s camp is set to submit her case before the SET for resolution within the day.

“We’re conÀdent that our position would be sustained by the good tribunal because the law is on her side,” he said.

During the Makabayan coalition’s event, Poe described as “heartwarming” Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s openness to undergo a DNA test with her so they could prove they are not siblings.

However, she said there are other persons— who are more likely to be her biological relatives— whose DNA she could test.

“May mga tao pa naman tayong pwedeng i-test. I don’t also want to impose on Sen. Marcos. But I’m happy he’s open and willing [to take the DNA test],” Poe said.

There has been a decades-old gossip that Poe was the child of former President Ferdinand Marcos and her aunt, former actress Rosemarie Sonora. She, however, has denied the rumor.

Honrado: ‘So far no evidence’ of syndicates at airport MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrado said there is no proof yet that a syndicate is operating inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where several instances of “laglag-bala” scheme has been reported.

In a television interview on Thursday, Honrado said, “So far we don’t have evidence indicating [that] syndicates are working at the airport.”

He added: “But opportunists, yes.”

Before this, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the “laglag-bala” modus appears to “have been blown out of proportion.”

Abaya said the government is trying to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of passengers at the NAIA, and boosting

the already low morale of airport personnel due to alleged planting of bullets or “laglag bala” modus.

A Philippine Daily Inquirer report on Thursday, however, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has conÀrmed that an extortion syndicate is carrying out not only the “laglag-bala” scheme, but also harassment of airline passengers through scrutiny of travel documents.

The NBI, under the order of Justice Secretary Benjamin Caguioa, is carrying out an investigation on the “laglag-bala” scheme, following recent reports of travelers being held at the airport after bullets were found in their luggage or bags.

The DOJ announced on Wednesday that it has created a seven-member team from the NBI to do this.

&KLQD XUJHV 3+/ WR UHVXPH WDONV RQ PDULWLPH GLVSXWH BEIJING, Oct 30 (Mabuhay) – China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday urged the Philippines to return to the “correct path” of talks to resolve their dispute over the South China Sea. A court in The Hague ruled on Thursday it has jurisdiction to hear some territorial claims the Philippines has Àled against China over disputed areas in the South China Sea. China has said repeatedly it will neither recognize nor participate in the case.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Thursday ruled that it has immediate jurisdiction over seven out of 15 issues raised against China by the Philippines, which is asking the tribunal to declare Beijing’s sweeping claims over the disputed areas in the South China Sea illegal and excessive.

In an initial legal setback for China and a victory for the Philippines, which Àled the case in January 2013, the tribunal has set hearings and said that it expects to hand down a ruling on the case next year.

The tribunal also rejected China’s contention that The Hague-based tribunal did not have authority to rule on the case.

Filipino government ofÀcials and diplomats said the Philippines ran into a “dead end” when it tried to resolve territorial disputes with China through nearly two decades of bilateral talks, prompting the country to eventually decide to bring the long-simmering conÁicts to international arbitration.

In its ruling on Oct. 29, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said its jurisdiction with respect to seven other issues, or “submissions” in arbitration parlance, by the Philippines remain pending and “will need to be considered in conjunction with the merits.”

These include a move by the Philippine government to invalidate China’s nine-dash line, the country’s basis to claim almost all of the South China Sea. Another Philippine submission, on the other hand, needs to be clariÀed and narrowed by the court. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Thursday ruled that it has immediate jurisdiction over seven out of 15 issues raised against China by the Philippines, which is asking the tribunal to declare Beijing’s sweeping claims over the disputed areas in the South China Sea illegal.

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15

%LQD\ YRZV WR WLQNHU ZLWK WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ WR OXUH PRUH IRUHLJQ LQYHVWPHQWV In his recent talks with businessmen, Vice President Jojo Binay disclosed plans to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to enable foreign investors to pour in their resources in the country to help spur economic growth and to generate employment opportunities.

This is a very good policy position to be undertaken by Binay once he wins in the 2016 presidential derby. Hopefully, Binay will keep his word of “dissecting” the economic provisions of our 1987 Constitution.

I also hope that what Binay promises to do with the Constitution is not just part of a campaign ploy to win the support of businessmen as well as the common tao to help boost his presidential aspiration.

The Vice President is one of the most experienced among the four presidential aspirants. However, Binay’s presidential aspiration appears to be losing steam after being accused of corruption during his term as chief executive of Makati.

According to Binay, President Aqui-

no’s adamant refusal to tinker with the economic provisions of the country’s Constitution has made the Philippine economy stagnant as compared with the rest of its neighboring countries.

Most of our neighboring Asian countries have progressed tremendously since they allowed foreign investors to pour in their resources in their respective areas.

According to Binay, he do not just plan or promise. He said he get things done. In order to drive his point of the need to restructure the country’s economic policies, he promised to prioritize amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution during the Àrst few months of his presidency.

The Vice President also promised that a Binay presidency will strive hard to make the country a more competitive business investment destination by opening up the economy to foreign investors.

Numerous studies have been conducted in the past regarding the impact of “protectionism” on our economy. It was observed that the “government’ protectionist policy is not actually protection the nation’s economy but, local businessmen that is dominated by oligarch families.

These “chosen few” Filipino businessmen were able to expand and protect their business empires through the years because of their political clout and unlimited supply of “green bucks.”

Binay also chided President Noynoy on his refusal to reconsider his position regarding proposals to lower income tax payments. Once elected President, Binay is making assurances to the public that both income and corporate taxes will be lowered by the government to ease up on the current finan-

cial difficulties of most Filipinos.

However both President Noynoy and his anointed _Mar Roxas, rejects the proposal to lower corporate and income taxes. calling it counter-productive and will result in potential loss in revenues.

Binay, on the other hand, claimed that the Aquino administration could have accomplished more if President Noynoy is not vindictive, has been pro poor and has been fair in rendering judgment to both his allies and political opponents.

Under his administration, Binay promises to put an end to vindictiveness and political persecution. Once elected President, Binay said he himself will initiate a policy of reconciliation to all his political opponents, if only to heal old political wounds...

Despite being accused of corruption and amassing wealth during his long years of being the mayor of Makati, Binay remains one of the favorites to in the next presidential election to be held in May of this year.

Maybe he might after all.

5XPRUHG EURWKHU %RQJERQJ 0DUFRV VD\V KH¶V ZLOOLQJ WR WDNH '1$ WHVW IRU MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) – Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that he was willing to undergo a DNA test if it would help Senator Grace Poe in her quest to Ànd her biological relatives.

Marcos made the remark after Poe said in radio interview that DNA tests with several probable biological kin showed no match.

“Sure, pa DNA ako. walang problema. I don’t see how that will help her but if it will, why not?” Marcos told reporters when asked if he was willing to help Poe Ànd her biological parents.

Poe is a foundling who was adopted by the late actor Fernando Poe Jr and his wife, actress Susan Roces.

Poe’s biological parents have yet to be traced.

There have been persistent rumours that she was the child of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and her aunt, actress Rosemarie Sonora.

Both Senators Poe and Marcos have denied the rumour but taken it quite lightly as they took to calling each other “bro” and “sis.”

In a radio interview Wednesday,

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Poe said tests showed that her DNA did not match any of those taken from her probable biological relatives.

The test was conducted to have additional evidence to prove that Poe has Filipino lineage, in response to the disqualiÀcation case Àled against her by defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David.

Marcos expressed confidence that the DNA test would prove nothing except that he is the son of her father and mother, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

“Anong makikita sa DNA test?

Na anak ako ng tatay ko at nanay ko,” he said laughing.

Asked what he will do if ever the test proves that he and Poe are siblings, Marcos said he would tell her “Welcome to the family.”

Pressed if he will ask Poe who will she give more weight, her “half brother” Marcos or friend Senator Chiz Escudero, who are both seeking the vice presidency, the senator said he will let Poe answer that.

“Nasa sa kanya na ‘yun, hindi ko masasagot ‘yun para sa kanya, you have to ask her about that,” he said. (MNS)

16

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FOOD & DINING

Balita

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That is twenty-five times more than white rice! Barley also contains both insoluble and soluble Àber, which work together to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and help improve your overall health.

Hakubaku’s Mochi Mugi pairs well with many kinds of food, and one easy way you can enjoy it is to add it to rice before cooking.

Try the rice omelette with Mochi Mugi recipe below for

hearty breakfast comfort food that is also healthy!

Mixed Rice Omelettes

Ingredients 1 packet Hakubaku Mochi Mugi (60g) 3 cups of rice 8 strips of bacon cut into small pieces 1 red and yellow bell pepper, cored and Ànely chopped

an additional ½ cup of water for every packet of Mochi Mugi used.

2. While rice mixture finishes cooking, saute bacon, bell peppers, and onion until softened.

3. Add steamed rice mix to the pan and stir-fry together.

4. Add salt, pepper, and ketchup and mix well. Set seasoned rice mix aside.

5. Beat two eggs in a small bowl and add a pinch of salt, then pour the eggs into a skillet and make a round omelette.

6. Place one cup of the seasoned rice mixture in the mid1 chopped onion dle of the omelette.

1/4 cup of ketchup 7. Fold top and bottom sides Salt and pepper of the omelette over the rice, 8 eggs plate and serve.

8. Repeat steps 5-7 to make Recipe 1. Prepare rice according to four mixed rice omelettes. package. Before setting rice to * Source: Intage, Inc. cook, add one packet of Mochi Mugi and an additional ½ cup SRI Data 2015 ** Japanese Food Composiof water. Let cook and mix well. *Note: Be sure to add tion Database 2010

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TRAVEL

µ+XQJHU *DPHV¶ WKHPH SDUNV RSHQLQJ LQ WKH 86 DQG &KLQD UHSRUW Tuesday November 3 2015 (Relaxnews) – While the Ànal instalment of the “Hunger Games” Àlm franchise hits theaters later this month, the legacy will live on in the form of theme parks erected in Atlanta and Macau.

Film studio Lionsgate has conÀrmed to The New York Times plans to open two new theme parks that will bring the world of Panem to life.

In the US, the “Hunger Games” park is being licensed to developers who are currently in the early stages of opening an entertainment destination near Atlanta called Avatron Smart Park.

Opening date is set for 2019.

In China, the movie studio has struck a partnership with a property development company that specializes in media to bring the “Hunger Games” world to Hengqin island at a 237,000 square foot (2,2018 square-meter) “experience center,” that is scheduled to open in late 2018.

The parks in the US and Macau are the latest expansion plans for the Hunger Games franchise.

Earlier this year, Lionsgate announced that it had partnered with a Dubai developer to open a “Hunger Games” theme park in the city. The site is expected to be ready by October 2016.

The park in Dubai will recreate District 12, the poor mining region where Katniss lived with her mom and sister, and feature a roller coaster designed to resemble the high-speed Capital trains, the Times

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6LQJDSRUH WR Rႇ HU ZRUOG¶V ¿ UVW RQOLQH WR Rႉ LQH VKRSSLQJ PDOO Wednesday October 28 2015 (Relaxnews) – Singapore is looking to become a leader in e-commerce, by introducing a mall that combines online and ofÁine shopping, reportsTechCrunch.

Singpost, Singapore’s postal service provider, has unveiled a mall where shoppers can purchase items in store, order them online from the mall and have them delivered at home.

The mall, which will be completed in mid-2017, will show off 25,000 square meters of space over Àve storeys. An eight-screen cinema will also feature among the offerings.

The mall would be the first in the world to offer online and ofÁine shopping in one central place. China’s Alibaba has invested $4.6 billion to improve on its online-ofÁine sales offering but Singpost would be the Àrst to do so with a shopping mall.

reports.

Another ride will simulate a hovercraft, and take riders on an aerial tour of Panem.

Likewise, the Àlm studio is also looking at recreating the worlds depicted in the Àlms “Divergent” and “Twilight” and building attractions inspired by the 2013 Àlm “Now You See Me” about a troupe of illusionists that starred Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2” rolls out across theaters worldwide the week of November 20.

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COMMUNITY

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Washington meet shines spotlight on APEC 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 30 – The Asia-PaciÀc Economic Cooperation (APEC), the premiere economic policy organization in the region, plays a unique role in supporting sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia PaciÀc through a holistic approach which empowers government, business, and civil society sectors of its member economies.

Representatives from these three sectors gathered in Washington, DC to talk about the priorities, goals, and milestones of APEC during “APEC Philippines 2015,” a symposium held on 30 October 2015 at the Ronald Regan Building and International

Trade Center. The gathering was organized by the US-Philippines Society, in partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center.

To explain how APEC works, keynote speaker Laura Q. Del Rosario, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Economic Relations and Chair for the Senior OfÀcials’ Meeting of APEC 2015, likened APEC to a musical masterpiece.

“APEC works like the music of Johannes Sebastian Bach. It’s like having so many instruments playing

together and each instrument has its own music but somehow they all lead to one major goal. They all play under one deÀnite key,” said Undersecretary Del Rosario.

The one major goal and one deÀnite key for this year is “Building inclusive economies, Building a better world,” a theme the Philippines, as the Chair of APEC 2015, has chosen.

MSME and the inclusive growth agenda Keynote speaker Matthew J. Matthews, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior OfÀcial for APEC described inclusive growth as everyone having a “fair shot because everyone is playing on a level playing Àeld.”

To level the playing Àeld, APEC is working on strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so that these businesses can enter the global market. Bringing more businesses into global business chains is one of the main goals under the APEC inclusive growth agenda.

During her remarks, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council, talked about the crucial role technology plays in leveling the playing Àeld for MSMEs. “Today, one of the greatest trends that make this idea of inclusive growth so much more possible is technology. That has really opened up the possibility for anybody—man, woman, child, people with disabilities—to really be participating in endeavors that allow one to cross borders with services and goods,” Doris Magsaysay-Ho.

An example of such technology is a program for interactive mapping of incubators being developed by APEC and is set to be launched in November. The interactive map will serve as a networking tool for young entrepreneurs and investors in the region.

“We have partnered with Canada to do interactive mapping for incubators in the region. We have started with six economies and hopefully by next year we can complete all 21. I think it is so exciting when you can see the possibility of connecting the next generation entrepreneurs and a venture capitalist being able to Ànd somebody inventing something in Indonesia, for example,” said Magsaysay-Ho. Inclusive growth also entails optimizing the full participation of women in the economy. According to Monica Whaley, President of the National Center for APEC, the Philippines is a perfect example of having women as active players, citing that the country has two female APEC chairs in Undersecretary del Rosario as SOM Chair and Ms. Magsaysay-Ho as ABAC Chair.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador John F. Maisto, President of the US-Philippines Society, also pointed out that seven of the eleven speakers at the forum were women.

Health and the environment APEC has also shown seriousness in making sure public health and environmental concerns are addressed in the process of creating inclusive economies.

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AARP returns as title sponsor of 5th Annual TOFA-NY Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 3, 2015 – For the second consecutive year, AARP presented The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFA-NY) Awards on Saturday, October 31 at Carnegie Hall in New York. Created to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that have raised the proÀle of the Filipino American community in a unique way, TOFA honored 15 exceptional individuals and organizations.

AARP presented the TOFA award for ‘Senior Welfare and Advocacy’ to the Philippine Aging Group for Active Seniors of America (PAGASA), a non-proÀt that helps the growing number of isolated elderly Filipino Americans and provides a place where they can gather and interact with others.

“Supporting organizations like TOFA-NY and PAGASA is an example of how AARP is strengthening communities,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “The honorees embody AARP’s belief in turning possibilities into realities.”

“We are extremely fortunate to have AARP head our list of sponsors this year and applaud them for their support to our community, especially during Filipino American History Month,” said Elton Lugay, Founding Chair of TOFA. “We’re very proud of our colleague Steven Raga, honored by TOFA for his commitment to the community and his achievements working with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), and Forest Hills Asian Association,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP

Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and PaciÀc Islander Audience. “As our AARP Consultant, Steven bringsAARP’s resources to the Filipino American community as well as brings the community toAARP! We congratulate Steven and all the TOFA winners on their exceptional accomplishments!”

Other TOFA awardees included Gail Banawis, Mark Bustos, John Gadia, Richard Holsman, KC Concepcion, Chelle Lhuillier, Makilala TV, Carmelyn Malalis, Kevin Nadal, Betina Ocampo, Nicole Ponseca, PAG-ASA Social Foundation Inc., Katrina Saporsantos, and Jonathan Wong.

For more information about how AARP helps Asian American & PaciÀc Islander families get more out of life, visit www.AARP.org/AAPI, www.facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity andwww.twitter.com/ AARPAAPI. About AARP AARP is a nonproÀt, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and Àghts for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from Ànancial abuse.

We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational

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information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; andAARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public ofÀce or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an afÀliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

AARP has staffed ofÀces in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Why Matteo won’t collaborate with girlfriend Sarah G Although he has already ventured into the music industry, Matteo Guidicelli does not see himself collaborating with his girlfriend, singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, in the near future. Guidicelli said he and Geronimo have decided to keep their relationship separate from their showbiz careers.

“I really want to keep Sarah and I, especially in work, very, very separate because ang daming intriga, ang daming bashers, ang daming negative comments. I want to climb my ladder by myself. She’s my girlfriend, yes, but she’s not my partner

in work. I want to work alone. She’s my inspiration in work but we want to keep it separate talaga,” he said.

Guidicelli said he also does not want people to think that he is only using Geronimo, who is considered one of the best singers in the country.

“I’m still starting in the music industry. First album ko pa lang ito.

First concert ko pa lang ito. I want do it on my own. I really don’t want people to think I’m using her or just following her. This is my dream since the beginning, noong hindi pa kami.

So I want to do it my own way,” he said.

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With a record breaking 41 Million tweets during their “Tamang Panahon” appearance at the Philippine Arena last October 24, 2015 one cannot ignore the fact that this phenomenon is out of this world. It’s an astonishing sensation that in a matter of hours Twitter’s world re- All for Juan”. In the series, Maine cord was dominated by Aldubnation. portrays the character of Yaya Dub This event marked the Àrst time that (Divina Ursula Bukbukova), a nanny Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, for her adoptive grandmother. In the aka Yaya Dub, shared the stage. early episodes, Yaya only commuIt was not enough that they were nicates through vocal dubbing and Ànally seen together in one place, does not actually speak. The Aldub but they were allowed to look into tandem was accidental. In one of the each other’s eyes then they hugged. episodes, Yaya Dub broke character It was a heartwarming moment that when she smiled upon seeing Alden even Alden had tears rolling down his on the show’s split screen, which cheeks as he held Maine tightly in his prompted an instantaneous smile arms for awhile. As he savored that on Alden too. The producers and the moment, everyone in the arena and audience saw the chemistry spark those watching live remotely were between Alden and Yaya Dub, thus teary-eyed. The emotion was intense the loveteam was created. to feel so happy that you Ànd yourself Part of the charm of the show is crying. Then they treated everyone that it’s spontaneous and mostly to a fairytale-like dance number improvised. The scenes on the street to their theme song “God Gave Me shot live makes it unpredictable.

You”. It was a beautiful moment, Including ordinary people gives quite magical. the show a down-to-earth feel. A The unusual circumstance behind rewarding aspect of the show is this media sensation is that the packed arena of more than 50K was there to see and experience the energy of a couple who had never met, and had never spoken a word to each other. The premise of this Àrst kalye-serye is to offer audiences the ultimate kilig factor. It is the pixie dust of the entertainment world, and the Aldub tandem feeds the public’s hunger for kilig. Shallow as it maybe, but the anticipation of a romantic interlude is pleasurable. Everytime 2QH RI WKH WKHPH VRQJV RI WKH SKHQRPHQDO $O'XE FRXSOH LV I watch Aldub’s split- µ*RG *DYH 0H <RX¶ E\ %U\DQ :KLWHB 7KH $PHULFDQ FRXQWU\ screen stolen moments VLQJHU LV FRPLQJ WR 0DQLOD WKLV 'HFHPEHU SKRWR FRXUWHV\ when they show their RI (% )% SDJH

affection to each other, I feel an that traditional virtues are often uncontrollable smile that’s quickly on display. Emphasis on modesty followed by giddiness. I am among and old fashioned courtship is the the millions of viewers who have wit- main theme,“ang pag-ibig ay hindi nessed the start of a wonderful and minamadali”. Yes, you can’t hurry very odd relationship. This Àctional love. It will be meaningful if you loveteam brings hope to the promise wait for the right time to achieve of the couple living happily together, love forever. that Alden is allowed forever. And that someday it will to ofÀcially court Maine, their quest become reality. in Ànding true love begins. It’s the Entertainment is a useful and kind of love that hits the heart, if important distraction in people’s your eyes don’t tear-up from laughlives. Life is complicated and Ànding ing at the funny faces that Maine pleasure in it is a godsend for millions makes at Alden when he tries to be of people. Social media has filled romantic. The fantasy world of Althat need in unexpected ways. The dub has crossed over the boundary phenomena of “Dubsmashing”, which from the unreal Dubsmash format is a mobile app to create short selÀe to a boy-meets-girl, thus creating a videos dubbed with famous sounds, community that strongly believes has blossomed on the internet. It in hope, love, and happiness. The was inevitable that, sooner or later, promise of their courtship is a repeople would start communicating to ward beyond the dreams of averice. each other in the Dubsmash format. I admit, as an Aldubber who tunes And that’s how Aldub got started. in 6 days a week in anticipation of a In an interview, Alden Richards romantic fulÀllment between Alden mentioned that he spotted a Dub- and Maine, that I can’t wait to see smash video of Maine Mendoza, the what will happen next.

Dubsmash Queen of the Philippines, In my generation the “new mebefore she was casted as Yaya Dub. dia” format was “music video”, He found her videos hilarious and which gave us the odd but comical became a fan. Alden is a regular host video persona of “Max Headroom”. in the hit noontime variety show “Eat Dubsmashing featured in Aldub’s Bulaga”. Maine’s internet popularity kalye-serye is the 21st century vercaught the attention of the producers sion. Under the surface it is simply and casted her in a soap opera parody social media comedy meets romance. segment of the show, “Juan for All, And it works.

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Luis Manzano talks about Angelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health Luis Manzano has Ă&#x20AC;nally spoken about the health condition of his girlfriend Angel Locsin, who backed out of the upcoming Darna movie after developing a disc buldge in her spine.

Manzano said he was saddened

by Locsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision but health will always be the priority. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Napakaraming mga Kapamilya ang naghihintay na suotin niya uli ang costume at makipagbakbakan siya uli bilang Darna. For me as her boyfriend and as a fan, the fact that she cannot Ă y again as Darna, nakakalungkot,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Manzano said he has seen the actress in extreme pain because of her condition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dati ko pang alam na may problema ang likod niya. Paminsan-misan masama ang sumpong, minsan naman okay. In fact, there was one time, two months ago. I think lumabas naman sa news na na-conĂ&#x20AC;ne siya. Nasa Batangas ako. I was diving and then I got a call that she was being rushed to the hospital.

Talagang kinansel ko â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung dive, punta agad ako. She was in extreme

pain,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uusog lang sa kama ng two inches, kunwari nasa dulo siya ng kama pupunta siya sa gitna, halos umiiyak siya sa sakit,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Asked how he shows his support for Locsin amid this setback, Manzano said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always tell her the world does not end with the Darna role. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more that could happen para sa kanya, bigger things would come. I know ABS and Star Cinema will give her something bigger, something fulfilling as an actress.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, the actor said the actress who will be chosen to play Darna has very big shoes to Ă&#x20AC;ll. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang daming puwede, ang dami din naman magaganda at magagaling na puwede namang magsuot ng costume ni Darna.

Pero siyempre, iba kasi â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung angas ni Angel. Si Angel kasi does her own stunts, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung Ă&#x20AC;ght scenes, as much as possible. Walang double, double. Siguro kung sino man, they have to go through a lot of training,â&#x20AC;? he said.

$IWHU /- -& GH 9HUD GDWLQJ DJDLQ After his relationship with LJ Reyes broke down, actor JC de Vera revealed that he is now dating a non-showbiz girl.

The 29-year-old De Vera admitted that he made a conscious effort to shy away from seeing fellow celebrities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kasi pag showbiz hindi nagwo-work eh so try-try din nang iba,â&#x20AC;?

De Vera, who refused to share anymore details, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very private person. Nirerespeto ko na lang.â&#x20AC;?

De Vera Ă&#x20AC;rst announced that he stopped dating Reyes last June. At the time, he said that the reason was their conĂ icting schedules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ayaw kong sabihin na walang time kasi nag-put naman ako ng effort sa oras na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yon kapag wala akong trabaho,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pero â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yun nga like I said pareho kaming may kanya-kanyang priorities. I think hindi lang talaga siya nag-match. At ako ang nag-decide to

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stop,â&#x20AC;? he added.

De Vera is part of the cast of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re My Home,â&#x20AC;? which also includes screen veterans Dawn Zulueta, Richard Gomez, Jessy Mendiola, and Sam Concepcion. (MNS)

r you ay tro d n We deliver in Medays Se ineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D s nt r boxe within 40 a il e n a l M a V aste (ULF 1LFRODV GLG QRW H[SHFW VKRZEL] EUHDN r 3 months! o 2 t o n E & MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -â&#x20AC;&#x201C; At

NOW

44, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Face Sounds Familiarâ&#x20AC;? contestant Eric Nicolas never expected to still be given a break in showbiz.

Before joining the ABS-CBN show, Nicolas worked as an audience jester for various Kapamilya shows. He was also once a member of a dance group and worked as a stand-up comedian.

Nicolas also worked on several Japanese shows aired in the country in the 1990s as an animator. These shows included seminal favorites such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Slam Dunk,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sailor Moon,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dragon Ball Z.â&#x20AC;?

Nicolas said he was already content working behind the cameras. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actually sa akin naman, kumbaga ine-enjoy ko â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung trabaho ko sa ABS. Ginagawa kong TV â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung audience ko sa studio. Masaya po ako kapag nagpapatawa ako ng tao.

Hindi ko ine-expect na makakarating ako sa ganito talaga. Kasi 44 years old na ako. Hindi ko ine-expect ito,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a piece of trivia: it was Nicolas who helped Pokwang when she Ă&#x20AC;rst entered showbiz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nagkaroon kasi ng contest na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Clown in a Millionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sa ABS-CBN. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yung researcher nagpunta sa mga

!

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comedy bars tapos nakita po ako.

Sumali ako pero hindi po ako pinalad.

Nung naghanap ng babae, nakita ko si Pokwang, binigay ko â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung number niya tapos siya â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung pinapunta ko doon,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Although it took him many years, Nicolas said he is grateful for all the showbiz opportunities being given to him, especially â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Face Sounds Familiar.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kinabahan po talaga ako kasi sanay lang po talaga ako sa likod ng camera. Alam po ng karamihan na pagdating sa harap ng camera, kabado po ako,â&#x20AC;? he admitted in a previous interview.

$QJHO /RFVLQ

Manzano said the actress who will be playing the Filipino heroine

â&#x20AC;&#x153;should understand the responsibility of portraying Darna.â&#x20AC;? (MNS)

26

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MOTORING

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2016 Honda Civic Sedan: Comfort and Convenience The new Civic brings an elevated level of comfort and convenience to an affordable, compact-class car, with numerous Civic Àrsts and standard or optional premium features typically found in more expensive vehicles.

From the convenience of available Smart Entry and Pushbutton Start/ Stop to the ease of use of the new electric parking brake and Hill Start Assist, the Civic offers useful technologies that make driving easier and more convenient.

Key Comfort and Convenience Features Smart Entry and Push Button Start (available) Remote Engine Start* (available) Hill Start Assist Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (available) Driver Preference Settings* (available) Capless Fueling System* Electric Parking Brake* * First for Civic First for Honda Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop The 2016 Civic offers the upscale convenience of Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop.

Remote Keyless Entry Remote keyless entry is standard equipment on all Civic models. The

wave key design (LX trim) has an integrated transmitter in the handle with lock, unlock, trunk open and panic buttons.

Smart Entry Smart Entry also allows the driver to approach, open and use the trunk without using a key or pressing a button on the remote. With the remote in his or her possession, the driver simply presses the release button and opens the trunk. As a safety and convenience feature, the Smart Entry system will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior of the Civic.

Push Button Start/Stop On the Civic EX and above, once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the driver simply pushes the START/STOP button positioned on the instrument panel while pressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle.

Powertrain operation and certain electrical functions are ended when the START/STOP button is pressed again at the conclusion of the drive.

For accessory mode, the driver simply presses the START/STOP button without pressing the brake pedal.

The new Civic’s START/STOP button features a pulsating light to help the

driver more easily locate the button.

Remote Engine Start Civic EX trims and above feature standard remote engine start. This enables drivers to start their Civic in advance of the drive, thereby activating the climate control system with a target temperature of 72 degrees before they get to the vehicle – particularly helpful in extreme hot- or cold-weather conditions. The system will automatically operate the heater, front and rear defrosters, front heated seats (if equipped), heated side mirror, and air conditioning as needed.

The remote engine start feature is built into the key fob supplied with the vehicle. To start the engine remotely, the owner presses the LOCK button and then holds the ENGINE button for a second. The Civic’s hazard lights will Áash, indicating that the signal has been received. When the engine is started remotely, the wipers, lighting and audio systems remain off, and the security system remains set.

The engine will run for up to 10 minutes after remote starting and can be extended by another 10 minutes using the same procedure, and

then shut off automatically if the owner doesn’t reach the vehicle within that time. When the owner does get to the Civic within 10 minutes, or extended period if the procedure is initiated a second time, the engine will keep running while the owner unlocks the vehicle, gets in, applies the brake and presses the Civic’s START button, which turns on all of the vehicle’s systems.

Driver Preferences The Civic EX and above trims come with two keyless remotes with unique identiÀers. Each remote can be set with unique proÀles to accommodate the individual preferences of two different drivers. The available preferences include driver seat and mirror positions. Other preferences include audio system pre-sets, air conditioning preferences, and navigation system settings. In the event both owners use the car at the same time, the Civic will recognize the keyless remote that approaches the driver’s door Àrst.

Locking After parking, a press of the LOCK button on the remote will simultaneously lock all the doors and trunk.

On EX and above trims a touch of the soft-touch lock button on either front door handle locks all doors and trunk to secure the Civic. The system will not allow the remote to be locked in the interior of the Civic.

Walk Away Door Lock Included on EX and above trims, the new Walk Away Door Lock feature automatically locks the Civic when the driver leaves the vehicle.

This hands-free locking capability adds everyday convenience that’s especially useful when the driver has his or her hands full or is distracted.

In typical use, when all doors are closed and the driver walks away, the Civic will automatically lock when the key holder’s distance from the vehicle exceeds 6.5 feet for two seconds or more and when no other key is detected inside the vehicle.

An audible buzzer sounds and the hazard lights Áash to conÀrm that the vehicle has locked.

Although a Honda is a Honda wherever you see one, Filipinos flock to Carson Honda because of the friendly Filipino staff at the dealership and of course because of the service our kababayans provide.

One of them, Rohmer Manalese, has even earned the “Best in Customer Satisfaction,” an honor he keeps consistently, along with the three other Filipino sales staff in the persons of Ricky Agagas, Terzo Pallen and Christian Reyes, all of whom are veterans in the car sales industry. “We have a great staff and this is a great dealership,” Carson Honda General Manager Krisztian Kratky said. “We have a friendly atmosphere.”

Carson Honda is located at 1435 E. 223rd Street, Carson, CA 90745.

They can be reached toll free at 1-800-503-2321.

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1LVVDQ IDVWHVW ULVLQJ DXWRPRWLYH EUDQG YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct. 5, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nissan has been named one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable brands for 2015, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 49, up from 56 in 2014 and 90 with a brand valuation of $3.819 billion from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural appearance on the list in 2011. Nissan is the fastest-rising automotive brand in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapid ascent in Ă&#x20AC;ve short years from place 90 to now 49 shows weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing in the right spaces and engaging with consumers while always remaining authentic,â&#x20AC;? said Roel de Vries, Nissan corporate vice president and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growing a global brand thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting and innovative is an integral part of our companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.â&#x20AC;?

The study cited the strength of Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engagement with millennials, effective sponsorship opportunities and customization offerings among the drivers of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand health and again named them a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Riser.â&#x20AC;? The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $9.082 billion, an increase by 19 percent from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimated value of more than $7.6 billion.

The study also applauded Nissan tapping into sponsorship opportunities to reach younger audiences, including the UEFA Champions League activation in 2015 and NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voice.â&#x20AC;? It also highlighted the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customization and per-

sonalization of products, citing the new U.S. J U K E C o l o r Studio, and innovative new ownership schemes for LEAF buyers in Europe, as relevant ways to connect with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumer.

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual report on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable brands. Interbrandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account Ă&#x20AC;nancial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process and the strength of the brand.

For more information about Interbrandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Best Global Brand Study, please visithttp://www.bestglobalbrands.com/.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in Ă&#x20AC;scal 2014.

Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, InĂ&#x20AC;niti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in

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zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the Ă&#x20AC;rst mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and the best-selling EV in history.

Earlier, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced fiscal year first quarter Ă&#x20AC;nancial results for the three months ending June 30, 2015.

The company reported net revenue of $23.9 billion (2.90 trillion yen), an increase of 17.6% versus 2.47 trillion yen a year ago. Operating proĂ&#x20AC;t was $1.6 billion (193.7 billion yen), up from 122.6 billion yen, a 58.0% increase. Net income was $1.3 billion (152.8 billion yen), an increase of 36.3% versus 112.1 billion yen in the prior year.

Nissan unit sales increased 4.4% in a market that increased 1.5%.

Market share rose to 5.9%, up from 5.7% the previous year. The company

sold 1,294,000 vehicles during the period. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nissan delivered solid Ă&#x20AC;nancial results in the first three months of the Ă&#x20AC;scal year due primarily to strong demand for our core products in North America and Europe,â&#x20AC;? said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive ofĂ&#x20AC;cer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Given our on-going product offensive, the beneĂ&#x20AC;ts of our Alliance strategy and continued cost-discipline, Nissan is on track to deliver its full-year Ă&#x20AC;nancial guidance.â&#x20AC;?

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. Call now toll-free 888-588-7635. For more information on Nissan of Mission Hills call or visit www.nissanofmissionhills.com.

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2016 Toyota Prius c goes small on fuel consumption, big on safety and bold on color October 16, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The 2016 Toyota Prius c may be the smallest of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight hybrid models, but the new-for-2016 Toyota Safety Sense-C system gives it a big advantage over other small cars. And no other car in the compact segment can touch its remarkable 53-MPG EPA-estimated city fuel economy, making Prius c big on eco and fun. A new Persona Series Special Edition combines eye-grabbing color combos and other upgrades.

Toyota gave the Prius c a major styling and interior upgrade for 2015, and so the big news for 2016 is the available Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C), which equips the car with an array of driver-assist technologies: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Assist, and Automatic High Beams.

Toyota is giving the Prius c an infusion of playfulness for 2016, too, with the Persona Series Special Edition. This distinctive model goes on sale in December and is limited to just 1,500 units. The Persona Series Special Edition comes exclusively in Black, with a choice of two unique color accents that amp up the fun: Electric Lime and Cherry Pearl.

The contrast color accents can be found on the lower front grille trim, beneath the headlights and on trim beneath the side windows.The accents also cover the outside power mirrors and interior rear-view mirror shell. You may have seen such paint schemes on customized exotics driv-

en by pro ballplayers, but the effect costs far less on a 2016 Prius c Special Edition, which also includes 15-inch black alloy wheels and a custom â&#x20AC;&#x153;Persona Seriesâ&#x20AC;? badge.

The Prius c is offered in four numbered grades, and the Special Edition is built on the Two. That means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equipped with extras including fabric-trimmed two-tone seats; 6-way adjustable driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat; 60/40 split fold-down rear seats; cruise control, a cargo area cover and engine immobilizer.

Toyota remains the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hybrid leader in terms of both models offered and total sales. Since the Ă&#x20AC;rst generation Prius in 1997 (2000 in the United States), about four million Prius vehicles have been sold worldwide.

Prius remains the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier eco-vehicle brand, and has also been instrumental in establishing consumer trust in hybrid technology. (Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re welcome, competitors.)

Stands for â&#x20AC;&#x153;City,â&#x20AC;? but â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cleverâ&#x20AC;? Works, Too Urban dwellers like the packaging

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of the Prius c, which at 157.3 inches long must be one of the easiest-to-park cars on the market. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that c stands for city. And what could be more appropriate than bright lights in the big city? The Prius c shines the way with standard single LED projector low- and highbeam headlights and LED tail and brake lights. Colors like Electric Lime Metallic, Sun Fusion, Tangerine Splash Pearl and Sparkling Sea Metallic sound tasty enough to drink, and they ensure a glowing appearance in daylight, too.

The Prius câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clever design strategically locates key drivetrain components to maximize cabin space. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle and power-control unit are optimally placed within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity. The hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned beneath the rear seat, ideally distributing their masses within the carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheelbase to improve weight distribution and, therefore, handling agility.

As a result, the Prius c offers 104 cu. ft. of total interior volume (87.4 cu. ft. passenger volume plus 17.1 cu. ft. cargo volume). The 35-inch rear legroom rivals some larger compacts.

Prius c Hybrid Technology In adapting Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hybrid technology to the Prius c platform, each of the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major components beneĂ&#x20AC;tted from a design focus to reduce weight, and size while improving efĂ&#x20AC;ciency.

Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hybrid technology integrates a gasoline engine, an electric motor within a Continuously Variable Transaxle, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a power control unit (inverter), a DC-DC converter, a stepup converter and a hybrid control computer.

The hybrid control computer governs the seamless application of gasoline engine and electric power depending on driving demands and selected drive mode.

The Prius câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3)-rated 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes an Atkinson cycle to increase efĂ&#x20AC;ciency. The engine produces 73 horsepower and 82

lb.-ft. of torque, contributing to a total hybrid system output of 99 hp. Prius c offers three distinct drive modes: Normal, ECO, and EV Mode. ECO reduces overall energy consumption by governing climate control and throttle operation to improve vehicle efĂ&#x20AC;ciency. Under certain conditions EV Mode allows the Prius c to be driven solely by electric power for under one mile while remaining below 25 mph.

Small But Mighty The Prius câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body structure makes extensive use of lightweight, highstrength steel to help reduce vehicle mass and enhance fuel economy. The strategic use of high-tensile-strength steel contributes to the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to absorb and disperse impact energies, helping enhance occupant safety. The high level of torsional rigidity afforded by the Prius c body structure allows the suspension to be more optimally tuned for ride and handling.

The body covering that structure slips through the air with a low 0.28 coefĂ&#x20AC;cient of drag, the result of extensive aerodynamic features.

The Prius câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lower-body styling is wider below the beltline, featuring sculpted rear flares that express an athletic stance. The cabin combines futuristic design elements in a passenger-friendly environment, and premium touches include piano black, chrome and soft-touch upgraded interior accents on the Prius c Two and above.

The Prius c rides on standard 15-inch wheels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; steel with wheel covers for the One or in aluminum alloy for higher trim levels. A 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel option with P195/50R16 tires is available for the Prius c Four. Whatever the competitors make, produce or advertise with aplomb, Filipinos always prefer the Toyota brand and our population is one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest markets.

And speaking of markets or if you are in the market for a new car, which most likely youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a new Toyota, just call our kababayans Alex Almalvez and Nelson Samson at Wondries Toyota. You can easily reach Alex at 818-653-4410 or Nelson at 626-321-3234. Wondries Toyota is located at 1543 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801.

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Toyota exceeds expectations by topping 200,000 sales in October Highlander and RAV4 have bestever October sales month TORRANCE, Calif. (November 3, 2015) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported October 2015 sales of 204,045 units, an increase of 13 percent on a volume basis. With one more selling day in October 2015 than in October 2014, sales were up 9.0 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.

Toyota Division posted October 2015 sales of 177,609 units, up 13 percent on a volume and 8.9 percent on a DSR basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;October was a huge month for the industry, smashing expectations and continuing its hot streak,â&#x20AC;? said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota Division. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toyota Division post-

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October 18, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; How do you improve ultimate? The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate-capability, ultimate-luxury SUV, and for 2016 Toyota is ratcheting up the meaning of that term. New exterior and interior design features are the obvious changes made to the 2016 Land Cruiser, while new safety technology, a major drivetrain upgrade and enhanced multimedia features make this makeover far more than metal-skin deep.

Toyota has continually sold Land Cruiser models in the United States since 1957.

Over the decades, the Land Cruiser has evolved from a utilitarian go-anywhere vehicle to one of the most luxurious full-capability SUVs on the market. Land Cruiser customers are among the most loyal in the auto industry; they seek ultimate capability and luxury, though packaged with renowned Toyota value and understated character.

The Land Cruiser body is new from the A-pillar forward. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole new look for this iconic vehicle, with the bumper, grille, projector-beam LED low and high beam headlights, headlight cleaners and integrated Land Cruiser logo, all contributing to the new design signature. The hoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive power bulges convey the potential of the 381-horsepower V8 that lies beneath.

Teamed to that power plant for 2016 is the Toyota brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 8-speed automatic transmission, which helps enhance acceleration.

The Land Cruiser shows a new signature from behind, as well, thanks to new taillights with light-tube design and LED brake lights, a new full-width chrome molding and a new bumper.

A chrome body side molding embossed with the Land Cruiser logo and new-design 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the Land Cruiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s muscular profile.

Once again, the Toyota Land Cruiser comes in one version: fully equipped and with seating for eight. There are no factory options, and really, none are needed. For 2016, new semi-aniline perforated leather is available in the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of black or new Terra (brown).

The black interior and Terra interiors are accented by Deep Wood trim. The high-quality materials

ed best-ever sales for the month led by October record-breaking sales of Highlander and RAV4.â&#x20AC;?

Lexus reported October 2015 sales of 26,436 units, up 13.2 percent from October 2014 on a volume basis and 9.1 percent on a DSR basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We continue to see strong sales for our luxury utility vehicles as evident by a solid month posted by NX and GX. The LS Ă agship luxury sedan and RC F coupe also posted gains that helped propel us to a best-ever October,â&#x20AC;? said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are most excited about the arrival of the all-new RX as it hits showrooms today. We expect this new model to continue energizing the brand as we close the year.â&#x20AC;?

October 2015 Highlights: Corolla posted sales of 27,951 units, up 12 percent; Camry October up nearly 5 percent; Prius up 12.5 percent; Highlander up 10 percent, a best-ever October; 4Runner up over 36 percent; RAV4 up 31.3 percent, a best-ever October; Sequoia posted sales of 1,303 units, up 43 percent But as far as Loyd is concerned, any Toyota vehicle remains the best

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and I recommend to all the readers of Weekend Balita to have and drive a Toyota because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great car or truck. Weekend Balita and US Asian Post readers should get their next car from us because we have the Number 1 Toyota Store in Southern California and we have more offers that can

save a lots of dollars.â&#x20AC;?

DCH Toyota of Torrance is located at 2909 PaciĂ&#x20AC;c Coast Hwy Torrance, CA 90505.

You can reach Loyd Aler or his fellow kababayan, Sales & Leasing Consultant Phillip Rivera at 1-888311.0102.

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SECRETARY/OFC CLERK Photocopy & legal services. Full time; self-starter, computer knowledge 50wpm. Fax: 323-782-8182, info@biclegalservice.com

RN CAREGIVER NEEDED Sincere female care giver w RN educ. Regular Th to Sat, 2-3 days /week. Holidays, birthday pay. Live-in, w/ meals. To care for my wife $210/day. 310-4809716 Paul.

MALE CAREGIVERS Must speak English. For board and care for San Fernando Valley area. Full-time, live-in. Call 818-610-1082.

CAREGIVERS Male/female for a 6-bed B&C facility for the elderly in Riverside, Diamond Bar & Walnut. You may also fax resume at 909-8605628. Call (909) 860-2538 lv clear msg & tel #.

COUPLE CAREGIVERS Live-in, in a beautiful home, and provide caregiving duties for the elderly.

Must cook and clean. 6 Residents facility in Thousand Oaks. Call 805207-7791.

CAREGIVERS CAREGIVERS Part-time experienced male or female caregiver needed for board and care for the elderly in Northridge. Day or night shift.

Leave a message 818-497-4606.

CAREGIVERS NEEDED For seniors, live-in /out. Safety & supervision. Duties: Personal care, activities, meals preparation, clean up, LIVE-IN CAREGIVER housekeeping &laundry. Reqmnts: Male / female caregivers for Criminal background check, tuberboard & care home for 4 bed culosis screening, professional refadult facility in Harbor City. Call erences, positive attitude. Eilat at 310-408-5519.

424-785-9305; 310-309-0405.

WAREHOUSE SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK Wilshire Beauty is now hiring a WAREHOUSE CLERK for shipping & receiving, packing, and processing online orders.

Must be career minded, self-motivated and efficient, and have excellent work references.

Wilshire Beauty has been in operation for 60 years.

For more information go to: www.wilshirebeauty.com

MALE CAREGIVERS Must speak English. For board and care for San Fernando Valley area.

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER Full-time live-in female caregiver Full-time, live-in. Call 818-505-6499. for board & care in Panorama City . Please call (818) 506-1192 or leave the message.

CAREGIVERS NEEDED Live-in caregivers needed for Board & Care facility in Woodland Hills. Please leave a clear message (818) 288-5406.

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

Please email resume to: nouriel.kohan@gmail.com or fax to 310-510-6777

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JCAPISTRANO PLUMBING Copper repiping, repair, tankless water heater, central heating, a/c, toilet, main sewer, hydro jetter, rooter, gas, electrical, carpentry, roof, room addition, kitchen remodel & bath rm. Mabuhay!

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APT. FOR RENT Security bldg., 1 BD, 1 BA, new ZRRG DQG WLOH Ă&#x20AC;RRUV QHZ VWRYH air conditioner, laundry facilities, assigned parking space. Call (323) 667-3194.

GUEST HOUSE Furnished, $900 free utilities w/ secured parking in nice Pasadena area. 1 Person only. Call Gail 626-818-9559.

ROOM FOR RENT Rowland Heights - own entrance, bathroom. $650, $200 deposit. Female preferred. No smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets. 323-686-4053.

ROOM FOR RENT Furnished room, gated house.

Free utilities except tel/cable, bus stop. $525/month. Eagle Rock / Highland Park. (818) 3904000; (661) 253-2925.

JB HANDYMAN SERV. Plumbing, rotor rooters, electriFDO FDUSHQWU\ WLOH ZRRG Ă&#x20AC;U LQstallation, bath & kitchen renovation. Iron works bench & gates.

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ROOM FOR RENT Located at the heart of Filipino town, 5 minutes to downtown HOUSE FOR RENT VW RU QG Ă&#x20AC;U EHGUPV HDFK ,Q LA. Near bus stop, church, groLA. W/ parking. Close to Shop- cery stores, etc. 116 N. Lake St. ping, transportation and Church. LA, CA 90026. Call Fernando Call or Text Jovy 213-500-6461. 323-434-6623.

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PRAYER FOR SAINT THERESE Oh Glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I invite your miraculous intercession.

So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul, Our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prodigy of Miraclesâ&#x20AC;?.

Now fervently beseech you to answer my petition: (mention here) and carry out your promise of doing good upon the Earth of letting fall from heaven a shower of roses. Henceforth, Dear /LWWOH )ORZHU , ZLOO IXOÂżOO \RXU SOHD ÂłWR EH PDGH NQRZQ HYHU\ZKHUH and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you.

Amen (Say prayer every day for 9 days. By 4th day, you will see a rose in a magazine, TV picture or receive roses. You can also get strong scent of roses in home even if no roses present. Must promise publication. Thank you Saint Therese.

JESSICA

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