Weekend balita december 6, 2014 by Balita Media Inc

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Assunta still longing to have baby with Jules See ASSUNTA page 26

VOL. XXII, NO. 44

DECEMBER 6 - 12, 2014

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

House blocks Obama immigration plan Washington, United States | AFP | Thursday 12/4/2014 – In a symbolic rebuke to US President Barack Obama’s unilateral action on immigration, the Republican-led House of Representatives voted Thursday to block his plan to shield millions of people from deportation. The bill, which passed 219-197 along party lines, was introduced by conservatives furious with what they consider Obama’s abuse of power when he announced his executive order last month. But it is unlikely to reach the floor of the Senate, where Obama’s Democrats remain in control through the end of the year before a Republican majority takes over in January. The White House has also threatened a veto. Congressional leaders hope however that the bill will be sufficient to placate far-right Republicans and prevent a government shutdown that would begin late next week if Congress does not approve a federal spending bill. Republicans have steamed since November 20 when Obama announced executive action that would provide three-year work permits and legal residency for up to five million people currently living in the shadows. Seventeen states including Texas have filed suit against the Obama administration over the immigration plan, and House Speaker John Boehner said Thursday his Republican Party continues to mull legislaSee IMMIGRATION, page 11

Texas’s Attorney General says President Barack Obama’s immigration action “tramples the US Constitution’s Take Care Clause,” which limits the president’s power and ensures he will faithfully execute Congress’s laws – “not rewrite them under the guise of ‘prosecutorial discretion.’”

House vote ‘An attack on millions of American families’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, largely along party lines, the “Executive Amnesty Prevention Act” (H.R. 5759), a bill sponsored by Rep. Ted Yoho (R–FL) that is designed to block implementation of the president’s executive actions on immigration. Among Republicans, Reps. Mike Coffman (CO–6), Jeff Denham (CA–10), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL–25), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) and David Valadao (CA–21) opposed it. Two more opposed it because the bill was not punitive enough: Reps. Steve King (IA–4) and Louie Gohmert (TX–1). Among Democrats, John Barrow (GA–12), Mike McIntyre (NC–7) and Collin Petersen (MN–7) voted to undo relief.

“Today, House Republicans had yet another opportunity to demonstrate leadership on immigration. Instead, they confirmed that they have no intention of acting on this issue, opting for a symbolic vote that embraces a draconian, unworkable mass deportation strategy and attacks the only semblance of progress we have made in more than two decades. What they did today is not lost on Latino voters, nor the millions of American families who will finally find some relief in the president’s action,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “History shows that presidential action has often been a precursor to legislative

Amnesty says police torture thriving in PHL Manila, Philippines | AFP | Thursday 12/4/2014 – Torture of suspected criminals by police in the Philippines has thrived under the administration of President Benigno Aquino, human rights monitor Amnesty International said Thursday. Dozens of beatings, rapes and electrocutions are being recorded by the country’s human rights commission every year, with many other cases going unreported, Amnesty secretary general Salil Shetty told reporters. “Torture by the police is very widespread and routine,” Shetty said. See AMNESTY, page 11

See AN ATTACK, page 11

Millions evacuate as ‘Ruby’ bears down on PHL By Imelda Magbutay

Tacloban, Philippines | AFP | Friday 12/5/2014 – Millions of people in the Philippines sought shelter in churches, schools and other makeshift evacuation centres on Friday as Typhoon Hagupit bore down on the disaster-weary nation. The storm, which would be the strongest to hit the Southeast Asian archipelago this year, is expected to impact more than half the nation including communities devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan last year. Authorities said millions of people were pouring into evacuation centres ahead of Hagupit’s expected landfall on Saturday night or Sunday, having learnt the lessons See ‘RUBY’, page 11

Residents with their belongings wait outside the convention center, which is being used as an evacuation center in Tacloban City before the arrival of typhoon Ruby. Establishments were shut and residents stocked up on supplies as the city braced for the typhoon. (MNS photo)

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A Holiday ‘miracle’: Nearly 200 elderly, low-income tenants avoid losing their homes ANAHEIM, CA – Today, nearly 200 elderly, extremely low-income tenants at Miracle Terrace, an apartment complex in Anaheim, California, celebrated a last-minute “miracle” of their own that allowed them to avoid homelessness and severe economic hardship during the holiday season. Miracle Terrace is a 179-unit building housing low-income senior tenants, the majority of whom are monolingual Korean speakers. For months this past year, the tenants have struggled with rents that jumped 75 to 80 percent and consumed 75 percent or more of their very limited incomes. After advocacy by two local nonprofit legal organizations – Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles and Public Law Center – the tenants recently received 124 vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that allow the tenants to afford to remain in their apartments, instead of losing their homes or spending most of their limited incomes on dramatically increased rents. “It was a huge relief when these vouchers came through before the Thanksgiving holiday because our clients had been cutting essential expenses like food or even prescription medication in order to pay their rent,” said Nicole Ochi, senior staff attorney at Advancing Justice - LA. “These 124 vouchers will provide peace of mind to nearly 200 elderly, vulnerable tenants who can now live out their days without the threat of homelessness and displacement hanging over their heads.”

The Miracle Terrace complex previously received a federally-subsidized mortgage through a special HUD program (section 236) that enabled tenants to pay an affordable rent based on their needs and income. On November 1, 2013, the mortgage matured. After the mortgage matured, the building was bought by a private investor and over the course of eight months there was a 75 to 80 percent rent increase. The elderly, low-income tenants could not afford the rent increases, which in some cases amounted to 75 percent or more of their limited incomes, leaving them with only a few hundred dollars to pay for the rest of their basic necessities. Many tenants were forced to live on just $15 to $50 for food each month and cut back on necessary medications. After being contacted by tenants from Miracle Terrace, Public Law Center and Advancing Justice - LA closely worked with the tenants, the owners, the property managers, and other organizations to come up with a solution for these vulnerable tenants. Mr. Yong Woom Yang, a 74 year old monolingual Korean speaking tenant who had lived at Miracle Terrace for eight years said, “The rent increases were devastating to me. I could not afford necessary medicine for my chronic diseases, I had to cut back on my food intake because I could not afford my normal groceries, and I could not see my friends or family because I did not have money for transportation. I felt very depressed since the rent increases went into effect.”

Rizal Park Management personnel install colorful native lanterns, or parols, at the park on Wednesday. Less than a month before Christmas, establishments are busy beautifying and adding Christmas decorations for the Yuletide season. (MNS photo)

Returning OFWs should get ‘red carpet’ treatment, says lawmaker MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Returning overseas Filipino workers, either on vacation or coming home for good, should be accorded special treatment and welcomed at the country’s airports, a party-list lawmaker said Friday. House Resolution No. 1735 filed by Buhay party-list Representative Lito Atienza, urged the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to provide “red carpet lanes” in the country’s international airports for the OFWs beginning this holiday season as a sign of gratitude “for being part of the country’s biggest industry that is essentially keeping the economy afloat.” “Ang 30 bilyong dolyar na pinapadala nila taon-taon ay siyang isa sa pinakamalaking ambag na patuloy na bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya. Nararapat lamang na sila ay mabigyan ng wasto, masaya at magalang na pagsalubong sa pag-uwi nila sa

ating bansa (The $30 billion the overseas Filipino workers send home every year is a major factor in keeping our economy alive. They deserve the right, happy and respectful welcome on their return to our country),”Atienza said. In his resolution, the lawmaker also cited the long working hours OFWs have to endure and the hardship of being away from their families for years to save enough money to regularly send home to their loved ones, “Now that the Christmas season is here, most of our OFWs will be coming home to spend it with their families while others are coming home for good. It is but fitting that government treats them accordingly with these special red carpet lanes and assisted by specially-designated Immigration and Customs officials to facilitate their arrival without any hassles,” Atienza said. (MNS)

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Discharge the second mortgage and keep the house! A second or third mortgage can be stripped off the title of your home, and discharged as unsecured debt in a chapter 13 bankruptcy. Imagine, your house is worth less than you owe, and now you can strip part of what you owe and still keep the property. Yes, it’s true. Liens can be stripped off of the debtor’s assets in Chapter 13 when the property is upside down, and the fair market value does not cover secondary liens. Section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code acknowledges that a lien is wages and bank accounts of a taxpayer, only a secured claim to the extent there is occasionally they will also seize an autovalue in the asset to which it attaches. To mobile, retirement account or real property. the extent that the claim exceeds the value Wage levies, particularly those imposed of the collateral, that portion of the claim by the Internal Revenue Service can be is unsecured. This is really great news. We financially devastating as they force the are stripping liens every day, and returning employer to turn over most of the wages property value to our clients. of the employee to the Internal Revenue Liens secured by vehicles: Service. In most cases, the issuance of a The most common application of lien tax levy can be often avoided if the Internal stripping is the reduction of car loan liens Revenue Service or State tax agency can to the present value of the car. Thus a be contacted in time. Although the case is lender holding a $12,000 claim secured generally made more difficult once a levy by a car now worth $10,000 has a secured is in place, it is still possible to negotiate a claim of $10,000 and a unsecured claim for levy release or modification. $2,000. Two thousand dollars of the lien Tax liens appear on the credit report of may be stripped off the asset (the car) in the taxpayer and are generally filed in varia reorganization. The plan must provide ous counties in order to secure the claim for payment in full of the secured portion of the government against any property of the debt; the unsecured portion can owned by the taxpayer. Tax liens are parbe paid little or nothing along with other ticularly problematic if you own any real unsecured claims. property including your residence or you Recent changes to the bankruptcy law are trying to obtain any type of loan. attempt to limit lien stripping on vehicles While tax collection laws do give the purchased within 910 days of the filing. government broad powers, taxpayers have The amendment says that “ §506 does not been given a number of rights, including apply” to such vehicles. It is unclear just the right to a Court hearing if it is believed how courts will apply this. Some courts that the collection action being taken by are publishing model Chapter 13 plans that the Internal Revenue Service is illegal or allow the debtor to propose a strip down of unfair. However, the right to a hearing is cars regardless. subject to very strict time and procedural Tax liens: constraints. Tax liens can be stripped off in reorgaIf you have received a notice that your nization proceedings (Chapter 13) to the wages or bank accounts have or will be extent that the lien does not attach to equity subject to levy by the Internal Revenue in property. Tax liens can’t be avoided in Service or State tax agency like the CaliChapter 7 on the grounds that they impair fornia Franchise Tax Board, you probably exemptions; if the tax is dischargeable in need professional help. the Chapter 7, the bankruptcy court can If you owe income taxes, get to know determine the amount of the lien that is your options. Will a bankruptcy solve the secured at the time of the filing. Payment problem, or should you consider an offer in of that sum entitles the debtor to the release compromise, which is a form of debt settleof the lien. ment with the IRS. There are other options Tax Lien & Levy Releases too. To find out what is best for you, call We have successfully negotiated the our office for a free consultation. It takes release or modification of wage and bank an experienced attorney intimately familiar levies by the Internal Revenue Service and experienced with both discharging and State tax agencies like the California income taxes in bankruptcy and nonFranchise Tax Board (FTB) for many of bankruptcy alternatives to determine the our Clients. We have also been success- best strategy to use. Filing for Bankruptcy ful at convincing the Internal Revenue even one day too early can render a tax Service and State tax agencies to remove debt non-dischargeable. This means that erroneous tax liens filed against our Clients you will still be stuck with having to pay which was preventing them from buying the taxes after your bankruptcy is complete. or refinancing a residence. Avoid problems, call and schedule a free Federal and State tax laws generally al- consultation with the Law Offices of Paul low the government to involuntarily collect M. Allen. We have two convenient offices from you taxes, penalties, and interest they to serve you: Glendale and La Palma. claim you owe without a Court order or Call today, let attorney Paul Allen help judgment. Although the primary method you solve those problems and get the fresh of collection is placing a tax levy on the start you deserve. Call now 818-552-4500.

Gov’t to keep economic targets for 2015 MANILA, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) – The government is keeping its economic targets for 2015, despite the lower-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the country can still grow between 7 and 8 percent in 2015. “We are very confident that growth will further pick up as we strengthen our economic and good governance reforms in the tail-end of this administration. Ingredients for sustained growth remain abundant as the fundamentals of our economy remain sound,” he said. He explained the Philippines has strong macroeconomic fundamentals to ensure continued positive growth. Purisima is also not inclined to lower the fiscal assumptions for next year, particularly the tax collection targets of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs.

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Fast-food workers strike across US for $15 minimum pay

NAFCON SoCal Coordinator Alex Montances tells the media why Filipinos want justice for Michael Brown during a solidarity protest in Los Angeles

UN urges US to look at police accountability United Nations, United States | AFP | Thursday 12/4/2014 – UN chief Ban Kimoon on Thursday urged the United States to improve police accountability after protests triggered by a jury’s failure to press charges against a white police officer for a black man’s death. Dozens of people were arrested overnight in New York demonstrations after a grand jury decided Wednesday not to indict the police officer involved in Eric Garner’s choking death. The decision came just days after a similar ruling in Ferguson, Missouri sparked riots. “The case is again focusing on the issue of accountability of law enforcement officials,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

“The secretary-general urges all competent authorities in the United States to do everything possible to respond to the demands for greater accountability,” he said. Garner’s death in July is one of a string of racially-charged incidents in which white police officers have been accused of using unreasonable force or being too quick to fire at black suspects. An amateur video of the New York arrest shows Garner, a heavy-set man who suffered from asthma and had six children, gasping “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe” as police officers held him to the ground. Ban welcomes the US Justice Department’s decision to open a civil rights investigation into Garner’s death, said Dujarric. He also called for demonstrations to remain peaceful following the latest decision.

Washington, United States | AFP | Thursday 12/4/2014 – Fast-food workers and others in low-pay jobs on Thursday launched one-day strikes and protests across the United States demanding a $15 an hour minimum wage and union rights. Organizers said workers at major chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and Taco Bell walked off their jobs in more than 190 cities, from Los Angeles and Phoenix to Chicago, New York and Washington. For the first time since fast-food workers began walkouts two years ago, they were joined by workers from convenience stores and markets in 24 cities, the Fight for $15 campaign said in a statement. Employees in low-wage jobs and labor unions supporting them are pushing to raise the minimum hourly wage to $15 – about double the current federal minimum of $7.25. Workers say they are fed up with pay that does not come close to keeping them out of poverty and the threat of retaliation from employers hostile to them joining or forming unions. “Every day I look my kids in the face and they realize we live in poverty. They are the reason I fight,” Terrence Wise, a 35-year-old father of three who is paid $9.30 an hour at Burger King in Kansas

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Drought-stricken California doused with storms Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 - Torrential rain deluged swaths of drought-hit California on Tuesday, bringing floods and traffic accidents across the state and prompting evacuations amid fears of destructive mudslides. After a scorching drought which is the worst in California since records began, a powerful storm front lashed the region from the southern border with Mexico to the northern boundary with Oregon. A large truck was left dangling over a highway overpass in one accident while the celebrity enclave of Malibu was left isolated after rains knocked over power lines and forced the closure of roads leading to the coastal town. Up to four inches (10.16 cm) of rain was

expected to be dumped across parts of the region, with hillside communities feared to be most at risk of mudslides after years of drought which have stripped slopes of stabilizing vegetation. In the Los Angeles suburb of Glendora and communities of Camarillo and Silverado Canyon, more than 120 people were evacuated over fears of mudslides. “With the rain, it’s just moving it down the hill where nature wants to take it,” Camarillo Springs resident Barbara Williams told KTLA 5 local television. “Unfortunately, we have some homes in the way of where nature wants to go.” Local television showed residents frantically laying sandbags around properties in an effort to protect homes in the event of mudslides.

Damning US report fuels race furor over police killings By Jennie Matthew

New York, United States | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 - A damning US federal investigation into police brutality in Cleveland added further fuel Thursday to the national controversy raging over a spate of police killings of black suspects. The finding announced by US Attorney General Eric Holder that police in the Ohio city routinely employ “excessive force” came after a night of angry demonstrations in New York. The New York protests were triggered by a local grand jury’s decision not to indict a white officer who choked to death an unarmed black father-ofsix during his arrest for selling illegal cigarettes. The case is the latest in a series of racially-charged incidents, including the shooting of a 12-year-old in Cleveland and a decision not to prosecute a

Missouri officer who killed an unarmed black teen. The federal investigation into policing in Cleveland began 18 months ago and not specifically about the killing on November 22 of black 12-year-old Tamir Rice in a city playground by police. Officers responded to a report that a youth was brandishing a gun, but Rice was later found to be carrying a toy, and a video of the incident show police opened fire within seconds of their arrival. “We have determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Cleveland Division of Police engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force,” Holder said. He blamed this on “systemic deficiencies, including insufficient accountability, inadequate training and equipment, ineffective policies and inadequate engagement with the community.”

City, Missouri, said in the statement. At 10 major airports, baggage handlers, skycaps, wheelchair attendants and aircraft cleaners were demonstrating in support of the strikers, the organizers said. And home-care workers, which launched the Home Care Fight for $15 in September, were protesting in more than two dozen cities from coast to coast, according to the Fight for $15 campaign. The movement has grown since a few hundred fast-food workers went on strike in late November 2012 to push for a “living wage” of $15 an hour. A year ago fast-food workers launched day-long labor strikes, and their outcry has increasingly resonated in national politics. “Fast-food workers deserve a livable wage to keep families out of poverty. When they fight, I’m proud to fight alongside them,” said Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democratic senator, in a tweet. President Barack Obama has faced stiff Republican opposition in his push for an increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 to lift hundreds of thousands of people above the poverty line and reduce the widening income gap. San Francisco and Seattle have adopted an local minimum wage standards of $15; the state of California raised its lowest pay rate by $1 to $9 an hour in July.

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Hopeful Binay ‘vows to continue’ anti-corruption drive MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay vowed to continue the government’s anti-corruption drive should he get elected president in 2016. Binay said he agreed with Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II’s statement that the next president should continue the “tuwid na daan” (straight path) that this administration has started. “’Yun ho ay sang-ayon sa kaniya. Basta’t ako ho, ‘yun hong mga magaganda at tamang ginawa dapat ipagpatuloy s a tamang namamahala,” the Vice President said in an interview Thursday. (That is according to him. I believe that the good that this government has done should be continued by the next rightful leader.) “A ko noong maging mayor po ako , ‘yung mga mabuting ginawa ‘nung aking pinalitan halimbawa ho ‘yung ospital, ‘yung sa kalusugan, pinagpatuloy ko po ‘yun. Hindi porke sa kaniya nagsimula kahit na maganda hindi ko ho ipagpapatuloy. Hindi po ako ‘yung ganoong klase. So, palagay ko hindi ho sa akin pinasasabi ‘yun,” he said. (When I became mayor, I continued the good projects of my predecessor – just like the hospital and health services of my

constituents. Just because I did not start it doesn’t mean that I will not continue it. I am not the kind of a leader. So I don’t think (Roxas) was alluding to me.) Binay recognized that the administration’s drive against corruption is something that must be pursued by President Aquino’s successor. “Ang maganda naman ho doon ‘yung paglaban ho sa graft and corruption. Maganda ho ‘yun. Ipagpapatuloy po natin ‘yun at pag-iibayuhin pa ho natin, at ipapakita nating may resulta,” said the Vice President. (The great thing about this administration is its fight against graft and corruption. It is a great policy. I will continue it and even improve it by showing its results.) Binay himself though is being confronted with corruption allegations such as receiving kickbacks when he was still the mayor of Makati City. He has also been accused of using dummies to hide his allegedly unexplained wealth. But the Vice President has repeatedly denied the allegations. Binay won against Roxas during the 2010 vice presidential race and the two are again being pitted against each other, this time, for the 2016 presidential race.

Unlike Binay, Roxas has yet to publicly announce his intention to run for president. In another development, Binay on Friday lamented being the “flavor of the months” as he appealed to the media to give equal treatment even to those accused of corruption. A guest speaker during the National Convention of Government Employees, Binay, now in the center of corruption allegations, said his standard reply to anyone asking how he is doing has been, “Ito, flavor of the months.” Binay, a strong candidate for president in 2016 based on surveys, is being linked to corruption activities starting from his stint as Makati mayor. He is also accused of having hidden wealth, allegedly evidenced by his sprawling property in Batangas province and a log cabin in Tagaytay City. During Friday’s event, Binay reminded Esperanza Ocampo, president of Philippine Government Employees Association, who mistakenly introduced him as “Mahal na Presidente,” to be careful. “Nagkakandabulol-bulol ka sa pagsasalita, alam mo naman kung gaano kalupit ang panahon ngayon,” he said, resorting to metaphor.

Obama sued over immigration reform Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 – Texas led a group of 17 US states Wednesday in suing President Barack Obama’s administration over its plan to offer up to five million undocumented migrants protection from deportation. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott

said Obama’s unilateral immigration reform plans, unveiled last month to bypass Congressional gridlock by Republicans, “tramples” on the US constitution. “The president is abdicating his responsibility to faithfully enforce laws that were duly enacted by Congress and

attempting to rewrite immigration laws, which he has no authority to do,” Abbott, who filed the lawsuit, said in a statement. He said Obama’s move “tramples the US Constitution’s Take Care Clause,” which limits the president’s power and ensures he will faithfully execute Congress’s laws – “not rewrite them under the guise of ‘prosecutorial discretion.’” Obama’s controversial overhaul provides three-year relief for millions of undocumented people who have lived in the country for more than five years and have children that are US citizens or legal

Ocampo immediately corrected herself, saying it was an honest mistake. Appeal to media In his speech, Binay appealed to the media to give government employees accused of corruption a fair treatment. “Alam mo naman kapag napagbintangan ka, ang mga tao naniniwala agad. Apela ko lang sa media na sana bigyan nyo ng palugit na parehong espasyo para makapagpaliwanag ang mga inaakusahan,” he said. Binay has denied the accusations against him, but has refused to attend hearings by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee looking into the anomalies linked to him. He has also backed down from a public debate with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his chief accusers. Binay, who was Makati mayor for several terms, believes the accusations against him were part of a well-funded demolition job by his political rivals to diminish his chances of winning in 2016. During Friday’s event, Binay was most applauded when he expressed support to the proposed revision of the Salary Standardization Law, which will provide an increase in the salary of government employees. (MNS) residents. According to the president, it also channels more resources to the US border with Mexico and shifts deportation priorities toward expelling felons. But critics blasted the action as “illegal” and “unconstitutional” as soon as Obama unveiled it. Vice President Joe Biden warned this week that Republicans would be making a “mistake” if they use last-minute budget negotiations this month as leverage against the White House’s controversial immigration order. US lawmakers must strike a spending deal by December 11 in order to avoid a government shutdown.

Inquiry clears Malaysia govt in citizenship-for-votes scheme Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 – An official Malaysian inquiry on Wednesday cleared the country’s long-ruling regime of involvement in a huge scheme to grant citizenship to illegal aliens in exchange for votes, drawing opposition accusations of a whitewash. Explosive allegations that aired in 2012 hearings detailed a systematic clandestine campaign begun in the state of Sabah in the 1980s to fast-track citizenship for possibly hundreds of thousands of Muslim illegal migrants from the southern Philippines and Indonesia. The regime dominated by the Muslim ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), is accused of seeking to alter the demographics of the politically important, multi-faith state to make it more Muslim and thus more UMNO-friendly. UMNO was battling at the time to wrest Sabah from opposition control, which it did in 1994 and has held onto ever since. A Royal Commission of Inquiry’s final report into the scandal said vaguely that the scheme probably existed, adding that “nefarious activities ... precipitated and accelerated the influx of illegal immigrants into the state.” But it blamed criminal “syndicates” and unnamed “corrupt officials”, and avoided implicating UMNO or former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who ruled from

1981-2003 and is suspected of masterminding the scheme. Mahathir, still an influential political figure in retirement, denies the charge. “I am disappointed by the findings. Blaming criminal syndicates? Thousands of identity cards (ICs) were given out, how can the government not detect this?” said Wilfred Bumburing, a veteran Sabah politician now with the opposition. Malaysia is Muslim-majority, but Sabah—located on Borneo island—has large numbers of Christians and other faiths. Distrust of the Muslim-led central government, based on mainland Malaysia, runs deep. Sabah is a vital prize in Malaysian politics and has helped keep UMNO’s coalition in power as it steadily loses support nationwide over corruption, its hardball political tactics, and racially divisive policies that favour Muslim ethnic Malays, the country’s majority group. UMNO also is widely accused of electoral fraud and gerrymandering to retain power. Critics say “Project IC”, as the alleged Sabah scheme is popularly known, helped fuel a surge in the state’s official population from some 600,000 citizens in 1970 to more than three million now—more than double the national growth rate. Sabah residents bridle at the influx, blaming foreign migrants for crime, drug abuse and economic competition.

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Purisima suspended over â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;anomalousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PNP contract MANILA, Dec 4 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima in connection with a supposed anomalous contract the PNP entered into with a courier service in 2011. At a press briefing Thursday, Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan announced Purisimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspension for six months without pay amid administrative investigation. The order has been issued to the Department of Interior and Local Government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Upon receipt, [the] DILG secretary must immediately implement [the order],â&#x20AC;? Rafanan said. At present, Purisima is also facing two plunder complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over his alleged hidden wealth. He is currently under fire for his sprawling resthouse in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, and the allegedly questionable renovation of the PNP chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official quarters inside Camp Crame. Aside from Purisima, also suspended for six months without pay pending administrative investigation are: Police Director Gil Meneses, former chief of the Civil Security Group (CSG); and former officials of the PNP Firearms Explosive Office, namely P/C Supt. Raul Petrasanta, P/C Supt. Napoleon Estilles, P/SSupt. Allan Pareno, P/SSupt. Eduardo Acierto, P/SSupt. Melchor Reyes, P/SSupt. Lenbell Fabia, P/Supt. Sonia Calixto, P/ CInps. Nelson Bautista, P/SInsp. Ford Tuazon, and P/CInsp. Ricardo Zapata. Aside from this, Rafanan said Petrasanta and others â&#x20AC;&#x201C; excluding Purisima, Meneses, Reyes, and Estilles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will also face preventive suspension of six months in connection with the ongoing probe on

the missing AK-47 firearms. He noted that the second order may simultaneously be implemented with the first preventive suspension in connection with the alleged anomalous courier service contract. He added that only Meneses and Estilles, as well as P/CSupt. Tomas Rentoy II, who is included in the complaint, are not included in the second order â&#x20AC;&#x153;because the Ombudsman noted that they are already retired.â&#x20AC;? Purisima, meanwhile, was not among the respondents in the complaint regarding the AK-47 firearms. PNP mum for the meantime PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor refused to give a statement as of the moment, saying Pursima and the other police officials have yet to receive a copy of the suspension order from the DILG. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to defer from giving a statement for now as we have yet to receive a copy of the order. We await further communication from the DILG,â&#x20AC;? Mayor told GMA News Online by phone. Mayor also did not say if Purisima, who is in Saudi Arabia for an official travel, is already aware of the suspension order. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basta we will abide by the rules. Meron tayong legal process na kailangan sundin,â&#x20AC;? Mayor said. Mayor said their office has also yet to receive a copy of the six-month suspension order against several other police personnel in connection with the ongoing probe on the missing AK-47 firearms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wala pa kahit anong order coming from the Office of the Ombudsman or the DILG. We will act on the matter accordingly upon receipt of such order,â&#x20AC;? he said. The complaint that triggered the Ombudsman probe on Purisima and the other

officials alleged that the respondents entered into a contract with courier service WERFAST Documentary Agency in 2011 for the delivery of firearms license cards even without proper accreditation. According to the Fact-Finding Investigation Bureau of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman, the company was accredited two years after it has inked the contract with PNP. The accreditation was approved by Meneses, then CSG head and, subsequently, concurred by Purisima in 2013. Purisima was installed as PNP chief in December 2012. The fact-finding investigation also uncovered that the company was incorporated only after the execution of the agreement.

Its capitalization stood at P65,000. An earlier news release from the Office of the Ombudsman said records from the Bureau of Internal Revenue had â&#x20AC;&#x153;revealed that WERFAST did not pay any taxes from 2011 to 2013.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, Malacanang declined to comment on whether President Benigno Aquino III still supports Purisima, after the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preventive suspension. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The government shall abide by the decision of the Ombudsman,â&#x20AC;? Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tayo po ay pamahalaan ng batas, hindi ng tao (We are a government of laws, not people),â&#x20AC;? he added. (MNS)

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Introducing: Shony Del Pilar, California’s 2014 ‘Nurse of the Year’ The California Association of Healthcare Facilities has recently awarded Southland’s Director of Nursing Shony Del Pilar with the prestigious “2014 Nurse of the Year” award, which was “designed to recognize an outstanding professional in the field of nursing, who has demonstrated superb leadership, a strong commitment to quality patient care and a devotion in improving the lives of patients as well as the employees they work with on a daily basis.” The Award announcement stated: Shony Del Pilar is regularly recognized as one of the stron- father Eric Sr., from Pampanga and mother, gest clinicians in the community. Known Maria Floresca from Catarman, Samar, for her personal approach with residents, Shony was raised in Taguig, Rizal, where effective departmental organization and she graduated high school from Foundatireless work ethic, she continuously fo- tion College. Ambitious and focused on cuses on improving resident health, safety a carreer in Nursing early on, Shony was and quality of life and her drive to achieve determined to pursue a degree in Nursing excellence makes Southland a better place by enrolling at the Far Eastern University for patients, family members and staff.” in Manila, where she graduated with a Born as Asuncion “Shony” Romero by degree in Nursing in 1978.

Shony del Pilar (inset) is the foundation of Southland. As the Director of Nursing, she has built a tremendous reputation for quality of care at Southland.

Initially, she worked as a staff nurse at the Pasig General Hospital and while working there, she learned of the benefits of being a daughter of a US Veteran, thus with sheer luck, she subsequently was able to immigrate to the US in search of distant relatives who were kind enough to welcome her in their homes. And, as luck would have it, again, she landed a job as a staff nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange County. Shony passed the California Nursing Board in 1989 and she became a fullfledged registered nurse working at Pacific Haven, a skilled nursing facility from 1995 to 2000, where she was promoted as their Director of Nursing. Her skilled nursing expertise led her in the interim at St. Edna Hospital, which ultimately became her stepping stone in her current position as Di-

rector of Nursing at Southland since 2001. At Southland, a licensed, skilled nursing and assisted living facility, Shony is proud to lead their streamlined, beautifully furnished 120-bed facility that has luxurious, private rooms, balcony views and stateof-the art therapy equipments, where she supervises a staff of around 180 employees, 40 of whom are her RN’s, LVN’s and CNA’s all skilled in quality patient care. Though work is of utmost importance to her, Shony dreams of one day returning to visit their 3.5 hectare, 6 bedroom vacation home in Matabungkay, now being managed by her entrepreneur husband, Mario who currently shuttles back and forth. Indeed, we salute a Pinay pride in our midst, who certainly deserves the 2014 Nurse of the Year Award. Congratulations and more power to you Shony!

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Angeline Quinto takes the center stage on Nov. 30 at the Alex Theater By Ed Rame

It’s a long and challenging journey for Angeline Quinto. Her rise to fame is not a silver platter story but one that is so challenged; saddled with endless hours of practice, quest for her own identity as an artist, patience and perseverance amidst incredible personal setbacks but her great love for singing has always prevailed. It can either be an outlet or truly a passion. She was gifted with a powerful voice that during the Star Power championship of Ms. Sharon Cuneta, she literally shattered the PA speakers. She won it with sheer talent. As if a portent of things to come, Angeline has actually shattered the walls that has painfully separated her from her dreams. She won almost all singing competitions she has joined but still Lady Luck didn’t really smiled at her readily It took some year but Angeline is no faint of heart, coming from simple beginnings with her own share of life’s drama. This must have inspired her to have this thirst for success and fame and I bet never in her wildest dreams that she is now singing the songs of her life as she is now crowned The Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs. As there are a lot of queens and divas, her title is equally important because each songs she sings touches the hearts of the masses who were so enamored and so engaged with Philippine Teleseryes. Lady Luck has indeed opened the door for her as she continued to climb her way on to the top of the ladder of this elusive and sometimes fickle success. Having a good voice in the Philippines is not enough as a lot of Filipinos can give a run for the money to so many established singers but there

are those blessed and favored to be not just winners but actually anointed to succeed. From her first journey to the USA with her mentor Ms. Sharon Cuneta to present, Angeline’s life has changed forever. She has now become the inspiration to so many aspiring souls to taste the same sweetness of success she’s enjoying. She’s not just a certified Platinum Artist with three of her four albums, another door opened for her in the field of acting as she has now major roles in some movies like Born To Love You, Four Sisters and a Wedding, Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?, and Beauty in a Bottle. She has indeed all the indications of a certified star worthy of her own salt. What has allowed her to attain this success must one for the storybook. To have a life in such an incredible transformation is not a trial and error or a mere coincidence. She must have learned to transform her experiences in her early life to fire her passion for her craft She truly earned it or success would have stopped flowing her way. The way she has transformed her life tells of the fruits she is now harvesting. More than the accolades nor the abundance she’s enjoying now is the love that she can now share especially to her family which again is another one for the storybook. I believe this is everyone’s dream and she’s living it beautifully. AT the center stage of Alex Theater (Nov. 30) and at Pala Casino (Nov 22), Angeline will sing your favorite songs not just to mesmerize and entertain you with her ultimate singing prowess and musicality but also to inspire you with her own story. She is actually at the Center of it all. This is her moment. Angeline

Nations’ response during calamities reveals deep-seated charitable culture Still dazed after a year since Super Typhoon Yolanda delivered a devastating wallop never been experience in the history of the Philippines, now comes another foreboding calamity represented by Typhoon Ruby with at least nine provinces in the Visayas are expected to reel from its effects. An estimated 4.5 million people stand to suffer the “whip” of typhoon “Hagupit, the international name of Ruby, which already has activated the panic mode button from the affected areas with reports of “panic buying of food breaking out in the areas affected”. erosity according to the 2014 World Giving The memories of the massive devasta- Index which noted that although “a boomtion from Supertyphoon Yolanda which ing economy helps, it’s hardly required in occurred just a little over year ago still order to become one of the most generous cause traumatic nightmares to thousands nations in the world”. whose lives have been shattered with little The data released by Charitable Aid possibility of living normal lives again Foundation America which included 135 or even a semblance of it. In areas hit by countries revealed that 91 per cent of calamities, the poor and the marginalized people in Myanmar donated money last get to suffer more from inadequate reaction year enabling it to share the top position of generosity. and government neglect. Myanmar climbed its way to number Poor Myanmar Responds to Call for one with its deeply-rooted charitable tradiHelp One of the 60 generous countries that tion where charity or dana plays an integral came to the aid of the Philippines after role in the Theravada Buddhist Community the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda was of half a million monks. The number repMyanmar with its President Thein Sein pre- resents the highest proportion of monks in senting his country’s donation of $100,000 any Buddhist country. Lower income or developing coundonation and some seven tons of food and tries made it to the list of most chariother relief goods to the victims. Myanmar’s generous gesture, coming as table countries also and which include it did from a country in the midstof prob- Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and lems itself, the effort highlighted the giving Tobago. Several developing or lowerculture that characterizes this country of 50 income countries – including Malaysia, million (the 25th most populous country in Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago – the world) which has Bangladesh, India, ranked among the most charitable. China, Laos and Thailand as its neighbors. Myanmar’s top ranking has been conMyanmar, with its high proportion of nected to its commitment tin helping its Theravada Buddhists tied the U.S. in genSee ANDRES, page 14

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‘RUBY’ From page 1

of early preparations after Haiyan. “Everyone here is gripped with fear,” Rita Villadolid, 39, told AFP as she sat with her family and hundreds of other people inside a stadium in Tacloban, one of the cities still yet to recover from Haiyan. Elsewhere in Tacloban, a coastal city of 220,000 people on the eastern island of Leyte, people began flooding into churches and schools with little more than bags of clothes and rice. Haiyan, the strongest storm ever recorded on land with winds of 315 kilometres (195 miles) an hour, killed or left missing more than 7,350 people as it tore across the central Philippines in November last year. Hagupit weakened slightly on Friday and was downgraded from a super typhoon category as it tracked towards the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean, generating

maximum winds of 195 kilometres (121 miles) an hour. But Hagupit was still predicted to be the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year, bringing storm surges more than one storey high to many coastal areas, according to state weather agency Pagasa. Hagupit’s giant front of more than 600 kilometers meant about 50 million people, or half the nation’s population, were living in vulnerable areas, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman told AFP. Mass evacuations She said 100,000 families, or about half a million people, were already in evacuation centres by Friday night, and many more would follow on Saturday. In the eastern region of Bicol alone, which sits in Hagupit’s direct path, the government was aiming to move 2.5 million into evacuation centres, regional civil defence director Bernardo Alejandro told AFP.

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Shetty said ending torture could be a “very important legacy” for Aquino, whose six-year term will end in 2016, but he accused the president of not doing enough to reform the police force. “If you don’t acknowledge the problem, there can be no solution,” Shetty said. Quoting data from the Philippine human rights commission, Amnesty said 457 torture cases were reported from 2001 to the middle of this year. The 75 cases recorded in 2013 was the highest in a single year. But, five years after the Philippines passed landmark anti-torture legislation under previous president Gloria Arroyo, there have been no convictions, Shetty said. “The single, most important reason why there is torture in the Philippines is they (police) get away with it,” he said. He said low salaries also contributed to the problem, with police officers torturing to extract confessions or extort money. Police chief suspended over graft Amnesty recommended establishing a body that is independent from the police to handle reports of torture, as the current system sees police investigating themselves. Shetty said Aquino and the heads of the

national police force and interior ministry did not respond to Amnesty’s requests for a dialogue to discuss their report. “Looking the other way will not help,” he said. Asked to comment on Amnesty’s findings, Aquino’s spokesman, Herminio Coloma, said: “The government is pursuing its efforts to prosecute those violating the anti-torture law”. The national police issued a statement contradicting Amnesty’s findings and insisting major reforms on human rights had been successfully implemented. In the statement, police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said unspecified “disciplinary action” had been taken against some police officers who committed torture. He did not address Amnesty’s complaint about no criminal convictions. Philippine security forces gained notoriety for torture and other human rights violations during the two-decade reign of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, which ended with a “People Power” revolution in 1986. Corruption and human rights abuses within the police and military have proved to be an enduring problem.

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action, and we hope that this is the case here. We have worked with both sides of the aisle and will continue to do so because too much is at stake. But in the meantime, our country should not be denied the benefits of this legitimate presidential action. It will improve our national security by having people come out of the shadows and go through background checks. It will strengthen our economy by allowing immigrants to work legally, contributing more taxes and preventing bad employers from gaming the system. And

it will improve our social fabric by bringing some stability to millions of American families who have lived in fear of being separated from their loved ones. This is the commonsense solution for our nation, as well as the American families that House Republicans voted against today.” NCLR – the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States – works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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tive options for countering the president’s action. Many Republicans saw Thursday’s bill as the first step toward restoring the balance of power in Washington and repelling a policy they blast as unconstitutional “amnesty” for millions of illegal immigrants. “Two weeks ago, President Obama declared war against the Constitution by changing our immigration laws on his own, and Congress today began its fight against this unprecedented power grab,” said House Judiciary Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte. Immigration reform advocates struck back, gathering outside the US Capitol with top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi to call House Republicans to account, including for killing a comprehensive immigration

reform bill that passed the Senate last year with bipartisan support. “Will (Republicans) advance real solutions, or will they leave town reaffirming once again a mass deportation strategy?” asked Clarissa Martinez-De-Castro, deputy vice president of the National Council of La Raza. In issuing its veto threat, the White House budget office said the bill would have “devastating consequences” including deportations that would separate undocumented workers from their US citizen children. “It would also make it more difficult for immigration officials to conduct background checks (and) for undocumented workers to help the economy by paying taxes,” it added.

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Military peacekeepers given a clean bill of health MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) – The 107 military members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia were all given a clean bill of health following a routine medical screening at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center. Medical examinations started around 10 p.m. Tuesday and ended 3 a.m. Wednesday, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said. Cabunoc said that the peacekeepers arrived at the AFP Medical Center around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Earlier, the Philippine Navy announced that the peacekeepers, who were transported by the BRP Dagupan (LC-551) from Caballo Island, arrived at Naval Station Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The vessel and its passengers left Ca-

ballo Island around 3 p.m., of the same day. During their arrival, they were greeted by Joint Task Group Liberia commander Capt.Luz Camacho. After greetings, the Caballo Island returnees where all transported by military buses to the AFP Medical Center. All 107 peacekeepers were found to be clear of any disease or ailments, Cabunoc said. He said that the medical screening is standard procedure for all returning Filipino peacekeepers. After their medical screening, the 107 military personnel were immediately taken to the AFP Peacekeeping Operation Center barracks where they are now resting. Earlier, the 24 Philippine National Police members and one Bureau of Jail Management and Penology operative, were

Filipino peacekeepers from Liberia leave Caballo Island on Tuesday after undergoing a 21day quarantine. The soldiers, who had to be quarantined before being cleared of the dreaded Ebola virus, will undergo 2 more days of tests before reuniting with their families. (MNS photo)

taken custody by their parent units. Cabunoc added that the peacekeeper, who suffered chest pains, while in quarantine at Caballo Island, will not be able to attend the welcoming and awarding ceremonies as he is scheduled for an angiogram. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. will lead the welcome ceremony that will be held on 4:30 p.m. Thursday. “I am very happy that the peacekeepers have successfully finished the quarantine without any untoward incident. I am commending them for their self-sacrifices to make our country Ebola virus-free,” he

said. Catapang has also prepared exciting prices for winners of the friendly competition such as essay writing, photo contest and sportsfest. The AFP chief will award the UN Service Medal to the peacekeepers for their splendid performance and invaluable services as members of the peacekeeping contingent in Liberia. The peacekeepers, members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia, were transported to Caballo Island on Nov. 13, a day after arriving at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Monrovia.(MNS)

No graduation for Air Force cadets in Batangas hazing incident MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) – The Air Force cadets implicated in a hazing incident involving two fellow cadets will not be graduating this month pending the result of the ongoing investigation, Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said Wednesday. “By simple analysis, since ongoing pa ‘yung investigation nila, it is unlikely na makasama sila sa batch nila,” Canaya said. He said the 21 cadets of the Officer of Candidate School will not march to receive their diplomas this month after they are implicated in a hazing incident last August. Aside from the cadets, one junior officer who was part of the training program was also implicated. The 22 were ordered restricted at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City while undergoing investigation. Canaya said the cadets will only be al-

lowed to graduate once they are cleared by the investigation. “If they are not guilty it is possible na sumali sila sa next batch, ‘yan ‘yung mga possible scenarios dyan,” he said. Canaya couldn’t say when the investigation will be completed. “We cannot anticipate talaga ‘yung conclusion ng investigation kung when ma-complete. We do this to make sure that ginagawa natin ‘yung tama,” he said. He said nine of the personnel were recommended to be dismissed from service, while the remaining 13 will undergo preliminary investigation. The alleged hazing incident, where two cadets ended up in a hospital due to injuries, reportedly occurred during a training in Lipa City in Batangas last August. (MNS)

China stopped harassing PHL ships MANILA, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) - Chinese vessels stopped harassing Filipino ships en route to the disputed Ayungin Shoal after the Philippines and the United States signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in April, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told a Senate committee on Monday. Gazmin claimed that the EDCA—which provides for increased US military presence in the country and US access to Philippine military bases—was “a deterrent” against external security threats such as those presented by China. “Right now, we use EDCA as a deterrent to threats to our security. As we continue using the EDCA, we continue to fill the gap [of our Armed Forces] through our modernization program,” Gazmin said during the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the EDCA. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., however, said the agreement didn’t provide did not guarantee the US assistance if the country came into a “shooting war” with another country.

“Why will an aggressive power be afraid to attack us?” Marcos said. To which, Gazmin said, “The deterrence nangyayari na ngayon. Kita niyo hindi ho tayo inaatake sa pagresupply ang ating mga tropa sa Ayungin Shoal.” Marcos, who has been at odds with the Aquino administration despite being part of the majority coalition in the Senate, didn’t agree with the defense secretary. “I think that is due to the bravery of our own servicemen. I don’t think the Americans played a part, but never mind, that is your interpretation,” Marcos said. In March, a Philippine Navy research vessel loaded with Philippine troops, supplies, and members of the media managed to reach Ayungin Shoal despite efforts by the Chinese Coast Guard to block it. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre remains as the country’s outpost on the Ayungin Shoal. A month after the alleged harassment, the Philippines and the US inked the EDCA on April 28.

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Restaurants cooking up wage violations end up serving back wages instead The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) recently published a study on restaurant workers, how much they earn, what jobs they do, whether they receive benefits, and whether they and their families are able to make ends meet. The findings are troubling and would make you lose your appetite. According to EPI, even though the restaurant industry is one of the fastest growing sector of the economy, its workers are some of the lowest paid and are much more likely than other workers to live in poverty or near-poverty level. Making the situation worse are those restaurant employers who do not think twice about taking shortcuts to profits by shortchanging their employees. Restaurant workers experience nearly all of the wage abuses that can be experienced by a worker: 12 to 14-hour work days that are not paid overtime, “off-the-clock” work which result in unpaid wages, stolen tips, meal and rest breaks that are not provided, “just-in-time” scheduling where workers are sent home early when business is slow, and inaccurate wage statements. These abuses do not happen only at fly-by-night eateries, but even at large and well-established restaurants owned by sophisticated employers who should know better. For example, news recently ran on several San Francisco media outlets about Yank Sing, one of San Francisco’s most popular and high-priced restaurants, which will be paying $4 million to its employees to settle their various wage claims. According to reports, in 2013, a group of Yank Sing employees complained to their employer about not being paid minimum wage and not being paid overtime, making prep cooks and servers work off the clock, managers stealing tips meant for waiters, and not being provided meal

and rest breaks. (It is ironic that employees working in the food service industry are denied their meal breaks.) At first, workers were afraid to speak up and complain because they did not want to lose their jobs. However, after the efforts of a few brave whistleblowers, more employees started to come forward to tell their stories of similar violations. The parties went into mediation to try and resolve the employees’ claims. The employer blamed “poor record keeping” and “not following correct procedures,” as part of the reason for the violations. The employer agreed to pay a total of $4 million to satisfy the employees’ claims. About 280 former and current Yank Sing employees are expected to benefit from the settlement. In addition to the actual compensation owed, employees who experience wage violations may also recover legal interest, waiting time and record-keeping penalties, attorney’s fees and costs, and applicable civil penalties. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against insurance companies and employers. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center Washington, D.C. and the University of the Philippines. Visit his website at www.joesayaslaw.com or contact his office at (818) 291-0088 for a no-cost inquiry.]

PHL seeks to block adultery website MANILA, November 30, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippine justice secretary said Sunday she is seeking to block extramarital dating site Ashley Madison in the country – under charges it facilitates crime. “The website is a platform that allows illegal acts to be eventually committed. A ban may be enforced,” Secretary Leila de Lima said in an SMS statement, referring to Ashley Madison. The Canada-based firm, which has the slogan: “Life is short. Have an affair”, recently launched their website in the Philippines, where the population is largely Roman Catholic and divorce is illegal. De Lima stressed that “adultery” also remains against the law in the Philippines, even though it has largely been un-enforced

and is a country where many powerful men flaunt their mistresses. Adultery and “concubinage,” are punishable by at least six months in jail under Philippine law. She said: “The (telecommunications companies) will have to do their part to ensure that illegal content and websites that are used to drive illicit conduct are not used,” she said. De Lima did not specify if they could be compelled to block the website. Local press reports say that at least 2,500 Filipinos have already signed up to the website since its recent launch. Singapore and South Korea have previously banned Ashley Madison, citing that it threatened family values.

Syjuco files another graft, plunder complaint vs. Drilon MANILA, Dec 2 (Mabuhay) -- Former Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr. on Tuesday filed a new set of plunder and graft charges against Senate President Franklin Drilon, this time for the alleged anomalous misuse of P75 million worth of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2011. Syjuco, though his aide Romeo Laguardia, filed a 15-page complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Drilon for alleged violations of Section 2 of the Republic Act (RA) 7080 or AntiPlunder Law, RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials. “Senator Franklin Magtunao Drilon always claims that he maintains an unblemished record in public service. He claims he hasn’t been linked to any wrongdoing. We should not assume that he is honest, rather,

we should admire him for being proficient in hiding his corruption,” Syjuco said in the prefatory statement of his complaint. According to the complaint, P75 million worth of Drillon’s PDAF or pork barrel in 2011 remains unliquidated. The P75-million fund was supposed to be for the construction of schools in Iloilo. The contract for the project was supposedly awarded to a Chinese non-government organization, but it was allegedly not implemented. “Sad for him, however, this complaint will frustrate his effort in hiding one of the many corruptible schemes he has been carrying out all through these years. Let the Filipino people relish that the Pork King is now naked,” Syjuco said in his complaint. Also included as respondents in the complaints were several John Does and Jane Does who allegedly acted as “cohorts” of Drilon.

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The foursome of (from L-R) Atty. Abe Marapao, Congressman Rosendo Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga de Norte), Gov. Chavit Singson and former TESDA deputy director general Nick Enciso take time out from the wedding of Gen. Napoleon Villegas’s daughter in San Diego recently for this photo op.

Presidential Achievement Awardees: Orange County has its ample share of talented Filipino-American entrepreneurs and professionals whose dedication to their adopted community has served as an inspiration to others even after they have elected to work behind the scene after giving their share. Others still, in spite of some physical limitations continue to serve and share their wisdom as guide posts for a new breed of leadership. The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County had the pleasure of honoring its past presidents with “Lifetime Achievement Award” for their leadership at its 20th Gala Event at the Paradise Pier Hotel in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim last Nov. 22. Five of those made it to the awards night – Rodolfo “Jun” Jao, Para Anderson, Gloria Rull, Edith Andres, Maria Dumatol, Dr. Carmelita Co-Casquejo, Radi Miranda, Atty. Linda Sarno. Flor Apeles, brother of Faccoc pioneer Clem Apeles, received the award for his late brother. At extreme right is the 2015 president, Elena Lapid-Salonga who presented the awards.(Edralin photo)

ANDRES From page 12

neighbor, the Philippines, after last year’s Typhoon Haiyan. The giving patterns were linked into the respondents’ reply to a questionnaire that asked if they donated money, volunteered with an organization, helped a stranger in the month and were tallied to come up with the final score. The Top 20 countries in World Giving Index are: 1. Myanmar and United States of America 3. Canada 4.

RSG Foundation sponsors annual Noche Buena for PHL poor In its 30th year of charitable giving, RSG Foundation has been blessed in sending their annual Noche Buena to more than 1,500 indigent families at the hometown of Mary Ann Samadi in San Miguel, Bulacan on Christmas eve. RSG Foundation has many outstanding annual projects including successful events such as “Dancing Like The Stars,” a star-studded concert-dinner show which helps underpriveleged families fund their children’s school expenses and it is geared to those children who have special skills and are academically-inclined. Initially, RSG Foundation started with only 6 children with special skills but by

word of mouth, RSG’s sponsorhip which amounted to $44 per month per student, enabled these special-skilled students to buy their books, school supplies, computers, shoes, clothing and toys. Two years ago, RSG Foundation had a medical mission and they donated an ambulance, medical supplies and medical equipment to the town of San Miguel, to help the underpriveleged families deal with their healthcare needs, particularly those who live in remote areas. RSG Foundation’s vision for 2015 is to build a community center which can house a small medical clinic, a library with books and computers as well as a community hall

to enable the small town of San Miguel have community events and enhance the quality of life in their community. RSG Foundation’s mission in their “JOY OF GIVING” event at 6:00 pm Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 3021 Waverly Drive, Los Angeles is to “make a difference by making a big impact on people’s lives” and through MaryAnn Samadi’s “grateful heart” personally experiencing poverty in her youth, her foundation can help those in need during the holidays. For tickets, donations and sponsorship to the event, please call: 213/272-2637. RSG Foundation was established by Mary Ann Samadi, owner RSG Jewelry.

Ireland 5. New Zealand 6. Australia 7. Malaysia 8. United Kingdom 9. Sri Lanka 10. Trinidad and Tobago 11. Bhutan 12. Netherlands 13. Indonesia 14. Iceland 15. Kenya 16. Malta 17. Austria

Program renamed to UCLPA Pilipino Alumni Lovell Sevilla Scholarship Program The UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association Board of Directors held a dinner last month at Park’s Finest Restaurant in Los Angeles to celebrate the renaming of their scholarship program to the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Lovell Sevilla Scholarship Program. The dinner was the first event of a renewed scholarship campaign to strengthen the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Endowment and to honor Ms. Lovell Sevilla, who served as the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship Director from 1995 through 2000 and was instrumental in establishing the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship Endowment. Ms. Sevilla also served as a UCLA student counselor for more than two decades. In 2010, she was awarded the UCLA Chancellor’s Excellence in Service Award for expanding diversity in the UCLA Honors Programs and in 2011, became the UCLA director of counseling. In August 2014, Ms. Sevilla died at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after a 9-month battle to acute myeloid leukemia. Students who were counseled by Ms. Sevilla remember her dedication to help them in any way she could. Bobby T. Rimas, the current UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship Director stated, “Adding Lovell’s name is very fitting for the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship program as it honors her passion and commitment to helping deserving students. It is our hope that this campaign will take the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Scholarship Endowment to the next level by eventually serving more students and inspiring subsequent leaders to carry on Lovell’s legacy for years to come.” The UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association Scholarship Program usually culminates in the awarding of both the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Endowment and private scholarships at UCLA Pilipino Alumni’s annual scholarship benefit. To date, the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association has awarded over 100 scholarships. The UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association’s mission is to create an environment for current students, alumni, and community members to network, both socially and professionally, as well as raise monies to support UCLA Pilipino Alumni’s initiatives, which include scholarships for incoming high school, undergraduate, and graduate students at UCLA. If you have any inquiries regarding who may apply for UCLA Pilipino Alumni scholarships or contributions towards the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Endowment, please contact Mr. Rimas at Bobby.Rimas@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Debt relief for divorced mom; Obama amnesty for adult child Chapter 7 relief for divorced mom Client is 48 years old and works as an accountant for a business. Her salary is $60,000 a month. Her marriage ended two years ago when she found out that her husband of 15 years had another family in another city. Husband had a 10-year old son with another woman that he kept on the side. In fact, the mistress knew that he was married but the fact that he Adult child seeks Obama amnesty was married did not make any difference Client is now 30 years old. He is still to the mistress. I guess thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the mistress. Husband had secretly kept living in the shadows of the American another bank account, unknown to client, dream even though he has now lived in Los that he placed a portion of his income in Angeles for 12 years. She was brought to every month for the expenses of his mis- America first by his mother when he was 18 years old. tress and his illegitimate son. Mom had annulled her marriage to her Since husband was a dentist and had his own clinic, it was easy for him to expense husband in their country of origin and she that income out of his dental practice, came to America with his mom on B1 through creative ways such that even visa. Mom is beautiful so had no problem though client and husband were filing joint attracting many suitors here. A senior tax returns since they were married, client American who is still in good health and was utterly clueless that she had married still able to enjoy life, whose wife passed away 4 years ago after 40 years of maran utterly unfaithful fraud. Being of sound mind, but an emotional riage, fell in love with mom, head over wreck nonetheless because of her hus- heals, and eventually proposed marriage. Mom accepted and eventually mom bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s betrayal, client decided to start a new life as a single mom, got a divorce for became a permanent resident and a U.S. her self respect and took custody of their citizen. Mom is doing well and working. Husband is so happy with his new wife son who was about to start high school. With the divorce, client has suffered a and he gives her everything she wants. large reduction in household income since They travel all over the world. Husband her husband contributed at least $80,000 even buys her a new house in her country to the household income, which has dis- of origin. Mom is fortunate to find this man who truly loves her, and this man is appeared. In addition, client is left to handle on truly happy to have her as his new wife. He her own, close to a $100,000 of unsecured says he is lucky to be in love again when debt, mostly credit card debt, a $2500 he thought it was not possible for him to mortgage, and two car payments. With son fall in love again. But son, who is now 30 years old, is left going to a private high school and with so many extracurricular activities, client feels in limbo. Sure, mom can petition him for that she can no longer afford to pay $3,000 an immigrant visa but he will have to wait a month for credit card debt, otherwise, 20 years to get that visa. In the meantime, she will default on her mortgage and two he is now a young adult at his prime but is car payments. So, client decides to get rid not able to work because he cannot legalof all her credit card debt with a Chapter ize his status. Son will qualify under part 2 of OBAMA 7 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy will discharge all of the AMNESTY and be able to get a work per$100,000 of credit card debt, allowing her mit valid for three years. He will be able to to take care of her mortgage, car payments legalize his status for 3 years and come into and the rest of her monthly expenses in her the light of the American dream. Hopefully, new life as a divorced single mom. She next year, Congress will enact into law a gets to keep her house, her cars, even her new path to permanent legal residency and 401K, and everything else that she owns. American citizenship. These are the 2 parts of the OBAMA Her credit score will improve every year as long as she timely pays her mortgage, AMNESTY, which I strongly urge you to car payments and the new credit cards that take advantage of now: â&#x20AC;˘ Parents of children who are American she will receive after discharge. On the 2nd year after discharge, her citizens or permanent residents. To qualify credit score will be over 600, on the third in this class you must have the following attributes: year, it will be at least 640.

â&#x20AC;˘ You have lived in America for more than five (5) years; â&#x20AC;˘ You have a child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; â&#x20AC;˘ You have no criminal record; â&#x20AC;˘ You will file tax returns and pay income tax after you start working legally with the work permit obtained under this program. â&#x20AC;˘ You were brought to America as a child no matter how old you are now. To qualify in this class you must have the following attributes: â&#x20AC;˘ You have lived in America for more than five (5) years; â&#x20AC;˘ You were brought to America as a child by your parents, no matter how old you are now; â&#x20AC;˘ You have no criminal record; and â&#x20AC;˘ You will file tax returns and pay in-

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come tax after you start working legally with the work permit obtained under this program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE; SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND WHAT YOU SEEK; KNOCK AND THE DOOR SHALL BE OPENED,â&#x20AC;? Luke 11.10. Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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OPINION

China stopped harassing PHL ships after EDCA signing – Gazmin

MANILA, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) - Chinese vessels stopped harassing Filipino ships en route to the disputed Ayungin Shoal after the Philippines and the United States signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in April, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told a Senate committee on Monday. Gazmin claimed that the EDCA – which provides for increased US military presence in the country and US access to Philippine military bases—was “a deterrent” against external security threats such as those presented by China. “Right now, we use EDCA as a deterrent to threats to our security. As we continue using the EDCA, we continue to fill the gap [of our Armed Forces] through our modernization program,” Gazmin said during the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the EDCA. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., however, said the agreement didn’t provide did not guarantee the US assistance if the country came into a “shooting war” with another country. “Why will an aggressive power be afraid to attack us?” Marcos said. To which, Gazmin said, “The deterrence nangyayari na ngayon. Kita niyo hindi ho tayo inaatake sa pagresupply ang ating mga tropa sa Ayungin Shoal.” Marcos, who has been at odds with the Aquino administration despite being part of the majority coalition in the Senate, didn’t agree with the defense secretary. “I think that is due to the bravery of our own servicemen. I don’t think the Americans played a part, but never mind, that is your interpretation,” Marcos said. In March, a Philippine Navy research vessel loaded with Philippine troops, supplies, and members of the media managed to reach Ayungin Shoal despite efforts by the Chinese Coast Guard to block it. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre remains as the country’s outpost on the Ayungin Shoal. A month after the alleged harassment, the Philippines and the US inked the EDCA on April 28. Under the EDCA, the US will be allowed to build structures, store and preposition weapons, defense supplies and materiel, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years inside “agreed locations.” (MNS)

Top bosses aware of most foreign bribes: OECD Paris, France | AFP | Tuesday 12/2/2014 Most international bribes are paid by large firms with the knowledge of senior management, the OECD said Tuesday, after analyzing hundreds of prosecuted cases spanning a quarter century and worth a total of $5.9 billion. “Corporate leadership is involved, or at least aware, of the practice of foreign bribery in most cases, rebutting perceptions of bribery as an act of rogue employees,” the club of wealthy nations said in a report. The report analyses 427 cases involving the 41 signatories to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention since it took effect in 1999. “Given the complexity and concealed nature of corrupt transactions, this is without doubt the mere tip of the iceberg,” the report said. Nearly half of the bribes paid to foreign public officials originated in developed countries, and 21 of the cases involved heads of state or government ministers receiving bribes, the study found. The four sectors most affected are mining, construction,

transportation and storage, and information and communication. Well over half -- 57 percent— of the bribes averaging $13.8 million (11 million euros) each were paid to win public procurement contracts, and three-quarters involved payment through intermediaries, the OECD said. “Bribes were promised, offered or given most frequently to employees of state-owned enterprses (27 percent), followed by customs officials (11 percent), health officials (seven percent) and defence officials (six percent),” the report said. Eighty individuals served jail time after being convicted of foreign bribery, while 261 individuals and companies paid fines, it said. Sixty-nine percent of the cases were settled with sanctions, it added. “One in three cases came to the attention of authorities through self-reporting by defendant companies or individuals,” it said, while whistleblowers accounted for just two percent. “Companies that self-reported became aware of the foreign

bribery in their international operations primarily through internal audits,” the report said. Media coverage led to five percent of the cases. Currently, 390 probes are under way in 24 of the convention signatories, it added. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development provides economic analysis and advice to its 34 industrialised members. “Corruption undermines growth and development,” OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said in a statement, adding: “The corrupt must be brought to justice. The prevention of business crime should be at the centre of corporate government (and) public procurement needs to become synonymous with integrity, transparency and accountability.” The group urged governments worldwide to “strengthen sanctions, make settlements public and reinforce protection of whistleblowers as part of greater efforts to tackle bribery and corruption.”

Australian sailors’ trauma pulling dead asylum-seekers from sea Sydney, Australia | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 – Serving and former Australian navy personnel have described the trauma of stopping asylum-seeker boats and pulling dead bodies from the water as the government ramps up its deterrence policy on migrants arriving by sea. The sailors, some of whom have been discharged suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), told ABC television on Tuesday their health conditions were not treated seriously by commanders. The men and women said the distress they suffered during the naval operations, which took place when the Labor party was in power from late 2006 to September 2013, was exacerbated

by secrecy surrounding the country’s border protection policies. A serving navy officer, who was given the name “Michael” to protect his identity, told ABC how his ship was delayed by 15 hours from boarding an asylumseeker boat, only to find out that it had sunk 13 hours earlier. “All we found was probably a line about 70 miles long of bodies,” he told the national broadcaster. “We fished them out for as long as we could, ‘til we were full. And that wasn’t uncommon.” Their insights came as Immigration Minister Scott Morrison sought to gain support Wednesday from the Senate for a bill widening the government’s maritime powers. The bill reflects the hardening

attitudes Australian governments have taken against asylumseekers attempting to enter the country by boat. Only one boat has reached the Australian mainland since December, compared to almost daily arrivals previously under the Labor administration, when hundreds of people died en route. Troy Norris, a sailor recently discharged for PTSD, spent 13 years intercepting and boarding asylum-seeker boats and said his commanding officer “showed no compassion at all for my situation” when reading his termination letter. “And that’s the kind a treatment I received. Getting rushed through because we were a liability.”

US CEOs see dimmer economic growth in 2015 Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 12/2/2014 – Chief executives of major US companies are slightly less optimistic about the economy than three months ago and plan to cut capital spending next year, according to a survey published Tuesday. The Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of leading companies, said its Economic Outlook Index for the coming six months fell to 85.1 in the fourth quarter from 86.4 in the third quarter. The index was a bit higher than the 84.5 reading in the 2013 fourth quarter, which included the Octo-

ber federal government shutdown over a budget dispute between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican lawmakers. Expectations for capital spending took the biggest hit in the latest survey, falling 5.8 points to 73.3. Executives’ outlook for sales dimmed by 1.3 points to 115.1. Hiring expectations rose, by 3.6 points to 67.1, following a decline in the third quarter. Overall, the business leaders projected the US economy will grow only 2.4 percent next year, compared to 2.6-3.0 percent predicted by the Federal Reserve and

a slightly faster pace forecast by the International Monetary Fund. “The economy ended the year essentially where it started—performing below its potential,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman of Business Roundtable and chairman and CEO of telecom giant AT&amp;T Inc. Survey respondents said the two most significant factors hampering their investment spending were US tax policy and regulatory issues. Thirty-nine percent of CEOs said that regulatory costs were their largest cost pressure over the next six months.

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Pacquiao, the boxer Once again, the Filipino nation rejoiced on the recent success of Manny Pacquiao in his boxing bout with New Yorker challenger Cris Algerie. At 35 years old, I think Pacquio lost some of his lethal punching power which has catapulted him into an international boxing superstar. Despite the fact that he has not scored a knock-out victory since getting floored by Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012, Pacquiao is still the perfect symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the Filipino people, In spite of all the accolades he has gotparticularly the poor. ten for his boxing skills, the former While watching the Pacquiao versus â&#x20AC;&#x153;poor boyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;balutâ&#x20AC;? vendor from Algerie fight in a hotel in Burlingame, San Kibawe, Bukidnon, remains humble. Francisco, people watching the fight in the I sincerely believed that Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing television all agreed that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fighting pride days are numbered. of the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;? is the most effective I also donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that Floyd Maymorale booster of a country that has been weather will ever fight Pacquiao. I also do rocked by scandals for years due to unabated not believe that Mayweather is scared of corruption among elected public officials. Pacquiao. What Mayweather is scared of Most Filipinos think that the only good is the possibility of losing his impeccable news that can lift up the spirits of Fili- boxing record. A possible fight with Pacpinos is when Pacquiao steps into the quiao might put a dent on Mayweatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ring, fights and wins. Pacquiao is also an zero loss record. effective unifying leader with the ability While Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illustrious boxing to inspire others because of what he has days are about to end, his political career accomplished in life. is just beginning. Pacquiao has transformed his success As a boxer Pacquiao is worshipped by in boxing into other fields. He is now a the Filipino masses. He is considered by singer, once a television host, an actor, a the poor as a hero and pride of the Philipprofessional basketball player and coach, pines.. and a Congressman representing the provAs a politician representing Sarangani ince of Sarangani. Pacquiao has long been province, he is well respected not only rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in Mindanao, but throughout the country in the world by sporting news and boxing because he has never been involved in any websites, as well as the ESPN and Sports anomalous transactions unlike his counterIllustrated, for his remarkable success as parts in both houses in Congress. a boxer. I hope that the current crop of politiAccording to Forbes, he ranked cians in Congress will learn from Pac#14th highest paid athlete in the world. quiao how to practice the art of humility

Top US court mulls free speech, Facebook threats $ By Chantal Valery

WASHINGTON, December 1, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; US Supreme Court justices struggled Monday with the difficult question of whether threats made on Facebook can be prosecuted or are protected free speech. In a key test of freedom of expression in the Internet era, the nine justices heard arguments in the case of a man convicted of making death threats on the social network against his estranged wife. The oral arguments came in the case of Anthony Elonis, who was convicted for making threats in his comments posted in rap verse style and sentenced to prison. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one way to love you but a thousand ways to kill you. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to rest until your body is a mess, soaked in blood and dying from all the little cuts. Hurry up and die, bitch,â&#x20AC;? Elonis posted after the breakup ending seven years of marriage. Justice Samuel Alito commented that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this sounds like a roadmap for threatening a spouse... you put them in rhymes, you claim youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an artist then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re free from prosecution.â&#x20AC;? But Justice Elena Kagan cautioned about any ruling that could infringe on rights enshrined in the First Amendment of the constitution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The First Amendment requires a kind of buffer zone ... because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to chill innocent behavior,â&#x20AC;? she said during the hourlong session. Lawyers for Elonis have argued that the government failed to prove comments on Facebook showed the intent to commit a crime. Elonis has said he never seriously intended to make an attempt on his ex-wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life or carry out any of the other threats, and that without proof of such an intent, criminalizing his Facebook posts violates his First Amendment right to free speech. On December 8, 2010, he was charged with threatening clients and employees

and honesty. There is little doubt he will be a Senator in 2016. Too bad he cannot run for a much higher office. He is only 35 years old. He must be at least 40 years old to be able to run as Vice President. Between Pacquiao or Binay or Blemonte or Drilon, I will choose Pacquiao. At least he has a good heart and intention to help improve the quality of life of poor Filipinos. But the most important thing is the fact that Pacquiao lacks the intellectual capability to ransack the Philippine treasury. I say Binay and Roxas are still lucky that Pacquiao does not have the required age to run for president or vice president. I am sure Pacquiao will win hands down if ever he runs against any of the two. Binay has long been considered as a corrupt politician, while Roxas is simply an under achieving public official. Speaking of corruption, it really means a lot when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a close friend of President Aquino. Take the case of PNP Chief Alan Purisima. Despite being charged with plunder and graft before the Ombudsman office, he is still the top honcho at PNP. Senators and Congressmen are calling for his resignation ever since his multimillion peso mansion in Nueva Ecija was exposed, including his hard to believe big discount he got from a car dealership in Pampanga when he purchased an expensive Nissan SUV vehicle.

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Perhaps to appease the public and to show that the Aquino government is on the right track of treading the â&#x20AC;&#x153;daan na matuwid,â&#x20AC;? the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the six-month suspension without pay of PNP Chief Purisima and some of his staff involved in the anomalous PNPWerfast documentary agency deal. It was alleged that Purisima and some of his men got â&#x20AC;&#x153;kickbacksâ&#x20AC;? from the deal. Following an anonymous complaint, the DILG and the Ombudsman Office initiated an investigation and found out that Werfast was not qualified to do business with the PNP as courier for gun licenses. It was also found out in the course of investigation that aside from having no track record of financial capability to do business with the government, it showed that Werfast did not pay any taxes from 2011 to 2013, based on BIR records. If I were Purisima, I will quit right away as PNP Chief for me to salvage whatever little decency I still have. I know that Purisima has lost his moral ascendancy to head the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police force. He lost all sense of decency, honesty and integrity as a police officer and as head of the Freemasonry in the Philippines. He is the current Grandmaster. General Purisima is a disgraced to Masonry. The only thing for him to do is quit as PNP chief to save his family from further embarrassment.

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of the park, threats against his ex-wife, against police officers and an FBI agent, as well as threats involving a preschool class. During his trial, Elonis said he was inspired by rapper Eminem in his posts, some of which contained lewd and violent passages. A range of free-speech groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and the libertarian Cato Institute supported Elonis, arguing that upholding the conviction could erode constitutional guarantees. Press freedom groups also joined in seeking to overturn the conviction, claiming the case could impact journalistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to do their jobs. Curbing online â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hate speechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Other groups petitioned the top court to uphold the conviction, saying it could help curb what is often described as online hate speech. Groups supporting victims of domestic violence also joined the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side. Chief Justice John Roberts questioned during the arguments what impact the case might have on teenagers who make frequent posts on Facebook, or on rap artists like Eminem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should he (Eminem) be prosecuted?â&#x20AC;? Roberts asked. Arguing for the government, Deputy Solicitor General Michael Dreeben said the conviction should not impact â&#x20AC;&#x153;freedom to engage in rap artistryâ&#x20AC;? and asked the court to affirm the juryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conviction based on its reading of the intent of the language. Justice Antonin Scalia said the court needs to consider whether a genuine threat is made, online or offline. Scalia cited the possibility of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a warning that Al-Qaeda is going to assassinate a certain person, it contains a threat.â&#x20AC;? Justice Stephen Breyer questioned meanwhile whether the case involves â&#x20AC;&#x153;transmitting a true threat.â&#x20AC;? The justices are expected to decide the case at the end of their term in June.

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Fil-Am Rob Villeza appointed judge to Los Angeles Superior Court Los Angeles, CA - The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) congratulates Assistant United States Attorney Rob Villeza on his appointment to the Los Angeles Superior Court. On November 12, 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Judge Villeza to a judgeship in the largest unified trial court in the United States. Judge Villeza was the recipient of PABA’s Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2013. “Judge Villeza’s appointment is deeply significant to us,” said Hildy Aguinaldo, PABA President. “As a skillful and experienced lawyer committed to public service and justice, he represents the very best of our community. We are extremely pleased that Governor Brown appointed a well-qualified and ethical attorney to serve as a judicial officer in Los Angeles County, one of the most challenging, dynamic, and diverse communities in the nation, as well as the home of more than half a million Filipino Americans.” Judge Villeza has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California for more than twenty

years. A veteran federal prosecutor, he is currently the Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Section, where he prosecutes and investigates drug trafficking and money laundering cases. As Deputy Chief, he also supervises and mentors numerous prosecutors, law students, and interns. The trajectory of Judge Villeza’s path to the Superior Court bench exemplifies the American Dream. His humble beginnings are both distinctly Filipino American and Californian. Raised by Filipino American parents in Echo Park, he was the first in his family to complete graduate school and to become a lawyer. Judge Villeza is a proud graduate of Southern California public schools: John Marshall High, Pasadena City College, CSU Los Angeles, and UCLA Law School. Before he became a prosecutor in 1991, he practiced civil litigation for several years in both California and Hawaii at the law firms Graham & James LLP (now Squire Patton Boggs LLP) and Cades Schutte LLP. The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles (APABA) also

applauds Judge Villeza’s appointment, which the organization strongly supported. “Through APABA’s vetting process, we came to know Rob as a highly respected, intelligent, hard-working figure in the legal community, with the calm demeanor required for the bench,” stated Christina Yang, Co-Chair of APABA’s Public Appointments and Judicial Endorsements Committee. PABA commends Governor Brown for appointing Judge Villeza to the Los Angeles Superior Court. PABA serves the community of Filipino American lawyers and law students in Southern California. For more information about PABA, please visit www. pabala.org.

Rob Villeza

County to host used oil and filter recycling event in Bell Los Angeles County Public Works Department will host a free used motor oil and oil filter recycling event at the Bell O’Reilly Auto Parts, 7019 S Atlantic Ave, on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In exchange for turning in their used oil, participants will be rewarded with free oil containers, oil filter containers, shop towels, and funnels while supplies last. Those recycling oil filters will receive one new oil filter also while supplies last. In addition, residents can drop-off used motor oil and used oil filters for free at weekend County-sponsored Household

Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste Collection Events or at local Certified Collection Centers. A full calendar of collection events and a list of these centers can be found at www.CleanLA.com. Residents are asked to prepare items for drop-off by placing used oil filters in sealed plastic bags and storing used motor oil in leak-proof containers without mixing the oil with other liquids, including water. For additional information on the County’s oil and oil filter recycling program, call Edna Gandarilla, Program Manager, at (626) 458-6536.

Former U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis takes her oath Monday as L.A. County Supervisor administered by Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti in the Hall of Administration of the City of Los Angeles as she comes home again to work in the state’s public sector. Photo: Benny Uy

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Obamacare: Your health is all that matters There are a lot of negatives I hear on Obamacare. Not that it caused the high cost of health care. But, that despite it, the cost of medical care is still high. The uninitiated cannot understand why is it that they already pay the monthly premium, yet they have to pay a copay everytime they see a doctor; let alone pay a deduct ible if they get hospitalized before their insurance company pays its The passive compliant is disgusted share. They need to get oriented on how why is it that they are willing to get a the system works. health insurance and pay the premiums, The opponents of the law complain yet the government (Covered California) why they have to pay a penalty (shared will not make it easy for them to enroll responsibility tax) if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a because of computer glitches and misfires. health insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that meets the 10 And all the negatives continue on and essential health benefits requirement. onâ&#x20AC;Ś.. Proponents of the law should explain that Obamacare, for all its flaws, has raised the individual mandate provision is the leg awareness on health insurance. on which Obamacare stands. At no time in the past have people

become aware that even if they have no income, they may qualify for a no-cost health coverage thru MediCal. Lowincome people know that they can get affordable health coverage due to tax credits and subsidies thru Covered California. Even high-income people realize that if they have health coverage, preventive measures and exams are embedded in their plan free of charge. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get distracted by the noise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; complaints and problems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; related with Obamacare. What is important is you get yourself covered. After all, your health is all that matters. Open enrollment is on until February 15, 2015. Outside of this period, you need to have a qualifying event to be entitled to a special enrollment. Medicare Alert: Those who missed the symposium conducted by Coordinated

Care Initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ms. Rina Cruz held at FACLA on Thursday, December 4, 2014 regarding Medicare and MediCal may call me at 323-535-7373, or e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com for questions and concerns. 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 in charge of a division. He was a joint-venture partner of the San Miguel Corporation in an agri-business project. He holds CA license # 0G55218 and a Non-Resident License for Nevada. He is a Certified Insurance Agent for Covered California. He may be reached at 323-535-7373 or e-mail at: leo.balita@ gmail.com. His website: www.healthremediesandoptions.com.

Covered Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open-enrollment period gets off to a strong start as Holidays Approach Consumers can enroll at local events and storefronts It is clear that at the top of the holiday wish list this year for many Californians is having quality and affordable health coverage. Covered California, the state agency charged with administering the Affordable Care Act in California, announced that nearly 70,000 consumers submitted applications for health coverage, including Medi-Cal, during the first four days of the 2015 open-enrollment period that began Nov. 15. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on top of the 1.2 million who are already enrolled in Covered California health insurance plans and are now in the process of renewing their coverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a strong start when we opened Saturday, Nov. 15, and we are continuing to see tremendous interest from people seeking security for themselves and their families in both Covered California plans and Medi-Cal coverage,â&#x20AC;? Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. As of Nov. 18, nearly 36,000 new consumers had been determined eligible for coverage through Covered California, and

more than 11,000 of them picked a plan. By comparison, at the beginning of the historic first open enrollment in October 2013, it took 15 days to reach about the same number of people selecting a health plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There still is a lot of work to do, though, and we are committed to making sure every Californian gets the health care coverage they want and deserve,â&#x20AC;? Lee said. In Los Angeles County, about 844,000 people remain uninsured and are eligible for Covered California or for Medi-Cal. Covered Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open enrollment runs from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15. Consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage beginning Jan. 1. Enrollment can be done online at www. CoveredCA.com, in person or by phone with the help of a Service Center representative. Lee said most people choose to enroll in person so that their questions can be answered right away, and the assistance is free and confidential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know this open-enrollment period will be more challenging in some ways,â&#x20AC;? said Lee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consumers will only have three months to enroll, compared with the six months that they had last time. This is complicated by our knowledge that many who

APOGLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural ball slated Dec. 13 Dan E. Nino, a journalist, tax and business consultant, will be sworn in as president of Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) of Greater Los Angeles for 2015 with his fellow officers on Dec. 13 (Saturday), 6 p.m. at Marriott Hotel on 4700 Airport Dr., Long Beach. Nino will succeed Jerome Paggao. Cerritos City Mayor Mark Pulido will be the inducting officer and guest speaker. The inaugural ball will coincide with APOGLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 34th anniversary foundation and Christmas Party. It is also the fraternityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 89th anniversary which was founded at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania on Dec. 16, 1925. An alumnus of PSI Chapter (Centro Escolar University) and Gamma Kappa Chapter (Ateneo de Manila University), Nino remarked during the presentation of candidates in October, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a president of an organization is a destiny. The position will seek for you and not you seeking the position.â&#x20AC;? Other officers to be sworn in are Betta M. David, vice president; Jehiel Vinluan, secretary; Ophel Amon, treasurer; Hazel Salas, assistant treasurer; Fely Montecillo, PRO; Casey Mansilla, Auditor; Rollie Franco, Philip Banayos, Jr. and Jovee Jovellanos, Sgt.-at-Arms. The Board of Directors who will also be inducted are Roehl Reyes, chairman; Ed Romero, Board Secretary; Melody Ang-Gayon, Emma Rubina-Galang, Jerome Paggao, Dan E. Nino and Eric Serrano. The Alpha Phi Omega Council of North America (ACNA) incoming officers led by its president Alecks Garcia of APO Dallas-Fort Worth Texas will also be inducted. He will succeed Lito Tarculas, a member of APOGLA. Guests will be treated to an extravaganza of dance and song billed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Musical Journey to the Past.â&#x20AC;? The theme of the new president is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elevate Our Enthusiasm; Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobilize Relentlessly to reflect his administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspirations.â&#x20AC;? Alpha Phi Omegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three cardinal principles are Leadership, Friendship and Service. With these precepts, its members from various colleges and universities in the Philippines who are now based in Greater Los Angeles serve or volunteer in the Los Angeles Marathon, Operation Gratitude, Feeding America, Tree Planting, Special Olympics, relief operations, honoring The Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Students (TOFASS) with supplemental scholarship grants as well as providing scholarships to college-bound children of APOGLA members. For further inquiries, interested parties may call Ruth Manalastas @ 818-8006765, Ophel Amon @ 818-970-4614, Jerome Paggao @ 818-472-7049 or Dan E. Nino @ 562-921-5116. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; denino1951@gmail.com

are uninsured have adapted to a culture of coping and have become accustomed to living without health insurance.â&#x20AC;? Covered California and a bus full of supporters recently spent nine days traveling across California, making several stops in the Los Angeles area and many other cities to spread the word. Adding another personal touch, Covered California is sponsoring its second annual holiday â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give the Gift of Healthâ&#x20AC;? campaign, which encourages friends and family members to spread the word about affordable, quality health coverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you or someone you know doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have health insurance right now, this is the opportunity to get the security and peace of mind that comes with coverage,â&#x20AC;? Lee said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You will need to enroll by Dec. 15 in order for your health insurance coverage to start on Jan. 1, so the time to get covered is now.â&#x20AC;?

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Mediterranean diet improves heart health for ED patients (Relaxnews) – Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of underlying health problems and sufferers of ED could reap cardiovascular health benefits from sticking to the Mediterranean diet, according to Greek researchers. According to study author Dr. Athanasios Angelis, 80 percent of ED cases are caused by vascular problems and the condition comes as a warning that patients are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Using the Med-Diet Score1 system, researchers assessed the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet among a participant group of 75 men with ED, whose average age was 56.

The two telltale aspects of vascular disease, also called atherosclerosis, are the accumulation of plaque in the inner lining of the arteries and an abnormal stiffness of the arteries. The men were evaluated for both of these conditions. Scoring low on the Med-Diet Score1 test correlated with considerably inferior vascular and heart function. Those participants who scored poorly had thicker arterial lining, more stiffness in the aorta, increased left ventricular mass and greater diastolic dysfunction than those who scored well. The Mediterranean diet consists of fruit, vegetables, unrefined cereals and

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pasta, olive oil and nuts with limited servings of meat and dairy products. Dr. Angelis points out simple changes in the diet that can make a difference, such as using olive oil that contains monosaturated fat instead of oil that’s made of polyunsaturated fat. He presented his findings at EuroEchoImaging, the annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovasular Imaging (EACVI) on Wednesday in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Angelis’ findings coincide with the release of a study led by Immaculata De Vivo, associate professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School, that says the Mediterranean diet could help people to live longer.

Recent research supports the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. ©Olga Miltsova/shutterstock.com

Studies probe why osteoporosis drugs may prevent cancer Miami, United States | AFP | Tuesday 12/2/2014 – International researchers said Monday they have made steps toward understanding why the most commonly used drugs for osteoporosis worldwide, known as bisphosphonates, may also prevent some kinds of lung, breast and colon cancers. If confirmed in clinical trials, the findings could accelerate the use of drugs like alendronic acid (Fosamax), zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) and ibandronic acid (Boniva) to prevent tumors or treat them in their early stages, according to two studies in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Bisphosphonates work by blocking the abnormal growth signals that are passed through a family of proteins known as human EGF receptors (HER), the studies found. This, in essence, shuts down the cancer’s ability to spread, and is of particular importance because HER cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types.

“Our study reveals a newfound mechanism that may enable the use of bisphosphonates in the future treatment and prevention of the many lung, breast and colon cancers driven by the HER family of receptors,” said lead study author Mone Zaidi, professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “Having already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as effective at preventing bone loss, and having a long track record of safety, these drugs could be quickly applied to cancer if we can confirm in clinical trials that this drug class also reduces cancer growth in people. ” Previous research has shown that some breast cancer patients have lived longer while taking the medications to prevent bone loss, and that those who take them also have fewer cases of colon and breast cancer than people who do not take them.

Diabetes in midlife could lead to mental decline by 70: study MIAMI, December 1, 2014 (AFP) – Diabetes ages the mind about five years faster than normal, and those diagnosed in their 50s are far more likely to experience mental decline by age 70, researchers said Monday. The study in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine was based on more than 15,000 US adults followed from 1987 to 2013. They found 19 percent more mental decline than expected in participants with poorly controlled diabetes, and smaller declines for those with controlled diabetes and pre-diabetes. The race of the patients had no factor in their outcomes. “The lesson is that to have a healthy brain when you’re 70, you need to eat right and exercise when you’re 50,” said lead author Elizabeth Selvin, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public

Health. “There is a substantial cognitive decline associated with diabetes, prediabetes and poor glucose control in people with diabetes. And we know how to prevent or delay the diabetes associated with this decline.” Diabetes can strike when a person has elevated sugar (glucose) levels in the blood, damaging tissues, causing blindness and nerve damage. Diabetes can often be controlled through diet and exercise, as well as medication.If we can do a better job at preventing diabetes and controlling diabetes, we can prevent the progression to dementia for many people,” Selvin said. Dementia costs the United States more than $159 billion a year, and that figure is expected to skyrocket in the coming years as the population ages, according to the researchers.

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FOOD & DINING

Make this Holiday season a sweet-healthy treat with Gelato In order to make this holiday season a sweet − healthy treat, one needs to learn what gelato is. Gelato is Italy’s version of the traditional ice cream. It is made with less butterfat and less calories, making it healthier than American ice cream. With its lower butterfat content, Gelato is less solidly frozen than ice cream, allowing it to melt in the mouth, thus tasting its full flavor immediately . Ice cream manufacturers produce ice cream by adding air 25-50% maximizing its quantity but cuts its quality substantially. Gelato on the other hand, only adds lesser air, which results in a richer, creamier, fresh taste, maintaining its quality.. In a recent CBS Channel 2 TV’s “Best of LA” eateries program aired on July 23, 2014, the Cara Mia Gelato shop in Eagle Rock was voted among the “9 Best LA Eateries” with innovative flavors in their gelato presentations such as: Sans Rival, Ube, Maiz Con Queso, Mango and Strawberry.

Other traditional flavors include: cookies and cream, mocha, vanilla, pistachio, salted caramel and mint chocolate. Included in Cara Mia’s hoiliday treats are Chicken Empanadas and various savory Grilled Chicken Panini breakfast sandwiches served all day and Panini Gelato. Not to be missed is their new halo halo gelato and the “build your own shake” concoctions for those on-the go people wanting to savor its flavorful drinks. Other latest creations to chill you are choices of drinks such as: Cafe Gelato (affogatto), Gelato Chillers (smoothies) and Icey Gelato (shaved ice). For Cara Mia Gelato catering information this holiday season, call or text Rene Ramos at: 310/259-6418 or visit their shop at: 2700 Colorado Blvd., (Eagle Rock Plaza), Los Angeles, CA. 90041; Tel: 323/478-1660 or log on their website at: www.facebook.com/CaraMiaGelatoUSA.

Above are the wide selection of delicious, creamy gelatoa at the popular Cara Mia Gelato shop in Eagle Rock.

Crab Boil Ave.Owners: Ryan Khani and Adrian Khani receive certificate of recognition from the City Council of Glendale.

Crab Boil Ave. spices Glendale with cajun style seafood Restaurant now open to serve you

Rene Ramos (left) Cara Mia Gelato (Eagle Rock owner), with CoGen Leo Herrera-Lim during the reception of “Ballet Philippines” at the consular residence. Photo: Hydee U. Abraham

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Crab Boil Ave. officially opened its doors to the public on December 2, 2014 at North Central Ave, Glendale, CA. The customary ribbon cutting was done by the owners, Ryan and Adrian Khani, who are actually brothers. After which, they were awarded a certificate of recognition by the Glendale City Council. Crab Boil Ave. offers mouth-watering “Cajun Style” seafood, a huge selection of wine and craft beers, plus many other appetizing treats. At Crab Boil Ave, diners get a chance to customize the taste of their meals by following 3 easy steps from the menu. First, select your seafood of choice at the menu’s Catch Station. Customers may choose from shrimp, crab, oysters, clams, mussels and lobster. Then add your desired taste from the menu’s Flavor Station. Tempting options include Cajun style, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper and Crab Boil Mix. And the last step, spice it up by choosing your desired intensity at the menu’s Fire Station - selections are mild, medium, fire or flaming fire. The restaurant also offers other favorites such as grilled salmon and fish and chips. And according to Crab Boil Ave’s executive chef - Rey Pelegrino, who is actually Filipino, the restaurant’s Jambalaya is also one dish that customers should definitely try. Crab Boil Ave. is located at 900 N Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91203 and is open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm. For banquet or group reservations, please call Ms. Lou S. Sabas @ 213.999.7710

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Series for Covered California: Part 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Metallic Plans Health plans are selected primarily according to how much overall medical needs you may need and how the medical services will be delivered. These two criteria dictate what metallic plan and what type of health plan you select. There are four (4) metallic plans available: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. If you are less than 30 yrs. old, you can also have minimum coverage. Broadly, the differences are in how much the health in- insurances you want, you would select the surance pays claims, from 60% to 90% of more expensive metallic plan. the costs. Minimum coverage plans cover The minimum coverage plans have least while Platinum plans cover most. $6,600 deductible, the Bronze $5,000, Even if the plans do not cover 100%, one Standard Silver $2,000, Gold $0 and Platinoteworthy fact is that health insurance num $0. If your meds are expensive, you benefit is unlimited which is especially wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like minimum coverage nor Bronze helpful for people who are in catastrophic because the deductible includes the drug circumstances. deductible, which means that health insurAnother invaluable fact is that you will ance will not help you on meds until you not have to pay more than $6,600 if you go beyond the overall deductible. In the have a minimum coverage plan and $4,000 case of Standard Silver on the other hand, if you have a Platinum plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the maximum the brand name drug deductible is carved out-of-pocket cost. out, $250 to be exact. If you are offered Let me explain by example here how Enhanced Silver plan, you may opt for does the deductible, co-pays and co- that because the deductible, co-pays, coinsurances and out-of-pocket will affect insurances and out-of-pocket may also be your selection. subsidized by the government. In certain For example, you have a Standard Silver cases, the benefits may even be better than plan, which has a deductible of $2,000 and the Gold or Platinum plans. co-insurances of 20% for hospitalization. If The next article will be about PPO vs you have a hospital claim of $30,000, then HMO etc. Since last day for renewal is you pay the first $2,000 for the deductible, on Dec. 15, call your agent today for the then 20% of the balance of $28,000 or the changes needed. equivalent of $5,600. The total should be For new enrollments, you can enroll $7,600. But since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than $6,250 until Feb. 15 of 2015. You can find upwhich is your out-of-pocket max, the dates on Covered CA at www.facebook. maximum you need to pay is limited to com/globalwealth.insurance. If you need $6,250. The idea is the more services you help renewing or enrolling, please call need or the less deductible, co-pays or co- 855-955-1800.

10th Filipinotown Parol Parade Dec. 10 Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The 10th Historic FIlipinotown Lantern (Parol) Parade is all set and go at Historic Filipinotown District on Monday, December 8. Ms. Cecille Ramos, President of the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) announced this after the HFNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last assessment meeting at the Burlington School last Thursday. The Parade will start at 4:3 p.m. at the FACLA compound where the Parol Lighting Ceremonies will commence and will go from Burlington and Temple (the assembly area) to Robinson St and will go left to Beverly to Union Streets and back to Temple and end at FACLA. The Parols/Lanterns will be mounted on vehicles and will drive around Historic Filipinotown district by the Temple and Beverly corridor. It will be escorted by the LAPD and DOT vehicles 30 participating organizations More than 30 organizations from Historic Filipinotown and beyond will join the Parol Lighting Ceremonies and Parade at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) on Monday, at 4 p.m. Some organizations which are set to join are HIFI NC, FACLA, Philippinetown Inc, Justice for Filipino American Veetrans (JFAV) Cebu Brotherhood, San Carlos Association of Los Angeles(SCALA), Manila Terrace, Villa Ramos Apartments, Mountain View Terrace, Rotary Club of HIFI, Marriage Encounter, FASGI, Jesus is Lord, Rampart Village Neighborhood Council (RVNC), BARANGAY LA, Filipino Disciples Church (FCC), BurlingtoN School, Philippine Heritage Museum, FILAMTV, HIFI California Exposition, LCC, Ms. FILAM International, LCC, Knight of Rizal-Historic Filipinotown, Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORE and SIPA. For more information about the 10th HIFI Parol Parade please call Al at (213)241-0995 or email him pilipinokami76@yahoo.com, or visit their website at newfacla.org.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Assunta still longing to have baby with Jules Assunta de Rossi said she and her husband, Jules Ledesma, have been trying to have a baby for years now but the circumstances just won’t allow them. De Rossi said both of them wanted to have their own child since 2008, but their hectic schedules are keeping them from pursuing this plan. “Gusto namin since 2008 pa kaso ang daming nangyari. Nung 2008, noong nagkakaroon ng global crisis, ng economic meltdown, kaming dalawa we made a commitment na saluhin namin lahat sa San Carlos. We are putting every-

thing in our two haciendas in San Carlos. Lahat yun tinaya namin because we are putting everything in a trust. Mabusisi siya so laging nabubulilyaso,” she said. Ledesma, who is the representative of the first district of Negros Occidental in Congress, hails from San Carlos City. De Rossi said she sometimes feels frustrated that they have so many things to take care of that they no longer have time for themselves. “Kunyari we want to relax, time is a luxury we don’t have eh. Minsan dumdating na sa point na nakaka-frustrate din

Assunta de Rossi

kasi hindi lang naman yun, we are both busy sa careers namin and ang daming istorbo. Ang dami namin kailangan asikasuhin lagi,” she said. Nonetheless, the actress said they will

still try to have their own family. De Rossi married Ledesma in civil rites at the congressman’s hometown in San Carlos City in December 2002. (MNS)

John Estrada on opportunity and loyalty Before becoming one of today’s prized actors, John Estrada was a teenager in Basilan who never stopped dreaming of appearing on TV one day. His grandmother initially thought his ambition was pie in the sky until producer Douglas Quijano discovered him to play a part in the iconic sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake.” The show gave John the opportunity to have more than what he asked for. He also met there Janice de Belen, with whom he would later have four children. “Tuwing nanonood ako ng TV sa Basilan no’n, katabi ko lagi ’yung lola ko. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘‘’Di bale, balang araw, makikita mo ako diyan.’ Sabi ng lola ko, ‘Ha? Ikaw talaga apo oh.’ Mahirap daw managinip ng gising.” There came a time when ABS-CBN management wanted to “kill” his character on “Palibhasa Lalake” but the show producer stood by his side. “After a year, gusto akong tanggalin ng ABS-CBN dahil hindi daw ako nagwowork as a third guy on the show. Pero sabi ni Douglas, ‘Kung tatanggalin si John, tanggalin niyo na ’yung buong (cast ng) ‘Palibhasa,’” he shared. “Pero sinabihan ako ni Dougs nu’n, ‘Kung hindi ka pa

John Estrada

magse-shape up, wala akong magagawa, tatanggalin ka.” Interestingly enough, John is the only talent from “Palibhasa Lalake” who has stayed with ABS-CBN all these times. “Hindi naman loyalty, pero parang ayaw nila akong pakawalan kasi may mga kumukuha naman sa aking iba,” he said. “I’m so proud to say that for 25 years, I stayed with ABS-CBN at hindi nila ako pinababayaan.”

Julia Barretto signs deal with Star Cinema Julia Barretto on Wednesday signed a multi-picture contract with Star Cinema, which includes her movie debut, “Para sa Hopeless Romantic.” Barretto said it is a dream come true for her to finally join the Star Cinema family. “I am so excited. This has been a dream of mine, to sign under Star Cinema and it’s a multi-picture contract so I’m really really excited,” she said. “My dream projects – as an artist, I have a lot – one of them, siguro I want to do a rom-com since I’m very young also pa. But of course drama also. I want to get to that point as well.” Barretto also said she is fortunate to be working with Iñigo Pascual in her very first movie.

“We are almost done actually, we’ve been shooting since last month. Inigo is my partner here and we are almost done with the film… Very fun, sobrang bait ni Iñigo. Madali siyang makasama. Magaan ‘yung loob ko sa kanya. For a first timer, he’s really good.” she said. Since both their parents come from show business, Barretto said she and Pascual immediately had something in common. “We get to talk about [the pressure of having showbiz parents] because we are under the same pressure. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why we really get along. We understand each other. By that, we know how we feel, we have each other’s backs and we are able to help each other and make each other feel confident,” she said.

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COMMUNITY

Free Christmas carol concert at Christ the King Church in Hollywood Dec. 14 Nova Vocal Ensemble together with Christ the King School’s Pueri Cantores choir to perform familiar carols by composer-in-residence Dale Trumbore A Christmas tradition comes back to Hollywood as the Nova Vocal Ensemble together with Christ the King School’s Pueri Cantores choir performs dazzling new arrangements of familiar carols by composer-in-residence Dale Trumbore in a free concert entitled Lesson and Carols on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ the King Church in Hollywood. Headed by Founder and Artistic Director, Jonathan Bautista who has appeared as a professional bass vocalist for choral groups and church choirs in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and California.,

Nova Vocal Ensemble is known to be Los Angeles’ chamber choir devoted to the music and choral works of living composers of all genres. In addition to contemporary classical, Nova also performs various musical arrangements from popular music, jazz, musical theater, film, television series, video games, and animation. Nova aims to not just entertain, but move and educate its audiences about the diversity of musical styles and arrangements. For more information about Lessons and Carols and Nova Vocal Ensemble please visit www. novavocalensemble.org. The Christ the King Church is located at 624 N. Rossmore Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004. Nova Vocal Ensemble is a professional

chamber choir consisting of experienced singers dedicated to performing the a cappella choral works of living composers. Nova singers come from all over Southern California to entertain, move, and educate its audiences about the diversity of musical styles in today’s choral landscape: the romantic, the experimental, the complex, the comical, and the profound are all part of Nova’s eclectic sonic palate. Nova presents the music of beloved contemporary masters and classical music’s rising young stars, especially composers with ties to the choir’s home of Los Angeles. Not limited to just contemporary classical, Nova also performs arrangements of popular music, jazz, musical theater, film music, and music from video games, television series, and animation, all orchestrated

with a flair that is contemporary and fun by innovative arrangers active in the choral field. Nova was born in the spring of 2012 and has expanded from a group of four singers to today’s roster. Nova boasts some of the finest vocal talent in Los Angeles, and its singers travel from all over the valley just to perform with the group. Nova has performed in a diverse array of venues, including the San Fernando Mission, the Echoplex, West Los Angeles Public Library, Christ the King Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glendale, E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Disney’s California Adventure. Nova also functions as a caroling group during the Christmas season and is available for wedding and funeral bookings.

PHL wraps up a successful participation at DEMA Show 2014 By Manny V. Ilagan, OIC, PDOT-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Philippines wrapped up a very successful participation at the Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association (DEMA) Show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 19 – 22, 2014. The Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority) partnered with sixteen private sector representatives and made its strong presence felt at the four-day annual tradeonly event for qualified professionals that attracted an estimated close to 10,000 attendees. The Philippines’ 40 feet x 50 feet booth teemed with an panel displays featuring the country’s top dive sites and destinations and amazing images of the best marine life and underwater scenes found in the country. This attracted a continuous stream of visitor traffic throughout the event. Dive maps and tour packages of the major dive tour operators were made to the visitors, who inquired about the Philippines most popular dive destinations specifically Puerto Galera, Anilao, Malapascua, Moalboal and Dumaguete. In addition, three different seminars on Philippine diving and underwater photography in the country’s top dive sites took place for two consecutive days. Mike Bartick, a professional marine wildlife photographer based in Anilao, Philippines, presented “Peak of the Action” seminar focusing on the aspects of underwater photography. Marine photojournalist and dive guide Ethan Daniels talked about the “Anilao Great Biodiversity, A Heaven for Underwater Photography,” about Anilao’s unique marine habitats, flora and fauna. Underwater photographer and videographer Robert Yin, on the other hand, discussed “The

Latest on Philippine Diving” and presented that abundance and vastness of good dive sites in the Philippines. The Department of Tourism’s private sector partners enjoyed and generated a lot of inquiries and bookings especially Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Atlantis Philippines-Dive Resort & Liveaboards, Crystal Blue Resort, Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort, and Punta Bulata Resort and Spa. The other private sector participants that actively promoted the dive tourism industry in the Philippines include Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Discovery Fleet Corporation, El Galleon Beach Resort & Hotel with Asia Divers, Kasai Village Dive & Spa Resort, Magic Island Dive Resort, Inc. Philippine Airlines, Sea Explorers Philippines, Scandi Divers Resort, Thresher Shark Divers, Balicasag island Dive Resort and Turtle Bay Dive Resort. DOT’s participation at this year’s DEMA Show is in line with the tourism agency’s objective of sustaining the country’s presence in the international tourism scene and to actively promote the Philippines’ prime dive destinations. It was also part of the “Visit the Philippines year” 2015 campaign that features travel and adventure in diving hubs like Anilao, Puerto Galera, Tubbataha Reef, Malapascua and other dive destinations among other attractions and events available in the Philippines for tourists and visitors to enjoy. Strategically located in the center of the world’s coral triangle, the Philippines offer a wealth of diving opportunities throughout its 7,107 islands. With a unique combination of deep wall and shallow reef diving, several wrecks and an amazing abundance and diverse marine life, the Philippines is considered as among the premier diving destinations in the world.

SCE urges customer safety with heavy rain forecast ROSEMEAD, Calif., Dec. 1, 2014 – Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers to be safe with heavy rain forecast Tuesday and the possibility of mudslides and flooding in areas of Southern California hard hit by fire earlier this year. The National Weather Service reports a 90 percent chance of rain Tuesday, with as much as five inches of rain expected in the foothills and mountain areas. Residents in burn areas like Glendora and Azusa have been warned about possible flooding and mudslides.

SCE’s system is performing well and the utility has crews on standby to respond if outages occur. Safety is SCE’s top priority. If you see a downed power line or dangling wire – even if it appears not to be live – don’t touch or approach it or anything that is in contact with it, and call 911 immediately. Customers may report outages at 1-800611-1911 and get the latest information using the SCE outages app at on.sce.com/ staysafe, or at the SCE website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Team DIVE PHILIPPINES! Various Dive Resort Operators with one common goal: to highlight the country as the center of marine biodiversity in the world. Diving. It’s More Fun in the Philippines!

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Am I skipping a mortgage payment when I refinance my home loan? I very important reminder to my readers, banks never want to give out anything for free! Therefore when ask about big banks offering a couple of months free mortgage payments when you refinance your loan with them is a bunch of crackers. From time to time I would be getting some comments about home owners skipping mortgage payments due to a refinancing transaction closing. I have always reminded you that mortgage interest payments are paid in arrears. Now, when an agent/ 6 percent in year one is more than 6 percent lender wants to rephrase (or mislead) a bor- on year 15 on a 30-year mortgage. The rower and make it sound like their offer is fixed payment each month must reflect the more appealing to you, they tend to state decline in principal and the corresponding the incorrect fact that you will be getting a declining interest owed each month. This free mortgage payment. I understand this is why most of the interest is paid at the is not that easy to understand and could be beginning of a loan and not the end because very deceiving. That is why I would like to the balance is bigger at the beginning of a inform my readers and explain how bank loan than the end of the loan. charges you for your interest payments. Interest in Arrears: In very simple terms, loan payments First mortgages require payment on the include interest for the previous month. first of each month. Since most mortgages Regardless of what type of loan you have, close in the middle of the month, interest whether a car loan, personal loan or mort- must be prepaid at the time of closing gage, payments are not required until inter- between the date of closing and the end of est has accrued. Mortgage lenders charge the month. This is to ensure that the first interest based on the balance of the loan full payment that is required is for a full at the end of the previous month, not the month’s interest. beginning of the current month. Which When you close your mortgage, you is the exact opposite if you were renting, will see a section labeled prepaid interest. you would pay for the current month if you This will have the daily interest times the were paying rent. number of days remaining between the Amortizing Interest: funding date and the last day of the month. Most loans are amortized over a cer- This is why it feels like you get to skip a tain number of years. The most popular payment when you refinance your home. If mortgages amortize over 30 years. This you refinance on December 15, your first means that at the end of the 30 years when mortgage payment is not due until Februall payments have been received, the loan ary 1. The closing costs already include the should no longer have a balance. Since the interest owed on the new mortgage from interest is based on the balance of the loan, December 15 through December 31 that

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would normally be paid in January. Early Payoff Making extra principal payments each month on a 30-year mortgage can lower your overall mortgage term significantly. One extra payment a year can lower the mortgage terms by five to seven years. This is due to the minimum monthly payment staying the same, but the amount of interest owed being lower because of the lower than anticipated principal balance. In actuality, when you refinance your existing loan there will always be an overlapping of interest payment for a couple of days, sometimes even three to four days of double interest payments. Therefore, always check with your closer to avoid over paying on the interest charges. Try not to fund the loan on a Friday and close the transaction on a Monday. When refinancing a loan, most impor-

tant to know not to pay closing cost out of pocket, especially don’t pay your closing cost thru your loan. We are trying to keep your balance lowered not higher. Please have your lender calculate properly benefits of refinancing a loan. Thanks so much for your inquiries, I am holding a Mortgage learning class every Tuesday night in San Marino, CA. We will be helping homeowners work on their credit scores, helping first time buyers prepare for a home loan, helping senior borrowers understand benefits of a Reverse Mortgage Loan, basically any topic that might relate to Mortgage Lending we can discuss. Please Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group to RSVP, send in your comment or inquiries to kennethgo@verizon. net or call Ken at 562-508-7048. Like us on Facebook at 1st Innovative Finance.

Fed report shows optimism about US economic outlook By Veronica SMITH

Washington, United States | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 – The US economy continued growing in October and November amid widespread optimism that the world’s biggest engine would stay on track, according to a Federal Reserve report released Wednesday. The Fed’s Beige Book, a collection of anecdotal information on current economic conditions, said that “a number” of the central bank’s 12 districts reported contacts “remained optimistic about the outlook for future economic activity.” For the first time in more than a year, the Fed dropped its “modest” and moderate” descriptions of overall growth, saying simply that reports suggest “that national economic activity continued to expand” in

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the last two months. The details of the report were encouraging, with contacts in 11 of the districts described as “optimistic” about their sector and the economy’s direction in general. Notably absent from the upbeat category was the huge San Francisco Fed district, which includes California and eight other western states, where the economy was said to be “improving moderately.” The Beige Book report said that employment gains, the primary object of the Fed’s easy-money policy, were “widespread” while overall price and wage inflation remained “subdued.” Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of US output, “continued to advance” in most districts, said the report. Some contacts said lower gasoline prices, the result of an oil market slump, had helped to boost spending. Vehicle sales were particularly strong in the Atlanta, Chicago, Richmond and San Francisco districts, while cheaper gasoline spurred sales of sport utility vehicles and trucks in the Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia districts. The latest Beige Book covers information collected on or before November 24. It will inform discussions at the Federal Open Market Committee’s last monetary policy meeting of the year, on December 16 and 17. After the FOMC meeting, the Fed will update projections on growth, unemployment, inflation, and the likely timing of the first increase in the federal funds rate in more than six years, currently seen as mid-2015. Fed rate hike path A recent spate of mostly positive US economic data has fed some speculation the Fed may choose to move up the timing of the rate hike, although most Fed officials have expressed caution about a too-sudden move that could nip the economy’s momentum. The Fed in October wound down its asset-purchase program, or quantitative easing, after pumping trillions of dollars into the economy in the past six years to shore up the recovery from the Great Recession. “Descriptions of economic activity were notably more upbeat in the November Beige Book relative to recent reports,” Barclays analyst Jesse Hurwitz said in a research note. “We see the broad-based economic gains reported from the regional Federal Reserve banks through November as consistent with recent language changes to FOMC statements, and view this report as on track with our outlook for an initial rate hike in June of next year.”

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Executive action expanding immigration benefits On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced a series of executive actions that would benefit certain classes of aliens. In the coming months, USCIS will come up with guidance in implementing these policies. DACA Expanded Deferred Acton for Childhood Arrivvals (DACA) has been expanded to include individuals born prior to June 15, 1981 provided they meet all other DACA quidelines. The required continued residence in the US is from January 1, 2010 action and employment authorization if 1) instead of June 15, 2007 under the old they have continuous residence in the US rules. The executive action also extends since January 1, 2010 2) are the parents of the period of employment authorization US Citizen or lawful permanent resident from two years to three years. born on or before November 20, 2014 Deferred Action for Parents of US 3) Are not an enforcement priority for Citizen and Permanent Residents removal from the United States. An undocumented person living in the Provisional Waivers of Unlawful US on November 20, 2014 who is the par- Presence ent of a US Citizen or lawful permanent Undocumented aliens who accumulatresident is eligible to apply for deferred ed at least 180 days of unlawful presence

in the US are barred from being admitted back in the US as legal permanent residents for a period of 3 years to 10 years once they leave the US. On January 2, 2013, a new procedure was implemented allowing aliens to apply for a provisional waiver of 3/10 year bar while inside the United States. The waiver only applied to spouses and minor children of US Citizens if a visa is available. The executive action expands this benefit to spouses, sons or daughters of lawful permanent residents and sons and daughters of US citizens. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by

you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com; visit at www. kenreyeslaw.com

PHL seeks to block adultery website MANILA, November 30, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Philippine justice secretary said Sunday she is seeking to block extramarital dating site Ashley Madison in the country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; under charges it facilitates crime. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The website is a platform that allows illegal acts to be eventually committed. A ban may be enforced,â&#x20AC;? Secretary Leila de Lima said in an SMS statement, referring to Ashley Madison. The Canada-based firm, which has the slogan: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is short. Have an affairâ&#x20AC;?, recently launched their website in the Philippines, where the population is largely Roman Catholic and divorce is illegal. De Lima stressed that â&#x20AC;&#x153;adulteryâ&#x20AC;? also remains against the law in the Philippines, even though it has largely been un-enforced

and is a country where many powerful men flaunt their mistresses. Adultery and â&#x20AC;&#x153;concubinage,â&#x20AC;? are punishable by at least six months in jail under Philippine law. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The (telecommunications companies) will have to do their part to ensure that illegal content and websites that are used to drive illicit conduct are not used,â&#x20AC;? she said. De Lima did not specify if they could be compelled to block the website. Local press reports say that at least 2,500 Filipinos have already signed up to the website since its recent launch. Singapore and South Korea have previously banned Ashley Madison, citing that it threatened family values.

New York police to wear body cameras New York, United States | AFP | Wednesday 12/3/2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; About three dozen police officers will be fitted with body cameras in New York by this weekend, as part of a three-month pilot program. The tiny, flat cameras that look like pagers can be clipped on a vest, similar to a tie-clip microphone, and film events as they take place. They are light, and authorities insist they will not hamper the authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NYPD body camera program will increase trust building between the police &amp; community,â&#x20AC;? the New York Police Department tweeted. Mayor Bill de Blasio hailed the tool as â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the ways to create a real sense of

transparency and accountability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the ways we can bring police and community closer together.â&#x20AC;? The limited pilot program comes as the sometimes tense relationship between police and the public came to light during riots over a grand juryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to not press charges against a white policeman for shooting an unarmed black teenager to death in Ferguson, Missouri. About 35,000 uniformed officers make up the New York police force. On Monday, President Barack Obama unveiled a $75 million plan for police to use mini-cameras, through financing with local authorities for up to 50,000 units.

US manufacturing dips in November WASHINGTON, December 1, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The US manufacturing sector cooled slightly in November but held at a solid pace of expansion, according to a private survey released Monday. The Institute for Supply Management said its purchasing managers index slipped to 58.7 in November from 59.0 in October. The PMI number has been above 50, indicating expansion, for 18 consecutive months. In November, the number came in well above the 12-month average of 55.9, and better than analystsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consensus forecast of 58.0. Of the 18 industries the ISM surveyed last month, 14 reported growth and one reported contractionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the apparel, leather and allied products sector. The forward-looking index component for new orders was a bright spot, rising to 66.0 from 65.8 in October. But other components showed slowdowns, including in production, down 0.4 point to 64.4, and employment, 0.6 point lower at 54.9. Inventories of raw materials registered the largest decline, of 1.0 point, to 51.5.

Prices fell into contraction territory at 44.5 in November from 53.5 in October, indicating lower raw materials prices, the ISM said. The ISM said that survey respondents were â&#x20AC;&#x153;upbeat about strong demand and new orders, with some expressing concerns about West Coast port slowdowns and the threat of a potential dock strike.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have seen continued growth in transportation equipment. Slowdowns and threats of strike of West Coast longshoreman weigh heavily on US operations,â&#x20AC;? said a survey respondent in the transportation equipment sector. A respondent in the food, beverage and tobacco products industry pointed to optimism for the important year-end season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The holiday season continues to exceed expectations. Customers are generally optimistic for future sales growth.â&#x20AC;?

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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Kingdom of Norway Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Ferner during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the MalacaĂąan Palace on Thursday (November 27). (MNAS photo)

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Korean-American lass wins Miss Asia USA 2014 Aakshi Sharma Walia crowned Mrs. Asia USA 2014

Dec. 2, 2014 - LOS ANGELES – Another sold out event for Virgelia Productions! An enthusiastic sellout crowd of over 1500 people witnessed two magnificent and unforgettable cultural pageants performed as one, the 26th Annual Miss Asia USA and the 10th Annual Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageants were presented together onstage at the beautiful Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The show opened up with a hair show presentation by the presenting sponsor Moe Hair Usa. To be followed by thunderous applause and raucous support for the Delegates as they opened up on the parade of national costumes. The evening’s festivities were hosted by Santa Barbara channel 7 news anchor Tony Cabrera and co-hosts Miss Asia USA 2011 Jacqueline Kim and Miss Asia USA 2012 Christine Kan. Following months of painstaking preparation by each Delegate, dreams turned into a wonderful reality on Saturday night with the crowning of four 2014/15 title holders. After three categories of intense competition in both pageants, our distinguished panel of judges selected Korean/ Japanese Eriko Lee Katayama, representing Korea is crowned Miss Asia USA 2014. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Asian Pacific Studies, an equestrian champion, Eriko is pursuing Law at Loyola Marymount University. Aakshi Walia who represented India is crowned as Mrs. Asia USA. Nicolene Limsnukan is crowned as Miss Teen Asia USA and Chachaa Tiptara is crowned as Mrs. Asia USA California. Virgelia Villegas, Chairman & President of Virgelia Productions, Inc., produced and directed the show, said “Their dedication and hard work formed the foundation of self-confidence, intelligence and elegance that the Judges look for in a title

holder. As our Queens, they will continue the proud tradition of these pageants.” Mrs. Virgelia went on to say, “I am pleased and proud of all of our wonderful Delegates and I offer them my sincerest gratitude for their participation and hard work. Thank you to the Delegates, our presenting sponsor Moe Hair USA, thank you to all our supporting sponsors, our staff, volunteers and our hosts, if the audience’s reactions were any indication, our annual celebration of Culture, Beauty and talent was a tremendous success. The show was followed by a VIP/Sponsors After Show Party held at the open patio of the theater. With ambiance lighting, international food stations, hosted bar and dancing all night.” Virgelia Productions Inc., also announced the Queen’s Court for Miss Asia USA 2014 and Mrs. Asia USA 2014 and the winners of the special recognition awards:This year’s pageant, Virgelia Productions recognized and presented an award to National Costume Designer of the Year. This award was presented to Phukaw Hollywood by Yaya. The 2014 winner and court of MISS ASIA USA: Eriko Lee Katayama, Korea – Miss Asia USA 2014 Akhila Kethereddy, India – 1st Runner-up Christy Cho, Korea – 2nd Runner-up Van Pham, Vietnam – 3rd Runner-up Anna Varopaeva, Turkmenistan – 4th Runner-up The 2014 winner and court of MRS. ASIA USA: Aakshi Walia, India – Mrs. Asia USA 2014 Rima Sapien, Iran – First Runner Up Shanna May, Kazakstan – 2nd Runner-up Hanna Riharjo, Indonesia – 3rd Runner-up Lisa Shi, China – 4th Runner-up

Miss ASIA USA 2014 Eriko Lee Katayama

US mulls lifting ban on gay blood donations By Jean-Louis SANTINI

A US ban on blood donations by gays could be eased after 31 years, depending on the decision of a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee that began two days of meetings Tuesday. Current US law bars any man who has had sex with a man – even once since 1977 – from donating blood. The restrictions were established in 1983 when the AIDS epidemic was spreading quickly in the gay community, sparking widespread fear about the deadly infection, which was then poorly understood. But now, a growing number of medical and legal experts say that the restrictions are outdated, and that sophisticated tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exist which can make blood donation by gay men a much safer practice. When the 17-member committee makes its recommendation Wednesday – advice the FDA does not have to follow but typically does – the ban could be lifted or relaxed, or not changed at all. An advisory committee to the Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended replacing the ban with a 12-month deferral period for men who have had sex with men in that time. In that case, sexually active gay men would still be prohibited from donating blood, but those who have not engaged in sex with other men in the past year would be allowed to donate. Jason Cianciotta, director of public policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, said such steps would not eliminate the stigma or discrimination associated with the ban on gays. “While the proposed change from a lifetime ban to a 12-month deferral is a step forward, it does not go far enough,” he said during the public comment portion of the FDA advisory meeting near the US capital on Tuesday. “Any deferral based on a sexual orienta-

tion label – MSM (men who have sex with men), gay or bisexual – still perpetuates the harmful and unscientific notion that HIV is transmitted because of who you are rather than what you do.” He also described a policy requiring 12 months of abstinence as a “de facto lifetime ban” for most gay and bisexual men. “We advocate for a system that screens all donors, gay or straight, for high-risk practices that could lead to HIV infection,” he said. Critics cite risks However, critics called on the panel to reject any move that could increase the risk of HIV in the blood supply. “I urge you to oppose any change,” said Peter Sprigg, senior fellow for policy studies at the Family Research Council, a conservative group. “Unless it can be scientifically proven that a revised policy would result in no increase in risk to the blood supply. Even a small increase in risk is unacceptable,” he told the committee. “Let us not forget the dramatic magnitude of the increased HIV risk in this population.” çÝ ½ ¦Ý «®Ä Glenn Cohen, a law professor at Harvard University, argued in a recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association that the United States was lagging behind other developed nations like Japan, Britain and Australia, which allow for gay blood donations after a 12-month period of sexual abstinence. South Africa requires a similar period of abstinence for potential blood donors, regardless of their sexual orientation. Even though there is a short window of time right after HIV infection when tests may not come back positive, scientists tend to agree that a period of one year is largely sufficient to assure that a person was not infected following potential exposure.

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To people facing a mountain of debt that they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teleserye Themesong Queenâ&#x20AC;? Angeline Quinto- Hair and Make-up by Marlou Colina during her Simply Angeline concert at The Alex Theatre, November 30, 2014.

Holiday Make-up by Colina Salon The holiday season gets busy with parties and events. Let your beauty stand out, and let the â&#x20AC;&#x153;celebrity make-up artist to the starsâ&#x20AC;? Marlou Colina of Colina Salon take care of it. From conventional make-up technique to the high definition coverage airbrush make-up, Colina Salon offers topnotch hair and make-up design that made celebrities trust its expertise over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fashion is not complete without the total look. The whole is greater than the

sum of its parts.â&#x20AC;? Colina believes. Colina Salon now offers killer-deal promo of $80 hairstyling and conventional make-up for the holiday. They also offer lots of promos on all services from hair, skincare, nails and MC beauty products. To schedule your appointment, call 5629883101 or visit www.colinasaloninc.com. Colina Salon is located at 3505 Long Beach Blvd. Suite 2E Long Beach CA 90807. Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Loi Estrada is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Inayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in pork scam â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Luy MANILA, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kris Yenâ&#x20AC;? in the pork barrel scam? Principal whistleblower Benhur Luy told the Sandiganbayan on Monday that the mother of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Senator Loi Estrada, was also a client of accused pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. During Senator Jinggoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bail hearing, Luy testified that Jinggoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s code name was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anakâ&#x20AC;? to distinguish him from his mother. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kliyente po ni madame si Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;am Loi,â&#x20AC;? Luy told the antigraft court. Senator Loi, the wife of former President Joseph Estrada, was codenamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inayâ&#x20AC;? in the scam, Luy said. Estradaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s codenames are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anak,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seksi,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cong. Biazon.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, Luy also divulged that Estradaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy chief of staff Pauline Labayen, who fled her plunder charges, was codenamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kris Yen.â&#x20AC;? Luy said Napoles gave the nickname because Labayenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite actress is Kris Aquino, the actress-TV host and sister of

President Benigno Aquino III. After the hearing, Senator Jinggoy slammed Luy for dragging his mother in the scam, saying the whistleblower was merely basing his allegations on endorsement letters signed by Senator Loi. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not automatic na tumatanggap kami ng kickbacks. Panay hearsay lang yana,â&#x20AC;? Jinggoy said. Reached for comment after the hearing, Senator Loi denied knowing Luy and Napoles when she was Senator. Jinggoy Estrada is facing plunder and graft charges for his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam, the purported diversion of the senatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ghost projects for kickbacks. Estrada is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center with fellow co-accused Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. while Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is in hospital detention. Napoles is locked up at the Camp Bagong Diwa female ward also for plunder. (MNS)

Are you facing a mountain of debt that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to do about it? Perhaps this situation is causing you a lot of sleepless nights and making you very nervous. What should you do? Debt problems can wreak havoc on your personal life in many ways. And left unsolved, they can spill over into other areas of your life, causing problems not only at home but maybe even at work or in your business. few things in your life no matter how much If you are struggling every month to you want to have or keep them. make even minimum payments on your To get out of debt, you need to make debts, maybe you know what I am talking several commitments to yourself. One of about. Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been trying hard to them is being able to stick to a budget that break free from the vicious cycle of debt allows you to live within your financial but you just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to start in means. Stop using your credit cards except finding a way out. for emergencies. Avoid the temptation of Some people are trapped in an endless purchasing anything on credit. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pattern of borrowing. They want to stop but afford to pay cash for something that you they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how. These are the want to buy, that means you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford people who are already buried in debt as it, period. If you need help in figuring it is and yet they continue to borrow every out your legal options, call my office at month just to pay other debts. At some 866-477-7772 to request a free attorney point, they knew that their debts have spun consultation. I have offices in Pasadena, out of control so they just stopped keeping Valencia and Cerritos. track of them. (None of the information herein is When was the last time you took an in- intended to give legal advice for any ventory of your debts to see how much you specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has owe, how much interest you are paying and successfully helped over 5,000 clients in how long it will take you to pay off what getting out of debt. For a free attorney youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve borrowed? If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done this evaluation of your situation, please call in a while, I suggest that you take the time Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE to do it in order to find out exactly where 1-866-477-7772). you are. This may be an intimidating process to some people. Others simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to know because they are in denial about how serious their debt problems are. They are afraid to know and have to face the reality of their debts. In order to reduce the burden of debt in your life, you will need to develop a strategy to get out of debt. Maybe you need to cut your spending and learn how to live on a budget. Perhaps you need to give up a

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Drilon accuser says project initialcost: only P200-M MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The construction and development of the controversial Iloilo Convention Center was initially estimated to cost only P200 million, the accuser of Senate President Franklin Drilon said Wednesday as he submitted to a Senate panel the deed of donation which he claims will prove that the construction of the building was overpriced. Manuel Mejorada, former Iloilo provincial administrator and staff of Drilon, said that based on the document which he obtained on December 1, the property developer Megaworld Corporation will provide the land while the government will put up the amount of P200 million to build the ICC. He earlier filed with the Ombudsman

plunder and charges against Drilon, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and several other officials over the alleged rigging and overpricing in the construction of the ICC. Drilon has since denied the allegation, saying he only recommended the funding for the project but did not participate in the bidding and other processes. In an interview with reporters, Mejorada said the project cost kept rising from an original estimate of P300 million in April 2012 to its present cost of P747 million. He said the true cost of the project could not be more than P300 million. He said the deed of donation was signed by Megaworld and DOT on Nov. 13, 2012 in Pasay City.

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SPORTS Pacquiao mulling 2016 run MANILA, Nov 27 (Mabuhay) -- It may be more than a year to go but 2016 is looking like a target for one of Manny Pacquiao’s jabs. During a press conference at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City Thursday noon, Pacquiao said he was considering running for a position in 2016 but he first wanted to focus on the task at hand as the congressman of Sarangani province. “I’m considering it, 2016, but it’s still too far away,” Pacquiao said after

his victory parade with Makati Mayor Junjun Binay. “My decision, though, is not yet final if I will run for a national position.” Boxing’s only eight-division World Champion was welcomed in Makati by Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son Junjun after Pacquiao’s triumphant defense of the World Boxing Organization Welterweight Championship against Chris Algieri last Sunday. Vice President Binay earlier said he Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquaio on Thursday, November 27, receives the symbolic key of Makati City for his courage that led to his triumph over undefeated American boxer Chris Algieri in a bout held in Macau last Nov. 23.(MNS photo)

was courting Pacquiao to run as senator under his United Nationalist Alliance. Pacquiao on Thursday said he would first concentrate on the matter at hand

and not the near future. “I must fulfill my responsibilities as a congressman, as a boxer and as a family man.” (MNS)

Pacquiao to sell PHL mansion after rich neighbors complain

Sharapova, Murray in Manila Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova of the Manila Mavericks delight the Philippine crowd as they play against Kristina Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonjic of the UAE Royals during their mixed doubles match at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Manila Friday. (MNS photo)

MANILA, November 27, 2014 (AFP) – World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said Thursday he would sell his mansion in one of the Philippine capital’s swankiest areas after his neighbors complained of his visitors wearing shabby clothing. Pacquiao told AFP that as a “man of the masses”, he is not finicky with his visitors, even if they are wearing “just shorts and slippers”. The boxer’s rags-to-riches story, from being a fish vendor in his hometown to winning world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, has made him wildly popular in the Philippines. He used his boxing fame to get elected to Congress in 2010 and like many wealthy Filipino politicians, he frequently has to meet with constituents asking for handouts and favors. Pacquiao said he would buy a new house where he could accommodate more visitors, who are mostly seeking financial assistance.

“If there’s somebody who is willing to buy, I’m going to sell it,” Pacquiao said of the Manila property, which he acquired for 400 million pesos ($9 million) in 2011. He added that he wants to make a profit from the sale as he had made renovations. The 35-year-old said he apologized to his neighbors, though some understood why he was accommodating poor visitors. “I may be as rich as some of them here, but my lifestyle remains the same and so is my heart. I am just a simple man. I will never change that,” he said. The three-storey mansion – in a neighborhood that is home to Manila’s old rich – has five bedrooms, several reception and dining halls, and an office. Pacquiao also owns a fleet of luxury cars, and his hometown mansion in southern Philippines has a pool shaped like a boxing glove. He beat American Chris Algieri in Macau last Sunday, in a match that proved to fans that he still has what it takes to face arch-rival Floyd Mayweather.

Football: Asian boss rules out tilt at FIFA presidency By Talek Harris

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 12/1/2014 – The head of Asian football ruled out a future bid for the FIFA presidency and said he had long-term ambitions for the continent which will host its second World Cup in 2022. Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who is seeking re-election next year, told AFP that even another four years in the Asian job wouldn’t be enough. “No, no, no,” he said at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) awards late on Sunday, when asked if he saw himself as a potential leader of football’s world body. “You ask me this question today, my only focus is about Asia. I think there’s a lot that needs to be done here. “Two years or another four years, I don’t think it’s enough. So my focus is just to look into the confederation and what changes we can make for the better of the game.” The Bahraini royal was elected AFC president in 2013 to a truncated twoyear term after the ousting of his controversial predecessor, Mohamed bin Hammam, over bribery allegations. Bin Hammam’s football career ended in a life ban from the sport after the Qatari was accused of vote-buying during his campaign to unseat FIFA chief Sepp Blatter in 2011. Blatter is seeking a fifth term next year, when he will be strong favourite to

see off French challenger Jerome Champagne. Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein is also reportedly considering standing. Likewise Shaikh Salman looks set to retain his position next year by winning an election which will also see him installed as a FIFA vice president, after the AFC decided to combine the posts. The Bahraini said there was still much to do in a region that failed to impress at this year’s World Cup when its teams Japan, Australia, Iran and South Korea all departed without a win. Match-fixing concerns remain following a number of scandals, including at this year’s Asian Games where suspicious betting patterns were reported. Last month’s AFC Champions League final ended in acrimony and a mass shoving match, with runners-up Al Hilal later calling their 1-0 defeat “a black spot in the history of Asian football”, citing a number of failed penalty appeals. “In every match you will always have some complaints regarding a result. But I think Al Hilal has accepted it, and I think the Sydney club have won it and congratulations to them,” said Shaikh Salman. He added that his priorities if re-elected would be to maintain harmony across the vast and diverse region, and also raise revenues for the AFC’s 47 member associations.

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BMW hybrid system balances power with responsibility (Relaxnews) – At a special event at its company headquarters this week, BMW took the wraps off a new plug-in hybrid system and with it, signalled the direction that Europe’s leading carmakers are going in order to meet increasingly stringent pollution, emissions sand fuel economy regulations that are coming into force. Called the Power eDrive and demonstrated in a special prototype BMW 5-Series GT, the new powertrain promises the sort of power one expects from a 6-liter V12 Rolls-Royce but combined with the CO2 emissions more associated with a Toyota Prius. By 2021, companies will have to meet a ‘fleet average’ emission level of 95g of CO2 /km. In simple terms it means when the emissions levels of all of a manufacturer’s different cars are added together and the average taken, it needs to be 95g of CO2 /km. That’s an easy target to hit for a company like Smart, which only builds two, highly efficient, tiny city cars. But for brands like Volvo, VW and BMW, with potent luxury sedans, serious sportscars and heavy SUVs in their ranges, the challenges and costs are major—a point that was high on the agenda at this year’s International Conference on Advanced Automotive 48V Power Supply Systems, held in Düsseldorf earlier in November. “Until we have a really significant breakthrough with battery chemistry or fuel-cell technology, the high voltage ap-

proach to hybridization and pure battery electric vehicles will remain too expensive for universal application across high volume vehicle platforms,” said Paul Bloore, product validation manager for CPT, a multinational company that provides “clean technology” to car companies, at the event. Instead, car companies will gravitate towards solutions that balance efficiency with expense, which means evolving existing engines, powertrains and hybrid technologies in the hopes of hitting emissions targets. Thrill of the ride not sacrificed But even with that approach, the BMW eDrive shows that the cars of the next decade will be able to meet increasingly stringent targets yet still be exhilarating to drive. The eDrive uses a 228bhp turbocharged four cylinder engine and two electric motors which can deliver an incredible 670bhp when working together – more power than any car in BMW’s range (including Rolls-Royce) can currently offer. The gas engine’s main job is to gener-

ate power for the electric motors but can also send power to the wheels for extra acceleration. The car can travel for 62 miles (100km) on electric power alone and despite only having a 30-liter fuel tank will cover 370 miles (595km) before it needs to be plugged in and the tank topped up. The new drive train is expected to be offered on BMW’s premium SUVs and could soon be powering its smaller RollsRoyce models, too. BMW hasn’t mentioned CO2 figures, but an earlier incarnation of the technology was demonstrated at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show capable of emitting just 90g/

km when powering a BMW X5 SUV. For more information on the all new 2015 428i, please call our kababayans Ed at 818-601-5667 (cell) and Ronald at 323-683-9351 (cell) or call Pacific BMW at (818) 246-5600 and come down to the dealership located at 800 S. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 and find out why. Who knows you may be the next new BMW owner? Or you may want to upgrade. Of course, we don’t need to mention that BMW is a favorite brand for luxury vehicles for the Fil-Am community, which is one of the car brand’s biggest consumer group in Southern California.

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Best-ever October sales for Outlander Sport Cypress, Calif. – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) posted its eighth consecutive month of year-overyear sales increases thank to a strong sales month in October with vehicle sales through the month totaling 6,199 units, an exceptional 30.5 percent increase over the sales total from October 2013. The Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover – the brand’s best-selling vehicle – posted outstanding sales of 2,468 units for the month. This was the best-ever October sales month for the popular and versatile Outlander Sport and the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Moreover, Outlander Sport sales are up 22.8 percent from last October and are up 24.8 percent year-to-date. October marked the twelfth consecutive month of Mirage sales of more than 1,000 units, with total sales for the month of 1,374 units. Mitsubishi’s 5-door hatchback model is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered non-hybrid vehicle in America with an EPA fuel mileage rating of up to 37 mpg city / 44 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined. Mitsubishi’s vehicle sales for October were further boosted by robust sales of the sporty and affordably-priced Lancer sports sedan (up 17.5 percent from last October), as well as the recently redesigned 7-passenger Outlander crossover (sales up 14.2 percent year-to-date)

Cerritos Mitsubishi GSM Mark Mercado

2015 Outlander Sport SE

and the ultra-high-performance Lancer Evolution luxury sports sedan (up 10.5 percent year-to-date). “The Outlander Sport has been leading the way for the brand in 2014 and Out-

New cars to get emergency call system as standard by 2018 (Relaxnews) – From 2018 all new cars sold in Europe will have to be able to automatically call emergency services in case of an accident. The European Commission’s ‘eCall’ initiative was first proposed in 2012 as a way of improving response times to car accidents, especially in rural areas. In the event of a serious incident where occupants are unable to move or speak, the car’s on-board system would automatically alert police or ambulance crews with information regarding the car’s make, its fuel type, the time of the accident, and the vehicle’s current location. EU studies concluded that mandatory implementation of the technology would cut response times by 50 percent in the countryside and by as much as 40 percent in built-up, urban areas, saving hundreds of lives and reducing the severity of thousands of injuries in the process. Despite its life-saving potential, the initiative had stalled with disagreements and concerns about implementation, the infrastructure required to support the service, and more recently privacy issues.

lander has steadily increased compared to last year,” said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. “But our sedans are also doing well with consistently strong Mirage sales and Lancer with a strong showing in October.” Highlights of October sales include: • Mitsubishi Motors total vehicle sales are up 30.2 percent year-to-date • 12 consecutive months of Mirage sales of more than 1,000 units • Outlander sales are up 14.2 percent year-to-date • Lancer sales up 17.5 percent from last October • Lancer Evolution sales are up 10.5 percent year-to-date For those who are loyal or have been wanting to own a Mitsubishi, you can now avail of your favorite Mitsubishi brand by visiting Cerritos Mitsubishi where our kababayans will help you choose the right car for you, whether it’s

the Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer or other Mitsubishi vehicle. Come and visit our kababayan Mark and his Fil-Am crew at the Cerritos Mitsubishi, where kababayans are always treated as special customers. Even their marketing thrust is anchored on that magical Tagalog word: Kababayan. They also have a Kabayan Price. “We have the best lease payment program, we offer huge discounts on many of our models,” said Mark. “And for new immigrants, first time buyers, and those without credit or are now having a bad credit just like everybody else, approval is not a big deal, he added. “ We have a way of doing it.” Along with Mark, Eugene C., Alfie A. and Arvin backstop the sales operation for the Filipino market. Call now toll free at 1-888-887-6090 to get the same Number 1 customer service from our very own kababayans.

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2015 Prius c: Light, tight, bright and most economical 53 MPG City / 50 MPG combined in Toyota’s most affordable hybrid TORRANCE, Calif., November 19, 2014 – Toyota’s most affordable hybrid vehicle is also its most fuel efficient. The Prius c with EPA-estimated 53 MPG city / 46 MPG highway / 50 MPG combined, offers the highest MPG of any vehicle on the road today (MPGe vehicles not included). There’s much more to the Prius c than super-high fuel economy. A restyled front with standard single LED projector lowand high-beam headlights, new exterior colors whose names demand almost as much attention as their hues (Electric Lime Metallic, Tangerine Splash Pearl and Sparkling Sea Metallic), and new “light pipe” taillights add a futuristic touch to the design. Add to that a cabin upgraded with premium materials, and Prius c makes a compelling choice among compact cars, hybrid or not. For years, the iconic Prius liftback has been synonymous with “hybrid.” Today, the Prius is available in four different flavors. The Prius Family includes the larger standard Prius liftback, the even larger and roomier Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid that can handle daily driving for many people without using gasoline. In addition, Toyota offers hybrid versions of its Camry and Avalon sedans and Highlander SUV, making Toyota the clear leader in the number of hybrid vehicle offerings and sales volume. Toyota Value in Four Grades Prius c is available in four valuepacked grades. In all trim levels the cabin combines futuristic design elements with everyday comfort and practicality. In addition to the all-new single LED

projector low- and high-beam headlights, standard features in the Prius c One include a sharp shark-fin antenna, automatic climate control, a full color TFT MultiInformation Display and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry. The tilt-telescopic steering wheel features integrated switches for audio, climate control and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. The standard 3.5-inch TFT color Multi-Information Display shows outside temperature, fuel economy information, cruising range, EV miles driven, Hybrid System Indicator, ECO Score and energy monitor. The Prius c is sized like a subcompact outside but has the room of a bona fide compact inside. (It is classified as a compact by the EPA.) Efficient packaging of the hybrid powertrain, battery pack and fuel tank results in 104.5 cu. ft. of total interior volume (87.4 cu. ft. passenger volume, 17.1 cu. ft. cargo volume). Thirty-five inches of rear legroom puts it near the top of the class. The efficient packaging also gives the Prius c a low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution, which translates to fun-to-drive agility. And with NVH improvements for the 2015 model year, the drive experience is even better than before.

2015 Toyota Prius c

Youthful Exterior and Interior Design The Prius c design projects a fun, youthful attitude that appeals to all ages. It’s also slippery, cheating the wind with a low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd). Its lowerbody area is wider below the beltline, and combined with very short overhangs and sculpted rear flares, it gives the car an athletic stance. A wide-ranging color palette provides hues to satisfy every taste. In addition to the aforementioned new colors, the Prius c looks light and lively in Sun Fusion, Moonglow, Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Classic Silver Metallic. What Makes It Go (on So Little Gas) The Prius c uses its own version of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, the technology found in all the brand’s hybrids. Like all Toyota hybrids, the Prius c is a full hybrid, meaning it can run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of the gas engine and electric motor through an innovative planetary-type continuously variable

transmission. As on other Toyota hybrids, the Prius c employs a slew of other technologies to curb its fuel usage. Regenerative braking helps to recapture electrical energy under deceleration, sending it to the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Electric power runs the water pump and power steering assist, eliminating drive belts and even some maintenance needs. There’s also Normal Mode, which is ideal for everyday driving, and Eco Mode, which can help optimize fuel economy when you’re willing to give up some throttle response and don’t need the air conditioner to be ice cold. If you want to check out the why Toyota is the global hybrid leader or buy a Toyota vehicle now, come and visit our friends and kababayans at Toyota of Glendale. Toyota of Glendale has Cecille Benitez, Richard Cruz, and Kay Cajulis, all of whom can help you get into a new Prius or any other Toyota vehicle of your choice. Toyota of Glendale is located at 1260 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale CA 91204. You can reach them toll free at 1- 866-522-5154.

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American Honda sets November sales records; Core vehicles lead the way TORRANCE, Calif., Dec 2, 2014 Honda Division and Honda Trucks also set new November marks, up 4.9 and 18.3 percent, respectively American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported a new November Honda and Acura vehicle sales record of 121,814 units, an increase of 4.6 percent versus November 2013. Overall AHM truck sales also set a November record, increasing 12.9 percent on sales of 60,384 vehicles. The Honda brand set a new November best, recording sales of 106,957 vehicles – an increase of 4.9 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,857 units in November, increasing 2.0 percent over the same period last year. Honda Three core vehicles in the Honda lineup contributed to a best-ever November for the brand. The newly redesigned CR-V led the Honda division’s record month, posting its best November sales ever while Pilot showed fresh strength with a double-digit increase; the two vehicles boosted Honda Trucks to a new November record. The Honda Fit also set a new November mark. • CR-V smashed its previous November milestone, with 32,378 units sold last month for an increase of 37.7 percent versus 2013. • The Pilot showed new strength in a robust truck market for November with sales of 9,228 vehicles for an increase of 13.2 percent. • Together, CR-V and Pilot helped push Honda Trucks to a best-ever November,

gaining 18.3 percent for the month on sales of 51,735 vehicles. • Honda Fit sales shattered the popular subcompact’s previous November best, recording a remarkable 55.1 percent rise on sales of 6,421 units. “While the market seems to be constantly changing, Honda products continue to march on with strong performances month after month,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. He added, “Even with plummeting gas prices, compact models like the CR-V and Fit continue to resonate with buyers.” Meanwhile, if you want to belong to the select group of Honda owners, all you have to do is visit the Diamond Honda of Glendale and get in touch with our kababayans Tito Adriosula, Cruzella Clemente and Orly Roque, who are more than ready to serve you and fi nd you your new Honda Hybrids or any other Honda vehicle and be assured of top fuel efficiency as well as safety and maintenance. These are just some of the reasons why Pinoys come to the dealership. Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds!

That statement is backed up by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared

himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multiethnic market. “He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito. Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S.Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Its toll-free number is 1.866.237.7092.

The Cadillac 2016 ATS-V coupe and sedan make their world debut at the LA Auto Show. Cadillac will soon launch a new full-sized sedan for owners who use a chauffeur in China. © AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck

US automakers aim for luxury market in China (DETROIT-AFP) – China is the new El Dorado for US automakers looking to develop sales of their luxury brands, which globally are lagging behind German and Japanese competitors. General Motors, the largest US automaker, already sells more cars in China each month than it does in its home market and expects that to continue. “Our joint ventures in China are working to boost production capacity by 30 percent to more than five million units annually by 2015,” GM executive Mary Barra told the firm’s annual shareholders meeting. GM launched a Chinese-produced luxury sedan, the XTS, last year and is steadily adding more vehicles to its Cadillac range. “Cadillac is already a very profitable business for us today and GM expects to see substantial growth for its luxury brand over the next few years, particularly in China where young consumers are open to new brands,” said Dan Ammann, GM president. GM a few months ago poached Johan De Nysschen, the former executive of Nissan’s luxury Audi and Infiniti brands, to head the Cadillac brand. The nameplate, part of GM since 1909, traces its roots to the French founder of Detroit – today the heart of the US auto industry – Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac. China will become a “volume hub” for the Cadillac brands, De Nysschen said recently. China, the world’s largest auto market, accounts for about 25 percent of global luxury car sales and its share is only growing. German automakers including Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen hold about 80 percent of the “premium” market. Cadillac will soon launch in China a new full-sized sedan for owners who use

a chauffeur and a smaller sports utility vehicle, burnishing the brand’s reputation for building distinctive vehicles, he said. “China has indeed has been a very rewarding market for GM. We’ve benefited from the tremendous growth. China has taken a very big role in GM and China’s voice is a very strong voice within GM,” GM China president Matt Tsien said during a recent conference in Wuhan. GM created the post in January to coordinate the US company’s growing operations in China. Ford in Lincoln drive But General Motors is not the only US company looking at luring the Chinese high-end buyer. Ford Motor Company has just launched its Lincoln nameplate there. The Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford, the number-two US automaker, hopes to sell more than a million cars in China this year for the first time and is banking on the appeal of a reimagined Lincoln. The best-selling luxury brand in the United States two decades ago, Lincoln has been lagging behind luxury German and Japanese sedans. In October Ford launched its first vehicles under the Lincoln brand in China, especially designed for the market: a mid-sized sedan, the MKZ, and a compact SUV, the MKC. In early November, Lincoln opened its first dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln, said a total of eight Lincoln stores will open in China by year’s end and by 2016, 60 Lincoln stores will be open in 50 cities nationwide, under a marketing program called “The Lincoln Way”. “The Lincoln Way demonstrates how a storied brand with a nearly 100-year history is innovating for our Chinese customers while staying true to our roots of personal service,” Galhotra said.

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CAREGIVERS WANTED CAREGIVER Live-in caregiver for board Now hiring for Live In and and care. Call Doug (562) Hourly Caregivers. Also looking for a Driver. Alzh/ 688-6820. Dementia exp preferred. (909)276-1268.

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PRAYER to the VIRGIN OF JUQUILA For Dif¿cult Cases Beloved Mother, Virgin of Juquila, virgin of our hope, please forgive me of my sins for they are many, yours is our life, deliver us from all evil in this world of injustices, sin, and misery and you see that our life is disturbed, do not leave us. Our Dear Mother, protects the pilgrims, be with us as we go along our roads, care for the poor who have nothing and return the bread that has been taken from them. Accompany us in all our life of sin and free us of all type of sin. Amen Pray this prayer and say 9 Ave Marías, pray this prayer for 9 days, lighting a white candle every day and publish it on the 9th day. Your wish will be granted although you don´t believe it. I

goodness. Glory to you, Saint Expedite! - Ryan

give thanks to the Virgin of Juquila for the favors received. – Ryan

PRAYER TO PADRE PIO O humble and beloved Padre Pio, Teach us, we ask you, humility of heart so we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel, to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of his Kingdom. Help us to pray without ceasing, certain that God knows what we need even before we ask Him. Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will be able to recognize right away in the poor and suffering the face of Jesus. Sustain us in the hour of the combat and of the trial and, if we fall, make us experience the joy of the sacrament of forgiveness. Grant us your tender devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. Accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage toward the blessed homeland, where we hope to arrive in order to contemplate forever the glory of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. – Waldo

Saint Expedite, you lay in rest. I come to you and ask that this wish be granted. (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to ¿nd a way to get it to you.) Expedite now what I ask of you. Expedite now what I want of you, this very second. Don't waste another day. Grant me what I ask for. I know your power, I know you because of your work. I know you can help me. Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor so that it will be invoked

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Juke Color Studio offers owners a bold new way to ‘make it yours’ with 12 accessories and eight colors LOS ANGELES – “Personalization” continues to be a growing consumer trend – with custom product colors and features being offered on everything from mobile phones to kitchen appliances. Yet in the automotive world, the desire to “make it yours” can be traced back to the early days of hot rods and custom cars – where shaved door handles, bullet spotlights, metalflake paint jobs and elaborate pinstriping set hardcore enthusiasts and their rides apart from the crowd. Beginning this month, Nissan is bringing a bold new way for JUKE sport cross owners to create a truly personalized look and feel right off the dealer lot with the introduction of the new JUKE Color Studio program. Here’s how the JUKE Color Studio works: • 12 Genuine Nissan Accessory items – in a range of eight colors – are available through Nissan dealers for installation at the time of a JUKE purchase or to be retrofitted at a later date • The available colors are: Red, Yellow, Orange, Electric Blue, Black Purple, White, Matte Black and Carbon-fiber Look; Piano Black also available for interior inserts • The parts include: Front and rear bumper accents, headlight trim rings, side mirror caps, door handle covers, side door sills, rear roof spoiler, hatch handle finishers, lower hatch accent, interior inserts (tweeters and vents), floor mats, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and center caps

• The Color Studio accessories allow customers to mix and match various color combinations where each item can be purchased a la Manuel Lava of Nissan of carte or all Mission Hills together to make a statement • Each accessory can be installed at the dealership (dealer labor charges apply) or installed by the customer once purchased; installation time will vary depending on number of accessories purchased • The cost of the accessories can be added into the JUKE purchase or lease costs and rolled into the payment on the vehicle To make the JUKE Color Studio even easier, a special website is available (http:// nissanusa.com/jukecolorstudio) that offers a full 360-degree view of the new JUKE with all colors and combinations of parts for configuration. The site is available for viewing on smartphones and sharing on social platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest and Google+, as well as in Nissan dealer showrooms. All JUKE Color Studio accessories are designed for the new 2015 JUKE, but will also fit on 2011 - 2014 JUKE models (ex-

Beginning this month, Nissan is bringing a bold new way for JUKE sport cross owners to create a truly personalized look and feel right off the dealer lot with the introduction of the new JUKE Color Studio program.

cept for the headlight trim rings, and front/ rear bumper accents and side mirror caps). “The Nissan JUKE is all about fun – fun to own, fun to drive and now fun to make it your own – whether to support your favorite collegiate or professional sports teams, match the look of your surfboard or motorcycle, or just to stand out from the crowd,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. “It’s the perfect program to launch with the 2015 JUKE, which has a new look and more standard content for the new model year.” The 2015 JUKE features revised front and rear fascias, new projector headlights with LED Signature Accents and three new exterior colors. Inside, enhancements include standard Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, RearView Monitor

and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps – including a 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth® Handsfree Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. The 2015 Nissan JUKE is offered in five trim levels, each available in frontwheel drive or all-wheel drive: S, SV, SL and two special NISMO editions, JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS. For full information on the complete 2015 Nissan JUKE lineup, please visit www.NissanNews.com). “Color changes everything,” concluded Diaz. If you have been desiring to own a new Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Nissan of Mission Hills. Call Manuel at 1-888-588-7635 and test drive a Nissan vehicle today! Nissan of Mission Hills is located at 11000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345.

Toyota talks up new safety features (Relaxnews) – Toyota is planning to roll out vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-toinfrastructure communication systems on its new models as early as next year as a high-tech way of cutting congestion and collisions. If a car is able to ‘talk’ to road infrastructure, it knows how many seconds or minutes remain before a set of traffic lights change from red to green, for instance – so the car can match its speed accordingly – but can also learn how heavy the flow of traffic is and if something is approaching along a road that is obscured from view. Toyota’s system will connect to the Integrated Traffic System (ITS) services used by governments for monitoring traffic flows and other data and so will be able to access above-road sensors that measure traffic density or whether vehicles are approaching junctions. The system will add to cars’ existing radar and camera capabilities for collision avoidance – even the best cameras can’t see around bends – as will the ability for cars to communicate directly with each other. Toyota is not the only company racing to add this feature to its range – every major manufacturer is also developing the technology for their future models and it’s easy to understand why. If cars can alert other vehicles of their presence, then there are no blind spots when driving, there is little risk of pulling out of a junction and into the path of an oncoming van, and congestion can be reduced and even eliminated altogether by rerouting journeys or slowing cars down.

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