Weekend balita july 4, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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VOL. XXIII, NO. 22

JULY 4 - 10, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

PHL lawmaker mulls same-sex marriage bill MANILA, June 30 (Mabuhay) – Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez said he will file a bill seeking to recognize same-sex marriages in the Philippines in the 17th Congress. For Gutierrez, the time has come for same-sex marriage to be discussed in the Philippines, especially in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the entire nation. Gutierrez made this announcement a day after Speaker Sonny Belmonte said Congress is not inclined to pass such a law anytime soon. “Malaking senyales yung nangyaring desisyon sa SC na kailangan simulan ang usapin sa bansa tungkol sa samesex marriage. Mahirap sa 16th Congress na magkaroon ng komprehensibong usapan pero definitely 17th Congress

tingin ko ma-agenda na ito,” he said. Gutierrez anticipates the bill to become as controversial as the Reproductive Health Law. “Nag-agree ako sa reasoning ng US SC that we cannot discriminate legal benefits ng marriage between same sex and heterosexual couples,” he said. “Kapag sinabing state recognition we’re not talking religious aspects you’re talking about legal benefits. If you look at US SC hinahabol lang niya lumabas ang pangalan sa death certificate ng late husband. That’s a legal question within purview of the state.” Gutierrez said only a thorough discussion will determine whether the predominantly Catholic Philippines is prepared for this. “Culturally that’s something that can be determined

though discussion. Tingin ko we’re in a much more tolerant society than we were ten years ago,” he said. Gutierrez said his bill might only be limited to state recognition of same-sex marriages. He said for obvious reasons, religious organizations won’t be compelled to recognize same-sex marriages. “No law can compel religious institutions to change beliefs. What the bill can do is allow for mechanism for the state to recognize,” he said. Gutierrez said all it will take is an amendment to the Family Code, disputing the argument of critics of samesex marriage that it may require an amendment to the Constitution. Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice admitted he is torn on the See LAWMAKERS, page 12

PHL Catholic Church stands firm vs gay marriage Manila, Philippines (AFP) Sunday 6/28/2015 – The leadership of the Philippines’ dominant Roman Catholic church stressed its opposition to legalizing gay marriage on Sunday despite last week’s landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The Philippine government meanwhile affirmed that under its law, marriage is still between a man and a woman and only an act of Congress can change this, unlike in the United States. “The Church continues to maintain what it has always taught. Marriage is a permanent union of man and woman,” said

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, the president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. “This is the way the Church has always read Sacred Scriptures. This is the way it has lived its faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit,” Villegas said in a statement on the group’s website. “We will continue to teach the sons and daughters of the Church that marriage... is an indissoluble bond of man and woman,” he stressed. However he also said that “the US Supreme Court decision will not go unheeded. See CATHOLIC, page 12

Although the leadership of the Philippines’ dominant Roman Catholic church said it opposes legalizing gay marriage, they also said that the US Supreme Court decision will not go unheeded. “We shall study it with assiduousness, and revisit our concepts and presuppositions.”

Chiz says PHL’s internet speed ‘pathetic’ Senator Chiz Escudero will look into the “pathetic state” of internet speed in the country to see how the government can address the situation and give the information technology (IT) sector a boost. “The current situation in the country is, sad to say, unacceptable. The state of internet speed is pathetic, and unless we remedy this situation, our IT sector is likely to suffer in the long term,” Escudero said. The senator, who just visited Los Angeles where he spoke during the 117th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day there, said the government, particularly the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), should give the situation immediate attention. “The government should crack the whip on our telecommunications companies. If they have to be mandated to allocate some of their earnings for improving internet speed, mainly through investing in more equipment and hardware, then so be it,” Escudero said. “These telcos have been going to town in the past few years telling their shareholders that they have been earning billions of pesos. But they conveniently forget the millions of subscribers and users who put those billions in their coffers but who continue to suffer from poor service,” he

Senator Chiz Escudero speaks before Filipino-Americans celebrating the 117th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at Hilton Universal City here in Los Angeles. Photo: Joe Cobilla

added. “The point is, something needs to be done and done very soon.” The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said he is willing to spearhead legislation that would help improve the situation. “The problem is that government agencies that are supposed to monitor these See CHIZ SAYS, page 12

PHL halts repairs on Spratlys airstrip Manila, Philippines (AFP) Sunday 6/28/2015 – The Philippines has halted the repair of its airstrip in the disputed Spratly islands due to its pending suit at The Hague challenging China’s claim over the waters, a presidential spokesman said Sunday. The work on the airstrip on Thitu island, which the Philippines calls Pagasa and which hosts a small community, comes as China builds up outcroppings in the waters into islands that can host military facilities. “The repair has been stopped because we uphold the principle of keeping the status quo in the areas involved,” said President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman Herminio Coloma. “This is part of our strategy for a rules-based and diplomatic approach where we have filed an arbitration case with the UN tribunal,” he added. The tiny airstrip on Pagasa had been largely used to bring in supplies for the small town that the Philippine government established there to stake its claim over part of the Spratlys. See AIRSTRIP, page 13

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Life after bankruptcy According to government statistics, 1.664,000 Americans filed for bankruptcy between September 2010 and September 2011. What does this mean? It means you are not alone! For many, bankruptcy provides a second financial chance. Although a bankruptcy filing will stay on your credit record for up to 10 years, it need not be the dire problem some people seem to think. First, there are laws that forbid discrimination against you if you have filed bankruptcy. Second, providing you show consistent employment history and financial responsibility, date of the bankruptcy discharge. you can rebuild your credit. Our office has Creditors will rarely update your credit the expertise to show you how. reports to reflect “Included in Bankruptcy.” Filing for bankruptcy is not hard, It’s They will leave the postings as they were; the time leading up to that decision that is since the debts are discharged, and they hard. You worry about what people may have already closed your account in their think. You worry about whether you can computer files. Remember, the credit ever get credit again. Can you ever buy a reporting agencies do not post or un-post car, or a house? Can you refinance your creditor information. That is posted dihome? How do you begin to rebuild your rectly by the creditors, who are direct credit so that you can move forward? You subscribers to the credit reporting agencies. need credit to get credit but who will give According to the FCRA (Fair Credit you credit and trust you. Reporting Act), only accurate debts can Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you be listed. Your credit reports should only may think. While filing bankruptcy is ini- show the actual bankruptcy and then the tially considered a negative on your credit debts as “included in BK.” What this does report, since it lowers your fico score, it is to give you the opportunity to dispute can also help you secure new credit. How the accuracy of the information on your is that, you may ask? report, and clean it up. That is because a bankruptcy on your Below are some helpful pointers so you credit report also sends another message. can achieve the best possible credit reports It tells future creditors that you do not owe and tips for rebuilding. any more unsecured debt. Your risk of colCheck your reports for errors lections and lawsuits on these items have Correct the errors by writing to the been wiped out. It also shows that your debt credit reporting agency. to income ratio has improved significantly, Apply for a few secured credit cards since you (hopefully) still have employOpen a bank account and secure credit ment income, but no debt. Furthermore, if with a savings book a new creditor gives you credit, it cannot be Keep employment stable discharged in a bankruptcy for a minimum Pay utilities on time (they may also of eight years. report when delinquent) Bottom line, it’s easy to re-establish How long may bankruptcy information credit. Creditors know you cannot dis- be included in my credit report? charge debt again, but you can afford to Both the Bankruptcy Code and the Fair service new debt. Creditors can also charge Credit Reporting Act (which regulates you more, because of the low fico score. what a consumer reporting agency may There is a whole industry of banks, credit include in your credit report) are federal card programs and retail charge cards that law, so the same rules apply to all states. are targeted to consumers discharged in A consumer credit report may include bankruptcy. In fact, it’s an essential criteria information on a Chapter 7 and Chapter for the reasons given above. Never has it 13 bankruptcy for 10 years from the combeen easier to rebuild credit then now. mencement of the case. However, those You should be aware, that all three-cred- clients who follow our credit building tips, it reports will still contain adverse informa- have rebuilt adequate credit to qualify for tion from the time before you filed. This credit cards and home loans within two information may still show some of the years of a bankruptcy discharge. charge offs, judgments, collection accounts For real help in dealing with debt, and and the like. However, once your bank- re-building your credit, call the Law Ofruptcy has been successfully discharged, fices of Paul M. Allen today at 818-552those debts are no longer collectable, and 4500. Consultations are free. We have new credit granters know what to look for. two convenient locations to serve you. They see past this, focusing instead on the Glendale and La Palma.

Pinoy-German group bags P132-M MRT-3 maintenance contract MANILA, June 30 (Mabuhay) – The joint venture between Germany’s Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH and the Philippines’ Comm Builders & Technology Phils. Corp. (SBI-CB&T JV) bagged the contract to maintain the trains, depot equipment and signaling system of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Tuesday said the six-month contract for the fifth and largest component of the MRT-3 maintenance requirements, valued at P131.28million, went to a German-Filipino group. SBI is an original equipment manufacturer of power transmission railway equipment, while CB&T is part of the joint venture that currently maintains the Light Rail Transit Line 1 system. “The SBI-CB&T group will be responsible for the upkeep of the MRT-3’s trains, signaling system, and depot equipment starting on July 5,” the DOTC said. The DOTC is procuring maintenance sub-contractors directly under a multi-

disciplinary approach in order to enhance the efficiency of maintenance works per component, in the meantime that it is preparing the 3-year maintenance contract for procurement. Two previous attempts by the DOTC to bid out a long-term maintenance contract were both a failure as no bidders took part, prompting the department to seek from the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) to go for an alternative mode of obtaining the services of maintenance providers for the ageing mass rail transport system. Instead, the DOTC decided to bid out the various components of the maintenance needs of the MRT to different contractors on short-term basis. The six-month contracts for the four other components have previously been awarded to the following companies: Rail Tracks and Permanent Ways – Jorgman-Korail-Erin Marty Joint Venture Buildings and Facilities – Global Epcom Services Inc.

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MoneyGram unveils sleek, reimagined online platform State-of-the-art online money transfer platform makes digital transactions easier than ever before DALLAS (June 17, 2015) – MoneyGram (NASDAQ: MGI), a global provider of innovative money transfer services, announces today the re-launch of the new MoneyGram.com and mobile app in the United States (available for Apple® and Android™ devices). The new MoneyGram.com brings to life the complete reimagination of MoneyGram’s online experience. The platform is the first online service of its kind to enable customers to send money to approximately 200 countries and territories without needing to create an account. In addition, new features and functionality now allow customers to check the status of online and offline transfers with a new “Track a Transfer” tool, complete transactions quickly and seamlessly, and use phones or tablets to send money anytime, to anywhere in the world. “Our customers send money to family and friends to provide for life’s essentials, fund emergency cash needs and celebrate big moments. We are excited to make these transactions as seamless as possible,” says Pamela H. Patsley, MoneyGram’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Behind our transactions, there are human stories that we want to facilitate. Every element of the design of the new MoneyGram.com started with the customer in mind. The new platform is currently available for sending money that originates in the U.S. and is designed to scale globally. We look forward to rolling out this new experience in additional countries.” The state-of-the-art platform allows MoneyGram to rapidly update and introduce features, delivering a superior online customer experience. In addition to guest sending and transfer tracking, users will also benefit from enhanced security and risk management protection systems, and quick-click re-sends for frequent users, as well as instant ACH transfers as a funding option. “The new MoneyGram.com is the next evolution of global money transfers,” says Alex Hoffmann, MoneyGram executive vice president of business development and global product. “We created a new experience based on direct customer feedback. MoneyGram’s focus on the customer, our trusted brand, and our global settlement engine are key factors driving the success of our new online platform and overall self-service transformation.” About MoneyGram International, Inc. MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.

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Achieve the ‘American Dream’ with help from CSI Professionals In employment sponsorship, everything starts with looking for a qualified employer who will sponsor you. CSI will do that for you. Being clueless is not an excuse for stagnant plans waiting to be implemented. Your success is just waiting for you. Luck is just a fortunate incident that Science may not be able to explain; and being hopeful might be the nearest and only tool for the “lost and distressed” individual. Tendency to ‘hope’ is like touching an endlessly wide and tall wall, “feeling” and may be “smelling” what is awaiting on the other side. While this is similar to walking blindly; at least that “blind” person is continuously walking – moving forward. As we all know, there will not be hardearned success if it weren’t for hard work. And for the “lost and distressed” individual, it is always better to say that just “getting a feel” or “smelling” the good life

on the other side, is believing in that other side’s “existence” or at least the possibility of it being achieved. You will never know what is on the “other side” if you do not find means to start climbing that wall. Steps to success will have to start from somewhere, and there is no denying that people are willing to help. CSI Professionals will and is dedicated to help you start, and we will walk with you through your employment sponsorship process (and better yet, in the realizations of your American dream…) To make this dream come true, contact the CSI Professionals Incorporated at 818476-0082 or visit their offices in Glendale at 100 N. Brand Blvd., 6th Floor, Glendale, CA 91203 or at 213-487-5059 for their offices located at 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

SCE’s income qualified programs help customers in need ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 29, 2015 – Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a variety of income qualified programs to assist customers facing economic hardships who need help paying their utility bills. “At any time in our lives, any one of us can be faced with a situation where we need some assistance,” said Tory Weber, principal manager, Residential Demand Side Management programs. “These programs are designed to help eligible customers more effectively manage their utility costs with discount rates and energy efficient appliances, particularly those on limited incomes or who participate in other government programs.” California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) are SCE programs for low-income households that provide a monthly discount of about 30 percent off a customer’s bill. They are available to those who meet the income guideline qualifications or have someone in their household participating in at least one of 10 government public assistance programs ranging from MediCal/Medicaid to Supplemental Security Income. Learn more at: on.sce.com/care. An estimated 1.3 million SCE customers are enrolled in the CARE and FERA programs. SCE’s Energy Assistance Fund, administered through the United Way, pays an electric bill up to $100 once every 12 months for those in need. This program helps struggling families avoid having to choose between buying groceries and paying their electric bill. Last year, SCE helped more than 15,000 households through the

program. Learn more at: on.sce.com/eaf. The Energy Savings Assistance Program helps income-qualified households conserve energy and reduce their electricity costs. SCE pays all the costs of purchasing and installing energy-efficient appliances and equipment such as refrigerators, air conditioners and more, as well as home efficiency solutions like weatherization, which are free to eligible customers. Restrictions apply. To learn more ways to conserve energy and save money, visiton. sce.com/esap. Income-qualified customers also may be eligible for the Medical Baseline Program if they or someone who lives with them full time has a medical condition that requires electricity-powered life support equipment. You may be eligible to receive additional baseline allocation. Certification by a doctor is required. To be eligible, you must require use of a medical life-support device or equipment that use mechanical or artificial means to sustain, restore or replace a vital function. You or a full-time resident can also be a paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic, multiple sclerosis or scleroderma patient, or have a life-threatening illness or compromised immune system. Click here to learn more. About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

US: Visa processing back to speed after glitch Washington, United States (AFP) Monday 6/29/2015 – US visa processing has returned to full strength after hardware problems, the State Department said Monday, noting that 410,000 visas were issued in a week as officials scrambled to clear a huge backlog. Deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the State Department does “regret the inconvenience to travelers who are waiting for visas as well as their families and US businesses that have been affected by this problem.” He complimented the Consular Affairs Bureau’s “exemplary work” in addressing the computer problems and whittling down the visa backlog. A team of about 100 computer experts

had been working to resolve the hardware failure, which emerged at a State Department facility in the United States on June 9. The hardware failure had been preventing processing and transmitting the mandatory security-related biometric data checks. About 50,000 applications for visas are received daily by US embassies and consulates around the world. Toner said that the US issued more than 410,000 non-immigrant visas from June 23 through June 29. “Consular staff around the world worked throughout the weekend to diminish our backlog, the bulk of which has now been cleared,” he added.

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Growing IT industries in PHL prime for investment WASHINGTON, DC – Recent developments and policy changes in Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT/BPM) in the Philippines are making the country ripe for investment and poising it to ride a new wave of revolution in information and communications technology (ICT). This was the message of government officials and business leaders who traveled to San Francisco for a conference entitled “Invest in the Philippines: Asia’s Bright Spot,” the third and final leg of a high level trade and investment mission to the United States on 29 June 2015. In his remarks, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. pointed out that the IT/BPM and ICT industries in the Philippines are very much alive and have been a strong driving force in the Philippine economy. “The choice of San Francisco as the third city of this historic High Level Trade

and Economic Mission to the United States is very appropriate. San Francisco, and Silicon Valley in particular, is the heartland of innovation and technology. And the importance of information and communications technology, which this city breathes and lives, is one that is not lost on the Philippines,” said Ambassador Cuisia. The envoy added, “The first wave of the information and communications technology revolution transformed the Philippine semi-conductor industry into one of the most important segment of our economy. Today, the IT/BPM industry has been the fastest growing industry in the Philippines in the last ten years. In 2011, we overtook India to become the number one outsourcing destination for voice support. And the Philippines is second only to India as a global outsourcing destination, specifically in the areas of

PHL gets Canadian helicopters, SKorean landing craft Manila, Philippines (AFP) Thursday 7/2/2015 – The Philippines has received two new Canadian-built helicopters and a surplus South Korean transport vessel as it pushes through with a long-delayed military modernization program, military spokesmen said Thursday. Two Bell 412EP helicopters were delivered last week, the first of an eighthelicopter order, said air force spokesman Colonel Enrico Canaya. The utility helicopters are undergoing technical inspection before they join the military’s fleet to carry cargo and troops, he added. The rest of the order will arrive before the end of the year, supplementing the military’s fleet of ageing “Huey” helicopters. Meanwhile, a surplus landing craft donated by South Korea, was also delivered to the Philippines, navy spokesman Commander Lued Lincuna said. The 41-metere (135-foot) long vessel will be used primarily for relief operations in the disaster-prone country, he added. The landing craft, which came with 16 inflatable dinghies, can carry about a hundred troops and will be used for transport purposes in the archipelagic nation, Lincuna told AFP. The South Korean embassy confirmed the boat had been delivered last month and was part of its efforts to assist the cash-strapped Philippines which has one of the weakest militaries in the region.

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President Aquino inspects the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project (PPADP) Open Ramp and the Air Defense Alert Center (ADAC) Western Command Center in Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The project aims to improve the facilities of the existing Puerto Princesa Airport, ensuring quality of airport service and compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.(MNS photo)

healthcare and software.” However, the Philippines is still facing challenges in the IT/BPM and ICT industries. According to keynote speaker Diosdado Banatao, Managing Partner of Tallwood Venture Capital, a main challenge that remains for the country is infrastructure building in ICT, particularly the lack of internet bandwidth, which he also noted as an area of opportunity for investments. The government is addressing these issues through legislature aimed at reforming the country, boosting economic growth, and creating an environment conducive to investment.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, who participated in the San Francisco Conference, shared the Congressional agenda for the last year of the Aquino administration, which is to pass the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Act in order to institutionalize reforms and best practices, amend the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Charter to strengthen its regulatory power, and approve the Customs Modernization Law to achieve trade facilitation and logistics efficiency. According to Senator Drilon, a bill to create the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is also on its way.

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Takeover of Makati City is LP’s ‘grand plan,’ Junjun Binay says MANILA, June 30 (Mabuhay) – Makati Mayor Junjun Binay has blamed the ruling Liberal Party (LP) for the political standoff after Vice Mayor Kid Pena took his oath as acting mayor on Tuesday. “Nakita na natin nangyari ito. This is the grand plan of the Liberal Party at sino ang tatakbong Presidente, hindi ba si Secretary Mar naman?” Mayor Binay said referring to Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Peña, who’s also a member of the LP, took his oath as acting city mayor Tuesday morning after the Roxas-led Department of Interior and Local Government served the six-month preventive suspension order

on Binay. The DILG also has supervision and control over the PNP. “Ako lang ang mayor dito sa Pilipinas na hindi lumipas ang isang taon na suspended na naman,” Binay said, adding that LP members and their allies would never suffer the same fate under the present administration. Senator Nancy Binay, the sister of Mayor Binay, said, “this is all about 2016.” “Hindi ko alam bakit pateka-teka pa siya na hindi daw siya tatakbo as President. Hindi na lang siya umamin,” the senator said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay speaks at a briefing at the Makati City hall on Monday. The Office of the Ombudsman has approved the preventive suspension of Mayor Binay and other Makati officials over the construction of the Makati Science High School building. (MNS photo)

Palace on Junjun Binay’s suspension: Nothing political, just the rule of law MANILA, June 30 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Tuesday called on Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to follow the suspension order issued against him by the Office of the Ombudsman for his supposed involvement in anomalies in the construction of a Makati Science High School building. At a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. denied accusations from Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp that his son’s suspension is just a political attack on their family. “Ang pangunahin pong tinutukoy ng ating pamahalaan ay kagalingang pambansa at ang kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi po kami namumulitika dito,” Coloma said. He also reminded Mayor Binay that he is required to follow the rule of law. “Mahalaga pag-iral ng batas o rule of law. Lahat ng halal at hinirang na opisyal ng pamahalaan ay nanumpa na susundin nila ang mga kautusang legal,” Coloma said. “Patuloy ang panawagan ng pamahalaan sa pagpapairal ng kaayusan at rule of law upang matiyak ang daloy ng serbisyo publiko,” he added. Coloma further told the Binay camp that

Ombudsman has the authority to suspend government officials allegedly involved in supposed anomalies. “Bahagi ng tungkulin ng Office of the Ombudsman ang pagsisiyasat sa mga umano’y katiwalian sa pamahalaan at gumawa ito ng kaukulang hakbang na naaayon sa mandato nito kabilang na ang pagbaba ng preventive suspension order patungkol sa pagtatayo ng Makati Science Building,” the Palace official said. On Monday, the Ombudsman announced that it has approved the six-month preventive suspension of Mayor Binay and 14 other officials of the Makati City government facing administrative charges over the alleged irregularities in the construction of a ten-storey building in Makati Science High School. The Department of Interior and Local Government served the suspension order earlier in the day, but Mayor Binay refused to leave the city hall as he seeks relief from the Court of Appeals. At a separate press briefing, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas told Mayor Binay to stop the “drama” and to just temporarily step down from office. (MNS)

At least 38 dead as ferry capsizes Manila, Philippines (AFP) Thursday 7/2/2015 – A ferry loaded with nearly 200 people capsized off a central Philippine port on Thursday, officials said, killing at least 38 people in the latest of the country’s long string of maritime tragedies. Up to 33 people are missing after the 33-tonne, wooden-hulled Kim Nirvana tipped over shortly after setting sail from Ormoc city at midday, the coast guard said. Vegetable trader Reynante Manza, 45, cried as he recounted how the 33-tonne vessel suddenly rolled to one side as it reversed course shortly after backing out of the pier of Ormoc, pulling down his wife and many others under the water. “It rolled while attempting to turn around swiftly. I am alive because I jumped overboard as soon as it happened,” Manza told reporters. Just a small section of the boat’s underbelly, surrounded by rescue boats, was visible above water by late afternoon, according to an AFP photographer. It bobbed above the waves a mere 200 metres (656 feet) from the shore, journalists on the scene said, much closer than the one-kilometer (half-mile) estimate made by local disaster officials earlier. Rescuers pulled 118 survivors from the sea and continue to scour the deep waters where the accident happened, said Philippine National Red Cross chief Richard Gordon. Gordon put the toll at 38 dead and 33

missing, citing the latest figures from rescuers on the scene. “Some clung on to the hull of the overturned vessel, while some were rescued while swimming toward the shore,” Ciriaco Tolibao, an official from the city’s disaster risk reduction and management office, told AFP. A distraught male survivor wept openly as crew members clad in blue brought him ashore, as others, looking shaken, recounted their ordeal to rescue officials. A nearby row of soaked survivors squatted on the pier awaiting attention, while medical workers placed the injured onto stretchers and relatives of the missing screamed and cried nearby. The vessel was carrying 173 passengers and 16 crew members, and was licensed to carry up to 200 people, Tolibao said. Many of the passengers were traders bringing farm produce and other merchandise to the Camotes island grouping, whose residents rely mostly on fishing, Tolibao added. The authorities were puzzled how the accident had happened in relatively calm waters, after initial reports of choppy seas, and discounted speculation that it was overloaded. “There wasn’t any storm or any gale. We’re trying to find out (why it happened),” Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dancing Like the Stars,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a great event for a noble cause Neile Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rare singing engagement

Once again, RSG Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dancing Like the Stars Part 3â&#x20AC;? held at the Omni Hotel last Saturday, was a smashing success. The event, benefits educational scholarship programs in San Miguel, Bulacan, which is the hometown of producer/ entrepreneur, MaryAnn Ramos-Samadi. The perky and humble MaryAnn was overwhelmingly emotional during her welcome speech, where she gratefully thanked everyone who came to support her cause. She also specifically thanked RSG Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors for the collective effort they put in making the part English and part Germanâ&#x20AC;? with no mention of her Filipino descent, though according to numerous published articles on her including Wikipedia, she was born as Ruby Neilam Salvador Adams, with her nickname as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neile,â&#x20AC;? in Manila, whose mother was Carmen Sulse Salvador, a professional hula dancer and her father, Jose Salgado Arrastia, who passed away after she was born. Her father is the uncle of Isabel Preysler, mother of famous international singer, Enrique Iglesias. Neile was reported to have been born on July 10, 1932 and â&#x20AC;&#x153;she was left by her mother with her relatives for a short while in order to work abroad. Her lovely mother never married after her husband died, but had several gentlemen callers, among them was General Douglas MacArthur. She eventually came back for Neile during the Japanese ocMaryAnn Ramos-Samadi cupation in the Philippines on December event a fruitful one. 7, 1941. She acknowledged each member of RSG Together, they spent three horrifying Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors namely: years interred in a concentration camp Sonia Bermejo, Vice President; Lanie on the grounds of the University of Santo Berrei, Treasurer; Ed Rame, Secretary and Tomas. But, in 1945 during liberation by Board members were: Christine Dimauna- the Allied Forces, she suffered shrapnel han, Isidric Panganiban and Geo Sargent. wounds to one of her legs, though she Annually, we are amazed at the various eventually recovered completely. Soon afcharity programs RSG Foundation has ter they returned to Manila, her mother been involved in and as presented during shipped her to the United States, where as the evening through a large, two-screen a teenager, she attended Rosemary Hall, a video presentation, we were all touched private school in Connecticut. watching how indigent schoolchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s She further pursued a career in acting faces lit up whenever they receive school and trained in New York with the Amerisupplies, uniforms or even slippers en- can Theatre Wing, the American President abling them to walk to school or partici- School of Acting and the Katherine Dunpate in school programs. As MaryAnn has ham School of Dance.â&#x20AC;? always claimed, she likes to â&#x20AC;&#x153;give backâ&#x20AC;? Neile made her Broadway debut as a because she once was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;poor kid growing featured dancer in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kismet,â&#x20AC;? but later beup in her hometown.â&#x20AC;? came the lead dancer during its two-year Surprise of the night was the vocal run and in 1956, she was the Broadway star rendition of Dr.Tess Mauricio along with on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Pajama Game.â&#x20AC;? She married then her brother Richard. The charming and struggling actor Steve McQueen the same pretty dermatologist belted it out like a year while filming MGMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Could real professional singer. Other vocal rendi- Be The Night,â&#x20AC;? where she had a contract. tions followed were: Sharon Tanyag and Among her screen credits with MGM Abby Cubey. were: Billy Wilderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buddy, Buddy,â&#x20AC;? The dance competition was at best the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fuzzâ&#x20AC;? opposite Burt Reynoldsâ&#x20AC;?Chu Chu Filipino version of the hit TV show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Danc- and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chu Chu and the Philliy Flash.â&#x20AC;? She ing With the Stars,â&#x20AC;? where there were has also appeared on numerous TV shows judges involved. RSG Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event namely: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Perry Como Show,â&#x20AC;? two judges were: Joannie Feliciano (daughter â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bob Hope Christmas Specials,â&#x20AC;? The Pat of Dance King fame, Chito Feliciano of Boone Show,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hollywood Palace,â&#x20AC;? and the TV show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dance Time with Chitoâ&#x20AC;?); many other variety and TV shows where F. Lynn Mcmurray, actor/choreographer/ she has guested at the time. professional dancer and cosmetologist/ Her dramatic appearances include: Aldance enthusiast, Bernard Litan. fred Hitchcockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man From The South,â&#x20AC;? Dance competition winners were: 1st opposite her husband, Steve McQueen, place: Jazmine Reyes and partner, Rodrigo Arthu Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Grave Too Many,â&#x20AC;? Guzman; 2nd place: Rachele Lin and partSome of the nostalgic songs she sang ner, Derek Tang; 3rd place: Lily Llanes-Tan during the evening were: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where I Get and Jovi Zamora. My Name in Lights,â&#x20AC;? from the Broadway After the dance competition ceremo- musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Boys From Oz;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ride On nies, to the tune of DJ Randy Trinidadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadway,â&#x20AC;? from Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gentlemusic, the dance floor was packed for man Prefer Blondes;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s De-Lovely,â&#x20AC;? a couple of hours. Among those seen from Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything Goes;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saâ&#x20AC;&#x153;dancing the night awayâ&#x20AC;? were: MaryAnn bor A Miâ&#x20AC;? where she referenced that it was Samadi, Lou Razon, Precy Marte, Mary her Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite Spanish song; ; â&#x20AC;&#x153;BeMaceda, Nora Amoroso, Val Villar, Mari- witched, Bothered and Bewilderd,â&#x20AC;? from car Cabasag, Joanne Wright, Mario Kasi- Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pal Joey;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There Never Was lag, Arthur Abrantes and numerous other A Baby Like My Baby,â&#x20AC;? from Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance enthusiasts. Indeed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dancing Like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two On The Aisle;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Heart Tells Me,â&#x20AC;? the Starsâ&#x20AC;?:benefit event was quite an eve- from the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sweet Rosie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady;â&#x20AC;? ning with a worthy cause. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grand Knowing You,â&#x20AC;? from Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In another part of town, newshen col- â&#x20AC;&#x153;She Loves Me,â&#x20AC;? and a couple of other league Lydia Solis and this writer attended Broadway hits during her time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Evening with Neile Adamsâ&#x20AC;? at the As someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to the limelight, Catalina Bar and Grill on June 25th.She the 83-year old Neile Adams is a total has starred in several Broadway musicales, charmer on stage; she can still razzle dazzle as well as numerous film and television her audience with her willowy voice and appearances. perky dance moves. She was formerly married to film idol She still promotes her book â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husSteve McQueen for 15 years and they had band, My Friendâ&#x20AC;? where she chronicles her two children: daughter Terry who died romance with her famous husband, Steve from a liver transplant in 1998 and son McQueen, who became her soulmate and Chad. She was also married for 25 years friend even after their divorce. to Alvin Toffel, Air Force Pilot and EngiIt was quite an experience watching neer of the Apollo Space Program until Neile Adams, a Filipino-born actress/ he passed away on March 3, 2005. dancer who at her peak, was one of BroadIn her opening introduction, Neile Ad- wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-billed stars. Our thanks to the PR ams introduced herself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;part-Spanish, firm of Steve Moyer for their kind invite.

Photo shows dance competition winners (from left to right): Lily Llanes-Tan & Jovi Zamora, 3rd place; Jazmine Reyes & Rodrigo Guzman, 1st place; Rachele Lin & Derek Tang, 2nd place.

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Widow with no assets seeks to discharge $25k credit card debt; Credit cards with $50k judgment liens attempt to force sale of clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence Client No. 1 Client is 82 and recently widowed. She now lives with her daughter who takes care of her. She is a little forgetful but otherwise is in good health. Client does not own a house, or a car. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a 401K or annuity. Except for clothes and other personal effects, client does not own anything of value. She receives $1,000 of social security. What happens to her social security benefit of $1,000 at the end of each month? social security. Almost all your social seFor the last 15 years, starting at the age of curity income goes to pay credit card debt. 67 when she retired she uses 75% of her In the last 15 years, she has paid a total of social security, or $750 has been used to $135,000 to keep $25,000 of credit card make minimum payments on her $25K debt current! And after paying $135,000, of credit card debt, leaving her with only she still owes the very same $25,000. That $250 for herself! Unbelievable. This is al- is certainly a good deal for her credit cards, most slavery. You work all your life to get isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that so? Instead of having $135K of social security when you retire. But when investments, which could conservatively you retire, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get your money from earn 5% or $562@mo of additional income for her, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still in the hole for $25K that eats up 75% of her social security income. Now that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fair or right. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unjust to say the least. Client finally musters up enough courage to do the right thing to protect her self. She decides to discharge her $25K of credit card debt to obtain a fresh start at the age of 82. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late to get a fresh start in life with no debt. Become productive again and keep more of your income at any age. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait another 10 or 15 years to get rid of your debt. Just think about it. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say you presently owe $25K of credit card debt. If you were to get rid of these cards now with a Chapter 7 petition, fifteen years from now you will have saved up $135,000. You can use that money to fully pay up a retirement house wherever you want to retire, instead of still owing $25K fifteen years from now. Further, your credit score will be over 800 without any record of bankruptcy even as you have $135,000 in your pocket, and you will have no debt when you retire. Think about it and make

the right choice because your decision now changes your future for better or worse. Client No. 2 Clients are spouses in their early fifties. They havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t paid $35K of credit card debt since 2007. I guess they forgot about their credit cards. But as it turns out, their credit cards did not forget about them. Indeed, their credit cards remember them very fondly. 5 credit cards sued clients and obtained judgments against clients for a total of $35K. All of these cards placed a judgment lien on their residence in 2008. But in 2008, if you recall, the housing bubble burst causing house values to decrease by 50%. So in 2008, clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house had no viable equity that the judgment liens could attach to. But 7 years after in 2015, house values have recovered. Clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house now has $200K of equity. One judgment creditor with a $20K claim filed a motion in Superior court to force the sale of clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residence next month to satisfy the judgment lien of $20K. Wait, is this even possible? Can a credit card with a judgment lien of $20K force the sale of debtorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residence? That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even sound remotely possible, does it? Unfortunately, the California Code of Civil Procedure allows a creditor with a judgment lien on the house to force the sale of the house to satisfy the lien as long as there is equity that is over and beyond the homestead exemption enough to satisfy the judgment lien! Is this true? It sure is. Creditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motion enumerated all the 5 judgment liens, which now total $50K plus the balance of the first mortgage that came to a total of $200K. Creditor alleged that an appraisal report states that clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house is currently valued at $400K less the homestead exemption of $100K the house had non-exempt equity of $100K. Under the law, creditor was well within his rights to ask the court to force the sale of the residence at $400K. From the $400K sale proceeds, all the debts of $200K would be paid, leaving cash of $200K, minus sale expenses estimated at $24K for brokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commission, or net cash available of $176K. Under this analysis, creditor is entitled to satisfy its lien of $20K from the sale of the house. So, you can lose your house to credit card debt? You sure can! Clients will file Chapter 13 to protect the house. The $50K will be paid over five years without further interest in

a Chapter 13 plan. As soon as the Chapter 13 petition is filed, the motion to sell the house in Superior Court will stop and creditors will have to wait to get paid through the Chapter 13 plan. Of course, if clients had filed for Chapter 7 in 2007, instead of not doing anything and just allowing creditors to sue them with impunity, they would not have had to pay anything at all. The $35K of credit cards would have been wiped out in 2007 thus preventing the lawsuits and the liens from coming into existence. Nipping it in the bud as they say. They would have gotten a fresh start in 2007 and their credit score now would be perfect. As it is, their credit score was rock bottom since 2007 up to now because of the unpaid credit cards, the lawsuits and the liens. Of course, they can still save their house with a Chapter 13 now, but because the equity now is too big and the liens have attached to their house, they will still have to pay for the $50K now when they could have just discharged all of their credit card debt in 2007 with zero payment. This just shows you how a wrong decision in 2007 in choosing not to file a Chapter 7 can affect you 8 years after with these cards trying the force the sale of your house because of indecision on clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part in 2007. This mistake costs clients $50K now which they have to pay even if its over 5 years. They could have paid nothing in 2007 and have perfect credit now. Sometimes, people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to make the right decisions out of fear or ignorance. Probably came from a country where bankruptcy was taboo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;THEN JESUS SPOKE TO THEM AGAIN, SAYING â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HE WHO FOLLOWS ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.â&#x20AC;? JOHN 8:12. Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

Puerto Rico says it is being crushed by debt, low growth San Juan, Puerto Rico (AFP) Monday 6/29/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Puerto Ricoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governor geared Monday to address the US territoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deepening financial crisis after admitting it cannot pay back its $72 billion in debt and warning that without economic growth it will fall into a â&#x20AC;&#x153;death spiral.â&#x20AC;? Alejandro Garcia Padillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission in an interview with the New York Times rattled stock markets and quickly knocked 10 percent off prices of Puerto Rican bonds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The debt is not payable,â&#x20AC;? Garcia Padilla told the paper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no other option. I would love to have an easier option. This is not politics, this is math.â&#x20AC;? On Monday the government released a study by ex-officials of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that says Puerto Ricoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt load is unsustainable and needs to be rescheduled. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;true fiscal deficit is much larger than assumed,â&#x20AC;? it said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even a major fiscal effort leaves residual financing gaps in coming years, which can be bridged by debt restructuring,â&#x20AC;? which, it proposed, would mean creditors exchanging existing bonds for new ones with a longer and lower debt

service profile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The debt cannot be made sustainable without growth, nor can growth occur in the face of structural obstacles and doubts about debt sustainability.â&#x20AC;? The White House, which has had a special task force working on the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances for months, said it was not contemplating any bailout of Puerto Rico. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we do remain committed to working with Puerto Rico and their leaders as they address the serious challenges,â&#x20AC;? said spokesman Josh Earnest. Garcia Padilla was planning to address the territory late Monday. He and senior staff members told the Times the island would likely seek concessions from its creditors, possibly deferring some debt payments for up to five years. Economy still shrinking -The economy of Puerto Rico has posted negative growth for eight years. Ratings agencies like Moodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classify Puerto Rican debt as junk bonds. The financial problems of the Caribbean island, which has a population of only 3.6 million, have shaken the large market for US municipal bonds, especially after Detroit declared bankruptcy in 2013.

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Home buying down payment assistance: $1,500 down payment to close a home purchase For first-time home buyers, the down payment on your home loan can be one of the largest hurdles. That’s why CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) offers several options for down payment and closing cost assistance. This type of assistance is often called a second or subordinate loan. CalHFA’s subordinate loans are “silent seconds”, meaning payments on this loan are deferred so you do not have to make a payment on this assistance until your home is sold, refinanced or paid in full. This helps to keep your monthly mortgage payment affordable. cisco limits its $127,900. California Homebuyer’s Downpayment Credit Fico limits will be at 640 meAssistance Program (CHDAP) dium. This program allows borrowers to No Non owner occupants allowed. only come in with .05% down payment to Flip properties are allowed. buy their home, down payment as low as Since the market is changing its course $1,500 to buy a house. The program offers and there seem to be more For Sale listings, a deferred-payment subordinate loan in sellers might have to start to entertain ofthe amount of (3%) of the purchase price fers from 1st Time home buyers or appraised value, whichever is less to E x t r a C r e d i t Te a c h e r H o m e be used for down payment and/or closing P u r c h a s e P r o g r a m ( E C T P ) costs. Here are some requirements : Program intended for eligible teachers, Borrowers must be first time homebuy- administrators, classified employees and ers or has not had an ownership interest staff members working in high priority in any principal residence the previous schools in California. Offers a deferredthree years. payment junior loan of an amount not to Sales price cannot exceed CAlHFA’s exceed the greater of $7,500 or 3% of the Sale price limit established for the county sales price or in CalHFA-defined high cost in which the property is located. For Ex- areas an amount not to exceed the greater ample: For Resale properties in Alameda of $15,000 or 3% of the sales price. AsCounty limits are $673,616, for Los An- sistance can be used for down payment. geles limits $ 673,616. for Riverside limits HUD - Section 8 Housing Choice 355.000 for Merced limits $436,154.00 Voucher Program Call for further info or go to www.CalHfa. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ca.gov/hom to see all county limits. Program may enable qualified first-time There are household income limits that homebuyers to receive monthly assistance you will need to meet. Here are some for homeownership expenses in lieu of examples : for a limit of 5 persons living monthly rent aid. Pursuant to Congressioin a household, for Contra Costa income nal authority, HUD has authorized states limits cannot exceed $116,100.00 For Los and Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) to Angeles county its $80,450.00, For Orange provide this assistance using funds availCounty limits its 108,250. For San Fran- able through the Section 8 rental voucher

program. The PHA’s may choose to participate in offering the Section 8 for homeownership but are not required to do so. Under the Program at least 30% of the eligible homebuyers’ income will go to pay the homeownership expenses with Section 8 covering the remainder. For Renters in need of housing Assistance, Section 8 housing vouchers , you can apply at any county or city housing authority office in their state of residence. The vouchers can then be used anywhere within the state of residence. The fastest

way to find your local housing authority office is to call your county housing department. They will provide you with Section 8 application information and provide you with contact information for the closest housing authority office so you can begin the application process today. This is a great time to do some research and set goals on how to purchase a home in the future for first time buyers. Thank you for your very interesting topic request or inquiries. Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to Ken at kennethgo@verizon.net.

NBC latest to dump Trump over Mexican immigrant comments New York, United States (AFP) Monday 6/29/2015 – NBC severed business ties Monday with Donald Trump, joining a chorus of protests over the mogul turned US presidential hopeful’s remarks about Mexican immigrants. This means the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants – Trump owns the broadcast rights – will not be aired on NBC, which is a unit of Comcast. And Trump will no longer appear in the NBC reality show “The Apprentice,” where

he had been a star attraction. The NBC television network’s announcement came four days after Univision, the leading broadcaster in the US Spanish-language TV market, also broke with the Miss Universe Organization. Trump has angered many in America with comments he made in announcing his run for the Republican presidential nomination last week. Hispanics are the country’s fastest growing minority, and the majority of US Hispanics are of Mexican descent and origin.

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Why is the date of separation significant in divorce cases? If you are contemplating divorce, have you ever wondered the exact date you â&#x20AC;&#x153;separatedâ&#x20AC;? from your spouse? The date of separation is one of the most litigated issues in a divorce case. Its determination can have a significant economic consequence in the outcome of the case. The reason being, a spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;earnings and accumulationsâ&#x20AC;? after separation are his or her separate property. A spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;earnings and accumulationsâ&#x20AC;? while living separate and apart from the other spouse pictures, letters, e-mails, etc. are his or her separate property as well The parties must be living apart physipursuant to Family.Code. Â§ 771(a)). cally. The Court usually looks at all objecâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Separationâ&#x20AC;? requires more than a rift tive facts and circumstances in determinin the spousesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relationship. The date of ing whether the parties are living apart â&#x20AC;&#x153;separationâ&#x20AC;? occurs only when the parties physically. Living in separate dwellings have come to a parting of the ways with alone may not meet this requirement. no present intent to resume their marriage Some couples have successive series of and their conduct evidences a complete separation then reconciliation. The act and final break in the marital relationship. of reconciling in essence vitiates any eviIn simple terms, it the first point in time dence of a complete and final breakdown when either party decides to finally end of the marriage. Due to the heavy factual the marriage with no intent to return to showing required in litigating this issue, their spouse. The burden of proof required the date of separation is susceptible to trial to prove this is a preponderance of the bifurcation. evidence. A spouse must show that 1) the Please note that this article is not legal spouse entertains the subjective intent to advice and is not intended as legal advice. end the marriage, and 2) there is objective The article is intended to provide only evidence of that intent. A partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent general, non-specific legal information. may be evaluated in terms of the spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This article is not intended to cover all words and conduct evidencing this intent the issues related to the topic discussed. and this should occur simultaneously. The specific facts that apply to your matMoving out of the house from where ter may make the outcome different than your spouse resides may not be sufficient would be anticipated by you. This article to signify a separation. The partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s con- does create any attorney client relationship duct toward each other evidences ongoing between you and the Law Offices of Keneconomic, emotional, sexual and social ties neth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not ( such as joint checking accounts, credit a solicitation. cards, tax returns; joint acquisitions; joint Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a vacations; exchange of gifts and cards; Certified Family Law Specialist. He was continuing financial contributions to the President of the Philippine American Bar marital community; attempted reconcilia- Association. He is a member of both the tions,) may show conduct inconsistent with Family law section and Immigration law a complete and final breakdown in the section of the Los Angeles County Bar marriage. Association. He is a graduate of SouthDiscontinuing sexual relationship with western University Law School in Los your spouse and commencing extramarital Angeles and California State University, cohabitation may not suffice to signify a San Bernardino School of Business Adminseparation date either. The interesting pat- istration. He has extensive CPA experience tern in this area is that most of the major prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF date of separation cases are held in favor KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at of the wife. Perhaps most women tend to 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Ankeep more memorabilia than men that they geles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or end up having more evidence in support e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our of their position such as valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cards, website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

US pending home sales hit best pace in over nine years Washington, United States (AFP) Monday 6/29/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; US pending home sales rose for the fifth straight month in May, hitting the strongest annual pace in over nine years amid solid nationwide gains, an industry group said Monday. The National Association of Realtors said that contracts signed for home purchases rose 0.9 percent, pushing up its pending home sales index to 112.6 in May from a slight downward revision of 111.6 in April. Sales gains in the Northeast and West, by 6.3 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively, were offset by small dips in the Midwest and South. Year-over-year, the pending home sales index climbed 10.4 percent to its highest level since April 2006, when the housing market was near the peak of a bubble. Lawrence Yun, NARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief economist, said the robust number of contracts signed in May suggested that home sales were on track for their best year since the downturn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The steady pace of solid job creation seen now for over a year has given the housing market a boost this spring,â&#x20AC;? Yun

said in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very encouraging to now see a broad-based recovery with all four major regions showing solid gains from a year ago and new-home sales also coming alive.â&#x20AC;? Pending home sales are a forwardlooking indicator that leads home sales by one to two months. Last week the Commerce Department reported sales of new single-family homes surged 2.2 percent in May to their highest pace in seven years amid post-recession pent-up demand that is helping tighten inventory on the housing market. Yun warned that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stronger sales have caused home prices to rise to an unhealthy and unsustainable pace, while wage growth has been marginal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Housing affordability remains a pressing issue with home-price growth increasing around four times the pace of wages,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without meaningful gains in new and existing supply, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no question the goalpost will move further away for many renters wanting to become homeowners.â&#x20AC;?

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The ‘American Dream’ is still alive As millions of Filipinos join the celebration of their adopted country’s 239th year of Declaration of Independence, many will share the spirit of national thanksgiving in the welcoming arms of a country that had made a difference in their lives in many aspects. Lured by the promise of a better life the and the prospect of achieving the American dream, we join six other ethnicities in the chase for a better tomorrow. The American dream still lures people from all over the world to the U.S. shores and with those gifted with the grit and daring and the ability to work hard, achieving the dream is still a reality. Although realities like record debt, persistent joblessness, and millions of underwater mortgages had dampened and slowed down its realization many have only become more determined in their quest and their experiences had only made them better pursuers of the dream.. Just what is American Dream that many people would do anything to achieve in a lifetime? “American Dream” a Great Depression term used by historian James T. Adams in 1931 to describe the American complex beliefs, religious promises and social expectations. It rang of hope with a capital “H” and traces its beginnings in the Declaration of Independence and the first European settlers with its basic idea that “every man and every woman shall, Jazzing Up for 117th Philippine Independence: regardless of their birth, achieve what they A Fil-Am sax virtuoso whips it up entertaining (Romy and Gloria Rull and Dr. are able to do. Everybody shall be treated guests Tony Reyes, at right, ) at the Filipino and seen equally and be recognized by American Chamber of Commerce in Orange others for what they are and have reached, County event to celebrate the Phillippines’ referring to their position”. Independence Day. For a lot of people “The American backgrounds and beliefs “being fused Dream” is not only about achieving mate- together without abandoning their diverse rial possession, getting wealthy. It is the culture.” Inscribed on the great “Statue of Liberability to achieve, that goes beyond materialism with the efforts of fulfilling an objec- ty” in New York are memorialized phrases tive anchored on faith and equality, liberty quoted from Emma Lazarus’s sonnet “New in America as the land of opportunities”.. Colussus”, which she wrote for a fundraiser “American Dream” is about immigrants to finance construction of a pedestal on of different nationalities, varying ethnic which the statue now stands.

LOS ANGELES “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Has become part of American history which described the hope that awaits immigrants to this great country with more than a thousand causes to celebrate”. New Colossus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beaconhand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities

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frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempesttossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! The welcoming gesture extended to the weary but hopeful immigrants, led to the fruition of great achievements for the greatest country in the world in areas of innovation, technology, diversity, economy, individual spirit v, tolerance, entrepreneurship, institutions and law, endurance and standard of living. Happy Fourth Everyone!

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., July 4 - 10, 2015

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How to face debt problems before they get worse The last few years have been financially difficult for a lot of people. When the real estate marked crashed a few years ago, millions of people found themselves with a mortgage they could not afford. A lot of people simply walked away from their homes out of desperation in some cases, they were forced out of their homes after the bank foreclosed. Millions went to the bankruptcy courts seeking relief and hoping to find a way to get their finances back in order. told anyone about it. They seriously need Debt is a very personal matter so most help but don’t even know where to begin. people don’t even talk about it. You may Like most people, you’ve worked hard, not realize this but chances are that some- paid your taxes and have done your best one close to you, perhaps a family member, to pay all your bills on time. But at some a friend or a co-worker is seriously strug- stage in life, all of us get into debt. Money gling with debt at this moment and have not problems can easily overlap into other ar-

eas of our lives. Many people feel hopeless and powerless over their debt problems. I have seen marriages become unstable and relationships destroyed forever. If you are currently in debt, rather than allowing your money problems to affect your life in such a dramatic way, filing for bankruptcy protection may help you get your life back on track. If your liabilities exceed your total assets, you’ve suffered a job loss, are facing foreclosure or have bills you can no longer afford to pay, Congress has enacted bankruptcy laws that can help you get your finances in order. I know that the mere thought of bankruptcy makes most people nervous so they avoid exploring their options until it’s too late. I find this unfortunate because in a lot of cases, people could have turned their situation around much sooner had they taken the time to find out what their legal rights are. Some people wait too long to file bankruptcy even when it is their only option. In the process, they use up hard-earned assets like their retirement plan, savings accounts, etc. but in the end they realize that this was nothing more than a temporary fix to a lingering problem. If you’ve come to the end of your financial rope and don’t know what else to do, it is time to face your debt problems with dig-

nity and do what your situation calls for. I am not saying that bankruptcy is for everyone but after being a bankruptcy attorney for 17 years now and having represented thousands of clients in bankruptcy, what I have seen is that oftentimes, bankruptcy is THE ONLY WAY for most people in debt to get a fresh start when they are in over their heads in debt. If bankruptcy is the best option for you, you don’t need to keep living paycheck to paycheck while digging a deeper financial hole every single month. Yes, bankruptcy may be a scary thing for a lot of people who don’t understand the process but once you’ve taken the time to find out how it works and how it could help you get out of debt, you may realize that it’s actually not as difficult as you first may have thought. If you are in debt and feeling hopeless about your situation, I would like to help you. Call my office for a free confidential consultation at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

LAWMAKERS From page 1

issue of same-sex marriage. He said while he adheres to his religious beliefs, his daughter is a member of the LGBT community. “I’m a devout Catholic and yet my daughter is also a son. LGBT. Nakita ko na merong ding mga needs para protektahan members of LGBT. For example, mga properties na-acquire nila so paano yun baka pag-awayan kung walang rules ang ating pamahalaan. I’m really torn between 2 situations,” Erice said. Gutierrez said same-sex marriage is better off taken up in Congress rather than have the matter decided by the Philippine Supreme Court, which has a pending case similar to what

the US SC tackled. “It’s a debate na kailangan mangyari in a public sphere. The bill will provide impetus ng usapan. I’m inclined to file bill next Congress to start the ball rolling na mapag-debatehan,” he said. Gutierrez, meantime, said he is surprised that the divorce bill pending in Congress hasn’t moved yet. “Iyung divorce I’m a bit surprised ‘di pa na-take up sa Congress. Nagkaroon ng survey which says majority of Filipinos favor divorce. Representatives have hesitation to push agenda. Natatakot sa repercussions from certain institutions,” he said. (MNS)

CATHOLIC From page 1

We shall study it with assiduousness, and revisit our concepts and presuppositions.” Last Friday’s US court decision has stirred interest in the socially conservative Philippines, the only country besides the

Vatican that still outlaws divorce. Church pressure delayed a law allowing for wider distribution of contraceptives for 15 years. It was finally passed in 2014 but abortion remains illegal.

CHIZ SAYS From page 1

telcos and help consumers don’t seem to feel the urgency of the situation,” Escudero said. The senator also warned that slow internet speed may derail the projected growth of the IT-BPO industry. “The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) recently reported that it was targeting $25 billion in revenues and 1.3 million jobs by 2016. Even these targets might be affected if our internet service in the country does not improve, and we might see these jobs go to other countries in the region that can provide investors and clients better internet services,” Escudero warned. He cited recent reports by global internet providers Ookla and Akamai that showed the dismal state of internet speed in the Philippines. The latest Ookla household download index report ranked the Philippines 21st out of 22 countries in Asia, trailed only by Afghanistan. Singapore was ranked first with a broadband speed of 122.43 Megabits per

second (Mbps) followed by Hong Kong with 102.96 Mbps. The household download speed in the Philippines clocked in at an embarrassing 3.64 Mbps. On the other hand, Akamai’s latest state of the Internet report showed that the country’s average internet speed in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 2.7 Mbps, peaking at 21.9 Mbps. South Korea had the fastest average internet speed in Asia with 22.2 Mbps while Indonesia had the slowest average at 1.9 Mbps.

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Favorite casino in America survey results announced today revealing top resort/casino in US Not in Las Vegas or Other Established Gaming/Resort City – Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California is the favorite United States casino, according to a nationwide poll by 10Best.com, part of USA TODAY Travel, that ended Monday, June 22. The Native American owned and operated resort/casino claims the top spot after four weeks of voting by readers. It edged out well-known resort/casinos including the Bellagio, Borgata and L’Auberge in established gaming destinations such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the South. Pechanga, the largest resort/casino in the state, initially made the 10Best.com list, along with two other California resort/ casinos. “We are ecstatic about being voted number one,” said Lee Torres, Pechanga vice president of marketing. “We say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who cast their ballot for Pechanga. We all try every day to offer a distinguished standard of customer service. Being the nation’s favorite casino is an incredible honor, and it’s a testament to the perseverance of the Pechanga Tribe.” Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. The Pechanga Band and the Temecula region celebrate the opening its original casino operation 20 years ago this July. In 1995, the Tribe opened the Pechanga Entertainment Center, housed in modular structures, with 200 gaming positions and 135 employees. They opened the permanent Pechanga Resort & Casino on June 24, 2002 with an 88,000-square foot casino floor, 517 hotel rooms, and a 1,200-seat theater. The tribe reinvested into the property, expanding its

gaming space in 2005 to include another 100,000-square feet, and later added an on-site championship golf course. The resort now employs more than 4,000 people. Pechanga tribal members say the resort will become even more of a desired destination spot for travelers after their planned $285 million resort expansion, announced in late 2014, is completed. Wednesday, July 22, Pechanga Resort & Casino will give away $100,000 during a slot tournament open to everyone 21 and older. The event will be a celebration to say, “thank you,” to all who voted for the resort/ casino in USA TODAY’s poll. Casino properties were chosen for the poll by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic, Editorial Director for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines, and by Tony Harrell, a certified destination expert for Las Vegas, New Orleans and Canada. Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most luxurious resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, 11 restaurants, spa, on-site golf course, concerts and nightclubs, Pechanga Resort & Casino is a privately operated business of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga. com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. Pechanga is open 24 hours and guests must be 21 or older to enter the casino.

US gay marriage ruling unleashes debate in Russia By Anna Smolchenko

Moscow, Russia (AFP) Sunday 6/28/2015 – The US Supreme Court’s move to legalize gay marriages triggered heated debate in Russia on Sunday, with one MP saying Facebook should be blocked while a senator urged the adoption of the US army’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In a show of support for the US Supreme Court’s historic decision, Facebook introduced a function allowing users to decorate their profiles with the rainbow flag of the gay rights movement and many Russians added a rainbow filter to their photos. Their opponents immediately came up with a counter move, superimposing a Russian tri-color against their pictures. Homophobia remains widespread in the country, and almost no public figures have come out as gay. Since coming to the Kremlin for a third term in 2012, President Vladimir Putin has forcefully promoted traditional values, seeking to paint Russia as an antithesis to the West. In 2013, he signed off on a hugely controversial law banning the promotion or display of homosexuality in front of minors.

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The US Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage on Friday ignited fresh debate in Russia which is locked in confrontation with the West over Ukraine. Lawmaker Vitaly Milonov said Facebook should be shut down in Russia while senator Konstantin Dobrynin said it is Milonov who should be banned. Dobrynin, deputy head of constitutional legislation committee in the parliament’s upper house, said it was necessary to reduce the level of aggression in society towards gays. “The most important thing is to immediately reduce the intensity of aggression towards sexual minorities,” he wrote in a blog post. He said there should be no place in politics for “quasi- politicians” speculating on the fight against gays. “Because it them – and not gays – who are a direct and overt threat to Russia’s security and the state should fight them.” He said Russia should legalise the US army’s “don’t ask, don’t tell policy as a compromise measure to reconcile conservative and liberal Russians. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” was the US policy on military service by gays and lesbians. The stipulation was repealed in 2011.

AIRSTRIP From page 1

However the airstrip has deteriorated over the years, forcing the government to rely on ships which must go through a gauntlet of Chinese vessels to reach the island. China claims almost all of the Spratlys and the South China Sea, even areas close to the coasts of its neighbors. Its claim is disputed by the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. The waters are a crucial sea lane and

rich fishing ground also believed to hold large mineral resources. In 2013 the Philippines asked The Hague, based in the Netherlands, to declare China’s claim invalid and in violation of international law. Hearings – looking at whether Manila’s complaint has legal merit as well as whether the court has jurisdiction over the case – are set to begin next month.

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OPINION

Palace to VP Binay camp: Bring it on

MANILA, June 29 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday put its game face on after consistent attacks from Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp the past few days. “We say to his camp in dishing out lies against the President: Bring it on,” presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said in a statement. Lacierda was reacting to accusations from Binay’s camp that the Aquino government is guilty of bad governance and of harassing officials associated with the Vice President. The Palace official used Binay’s own words to show the Vice President’s supposed change of stance regarding the administration’s performance. Lacierda pointed out that during the World Economic Forum last year, Binay cited “the positive impact of the reforms initiated by President Aquino.” “So, who continues to tell lies? The Vice President then or the Vice President now?” the Palace official said. He added that Binay “continues to attack the President because he refuses to answer convincingly all allegations of corruption and ill gotten wealth against him.” “We have yet to hear a response other than ‘pulitika lang yan’,” Lacierda said. Vice President Binay, his son Mayor Junjun Binay and other Makati officials have at least two pending plunder and graft complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman concering construction projects in Makati. The Senate blue ribbon subcommittee has conducted 21 public hearings on the matter. A draft report had recommended plunder charges against the Vice President, his son and other Makati officials supposedly involved in the anomalies. Meanwhile, Lacierda said the Palace did not harass, but just reminded Binay’s appointees that courtesy resignation is the norm after their superior quit his post. Last week, the Vice President delivered a scathing speech against the Aquino government, which he called “callous” and “a failure.” Binay, who quit his Cabinet posts last week, also accused the administration of perpetuating selective justice and letting allies off the hook in various controversies. In response, Aquino said Binay had five years to air his gripes as a Cabinet official, but instead chose to remain silent. (MNS)

One justice makes big difference in US gay marriage ruling By Chantal Valery

Washington, United States (AFP) Saturday 6/27/2015 – He was appointed in the 1980s under the conservative presidency of Ronald Reagan, but Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has gone on to become perhaps the most important gay rights supporter in the American legal system. The gray-haired 78-year-old cemented that position Friday when he wrote the majority opinion for the five judges – or justices as they are known – who ruled to allow gay marriage across the United States. “No union is more profound than marriage for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,” Kennedy said, his deep voice resonating around the solemn surroundings of the Supreme Court. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.” All eyes were fixed on him. Without Kennedy – who soon found himself trending on Twitter – gay marriage would not have been legalized at the federal level. That’s because Kennedy is seen as an important “swing vote,” siding with the court’s four liberal judges instead of the conservative bloc on some issues – including gay marriage. Friday’s momentous ruling was met with jubilation by many same-sex couples, including those who had been living in the 13 states that banned gay marriage. “Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions,” Kennedy said in his ruling. “They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.” ‘A humanitarian’ “Justice Kennedy has become probably the most powerful jurist in the entire world because he’s the point on so many issues before the Supreme Court of the US, and though he only has one vote, his vote literally changes most cases,” said Mary Margaret Penrose, law professor at Texas A& M University. David Cruz, an expert from the University of Southern California Gould law school, said that

without Kennedy’s vote, states would have remained free to exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage. Kennedy was the “favorite to write the decision that extends same-sex marriage nationwide,” Cruz said. In the past, Kennedy – who is considered moderate – has taken positions on civil rights that demonstrate his “flexibility” in interpreting the Constitution, lawyer Lisa Linsky said. “His positions and decisions in major civil rights cases over the years demonstrate that he is a humanitarian,” she said. “His constitutional scholarship is rooted in common sense and the recognition that societies, attitudes and institutions change and evolve.” Legal analyst Elizabeth Wydra told AFP that Kennedy’s words would be immortalized in the “Obergefell v. Hodges” ruling, as the case is known. “With this ruling, Justice Kennedy has ensured that his name will be forever linked with the recognition of equal rights for gay men and lesbians,” Wydra said. “He has used language so sweeping and powerful to describe the desire for equal dignity that it brings a tear to the eye.” No Coincidence Kennedy had already authored three major decisions affecting gay rights in America, each a significant step towards Friday’s historic ruling. In 1996, Kennedy wrote the decision in the landmark “Romer v. Evans” case on the protection of civil rights for gays and lesbians. In 2003, the court struck down anti-sodomy laws in “Lawrence v. Texas.” And in 2013 in “United States v. Windsor” Kennedy wrote the majority opinion against the Defense of Marriage Act. The decision to hand down the ruling in the “Obergefell” case Friday was likely no accident, as June 26 was also the date in the years when Kennedy and the court released the rulings in “Lawrence” and “Windsor.”

Palace to Congress, judiciary: Help address human rights problems MANILA, June 27 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday asked Congress and the judiciary to come together with the executive branch of government and explore ways to address human rights issues being raised in the US State Department’s 2014 report on the Philippines. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said many of the problems may involve legislation and prosecution, which are outside the executive branch’s jurisdiction. “We are asking all agencies concerned ... even our colleagues in the judiciary and Congress, to take a look at the report and ... concerns raised by the report,” she said on state-run dzRB radio. She said many observations and suggestions in the report could be addressed by passing the necessary legislation or amending legislation, or addressing judicial processes. Valte said the Palace is open to colleagues in other branches of government to “... come together and work on” such concerns. “Tayo naman, we are committed to making the situation better,” she said. The US State Department’s Philippine country report on human rights practices for 2014 had outlined some significant problems with human rights in the Philippines, including: – extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances undertaken by security forces and suspected vigilante groups – a weak and overburdened criminal justice system notable for poor cooperation between police

and investigators – a meager record of prosecutions and lengthy procedural delays – widespread official corruption and abuse of power Other human rights problems the report cited included: – allegations of prisoner/detainee torture and abuse by security forces – harassment, including allegations of violence against human rights activists by local security forces – warrant-less arrests – lengthy pretrial detentions – overcrowded and inadequate prison conditions – killings and harassment of journalists – internally displaced persons (IDPs) – violence against women – abuse and sexual exploitation of children – trafficking in persons – limited access to facilities for persons with disabilities – lack of full integration of indigenous people – absence of law and policy to protect persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity – child labor – ineffective enforcement of worker rights. “The government continued to investigate and prosecute only a limited number of reported human rights abuses, and concerns about impunity persisted,” it added.(MNS)

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Weekend, Sat. - Fri., July 4 - 10, 2015

Disgraced PHL police officers and brother masons Families of the slain 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were able to receove some semblance of justice from the Aquino administration, following the dismissal recently of resigned police chief Alan Purisima from the service. It may be recalled that General Purisima was the “chief architect” of President Benigno Aquino III in the botched police operation in Mindanao last January, which resulted in the slaying of 44 police commandos during a firerfight with ficers were dismissed from service by the Muslim rebels in the swampy areas of Office of the Ombudsman for entering into Mamasapano town. an anomalous contract worth P100 million We will find out in a few days, how- with WerFast Documentary Agency. Aside ever, if the president will once again flex from Purisima, others dismissed included his “muscles” and aid his bosom friend Police Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, (Purisima). He might even have to shield chief of the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives the erstwhile top cop from any criminal Unit. Petrasanta was rumored to be the liability or prosecution. The disgraced president’s top choice to replace Purisima police general served as the bodyguard of as PNP chief. the president during the presidential term Before their dismissal, both Purisima of his mother, the late Cory Aquino. and Petrasanta were suspended by the OmBut I hope the president will respect budsman late last year for the unrelated althe decision of the Office of the Ombuds- leged participation in the sale of more than man regarding the dismissal of Purisima 1,000 assault rifles to members of the New and his fellow police officers from ser- People’s Army (NPA). Both police officers vice if only to appease the sadness and however denied the charges. The investigagrief suffered by the mothers, wives tion on their possible involvement on the and children of the slain police com- sale of rifles is still ongoing, however. mandos in the death of their loved ones. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Moving on, the President is expected to in a consolidated decision, said Purisima meet with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to and his other officers committed graft, discuss police matters, among others, par- misconduct and grave abuse of authority. ticularly the appointment of a permanent A businessman from Legazpi City had PNP chief to replace dismissed General implicated Purisima and his 10 officers Purisima. It is my hope that the president in the P100 million case alleging plunder will not instruct Roxas to do some “maneu- as well as abuse of authority over the vering” to loosen the knot on the neck of use of WerFast courier service to deliver his disgraced and corrupt police general. firearms licenses all over the country. Purisima and10 other ranking police of- Aside from dismissal from the police

Fil-Am celeb pulls out as pageant co-host over Trump’s remarks By Nimfa U. Rueda

LOS ANGELES – Filipino-American celebrity Cheryl Burke has decided to pull out as co-host of the July 12 Miss USA pageant following event producer Donald Trump’s controversial comments about Mexican immigrants. “In light of the recent statements made by Donald Trump and the subsequent decision by NBC to cut ties with Mr. Trump, I cannot in good conscience move forward with participating in this year’s Miss USA pageant as its co-host,” Burke said in a statement. During his recent presidential announcement, Trump made controversial remarks about Mexican immigrants and US border policy. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us,” he said. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” NBC, which was scheduled to broadcast the pageant, immediately announced it was cutting its ties with the real estate mogul-

turned-presidential candidate. Trump is co-owner of the Miss USA pageant. Burke, who rose to fame on the hit ABC show “Dancing With The Stars,” posted her statement on Facebook. Her mother, Sherri Burke – who hails from Nueva Ecija – shared it on her Facebook page yesterday (Thursday in Manila). “So proud of you honey. That’s my girl,” Sherri commented on her daughter’s statement. “Cheryl, you are a beautiful woman inside and out. This shows the integrity you have, and the rest of us with the same values…are very proud of you! God bless our beautiful country and let’s stop with the racism already,” said Sandy Posada. Throughout Burke’s 18 seasons on “Dancing with the Stars,” she had been partnered with many male celebrities including 98 Degrees member Drew Lachey, comedian Drew Carey, football player Chad Ochocinco, basketball player Rick Fox and reality star Rob Kardashian. She holds the record for most appearances in the “Dancing With The Stars” finale.

DMV accepts additional docs for undocumented drivers

Sacramento – Starting on June 30, 2015, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin accepting additional documents to verify the identity and residency of Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60) applicants. Those additional documents to be accepted include: – California residency documents that are issued by any government within the U.S., not just the federal government. – Consular cards from Colombia and Ecuador. – Identification cards from Ecuador. – Passports from Tonga, Sri Lanka, and Republic of Korea. The amended regulations, approved by the Office of Administrative Law on June 19, 2015, eliminate the option of presenting birth certificates in conjunction with various other documents, to prove identity without a referral to Secondary Review. This change removes the need for document translation, and simplifies the application process. Applicants will continue using foreign birth certificates to prove identity during the secondary review process. The amended regulations also clarify that California residency documents must match the address listed on the driver license application.

service, Purisima and the other officers’ retirement benefits have been forfeited – a huge blow to Purisima and the others who were career police officers. They will also be disqualified from re-employment in government service. For all the things that he did and all the money he allegedly pocketed to buy his mansion in Nueva Ecija and his expensive and flashy SUV vehicles while chief of the PNP, his dismissal from the service and forfeiture of retirement benefits may not be enough. If you’d ask me, he should serve jail time together with all his co-accused in the P100 million anomalous contract they orchestrated in exchange for financial consideration as well as the alleged sale of 1,000 assault rifles to NPA members. Purisima will probably join his fellow disgraced police officers and brother masons, all of them former PNP chiefs, in jail once the president’s term expires in May next year. Former PNP chiefs Avelino Razon and Jesus Verzosa are both facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman. General Verzosa is facing graft charges regarding the anomalous purchase of police rubber boats worth more than P131 million in 2009. He was also accused of orchestrating the purchase of police helicopters worth hundreds of millions of pesos during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. These helicopters, when inspected, turned out to be second hand aircraft, instead of brand new as ordered. These helicopters remained junk as of this time. General Razon, on the other hand, is facing graft charges over the anomalous repair and maintenance of the PNP’s light armored vehicles worth more than P400 million. The bogus repair and maintenance of these vehicles were reportedly done in 2007. These three police generals are a disgraced to the PNP. No wonder, every ranking police officer is

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willing to sell their souls to the devil provided they get to be the PNP chief. Imagine all the perks they will get – from free gasoline, meals as well as traveling allowance. But the best is getting protection money from gambling lords worth millions of pesos, commissions from dealers doing business in Camp Crame, worth millions of pesos too and huge discounts whenever you buy expensive SUV vehicles. This is true. All you gotta do is ask the three stooges: Purisima, Verzosa and Razon. I hope they all rot in prison. I’m pretty sure all the convicts in the National Bilibid Prison are all eagerly waiting for them. It is definitely going to be a warm welcome for the trio. The same thing awaits Army General Jovito Palparan, known as the “Bergudo” to many activists and farmers. For the numerous “salvaged” killings and kidnappings he reportedly ordered, Palparan doesn’t deserve to be in a military jail facility.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Synthetic blood transfusions could begin within two years Thursday June 25 2015 (Relaxnews) – Synthetic red blood cells are to be transfused into human testing subjects by 2017, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant announced this week. “Scientists across the globe have been investigating for a number of years how to manufacture red blood cells to offer an alternative to donated blood to treat patients,” says Dr. Nick Watkins, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director of Research and Development.Replacing human blood is not the goal of the operation, according to Dr. Watkins, who says the intention is to provide the appropriate blood product for

specific conditions, a sort of customization of blood transfusions. Patients with complex blood types for whom finding a compatible donor often leaves healthcare professionals flummoxed would benefit from synthetic blood, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. Synthetic blood would not benefit those with blood problems the likes of sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, who would continue to receive transfusions of natural blood. It’s part of a five-year research and development plan to advance the practice of blood transfusion, organ transplantation and regenerative medicine, published Thursday.

New Instagram trend sees women go half-and-half with their makeup Thursday June 25 2015 (Relaxnews) – A divisive new beauty trend is taking place on Instagram, featuring women with half of their faces made up. Using the hashtag #ThePowerOfMakeUp, thousands of beauty lovers have been posting photos of themselves with one half of their face looking completely bare and the other modeling a more glamorous and flawless look. Acting as combination “before and after” photos, the powerful images show the capacity of makeup to completely transform your natural features. They are a way for these women to defend themselves against “makeup shaming”, or criticism for wearing too many cosmetics. The trend was inspired by YouTube beauty hit Nikkie Tutorials, who caused an online sensation when she posted her video “The Power of MAKEUP!” (https://youtu. be/a4Ov8qvZ2_w) to her channel back in May. The industry expert explained her decision to post the video saying, “I feel

like lately makeup shaming has become a thing. It’s as if putting makeup on to have fun is a shame. Therefore, I thought it would be cool to show you the power of makeup.” The clip has since gone viral and been seen over 17 million times. It seems women everywhere have been inspired by the sentiment behind the video, taking to Instagram in droves to show the transformative power makeup has in their own lives. From everyday looks comprising a slick of mascara and lipstick to full-on glamour, the photos clearly demonstrate the playful aspect of making yourself up in the morning and shaking up your appearance. Captions accompanying the photos reveal the psychological effect of makeup, ranging from “I’m attractive either way” to “makeup shaming – just stop it!!” The trend comes on the back of a recent bout of celebrity “no make-up” selfies headed by stars including supermodel Tyra Banks, Beyonce and Sofia Vergara.

Clear up acne by passing on Vitamin B12 supplements: study Sunday June 28 2015 (Relaxnews) – It may be important for brain and nervous system functioning, but in the fight against acne, it could be beneficial to pass up on supplements of vitamin B12, according to a new study. Don’t pass up on leafy green vegetables and other natural sources of vitamin B12 -- it’s an essential nutrient – but taking a supplemental dose might not be practical if you want to get rid of acne. “Vitamin B12 is essential to us,” said lead author Li Huiying in an interview with Relaxnews. “I hope people do not misinterpret the results of our study and think vitamin B12 is bad.” You’ve probably heard of friendly gut bacteria that live in your intestines, keeping you healthy and the team of scientists from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) say it works a bit the same way on your face. Yes, friendly facial bacteria can become unsettled by vitamin B12, leading to inflammation and eventually to pimples, according to their paper. Vitamin B12 changes how genes behave in the facial microbiota – the term scientists use to describe the community of bacteria that lives on your face even after washing – leading to activity changes in these critters. After coming up with that as a hypothesis, the scientists tested it by analyzing skin microbiota in healthy volunteers who took supplements of vitamin B12. One of their 10 subjects developed acne within a week of vitamin B12 supplementation. To further test their hypothesis, the scientists cultured acne-causing bacterium P. acnes and supplemented it with vitamin B12. At this moment, they saw increased production of a group of organic compounds called porphyrins, which are well known to promote acne, according to the paper. The idea that supplementing your diet with vitamin B12 brings about acne isn’t new; the scientists say in their paper that it’s been observed for sometime now, but they think their discovery of the molecular mechanism behind it could lead to new treatments. “Some of the genes in the pathways described in our study potentially could be drug targets for new acne treatments,” said Huiying in an interview with Relaxnews. The paper was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

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ENTERTAINMENT Megan Young now into calligraphy Given the demands of their careers, it is not surprising to hear of celebrities engaging in various hobbies to unwind and alleviate stress. Former Miss World Megan Young is no different. In fact, she has been investing time on calligraphy, a form of lettering using different tools such as a dip pen or brush. The “StarStruck” alumna has enrolled herself in calligraphy classes to improve her skills.

“Practice lang din talaga and minsan nanonood din ako ng videos,” said Megan. Apparently, the star of the upcoming “Marimar” remake has always been drawn to the arts, be it painting or lettering, since she was young. That may sound like a serious pursuit, but when it comes to letting loose and having fun, Megan’s got game – board games, in fact. She often bonds with her family playing Monopoly Deal, 30 Seconds, and other old

Jinri Park thrilled with transition from online to free TV with three TV5 shows Jinri Park is on a hot streak. Following the success of her sensational Digital5 online show, “Jinrilationships”, the sexy Korean who grew up in Cebu City will be starring in not just one but two more shows. On Digital5, Jinri is among the cast of “Tanods”, the online sitcom that follows the lives of a fictional motley crew of community watchmen. There, she plays Bheybs, the Korean secretary of head barangay tanod Roger Grace (played by Jun Sabayton) who does not speak Tagalog but has a fairly good understanding of what’s going on. And starting July 11, Jinri will be cohosting “KISPinoy”, a talent search series dedicated to aspiring K-Pop stars. She will work in tandem with actor Richard Gutierrez and is very thrilled with her transition from online to free TV. “All of this is a big blessing to me,” Jinri told InterAksyon during TV5’s recent trade launch for its new shows for the second half of the year. “It feels nice that I get to work with Richard Gutierrez on ‘KISPinoy’. He’s a great host. At first, I was kind of intimidated with him because he is the King of Primetime TV but when I got to meet him, he’s super nice and so friendly.” Tasked to provide the show’s backstage insights, Jinri also got to know many of the K-Pop aspirants during auditions for the show held in Cebu, Davao and TV5 Reliance Media Center in Mandaluyong. “Many of them have very interesting stories like there were the Korean sisters with a physical disadvantage and many others who we can’t wait to present on the show,” she enthused. Asked if there is any particular K-Pop star that she admires, Jinri pointed to the ’90s South Korean boy band g.o.d. which she says has a vibe similar to Westlife and 98 Degrees and brings back fond memories of her teenage years. As for her other shows, Jinri said she’s having the time of her life in “Tanods” even as she is also looking forward to a new

Jinri Park

season of “Jinrilationships”. After completing 12 episodes of the show’s first season, she feels that there are more relationships advice for her to give. “There’s always something to talk about when it comes to relationships. There are many different situations so I’m sure we can come up with something better, funnier and sexier,” she exclaimed. Jinri says that she’s very much involved with the show as she provides her creative input which the writers translate to scripted form. And although she’s in a blissful relationship right now, there’s always something new to learn not just from her own experiences but also from those of others. Jinri Park as Bheybs in ‘Tanods’ In addition to her three shows on the Happy Network, Jinri’s spotlight is not likely to fade for the rest of the year as she is also expected to figure strongly in this year’s list of FHM Philippines’ 100 Sexiest Woman. Last year, she finished at No. 10 in the popular poll. This year, she’s currently hovering between No. 8 to No. 6 as of latest count. As she was out of the country during the poll’s victory party last year, Jinri was asked if she will grace the event with her presence this year. “I’m still not sure about that but if I do make it to Top 10. I’ll go to the victory party as long as there’s no conflict in my schedule,” she replied.

Leo Monsalud, Balita contributing columnist, spends Father’s Day with Medicare clients, Mr. & Mrs. Fernando and Lisa Tamma, discussing their Medicare as well as Social Security benefits options. Also seen on the picture is a daughter-in-law, Ms. Cheche Tamma, who works as a nurse at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA.

school board games. When it comes to other interests, Megan shares she is actually a foodie. She loves sweets like cupcakes, macaroons and even ice cream and milk tea; and she also likes pasta and pizza. It’s a good thing she has no problem maintaining her 25-inch waist line. The 25-year-old was recently chosen by President Noynoy Aquino as ambassador for “I Am For Peace,” a campaign that aims to “mobilize public support for peace through the involvement of various sectors and known personalities.” (MNS)

Megan Young

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FOOD & DINING New mash-ups and recipes your family will love

Festive Holidays WINNER

Peanut Butter Saltine Brittle

FAMILY FEATURES

rom classic recipes passed down through generations to new creations you wouldn’t expect to find on grandma’s table, there’s no shortage of ways to pack peanut butter into deliciously diverse dishes. Celebrate your enduring love for this sticky staple with

these winning entries from Southern Peanut Growers’ annual “PB My Way” recipe contest showcasing PB lovers’ all-time favorite peanut butter dishes. Find more inspiration for cooking with peanut butter at www.peanutbutterlovers.com.

Family Favorite WINNER

Spicy Peanut Butter Glazed Salmon Skewers with Warm Rice Slaw Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, divided 1 1/2 pound salmon fillet, skin removed 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 1/2 cups packaged broccoli slaw mix 2 cups hot cooked rice Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce (such as Sriracha) Juice and grated zest of 1 fresh lime 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts Fresh lime slices, cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts, for garnish Drain pineapple chunks, reserving juice. Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes. Place 1/4 cup pineapple juice into bowl with soy sauce; add salmon, tossing to coat. Let stand about 15 minutes. Gently stir 1/4 cup pineapple juice and broccoli slaw into hot rice, blending well. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then cover and

keep warm. Whisk peanut butter with remaining pineapple juice, chili sauce and lime juice, and zest, blending well. Set aside. Heat oven broiler; place oven rack 6 inches from broiler element. Line broiler pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Thread salmon cubes and pineapple chunks onto 8 metal (or soaked bamboo) skewers, dividing equally. Place on broiler pan. Cook 2 minutes, then brush with peanut butter mixture. Repeat brushing and broiling until salmon is flaky, turning as needed to brown evenly, about 8 minutes total. Divide warm rice mixture evenly among four serving plates; top with skewers. Sprinkle skewers lightly with chopped peanuts and serve while warm. May be garnished with additional lime slices and cilantro leaves, if desired.

Helen Fields, Paradise, Texas 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 sleeve (4 ounces) regular saltine crackers 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter chips 1/2 cup roughly chopped, dryroasted, salted peanuts Heat oven to 400°F. Line 10-by-15-by-1inch pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Put butter, peanut butter and sugar in heavy-duty, 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until butter and sugar are melted; bring ingredients just to a boil. Boil mixture 3 minutes, stirring frequently. While mixture cooks, lay saltines in

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Peanut Butter Noodle Nests with Spicy Orange Shrimp Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce 1/4 cup orange marmalade 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon grated ginger 8 ounces shrimp, peeled, de-veined 1/4 cup onion, diced 1/4 cup red pepper, diced 2 tablespoons peanut oil 2 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup coconut milk, plus extra 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup island teriyaki sauce

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single layer on prepared pan. Pour cooked mixture evenly over saltines. Place in oven and cook 5 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Let cool for 3 minutes, then spread chocolate completely over top of saltines. Sprinkle peanut butter chips evenly over top of chocolate. Return pan to oven for 1 minute to soften chips. Pulling tines of a fork through softened chips, partially cover chocolate. Sprinkle peanuts over top and gently press peanuts down. Let cool on rack for about 15 minutes, then place in freezer for 3 minutes. Remove from freezer and break into pieces. Store in airtight container.

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2 teaspoons crystalized ginger 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (or to taste) 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 (12-ounce) packages ramen noodles, cooked according to package directions 1 cup coleslaw mix Peanuts and scallions, for garnish In medium bowl, combine Sriracha, marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar and grated ginger. Stir to combine and add shrimp. Refrigerate 20 minutes. In large skillet over medium heat, saute onion and pepper in peanut oil until tender. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Reduce heat and add coconut milk, peanut butter, teriyaki sauce, crystalized ginger, hot pepper flakes and brown sugar. Simmer sauce 2 to 3 minutes, adding additional coconut milk as needed. Pour off 1/4 cup of sauce and add ramen noodles to remaining sauce. In large skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side until tender. Move shrimp to outer edge of pan and cook coleslaw mix in center just until it starts to wilt. Add wilted slaw mix to ramen sauce mixture. Divide ramen among four plates and top with 4 or 5 shrimp. Garnish with reserved sauce, peanuts and scallions, if desired.

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SPORTS

LeBron, Aldridge hot topics as free agency looms New York, United States (AFP) Monday 6/29/2015 – Free agency for eligible NBA players begins Wednesday, with Cleveland’s LeBron James and Kevin Love drawing plenty of attention but LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol more likely to make a move. Several media reports citing unnamed sources say that James, the superstar playmaker who powered the Cavaliers into the NBA Finals, has told the team he will opt out of his contract, as Love also reportedly has done. Situations often become murky because while clubs can start making offers to players on Wednesday, no deals can be signed until July 9, so confirmations often come long after deals begin settling out. James is a free agent for the third time in five years after leaving Cleveland for Miami, spending four seasons with the

Heat that brought two NBA titles and then opting last year to return to the Cavaliers. This time, James is expected to rejoin Cleveland after much talk about his devotion to his home region and his vow to turn the Cavaliers into champions and end Cleveland’s 51-year major sports title drought. But opting out gives James leverage in making sure Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and management are as good as their word about spending on free agents to keep the team a title contender, including top-dollar efforts to sign Love, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Australian guard Matthew Dellavedova. And don’t expect this to be the last time James opts out of his contract. He is expected to sign with the Cavs again for $22 million, only a boost of $400,000 over what he would have made had he not

opted out. But next year, when a new television deal boosts the NBA salary cap, James could see his salary jump to $32.4 million by opting out. And the following year, when more of the TV money kicks in, opting out could boost James’ paycheck to $40.7 million. Beyond the Cavaliers, who fell to Golden State in the NBA Finals, come several talented free agents who could boost the fortunes of new clubs. Aldridge is expected to leave Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams that are likely to offer the forward a huge sum while Memphis center Marc Gasol could lure offers after the Spaniard produced a career-high 17.4 points a game last season. Wade could be in mix The Miami Heat could lose guard

Dwyane Wade, who can opt of of his deal and test the market, but British forward Luol Deng picked up his contract option Monday and will remain with Miami for next season. San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to stay with the Spurs. Either Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili could retire but if they return the Spurs again figure to be a factor in the title hunt. Golden State figures to do what it can to keep forward Draymond Green, a key figure in the Warriors’ title run, while Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season, figures to command a strong salary offer. The Bulls can match it or watch him exit after a season where he led the league in minutes played with career-high averages of 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

T-Wolves take Towns, India-born Bhamara makes history New York, United States (AFP) Friday 6/26/2015 – Teen big man Karl-Anthony Towns was chosen by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the first pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, while Satnam Singh Bhamara made history as the first India-born selection. Towns averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots a game last season for a University of Kentucky squad that went unbeaten until losing to Wisconsin in the national college tournament semi-finals. “This is what you live for,” Towns said. “I’m going to go in right away and be as versatile as I can be. I’m coming with a winning attitude. I’m not coming to look for individual success. I’m coming to look for team success.” The Timberwolves, who won last month’s NBA Draft Lottery to claim the top overall pick, have not reached the playoffs since 2004. Bhamara, a 19-year-old center from a small Punjab village, went 52Ä overall to the Dallas Mavericks, the same NBA club that in 2001 made Wang Zhizhi the first Chinese player in an NBA game. Bhamara, a 7-foot-2 (2.18m) big man, became the first player in a decade taken after not playing for a US college or overseas pro team, instead playing for the IMG

Academy squad. India’s Big NBA Hope Likely bound for a developmental team to hone his skills, he follows in the footsteps of Canadian-born Sim Bhullar, who became the NBA’s first player of Indian descent after playing for the Sacramento Kings last April. Bhamara could open the door to the NBA into cricket-loving India much the way Yao Ming did for the league in China. “I think I can open the door for everyone to come here and play so it’s good for India and all the players, it is good for me and my country,” Bhamara told the Washington Post after a workout with the Washington Wizards earlier this year. The Los Angeles Lakers landed Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell with the second pick while center Jahlil Okafor was taken third by the Philadelphia 76ers. “It’s a surreal moment,” Russell said. Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who played for Sevilla last season, was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks, whose host-city fans booed loudly when the choice was announced after already enduring a 17-65 season. Porzingis became only the second player from his homeland to be taken in

the draft and could become only the third Latvian to play in the NBA. “It was my dream to play for the Knicks,” he said. “Hopefully I can be part of something special. These people don’t know me, might think I’m soft, European, a bust. I’m different. It’s my passion that sets me apart.” Since Yao was taken first overall by Houston in 2002, there have been 19 international players taken with lottery-decided picks and none have become all-stars. Orlando selected fifth and the Magic took Croatian swingman Mario Hezonja, who played last season at Barcelona, making him the highest-ever pick from his homeland.Another Kentucky big man, center Willie Cauley-Stein, was taken sixth by Sacramento. He was among a record 13 US college freshmen taken in the first round. Mudiay Lands in Denver Emmanuel Mudiay, a point guard from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who played for China’s Guangdong Southern Tigers last year, went seventh to the Denver Nuggets. Mudiay, who came to the United States in 2001 at age five, averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals for the Tigers last season.

“I’m just going to be myself, show what I’m about, my competitive spirit,” Mudiay said. The only other international player taken in the first round was Serbian Nikola Milutinov, a center for Partizan Belgrade selected 26ã« overall by San Antonio. Minnesota opened the second round by picking Macedonian forward Cedi Osman, who played in Turkey last season, while Philadelphia selected Spanish big man Guillermo Hernangomez, who played for Sevilla, four picks later at 35ã«. Argentina forward Juan Vaulet was taken 39ã« overall by Charlotte while Lithuanian center Arturas Gudaitis was taken 47ã« overall by Philadelphia. Shooting guard Marcus Eriksson was taken 50ã« overall by Atlanta while Spanish forward Daniel Diaz was chosen four picks later by the Utah Jazz. Haitian-born center Cady Lalanne, who grew up in Orlando, was taken 55ã« by San Antonio while Serbian guard Nikola Radicevic went 57ã« to Denver. Greek 20-year-old forward Dimitrios Agravanis of Olympiakos went to Atlanta with the 59ã« pick while Philadelphia selected Serbian forward Luka Mitrovic with the 60ã« and final selection.

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COMMUNITY New York Conference promotes PHL as premier investment destination WASHINGTON, DC, June 27, 2015 – Investments in people, infrastructure and reforms have transformed the Philippines into a prime destination for foreign capital in recent years, according to Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, who was one of the keynote speakers at the Economic Briefing and Investment Conference held on 26 June 2015 at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Entitled “Invest in the Philippines: Asia’s Bright Spot,” the New York Conference underscored the significant improvements the country has made in terms of macroeconomic governance, promoting transparency, enhancing the ease of doing business, and focusing on infrastructure development. These factors, combined with a competent, hardworking and growing workforce, and a central location in an economically dynamic region, have increased the attractiveness of the Philippines in the eyes of foreign investors. “The Philippines is not perfect, nor is it completely efficient, but to investors like you, it is an opportunity. In fact, many companies are already silently making money,” Secretary Purisima stated. BPI Capital Corporation President Dennis Montecillo agreed with the bullish assessment, saying that there has been a noticeable shift in the demand

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. while delivering his remarks during arrival and send off ceremony for passengers of Philippine Airlines maiden flight to NewYork in mid-March this year at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Emil Fernandez)

for foreign private equity. Montecillo, who previously worked for Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, recounted how private equity clients have now developed a keen interest in the Philippines, with some calling the Philippines their core markets, from demonstrating a very low level of interest in 2000-2007. In addition to the Philippines acquiring investment grade in the credit ratings of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, the country’s debt to GDP ratio is at its lowest at 45.4% in 2014, from as high as 97.7% in 1986. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo further substantiated the Philippines trajectory and he forecasts the debt to GDP ratio to

continue its downward trajectory, anticipating a debt to GDP ratio of 0% within the next 10 years. He adds, however, that “there is no magic number with regards to any country’s debt to GDP ratio. The emphasis must be placed on the fiscal space and the government’s ability to spend in terms of investment and infrastructure.” Philippine officials and private businesses have pointed to good governance as the main driver of economic growth. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo and National Competitiveness Council Co-Chair Guillermo Luz highlighted the Philippines’ steady rise in competitiveness rankings and assured the audience that liberalization and economic reforms will continue.

Secretary Domingo enumerated some encouraging developments, including the release of the new Foreign Investment Negative List which features fewer restrictions on foreign investments; the impending amendment of the Cabotage Law that will allow foreign vessels to make calls at multiple ports; and the European Union’s granting of GSP+ status to the Philippines, which gives about 6,000 product lines duty-free access to the European market. He also cited the substantial growth of the IT/BPO sector, which is expected to generate US$ 25 billion in revenues in 2016 from the current amount of US$ 18 billion. Manolito Tayag, Accenture’s Country Managing Director for the Philippines, projected that the IT/BPO sector will go up from 1 million to 1.3 million employees in 2016. He explained that the future growth of the country’s IT/BPO sector is underpinned by its moving up the value chain, including analytics; the opening of new markets in Latin America, Europe, and even within the Philippines; identifying niche industries; locating regional and global centers in Manila; and creating a new wave of BPO cities. Upgrading the country’s infrastructure is also seen as a key to boosting productivity and tourism.

Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco outlined the transport development plan, and explained the key performance indicators relating to reducing transport costs by about 8.5%, and logistics costs to 15%. He noted that the Philippines’ 653-kilometer North-South Rail is currently the largest infrastructure project in the country’s history at over US$ 8 billion. The Philippine Government has actively sought private sector participation in infrastructure development. Undersecretary Cosette V. Canilao, Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, informed the group that three projects worth US$ 4.24 billion are being rolled out, while six projects amounting to US$ 4.6 billion are pending formal approval for roll out. Mr. Jay Collins, Vice Chairman of Corporate and Investment Banking at Citigroup, acknowledged that the Philippines has made strides to free up fiscal space and ensure that it is infrastructure investment friendly. He also emphasized that infrastructure risk needs to be assessed with the overall macro-environment and that focus should be given on how the domestic financial institutions can help bridge gaps and provide expertise in areas such as deal structuring and contract standardization.

ConGen welcomes partnership with LMU and teach for the PHL Los Angeles, 26 June 2015 – PHL Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim welcomed the Loyola Marymount University School of Education (LMU-SOE) headed by Dean Shane Martin and in partnership with Teach for the Philippines led by Chairman and Founder Elizabeth Eder Zobel de Ayala in Los Angeles on 24 June 2015. The partnership between LMU’s Teach for America program and Teach for the Philippines aims to start a unique exchange that will bring peer mentorship and the University’s educational expertise to teaching corps members in the Philippines. Teach for the Philippines is the 25th official partner in the Teach for all global network of nonprofit organizations employing the model pioneered by Teach for America. In the United States, in the Philippines

and around the world, this network transforms corps members into lifelong advocates for educational equity through their teaching, helping countless young learners along the way. The work of Teach for the Philippines helps rebuild a nation by creating better futures for youth. Filipino Corps Members teach anywhere from 40 to 60 students, and collectively impact thousands of young lives. LMU School of Education (LMU-SOE) is named among the nation’s best graduate schools of education by U.S. News and World Report partnering Teach for America for the past 14 years and is the exclusive university partner in the greater Los Angeles area and in Southern California. For more information: http://www. teachforthephilippines.org.

Photo shows from left: LMU-SOE Dean Shane Martin, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and wife, Madame Fides, Teach for Phil. Vice-Chairman, Marissa Delgado. Mrs. Zobel de Ayala and Teach for Phil. Chairman & Founder Zobel de Ayala.

California’s landmark smartphone Theft Bill signed; Kill switch technology can be set up during purchase SACRAMENTO – California’s landmark legislation requiring all new smartphones sold in California to come preequipped with kill switch technology takes effect today. SB 962, authored by Senator Mark Leno and sponsored by San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón, prompts every consumer to enable a kill switch during the initial setup of a new smartphone. The bill became law

on January 1, but officially goes into effect today, ensuring that all smartphones sold in the state come with theft-deterrent technology. “California has led the nation in protecting consumers against the epidemic of smartphone theft, and our efforts are already paying off,” said Senator Leno, D-San Francisco. “Recent reports show that smartphone thefts are already on the decline as more new phones come

equipped with kill switches. The incentive to steal smartphones, which had become a trigger for violent street crime in many of our largest cities, is rapidly dwindling.” A Consumer Reports study from June shows that smartphone thefts declined more than 30% between 2013 and 2014. 2.1 million Americans were victims of smartphone theft last year, compared to

3.1 million American victims in 2013. “For years consumers have been victimized because the wireless industry failed to safeguard its products. Today that changes,” said San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón. “As this technology is implemented ubiquitously, and as older phones are slowly phased out, I expect this epidemic to become a thing of the past.”

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US firms urged to invest in PHL infrastructure WASHINGTON, DC, June 24, 2015 – Philippine Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson urged US construction companies to “locate their businesses in the Philippines, get registered in the Philippines, and take advantage of Filipino engineers” in order for them to be competitive in the ASEAN region. Secretary Singson advanced this business proposition today at the CSIS Conference, “Dynamic Philippine Economy: Growth, Reform and Looking Ahead,” which was the first stop for the Philippine High-Level Trade and Investment Mission that is traveling across the United States from 24 to 29 June. “The Philippines offers a lot of construction opportunities,” the Secretary said, underscoring how infrastructure development is essential to the improvement of other sectors, such as tourism, agriculture, water and transportation. The designation of these “strategic convergence areas” demonstrates the coordinated efforts of different government agencies to attain sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic growth. Secretary Singson also announced the creation of a new license category called Quadruple A or “AAAA” that allows foreign firms to be registered as regular contractors and does away with the old requirement of a per-project basis construction permit. He likewise expressed confidence in the sustainability of the reforms within

the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which used to be tagged as one of the most inefficient and corrupt institutions in the Philippine Government. DPWH’s good governance reforms and anti-corruption programs have saved Filipino taxpayers Php 48 billion in 2014. Ms. Cosette V. Canilao, Executive Director of the Private-Public Partnership Center (PPP), discussed the opportunities and policy guidelines involved in facilitating investment collaboration between private companies and the public sector. The invitation for more foreign investment in infrastructure is a running theme in the Mission’s push in the United States. Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, who co-leads the Philippine delegation with Secretary Singson and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, earlier stated, “Drawing high-quality investments in key areas of opportunity like infrastructure is a win-win for both the Philippines and foreign investors. This is a fundamental component of our strategy as we build better infrastructure to support the growing mobility and connectivity needs of a booming population.” In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. drove home the point that infrastructure investments will be vital. “We aim to attain a level of infrastructure spending of 5% of GDP by 2016. We are also pursuing infrastructure development in the Philippines through public-private

Laborers work at a high-rise construction site in Makati on Wednesday. The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board approved a P15 wage hike, increasing the minimum wage from P466 to P481, for wage earners in the National Capital Region. (MNS photo)

partnerships program [PPP]. In line with this, the Philippines and the US recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on infrastructure collaboration,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “Dynamic Philippine Economy: Growth, Reform, and Looking Ahead” was co-organized by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., the US-Philippines Society and the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS). The Philippine High-Level Trade and Investment Mission will be heading to make its pitch in New York from 25 to 26 June and to San Francisco on 29 June.

The Mission is an important follow-up to the Philippines-United States Memorandum of Cooperation on an Infrastructure Collaboration Platform, which was signed during the 8th Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum (GILF) held in New York in February. The Conferences are being organized in cooperation with the Philippine Consulates General in New York and San Francisco, as well as Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Land Bank of the Philippines, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered, and UBS.

SCE maps out vision for electric grid of the future Changes to involve the way customers interact with a more resilient, reliable and low-carbon power network of tomorrow ROSEMEAD, Calif., July 1, 2015 – Southern California Edison (SCE) today filed its Distribution Resources Plan (DRP) with the California Public Utilities Commission. The filing is the next step in a proceeding the commission initiated last August to move toward full integration of Distributed Energy Resources (such as rooftop solar, storage, electric vehicle charging, energy efficiency and demand response) in operations, investment and distribution system planning. In the past, SCE produced or bought power from large, centralized power sources and delivered it to customers – only requiring a “one-way road.” In the future, the electric distribution system will deliver power from many sources, including from customers. This means power flows back from customers to the distribution system at times, requiring a “two-way road”. This “two-way road” could come with traffic congestion that will increase without an upgraded grid. The Distributed Resources Plan provides a road map to address this issue. SCE’s filing includes five key guiding principles in planning, creating and operating the power network of tomorrow: – Ensure safety, reliability and resilience; – Promote customer choice of new technologies; – Reduce greenhouse gases; – Provide affordable and equitable costs of electric service; and – Use competitive processes for procuring clean-energy resources “As more customers adopt cleanenergy technologies like solar panels and energy storage equipment in their homes and businesses, the grid will become much more complicated to operate,” said SCE President Pedro Pizarro. “The DRP is

our game plan to build a state-of-the-art power network that is essential to assure reliability, power quality, customer choice of new technologies and to further reduce greenhouse gases.” SCE’s filing also includes the company’s proposal to address the following commission requirements: Evaluating the ability of the distribution system to integrate Distributed Energy Resources and development of tools to analyze the value of locations for those resources. Development of demonstration projects. Provision of data access. Assessment of tariff and contract implications. Identification of safety considerations. Description of barriers to deployment of Distributed Energy Resources. Coordination of the DRP with SCE’s general rate case. Phasing of next steps. The company’s plan addresses all these requirements and proposes other sweeping changes to the way it operates, while maintaining a resilient, reliable and low-carbon power network that offers customers a choice in how they consume and produce energy. “We’re moving toward a ‘plug-andplay’ system,” said Pizarro. “The coming power network will make it easier for customers to plug in many types of energy technologies, whether it’s an electric vehicle, solar panels or energy storage devices.” About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

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CAREGIVERS NEEDED We are in need of male or female live-in caregivers. Who can cook, do medication & communicate in English. Pakitawagan po si Sherryl 714-600-5434.

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

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

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EU lifts safety ban on all PHL airlines

The EU list, which has included Philippine airlines since 2010, bars from operating in European airspace any airlines it deems unable to meet international safety standards. All airlines from the Philippines, banned since 2010, have been released from the (air safety) list.

Manila, Philippines (AFP) Thursday 6/25/2015 – Philippine airlines will no longer be banned from flying into Europe, aviation authorities said Thursday, after the European Union removed all remaining Philippine carriers from its safety blacklist. The EU list, which has included Philippine airlines since 2010, bars from operating in European airspace any airlines it deems unable to meet international safety standards, or whose civil aviation authorities cannot provide the necessary safety oversight. “All airlines from the Philippines,

Vogue Dance Club celebrated June Birthdays in a tropical way – Hawaiian Luau! The club, Orange County’s most watched line dancing group on YouTube, will be celebrating their 4th Year Anniversary on August 1, 2015 with a five hour non-stop medley of dancing, music, food, performances and raffle prizes. Among the members and guests were Helen Miller, Myunghee Moon, Jimmy Tan, Nancy Trinidad and Mary Gonzales. The tiki gods requested the presence of SPCP H.S. Batch ‘79 Joy Luat, Nancy Solomon Trinidad and Marissa Colmenar (inset). Vogue Dance Club’s class is held every Friday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at CedarBrook Dance Studio in Garden Grove. The group is headed by Jim & Marilou Betham, and Jimmy & Monica Tan. For more information on their classes and events, visit www.voguedanceclub.com.

banned since 2010, have been released from the (air safety) list and are therefore allowed to operate in the European airspace,” a statement from the EU office in Brussels said. The EU lifted the safety ban on flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) in July 2013, and last year also released Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest airline. The latest decision lifts restrictions on the seven remaining Philippine carriers, said Eric Apolonio, a spokesman for the Philippine civil aviation authority, now allowing budget and smaller airlines to fly to Europe. Among the seven carriers are the Philippine units of AirAsia Berhad, the pioneer of budget flights in Asia, the aviation authority said. The decision comes after a five-man EU safety assessment team gave a positive review of the airlines following a series of inspections in April. “This is truly breaking news since it is the first time that the entire aviation sector of one country is removed from the European Air Safety List,” said Lubomir Frebort, the EU charge d’affaires in the Philippines. While the seven carriers largely service only domestic and Asian routes, Apolonio said the EU decision will still benefit them. Previously, European insurance companies would not cover people who flew on airlines on the EU Air Safety List, he said. “European tourists will be encouraged to use low-cost carriers in the Philippines now,” boosting the number of visitors who will want to fly around the archipelago, he told AFP. PAL now flies to London and is planning to add more European destinations, while Cebu Pacific is applying to fly to Italy.

California moves closer to stricter vaccination rules Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Friday 6/26/2015 – California’s lawmakers moved closer to tightening exemptions for vaccinations, following last month’s outbreak of measles and the ensuing outcry over the issue across the country. The state’s general assembly approved Thursday a bill that would require all children to be immunized before entering kindergarten unless they had a medical condition preventing vaccination. The law must return to the state senate, which had already approved another draft of the bill, before being sent to Governor Jerry Brown for ratification. The measure garnered support from both Republicans and Democrats after a measles outbreak in December in the Disneyland theme park affected some 130 people. In total during the outbreak, 159 cases of were recorded between January and April in 18 states and the country’s capital. The viral disease was supposed to have disappeared years ago in the US thanks to vaccination programs. But when some parents stopped vaccinating their children due to a range of beliefs, measles made a comeback. The disease is highly contagious. It causes fever and rash and can lead to brain damage, loss of hearing or sight and sometimes death. Infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

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Sonata chosen as among the 10 Best Family Cars FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 4, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Parents magazine, one of the most trusted publications for parents, and Edmunds.com, one of the most trusted sources for new car shoppers, have come together to name the 2015 Hyundai Sonata as one of the Best Family Cars. The Sonata earned this award for its safety and family-friendly features like roomy cabin space and intuitive technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Families look to their cars to keep them safe while delivering versatility for daily activities and we are proud that theSonata continues to exceed the expectations of parents on what matters most to them,â&#x20AC;? said Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To keep families safe on the road, the Sonatacomes standard with seven airbags, including a new driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knee airbag designed to provide additional protection in certain collisions.â&#x20AC;? For the eighth year in a row, car experts from Parents magazine and Edmunds. com determined the top 10 family cars by examining hundreds of vehicles and whittling the list to the safest, most reliable, best performing family-friendly models. All the cars share the features that make daily and family journeys easier, such as reliability, impressive mileage and ample cargo capacity. The Sonata will appear in the July 2015 issue of Parents and online at parents.com. The seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture design language, stiffer body structure, enhanced ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and

convenience features. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan. Furthermore, the Sonataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart trunk gives families a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, so putting items like sporting equipment away after a game is easier and more convenient. The owner simply needs to approach the Sonataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items inside when hands are full. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class. In addition to this award, the Sonata recently was named a U.S. News & World Report Best Midsize Car for Families,KBB.com Best Family Car of 2015 and also won the Cars.com, USA TODAY, MotorWeek Midsize Sedan Challenge. Parents was founded in 1926 and, along with American Baby, FamilyFun and Ser Padres, makes up The Meredith Parents Network portfolio of parenthood brands. Parents is the leading voice for a community of more than 15 million moms who are engaged and inspired by the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trusted content. In turn, these moms enlighten and inspire others by joining ongoing conversations about parenthood via Parents.com as well through Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; robust presence on Face-

Filipino Sales & Leasing Consultants Jay Trinidad (left) and Jun Milan of Win Hyundai of Carson. Give them a call at 1-888-718-7473 for great deals in Hyundai vehicles.

book, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. Parents is dedicated to engaging and inspiring moms with the information they need, wherever they go. Parents can be found online at www.parents.com. Edmunds.com is a car-shopping website driven to make car buying easy. Almost 18 million visitors use the online shopping tools every month to connect with over 9,500 dealer franchises across the U.S. Shoppers can browse inventory listings for available cars and trucks, and with Edmunds.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Price PromiseSM, they can get an instant, upfront price on those same vehicles. Recently named by Maritz Research as one of the most trusted online consumer review sites â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the only automotive site listed in the top ten â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Edmunds.

com is also home to comprehensive car reviews, shopping tips, photos, videos and feature stories. Whether you prefer Sonata or other Hyundai vehicle, Hyundai is one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sought-after car brands. And if you would like to check out why Sonata is one of Hyundaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top selling cars, call our kababayans Jun Milan or Jay Trinidad, Filipino Sales & Leasing professionals at Win Hyundai of Carson at 1-888-718-7473. Better yet, drive down to Win Hyundai and feel the luxury of Sonata first-hand. Win Hyundai is conveniently located at 3462 N Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731 in San Gabriel Valley and at 2201 East 223rd St. in Carson, CA 90810.

Super welcome kayo dito! Patrick Lucas

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Don’t just buy a car just because it’s trendy. Know exactly what type of car you want, or at least have a concrete idea of it. It’s important to be an educated consumer especially when it comes to purchasing a car.

Victory Auto Connection: 5 things to do before buying a new car July 2, 2015, West Covina – Walking into a car dealership and admiring the rows of polished new vehicles only to turn around and come face to face with the smile (or mischievous grin, if you’re a pessimist) of a salesman--we’ve all been there. And some of us will soon be there. There’s something about that smile that renders us like nervous, stuttering prey ripe for the sales pitch. That’s why in order to prevent this, it’s important to be an educated consumer especially when it comes to purchasing a car. In retrospect, it sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised by how many often walk into a dealership with no clue as to what goes on. The auto industry is quite complex, with buyers not knowing the differences between a dealer and an auto-broker or the pros and cons between a purchase and a lease. So, here are a few tips to give you a foundation for being a smart consumer. 1. Car-Type. First, don’t buy a car just because it’s trendy. Know exactly what type of car you want, or at least have a concrete idea of it. Ask yourself a few questions: “What kind of car will fit my lifestyle (and my family)? How often will I drive it (to determine if I’m a gas guzzler)? For what purposes will I drive it?” Create a list of cars that suit your needs, and then narrow down this list by assessing your vehicle choices by researching the specs, otherwise known as “specifications”. Perhaps there’s a certain MPG (miles-per-gallon) or horsepower you’re looking for, or maybe you want an ecoand wallet-friendly vehicle. Maybe certain safety features are a must for your child, or a touch-screen navigation system. This information is easily accessible online or in a dealership. 2. Finance. Here’s the part that most people often don’t want to confront and end up putting it off for later thinking that it will magically resolve itself: finance. Take the time to sit down and physically write out your budget per month. Know the difference between purchasing and leasing a car and see which is more costbeneficial to you. Take into account other payments that need to be factored in that come with buying a new car: insurance, gas, maintenance and so forth. Calculating all of these variables seems daunting, but it will save you a bigger headache in the long run in learning how to micromanage your budget. Additionally, physically seeing your budget limitations strengthens your understanding of what you can afford and if you need other financial alternatives to help you pay for a new car (for example, car loans). 3. Credit Score. Hand-in-hand with laying out your monthly budget is figuring

out your credit score. A strong credit, or FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation), score can play a hefty role in financing your car. For example, a low credit score can be used as leverage by dealerships and brokers to increase down-payment. If you’re trying to source a car loan, a low score can also result in higher interest rates compared to someone with a higher credit score. Being conscientious of how your credit score can impact your car-buying experience is important--the sooner you know your credit score and how it will impact you, the sooner you can start strengthening it. 4. Negotiate. Learn how to negotiate or at least how to approach a car dealer or auto-broker confidently. There are numerous resources, such as news articles and blogs that expose the in’s-and-out for a dealership. Additionally, part of learning how to sound confident is knowing what you want and how you’ll finance your car choice. Make sure your voice isn’t drowned out by “once-in-a-lifetime” promotions that are offered to you – don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice your concerns. 5. Research. Do your research. Educate yourself through articles, online blogs of experts, consulting. Even reading this brief article is some form of research. Remember, buying a new car is a costly investment so it’s critical to do your own research in figuring out what kind of car suits you, the specs, how you’ll finance it, and how you’ll work your way around in a dealership or auto-broker. By doing so, you’ll level the playing field or at the very least avoid looking like a mouse caught in a trap. Of course, to some, these tips might seem trivial and commonsensical, but not everyone has the same time or access to means of doing research on their ideal car. This is why Victory Auto Connection is here for you. We’re an auto-broker that sells new cars, but we’re not only interested in selling vehicles – we’re out to educate the community on the car industry. If you’re out in the market to buy a new car, have questions or need free consulting in areas such as how a credit score affects your car-purchasing power, feel free to contact us! In the past, we’ve also referred clients to our credit repair department to better help them understand their credit score. With any issue, any question, we’d be more than happy to help you! If you’re interested in buying a car hassle-free, feel free to contact Victory Auto Connections. Or, you can also visit our office branch at 1557 E. Amar Rd. Ste I West Covina, CA 91792 or our Auto Garage and Repair address at 14340 Arrow Highway, Baldwin Park CA 91706. For more information, visit their website at www.victory888.

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Cars.com names Toyota Camry as most American-made, again Sienna takes number two spot in annual American-made index

ERLANGER, Ky., June 29, 2015 – The results are in, and Cars.com has named two Toyota models as most American-Made. The Toyota Camry and the Toyota Sienna have claimed the top two spots, respectively, in the annual Cars.com AmericanMade Index. This marks Toyota’s return to the American-Made pinnacle for the first time in three years and the fifth time overall that Camry has been ranked number one on the index. According to Cars.com, the “AmericanMade Index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. Factors include the percentage of parts considered “domestic” under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with domestic-parts content ratings below 75 percent are disqualified, as well as models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.” “These results are a testament to Toyota’s continued investment and growth in the United States,” said Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz, who also serves

as President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. “We are strengthening our commitments to American manufacturing so we can better satisfy the needs of our customers for decades to come.” The Toyota Camry, America’s bestselling car for 13 consecutive years, comes out of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. alongside the Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Avalon Hybrid. TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America, which also builds engines and employs more than 7,500. The plant built its 10-millionth vehicle in 2014 and will begin adding the Lexus ES to its lines this fall, the first Lexus to be manufactured in the United States. The addition of Lexus is the hallmark of a $360 million investment in the plant that also adds 750 new jobs. The Sienna is assembled in Princeton, Ind. at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI) by a team of 5,000. The plant also produces the Sequoia and Highlander/Highlander Hybrid. Toyota is investing $100 million in TMMI to boost Highlander production, adding 30,000 units per year and 300 jobs by summer 2016. Much of the design and engineering of both Camry and Sienna took place in the United States at Calty Design Research, Inc. and Toyota Technical Center (TTC), respectively. Calty is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with a production design studio in Ann Arbor, Mich., and TTC is based in York Township, Mich. Camry and Sienna both have American chief engineers. Toyota has 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States. And of course, among the top sellers is Hooman Toyota, down in Long Beach. But what’s good about buying either a Toyota Camry, Sienna, RAV4, Highlander, the workhorse Corolla or any Toyota vehicle now for that matter, you can get a lifetime oil change and tires for life if you purchase them from Hooman Toyota. That’s right folks, aside from free oil change and tires, other VIP treats are offered only at Toyota’s most popular car dealership in Long Beach. For details, call our kababayans Alfie Alberto, Arvin Aberilla and Carlos Reyes at their toll free number 1-800-519-2446 for the VIP for life.Hooman Toyota is located at 4401 East Pacific Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

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Mitsubishi Motors reports sixteenth month of year-over-year sales increases Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) achieved its 16th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases in June, reporting 7,963 units sold – an increase of 32.3 percent from June 2014. Sales for the first half of the year are up 24.9% over a strong performance in 2014. “The first half of last year was pretty incredible for Mitsubishi Motors,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president of MMNA. “And this year our January through June sales are even stronger, up 24.9% for the year. We expect this pace to continue as the new 2016 Outlander starts to roll into dealerships.” The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover reached an all-time monthly high with May sales of 3,384 units, an increase of 20.0 percent from May 2014. The highly fuel-efficient Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door sub-compact also completed a historic month with sales of 3,369 units, an increase of 98.2% over May 2014. The seven-passenger Outlander crossover demonstrated continued consistent sales performance with 1,341 units sold – its best May sales since 2008. “Mirage, Outlander Sport, and Outlander continue to lead the charge for the brand and, frankly, that comes as no surprise,” explains Don Swearingen, executive vice

president of MMNA. He adds, “Each model brings to its segment the Mitsubishi value proposition and clearly that message is resonating with consumers. Later this summer we will be introducing the featured-loaded new 2016 Outlander and it will be priced to further add to our value story.” Earlier, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crossover has been named by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as one of its “10 Most Affordable SUVs.” Known for a long list of features at an affordable price point, the Outlander Sport also received this same recognition in 2014. In its assessment this year, Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com noted that the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport “combines bold, sporty styling with an exceptional warranty that includes 10-year/100,000mile powertrain coverage.” “The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – the brand’s best-selling vehicle – offers distinctive styling like no other vehicle in its class,” says Swearingen. Swearingen also says, “Because of its extensive list of features, safety technologies and an industry-leading warranty, the Outlander Sport has established itself as an extraordinary value for new car shoppers.” The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport,

Best-ever sales month for Outlander Sport (in photo is the 2015 Outlander Sport GT 2.4L); Best-ever sales month for new Mirage. For great deals, call our kababayans (inset) at Cerritos Mitsubishi toll free at 1-888-835-6136

an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “T op Safety Pick,” features seven air bags including driver’s side knee air bag, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control with Traction Control Logic, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Mitsubishi Motors’ patented Reinforced Impact

Safety Evolution (RISE) body/chassis construction technology that helps absorb and/or dissipate energy in the event of a collision to help protect the vehicle’s occupants. For a closer look at the new Outlander, or any other Mitsubishi vehicle, Come and visit our kababayans at 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. Call Eugene C., Michael S., Vincent P. and Faith F., who lead the sales operation for the Filipino market. Call now toll free at 1-888-835-6136 to get the same Number 1 customer service from our very own kababayans.

‘Back to the Future’ hoverboard comes to life Thursday June 25 2015 (Tokyo-AFP) – The future is here already – or at least the one imagined for Marty McFly – with a carmaker unveiling a real, working hoverboard, like that used in the “Back To The Future” film franchise. Toyota’s luxury car brand Lexus says it has created a prototype that glides frictionlessly just above the ground with technology similar to that used in so-called maglev trains. A teaser video posted online appears to show the hoverboard floating, although the sequence ends before a skateboarder actually begins to ride it. While the hoverboard Michael J. Fox’s character rides in “Back To The Future II” floats above anything – except water – the Lexus model requires magnets to be embedded in the ground, limiting its range to special tracks. The project is “the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president at Lexus International. Testing will take place in Barcelona, Spain “over the coming weeks until summer 2015,” the company said. A US team last year unveiled what they said was a working hoverboard, funded through the Kickstarter crowdfunding website. Japan has expertise in magnetic levitation technology, which uses electrically charged magnets to propel vehicles along. Central Japan Railway is aiming to put a superfast maglev train into operation in 2027. The state-of-the-art train clocked a new world speed record in April in a test run sold near Mount Fuji, smashing through the 600 kilometer (373 miles) per hour mark. The maglev hovers 10 centimeters (four inches) above the tracks. According to Bloomberg News, Toyota has previously indicated it is working on maglev for cars.

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Mac Almerol, Filipino Sales & Leasing Consultant of Honda of Hollywood Hollywood, can show you the power, fuel efficiency and space, plus top-class safety features and maximum family connectivity of the new Honda Pilot. You can reach Mac toll free at 1-866-630-0734.

All-New 2016 Honda Pilot: The fully redesigned three-row Honda SUV sets new benchmark Fully redesigned from the ground up, and substantially re-energized in form and function, the all-new third-generation 2016 Honda Pilot stakes its claim as the new benchmark in the three-row mid-sized SUV segment. With more of everything family SUV buyers are looking for – performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety performance and premium features – in every model and trim, the 2016 Pilot goes on sale June 18 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)1 starting at $29,995 for the Pilot LX with 2WD. Among its many no-compromise attributes, the new Pilot’s 280-horsepower2, directed-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC® engine adds 30 horsepower while receiving a segment-topping EPA combined fueleconomy rating of 23 MPG for the 2WD with nine-speed automatic transmission, up 2 MPG from the 2015 Pilot.3 The technology-enhanced efficiencies continue with the available i-VTM4™ AWD system that not only allows you to drive all wheels with traction in a variety of driving conditions but also applies torque vectoring to enhance dynamic driving agility. And family functionality is better than ever, with a more spacious third row and cargo area and One-Touch Walk-in third row access, and a host of ports and plugs to accommodate virtually every imaginable device, from smartphones to iPads, game consoles to digital video cameras, with up to four 2.5amp USB outlets for charging the family’s most power-hungry stuff. “The 2016 Pilot takes full advantage of Honda’s packaging expertise to deliver the outstanding, family-friendly cabin space that has made Pilot such a popular choice of family SUV buyers,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. “This third-generation Pilot reaches higher into the premium end of the three-row SUV market than ever before with a new line-topping Elite model that will give us an even stronger foothold at the upper end of the midsize SUV segment.” The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV, with seating up to eight passengers, joins the best-selling Honda CR-V and all-new HR-V as the flagship of an expanded lineup of innovative, benchmark-setting Honda SUVs. It is the third generation of Honda’s popular three-row SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured in America. The new Pilot was designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Los Angeles and Ohio, and is manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama.4 “Our design team in California and development team in Ohio worked to create a new breed of no-compromise SUV that meets the diverse lifestyle needs of American families,” said Marc Ernst, Pilot Development Leader. “This means the 2016 Pilot has incredible family func-

tionality when the kids are in tow, a stylish and premium experience for a night on the town or an off-road adventure.” Since its arrival in 2003 as the first three-row, mainstream SUV to be developed on a car-like unit-body platform, the Pilot has helped set industry standards for fuel efficiency, spacious and thoughtful interior packaging, safety performance, and dynamic handling performance in the midsize SUV segment. American consumers have responded by purchasing more than 1.4 million Pilots over the past 12 years. Pilot also ties the CR-V in having the highest brand loyalty of any Honda model, with approximately 63 percent of Pilot buyers returning to purchase another Honda vehicle. Reengineered from the ground up, virtually every aspect of the 2016 Pilot has been thoroughly redesigned to better accommodate the needs of all its occupants – the driver and all passengers – delivering more family-friendly utility, more advanced technology, and more premium attributes and amenities than ever before. The 2016 Pilot also ups the ante for premium refinement with major upgrades to interior quality and more standard comfort and convenience features on all trims, along with the addition of a new, line-topping Elite version that offers a series of Honda-first features including 20-inch wheels and tires, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a first-ever panoramic glass roof and many other premium family SUV features. The new Pilot also moves to the top of the class in safety performance with the most comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered on a Honda vehicle. Furthermore, the 2016 Pilot adopts the next generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a new “3-bone” underbody frame design and new hotstamped ultra-high strength steel door rings. Taken together, these engineering features and technologies deliver major gains to the Pilot’s collision avoidance and collision protection capabilities, as it targets the highest available U.S. government (NCAP) and IIHS safety ratings. Approximately 98 percent of Honda brand new car registrations in America in 2014 were to individual retail car buyers. Isn’t it about time you yourself get a Honda? Or, better replace your Honda with a newer model. Come and see our kababayan Mac Almerol at Honda of Hollywood. You can reach Mac toll free at 1-866-630-0734. Better yet, test drive a new Honda today by coming down to Honda of Hollywood located at 6511 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038.

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