Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
File photo shows NY Filam Loida Nicolas Lewis with Mrs. Letty Lanuza in Manila and at right is Rogelio Lanuza.
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bill have steadily risen as both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have agreed on a blue-
print to solve the decades-old problem. Some 11 million undocumented immigrants, including estimated 300,000 Filipino TNTs (meaning tago ng tago -hiding and hiding), may become the beneciaries of any reforms that will give them a pathway to legalization and eventually citizenship. Already, Asian American groups have already joined Hispanic organizations to lobby for the passage of a bill in this session of Congress. In California, Lolita
NJ Gov. Christie
Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) announcing their plan
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US to x reefs P4
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CEBU CITY. What does a New York-based architect and Japanese American anthropologist have in common? The answer is simple the bamboo amplier. Filipino American architect Franz Ignacio and Japanese-Filipino-American anthropologist Koh Onozawa met by chance when they vacationed in Cebu. They were introduced by their Cebuana mothers who are longtime friends. That started a long and apparently fruitful collaboration despite their divergent specializations. They are, according to Karla Maquiling of GMA News, the brains behind the Loudbasstard, an amplier made entirely from bamboo that is now being sold online in the Philippines. It was introduced in Canada last year and plans are to bring it to the US, Italy and other countries. The pair gave up their jobs abroad and moved to Cebu. Their initial foray, a digital tablet called Butler zzled out. The idea of a sustainable speaker that did not rely on electricity struck the tandem after Onozawas girlfriend, Julie Ghafari, used a plastic cup to amplify the music from a smartphone. From that seemingly innocent episode was born Loudbasstard, an eco-friendly amplier that works with smartphones mately improve upon their quality of life, they added. We want to foster an economic growth. Everything we do
Koh Onozawa and Franz Ignacio, the inventors of the bamboo amplier (right). like the iPhone and Samsungs Galaxy 3. Loudbasstard wasnt created to replace speakers or your home sound system, they explained in their website, but to provide a personal sound amplier that is organic in design and environmentally friendly as it uses no electricity. Each piece is cut and dyed by hand, by local craftsmen in Cebu.Theres an entire army of people behind Loudbasstard by purchasing a Loudbasstard youre helping us help them provide for their families and ultiin terms of who we employ and where we create, is all within the Philippines, specically Cebu. We also pay homage to our cultural heritage by using traditional techniques in cutting and shaping the bamboo. The Loudbasstards are now being sold online in the Philippines and in Vancouver, Canada starting in October 2012. Hoping to expand their reach, the two are working to bring it to Switzerland, the Middle East, and the US this year. To use it, one simply has to slip in a gadget into the hollow they sent 50 pieces to Vancouver, Canada through a family friend who was visiting for a bit, and they immediately placed a bulk order after that. Thats when we realized we were onto something. Other friends abroad helped Ignacio and Onozawa get the bamboo speakers distributed in Rome and Milan, Italy. GMA News said its sustainable and eco-friendly design has given the Loudbasstard some good press from publications abroad, such as Design Street and Fool Magazine in Italy Cinzano, a member of the exclusive design organization Associazion per il Disegno Industriale, who called the product stylish and sustainable. Ignacio said he and Onozawa didnt expect that their simple and practical design would be well received locally and abroad. The reception has been 100% awesome. Were still blown away by everyones kind words. It makes what we do that much more worth it, Ignacio said on GMA News.
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for speaking Tagalog. But what were you saying? But I try. Talking about the embassy, Thomas said the Philippines has the second-largest immigrant visa section for the US Embassy in the world, but our nonimmigrant visa section is just as crowded. Our consular section is now state-of-the art, with over 400 seats, a at-screen television and Internet connection. So everybody can come in with respect and dignity and go to the different sections depending on what they want. It always surprises people when I tell them that three out of four applicants for tourist visas receive one. President Obama is really trying to encourage tourism. He wants all people to go to America because its very good for business. Were trying to be open, and we want people to come to the US in an honest manner. Asked if there is a similarity between Filipino and American cultures, Thomas said Filipinos will probably be surprised to learn how important family is to us. In my family, my mother was one of eight, my father, one of 10. My grandfather was one of 16. So I have a lot of cousins. Its a huge family.
US Amb. Harry K. Thomas, Jr. a hard time pronouncing Tagalog words, and my friends make fun of me. Sometimes its appreciated, and sometimes, people say Harry, Im so proud of you
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WASHINGTON D.C. As the winter season winds down, Filipino American doctors and nurses from all over the United States have started going back to the Philippines to conduct medical missions. The medical missions appear to be unaffected by last years controversy over Philippine health department guidelines, many of which were eventually suspended after an uproar. The Association of Filipino Physicians of Southern Illinois will launch on Feb. 17-23 what it says is one of their biggest medical missions in Bohol. The missioners are composed of American surgeons and nurses from Illinous, West Virginia, Arizona, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Florida and California led by Dr. Antonio Daquipa. They will perform thyroidectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, breast tumor, hernia, gall bladder and cleft lip/palate, among other major operations. The mission is expected to benet residents of 47 towns in the island province, including the capital Tagbilaran City. A separate group, organized tion of eyeglasses, and other medical services at Tacloban City Hospital and at the Mother
Filam medical missioners treating patients in the Philippines. by Global Health Foundation, brought 55 doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners from Standford University in Palo Alto, Ca. to Leyte. The mission provided free surgical, minor surgery, dental, general consultation, distribuMercy Hospital in the city. A 50-man contingent from the Medical Mission Foundation of St. Louis, Mo. headed by Dr. Fred Jimenez completed their own medical mission in Malolos, Bulacan last month, along with a group from the University of Sto.
The US minesweeper Guardian sits atop the Tubbataha reefs in the Sulu Sea. the US government to speed up its action to haul the grounded ship off the World Heritage Site as soon as possible. The US Navy has already removed the fuel and other vital equipment from the minesweeper. In the next two weeks, the US Embassy said it will organize a roundtable with local coral reef-conservation experts to listen to concerns and discuss options for conservation and restoration of the Tubbataha Reef. Invitees to this discussion will include entities such as USAID [United States Agency for International Development], the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency [NOAA], relevant government agencies of the Philippines and the Tubbataha Management Ofce. Through USAIDs Coral Triangle Support Partnership
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NEW YORK - I beg the court not to put me in jail because my wife will die. I am the only one who is taking care of her. With this plea, a contrite, weeping Dr. Felix Lanting, an 85-year-old Filipino American physician, asked Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopdf of the US District Court in Brooklyn last month not to put him in jail. Dr. Lanting of Staten Island pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to distribute the powerful pain medication oxycodone, He was accused of writing an average of 15 prescriptions a day, seven days a week, between April and October 2010 and faced up to 71 months in prison. During his sentencing, Dr. Lanting said: I beg the court not to put me in jail because my wife will die. I am the only one who is taking care of her. He then began to weep. Im very sorry. I made a mistake. If I could undo it, I would. Im begging you please. Taken aback by the plea, the Judge Mauskopf said, I am agonizing about what to do. But obviously moved by his plea, the judge showed compas-
Dr. Felix Lanting (left) and his residence on Staten Island. judge called for a ve-minute recess to think. When the court resumed, sion by deciding not to let the old doctor go to jail. She took into consideration his age, his
Georgia law makes doctors NJ Filam teacher held on sex charge prove theyre citizens
ATLANTA, Georgia More that 1500 health care professionals here are angry over a tough new law that makes all healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other medical worker prove they are either citizens or foreigners who have permits to work. In the past, they only have to routinely renew their license to practice. Now they must prove that they are either citizens or foreigners who have permission to work and short-staffed state agencies cant keep up with the paperwork. In a state that licenses some 500,000 practitioners, the law has sideline some 500 doctors, 450 physicians assistants and respiratory therapists and 600 nurses who got caught up in the backlog. If doctors arent able to see their patients, there are potential issues there, particularly in an urgent situation, says Bob Jeffrey, director for operations for the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Patients can certainly see other physicians but you wouldnt have the same continuity of care, Jeffrey said. Colombian born-doctor Jorge Simmonds-Diaz, 64, a physician in a family practice outside Atlanta calls the new law worthless. Youre practicing for 15 lyears or more, and all of a sudden, they nd that youre an illegal immigrant working here? That doesnt make sense. Ofcials say the new rule has not unmasked any foreigner working without permission. MIAMI, Florida - A Filipino American high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship was arrested January 25 at a rehabilitation center in South Florida. U.S. Marshals arrested 28-year-old Jennalin GarciaCalle after she checked in herself into a rehab facility. She is charged with sexual assault after allegedly having sexual relations with a 16-year-old male student. New Jersey prosecutors said Garcia-Calle had sex with the student several times on campus while teaching algebra at Plaineld High School. It was after school, the door was locked, the window was blocked, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said. The fact that someone would be that brazen to do this is very troubling. Investigators said GarciaCalle ed to South Florida last week after an arrest warrant
Jennalin Garcia-Calle was issued in her name. Detectives were able to track her down through her cell phone and text messages, according to CBS Miami. She had told either friends or associates that she was going to South Florida to get help, said U.S. Marshals spokesperson Barry Golden. Obviously Ms. GarciaCalle was aware that these
charges were forthcoming. She was aware that she was probably going to be in a lot of trouble and thats when she ed the New Jersey area. Prosecutors also said Garcia-Calle reached out to the student before eeing, asking him to get rid of evidence. He was under intense pressure by the teacher over the course of the weekend to eliminate some of the evidence which he did not do, Romankow said. The sexual affair came to light when the boy told his parents, CBS New York reports. The Plaineld School District put Garcia-Calle on immediate administrative leave, pending the criminal investigation. Garcia-Calle is now being held on $200,000 bail, according to CBS New York. She is expected to be extradited to New Jersey soon.
report said Valera will appeal the decision.) On the merits, the panel held that the veterans, who led
Ryan Lumba sues state of Colorado. Eaglecrest High School, has put his college plans on hold as he recuperates. He was to attend Western State Colorado University last fall prior to the tragedy. His parents, Sam and Remy, are unemployed, with his now partially paralyzed father in need of 24-hour care. Remy, meanwhile, underwent major surgery a few months before her husband suffered a stroke. Some of those giving notice to sue were in other theaters inside the Century 16 theater complex. They claim they, too, were traumatized by the events. Lumba and others have earlier led a separate lawsuit against theater owners blaming them for lack of security. Sued before a federal court was the Plano, Texas-based Cinemark USA (dba Century 16 Aurora) alleging that the nations third largest theater circuit failed to ensure adequate safety to prevent the shooting at Century 16.
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By Rodney J. Jaleco
WASHINGTON D.C. Filipino veterans supporters hailed the move of Nevada Rep. Joe Heck to reintroduce a bill in the US Congress that would compel the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept other documents to prove a Filipino veteran served with the US armed forces in World War II. The governments insistence to rely on at least 2 ofcial documents, including the so-called Missouri List to prove service to the United States during World War II has often been cited as the biggest obstacle for Filipino veterans to receive the lump sum payment for the injustice they suffered after the war. The US Congress enacted the Rescission Act in 1946, withdrawing recognition for thousands of Filipinos who served with the US military, either as part of the Commonwealth Army or as guerillas who fought under American supervision. In the process, they lost the chance to enjoy benets given to other nationals who fought with the US in World War II. The Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) was intended to address that injustice by recognizing the role of the Filipino veterans and providing for a one-time payment of $15,000 for Filipino World War II veterans whove become American citizens and $9,000 for those who retained their Filipino citizenship. Some 24,385 of the more than 43,000 surviving veterans who applied for the FVEC were turned down, reportedly because their names were not in the ofcial roster at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Mo. Last December, President Obama approved the release of a previously classied report outlining US military actions in the Philippines during and after World War II, including the process by which the US Army recognized qualied guerillas. Retired Maj. Gen. Deln Lorenzana, special envoy for Filipino veterans at the Philippine Embassy, expressed the hope the 335-page report would provide alternative proof of service for those previously disqualied for the FVEC.
Nevada Rep. Joe Heck Hecks bill would direct the VA to accept the paperwork and to accept one valid document as acceptable proof, rather than multiples, and it would direct the Army to cooperate. It would also extend the deadline for eligible veterans to apply. Lorenzana said of the 43,083 veterans who led claims with the VA, only 18,698 are in both the US Army Roster of Troops and the Discharge List. Many applications for the FVEC were rejected because their names were either not in the lists or
Chris Lu Among them were the order to make public the records of Filipino World War II veterans in the governments archives in Missouri The news of his sudden departure surprised many Filipino WWII Veterans advocates. The Manila Mails Bing Branigin, who posed for a picture with Lu at the January 18 White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacic Islanders welcome brieng, did not know about his resignation.
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serviceman. My father left us when I was 3, Schoeld disclosed in past interview with The College Magazine of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University (IU). My mother came to the United States because of her idealism about the country that had saved her during World War II, and remained here, I believe, because of the stigma and shame she would have suffered had she returned to the Philippines as a divorced woman. She was a pharmacist and stressed achievement, independence and selfsufciency as essential values. As the rst Asian-American to be elected chair of the 70,000member litigation section of the American Bar Association, she has been named a Super Lawyer for ve years in a row by Super Lawyers magazine. In 2008, she was named one of the nations 50 most inuential minority lawyers by the National Law Journal. Schoeld, double-majored in English and German on full scholarship and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude in three years from Indiana University, and earned her J.D. from New York University (NYU) Law School, where she served as editor of the NYU Law Review and a Pomeroy scholar.
Filam Federal Judge Lorna Schoeld. origins and status and unable to engage legal aid and assistance on account of poverty. It was helped and established by the late civil rights advocate John A. Payton, head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Education Fund. As an only child born in Fort Wayne, and grew up in New Haven, Indiana, Schoeld is a second-generation Filaam and the product of what used to be called a mixed marriage - her late mother, Priscilla Tiangco Schoeld, was a Filipina war bride from Batangas City, Philippines, who married an American
Secretary Albert del Rosario with Walter Lohman ible military force, Lohman said. He noted that international law is on the Philippine side when it came to the nine-dash map claims of China. From their [Chinas] perspective, their best opportunity is to press their advantage physically because on the merits of the case they are not going to win the case on the validity of the nine-dash-map, he said. Lohman suggested that Manila acquire a ghter aircraft in order to tell the Chinese to stay out of our territory.
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WASHINGTON D.C. One of Americas biggest unions has challenged lawmakers to craft measures in an immigration reform bill they are writing that will protect foreign workers from abuses. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), said the government has an obligation to prevent abuses like those inicted by a US-based recruiter against hundreds of Filipino teachers in Louisiana. Three years ago the AFT brought to light the abuses of nearly 350 Filipino teachers recruited to work in Louisiana. These teachers borrowed money to pay massive fees, had their documents seized and faced threats and extortion. Their story was a shock to our union, she said. The US District Court in Los Angeles, CA. ordered their recruiter, Universal Placement International last December to pay $4.5 million to the Filipino teachers who were forced into exploitive contracts. In a statement, timed with release of the report, The American Dream Up for Sale: A Blueprint for Ending International Labor Recruitment Abuse Weingarten noted that such abuses seemed to be prevalent in the US. The outrageous practices catalogued in this report cry out for justice and we have an obligation to reform the systems that are allowing them to happen and break the cycles of exploitation that engulf so many immigrant workers. The report, Weingarten stressed, makes clear that such abusespermeate the system. exploiting workers who came from other countries to teach in American schools. The DOL order also banned PGCPS from recruiting foreign teachers for 2 years, forcing many of the teachers to return to an uncertain future in the Philippines. Weingarten said the report offers a set of core principles for the kind of treatment that any worker in our nation should be able to expect. Ideals such as freedom from discrimination or coercion, access to justice and information, and freedom of movement and association are not reserved for citizens alone. They are universal values for which our country stands and must apply to any worker on our soil, she added. The AFT campaign, if it proves successful, would benet all foreign guest workers in the US, including about two dozen Filipino oil rig workers who led a class suit against contractor Grand Isle Shipyard and jobplacement rm DNR Offshore. The Filipinos, who work as welders and pipetters in offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and other drill sites, alleged they were essentially imprisoned from the minute they set foot in Louisiana. Three Filipino welders were killed in an explosion on one of those oil platforms last Nov. 16. As our nation begins the essential work of comprehensive immigration reform, Weingar-
File photo shows Filipino tutors demonstrating in DC 2 years ago. Two years ago, the US Department of Labor ordered the Prince Georges County Public School (PGCPS) system in Maryland to pay $5.9 million in back wages and nes for violating visa rules when it recruited about a thousand foreign teachers, most of them from the Philippines. The teachers were reportedly compelled to pay $1,000 in placement fees, including for their H-1B visas that should have been paid by PGCPS. The AFT denounced the school district for illegally
Filam crew of visiting US warship in Manila line up for photo. Cmdr. Lex Walker. I hope that the citizens of the Philippines can look at our ship and see that their people and culture are well represented and respected in the US Navy, he told the Philippine News Agency. Earlier, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Cheyenne also stopped at Subic to replenish supplies and for some welldeserved R&R, including for two of her Fil-Am crew members Robert Hicks and Teodorico Dante. Hicks was born at Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the visit was his rst time to return to the country. He nally got a chance to fulll a dream to stand in the shadow of Mt. Pinatubo the volcano that devastated large parts of the province and forced the US Air Force to abandon the sprawling Clark Air Base. Hicks added he was ready for some real lumpia and pancit. For Tapia though the experience could be more profound. Born in California, all he knew my elders still call home. I am an American but I am a descendant of the Philippines and this is my rst chance to see a place Ive only dreamed of visiting. Filams serving aboard the USS Stockdale have families in Baguio City, Metro Manila, Bataan, Pampanga and Olongapo City, Zambales, Walker revealed. Most of them visited relatives while the ship was on port. The US Embassy in Manila also arranges for crew members to participate in community projects such as handing gifts to orphans or organizing guided tours of their ships. The USS Stockdale is a 9,200-ton destroyer that carries up to 90 long-range cruise and shorter-range defensive missiles. It is based in San Diego, Ca. The USS Cheyenne, on the other hand, is a Los Angelesclass attack submarine that is powered by its own nuclear reactor. It took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom, ring Tomahawk cruise missiles against Saddam Husseins forces.
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NEW YORK Sheila Corjournalists should start thinking entrepreneurially because they are nding themselves short of funds and lack of support from major news organizations that are afraid of lawsuits and pressure tactics. The Kapihan forum was held at the Pan de Sal coffee shop on Jan. 25. She said this poses a danger to the strengthening of democratic institutions. In fact, her former colleagues in PCIJI in Manila have faced several libel suits. She said investigative journalism gets its support from the government, such as the Freedom of Information Act in the U.S. and the pending FOIA legislation which is being opposed by President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Sheila also shared her thoughts on recent developments in
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institutions on the East Coast, the origins of FAST were organized a collaboration of students, the University, and the community. The event will be at 6pm in the Grand Ballroom at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. The event will be a fundraising dinner held in the interest of two Asian American Studies Program scholarships: the Major General Antonio Taguba Proles in Courage and Leadership Scholarship, and the Philip Vera Cruz Outstanding Community Service Scholarship. Through the active sponsorship of these scholarships, we continue to foster a spirit of public and community service that reects and encourages true citizenship. The theme for the Gala is Inheriting History. We recognize the importance of learning from our past in order to create a better future. As an organization, we revisit the legacy of past student leaders who exceeded the expectations of a cultural group for a worthwhile goal. As students, we reafrm our commitment to academic excellence and the privilege of a well-rounded and advanced education. As a community, we commit our support to students who exemplify the values of service and citizenship. Inheriting history is not a passive acceptance of the past by the next generation, but rather an active engagement to work for a better tomorrow for all people. To purchase tickets, please visit www.tinyurl.com/fastgala2013. For more information, please email public.relations@ fcaatumd.com. The mission of the FCA is to promote awareness and education of Filipino-American culture for the University of Maryland community. We unite our members through cooperative involvement in cultural, academic, political, athletic, and social programs and activities. Through our shared experiences, we preserve, encourage, and inspire the celebration of our culture. Contact: Dana Janelle Ong, Public Relations Ofcer Phone: (973)960-7204, Email: public.relations@fcaatumd.com Website: www.fcaatumd.com
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metrodc.org March 1 (Friday) Filipino Heritage Night in the NBA East Coast at the Wizards vs Knicks Games. Sponsored by the Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA ). Includes 8-10 Youth/Adult pre-games, early entry, FAN Tunnel Experience,Tinikling Performance. Ticket ranges from $27UL, $40CL and $89 pressbox with gourmet buffet. Contact: fabaofmetrodcinc@aol.com. March 2 (Saturday) 5:00pm. Filipino Cultural Association and Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, Fourth Filipino American Studies Gala, a fundraiser for scholarships. Grand Ballroom, Adele Stamp Student Union, Universityof Maryland. $40; Students (with ID) $10. Contact: Andrew Aggabao at president@ fcaatumd.com 410.562.2707 March 9 (Saturday) 10:00am-1:00pm. Philippine American Foundation for Charities Community Meeting for Members and Volunteers. Mrs. Philippines Home, 6482 Bock Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. (301) 567-9537..Contact: Bing Branigin at mcbranigin@aol.com March 11-15 Bicol Association MWDC Surgical Mission at the Bicol Eastern Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes. Contact: Yvonne Horneffer, CRNP at 301496-7955 or horneffery@hotmail. com.
February 15 (Friday) 6:0010:00pm Fil-Am Multicultural Center Childrens Valentine Pajama Party. 7500 Livingston Rd. Oxon Hill, MD 20745. $ 15 per person ($ 5 per half hour after 10 pm).includes dinner, snacks, craft class, dancing, obstacle course, games, and movies. This event is for preschoolers to the young at heart. Attire: PAJAMAS. Attendees are
encouraged to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Contact: 301567-2280. February 16 (Saturday) 5:39:30pm Holy Trinity Jubilee Park Valentine Dinner-Dance Benet . Regency at Dominion Valley, 15351 Championship Drive, Haymarket, VA. $100 per person or $150 per couple; $65 per student; $600 for table of 8. Tax deductible donation to Trinidad
16 Around DC in Pictures
Soan Velasquez,outgoing president for 2012, hands over the symbolic gavel and paddle to incoming president Beth A. Wong after the induction ceremonies held in January with members and guests from the community, and friends from other APO alumni associations who came as far as California, New York, New Jersey and Virginia Beach. (photo by Maurese O. Owens) Sinulog participants line up with their statuettes of Santo Nino for the blessing by Fr. Archie Carampatan last January 20 at the St. Mary Church in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Ann Corominas) Sunday January 20, 2103 turned out to be a beautiful sunny winter day with Springlike temperature at St. Mary Church on Viers Mill Road in Rockville, MD. Devotees started to ll up the pews of the main church at 1:45PM for the annual celebration of the Feast of Sto Nino. Holy Mass hosted by the Mother Butlers Guild began promptly at 2:00PM as scheduled. The marble communion rail circling the altar was bedecked with more than eighty statues of the Sto. Nino. The statues came in different sizes, different colors, different congurations, and different ornamentations. Before the closing prayer of the Mass, Fr. Archie Carampatan, the ofciating priest, blessed the statues. The Mass was quickly followed by the recitation of the Rosary and the Novena to the Infant Jesus. Unlike in past years, the parish social hall was booked earlier for another function. Reception was held at nearby Lincoln Park Community Center. Philippine delicacies created a long double line at the buffet table. Guests line-danced to DJ music. Following the tradition which started from Cebu, the reception culminated with the Sinulog. Holding their own images of the Sto. Nino and stems of carnations, the Sinulog dancers swayed their way in circular formation to the beat of Pit Senor. (Written by Presy Guevara)
International performer Stephanie Reese, a Filipina American, with US Amb. Harry Thomas, and Bing Branigin, during the birthday party for Reese, and get together of Fil ams and other expatriates at the Pacic Towers, The Fort, in Metro Manila last February 2.
Fil Am Erwin Gomez, beauty guro based in Washington, DC., is currently in the Philippines taking a break before launching his soon to be reality show in the US. Gomez became famous 4 years ago when his name came up during the investigation of the White House gate crushers, the Shalahis. Photo shows Gomez with Veronica Uy and Roy Mabasa, Philippine journalists. While in the Philippines, Gomez also appeared on ANC, a cable news channel afliated with ABS-CBN. Photo: Bing Branigin
Shown from left are Col. Arnel Duco, Air Force Attache, Capt . Elson Aguilar, Naval Attache, Maj. General ( Ret.) Deln Lorenzana, Ofce of Veterans Affairs, Bing Branigin, NaFFAA; Senipr Supt (Ret) Cris Maralit, Maj. Gen. Cesar Yano, Defense Attache, and Col. Jojo Gentiles, in-coming Police Attache, pose for a photo after their meeting in the embassy last month.
Seen in a local eatery in Virginia recently are the lovey-dovey couple Amor and Rudy Regala in what appears to be a pre-Valentines Day dinner. Rudy, a friend of the Manila Mail, has just recovered from a stroke. (Photo by Bing C. Branigin)
Members of Mother Butler Guild had an impromptu birthday celebration after their monthly meeting at the community room of St. Annes Church in Tenleytown, D.C. Seated, from left: Vicky Cirujales, Sally Madis, Mary Horcajo, birthday girls Belen Bernardino and Rose Flores; Mila Aguas and Philomena Reediekel. Back, from left: Ledy Largado, Nerie Decena, Lydia Aguas, Elma Garcia, Herly Vibas, Sister Sara Dwyer, Virgie Salcedo, Remy Aydalla and Siony Tugado. Not in photo is Recording Secretary Aida Ancheta.
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Photo taken by Vic Galang shows, from left, David Valderama (seated), Hana and Linda Inejosa, Fe Baraceros, and Julian Oteyza during the Feb. 2 debut performances of the Tutubi Band and the Legends of Classic Pinoy Rock at the Philippine Multi-Cultural Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The attendees who braved the icy snow were treated to a trip down memory lane with a violin concert by Korina Baraceros, some rocking tagalog songs by Badette of Agos, live painting by Gabriego, disco songs by Erma Montero, Beatles songs by Cugie dela Santa,
Bee Gees songs by Marvin Santos, Elvis songs by Benny Medina and the music of Julian Oteyza and Tutubi Band. They also celebrated the birthdays of Dave Valderrama, Linda Inejosa, Corina Barrientos, George Brooks, Hanna and others. Tutubi is performing at the Cultural Center 8 to 12 p.m. every Saturday for free. Jam with the band or bring your art material and paint with other artists They sell beer, wine, softdrinks, water and snacks. For info, email: julianoteyza@gmail.com or (703) 969 5469.
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LBC Cargo. His mother says O.J. is pursuing his passion for the sport, adding that hes been playing the soccer since he was 4 years old.
O.J. Porteria sows the kick that led to the victory over Myanmar. Porteria is one of the youngest players on the Philippine team. He trained with the DC United Academy, which helps develop new players for the DC club. Despite his youth, he earned a slot in the Azkals when the national team conducted tryouts in Daly City, Ca in 2011. He decided to move to Manila last year after graduating from the Falls Church High School in Fairfax, Va. and shortly after joined the Kaya Futbol Club which is owned by Santiago Araneta of The AFC Challenge Cup qualiers are scheduled March 22-26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The top team in the ve qualifying groups will advance to the main stage of the Challenge Cup set next year in the tiny island of Maldives. The remaining three slots will be lled by the threebest second placers. The period of the qualiers are set during the FIFA international friendly dates, meaning that clubs worldwide will have
Josephine L. Aviado has been transcribing interviews of World War II Filipino veterans conducted both in the Philippines and the United States.Josephine hopes to know more about the needs and concerns of the Asian American and Pacic Islander community. Her long-term aspiration is to become a social worker.
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MANILA - The al-Qaida linked Abu Sayyaf terrorists are locked in ghting with ghters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari for control of Sulu, an island where they used to coexist in peace. The clash is expected to help the Philippine armed forces and US troops who are assisting it in battling this terrorist group which have resorted to kidnapping for ransom in recent years. In their rst known major clash, the MNLF rebels attacked the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to liberate foreigners being held in their mountain redoubt in Patikul, Sulu. The clash resulted in the deaths of more than 31 combatants, including the beheading of 8 MNLF rebels. Bonded by blood ties and war, the two armed groups had coexisted for years on Sulul a predominantly Muslim region, where abject poverty, guns and weak law enforcement have combined in an explosive mix to fuel their rebellions and pockets of lawlessness. The trouble began after the MNLF rebels-seeking to regain their former dominance in the region-tried to arrange the release of several hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf, including Jordanian TV journalist Baker Atyani and two European tourists. Two Filipino companions of Atyani were freed prior to the encounter. When the Abu Sayyaf commanders refused to free the hostages even after ransom was allegedly paid, the MNLF launched the attack. The MNLF rebels are now trying to rescue the captives and end the Abu Sayyafs reign, Moro commander Khabier Malik told The Associated Press We breathe the same air, speak the same language and live and ght in the same jungle, Malik said by telephone. Were a bigger force and we cannot allow this small group to reign with this brutality. For years, a shadowy alliance is believed to have existed between the groups. While the MNLF signed a limited peace
Heavily-armed rebels of the MNLF show their wares. deal with the government years ago, some Moro commanders are suspected of giving sanctuary to Abu Sayyaf men and carrying out kidnappings for ransom with them. Collusion between the Abu Sayyaf and MNLF membersmany of whom are relatives-
The Waling Waling ower ety. But due to its structural difference, with Waling-waling having larger owers, it was separated from Vanda in 1914. Waling-waling, which appears in pink and white varieties, is found on the trunks of dipterocarp trees at elevations below 500 meters and is often used in hybridization. Both Waling-waling and Sampaguita owers symbolize honor and veneration. Sam-
Hometown News 21
and grave misconduct for the P131.5 million rubber boat contract. The Ombudsman also forfeited their retirement benets and disqualied them from ever holding public ofce. Morales meted six-month suspensions without pay on Director George Piano, Chief Superintendent Luis Saligumba, Senior Superintendent Job Nolan Antonio and Senior Superintendent Edgar Paatan for simple neglect of duty. Non-uniformed personnel Joel Crisostomo De Leon Garcia, Ronald Lee, Ma. Linda Padojinog, and Ruben Gongona of the PNP bids and awards committee and technical working group were also suspended for one month without pay. trolled corporation. On January 14, the Ofce of the Ombudsman afrmed with nality the graft charges against Lozada after Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales junked Lozadas motion for reconsideration. The private company is under his Lupang Hinirang program.
still prevalent
Corruption is still rampant under the administration of President Benigno Aquino 3rd, according to former Sen. Richard Gordon. Gordon, a senatorial candidate under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said that the Aquino administrations propaganda machinery really works to project that his government is already corruption free. He said many government ofcials have recently been charged with corruption.
Continued on page 22
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Hometown News... from page 21
to between 2 to 13 months in jail for offending religious beliefs for claiming he was Fr. Damaso and speaking out in favor of birth control during a mass at the Manila Cathedral in 2010. A member of one of the countrys top travel agency, Celdran said he would appeal the verdict, describing the authorities use of the little-known and rarely used law as a threat to freedom of speech. I am calm but I am going to ght this till the end, Celdran said in a statement posted on social media alongside a copy of the courts decision. Celdran remains free on bail, pending his appeal. Ombudsman for the misuse of P300 million obtained by the city from the Land Bank of the Philippines during the Arroyo administration. Braganza is not expected to be suspended by President Aquino since the Alaminos mayor is the Liberal Party candidate, unlike Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia who was ordered suspended by Aquino as she is not an LP candidate. In a complaint afdavit, incumbent and past baranggay chairmen from different barangays in Alaminos asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to look into their detailed allegations against Braganza who ensured that plum contracts in his city ended up with the construction rms. The complainants strongly believe and are willing to prove based on the numerous evidence as well as from their personal knowledge that the government contracts entered into by Mayor Braganza is grossly disadvantageous to the government and inimical to the interest of the State and the people of Alaminos and the Filipino people.
VISAYAS
Koreans No. 1 Visayas visitors
ILOILO CITY -South Koreans were the top visitors in Western Visayas in 2012, according to the gures released by the Department of Tourism. Of the 2.1 million tourists who came to the region, and of around 1.2 million who went to Boracay, Aklan, 184,992 were South Koreans. The Taiwanese came in second, accounting for 93,407 visitors; then Chinese 84,186 tourists; Americans, 20,603; and Australian, 15, 237. Completing the top 10 visitors in Western Visayas were those from Russia14,810, Japan-8,841, United Kingdom-8,729, Germany-8,098, and Hongkong-7,591. cans cant muster the votes to pass even these limited reforms, which most Americans support, then Obama can present his agenda and force the Republicans to vote against a popular measure a second time, perhaps undermining their support in the midterm elections. If a reform bill is passed, it will be welcome news for the thousands of Filipinos who have waited in line for years for their green cards will no longer wait for years. At the same time, a new bill might spell the death of the family unication system which encourages immigrants to petition for their parents or siblings. Under the senators path to the green card, the undocumented will have to rst register with Homeland Security to undergo a thorough check is made of each applicant. ARaR pass several hurdles. Among these are to rst apply for temporary legal status by registering with Homeland Security, completing a background check and paying a ne. Another impediment would be the long wait. Those granted legal status would probably have to wait up to 20 years before they can obtain their green cards. The plan also excludes the children of illegal immigrants, commonly referred to as Dreamers, as well as agricultural workers from the long wait for a green card. To prevent future illegal immigration, the blueprint also calls for a mandatory employment verication system. Immigration advocates, who generally favor a fast path to citizenship for the countrys illegal immigrants, mostly praised the senators for adding to the momentum of reform, but did not comment on the spe-
LUZON
Alaminos city mayor faces plunder raps
ALAMINOS CITY - Mayor Hermani Braganza has been charged with plunder and malversation charges by the
MINDANAO
Lolong, worlds
cics of the plan. So are the major labor unions who used to be vehemently against any form of legalization. Some also doubt that all undocumented immigrants will avail of the path to legalization. Chris Rickerd, policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, said his organization has concerns that the lengthy time frame and ne might discourage people from applying to legalize. But groups that favor less immigration have blasted the plan as amnesty. The last time Congress gave green cards to undocumented immigrants was in 1986 under Republican President Ronald Reagan. Now, however, most Republicans and even Democrats are still reluctant to grant outright amnesty. We still have a long way to go, but this bipartisan blueprint is a major breakthrough, said Sen. Schumer. Their time-
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation through Asia Unit Chief Lamont Siller of the International Operations Division presented a Plaque of Appreciation to outgoing Philippine Police Attache Armando Ramolete January 18, 2013 in Washington DC.
23
also helped by waiving all bank charges in the remittance of donations. But in the end, Lewis and her friends were able to generate only SR700,000 (about P7.6 million) which wasnt enough to stop the execution. In desperation, Lanuzas mother Letty appealed to the Saudi government to shoulder the balance of SR2.3 million. The Saudi government agreed to pay the balance and Lanuza, 37, will soon be freed. to his original German name, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. MANILA, - The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country in Asia, expressed great regret Monday night over the news of Pope Benedict XVIs plan to resign at the end of February. At this time, when the Pope has announced the physical challenges he faces makes it difcult to continue bearing the burdens of his ofce, we join the Catholic world and all whose lives he has touched, in prayer and sympathy, said Philippine presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda Feb. 11. 2009 to June 2010 totaling more than $150,000. Banks are required to submit to the federal government currency transaction reports on cash deposits that exceed $10,000. Mrs. Lapids cash deposits ranged from $5,000 to $9,000. The court ordered those deposits plus the $40,000 conscated from Lapid when she arrived at McCarran International Airport on Nov. 27, 2010, forfeited in favor of the US government, Krieger said. When she was caught, she told customs agents the money was to be used to buy a house in Las Vegas. The lien placed on Lapids Las Vegas properties to cover her $500,000 bail has been released, Krieger said. A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer cited the real estate website, Blockshopper, wants to examine me and review my medical history I will have a conversation with her about that, Christie said. Until that time she should shut up. Mariano says that after the press conference, Christie called and yelled at her. It was essentially the tone of the press conference, only louder, Mariano told We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Royal family for allowing God to touch their hearts, Lewis said in a statement. The 37-year-old OFW is expected to be released soon from the Dammam Central Prison, his home for the last 11 years. Its a joy and relief that the Saudi king showed mercy and compassion to a simple worker like Dondon, said USP4GG volunteer Dr. Angie Cruz. It was He said the Popes decision is an act of supreme faith in the institution he has headed, and the country is hopeful and praying that the Catholic Church and the Holy See will emerge from the coming period of the Sede Vacante, the conclave to come, with the election of a new Pope prepared to take up the great burdens and expectations of the Catholic faithful worldwide. Lacierda said the Philippines would remember the Pope with fond gratitude, for the many prayers and comforting words that he has dedicated listing two Las Vegas properties in Marissas name and her son Maynard. These are at 7304 Bugler Swan Way and on 2055 Buffalo Drive. Her husband, Sen. Lapid said his wife had the means to travel with that amount of money because she operated many businesses. The PDI report said Mrs. Lapid owns MTL Enterprises, which runs a hardware store, ice plant, farm supply shop, mini mart and drugstore in Porac, Pampanga. Lapid was held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Las Vegas for three days after she was arrested on January 15, 2011 for the smuggling attempt. ICE special agent Albert Giangregorio, of the agencys Money Laundering Asset KTVK. It was hard to get anything across. A Christie spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the governor phoned Mariano and, if so, what the tone of that conversation was. Mariano says shes now rethinking whether she would God who made everything possible. To me, this was really a miracle. But even as the nation celebrated Lanuzas forthcoming release, it was revealed the Philippines was working to raise P44 million to save another convicted OFW Joselito Zapanta, sentenced to death for the 2009 killing of his Sudanese landlord during an argument over rent. He is scheduled to be executed in March. to Filipinos in times of calamity and challenge, and his words of encouragement and witness in the many Catholic events that have brought Catholics together, such as the recent canonization of San Pedro Calungsod. With 75.5 million members in 2011, the Philippines has the fourth largest number of Catholic citizens in the world after Brazil, Mexico and the United States. It is also a major Catholic country in Asia after East Timor. Removal Group, stated in an afdavit that Lapid knowingly concealed $40,000 when she arrived at McCarran on Nov. 27, 2010. Lapid, a green card holder, declared in the US Customs and Border Protection form that she was carrying $10,000 and P10,000 (equivalent to $225), Giangregorio said in his afdavit. After searching her luggage, ICE agents found $40,000 in two socks and a cloth bag hidden in the lining, he added. US federal law requires arriving passengers to declare any currency or monetary instrument totaling $10,000 or more. Violators are ned a maximum of $500,000 and the money recovered is conscated by the US government. Bulk cash smuggling is also punishable by a maximum 10-year imprisonment. support a Christie candidacy for the White House. The way hes acted lately I dont think so. He wasnt very nice to me, Mariano told KTVK. Is this presidential? Ill have to think about that. Is this a presidential way to behave? Cmon.
24 Entertainment
Presidential sister and TV personality Kris Aquino paid the last installment of her settlement with former husband, basketball star James Yap which allegedly amounted to millions. Last night while taking care of (son) Bimb, I had to sign another check in the millions, she vented on Twitter, Last payment sa nancial settlement w/ u know who. She didnt name Yap in her tweets. Aquino married Yap, a pro basketball MVP awardee currently playing of the San Miguel squad, at a civil ceremony in 2005. Their son Bimby was born in 2007 but by 2010 the union was over and Aquino announced she would le to annul their marriage. Aquino has an older son, Joshua, from an affair with a married actor Philip Salvador. Although she did not divulge the amount of the settlement, Aquino said she was She blamed her Twitter rant on birthday blues. Aquino turned 42 last Valentines Day.
Marian Rivera set aside a xed time for rest (2 to 3 days a week). I am not comif my body cant do it anymore, she said.
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They may not, however, search another area of the car without probable cause to believe that theres evidence of a crime in the area theyre searching. Can the police also search the trunk of your car? The police can search the trunk of your car if there is probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime may be found inside the trunk. In general, however, probable cause to search the passenger compartment of a car does not extend to the trunk of the car unless the police nd something that would give them the additional probable cause that they need to conduct a search of the trunk. QUESTION: Can a security guard at a store (for example, Target) conduct a search of my bag without a warrant? ANSWER: Yes. The protections of the Fourth Amendment apply only when (i) the search or seizure is the product of government action, and (ii) the search or seizure violates an individuals reasonable expectation of privacy. Privacy intrusions by private actors are not protected and evidence derived from private intrusions is not covered by the exclusionary rule. In other words, the Fourth Amendment does not apply to search carried out by non-governmental entities, such as private security guards. For example, assume that a shopping mall security guard observes a teenager putting a pair of jeans in his backpack without paying for them. The security guard can search the teenagers backpack, detain the teenager, call the police, and turn the teenager and the contents of his backpack to the police. The contents of the teenagers backpack will be admissible into evidence. QUESTION: What is the prevailing law and practice regarding school searches? ANSWER: Generally speaking, when reasonable suspicion exists, school ofcials may search property belonging to students. Reasonable suspicion requires circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the person or persons to be searched are the most likely individuals to be in violation of a law or school rule. Property belonging to students includes item that can be connected to a student, carried by a student, or stored by a student in areas made available to the student by the school. Searches
based upon reasonable suspicion may include, for example, examining a students person, clothing, and possessions such as handbags, backpack/bookbags, notebooks, books, and other items that can be connected to the student; looking through, handling, or feeling the students personal possessions; opening any closed containers owned by the student; and opening any secured property to which the school has retained possession and access such as lockers, desks, or storage cabinets. QUESTION: What are the consequences of an unlawful search? ANSWER: If, upon review, a court nds that an unreasonable search occurred, any evidence seized as a result of the search cannot be used as direct evidence against the defendant in a criminal prosecution. This rule, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1961, has come to be known as the exclusionary rule. In addition to being excluded as evidence against the defendant, evidence resulting from an illegal search may not be used to discover other evidence, under a legal rule known as the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. The tree is the evidence that the police illegally seized in the rst place; the fruit is the product of the illegally seized evidence. Both tree and fruit are inadmissible at trial. For example, Ofcer John Doe arrests drug dealer Joe Blow for selling illegal drugs. A judge rules that Ofcer John Doe illegally entered Blows home and improperly seized a map showing the location where Blow hid his illegal drugs. Ofcer Doe then found Blows illegal drugs in the location identied on the improperly seized map. Because Ofcer Doe obtained the map through an illegal search, Blows illegal drugs are the fruit of that unlawful search and are therefore inadmissible into evidence.
A. Enrico C. Soriano, Esq., is the managing member of Axxis Law Group, PLLC (www.axxislaw.com). The answers and discussions provided in this column do not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created hereby. You should consult a competent attorney for further assistance.
26
Methods:
Separate the ribs and boil briey to remove the excess fat; drain and discard the water. In
pepper turning the ribs all over. Heat a non-stick skillet moistened with a little bit of vegetable oil. Pan-grill or stir-
fry the ribs in batches and when done, return the sauce into skillet, glazing the ribs lightly with the sauce. Before transferring to a platter, add the garnishing and toss the whole dish one more time. Serve the dish with the garnish prominently showing. Editors Note: Master Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009, Filipina Womens Network; MHC Most Outstanding Migrant Award in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFC Dakila Special Achievement Award, 2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, Arlington, Virginia; Founder and President of CHEW (Cancer Help Eat Well) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity formed to help and cook pro-bono for Filipino-Americans who are afflicted with cancer and other serious illnesses; Culinary writer; Member, Les Dames dEscoffier International, Washington DC Chapter; Member, International Cake Exploration Society, Master Chef, French Cuisine and Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu, London.
ENGRAVING
Ricky is buying an expensive bracelet to surprise his girlfriend on Valentines Day. The jeweler inquired, Would you like your girlfriends name engraved on it? Ricky thought for a moment, grinned, then answered, No, engrave To my one and only love. The jeweler smiled and said, Yes, sir; how very romantic of you. Ricky retorted with a glint in his eye, Not exactly, just practical. If we break up, I can use it again. her head with the y swatter.
NAMES
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, Now dont get mad at me ..... I know weve been friends for a long time, but I just cant think of your name! No matter how hard I try, I cant remember it. Please tell me what your name is. Her friend stared at her for at least three minutes... she just sat there and stared at her. Finally she said, How soon do you need to know?
was your birthday today and asked him what gift we should give you. He said... F#%ck the mailman, give him ve bucks. But you know, lunch was my idea.
INGLISAN
Junior: Nay, bibili ako ng high cake. Nanay: Hindi high cake, anak - hot cake tawag dun. Junior: Okay nay, whatever. Pahingi na lang ng pera. Nanay: Sige, kumuha ka na lang diyan sa soldier bag ko. Pedro: Wow, ang galing! Anong klaseng pata? Juan: Pata-galan ng kuwento! sweepstake and rst prize, too, sagot ni Paul.
GROUP
Teacher: If a group of birds is called a ock of birds, also if a group of sh is called a school of sh, and if a group of wolves is called a pack of wolves, then what do you call a group of dogs? Carlos: Madali lang yan, mam. Di anser is aso-ciation .
HOLDAPER
Dalawang holdaper naguusap: Holdaper 1: Yehey! Pare, mayaman na tayo! Holdaper 2: Bilangin mo na ang nahakot natin, pare! Holdaper 1: Alam mo namang mahina ako sa math. Abangan na lang natin sa balita kung magkano!
BAKIT?
Boy: Bakit wala ka pang boyfriend? Girl: Kasi bawal pa ako. Ikaw, bakit wala ka pang girlfriend? Boy: Kasi bawal ka pa.
VIRGIN
A young man was planning to get married and asked his doctor how he could tell if his bride is a virgin. The doctor said, Well you need three things a can of red paint, a can of blue paint and a y swatter. The man was puzzled and asked, So what do I do with those? The doc replied, Before the wedding night, you paint one of your balls blue and the other red. If she says, Thats the strangest pair of balls I ever saw, You hit
BRIDGE
Nagpunta si Manny sa England at nag-meet sila ng prime minister. Habang kumakain, nagtanong ang prime minister, Is San Juanito Bridge the longest bridge in the Philippines? Yes, mabilis na sagot ni Manny saka biglang nag-isip ng maitatanong din, Ah... Is London Bridge falling down?
BIRTHDAY
Mailman talking to client: Mailman: Wait a minute, maam... rst you invite me in for lunch, then you made love to me, and now youre giving me ve dollars. Whats going on? I dont understand. Housewife: Well, you see... yesterday I told my husband it
PANGIT
Driver: Lahat ng pangit bumaba sa jeep. Sumagot ang isang pasahero; Tapos po? Sino na po ang magda-drive sa amin?
FRIES
Kumain sa isang sosyal na restaurant sina John at Paul. Give me Swiss steak and French fries order ni John sa wikang Ingles. And you, sir? tanong ng waiter. The same give me
PULUTAN
Pedro: Anong pulutan niyo kahapon sa birthday mo? Juan: Pata!
27
M
Valentines Are for Fools Like Me
There is a eld of clovers where every fourth leaf has my name. Each raindrop drenches the thirst of a faerie. A treasure chest is waiting just beyond the horizon and we each can choose our perfect wish. Every tear elevates a friends heartache, somehow somewhere. Each kiss is saved in a heart bank that doesnt get depleted. And one day Santa will tip toe to my room and leave the moonbeam I longed for a lifetime ago. ~~~~~~~~~ I wrote that verse one Valentines Day. I may be a fool and a romantic, but far from being hopeless as the saying goes, I am rather a hopeful one. I had my share of youthful insecurities and longings, heartaches too. But my dream came true. I have a husband who cherishes me and who believes my ambitions have merit. Before our rst daughter married, she and a group of her friends sat across me on the kitchen table one evening. Our conversation wandered from one topic to another. It nally settled on how one is guaranteed love and loving. Mrs. Lopez, how did you know you found your one true love? One earnest young woman asked. Several pairs of hopeful eyes looked at mine. Now how to answer that? I hadnt thought about one true loves in quite a while. One thought broke through my initial confusion. Cherish. I told them I felt cherished. Even the heart-palpitating, sweat-inducing, cloud-nine-soaring, rst days of romantic love could not overshadow the tenderness and sincerity I felt. There were no second thoughts or second guessing. Everything felt right. It also helped that my then boyfriend was every bit as romantic as my young heart required. I feel sorry for todays young women. The thrill of receiving beautifully written love letters cant compare to the terse messages they receive on small intrusive mobiles. Some of my daughters friends are married now. I wonder if they remember that conversation. I wonder if they even agreed. I know they nodded their heads out of deference. Mitch and I have been married thirty seven years. There were white-knuckle times when funds were close to being depleted. There were times of excitement, arguments, and disagreements. Even boredom. But my one true love has endured. I am still living the dream. ~~~~~~~~~ Our Loving You drew me to your world and gave me your love. Cherished me, freed me, allowed me my dreaming. I lay myself bare to you with total abandon, trusting. See me, touch me, hear me. I accept the love you are offering and return mine not caring what future awaits or unveils our loving. Send comments to: myrnamlopez2012@yahoo.com
y two daughters like this catchy TV ad line very much, promoting a dog food. Their prized pet dogs are treated like babies and of course, these babies thought they were humans. Winnie has Coco, a small white Bichon here in Virginia and Chela has Buddy, a big black Labrador in Florida. They truly believed that to keep their beloved pets happy, they are to provide them with proper foods and appropriate exercises. In addition to Cocos dog food, he is given shredded cooked chicken breast with a little rice and soup three times a week, also yogurt for snack. For exercise he is allowed to roam around in the connes of their sizable property and can even visit their neighbors dog. The houses in their area are not fenced. In the morning, he goes up his chair by the window to see the outside world while he is given body massage. When they watch the TV, he is on lap of either his Mommy or Daddy and wants attention all the time. He whimpers when ignored and when sleepy, he wants to be carried. He has a bed on the oor of the masters bedroom, but prefers to be up on the big bed. However, Coco knows some tricks like he can stand up and turns around, plays dead and answers (barks) back when talked to. I must admit he is lovable .. but bratty and he gets away with it. Buddys skin is sensitive so he is given supplemental tablets added to his special dog food. He exercises on Chelas treadmill three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) for 45 minutes each time while watching the TV and the rest of the week, they walk to the dog park to socialize with the other dogs. Every two months, Chela takes him to the dogs grooming
place for nail cutting, brushing the teeth, cleaning the ears, fur brushing to make it shiny and massage. Buddy has a big soft bed on the oor of Chelas bedroom. He eats on schedule unlike Coco who eats whenever as his food is always available. Buddy would sit when their front door is opened for him and would only go out when told to. He follows my daughter around the house but does not whimper and would get his favorite toy when he wants to play. Like Coco, he also has a jacket worn outside the house when cold. His head is patted and told good boy most of the time. He seemed to understand it. But one thing is clear, one was brought up a spoiled pet and the other one well disciplined. Observing Coco and Buddy, both of them are well-loved and well-cared for and seemed to be happy and contented. In truth, they are lovable, amusing and entertaining and in turn, amazingly giving my daughters and son-in-law so much joy in their everyday life. A Healthy Person is a Happy Person Likewise, the TV ad jingle could also be A Healthy Person is a Happy Person.Following this line, we can be happy by simply staying healthy and because we are not dependent creatures like Coco and Buddy, we should be in control of what we want to achieve. This topic leads me to the New Years resolutions of numerous people for 2013 good health which for many of us is a tall order and a challenge to attain as it involves big deals like eating habits, dieting, exercises, style and mode of
living. Do we have a great sense of discipline, self-control and determination? Do we procrastinate? Otherwise, I envy Coco and Buddy and others like them.
A New Day
Dusk falls and I close my eyes, To wake to a bright new tomorrow, Gone are the labors of life, the futility of strife, And the lingering trauma of sorrow. Dawn breaks and I clearly see, A new day of heavenly creation, Fresh with new hope, renewed faith, good cheer, And the promise of eternal salvation. By Dolores Karides from the Salesian Collection of poems.
Ricky Reyes hosted a dinner reception for the winners of the 2012 Ms. Earth competition at his posh Valle Verde res-
idence recently. The pageants rst Runner-up Stephany Stefanowitz, Ms. Earth 2012 Teresa Fajksova of Czech Republic, and
28 Editorial
Manila Times
Washington Tsismis
Continued on page 31
Opinion 29
S
Memory Tour
(Eds note: Jon is still in the Philippines visiting places where his family lived before coming to the U.S.) n my third visit to the homeland in nearly ve decades, I vowed to spend more time and visit the many places of my childhood and teenage years: barrios and towns in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Davao, Cotabato and Lanao. heroines ed to in those times (magpapakalayo-layo or go far away) in their desire to forget their past and heal their broken hearts. A hero down on his luck and aspiring to a better life for himself also decides to move to Davao, because there he can have a chance at pagbabagong buhay (new life). Armed merely with a dream and an ambition and a sense of adventure Thats how my mom and
omething very interesting happened at the Fellowship Foundation National Breakfast on February 7 at Washington, DC., a nonpartisan event attended by political big shots in town of all persuasions. The keynote speaker was Dr. Benjamin Carson, an AfricanAmerican recipient of the highest civilian honor awarded by the President of the United States in 2008. He serves as full professor in neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the John Hopkins Childrens Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He did the rst and only successful separation of Siamese twins in the US and in South Africa. His Carson Foundation supports 4,500 scholars all over the US. He spent his childhood in dire poverty. His mother only had third grade education, born to a family of 24 siblings, the father being a bigamist. Poverty however became the driving force that led to his success. His poor mother realized that education was their way out of the economic gutter. She forced her two sons to read books borrowed from the public library that she herself could hardly read and
she limited the kids TV time to two programs a week. His mothers foresight and dogged determination to push her children paid off. Dr. Carson is now the personication of rags to riches story earned with his own sweat. Dr. Carsons speech became a hit in the blogosphere. He was eloquent, humorous, witty and not shy about being perceived politically incorrect in the presence of the President of the United States. He even ventured into the heated issues consuming the nation. He reminded his listeners of the great Roman Empire that could not be threatened by any military might at that time. It disintegrated because of moral decay and nancial mismanagement. The perils of the past are the perils that we see today. The $16.5 trillion national debt should be taken very seriously by our political leaders. Pres. Obama owns more than 1/3
of the debt in just four years in ofce. How serious is the problem? If you pay $1 per minute it would take 507 years to pay down the entire debt. Not surprisingly, he ventured into health care. He is not enamored with Obamacare and argues that health care decisions should be largely left to the responsibility of individuals. He supports Health Savings Accounts for every individual to be funded during the persons lifetime with pretax income. As for people who are indigent and cannot afford to make contributions to their HSA, the government can contribute to their HSA instead of spending the big pot of money to run a bureaucracy. When a person is in control of budgeting health expenses, he/ she will be more prudent in usage. And there will not be a government board called death panels by critics making health
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Jon poses in front of his old Grade VI classroom with the elementary school children of Magatos. The ight from Manila to Davao City and a bus ride to Barangay Magatos took about seven hours. It used to take almost a week to make the same trip, by barko (steam ship), jeepney and banca (small boat). In those days, my parents moved a lot. After the end of World War II in 1945, they resided in Munoz, Nueva Ecija where I was born a year earlier; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Guimba, Nueva Ecija. These constant movements were dictated by my fathers deployments as a Philippine Army ofcer. He also served in the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). After he retired from the Army, my parents (who were both teachers and farmers) responded to then President Ramon Magsaysays call to go South, to the Land of Promise that was Mindanao. They joined other migrants from the North and settled in different parts of the region to seek better opportunities and build careers. In the case of my parents who chose to go to Davao, they were, as author Lolita Lacuesta puts it, part of those who make up the soul and spirit of Davao - the dream destination for Filipinos looking for new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Davao, she writes, was where popular culture dad viewed Davao way back then, nearly 60 years ago. Apparently, its still true today. My 32-year-old nephew from Houston, Texas happened to also be visiting with relatives about the same time we were there. But he plans to stay in Davao indenitely. Separated from his wife and child, he said he was going to pick up the pieces of a broken marriage and start afresh. Like my dad, he believes that he can make it here in the land of promise, where a new life is possible. A Long Journey. I was six years old, the oldest among four children born a year apart, when my family packed all our earthly belongings and made what seemed like a very long journey, by land, by boat and by kariton, to what seemed like a very distant, far away land. Almost beyond reach. But they were determined to face all kinds of challenges and build a life for our family. We settled in the barrio of Magatos where the only passage to the closest town of Tagum was by a banca. I remember the men loading up one boat with all our belongings, and another boat with only my mothers piano in it. Yes, the piano always moved with us. It was my mothers prized possession, a
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omeone should tell New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie not to shoot the messenger. This after a tirade against Dr. Connie Mariano, a retired naval ofcer and one of the most successful Filipino Americans when she served as physician to Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Christie appeared to bring it upon himself when he conceded in a guest appearance in the Late Show with David Letterman that his considerable girth was fair game to comics. He munched on a doughnut, boasting Im basically the healthiest fat guy youve ever seen in your life. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reckons that more than a third of all Americans are obese, which is one of the leading causes for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some kinds of cancer. And Christie was no ordinary state executive. He is considered as one of the Republican Partys rising stars with a good shot at winning the nomination for the 2016 presidential race. That is if the mercurial governor can hold his tongue. Mariano, who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, claimed Christie yelled at her during a
recent phone call. It was essentially the tone of the press conference, only louder, she told a Phoenix radio station. It was sad, Mariano said in an interview on 3TV. He was making fun of himself and I feel sorry for him. Hes a nice man. Hes a very talented, smart man and he has a lot to offer and I feel awful if something happened to him. If she wants to get on a plane and come here to New Jersey and ask me if she wants to examine me and review my medical history I will have a conversation with her about that, Christie said in a press conference. Until that time she should shut up. Mariano insisted that it was common for medical experts to weigh in on the health of highprole personalities in the news, including potential presidential candidates. I worry that he may have a heart attack, he may have
a stroke, she said on CNN. Ive gotten lots of hate mails, lots of threatening, mean stuff, Mariano revealed. My intention wasnt to hurt anybody. Born in Cavite and growing up in Imperial Valley, California, Mariano retired as a Rear-Admiral after becoming the rst woman to be director of the White House Medical Unit. After her retirement, she wrote her memoir, entitled The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents. Former President Clinton, who won his own battle with weight, wrote the books foreword. A large part of his success is attributed to eating right, avoiding artery-clogging fastfoods, and getting enough exercise a regimen that were sure Mariano can help teach Christie, if only he recognizes his health challenges and ask nicely. The governor obviously
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Immigration Notes
MANILA ts still three months before the nationwide elections here on May 13 but the campaign fever is already heating up. Campaigning is still not ofcially allowed at this time but the law cant stop politicians from selling themselves already to the electorate. Thats the Philippines, where laws generally are only taken as mere suggestions by everybody and not legal statutes that must be obeyed. This is the same with trafc laws; motorists and pedestrians alike dont consider road laws are mandatory and to be obeyed by all, but as optional, depending on citizens dispositions or moods. Ah, the Philippines, what a place, what a place. The department of tourisms current motto here is: Its more fun in the Philippines. Which is made fun of by wags here who come up with all sorts of jokes and puns about the slogan. Like Its more fun in the Philippines to urinate in public or Its more fun in the Philippines to kidnap someone and so on, and so on. Of course, its not helpful to the country when citizens make fun of the serious efforts of the government to boost the countrys tourism. But then again, life in the Philippines is so absurd, you would be a fool to take everything seriously. Humor is the Filipinos means of escape from hard reality. But back to early political campaigning. The law sets campaign periods for when politicians can ofcially start presenting themselves to the voters. For candidates for national ofce (senators and congressmen), its 45 days before election day, and for local ofce, 30 days. Obviously, its still not 45 days before May 13, and yet there they are on television and radio unofcially campaigning. Its so typically Filipino to circumvent the law. Politicians claim theyre really not campaigning yet, but just sending messages out to the people. They disguise their campaigning by putting out messages on television ostensibly to support a good cause or remind people to be good citizens, etcetera, etcetera. The advertisements are cam-
ouaged as public service messages, but theyre campaign ads in reality. And the involved politicians are breaking the law by campaigning prematurely. In many localities, political rivalries are so intense, theyve already resulted in a number of killings. Rivals are ambushed and shot dead. It makes observers wonder why politicians would move heaven and earth just to win an elective position. The pay is ridiculously low, youre on call 24 hours a day, and youre called names by your enemies and people who dislike you. Why would anyone want to be in that position? Campaigning politicians all cry out to the heavens that they only want to serve the people by running. And so they make all kinds of promises that are later broken and forgotten. The people inexplicably believe all the politicians lies and vote them into ofce. In reality, politicians, especially those who have no other skills in order to pursue any other productive calling, turn the government into a milking cow when they are elected. They turn governance into a business from which they earn millions of pesos and be able to live luxuriously. Imagine a politician spending his own money (or his benefactors) to win an election. Do you think he does that only because he just wants to serve the people? Or does he do it so he could make money for himself and recoup his investment many times over? Politicians who were poor before getting elected often end up living in mansions, owning businesses, and supporting a mistress or two on the side (and helping the mistress start her own business too). There are very few politicians who continue to live modestly as before. Its easy to understand why politicians would move heaven and earth (and their opponents out of the way by neutralizing them either temporarily or permanently) just to get elected. Theres money in them dar hills, as the early pioneers of America shouted in anticipation of a better life.
n the past, if the petitioner dies while the visa petition is pending, the beneciary would not be entitled to seek approval of the petition. The law changed with the amendment of Sec. 204(l) of the Immigration Act in 2009. Under current law, an alien seeking immigration benet through a deceased qualifying relative may obtain approval of a visa petition or adjustment application and refugee/asylee relative petition if the alien meets the following illegibility requirements: Resided in the United States when the qualifying relative died; Continues to reside in the United States on the date of the decision on the pending petition or application; Is at least one of the following: the beneciary of a pending or approved immediate relative visa petition; the beneciary of a pending or
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MANILA ark Money column, published by Inquirer 2 Feb, uncorked a slew of furious reader reaction against legislators who hefted Concurrent Resolution 10, to block audits of their tax-money splurges. The solons, at the same time, demanded transparency from others. Nothing so needs reforming as other peoples habits, Mark Twain wrote. Cobbled by Senator Panlo Lacson, CR10 twisted budget items, like maintenance and other operating expenses into a personal kitty for dark money. An on-my-word-of-hornor certication, by a legislator, did away with irksome Commission on Audit reviews. Thus, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile gift-wrapped, last Christmas, P1.6 million MOOE checks for 18 friendly senators. In the Lower House, members badgered CR10 into ATMs. Members key in the right combo and tax payers pesos cascaded forth. Wrongs arent wrong, if its done by nice people like ourselves?
Brickbats from readers insist that the nub of corruption is to exempt oneself from a communitys rules. Sleaze metastasizes into hypocrisy when legislators urge others to hew by standards they scoff at. You strap heavy loads on a man shoulders, the Master ticked off the Pharisees: But you never lift a nger to ease the burden. : Liquidating billions of taxpayers money, by mere certication is daylight robbery, Wakats emailed. . Worse, distinguished senatongs put to shame, in their probes, many heads of agencies for corrupt practices they themselves are guilty of. Remember former AFP chief of staff Angelo Reyes, who committed suicide? Senator Jinggoy Estrada ridiculed Reyes, at public hearings, for receiving pasalubong from AFP on his retirement. Yet, Jinggoy feeds
from the CR`10 trough. COA should have audited Congress without fail. No need for Congress to do away with CR10, the Inquirer of Feb 3 quotes Panlo Lacson as saying, Dr Carolina Camara from Cagayan de Oro wrote. Anyway, COAs Grace Pulido Tan trashed CR10 by starting a long overdue audit. Lacson is drafting a Senate circular thatd detail new guidelines on the liquidation of expenses, based on COAs guidance. Who appointed Lacson to interpret for COA?, asks Dr Camara Legislators are capable of reading COA guidelines. Is this just Lacsons desire to keep his progeny CR10 in the incubator. Will CR10 be resuscitated when were all looking the other way? Lacson even preempts Tan and insists: Audit will be
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lazy hours of summer wading in shallow waters, with improvised rafts made of banana stalks. Its still there. And so is the river. The landscape has been profoundly altered in a way that heightened my sense of loss. And so have the inner landscapes of peoples lives, those who may still live there, and those who have come and gone, never to return. Im still sorting out why we came and why we left, and what we tried to do in that brief time and space. The romantic in me still longs for idyllic moments running in the sun, playing in the rain, climbing trees, catching mudsh in rice paddies, and jumping in the river. Yes, the river that ferried countless of others from the North looking for new beginnings, armed merely with ambition and a dream. Yes, the river that honored even my mothers piano. Having returned to Magatos, I am certain Magatos will always return to me, keeping me anchored, as NVM Gonzalez puts it, to a sense of place, a sense of belonging and identity and a sense of connection to my own family through what we remember of what we did there, and what the place did to our lives. Send your comments to jonmele@aol.com $10 billion as much as the guy who made $10. Where does it say you have to hurt the guy? He just put a billion dollars in the pot; we dont need to hurt him. In his state of the union address two years ago, Pres. Obama shot arrows at the conservative Justices of the Supreme Court for their decision allowing unrestricted political contributions by corporations and labor unions. The Justices who were captive audience and could not talk back could only squirm in their seats. Barack got a dose of his own medicine at the National Prayer Breakfast. We have no qualms about how the New Jersey governor manages his weight, but he cant be condoned when he seems to insinuate its perfectly normal. esta out here. But this is just the start. The gore and the mayhem are still to come; blood and guts in the genre of Sam Peckinpah and Quentin Tarantino will be on display soon in the political landscape. More ambushes, killings, extortions, exposes and all the sordid activities during a typical Filipino election campaign will surely be in the news soon. It will be one big spectacle. Dont miss folks.
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