Weekend balita june 20, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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VOL. XXIII, NO. 20

JUNE 20 - 26, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

PHL to argue China sea case at Hague next month Manila, Philippines (AFP) Monday 6/15/2015 – The Philippines will argue its case against China’s claim over most of the disputed South China Sea at The Hague next month, the foreign department said Monday. The Netherlands-based UN court is scheduled to conduct a hearing from July 7 on a case lodged by the Philippines in 2013 which China has spurned, foreign department spokesman Charles Jose said. “Right now we are preparing for the oral arguments in The Hague on July 7 to 13. Our team from Manila and from the United States will be flying there,” Jose told reporters in the Philippine capital.

Philippine officials and diplomats, assisted by US lawyers, will represent the country in the proceedings, Jose said. China claims almost all of 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. The Philippines asked the UN tribunal in January 2013 to declare China’s claim invalid and against international law. Manila says some of the areas claimed See CASE AT HAGUE, page 8

P440-M BBL bribery story credible, solid – reporter tells House MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) – The reporter who broke the story on the alleged P440-million bribe for lawmakers to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) stood by her articles when she appeared before the House of Representatives on Tuesday. During the House of Representatives investigation on the alleged bribe from Chinese crime lord Wang Bo on Tuesday, Christine Herrera said her series of stories were verified using credible sources before these were published.

“I stand by what I have written in my articles. They are based on credible sources and solid evidence. I (exerted) efforts to verify and corroborate the story before submitting for publication,” said Herrera, whose articles came out of the Standard. The reporter then quoted from US President Barack Obama about the freedom of the press. “‘A society who represses journalists ultimately represses the people.’ I brought out the basic principle which is that a free See BRIBERY, page 8

117th Phil. Independence Day celebration guest of honor, Senator Chiz Escudero Hilton Los Angeles Universal City with former Philippine Journal Inc – publisher of People’s Journal, People’s Tonight and the defunct Times Journal – employee Jingo Giron. (Photo posted by Jingo Giron on his Facebook page)

Escudero rekindles call for return of Balangiga bells By Abner Galino

SC stops construction of ‘national photobomber’ building near Luneta Manila, Philippines | AFP | Tuesday 6/16/2015 – A high-rise condominium project that has outraged Philippine conservationists for allegedly ruining views of a national monument was stopped by the Supreme Court Tuesday, officials said. The 49-storey Torre de Manila development looms on the skyline behind the tomb and monument of national hero Jose Rizal, less than a kilometer (0.62 miles) away. Still under construction and currently 30 storeys tall, it has been derided on social media as the “national photobomber,” in a nod to the monument’s status as one of the country’s most photographed vistas. “Rizal is one of the foremost historical figures in the country. He must own the landscape,” said Trixie Angeles, head of the government’s National Commission on Culture and the Arts. “If we consider him important, he must dominate the landscape. He is the symbol of the Filipino,” she told AFP. The court injunction takes effect immediately until the case is resolved, court clerk Theodore Te told reporters. The developer and the project opponents were also ordered to present their arguments at a court hearing on June 30. See PHOTOBOMBER, page 8

Senator Francis Escudero has rekindled a dormant call for the return of the three historic church bells of the town of Balangiga, Samar which were taken as war booty by the United States Army during its suppression of Filipino revolutionaries in the early 1900. As guest speaker at the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Universal Hilton in Universal City, California, the senator not only renewed the Philippine claim to the historic church bells but also brought back the tragic memory associated with them by passionately retelling the details of that episode in Philippine history. Escudero said that it is time for the United States government to return the bells as they don’t qualify as war booty and that their return would symbolically magSee ESCUDERO, page 8

Photo of the Rizal Monument with Torre de Manila (already 19 floors high) rising behind it, taken on August 20, 2014. Photo from the Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano

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Is bankruptcy the right thing to do? Ask yourself the following: Are you heavily in debt, with little prospect of relief in the near future? Have you had, or are your creditors threatening, a foreclosure on your home, a repossession of your car or other legal action to take your property? Have you experienced a dramatic drop in income? Are you frequently late pay ing bills? Do you only pay the minimum on your from reality and assist you in identifying all credit cards? of your options. You may even find out that Are you unable to make even the mini- you have more options than you thought! mum payments? So what happens, when your attorney Do you have to sacrifice basic necessi- files a Bankruptcy on your behalf? ties to make ends meet? 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A good night’s sleep Prevent foreclosure of your home may also be one of the benefits of “getting Stop wage garnishments your life back together again”, and that is Block the repossession of your autoworth a lot. mobile. For many people, the decision to pursue The automatic stay can be waived if bankruptcy protection is not easy to make. the creditor is a government agency, or Somehow, you want to save face and “do has a security interest in real or personal the right thing.” You continue to struggle property, such as a mortgage or auto loan. along while your creditors turn up the heat. However, they do have to file a court Pretty soon, with all the late fees, penalties motion to lift the stay, which gives you and mounting interest, it becomes impos- and your attorney time to consider various sible to keep your head above water. You options, including a possible loan modififeel you are drowning, and financially, you cation, or amortizing delinquent payments probably are. through a chapter 13 plan over five years, Your next step is to talk to a qualified or both. bankruptcy attorney to assess your rights Bankruptcy will eliminate all unseand determine if bankruptcy is right for cured debt. This includes credit card debt, you. Bankruptcy is not for everyone, but medical bills, personal loans, judgments you need to be an informed consumer to resulting from car accidents, deficiencies make the right decision. on repossessed vehicles, Payday loans and Don’t you think it’s time to take a good even some older income taxes, provided it hard look at your own financial situation? meets very specific criteria. However, you Taking a close look at the bottom line will still be liable for debts on Child suptakes courage, but it’s a necessity. 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Gov’t to spend P2.4-B this year to support ex-MILF fighters SULTAN KUDARAT, June 16 (Mabuhay) – The government will spend P2.4 billion this year to support former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who decided to return to full civilian lives. Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles made this announcement in a speech during decommissioning rites of MILF fighters and weapons here. Deles pledged full support to former MILF fighters in the form of “socioeconomic packages” to help them and their communities transition from lives lived in warfare to living in peace. “Ang pangako ng gobyerno ay programa sa normalization upang maging matagumpay at makabuluhan ang kanilang pagwaksi sa pakikidigma at pagpasok sa tahimik na buhay,” Deles said. She added that each decommissioned MILF fighter will undergo profiling to determine which form of livelihood suits him best. The official also committed that government agencies will ensure that support for former MILF fighters will be sufficient and continuous. On Tuesday, 145 former members of the MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), registered here for decommissioning, which marked the first step toward their transition to civilian lives.

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Wang Bo denies involvement in BBL payola controversy

Suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo appears at the House of Representatives during a hearing on Tuesday, June 16, to shed light on reports that he bribed Immigration officials in exchange for his freedom. Wang Bo arrived in handcuffs and was surrounded by members of the Legislative Security Bureau. (MNS photo)

MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) – Suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo on Tuesday denied bribing officials of the Bureau of Immigration to sign his release papers, as he dismissed the allegation that he gave $10 million to members of the House of Representatives as bribe. Wang made the categorical denial in response to the questions posed by AVE party-list Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay, who, during the day’s hearing at the House, asked him three times if he was involved in any bribery attempt to gain his freedom. Addressing Wang, Magsaysay asked: “For the third time, do you have any involvement in the bribery attempt of BI officials?” “No, I didn’t. No, I don’t have [any involvement], Your Honor,” Wang Bo replied. Magsaysay followed his question up with another query on whether Wang Bo bribed lawmakers. “No, I didn’t,” Wang Bo said. A report published by The Standard earlier this month said Wang Bo’s camp shelled out P100 million as bribe to BI officials to sign his release papers. It also claimed that the suspected Chinese criminal gave $10 million for Malacañang to bribe lawmakers for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Some funds were also reportedly given as contribution to the Liberal Party’s campaign kitty. The allegation, however, was denied by

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison, as well as by Deputy Immigration Commissioners Abdullah Mangotara and Gilbert Repizo, who favored granting Wang temporary liberty. The Chinese government had asked Bo to be deported last March 5, but Wang’s camp filed for a motion for reconsideration. He was eventually taken off the Philippine government’s blacklist. The Chinese Embassy in Manila then made another request for deportation after Beijing cancelled Bo’s passport and submitted additional documents to the BI to prove he is a fugitive. Mison voted in favor of the Chinese Embassy’s renewed request to deport the Chinese, but he was outvoted by Mangotara and Repizo. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, however, issued an order holding Wang’s release in abeyance pending the completion of the investigation on the alleged bribery attempt. Earlier at the hearing, De Lima dismissed the BBL payola controversy as a “completely preposterous claim.” “I don’t think the alleged payola, which supposedly happened for the purpose of fundraising, that’s completely preposterous. I’m almost sure of that. If there’s any irregularity, it has to involve only specific individuals, not the entire House. The story about the LP’s involvement and the link to BBL is untrue,” she said. (MNS)

Detained Gloria Arroyo to run again for Congress Manila, Philippines (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – She may be detained, facing criminal charges and reportedly suffering from a crippling illness but former president Gloria Arroyo intends to run again for a seat in the Philippine Congress, her lawyer said Tuesday. Arroyo, who has been held in a government hospital since 2011 while facing criminal charges, will run for a third term as congresswoman of her home province of Pampanga in 2016 elections, said lawyer Raul Lambino. Despite being unable to leave detention, Lambino said he is confident the 68-yearold will win the seat, which she currently holds, again. “Expect her to win over anybody,” Lambino told AFP. “She was able to run in 2013 when she was already under arrest and she was able to win overwhelmingly,” he said. Arroyo, who served as president from

2001 to 2010, was arrested while in a private hospital in 2011 for alleged voter fraud during her presidency. She was later detained at a military hospital and slapped with additional charges of misuse of state lottery funds. However, under the law, Arroyo is allowed to run for office as long as she is not convicted of a crime. The trials for graft and election fraud are still going on but the defense has been able to get repeated delays in the proceedings. Lambino declined to speculate on whether any of the trials might be resolved before the 2016 election. When she stepped down in 2010, to be succeeded by her arch-critic Benigno Aquino, Arroyo was elected as representative of her home province of Pampanga. Critics initially said this was a ploy to escape criminal charges and retain political influence even after stepping down from the presidency.

Australian pleads not guilty to child rape in Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – An Australian man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to raping and trafficking two girls in the Philippines, as he faced a separate investigation for murder and other sex offences, court officials said. Wearing a yellow prison shirt, steelrimmed glasses and handcuffs, Gerard Peter Scully, 51, puffed on a cigarette before calmly saying “not guilty” as the charges were read to him at an improvised courtroom in the port of Cagayan de Oro. Philippine police accuse Scully of repeatedly raping the two teenage girls, who were found naked and chained in his apartment bedroom in the southern port last year. He is on trial for five counts of rape and one of human trafficking and faces life in prison if convicted of any of the charges. He will remain in custody. Scully is also under investigation, but

not been charged, over the rape of an 18-month-old baby girl and the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. Police said they found the 12-yearold’s remains in February, buried beneath the kitchen of a separate apartment also rented by Scully in the southern city of Surigao. Scully was arrested in the same month in Malaybalay, another southern Philippine city. Scully, reported in Australian media as a native of Melbourne, fled to the Philippines from Australia in 2011 after he was charged with fraud, according to Philippine investigators. He then set up a cybersex business, filming girls aged 12 to 18 from impoverished families as he had sex with them or used sex toys, the investigators added. The videos were allegedly sold to customers in Germany, the United States and Brazil.

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WCOPA Team Philippines: Preserving the good name of the Filipino artist worldwide Time and again, the Philippines have dominated the world stage as numerous Filipinos rake in top awards in various talent searches across the globe. Currently the reputation is such that if you are Filipino, people from different nations and the international community expect you to have an incredible talent. More often than not, their expectations are correct. Many searches have come and gone but the World Championships of the Performing Arts, known to be the world’s only Talent Olympics have been around for 19 years. A search where no less than 52 countries gather together in the entertainment capital of the world , Hollywood, California USA. Nations bring the best talents from their country to compete in various categories namely: Singing, dancing, acting, modeling, variety act. This is where Filipinos have constantly preserved that good reputation that we have earned worldwide and Team Philippines have remained to be the fiercest contender of every nation by being 1st in the rankings every year. Ever since the Philippines joined in 2005 with Jed Madela raking in all the gold medals and winning the top plum all across different categories, Filipino artists continued to shine year after year after year gaining the respect and adulation of artists from different countries. Celebrity mentors and hitmakers of big named artists in Hollywood, Nashville, New York such as Seth Riggs, Steven Dorff, Shele Sondheim

Ever since the Philippines joined in 2005 with Jed Madela raking in all the gold medals and winning the top plum all across different categories, Filipino artists continued to shine year after year after year gaining the respect and adulation of artists from different countries.

to name just a few, have turned to Team Philippines to find new artists to groom. Team Philippines started joining the modeling category and since then our Filipino models have been getting callbacks from modeling agents Crista Clayman and Darrien Arnolds of LA models (Tyra Banks). Starting in 2013, under the leadership Mr. Gerry Mercado, currently the National Director for the Philippines. Team Philippines have been sending large numbers of talented Filipinos and since then won the Senior and Junior Grand Champion

Performers of the World for two years straight. “At this point, we have succeeded in uplifting the Filipino brand, it is now a matter of preserving that good name we have earned in the global stage.” This year, Team Philippines 2015, dubbed as “the team to beat in WCOPA”, is bringing in 40 acts which includes, not only singers but dancers, models and a candidate for variety act. “We are in our best winning form like always and we are pretty excited to showcase our new Pinoy artists. We did not limit our search to only

Luzon and Davao this year, We now have delegates coming from GenSan and Cebu” says Mercado. WCOPA Philippines makes sure that whatever reputation we have earned, we will keep. More so now with the support of the government through the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines and NCCA and companies such as Folded and Hung, Cravings and Secosana, Kudos to Team Philippines for bring continuously bringing honor to the country. They are scheduled to leave for California on July 8.

Grace Poe overtakes Binay in latest poll; Binay still ‘optimistic’ 42 pct of Pinoys wants Grace Poe for President – SWS MANILA, June 19 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe has overtaken Vice-President Jejomar Binay in the latest Social Weather Stations survey on possible presidential contenders, backing similar results from the latest Pulse Asia survey. The survey conducted last June 5 to 8 and first published on BusinessWorld showed 42% of Filipino voters picking Poe as the best leader to succeed President Aquino. This is 11 percentage points higher than the 31% she got in the March 2015 survey, and 21 percentage points higher than her 21% rating in December 2014. On the other hand, Vice-President Binay dropped to second place with 34% of respondents choosing him as their preferred candidate, two percentage points lower than the 36% he got in March. The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay remains optimistic, however, amid the drop in the latter’s ratings. In a press statement Friday, Joey Salgado, Binay’s head of media affairs, said despite the relentless attacks from his opponents, the Vice President is thankful for the unwavering support of the people as reflected in the Social Weather Stations survey. “The campaign continues to learn from the ground and adjust its efforts accordingly. The Vice President respects the survey results,” he said. He added the Vice President sees the surveys as barometers of the pulse of the public at a point in time. “He (Binay) will continue to listen to the people,” Salgado added. In the SWS survey, Senator Grace Poe overtook Binay as the top choice of 42 percent of the survey respondents to succeed President Benigno Aquino III in 2016. VP Binay is the choice of 34 percent of the respondents while 21 percent prefer Roxas. Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas was third on the list with 21%, up from 15% in 2015. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ranked fourth on the list with 20%, higher than the 15% in March.

Manila Mayor and former president Joseph Estrada ranked fifth on the list with 7%, down from the 11% recorded in March. “The top five presidential contenders were followed by former senator and former Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo M. Lacson who got 7%, Senators Francis Joseph ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero and Miriam Defensor-Santiago who both received 4%, Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr. who received 3%, and Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano who got 2%,” the report said. The June survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide. Respondents were not given a list and had the option to give up to three names of good leaders to succeed Mr. Aquino. The sampling error margins used were 3% for national and 6% for area percentages. The SWS survey mirrored results of the latest Pulse Asia survey, which showed Poe enjoying the lead in the May 2016 presidential race with 30 percent of voters saying they would vote for her. Four other probable candidates, including Vice-President Binay (22%), also have double-digit presidential voter preferences . Coming Into Her Own Dr. Ana Maria Tabunda, research director of Pulse Asia Research, earlier said Poe may not just be tapping the old constituency of her father, as she may have come into her own after her recent public actions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and tackling issues and questions about her experience. “Baka rin meron na siyang dalang sarili niya... To be sure meron siyang good will from those who supported FPJ but that cannot be the sole basis.” She also said Poe’s being a fresh face in a field of old politicians may have also worked in her favor. “Ang isang anggulong tinitingnan ng mga political analyst ay naghahanap [ang mga tao] ng bago-bagong mukha, bagong pulitiko, bagong dugo. Maaari kasi doon sa mga nakakasama niya, mas matagal na yung nasa larangan. Siya talaga ang pinakabago,” she said.

She said Poe and the other politicians in the survey may have also benefited from Binay’s losses. Binay’s numbers have been headed south even while he was still ahead in previous surveys amid the steady stream of negative news from the corruption al-

legations against him. Political analyst Prof. Edmund Tayao said the attacks of the United Nationalist Alliance against Poe over her foundling status actually helped her. He described the attacks as a major political blunder.

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Cebu Pacific orders 16 ATR turboprops The order, also announced at the ongoing Paris Air Show, includes options for 10 additional planes of the same model and will serve Cebu Pacific’s domestic routes, the airline said.

Manila, Philippines (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Budget Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific has ordered 16 ATR 72-600 turboprop planes from the France-based manufacturer in a deal worth $673 million, the two companies said in a joint statement Tuesday. The order, also announced at the ongoing Paris Air Show, includes options for 10 additional planes of the same model and will serve Cebu Pacific’s domestic routes, they said. Deliveries are to start between July and September next year. “This order is an affirmation of our commitment to extend the convenience

of affordable air travel to even more communities,” Cebu Pacific chief executive and president Lance Gokongwei said in the statement. The airline, the largest in the Philippines based on passengers carried, now flies eight ATR 72-500 aircraft, which will be retired as the new short-haul aircraft enter service on its domestic routes. The newer version on order will be equipped for the first time with the Armonia cabin, the widest in the turboprop market, the joint statement said. About 330 ATRs, including more than 100 ATR 72-600s, are now operated by 55 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, it added.

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Canadian teen shot dead after tracking lost cellphone Ottawa, Canada (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Canadian police said Tuesday they are hunting for three men in the fatal shooting of a teenager who used an app to trace his lost phone to the trio. Jeremy Cook, 18, had left his smartphone in a taxi and traced it electronically Sunday morning to a fast-food restaurant in London, Ontario, where he confronted three men in a car outside, local police Constable Ken Steeves told AFP. “He approached the vehicle and it’s safe to say a conversation occurred, but the phone wasn’t turned over to him,” Steeves said. When the three men attempted to leave, Cook grabbed onto the vehicle as it drove away, he said. Local media said Cook was

accompanied by his sister. Police responding to an emergency call found Cook’s body riddled with bullets at the rear of a nearby strip mall, while the car was found abandoned after being driven into a fence. Cook’s discarded smartphone was discovered by a bystander close to the abandoned vehicle, Steeves said. A manhunt is now under way for three men described by police as 18 to 21 years of age. Police said the victim had no connection to his attackers. “It’s not the app that resulted in his death,” Steeves commented. “Having and using an app to find your phone is not a bad thing at all, it’s great.”

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Some building in disputed waters to finish soon: China Beijing, China (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; China said Tuesday it would soon complete some of its land reclamation projects on disputed islands in the South China Sea, but that infrastructure work

there would continue. Chinese island-building in the strategic waters has alarmed its neighbors and fuelled tension between the Chinese and the US military around the Spratly Islands.

Philippines sets US, Japan naval exercises as China row simmers Manila, Philippines (AFP) Thursday 6/18/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Philippines is to hold simultaneous naval drills next week with key allies the United States and Japan, the military said Thursday, as Chinese building continues on the disputed South China Sea reefs. The annual joint manoeuvres with the United States will include a P3-Orion spy plane flight and a helicopter crash and rescue simulation near disputed waters, officials said. The exercises with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, only the second ever, will be staged separately, but in the same week as the US exercise, Philippine navy spokesman Commander Lued Lincuna said. Lincuna could not immediately provide details of the second exercise but Japanese media, quoting unnamed official sources, said it would be staged in the South China Sea. The Japanese media also said Japan would field a P3 surveillance aircraft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The joint training will help capacitate and familiarize our troops with modern equipment. There will be sharing of information, techniques and best practices on the tactical level,â&#x20AC;? Lincuna told AFP. He said the twin joint maneuvers were not directed against China, which has built artificial islands on South China Sea reefs claimed by the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are regularly planned and scheduled exercises. With Japan, the focus is on search and rescue and disaster relief,â&#x20AC;? Philippine foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose told AFP. The US joint manoeuvres, Lincuna said, would be held near the island of Palawan, though off the eastern coast rather than the South China Sea-facing west. The Philippines held landmark naval exercises with its World War II foe Japan

only last month on the South China Sea, less than 300 kilometres (186 miles) from a Philippine-claimed shoal now under Chinese control. The United States is the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; longest-standing military ally, with the two countries bound by a 64-year-old mutual defence treaty and a separate visiting forces agreement. An agreement that would allow the US to rotate more troops in Philippine military bases was signed last year, but will not be implemented until the Supreme Court decides on its legality. Earlier this month, President Benigno Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to start negotiations for the transfer of defence equipment, including anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology. China said on Tuesday that land reclamation in the disputed Spratly islands would finish soon but be followed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;facility constructionâ&#x20AC;?, as it reasserted its claim over almost the entire South China Sea. Philippine military surveillance revealed that a giant runway on one of the reefs was â&#x20AC;&#x153;75-percent completeâ&#x20AC;?, potentially giving Beijing longer military reach, defence department spokesman Peter Galvez had said. China is separately engaged in a longstanding dispute with Japan over an island chain in the East Sea. Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. The Philippines has challenged Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims before a United Nations-backed arbitration tribunal, where it is expected to argue its case at the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first hearing next month. China has refused to participate in the arbitration.

PDEA destroys P205.37 million worth of seized illegal drugs MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Some P205.37 million worth of seized illegal drugs were destroyed Tuesday by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents in a waste management facility in Trece Martires, Cavite. The illegal drugs were seized from different operations in Antipolo, Las PiĂąas, Makati, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Manila, ParaĂąaque, Pasay, Quezon City, Valenzuela, and provinces of Batangas, Nueva Ecija, and Rizal. PDEA said the drugs were destroyed in accordance with court orders. Among the illegal drugs destroyed were: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shabu (44,506.5 grams with a total estimated value of P178,026,000.00 at P4,000/gram); â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cocaine (4,525.9 grams with a total estimated value of P27,161,400 at P6,000/ gram); â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marijuana (3,554.7 grams with total estimated value of P177,735 at P50/gram); â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Diazepam or Valium (2.8 grams with

a total estimated value of P108.5 at P38.75/ gram). Some 67,100 grams of expired medicines from the Bureau of Customs were also destroyed. According to PDEA undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr., thermal decomposition was the process of destruction chosen so that when various compounds were broken down into single units by application of heat, reconstruction of the substances cannot be done. The process to totally destroy the illegal drugs will take 24 hours, that is why PDEA agents will be guarding the facility until the destruction is done. Cacdac said more operations will be launched by the agency in the future targeting high-impact laboratories, plantations, and storage facilities to prevent these drugs from reaching barangay levels. He added that law enforcement personalities involved in sale or use of drugs are also considered high-value or priority targets. (MNS)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As scheduled, China will complete its reclamation projects on some stationed islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands in a short time,â&#x20AC;? a foreign ministry statement said, using the Chinese name for the Spratlys. It did not say when precisely the work would end but described the work as â&#x20AC;&#x153;lawful, reasonable, sensibleâ&#x20AC;?. China, which regards almost all the South China Sea as its own, has intensified its building of artificial islands and facilities including airstrips in the contested waters in recent months. After the completion of the reclamation projects, China would undertake â&#x20AC;&#x153;facility constructionâ&#x20AC;? to meet â&#x20AC;&#x153;relevant functionsâ&#x20AC;?, said the statement, which did not specify

which projects are nearing completion. The South China Sea â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is believed to be home to important oil and gas reserves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is a major shipping route for international trade. The Chinese military last month ordered a US Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane to leave an area above the Spratlys. But the American aircraft ignored the demand and said it was flying in international airspace. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said last month that while other countries had also established outposts, China had reclaimed over 2,000 acres (809 hectares) in the past 18 months â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than all other claimants combined.

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ESCUDERO From page 1

nify the picture of a long friendship and alliance between the two countries in the international arena. The senator also floated the idea of a shrine to be built to house the bells when they are returned. “Ilalagay natin doon yung mga pangalan ng mga sundalong Amerikano at pati na rin yung mga Pilipino na namatay sa mga sagupaan sa Balangiga,” Escudero said. The crowd at the ballroom hall of the hotel was not very enthusiastic about the issue, apparently expecting a current political announcement from the senator who is a popular vice presidential pick in the upcoming 2016 presidential elections. But some keen observers positively viewed the renewed call for the return of the Balangiga bells. Art Garcia, a prominent community

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organizer in Los Angeles, echoed the call for the return of the bells. “Mahigit 100 taon na ang isyung yan. Panahon na ibalik na nila yan (Balangiga bells) sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Garcia said. Another Filipino present at the affair, Nikki Arriola, an officer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), explained that the crowd was not enthusiastic about the issue mainly because of the lack of information. “But the well-informed members of the crowd were warm about the issue. They think it is important,” Arriola said. According to him, the return of the Balangiga bells would somehow placate the sorrow felt by the Filipino people that were embedded in those relics. One of the three bells is with the US 9th Infantry Regiment in Camp Red Cloud in Seoul, South Korea and the two others are with US 11th Infantry Regiment at F.E Warren Air Force base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The tragic episode that led to the taking away of the bells was known in Philippine history as the Balangiga massacre. On September 28, 1901, the people of the town, angered by a prolonged embargo on food and trade imposed by the occupying Americans, revolted and attacked the local garrison. It resulted in the death of 48 American soldiers and was described as US Army’s worst defeat since the Battle of Bighorn in 1876 wherein the legendary army officer George Custer perished. General Jacob Smith ordered his troops to turn the island of Samar into a “howling wilderness” and it is believed that around 50,000 Filipinos were killed in the indiscriminate retaliatory attacks. The administration of President Fidel Ramos asked US President Bill Clinton to help in the recovery of bells. In 2002, Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. authored Resolution 393 which asked the current administration to work for the

return of the bells. Almost simultaneously, the Catholic Bishops Council of the Philippines has declared that the relics were “inappropriate war booty.” The same plea was conveyed to the administration of US President George W. Bush. In the US Congress, Cong. Bob Filner, twice authored resolutions, one in the 109th Congress and 110th Congress urging the US government to transfer ownership of the bells to the Filipino people. Both resolutions died with the adjournment of both congress.

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The latest official attempt to recover the bells was made in October 2007 by Senator Manny Villar through Resolution 177. The 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration attended by Escudero was organized by the Philippine Independence Coordinating Council of Southern California (PICCSC). Darna Umayam, PICCSC secretary general, said the occasion was also graced by Consul General Leo Herrera Lim, Tourism director Emmanuel Ilagan and officials of various non-government Filipino-American organizations in California.

PHOTOBOMBER From page 1

The Knights of Rizal, a group devoted to promoting the ideals of the national hero, lodged a suit in the Supreme Court last year in a bid to stop the project. In a recent Facebook post, the group described the tower as a “rapacious alien monster” that overshadows the monument. A spokesperson for developer DMCI declined to comment saying the company had not been furnished with a copy of the court’s decision. Social media erupted in cheers after the court’s decision. Twitter user @edrocksworld said the halt order was an “early birthday present” for Rizal, whose 154th birth anniversary is on Friday. “It really ruins the view (of the monument) from any angle, unless you drape it with the Philippine flag,” @AkosiAgs said in a tweet.

Rizal campaigned for reforms under Spanish colonial rule and was jailed and later executed in 1896 by firing squad at the park that now holds his tomb and monument. A Philippine revolution for independence against Spain erupted less than two years later, but the Asian islands were eventually ceded to the United States at the end of the Spanish-American War. The US granted the Philippines independence in 1946 after World War II. The Rizal park includes an outdoor stage where presidents of the mainly Catholic nation are sworn into office. Pope Francis also held a mass there during a visit to Manila last January. An economic turnaround and a growing middle class has fuelled a property boom in the Philippines, with developers rushing to build high-rise condominiums.

BRIBERY From page 1

press is a foundation for a democracy. We rely on journalists to explain the actions if the government. If the government controls the journalist then it’s very difficult for citizens to hold government accountable,” Herrera said. Also invited to the probe were Standard reporters Maricel Cruz and Rey Requejo. The House probe stemmed from The Standard report, which alleged that P440 million were allocated to pay off the 292 lawmakers in the lower chamber – or P1.5 million promised to each lawmaker – for their vote for the BBL. The report said the funds came from Wang Bo who allegedly paid the Bureau

of Immigration (BI) P100 million to secure his release after the BI initially ordered his deportation, and another P400 million for the lawmakers. Wang Bo allegedly embezzled $100 million and is suspected of opening casinos for transnational gambling. The report alleged that bags of cash were unloaded at the rear entrance of the House of Representatives and these were taken to the office of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. The report said the CCTV footage of the incident that supposedly happened from Monday to Wednesday last week has been overwritten. (MNS)

CASE AT HAGUE From page 1

by its powerful Asian neighbour encroach on the former’s exclusive economic zone as defined by a 1982 UN convention on the law of the sea, which both countries have ratified. Recently the Philippines has accused China of taking more aggressive measures to press its claim. These include reclaiming land to turn previously submerged islets into artificial islands capable of hosting military instal-

lations. This has alarmed foreign governments including the United States and Japan, raising fears it could eventually impede freedom of navigation and commerce. The Philippines says next month’s hearings will be crucial to the five-member tribunal’s decision on whether Manila’s complaint has legal merit as well as whether the court has jurisdiction over the case.

Bomb kills soldier, wounds eight others in Mindanao Zamboanga, Philippines (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Suspected Muslim extremists in the southern Philippines set off a roadside bomb that killed a soldier and wounded eight others on Tuesday, a military spokesman said. The troops were on patrol on a military truck in the island of Basilan when the bomb went off, said Ensign Chester Ramos, spokesman of a special anti-terror task force. The bomb went off after the truck had passed. “But the shrapnel of the bomb... (hit) our troops aboard the vehicle,” said Ramos. The bomb is believed to have been planted by members of the Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim extremist group founded in the

1990s with seed money from the Al-Qaeda movement of Osama bin Laden, he said. The Abu Sayyaf is active in Basilan and the other remote, southernmost islands of the Philippines and has been blamed for the worst militant attacks in Philippine history including the 2004 firebombing of a ferry on Manila Bay that claimed more than 100 lives. It has engaged in mass kidnappings and extortion to raise funds and has proved resilient despite the Philippine military receiving US training to hunt them down. A key leader of the group posted video footage of himself and other gunmen last year pledging allegiance to Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq.

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SCAG’s Culver City Open House shows a glimpse of the future The words “Open House” took a new significance in Culver City when SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments)hosted a public information event so the people may know what’s in store for them in the coming years in areas that will mostly affect their lives. SCAG’s Open House made its first at Culver City Hall to share the Regional Transporta tion Plan (FTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategies with the general Southern California covered by the 50-year old organization. public. SCAG was founded in 1965 as a Joint The event drew the attention of the locales “to familiarize themselves with Powers Authority mandated by a California the current regional planning issues in State Law which under the Federal was designated as a Metropolitan Planning transportation and land use”. The information event also provided Organization. The Agency is charged with developthe opportunity for electronic feedback mechanism and made available a way for ing long-range transportation plans which people to make their desires know via a includes “a sustainable community strategy and growth forecast components, regional short survey. The Los Angeles County has been ob- transportation improvement programs, served in recent years to have improved in regional housing needs allocation and a portion of South Coast Air Quality Manrecent years in the areas mentioned. Gathering feedbacks from the public agement Plans”. The SCAG region covers the counties had been valuable tools for SCAG in its planning process that affect the lives of of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Rivover 18 million residents of six county’s in erside, San Bernardino and Ventura. The

A wake-up call, VP Binay says of latest Pulse Asia survey result MANILA, June 18 (Mabuhay) – A wake-up call. This was how Vice President Jejomar Binay described the recent Pulse Asia survey result showing him being dislodged from the number one spot by Sen. Grace Poe among prospective presidential contenders for next year’s elections. “That is a wake-up call and it gives me an opportunity doon sa nagbigay ng tulong at sumusuporta sa akin na magpasalamat. Maraming salamat po sa inyong continued support,” Binay told reporters after visiting public markets in Cainta and Taytay in Rizal province. In a statement, Binay said despite his slide to second spot, he will remain “determined” to aspire for the betterment of the country. “Pabagu-bago man ang resulta ng survey, hindi magbabago ang aking determinasyon na lumaban para mabigyan ng ginhawa ang ating mga kababayan,” he said as he thanked those who continue to support him.

SCAG Culver City Open House: The media and the general public had a glimpse of the development plan drawn-up by Southern California Association of Governments that will bear on their lives extending to 2040 at an Open House. The event provides a mechanism for public feedback on the plan.

association’s 86-member board makes up the Regional Council whose membership is drawn from local elected officials. Its work affects 191 cities in the covered areas. The communication component of the whole scheme informs the public of SCAG’s role in developing the blue print of development to improve the quality of life of Southern Californians. Close to a dozen Open Houses have been scheduled in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange County while SCAG-covered Riverside, San Bernardo and Ventura have

had their corresponding events that “provided the context of the 2016 RTP/SCS and made available a mechanism for input of the affected population “. Inputs from the public seriously considered and reviewed according to Dr. Simon Choi, SCAG Chief of Research and Forecasting who joined the organization 30 years ago. SCAG’s plans extend as far as 2040 and predicts that the population of L.A. County will increase by at least 1.6 million people by that time.

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Car repo causes freak accident Spouses need to be joint debtors from start of case Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2018;Ä&#x17D;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x2122; Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x201D;. 1 Client is 63. His older car is fully paid. The problem is that client has been living like thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no tomorrow. Sometimes, when men get to this age, the thought of mortality becomes a primary concern. They see their contemporaries kicking the bucket one by one, slowly but surely. One friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kidneys donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work next morning. In this case, clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts anymore so he goes on dialysis. The other literally got the better of him, and literally friend has a stroke that disables him, and he almost got him killed. You can avoid this goes on disability. Yet another friend starts situation by getting rid of all your debts to get Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. So the slow deteriora- now with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. These tion of the human body becomes a reality will give you a much-needed fresh start in that a person in his sixties is faced with. life without debt! You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really feel old. In fact, you feel Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2018;Ä&#x17D;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x2122; Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x201D;. 2 the same as you did in your thirties and forHusband owes $40K of credit card debt ties. There is no difference. But you know and is currently facing a wage garnishment youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going over the hill sooner or later. arising from a collection lawsuit. Husband Some seniors take life with a grain of salt wants to get a fresh start with a Chapter 7 and have a healthy attitude. These are the bankruptcy to wipe out the wage garnishones, like myself, who age gracefully and ment and his $40K of credit cards. Wife we think we become wiser from experi- owes $20K but is unsure if she should join ence. But some people are just like client husband in filing for Chapter 7. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say and they get a wild streak going. They want that husband cannot wait any longer and to live like theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re twenty again and single. decides to file his Chapter 7 right away They forget they have families who care without including wife since she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for them and throw caution to the wind. I decide. Two months after husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case guess they think that if they can live like is filed, wife is served with a collection they were twenty, they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sixty. You lawsuit for $7K. She then decides to join know what I mean here. They become her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapter 7 case. Can this irresponsible and believe that if they hook be done by amending husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition up with young girls, they are able to cheat to include wife? Filing a joint husband the aging process. Get reborn, as it were. and wife case with one spouse filing first Like discovering the fountain of youth. then subsequently amending the petition They want to sow their wild oats again. to include the other spouse later on can To finance his newfound young life- be messy. Section 302(a) seems to require style, client racks up his charges on his that both spouses sign a single petition at credit cards. To impress the young ladies, the beginning of the case. In addition, it he carries a big wad of cash around. Since would create havoc on the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adminhe actually doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a big wad of cash istration of the case because of the deadline in his savings account, and his credit cards requirements. So even if it can be legally have maxed out. He is left with only two argued that debtor has the right to amend choices. Get payday loans, which is limited his petition to include his wife because by his gross monthly income, or to get a the law allows amendments as a matter of title loan against his fully, paid car. He is right, you will face very strong headwinds able to get two title loans with one car for in implementing a subsequent inclusion of a total of $5K. He probably gambled this your spouse post-filing. In all likelihood, money away or blew through it quickly judges in the Central District of California with his new girlfriends half his age. The will not allow it. catch with car title loans is high interest. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safer for the late filing spouse to file Eventually, client defaults on the loans. her own case so both cases will succeed. And what happens with default on a car But with two cases, you will pay attorney title loan? The repo man comes knocking and filing fees twice. So spouses should on your door, your garage door. decide early on whether they will file a Late at night, client hears some activity joint case or not. on his driveway. Half awake, he goes out â&#x20AC;&#x153;YOU GUIDE ME WITH YOUR to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on. When he sees that COUNSEL, AND AFTERWARD YOU a tow truck is about to tow his car from WILL RECEIVE ME IN GLORY.â&#x20AC;? his driveway, he hurriedly goes to the pas- PSALM 73:24. senger side of the tow truck to try to talk Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate to the driver. No one knows what happens of Georgetown University Law Center and next, but client is laying flat on driveway has been in law practice for thirty years. unconscious. He must have slipped on the He specializes in bankruptcy, business pavement as he came rushing towards the and civil litigation and has handled more truck. He hit his head on the pavement and than five thousand successful bankruptcy is hospitalized for a month in ICU where cases in California. He speaks Tagalog he goes in and out of consciousness. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and looks forward to discussing your case probably correct to say that but for his with you personally. Please call Angie, debt, he would still be perfectly healthy Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for today, would it not? If he did not owe an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, the car title loan, there would be no repo MAILSTOP 58, Building A-1 SUITE 1125, man, and he would have slept soundly Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey that night and awoke perfectly healthy the Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce In a divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to disclose assets and properties situated in California. Even worst, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that property is not community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property property, separate and community, inacquired before marriage is the acquiring cluding those outside the state. During spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s separate property, as is property the marriage, the partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fiduciary duobtained during marriage that can be ties require full and accurate disclosure traced to a premarital acquisition. Fam- of true and full information affecting ily.Code. Â§ 770(a). Rents, issues and community property transactions. Famiprofitsâ&#x20AC;? of separate property are separate lyCode. Â§Â§ 721(b), 1100(e). In addition, property. All property acquired during disclosure duties arise upon separamarriage and before separation, other tion in anticipation of dissolution, nullity than by gift or inheritance, is presump- or legal separation. The post-separation tively community property. Family Code disclosure duties extend to all assets Â§Â§ 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds and liabilities in which either party has (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; or may have an interest or obligation, Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, regardless of community or separate 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828. property characterization, and to current Pursuant to Family.Code. Â§ 760, earnings, accumulations and expenses. community personal or real property is These duties â&#x20AC;&#x153;arise without reference consistently defined no matter where to any wrongdoing.â&#x20AC;? Family.Code. Â§Â§ situated. Family Code Â§760 defines 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community propertyâ&#x20AC;? as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Except as of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, otherwise provided by statute, all prop- 1475â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage erty, real or personal, wherever situated, of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th acquired by a married person during the 1334, 1342â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1344, 113 CR2d 849, marriage while domiciled in this state 854â&#x20AC;&#x201C;855. is community property.â&#x20AC;? As such, outParties to a divorce case has a duty to of-state community property is commu- provide full and accurate disclosure of all nity property for all purposes, including assets and debts including those in other intraspousal management and control states and other countries. Failure to fiduciary obligations. It does not matter disclose could result to certain legal conif the property is located in another state sequences to the non-disclosing parties or another country. including sanctions and attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees. For the same reason, the parties to a If you are contemplating a divorce and divorce case is required to disclose all you own assets and properties outside

the state or country, its best to retain the representation of an experience family law attorney. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a

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Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com. Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com.

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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. a deferred-payment subordinate loan in California Homebuyer’s Downpayment the amount of (3%) of the purchase price Assistance Program (CHDAP) or appraised value, whichever is less to This program allows borrowers to be used for down payment and/or closing only come in with .05% down payment to costs. Here are some requirements : buy their home, down payment as low as Borrowers must be first time homebuy$1,500 to buy a house. The program offers ers or has not had an ownership interest

in any principal residence the previous three years. Sales price cannot exceed CAlHFA’s Sale price limit established for the county in which the property is located. For Example: For Resale properties in Alameda County limits are $673,616, for Los Angeles limits $ 673,616. for Riverside limits 355.000 for Merced limits $436,154.00 Call for further info or go to www.CalHfa. ca.gov/hom to see all county limits. There are household income limits that you will need to meet. Here are some examples : for a limit of 5 persons living in a household, for Contra Costa income limits cannot exceed $116,100.00 For Los Angeles county its $80,450.00, For Orange County limits its 108,250. For San Francisco limits its $127,900. Credit Fico limits will be at 640 medium. No Non owner occupants allowed. Flip properties are allowed. Since the market is changing its course and there seem to be more For Sale listings, sellers might have to start to entertain offers from 1st Time home buyers E x t r a C r e d i t Te a c h e r H o m e Purchase Program (ECTP) Program intended for eligible teachers, administrators, classified employees and staff members working in high priority schools in California. Offers a deferredpayment junior loan of an amount not to exceed the greater of $7,500 or 3% of the sales price or in CalHFA-defined high cost areas an amount not to exceed the greater of $15,000 or 3% of the sales price. Assistance can be used for down payment.

HUD - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program may enable qualified first-time homebuyers to receive monthly assistance for homeownership expenses in lieu of monthly rent aid. Pursuant to Congressional authority, HUD has authorized states and Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) to provide this assistance using funds available 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.

As economy picks up, US Fed expected to hold off on rate hike By Paul Handley

Washington, United States (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to hold off on raising interest rates as it opens a two-day policy meeting on Tuesday, despite the economy’s rebound from a winter stall. But the Federal Open Market Committee, led by Fed Chair Janet Yellen, is clearly nearly ready for the first increase in the benchmark federal funds rate in nine years. Evidence shows the US economy is rebounding from a surprise contraction in the first quarter, with consumers spending more, a rebound in job creation and wages beginning to rise. That leaves less and less justification for holding the rate at the zero percent level, where it has been since the 2008 crisis. But there are enough question marks— weak industrial output, the negative impact of an already strong dollar, and low inflation—that the Fed will stay patient to see what happens over the summer. Many analysts are now focused on September for a rate increase. This week’s meeting comes at about the very time that, a year ago, the FOMC was expected to announce a rise in its benchmark federal funds rate, the start of a series of increases. Anticipation of the move has sent tremors through financial markets and the global economy, stoking volatile swings in currencies and interest rates that have sparked some capital outflows from emerging economies. Pressure to wait The Fed itself appears anxious to get over the first hurdle toward “normalization” of monetary policy, after years of easy money that some say is fueling new mini-bubbles in some asset markets. But there is also pressure to hold back until there are clear signs the US economy

and the world economy will not be set back by an increase. In recent weeks both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have urged the Fed to wait until early next year for “lift-off”. “While the Fed is not expected to begin raising rates tomorrow, it is possible, and we expect a few FOMC members will make the case, especially after two solid employment increases and evidence of accelerating wage growth,” said Chris Low of FTN Financial. “In the end, however, the Fed is likely to continue to make the case for a hike later this year.” The FOMC has repeatedly said the causes of the winter stall in the economy were mostly “transitory.” Since April, the data which the FOMC studies to decide whether the economy can handle higher rates – inflation, employment and wages – have all shown signs of improvement. For Yellen, the key is to see firm signs of tightening in the jobs market, even if inflation stays low, and the May job creation report, released on June 5, showed the best signs yet of that. A huge 280,000 jobs were created, and the market absorbed a surge of returnees. Wages turned up at the same time, another sign of tightening. But the other data has been mixed. Consumer spending has risen, but mainly on cars; otherwise, US shoppers seem very cautious. Prices are weaker than the Fed – which wants to see inflation around two percent—favors. Still, most economists see that the picture of strength is becoming clearer by the day, and the issue is how soon the FOMC will move, and how they will signal that in their policy statement on Wednesday.

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Thankful for the presence of Father-figures around Growing-up without a father to love and protect us is devastating for some, but not when one is surrounded with father-figures around. Among the father-figures whom this author have learned to respect and admired was a respectable uncle who was the Dean of Physics at our hometown’s trade school. His name was Ricardo Oquendo - Rimando and he hailed from Agoo, La Union. He was a distinguished and well respected educator, but at home, he was just a simple man - the loving husband of my aunt, my mother’s sister who pro- was the most loving and humble man in tected and helped raised us, his nephews our household. He relentlessly built one of and nieces, like his own children. Though the largest water stations in town and I’ll he was not from our hometown, he was never forget an evening when I found him well-loved by everyone not only for his in their room, ironing his wife, Tia Medquiet demeanor but for his eloquence once ing’s newly-washed clothes and when he’s anyone is left in the room with him. done, he went on to sew and hem some of Tio Rim, as we all called him, was also her clothes. That sight left such an indela religious man who went to Church every ible mark in my memory, leaving me with day, along with my aunt, Tia Meding. We nothing but pure respect and admiration all looked up to him like our father, as he for such a great man, who loved his wife once led the group of Knights of Columbus unconditionally. Uncle Bening, was another uncle, the religious organization. However, in spite of his distinguished hometown image, he first cousin of my mother, a seasoned pilot

More data hacks could emerge from probe: US officials By Rob Lever

Washington, United States (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Following disclosures of devastating breaches of US government computer networks, officials told lawmakers Tuesday even more intrusions may be discovered with investigations and deployment of new security tools. At a congressional hearing where lawmakers voiced outrage over the hacking incidents, the head of the Office of Personnel Management warned that more bad news may be coming. OPM chief Katherine Archuleta did not mention China – which has been widely blamed for the incidents – but told the hearing that “these adversaries are sophisticated, well funded and focused. These attacks will not stop. If anything, they will increase.” Archuleta said that without recently implemented security measures “we would have never known that malicious activity had previously existed on the network, and would not have been able to share that information.” Andy Ozment, an assistant security at the Department of Homeland Security, also warned of more incidents. “As our detection methods continue to improve, more events will come to light,” he said. The agency indicated in early June that some four million current or former government employees were hit. Later reports said the breach may have affected all federal employees as well as contractors and retirees, and could include sensitive data from background investigations. Archuleta said that “there is a high degree of confidence that systems related to background investigations ... may have been exfiltrated.” ‘It’s unacceptable’ As the hearing opened, lawmakers berated the government for failing to heed repeated warnings about weaknesses in computer networks over the past few years. “This has been going on for years and it’s unacceptable,” House government oversight committee chairman Jason Chaffetz said. Chaffetz said vulnerabilities were highlighted in several internal reports and that

failure to act was “akin to leaving all the doors and windows of your house open.” Chaffetz said inspector general reports dating back to 2007 identified these problems. “For any agency to consciously disregard its data security for so long is grossly negligent,” he said. Representative William Hurd said the incident is “another reminder of the undeniable fact that America is under constant attack... our enemies are attempting to rob our people on a daily basis.” OPM has said it has identified at least two separate intrusions and was working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies on investigating the incidents. Pressed abut the number of people affected, Archuleta said the first incident was “approximately 4.2 million” but that she could not confirm reports that as many as 14 million employee records were hit. “We are working with the (relevant government) agencies to determine how many of their employees were affected,” she said. “We do not have that number at this time but we will get back to you.” In a heated exchange with Chaffetz, Archuleta declined to discuss details about sensitive data stolen, saying she would disclose that in a classified hearing. Chaffetz berated the official for failing for heed inspector general’s reports. “They recommended it was so bad you should shut it down and you didn’t and I want to know why,” he said. Donna Seymour, the chief information officer at OPM, said a more secure system with “new architecture” and encryption is being implemented but that it takes time to deal with decades of data. “Some of our legacy systems are not capable of accepting that encryption,” Seymour said. Several security analysts have said the hack likely part of an effort by Chinese intelligence for long-term profiling – and possibly more nefarious things. Considerable evidence points to China, suggesting long and patient efforts in Beijing to collect and compile data which may be useful in the future, according to security analysts.

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who used to fly down from Manila to come and visit us. He was more popularly known as Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen, the former President Magsaysay’s personal pilot who perished with the President’s plane crash in 1957. He too, was a family man. Though he and Auntie Betty had eight sons and weren’t blessed with a daughter, I became the daughter they never had. He would shower me with expensive toys and he was the first person who brought me to the airfield, when I was around seven years old and it was at the airfield where he taught me how to drive his Army Willy’s Jeep which had a standard stick shift gear. And to this day, whenever I have the opportunity to drive a car with a stick shift gear, I always remember him as he was not just a mentor, but a dear and loving man. A first cousin, by the name of Justito “Amang” Parong was my protector growing up. He was a couple of years older than me but he was “always there” for me. He used to protect me from all the burly bullies in town and he was a real buddy. He was by my side when we almost drowned on a capsized bamboo rafter during a swimming trip with the Legion of Mary religious group and we were both lucky, we had our Tia Meding with us, who scooped both of us from drowning. My buddy, Amang and I would sneak out of the ancestral house whenever our

PAF 3rd Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Benito N Ebuen

mothers (his nanay was my mom’s sister) host large parties and we would then drink beer on the way to their house, so no one would see us savor and taste the grand beverage. On moonlit evenings, we would ride our bikes and go to the forest to look for fireflies or play by the hay behind our rice mill. Those were memories of simple life in our hometown. Such irreplaceable memories of learning, love and thankful for the presence of the three father-figures I had around. To all of you who are lucky to have your Dads by your side, show them your love and hug them tight for they are your treasures in life. Wishing you all a HAPPY and blessed FATHER’ S DAY!

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OPINION

Aquino: Decommissioning proves peace pact not a gamble

MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) – Laying down their arms even before the Bangsamoro Basic Law is approved and enacted proves that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is sincere in its dealings with the Philippine government. That was the gist of President Benigno Aquino III’s speech on Tuesday as 145 MILF members voluntarily underwent the decommissioning process. “Hindi ko masasabing sumusugal tayo sa pakikipag-usap sa MILF. Tsambahan po ang sugal at wala kang hawak na pruweba sa kapalaran mo,” Aquino said. “Ito pong ginagawa natin ngayon ay napakatibay na patunay na buo at busilak na pakikiisa ng MILF sa ating usaping pangkapayapaan at sa kanilang kahandaang talikuran ang landas ng hidwaan.” (I cannot say that we took a gamble with our talks with the MILF. Gambling is a game of chance and you do not have proof of your fortune. But what we are doing now is solid proof of the MILF’s sincerity to the peace talks and their willingness to turn back from the path of conflict.) Aquino said that while the MILF fighters are well aware that there are still threats from private armed groups, they were willing to turn over their weapons. “Sa ginawa nilang ito, tila sinasabi nila sa atin, ‘Kapatid itong pantanggol namin sa sarili namin hindi na namin kailangan. Buong pagtitiwala na ipapaubaya sa inyo ang aming kaligtasan,’” he said. (With what they did, they seem to say to us, ‘Brother, the firearms that we use for our defense, we no longer need. We trust you with our safety.’) The first phase of the MILF’s decommissioning process started on Tuesday morning with the turn over of 55 high-powered rifles and 20 weapons requiring more than one operator. In return, the 145 MILF members received P25,000 in cash assistance, as well as government health cards. Aquino pointed out that the first phase of the decommissioning did not involve a few or just a dozen firearms. “Ito po ay ilan sa pinakamatataas na uri ng armas. Moderno po ang mga ito at hindi pinaglumaan; ang mga armas na ito, kayang magdulot – at talagang nakapagdulot na nga – ng matinding pagdurusa,” he said. “Ang mga kapatid nating Moro ay nangako, at heto ang pruweba ng kanilang katapatan sa ating harapan. Kusangloob pong inilatag ng ating mga kapatid ang kanilang armas,” Aquino explained. (Some of these are high-powered firearms. These are modern and are not old. These weapons have resulted in intense suffering. Our Moro brothers promised and these are the proof of their loyalty. They voluntarily lay down their arms.) (MNS)

MILF means business by handing over weapons, fighters – Iqbal

SULTAN KUDARAT, June 16 (Mabuhay) – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s handing over of its weapons and fighters to an independent panel shows the group’s sincerity to the peace process, chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said Tuesday. “This is a symbolism that sends a strong signal that the MILF means business,” Iqbal told reporters before the turnover rites at the old capitol here. He added that the MILF is looking at decommissioning “tens of thousands” of former fighters, and turning over “thousands” more weapons as the peace process progresses. “This is a good start. You cannot reach one thousand unless you start with one,” Iqbal said. Asked how the start of the decommissioning process will affect the chances of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) being passed, the MILF official replied, “This has nothing to do with the BBL in Congress. We look at this symbolic decommissioning as an

obligation. We are just complying.” Iqbal nevertheless maintained that passing the BBL is still “the best thing to do.” President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to lead this morning the ceremonial turnover of 75 high-powered MILF weapons to the government. Some 145 members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces are also set to be decommissioned, as part of normalization process set forth by the peace deal between the secessionist group and the Philippine government. The decommissioning process will start days after Congress failed to pass before adjourning sessions the BBL, which embodies the peace deal between the government and the MILF. The BBL faced skepticism after an encounter erupted last January in the municipality of Mamasapano in this province involving police commandos, MILF fighters and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Over 60 people were killed in the firefight. (MNS)

Aquino’s improved rating to benefit his chosen one: spokesman MANILA, June 19 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III’s improved satisfaction rating will benefit the presidential candidate he will endorse next month, his spokesman said Friday. In a text message, presidential spokesman Sec. Edwin Lacierda said the 10-percentage-point rise in Aquino’s rating shows that the President still has political capital to endorse his preferred successor. “Many pundits have predicted that with the previous survey numbers, he is a lameduck. This quarter’s survey numbers prove otherwise,” Lacierda said. “He will continue to play front and center in the 2016 elections. It also shows that people continue to respond to his call to continue to tread Daang Matuwid,” he added. A poll conducted by Social Weather Stations this month showed Aquino’s net satisfaction rating increased by 10 percentage points from an all-timelow of +11 percent last March, or two months after the deadly Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash. Further, the Palace official said that Aquino’s improved rating will help boost the candidacy of his anointed one. “Playing front and center, his high numbers will certainly bode well for the candidate the president will endorse!” Lacierda said. Aquino has repeatedly said that he will reveal his preferred successor after his last State of the Nation

Address (SONA) next month. Although mum on his choice, the President has recently publicly praised Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the ruling Liberal Party’s presumptive bet who has been trailing behind recent presidential preference polls. Aquino, however, has ruled out the possibility of endorsing Vice President Binay, the opposition’s presumptive bet who is currently facing corruption allegations. Meanwhile, Aquino said he is thankful for the recovery of his net satisfaction rating after it fell to its lowest last March, a Malacañang spokesperson said Friday. In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino sees his ratings recovery as an acknowledgement of his reform programs. “President Aquino is gratified that our Bosses, the Filipino people, recognize the efforts of his administration to improve the delivery of public services and continue implementing vital reforms,” Coloma said. A poll conducted by Social Weather Stations this month showed Aquino’s net satisfaction rating increasing by 10 percentage points from an all-timelow of +11 percent last March, or two months after the deadly Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash.

Pinoys fear ‘armed conflict’ with China over sea row: poll Manila, Philippines (AFP) Friday 6/19/2015 – Eight in 10 Filipinos are worried a festering South China Sea territorial dispute could lead to “armed conflict” with the world’s most populous nation, an independent polling outfit said Friday. Manila-based Social Weather Stations said this sentiment had weighed on people’s minds since the Philippines backed down from a tense standoff with China over control of rich fishing grounds around Scarborough Shoal in 2012. The study showed 84 percent of 1,200 respondents were “worried” about armed conflict with China. About half were “worried a great deal” while more than a third were “somewhat worried”. The same poll has been conducted every year since 2012, and in each of the surveys at least 80 percent of respondents have been concerned that the sea dispute could escalate into a full-blown conflict with the Philippines’ powerful Asian neighbor. “It is natural for us to worry about armed conflict as it is a fact that it does not benefit anyone,” presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte told AFP, reacting to the survey results. “This is precisely why our government has pursued peaceful means to resolving the dispute.” The Scarborough Shoal standoff ended with Beijing taking control of the fishing area, which lies 220 kilometers (140 miles) off the main Philippine island of Luzon. The shoal lies 650 kilometers from Hainan island,

the nearest major Chinese land mass. China and the Philippines are also in dispute over other islands and reefs in the South China Sea, with the Philippines seeking arbitration from a United Nations-backed body. China has refused to participate in the proceedings. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims over the South China Sea, which hosts major shipping lanes and is believed to hold vast mineral reserves. China has ramped up construction of artificial islands in the area to reinforce its sovereignty claim over most of the sea, even waters close to the shores of its neighbors. The Philippine poll also showed a rising number of Filipinos disapproved of their government’s handling of the dispute as China undertook other actions to reinforce its claim, including alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen. In April, Philippine authorities accused the Chinese coast guard of robbing Filipino fishermen of their catch at gunpoint at Scarborough Shoal and shooing away one group with a water cannon. Forty-six percent of respondents disapproved of their government’s response to the Chinese actions at the shoal, higher than 32 percent last year and 27 percent in 2013. Forty-nine percent in the most recent survey, which was carried out over four days in March, said they approved of government response.

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Newspaper colleague stands firm on payola in Congress Once again, Congress is mired in another controversy regarding allegations of corruption among its members. The corruption allegations against some of its members have cast doubts on what little integrity and credibility Congress still has. A news story came out last week stating that a $10 million payoff were given to several Congressmen for the swift passage of the Malacañang-crafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The multimillion dollar bribe allegedly came from Chinese fugitive and punish disobedience without the involvegambling lord Wang Bo, whose deporta- ment of the court or other government tion is also currently embroiled in a public body if the individual’s actions obstruct dispute. Wang Bo is wanted in China. He is any legislative undertakings. being sought by Chinese authorities for his In her defense, Herrera invoked Repub$100 million embezzlement case. lic Aact 53, also known as the Sotto Law. The alleged payola payoff story was RA53 states that media practitioners can’t written by Manila Standard reporter be compelled to reveal the sources of any Christine Herrera. To salvage whatever news report except on matters concerning little respectability or credibility Congress national security. still has, members of the House CommitHerrera also told the committee she tee on Good Governance and Public Ac- exerted efforts to verify and counter check countability summoned Herrera to shed the information she got from her sources more information on the alleged payola before writing her story. She also told payoff, including the identities of her news the house panel that her sources also said sources. Wang Bo gave P100 million to immigration She, however, refused to do so and told officials to stop his deportation to China. the committee that she is standing by what Wang Bo is wanted in China for strings she has written based on the information of criminal offenses. The Chinese embassy she got from credible sources, most them has been asking for Wang Bo’s repatriation even members of the House of Represen- long before the story of Herrera broke out. tatives who admitted to her they took the I do not expect anything coming out bribe in exchange for the swift passage of from this investigation. Even House Speakthe BBL in the Lower House. er Belmonte does not appear to be affected Irked by the news report of Herrera by the controversy. Maybe, Belmonte and linking some members of Congress to the his allies are immune to the insults and alalleged payola payoff and her adamant legations harped on them by the media and refusal to name names, Cavite Representa- the public regarding corruption. tive Elpidio Barzaga Jr, threatened to file No wonde the Lower House passed with contempt against the lady journalist. blinding speed the the BBL without making Under the Constitution, the Supreme any amendments despite several constituCourt recognizes the power of Congress to tional infirmities in the bill as stated by arrest and punish individuals for contempt. Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Congress has the power or authority to *** compel testimony from individuals and At the Bureau of Immigration, major-

ity of the employees want Commissioner Siegfried Mison to quit his post to preserve the integrity of the bureau. They also want Deputy Commissioners Gilbert Repizo and Abdullah Mangotara investigated thoroughly to determine if they had received bribe money from Wang Bo. Mison and his two commissioners were earlier cleared by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima after an initial investigation on their probable involvement in the Wang Bo bribery case at the BI. Secretary De Lima, as expected, cleared the BI commissioners, claiming that news reports about the money allegedly extracted from Wang Bo was used to ensure approval of the BBL and to finance the presidential candidacy of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas had no basis. BI employees said rumors are spreading in the bureau that part of the money “shelled out” by Wang Bo will also to used to finance the senatorial candidacy of Secretary De Lima. When confronted by journalists about these rumors, De Lima dismissed the alleged BBL payola and the BI bribery as “completely preposterous claims.” *** Although there might be the possibility of four presidential candidates who might run in the 2016 national election, only one

of them has a vice presidential candidate. So far, neophyte Senator Grace Poe has Senator Chiz Escudero as her running mate. Secretary Roxas, the administration presumptive presidential candidate, is still looking for a running mate. As of this writing, his Liberal Party is still trying to convince Poe to run alongside Roxas. Vice President Jejomar Binay, the UNA presidential bet, still has no definite running mate. Binay, who is currently facing corruption charges with his family, has been unsuccessful in enticing prominent politicians and businessmen to run with him. He tried Poe but was turned down. He made the offer to former Senator Panfilo Lacson but the former PNP Chief declined. In the camp of Davao city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, there are rumors that leaders of the feisty city executive are trying to pair him with Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in next year’s presidential election. These rumors have already come out in the papers. If this team up will materialize, it will be a good combination as I have stated in my previous column here last week. Duterte will have the solid Mindanao block votes and Marcos will have the solid north votes from Regions 1 and 2.

179

Petitions to remove conditional residency

Since marriage to a US citizen is generally the easiest way to obtain permanent residency in the US, the immigration laws contain special provisions aimed at preventing marriage fraud. To prevent people from getting married just for the sake of obtaining a green card, the immigration service issues a green card valid for only 2 years if a couple has not yet celebrated their 2-year wedding anniversary. The imposition of the 2-year conditional residency period is specifically designed to address the common marriage be started against them. fraud scheme of getting married, getting For couples who are separated but on a green card, and then soon after getting good terms, a joint petition that honestly divorced. Marriages of such short duration describes their marital strife may be the are considered suspicious. best course of action so long as both people To extend the green card, the couple are willing to actively participate in the must jointly file a petition with the Depart- processing of the petition. ment of Homeland Security (DHS) within More commonly, however, individuals 90 days before the green card expires. If separated from their spouse can pursue a the couple fails to timely file the petition, waiver of the joint filing requirement. A they must file the petition as soon as pos- waiver is available for individuals who sible with an explanation setting forth entered into the marriage for legitimate valid and legitimate good cause as to their and bona fide reasons, but the marriage has lateness. Otherwise, failing to file the peti- been legally terminated. This waiver can tion to remove conditions will result in the only be granted once a marriage has been automatic termination of the individual’s dissolved or annulled by the courts, so it permanent resident status and initiation of is important for individuals to plan ahead removal proceedings. since a divorce in California takes a miniThe immigration laws, however, also mum of 6 months. Waiting too long could recognize that sometimes legitimate and result in the inability to timely finalize the bona fide marriages just do not work out. waiver, which could lead to the initiation With the high divorce rates in the US, the of removal proceedings. While the waiver immigration laws do naturally take into ac- petition may be renewed in removal procount that many couples experience marital ceedings, the situation will certainly create problems, separations, and also divorce. additional anxiety and costly legal fees Accordingly, for an individual who is to adequately defend oneself in removal granted conditional permanent residency proceedings. and is experiencing marital problems, careGiven that the 2-year conditional resiful individualized assessment on the best dency was initiated specifically to combat course of action to take must be considered marriage fraud by those who seek divorces as soon as possible. Individuals who are soon after obtaining a green card, individufaced with marital problems cannot fail to als must realize that a bona fide marriage file a petition as removal proceedings will See Aquino, page 36

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HEALTH & BEAUTY A massage in the dark awakens the senses Friday June 12 2015 (Ă&#x2122;Â&#x203A;Â˝Â&#x192;Ă¸Ă&#x201E;Â&#x203A;ĂłĂ?) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The concept of dining in the dark has taken off in restaurants in cities like London, San Francisco and Paris, and now a similar approach to spas and massages looks ready to win an increasing number of fans in France. Focus on a rising trend on the occasion of Global Wellness Day (June 13). At Spa dans le noir (Spa in the Dark), which opened in Paris and Bordeaux in 2010, exfoliations, massages, baths and other treatments are offered in the dark by blind or partially sighted professionals.

Stimulating your other senses Inspired by the ancient South Asian tradition of the so called â&#x20AC;&#x153;blind-massages,â&#x20AC;? Spa dans le noir invites its clients to focus on touch and smell in an environment that compels a complete detachment from all things visual. The French spas were conceived and developed by Didier Roche, who is blind. Darkness facilitates and even improves the process of relaxation: it enhances the other senses and allows for total body and spiritual release, while also protecting from unwanted attention.

Physical complexes are more easily overcome and the more prudish have nothing to fear or to hide anymore. In the dark, only touch matters. The concept has proven popular and inspired others. State certified masseurs, partially sighted for the most part, whether practicing for organizations or private entities, have brought â&#x20AC;&#x153;blind massageâ&#x20AC;? to clients who have been won over by the cocoon-like comfort. Even those who start off hesitant or panicked end up being seduced by the atmosphere. A practice originating in China In Beijing, China, the Beijing Massage Hospital began training blind masseurs in therapeutic practices in 1956. Forty years later, the practice was legitimized with the creation of the Chinese Massage Association of Blind Practitioners. Since a 2006 government initiative, the number of practitioners has been steadily increasing, to the point of today surpassing 100,000 certified blind therapists. A 2014 movie by Chinese director Lou Ye titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blind Massage,â&#x20AC;? based on a novel by Bi Feiyu, centers around the lives of a group of sight-impaired practitioners. Though the treatments to ease pain or tension are the same when performed by a blind professional or a seeing one, the difference often comes through in the hands. A good massage depends on tactile sensibility, and blind people have a

Massages in the dark facilitate and even improve the process of relaxation. ÂŠKirill Linnik /shutterstock.com

considerable advantage in this, which is why the therapeutic massage sector is a primary recruiter. In France, in 2006, out of the 55,000 practitioners in the business, between 1,500 and 2,000 state certified masseur-physiotherapists were blind or partially sighted according to The National Union of Blind and Partially Sighted Masseurs (UNKAMÎ&#x2026;.

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The Internet of Things â&#x20AC;&#x201C; connecting everyday items with sensors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is hitting the beach in time for the northern h e m i s p h e r e â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer with a bikini that says when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to apply more sun screen. The made-tomeasure inven- A model shows her smartphone with the connected interface during a photo session to present a new connected swimsuit collection by tion comes from French company Spinali Design in Reiningue, eastern France, on June France â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the coun- 4, 2015. ÂŠAFP PHOTO / SEBASTIEN BOZON try that invented plaining that often when people think to the bikini â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but with a price tag that might add more suncream, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late and they make even the well-tanned beach amazon already have sunburn. blanch: 149 euros ($167). An expert, Doctor Claudine BlanchetFor that price, though, the wearer will Bardon of Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Association get a two-piece swimsuit with a small de- of Dermatologists, said the device was tachable ultraviolet sensor that, through a â&#x20AC;&#x153;interesting, because anything that warns smartphone or tablet, sends a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sun screen people against UV exposure is good.â&#x20AC;? alertâ&#x20AC;? when the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin needs more But she qualified that by saying that protective sunblock cream. having the sensor attached to a bikini The detector is calibrated to the wear- â&#x20AC;&#x153;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t send the right message â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the best erâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin type and how much of a tan she protection against the sun is to not get too wants to get. much exposure and to stay covered with And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Valentineâ&#x20AC;? function clothesâ&#x20AC;?. that sends the message to a boyfriendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A journalist for a French website spesmartphone so he knows when to apply cialised in the Internet of Things, Thomas the cream to his girlfriendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin. Remilleret of ObjetConnecte.net, comâ&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea came to me right away, on a mented that the idea of having UV detecday when I saw someone get sunburnt on a tors linked to a smartphone app is â&#x20AC;&#x153;not beach,â&#x20AC;? the Frenchwoman behind the smart really new or revolutionaryâ&#x20AC;?. bikinis, Marie Spinali, told AFP. But, he acknowledged, Spinaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bikinis â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Not a gimmickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;meet a demandâ&#x20AC;? even though he believed She started her company, Spinali De- their price still too high for the market. sign, last month in the eastern French town Spinali said her team was working with of Mulhouse where she lives, and sells the French researchers in nanotechnology to bikinis through her website. come up with a smaller UV sensor that â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are flowerpots that give an alert would be part of the bikini itself. when plants need watering, so I thought it She also said they were at work on was time to invent something to warn when models for men and for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with the the sun is too strong,â&#x20AC;? she said. sensors for the latter also featuring GPS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a gimmick,â&#x20AC;? she added, ex- locators, to quickly find kids on the beach.

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Is Sarah G planning to settle down in 5 years? MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) -- Sarah Geronimo was not totally joking when she was quoted as saying that she plans to get married five years from now. “Half meant. Siyempre hindi mo naman madidiktahan na dapat ay 32 magpapakasal na ako. Paano kung mas maaga pala?” Geronimo teased. Geronimo is turning 27 on July 25. “Wala pa pong groom; boyfriend pa lang,” quipped Geronimo, who is in a relationship with actor Matteo Guidicelli. But asked if she sees herself marrying Guidicelli, the singer-actress said: “Marami pang kailangang ayusin kasi ang hirap-hirap ng pagpapakasal. Ang dami kong stories na na naririnig ...na hindi talaga biro-biro ang pagpapakasal. Kaya yung iba ay pinipili na mag-isa na lang sila. Pero siyempre kung ano ang kaloob pa din ng Diyos.” In a previous interview, Guidicelli said that he already sees Geronimo as “wife

Sarah Geronimo

material” but admitted that he is not yet ready to propose and to settle down. (MNS)

Another villain role for Joanna Marie Tan Actress Joanna Marie Tan will earn the ire of viewers anew taking on an antagonists’ role on GMA 7’s latest afternoon primetime drama “My Mother’s Secret.” As Karen, Joanna will compete with series heroine Neri (played by Kim Rodriguez) for the love of Kiko Estrada’s Craig. More, Karen will also make life miserable for her younger sister Heidi, played by Tricia Cabais. Joanna didn’t have qualms accepting the role, relating how it poses creative challenges for her as an actress. Note that prior, Joanne turned heads for her “bidakontrabida” role in “Strawberry Lane.” “What challenges me is how will I do a villain role that’s different from my past villain role,” she remarked. Joanna plans to portray Karen with “depth.” “There are old fashion ways of portraying a villain. I don’t want that. I want people to see where my character is coming from. I want them to understand why I do bad things,” she opined. Joanna is thankful that the series director Neal del Rosario pushes his actors to do their best. Happy as she is with her current career trajectory, Joanna wants to do more “mature” roles in the future. She made clear, however, that this does not mean she is ready to accept sexy roles. “Portraying mature roles doesn’t mean I have to show this or that. It’s more on how I should attack a role or what the story is about. If I’m ready and if my body is also ready it’s then that I would think about do-

Joanna Marie Tan

ing sexy roles,” intimated Joanna. Stepping into showbiz when she was only seven years old, Joanna is thankful that God surrounded her with “positive people” who inspire and help her attain her dreams. “I was really a nobody before. I was just an extra walking in and out of scenes,” she recalled. Aside from being an actress, Joanna was once a Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman in Caloocan City. She was recently chosen as one of the four World Youth Alliance (WYA) Ambassadors in the Philippines, along with Kristoffer Martin, Charice Pineda and Julian Trono. (MNS)

Meet Derek Ramsay’s son Austin MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) -- Actor Derek Ramsay has finally introduced his son, Austin, nearly a year after he first admitted being a husband and a father. On Instagram, the 38-year-old TV star shared a photo of him with Austin, his only child with estranged wife Mary Christine Jolly, to greet him on his nearing 12th birthday. Ramsay and Jolly got married in 2002. After their separation, Jolly moved to Dubai and raised Austin by herself. According to Ramsay, it was only in August 2011 when he confirmed that he is Austin’s father. Jolly, with whom Ramsay had a legal feud which they managed to settle in 2014,

continues to be based in Dubai with Austin. “It’s a slow process,” he said of getting to know his son in a January interview. “But in the short time I spent with him he called me dad, so it was a nice feeling.” Noting their distance, Ramsay added, “There’s a lot of things we had to work at, it’s not the perfect situation, it’s not the situation that I want. Yet at least now may opportunity ako na maayos ‘yon.” “When it comes to family it’s the most important thing for me. That’s why I was so emotional through all of these, and that’s why I fought hard to fix this,” he said, referring to his resolved spat with Jolly. (MNS)

Alex wants to have a movie with sister Toni I f t h e r e ’s o n e thing that Alex Gonzaga really wants to do, it would be to star in a movie with her sister, Toni Gonzaga. Alex admitted she has been dreaming of headlining a movie with Toni ever since she joined showbiz. Does she already have an idea as to the roles she would like them to play? “Depende kasi iyon, ‘yung what’s good with me and my sister kasi ‘yung relationship namin sobrang close namin Alex and Toni Gonzaga so I think any character would work kasi may chemistry talaga kami dahil we’re really close,” she explained. Alex said she and Toni will not have a hard time working together because they really know each other well. Aside from this, Alex said she is also looking forward to the big screen adaptation of her book, “Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine.” “I am really looking forward to that,” she said. “Wala pang [cast] pero may sinasabi na ako sa kanila. We’re still in the process of [choosing] kasi.” In a past interview, Alex said she would like Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual to be part of the movie. The movie adaptation will be written by Antoinette Jadaone, who is behind other films “Beauty in a Bottle,” “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-Ibig” and “That Thing Called Tadhana.” (MNS)

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FOOD & DINING S’mores Crispy Cereal Treats Yield: 20 servings 6 tablespoons butter 1 bag (16 ounces) regular-sized marshmallows 1/4 teaspoon Warm Cinnamon Graham Treatology Flavor Concentrate 10 drops Creamy Vanilla Custard Treatology Flavor Concentrate 1/4 teaspoon salt 10 cups crisped rice cereal 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows, divided 1 1/4 cups Light Cocoa Candy Melts candy, divided Prepare 13-by-9-inch baking pan with

FAMILY FEATURES

veryone will be bringing something to the 4th of July picnic, but you can bring the grand finale. Each of these tasty sweet treats captures the flair of the 4th without the fuss. In just a little time, you can add patriotic color and fun flavor to classics like cupcakes, ice cream cones and cookies.

vegetable spray. In very large saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat until it smells nutty and browns slightly. Reduce heat to medium low; stir in regular marshmallows, warm cinnamon graham and creamy vanilla custard flavors, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in cereal, 3 cups mini marshmallows and 3/4 cup light cocoa candy. Press into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining mini marshmallows and press lightly to adhere. In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave remaining 1/2 cup candy on 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until candy is almost melted. Stir thoroughly until smooth and drizzle over treats. Let cool completely.

Dipped Ice Cream Cones: Add color and crunch to your cones with a dip in red, white or blue melted Candy Melts candy and a variety of patriotic sprinkles. The Cone Cakes baking rack holds the cones for drying and serving. Red, White and Blue Swirled Cupcakes: Everyone loves picnic treats they can grab and eat, and these July 4th cupcakes also bring pyrotechnics to the plate. Each is topped with an explosive three-color swirl of icing, easily created with the Color Swirl Three-Color Coupler. S’mores Crispy Cereal Treats: These crunchy cereal bars pack the flavor of traditional s’mores while being much neater to eat. The marshmallow, cereal and candy mixture is laced with warm cinnamon graham and creamy vanilla custard flavors using Treatology Flavor concentrates. Creamy Coconut Cookie Flag: Give the day a flag-waving finish with red, white and blue royal iced cookies that hold up to the heat using the Color Right™ Performance Color System. The tropical taste combination of toasted coconut and creamy vanilla is just right for summer. It’s a great feeling to bring a dessert that can’t miss. The Wilton Test Kitchen developed these deliciously easy ideas to go with your summer celebration so you can enjoy the fireworks with everyone else. For more party ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

Red, White and Blue Swirled Cupcakes Yield: 12 cupcakes Favorite cupcake recipe or mix 1 4.5-pound tub White Ready-To-Use Decorator Icing Color Right Performance Color System Icing Colors Red (formula 186): 2 cups icing + 40 R White: Reserve 2 cups icing Deep Blue (formula 647): 2 cups icing + 26 B + 8 R + 4 P Bake cupcakes according to package directions in red, white and blue standard baking cups. Tint icing following color formulas above. Prepare Color Swirl 3-Color Coupler according to package directions, filling one decorating bag each with red, white and blue

icing and fitting with tip 1M. Pipe a swirl on each cooled cupcake top.

Dipped Ice Cream Cones Yield: 12 ice cream cones 1 bag (12 ounces) Bright White Candy Melts Candy Sugar ice cream cones Jimmies 6-Mix Sprinkle Assortment Rainbow Jimmies Melt candy in microwave safe bowl. Dip cones about 1 inch deep around opening of cone. Cut small hole in tip of bag and drizzle melted candy 1 inch deep around opening of cone. Tap cone lightly to smooth, and sprinkle with jimmies. Position cone in cone rack. Let chill, about 10–15 minutes. Add ice cream scoops at party and serve in cone rack.

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Creamy Coconut Cookie Flag Yield: About 3 dozen 3-inch cookies Cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon Toasted Coconut Treatology Flavor Concentrate 8 drops Creamy Vanilla Custard Treatology Flavor Concentrate 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Icing 3/4 cup + 3 teaspoons water 12 cups (about 3 pounds) confectioner’s sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons Color Flow Mix Color Right Performance Color System (see colors tinted below) Icing Colors Red (formula 32): 1 1/2 cups icing + 62 R + 8 O Deep Blue (formula 647): 1/2 cup icing + 27 B + 5 P + 6 R White: Reserve 2 cups icing Note: Make and decorate cookies 1 day in advance to allow for drying time. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and flavors. Mix flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On floured surface with rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter by 1/8 inch thick. Cut cookies with star nesting metal cookie cutter. Dip cutter in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8–11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Prepare Color Flow icing. Tint icing following color formulas above. Use tip 3, a parchment bag and full-strength icing to outline cookies: 32 in red, 21 in white and 16 in blue. Let cookies dry 1–2 hours. Thin 1 cup red, 1/4 cup blue and 1 cup white icing. Use thinned icing and disposable decorating bag to fill in cookies. Fill in 8 of blue outlined cookies with white icing and remaining cookies with matching outline color. Let dry 8–12 hours. To serve, arrange cookies on tray in stars and stripes design.

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SPORTS SEA Games: PHL stay supreme in basketball Singapore, Singapore (AFP) Monday 6/15/2015 – The Philippines fended off a strong rally by Indonesia before winning their 11th straight Southeast Asian (SEA) Games basketball title 72-64 on Monday. An offensive exhibition riding on Rey Mark Belo’s 22 points ultimately took the Philippines home despite a fightback which Indonesia within three points in the final quarter. Philippines coach Tab Baldwin said his team was “not rattled” even when Indonesia all but caught them in the last period. “I am happy that we had to fight to get a gold medal, that’s a better experience for us than to win by a huge margin, we grow from these experiences a lot,” said the Gilas Cadets coach. “It’s a gold medal performance throughout these games and I am extremely proud of them,” he added. The hard-won victory in Singapore means the Philippines maintain their record of winning the SEA Games men’s title in all but one edition since its introduction

in 1977. In the group stages, Philippines defeated Indonesia easily 81-52, but it was a different story in the heat and tension of the gold medal match. Indonesia’s Sandy Kurniawan hit three successful three pointers in the first quarter but by the second period, the lead ballooned to 19. Indonesia came out fighting in the second half going on a 9-2 run and narrowing the gap to just three points in the final quarter. But that was as close as they were going to get as Philippines’ skipper Kiefer Ravena stopped the run with a steal and converted with a lay-up to close the game. “The chance to win gold medal is there, we have proven it today,” said Indonesia’s coach Fictor Roring. “I am still convinced, one day it will happen.” Earlier on Monday, Singapore battled hard for the SEA Games basketball bronze medal after beating Thailand 54-49.

SEA Games: PHL probe as ‘Splash Brothers’ go viral Singapore, Singapore (AFP) Thursday 6/11/2015 – A pair of Filipinos have created a splash in more ways than one after footage of their botched dives at the SEA Games caused such a stir that authorities demanded answers. Footage of John Elmerson Fabriga and John David Pahoyo has gone viral after both athletes, on their fourth dive in the men’s 3m springboard, landed nearly horizontal, scoring zero points. Reaction has been mixed to the duo dubbed the “Splash Brothers”, with some Internet users poking fun and others calling for restraint. But their performance has made waves with Philippine Sport Commission chairman Richie Garcia, who is reportedly seeking an explanation from aquatics chief Mark Joseph.

“I will give the opportunity for the Philippine Swimming Inc. president to explain because he fought for these divers to come here and compete,” Garcia said, according to Inquirer.net. “I saw these boys train at Rizal Memorial and they are good.” Garcia also wondered whether the dives were intentionally bad, according to the report. Fabriga and Pahoyo, who finished about 100 points adrift of their competitors, are not the only divers to underwhelm at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore. Some competitors in the women’s 10m platform chose to dive from 7.5m or even 5m, and many also landed awkwardly, drawing murmurs from the Aquatics Centre crowd.

Fil-Ams Alcy Alcayde (left) with his 1982 Starlet KP61 and his younger brother Alde Alcayde with his 1981 Starlet KP61, with their mother Lulu Alcayde who celebrates with her sons. Alcy won 1st place in the “Best Modified Old School Toyota” and Alde won second place in the “Best Old School Toyota” at one of the largest Toyota family reunions held last May 2, at Southern California’s best waterfront venue, the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach. Host was TORC (Toyota Owner’s and Restorer’s Club), established in 1995. While TORC welcomes owners, drivers and enthusiasts of all Toyota brands including Lexus and Scion, its primary directive is to promote the preservation, restoration, modification and use of pre-1985 Toyota models. According to promoters, “This is the largest All Toyota, Lexus and Scion Enthusiast event in the United States.”

SEA Games: Singapore put stamp on colorful Games

By Talek Harris

Singapore, Singapore (AFP) Tuesday 6/16/2015 – Singapore passed the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games baton to 2017 hosts Malaysia as the competition wrapped up with a colorful closing ceremony on Tuesday. Lasers, fireworks and DJ Ferry Corsten lit up Singapore’s National Stadium after the Games flame was extinguished, formally ending more than two weeks of competition. Malaysia will have a tough act to follow after Singapore’s slickly-organized event based around their newly-built, billiondollar Sports Hub complex. The tiny city-state also topped the medals table for much of the Games before finishing second with 84 golds to Thailand’s 95. Tuesday’s ceremony veered from poignant to unpredictable as a tribute to Mount Kinabalu earthquake victims gave way to a parade celebrating Singaporean stamps. It followed a competition where Singapore’s Joseph Schooling reinforced his reputation as a potential world-beater

when he won nine swimming golds. But Singapore were soon superseded by Thailand, who bossed track and field, golf and tennis and completed their golden run with a thumping 3-0 football final win over Myanmar. Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong, 11, won two gold medals in wakeboarding, and Myanmar swimmer Oo Shun Lei Maw turned heads when she competed at the age of just 10. Controversies included arrests for alleged football match-fixing, and the Philippines’ request for a gender test on an Indonesian women’s volleyball player. Suspected food poisoning laid low several cyclists, and Malaysians rallied round a top gymnast after critics slammed her for competing in revealing clothing. Filipinos John Elmerson Fabriga and John David Pahoyo became inadvertent hits when footage of their consecutive, zero-point botched dives went viral on the Internet. On Tuesday, Thailand grabbed two final gold medals in badminton and volleyball, and Singapore won the men’s water polo to push their best-ever total to 84.

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Measure filed to confer Congressional Gold Medal on Filipino WWII vets 11 June 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.— A bill seeking the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers in the United States and the Philippines who fought during World War II was introduced today at US Congress by a bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators. A press conference announcing the bill’s introduction was held by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). Other members of the Senate and the House of Representatives were on hand to announce their support for the legislation, including: Senator

Tim Kaine (D-VA), Representative Joe Heck (R-NV), and Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA). Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Antonio Taguba also spoke at the press conference on behalf of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). Two veterans, Purple Heart recipient Maj. (Ret.) Jesse Baltazar and Senior Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Remigio Cabarcar were also present at the event. The bill acknowledges the dedicated service of over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American who fought side-by-side with American soldiers and seeks to collectively award the

Congressional Gold Medal to the veterans. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. welcomed this development and expressed his hope for the bill to move forward. “The announcement of this bill is timely as we celebrate Philippine Independence and the friendship between the Philippines and the United States. The 4th of July is the United States’ Independence Day and also Philippines-American Friendship Day. Our friendship has deep historical roots, which include fighting side by side in wars for liberation. I am pleased to see this friendship continue to grow and hope

that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve,” said Ambassador Cuisia. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” The award is the US Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is also one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

PHL design, textiles and fashion take centerstage at Embassy’s National Day Gala Evening

Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, celebrates with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and his wife Ma. Victoria J. Cuisia during the Gala Evening in commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 11 June 2015. (Embassy Photo by Ivan Gonzales)

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 12, 2015 – “A Gala Evening Celebrating Philippine Design, Textile and Fashion” was a huge success, drawing a diverse crowd of US government officials, members of the Washington diplomatic corps, members of the Filipino-American community, and the general public, and shining light on the fabric and designs that make the Philippines unique. On the eve of Philippine Pina takes centerstage as volunteers model Ms. Patis Independence, piña (pineapple Tesoro’s fashion collection during A Gala Evening fabric) took center stage with Celebrating Philippine Design, Textile and Fashion at the the Grand Dame of Philippine Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Fashion, Ms. Patis Tesoro, 11 June 2015. (Embassy Photo by Ivan Gonzales) handmade fabrics in the world. making her Washington debut Majority of the piña produced in the at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 11 June 2015 in Philippines comes from the province of commemoration of the 117th Anniversary Aklan, with numerous families dependof the Proclamation of Philippine Inde- ing on the piña industry for livelihood. In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devaspendence. Guests cheered as they viewed Ms. tated Aklan and seriously affected the piña Tesoro’s collection of some 60 breathtak- production. The Gala Evening was a way for people ing pieces made from piña, considered the finest of all Philippine hand-woven fabrics. in the US to help contribute to the preserMs. Tesoro was given a standing ovation vation and enrichment of the piña industry in the Philippines, as proceeds of the event at the end of the show. “Congratulations are in order! It was will benefit Aklan Piña MANTrA, a womsuch a success! Patis Tesoro is definitely en-led fiber production microenterprise. “With your generous support, we aim an icon of Philippine fashion design,” said Lucie Patton, Chair of Flower Mart 2015. to give the women of Aklan hope and help “Kudos to you all for putting on such an them rebuild their lives after Typhoon Haielegant yet trendy and fun event! Quite a yan disrupted their main source of liveliwonderful nod to the beautiful Philippine hood. We dedicate the success of this Gala Evening to them,” the Ambassador stated. community,” said Lydia Benson. Guests at the Gala Evening were also The Gala Event, which was sponsored by the US-Philippines Society, is a testa- treated to other designs uniquely Filipino. ment to the beauty of Philippine fashion, Also on display at the Ronald Reagan which is continuously getting international Building were signature pieces by multiawarded furniture designer and manufacattention. “Philippine fashion has earned world- turer Kenneth Cobonpue. Among the special guests that evening class recognition, and the US-Philippines Society is pleased to sponsor this Gala as was Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Dia way to share with you stunning examples rector of the International Monetary Fund. The Gala Evening was organized by of some truly innovative advances in design,” said Ambassador John Negroponte, the US-Philippines Society in cooperation with the Embassy. Other partners include Co-Chair of the Society. In his remarks, Ambassador Jose L. the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cuisia, Jr. pointed out that since piña Karma Beauty Lounge by Erwin Gomez, production is an age-old tradition in the All Nippon Airways, Megaworld, Philip Philippines, the evening was a celebration Morris, The Filipino Channel, U.S. Eduof the uniqueness and beauty the country cation Finance Group and other sponsors. Through her work, Ms. Tesoro shares has to offer. “This Gala Evening is a fitting culmina- her knowledge of the elaborate piña protion of a month-long tribute to Philippine duction process with the belief that knowindigenous fabrics and the individuals ing how piña fiber is made will help bring who turn them into exquisite works of art. the age-old craft to the modern times. As Piña has long been a symbol of elegance part of her Washington visit, Ms. Tesoro and sophistication, and in many ways is a delivered a lecture entitled “The Piña Procelebration of the Filipino people’s innate cess” on 12 June at the George Washington creativity and dynamism in constantly University Textile Museum. Tesoro’s and Cobunpue’s pieces will be changing times,” said Ambassador Cuisia. The envoy also dedicated the Gala on exhibit and open to the public at The Evening to the women behind the creation Gallery of the Ronald Reagan Building and of one of the most exquisite, sought-after International Trade Center until July 15.

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As balloon outages soar, SCE urges responsible celebrations of dads, grads and newlyweds ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 15, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Like bad weather, metallic balloons are a leading cause of power outages. Unlike bad weather, however, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy and cheap solution to the outages caused by stray balloons. Southern California Edison (SCE) is on a record pace for balloon outages with 390 even before the traditionally worst month of June and its celebrations of Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, graduations and the ever-popular weddings. SCE urges its customers to always keep the balloons tied to a weight,

as required by California law, and to never release them outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worse than outages, floating metallic balloons can pose a major safety threat to people when the contact is violent enough to bring down power lines,â&#x20AC;? said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best way to avoid this and property damage is by keeping them indoors or tied to a weight.â&#x20AC;? The weights are as crucial as ever as SCE has seen all-time highs this year for balloon outages in March (89), April (86)

11 HS grads to receive PHILSELA scholarships CERRITOS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Philippine Society of Southeast Los Angeles (PHILSELA) will present scholarship awards to 11 high school graduates during its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at the Washington Room of Liberty Park in Cerritos. The scholars this year are from ABC Unified District High Schools: Artesia, Cerritos and Ghar and from St. Joseph and St. John Bosco. Alice Ramos, scholarship committee chair, said the scholarships are available to graduating seniors, continuing on to college, from high schools around the city of Cerritos, including the following â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Artesia High, Cerritos High, Gahr High, St. John Bosco High, St. Joseph High, Valley Christian High, and Whitney High. To qualify for the awards, a high school graduate must be of Filipino ancestry, has been accepted into an accredited college or university for Fall 2015, has a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), has a minimum total SAT score of 1500, must show leadership skills and extracurricular activities, and is committed to serving the

Filipino-American community. The scholars will receive a one-time monetary award and certificates of recognition during the awards dinner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been a continuing program for the last 29 years because PHILSELA views higher education as crucial for the youth to reach their career goals and become contributing members of the community,â&#x20AC;? said Ramos, who has served as president of PHILSELA in 2012 and the current scholarship chair. PHILSELA, which marks its 41Ă?ĂŁ year this year, is an organization composed of Filipino-American volunteers who are dedicated to providing outstanding service to the community. Elizabeth Boschma is the current president, with Linda Bautista as chairman of the board. Aside from the Scholarship Program, PHILSELA also holds the annual Santacruzan, and sponsors and supports cityinitiated programs, including the Festival of Friendship, Let Freedom Ring 4ĂŁÂŤ of July Event, and Halloween Festival. PHILSELA has also participated in the Philippine Independence Centennial celebration, and the Filipiniana Library Project.

and May (122) on its way to a 50 percent increase over this point last year. Additionally, June has long been the worst month for the outages, leading all months in four of the past five years. Last year, SCE experienced 21 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or 137 of 656 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of its balloons outages in June. Only May (93) was close. SCE recommends some other tips for safely handling metallic balloons: Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or any foreign object â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tangled in power lines. Instead, call SCE at 800-611-1911 and report the problem. Never tie a metallic balloon to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrist. If the balloon comes into contact with electricity, it will travel through the balloon and into the child, possibly causing serious injury or even death.

Never attach streamers to any balloon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; latex or metallic. When done with them, puncture the balloons or cut the knot to keep them from floating away. If you see a downed line or dangling wire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if it appears not to be live â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch or approach it and call 911 immediately. More on metallic balloon safety can be found at on.sce.com/staysafe. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Technical glitch delays US passports, visas Washington, United States (AFP) Saturday 6/13/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The United States on Friday said it was experiencing difficulties issuing passports and visas from consular offices around the world because of technical problems. The problem affects all passport applications made overseas on or after May 26. Additionally, people who submitted online applications or were interviewed for visas on or after June 9 were subject to delays, the US State Department said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This issue is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or

visa category,â&#x20AC;? a statement read. Officials said the issue was not related to another problem that affected its passport systems last summer. It did not say if the outage was related to a hack or malicious action. The State Department said domestic passports were not hit and that it could still issue emergency passports to US citizens overseas for urgent travel. The United States maintains the largest diplomatic and consular network in the world, with some 70,000 people employed by the State Department and its various departments.

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New survey: Firms losing business opportunities by not engaging Asian, Pacific Islander workers NEW YORK, June 8, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Asia Society today issued the 2015 Asian Pacific Americans Corporate Survey at the Diversity Leadership Forum in New York. The study, now in its sixth year, surveys employees from Fortune 500-level companies across different industries to measure how APAs perceive their employers and to learn more about the Asian Pacific American (APA) workforce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading companies know the vital role the Asia Pacific consumer and workforce leaders will play in their future,â&#x20AC;? said Josette Sheeran, President and CEO of Asia Society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet, there is a critical gap in knowledge about the growth, development and advancement of this group.â&#x20AC;? The survey findings indicate that compared to 2014, APAs see employers more favorably across every category. The greatest year-over-year improvement was in â&#x20AC;&#x153;APA Market Opportunity,â&#x20AC;? which tracks APA employee involvement in market strategy. 84% of APA employees responded favorably, a jump of 23% from 2014. Despite the improvement, findings across the survey reveal that APAs are still not fully brought into strategic conversations. While 99% of surveyed APA employees report they really care about the success of their companies, not all feel fully engaged. 86% of employees at top performing companies felt that their company encouraged the participation of APA employees in market/business development activities. At other companies, only 65% of employees on average felt encouraged. The 21% gap between top performers and others represents lost business opportunities and lower employee retention rates. Lack of engagement of APA leaders also manifests itself in company board makeup. 34% of employees at top performing companies report inadequate APA representation on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of directors versus 57% at other companies. The area with largest room for improvement was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Professional Growth.â&#x20AC;? 24% of all APA employees declared themselves not favorable about their company in that category. In fact, professional growth is identified as one of the top engagement drivers among respondents.

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

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

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

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PRAYERS *NOVENA of CONFIDENCE O Lord Jesus Christ, To your most Sacred Heart, I conÂżde this/ these intention. (Here, mention your request.) Only look upon me, then do what your Heart decides. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy, Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Lord Jesus, I know You will not fail me Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked you for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, and place it in Your Sacred Heart. When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your precious blood. He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer, but Yours. O Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. -FLOR

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SSI helps the aged, blind, other physically challenged folks

SCE continues encouraging solar use

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program funded by the general tax revenues (not SS taxes). It is designed to help the aged, the blind and the disabled with little or no income. It provides them cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Who qualifies? Those who are 65 y/o and above, or blind, or disabled with limited/no income and limited/no resources. They must be U.S. citizens or nationals, or in one of certain categories of alien. Income includes wages, SS benefits and pensions. Resources (things you own) include real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds. Resources allowed must not be worth $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (married couple). Not included in computing your resources are: 1. House and lot where you live; 2. Life insurance with face value of $1,500 or less; 3. Your car; 4. Burial lots for you and members of your immediate family; 5. $1,500 in burial funds for you and $1,500 for your spouse. How to apply? You may go online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-7721213 for an appointment. The following may be required for you to bring during the interview: 1. SS card; 2. Information about home where you live, mortgage or lease and landlordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name; 3. Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and others regarding income and resources including those derived from outside the U.S.; 4. Proof of U.S. citizenship. If your application is approved, pay-

ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 17, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Southern California Edison (SCE) continues to encourage and support the development and interconnection of solar projects within its service territory. SCE has about 125,000 rooftop solar systems installed in its territory, totaling more than 1,000 megawatts. Those systems include residential and non-residential installations, as well as some utility-owned projects. Nearly 600 megawatts are from residential projects. Adding to those totals, SCE recently announced that the California Public Utilities Commission has approved 22 projects totaling 42.6 megawatts of direct current power from the utilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth solicitation to obtain electricity from independent power producers as part of its Solar Photovoltaic Program (SPVP). This Request for Offers is the fourth of five planned solicitations since the program began in 2010. The solar program is just one of a set of programs used by the utility to procure power from renewable energy generation projects. It is designed to encourage energy production from rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic facilities sized between 1-2 megawatts, but allows for projects between 0.5-10 megawatts. The rooftop projects selected are distributed throughout SCEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service territory and were proposed by two different developers, Borrego and Sun Edison. The power-purchase agreements have been reviewed and approved by the utilities

ments to you will be done electronically. If not, and you believe you qualify, you have a right to appeal as mentioned in their Publication No. 05-11008. If you need help, call at 323-535-7373 or e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com. Eligible Lawful Permanent Residents who need help in the application process towards citizenship may seek the assistance (FREE of charge) of FASGI staff Ms Jeanette Sayno (213-483-9804 x 205) or Joram â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Espiloy (213-483-9804 x 211). They are ably assisted by qualified volunteer lawyers in their humanitarian efforts. If you qualify, they may even be able to waive the application plus biometrics fee of $680.00 for you. There are Medicare Advantage Plans specific for Type 1 (Insulin-dependent) Medicare members that offer FREE certain types of insulin preparations for members enrolled in their plan called Special Needs Plan. Leo Monsalud hails from Sta. Cruz, Zambales. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He worked for UNILAB where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division. He holds CA license #0G55218 and a Non-Resident license for Nevada.

42.6 megawatts of rooftop projects signed to support local solar electric production commission. One megawatt of solar in California can power 216 homes, according to calculations from the Solar Energy Industries Association. As part of the procurement effort, SCE also sought projects to serve the Orange County area that could enhance the reliability of the local grid. One of the projects approved by the commission is a 1.63-megawatt direct current rooftop project in Orange County, where renewable generation in the densely populated area is currently less than 3 percent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SCE is committed to delivering clean energy to its customers. We intend to acquire enough preferred resources, such as solar, to offset the more than 300-megawatt expected increase in electricity use by 2022 and potentially minimize the need for gas-fired generation in the region,â&#x20AC;? said Caroline McAndrews, director of SCEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preferred Resources Pilot. SCE is currently seeking additional renewable generation for this region in its PRP RFO. SCE is on track to meet Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Renewables Portfolio Standard goal of delivering 33 percent renewable energy by 2020. Last year, about 23.5 percent of the energy it provided came from renewable sources. About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, chairman of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors (dark coat) and Bob Shoonover, SEIU president, wave Philippine and American flags as Los Angeles Filipino American Employees Association (LACFAEA) President Tony Mendoza, his wife, and Board Director Brenda Mendoza look on during the Recent 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day celebration held by the at Almansor Court in Alhambra, California. Other photo shows Antonovich with BB Pilipinas-USA beauty queens.

Los Angeles Heart & Stroke Ball raises nearly half million dollars CHLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Cordova and BETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robi Reed honored at American Heart Association fundraiser LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The American Heart Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (AHA) second annual Los Angeles Heart & Stroke Ball, held at the California Science Center June 13, raised more than $432,000. Close to 400 guests gathered under the grand Space Shuttle Endeavour to celebrate the power of innovation in the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading killers in Los Angeles and the nation. The event, chaired by Union Bank Managing Director and Regional President Leticia Aguilar, and presented by Toyota, included a special musical performance by comic, singer and Emmy Award-winning actor Wayne Brady who got people on the dance floor with lively renditions that included a spontaneous song improv. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was my pleasure to serve as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chairperson for the Heart & Stroke Ball. I was especially delighted to present the Hero of Heart award to my good friend and colleague, Richard Cordova. It was truly a memorable evening, and I am pleased that Union Bank was a part of it,â&#x20AC;?

said Aguilar. Two community leaders were honored for their contributions to creating a culture of health in LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard Cordova, president and chief executive officer of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Los Angeles, whose remarkable legacy spans 40 years of service in the health care industry, and Robi Reed, vice president of talent and casting for Black Entertainment Television and founder of Reed for Hope Foundation, which addresses health disparities in communities. To be a part of next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event, visit www.laheartball.org or contact Marissa Fortuno at 213-291-7052 or marissa.fortuno@heart.org. The Los Angeles Heart & Stroke Ball was supported by Signature Sponsor Toyota; Heart of Gold Sponsors UCLA Health, Union Bank and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Los Angeles; Heart of Silver Sponsors Angeleno Magazine and Navigant; Heart of Bronze Sponsors California Community Foundation, City National Bank and Te-

Close to 400 guests gathered under the magnificent Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center in Los Angeles for the American Heart Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second annual Heart & Stroke Ball. The event raised more than $432,000 for the mission of building healthier lives, free of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

lacu; and Friends of Heart sponsors Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BET Networks, Brumm & Associates Inc., Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, JD Power and Associates, Lexus of Glendale, Los Angeles Latino

Chamber of Commerce, Robert Half Resources, Toyota of Downtown LA, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Univision, US Bank, White Memorial Medical Center and WORD + Architecture/Logan.

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Sun safety Sunburns can cause a lot more than just an embarrassing red appearFAMILY FEATURES ance on the skin; they can be the source of severe pain, fever and even dehydration. In fact,orjust onefamilies, sunburn during can many some of thechildhood most increase the risk of developing skin cancer. According to the anticipated summertime activities happen American Academy of Dermatology, multiple events of extreme around the pool. But before you dive into sunburn for individuals age 18 and younger can contribute to the fun, be sure you and your family know the development of melanoma. thealso manyaffect ways your to practice pool safety. The sun’s harsh rays can appearance later in life, causing premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. For babies 6 months of age or younger, keep their sensitive skin out of sunlight completely. For all other ages, here are the do’s and don’ts for Sun playing in the sun:safety

Sunburns can cause a lot more than just an embarrassing red appear-

Do dressance your incanprotective on thebaby skin; they be the source of clothing severe pain, fever and

even dehydration. In fact, just one sunburn during childhood can

Always cover baby’s and legs airy,According light-colored increase the riskarms of developing skinin cancer. to the garAmerican Academy of heat, Dermatology, extremeit, ments. Dark colors absorb while multiple lighterevents huesofreflect sunburn for individuals age 18 and younger can contribute to keeping baby cooler. the development of melanoma. The sun’s rays can also affect yoursun-protective appearance later infabrics. life, Look for shirts andharsh swimwear made from causing premature aging andgreat wrinkling of thekids skin. spend For babies 6 of These garments are especially if your a lot months of age or younger, keep their sensitive skin out of sunlight time outdoors in the completely. Forsummer. all other ages, here are the do’s and don’ts for in the sun: Choose aplaying wide-brimmed hat or ball cap and sunglasses to protect Do eyes. dress your baby in protective clothing your baby’s

FAMILY FEATURES

or many families, some of the most anticipated summertime activities happen around the pool. But before you dive into the fun, be sure you and your family know the many ways to practice pool safety.

Always cover baby’s arms and legs in airy, light-colored gar-

Don’t forget the ments. Darksunscreen! colors absorb heat, while lighter hues reflect it,

keeping baby cooler.

The Food &Look Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you for shirts and swimwear made from sun-protective fabrics. avoid applying infants younger than 6 months. Thesesunscreen garments are on especially great if your kids spend a lot of outdoors in the summer. Individualstime with sensitive skin should seek a hypoallergenic, chemical-free formula with zinc oxide or titanium oxide with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you use a chemical-based sunscreen, always test on a patch of skin first. Apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and pay attention to the product’s expiration date as the active ingredients can lose their effectiveness over time.

Photo courtesy of Getty Imag

Practice swim safety this summer Swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning is a real danger. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that drowning is the second most common cause of accidental deaths among kids. As an advocate for swim safety, Olympic gold medal winner and mom, Janet Evans, offers these tips to keep kids safe this summer: Enroll in swimming lessons. Many people lack basic swimming skills, and enrolling children in swimming lessons at a young age will help reduce the risk of accidents and drowning. Don’t allow children to swim alone. Drowning is silent, and it happens quickly. Always have a responsible adult watching while children are either in or out of the pool. Keep pool areas tidy. Cleaning up pool toys after play can help lessen the temptation of children to enter the pool area unsupervised. For more information on Janet Evans, visit www.janetevans.com.

Water safety Once your skin is properly protected, it’s almost time to jump in. But before you do, make sure the water is clean and ready.

Do test the water daily

Whether your pool uses traditional chlorine or is equipped with a salt chlorine generator, make testing it a top priority, especially when your pool is used frequently. Make sure to read and follow the product label instructions closely when dealing with pool chemicals. Proper dosing of pool chemicals is important for swimmer comfort. Always test the water and make sure the free chlorine level never falls below 1 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine is the main sanitizer of your pool (and drinking water), and the more people in your pool, the more chlorine you may need.

Don’t assume “salt water” pools are better or easier

What people call “salt water” pools are still chlorine pools; the salt chlorine generator just makes chlorine on-site. Both traditional chlorine and “salt water” pools contain chlorine. Some people believe pools with salt chlorine generators are maintenance free — but this is untrue, and neglecting things can lead to pool problems. No matter what kind of pool you have, it needs to be tested every day.

Tips for keeping water balanced

If your eyes are irritated and the pool water is cloudy or looks green — the balance is probably off. Here’s how to test: Use strips that show chlorine, alkalinity, pH and cyanuric acid levels. Follow instructions on the package for how to submerge the strip. Compare color readings on the strip to the range on the

3 facts about 3 facts about pools “salt water”

“saltthere water” pools While are plenty of options While there plenty of options available forare pool owners, there are available for pool owners, there are many opinions about pools equipped many opinions about pools equipped with salt chlorine generators and with salt chlorine generators and traditional chlorine pools. Check out traditional chlorine pools. Check out these learnmore, more,and and decide thesefacts facts to to learn to to decide which yourfamily’s family’s needs: whichbest best fits fits your needs: In water”pool, pool,chlorine chlorine Inaa“salt “salt water” is is produced by gener - produced by aasalt saltchlorine chlorine gener atorrather rather than ator thanadding addingchlorine chlorine the pool pool directly. water” totothe directly.AA“salt “salt water” pool is is still still being byby pool beingsanitized sanitized chlorine. So, a “salt water” pool chlorine. So,pool. a “salt water” pool is a chlorine is a chlorine pool. The same amount of chlorine is The sametoamount chlorine is required maintainofa “salt water” pool as ato traditional required maintainchlorine a “saltpool. water” a traditional chlorine pool. pool “Saltaswater” pools require the same maintenance and still “Salt water” functions pools require themust same be checked and balancedand regularly, maintenance functions still must just like a traditional chlorine pool. be checked and balanced regularly, just likemore, a traditional chlorine pool. To learn visit www.SaltorChlorine.org.

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Hyundai Sonata honored as a 10 Best Family Car by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 4, 2015 – 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. “Families look to their cars to keep them safe while delivering versatility for daily activities and we are proud that the Sonata continues to exceed the expectations of parents on what matters most to them,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “To keep families safe on the road, the Sonatacomes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag designed to provide additional protection in certain collisions.” 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 Sonata’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 Sonata’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 brand’s trusted content. In turn, these moms enlighten and inspire others by joining ongoing conversations about parenthood via Parents.com as well through Parents’ robust presence on Facebook, 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 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.com’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 – and the only automotive site listed in the top ten – 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 America’s sought-after car brands. And if you would like to check out why Sonata is one of Hyundai’s top selling cars, call our kababayans Jun Milan or Jay Trinidad, Filipino Sales & Leasing professionals at Win Hyundai of Carson at 1-888-7187473. 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.

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Toyota named as ‘One of the World’s Greenest’ PLANO, Texas (June 4, 2015) – Newsweek has named a car company as one of the world’s greenest companies, ahead of highly-regarded brands like Microsoft, Google, Nike and Coke. Toyota moved up 57 spots in Newsweek’s annual green ranking to #35 in the Global 500 and #2 in autos. Newsweek in partnership with Corporate Knights Capital and HIP Investor evaluated the world’s largest publicly-traded companies, using eight metrics to measure environmental performance. Companies were scored against their industry peers on each metric, including energy, water and waste levels. “We are proud to be recognized as one of the world’s greenest companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “Through continuous improvement, our global teams have made great strides in reducing our environmental impact. From hybrids to fuel cells, Toyota is at the forefront of developing energy efficient technologies. We are deeply committed to contributing to the environment, our communities, and to leading the future of sustainable mobility.” The world’s largest automaker is being recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices and its efforts to develop green vehicles, including the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which emits only water vapor. Toyota’s green initiatives saved over 93 million gallons of water in North America and reduced energy use by 22% in Toyota’s North American manufacturing plants. And Toyota Financial Services issued the auto industry’s first-ever Asset-Backed Green Bond to finance the purchase of almost 40,000 green vehicles. Speaking of green, Toyota Motor Corporation has earlier announced that global hybrid sales surpassed the 7 million unit

mark back in September of last year. Toyota achieved this latest million-unit hybrid milestone at the record pace of nine months. “Hitting the 7 million mark represents our customers’ recognition of the benefits of Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “The appeal of excellent fuel economy, driving dynamics and the quality of our vehicles combined with our dealers’ dedication to customer service makes Toyota the undeniable leader in hybrid technology.” Including hybrid vehicles launched this year, Toyota will introduce a total of 15 new hybrids globally through 2015. Hybrids launched this year comprise the Voxy Hybrid and Noah Hybrid in Japan only (January), and the Lexus NX 300h (July). This month Toyota will introduce the Lexus RC 300h. Toyota plans to continue expanding its hybrid lineup and increase the number of countries and regions where it sells hybrid vehicles. Today Toyota sells 27 different hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid model in more than 90 countries and regions. In the U.S., Toyota and Lexus offer 12 hybrid models and one plug-in model, which account for 70 percent of industry hybrid sales. And of course, among the top sellers is Hooman Toyota, down in Long Beach. But what’s good about buying either a Toyota Sienna, RAV4, Camry, Highlander, 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 lo-

cated at 4401 East Pacific Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

The new BMW 7 Series: Gesturing towards the future (Relaxnews) – BMW’s new flagship luxury sedan is set to be the most technologically advanced production car in the world when it hits the road in October thanks to its intelligent suspension, remote controlled parking and ability to respond to hand gestures. Externally, the new car’s styling is subtle. BMW has, intentionally, done just enough to make the sixth-generation 7 Series stand out against its predecessor – the kidney grille is more pronounced, the rear quarters slope at a sharper gradient

BMW needs no introduction. To own one or change your BMW, call our kababayans at Pacific BMW Eduardo Tiempo at 818-6015667 or Ronald Rodillas at 323-683-9351. Pacific BMW is located at 800 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204.

and for the first time there’s the option of a panoramic glass roof that can change color -- but without shocking the aesthetic sensibilities of its existing client base. The average 7 Series owner is in his 50s and his idea of style is an immaculately tailored suit. However, under the car’s subtle exterior lurks what is quite possibly a technological masterpiece. So much so that when car anthropologists look back on history, this vehicle could well be held up as the missing link between driven, isolated cars and connected and self-driving cars. When it goes on sale in October, it will be the first production car with remote controlled parking for getting into and out of the tightest of spots. Simply press the button on the touchscreen key fob and the car will do the rest, with no one at the wheel. Active safety features have also been revised, such as the semi-autonomous traffic jam assist system, which can now help out with stop and go driving on any type of road. The intelligent cruise control can also autonomously adjust the speed of travel based on a change in legal speed limit as well as the distance from the car ahead and behind. And to ensure that there’s never any risk of missing something in a blind spot, the car’s touchscreen display offers a full 360-degree panoramic view around the vehicle. But the high-speed rate of technological progress is evident in every internal element of the car, from how the suspension set-up can automatically alter to ensure a silky or sharp ride to how the car learns the owner’s preferred driving style and evolves to suit. It even uses GPS data to inform the automatic gear changes. Trying to master all of these high-tech updates is also surprisingly simple. The See BMW, page 34

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Victory Auto Connection players led by Heddy Trinidad show off their championship trophy and individual awards after winning the Basketball Association of Shadow Oak title over weekend.

Victory Auto Connection wins BASO cagefest Baldwin Park California, Sunday, June 7, 2015 – A hot and muggy day stood no contest to the heated match going on in an indoor basketball court. It was the day of the BASO (Basketball Association of Shadow Oak) LEAGUE championships. Started by a non-profit organization in 1994 with the focus of building camaraderie and community bonds among all

ages through the sport of basketball, the BASO League gathered a wide array of community members. The anticipated lineup set was Division 3, the Red/Blue against Victory Auto Connection, and Division 2, team Black against Victory Auto Connection. After a grueling and intense game (and much sweat and tears), Victory Auto Connection emerged as back-to-back

champions in both Divisions, earning the right to be Victors (as their name denotes)! To help close out the game, sponsors from the Ms. Philippines USA visited the BASO LEAGUE to congratulate Victory Auto Connection and the players on winning the championship basketball tournament. Additionally, the event would not have been possible without the full sup-

port and collaboration of the host, BASO LEAGUE, and all the teams present.The game not only signified victory, but is a testament to the dedication of Victory Auto Connections towards its local community. Aside from selling cars, Victory Auto Connection has taken the time to forge relationships with the community with the goal of increasing support for the arts and education – from taking part in recreational sports to sponsoring Ms. Philippines USA amongst other activities. In the words of Luis T.: “Congratulations to all winners and to all of us! We all made it happen. Looks like we raised the bar on how the BASO Finals should be.Thanks to Victory Autos andHedi for all the support and congrats to their double victory. Also big thanks to Ronnie of Sportsline Connectfor the sportsmanship trophies. And of course to our great talents – Shantelle S., Ruel of Walnut Boyz, Princess G. and the Bb.Pilipinas USA candidates and reigning beauty queens. What can we say – BASO’s Got Talent! Thanks All!” If you’re interested in forming a community partnership with Victory Auto Connections, feel free to contact us! For more information, visit us at www.victory888. net. 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.

BMW

From page 32

new car is the first BMW to adopt smartphone-like pinch to zoom and swipe commands via the infotainment touchscreen (until now, the system was operated via a rotary dial at the base of the gear lever). And, thanks to a 3D camera mounted in the headliner, the car is the first that can respond to gestures. A wave of the hand or a clenched fist or holding up one or two fingers can result in dropping or taking a call, or turning off or turning up the music for example. As well as new tech and new levels of comfort, the luxury sedan is also getting a new range of engines, starting with turbocharged straight-six petrol and straight-six diesel powerplants. However, in 2016 they will be joined by a hyper efficient plug-in hybrid and performance-focused twinturbo V8 and V12 units. BMW needs no introduction. To own one or change your BMW, call our kababayans at Pacific BMW Eduardo Tiempo at 818-601-5667 or Ronald Rodillas at 323-683-9351. Pacific BMW is located at 800 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204.

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Honda Fit, Accord and CR-V named Best Family Cars for 2015 by Parents Magazine, Edmunds.com

TORRANCE, Calif., Jun 3, 2015 – The 2015 Honda Fit and CR-V have been named to the 10 Best Family Cars list compiled by the parenting and car experts at Parents magazine Mac Almerol, Filipino Sales & Leasing Consultant of Honda of Hollywood. and Edmunds.com. The three family-friendly Honda ve- Honda Fit are further enhanced through the hicles – each earning the top crashworthi- use of Honda’s next-generation Advanced ness ratings from the Insurance Institute for Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body Highway Safety (IIHS) and equipped with structure, helping Fit earn a TOP SAFETY a standard rearview camera – were selected PICK rating from IIHS and a 5-Star Overout of hundreds of models for excelling all Vehicle Score from National Highway in the key areas of safety, convenience Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) features, performance and value. in its New Car Assessment Program The Accord was recognized as one of (NCAP)2. the top sedans for families for the third The 2015 CR-V, also recognized as one straight year. of the best crossovers for families, received The Accord features sophisticated the most significant mid-cycle redesign styling, fuel-efficient powertrains1 and in its history, with a new direct-injected advanced technology features like the EarthDreams™ Technology i-VTEC® available LaneWatch display and a stan- engine and continuously variable transmisdard multi-angle rearview camera. sion (CVT) to improve performance and With safety a top shopping consider- fuel efficiency1. ation for families, the Accord shines by A new suite of Honda Sensing™ safety earning a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from and driver-assistive features, available on IIHS and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score the Touring trim, contribute to the vehicle’s from National Highway Traffic Safety TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from IIHS. Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Additionally, the CR-V features signifiAssessment Program (NCAP).2 cantly enhanced exterior and interior stylThe spacious, fuel-efficient1 and ver- ing, while a long list of new family-friendly satile 2015 Honda Fit was chosen as one standard and available features brings a of the best budget cars on the annual list. new level of sophistication to America’s The all-new 2015 Honda Fit is even top-selling SUV4. more of a standout choice in the subcomApproximately 98 percent of Honda pact segment with its small-on-the-outside, brand new car registrations in America big-on-the-inside packaging, incredibly in 2014 were to individual retail car buyversatile second-row Magic Seat and ers. Isn’t it about time you yourself get a a manufacturer’s suggested retail price Honda? (MSRP) starting at a very affordable Or, better replace your Honda with a $15,790. newer model. Come and see our kababayan The Fit features a fresh and modern Mac Almerol, who is always ready to help design, a sporty and efficient engine, plus a at Honda of Hollywood. You can reach highly versatile interior loaded with equip- Mac at toll free 1-866-630-0734. Better ment essential for urban driving, including yet, test drive a new Honda today by coma standard rearview camera and Bluetooth ing down to Honda of Hollywood located hands-free connectivity. at 6511 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, Occupant safety features for the 2015 CA 90038.

AQUINO From page 15

waiver petition will be strictly and thoroughly scrutinized. The DHS will expect documentary evidence of the couple’s joint residency and commingling of their marital transactions, such as joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, joint insurance, etc. Lack of such documentation may lead to great difficulty in persuading an immigration officer that an individual has been in a legitimate and bona fide marriage. An individual must also be prepared to furnish an explanation of what led to the break-up of the marriage, which is often emotionally difficult but vital to demonstrating the legitimacy of the relationship. Other types of waivers also exist should an individual not be eligible for a bona fide marriage waiver. A waiver is available if the US citizen spouse has passed away. Another waiver is available for those who have been “battered or subjected to extreme cruelty” by the US citizen spouse. This includes not only physical abuse, but also psychological and emotional abuse.

There is also a waiver available to those who can prove that they would suffer extreme hardship if they were not allowed to retain their green card. Due to the significant concerns of the DHS to combat marriage fraud, it is important for individuals to comply with the timely filing of the joint petition or waiver petition. For those who are experiencing marital problems, it is extremely important to seek out guidance well in advance so that a proper course of action can be charted to make an already difficult situation hopefully not too problematic. For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 799-3089; info@aquinoloew.com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996.

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