Asian Journal February 3, 2012 edition

Riz A. Oades Memorial Charity Golf “Play For Fun, Health,

And A Cause”.. p. 6Jesus’ Mission

and the ER .. p. 11

Ping Lacson: Mike A, Iggy have P4-billion deposits

Filipino American kids sing for a cause

The Great Poverty Divide

The Legacy of 182 Trees in Baguio City

By Raffy Pekson II, Good News Pilipinas, 1/24/2012 -- In a nutshell, it’s all about the culture.

Historically, the Philippines has always been an occupied country. Spain ruled the islands for 333 years, followed by 45 years with the United States in 1898 with a brief period of occupa-tion by the Japanese during World War II until it was liberated by the United States again. On July 4, 1946, the United States granted the Philip-pines its independence as a sovereign country. Since then, American culture has always taken a frontline in the

lifestyle of the modern Filipino.The most obvious reason why Filipinos

excel in the call center world is their excellent verbal and written communica-

tion skills in English. The country is in itself the only English-speaking nation in East Asia. Though there are 120 up to 175 dispa-rate languages (or locally known as dialects) in the country, English stands out as the common one. It is the language of choice used in schools for all

levels. No matter where you go in the Philippines, when you speak English to the locals, they will respond back in an understandable manner. When Filipinos speak English, we have one of the most

Dr. Ofelia DirigeMsgr. Gutierrez Miles BeauchampInclusion is More Than

Feeling Good.. p. 6

February 3-9, 2012

(Continued on page 4)

Social JusticeWhy the Philippines is the World’s Top Call center country

Philippine Radio

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February 3-9, 2012




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Anti-Mining In Antique Province, Philippines (Part 1)

Christine Umali and Katriz Trinidad

BY: CESAR D. CANDARI, M.D., FCAP EMERITUS

HENDERSON, NEVADA

For those of us Filipinos who recognize the economic situation in our homeland, we welcome mining as an important economic activity - mining industry in the Philippines. Our land is one of the world’s most highly mineral-ized countries, with untapped mineral wealth estimated at more than $840 billion. We also recognize that mining can provide an important source of jobs and income, but sometimes the big-gest losers of all are isolated rural communities in the vicinity of

mining projects, where too-rapid social and environmental change can tear at the fabric of traditional daily life. Irresponsible mining (e.g.: in watersheds, above food production areas, in densely popu-lated areas, high rainfall, seismi-cally active areas, ethnic minority areas, and areas of social confl ict etc.) is already severely damaging the Philippines.

Such incidents have fueled an often-contentious debate about how to identify areas that should be declared off-limits to mining because of their envi-ronmental and social sensitivity. This is basically the situation in my hometown in the province Antique, Philippines. Many of our provinces in the Philippines are facing this problem. This is a very serious issue. This has been an issue that is more prominent in provinces where big companies can hide from the public what they have been doing to the land

As the Bamboos Sway By Rudy D. Liporada | SAN DIEGO, 2/3/2012 -- While the Sendong mudslide catastrophe which killed thousands of Filipinos is still fresh in our emotion-al quotient and with the seeming withering away from memory of similar disasters in Bicol and Leyte, Baguio City citizens are up in furor against

what they call the impending ‘massacre’ of 182 trees by conglomerate ShoeMart (SM).

These 182 trees might as well be the hallmark of the fi ght against denudation in the Philippines which have given way to mining con-glomerates, real estate expansions, and commercial encroachment which, unbridled, have proven disas-

trous to the environment – bringing

Manuel a semi-illiterate teenager just rescued from the fi lthy jails of Metro Manila was longing to see his parents and family. He told us that they had no home and lived on the street. They had a food stall near Baclaran Church and lived there under a plastic sheet. They eked out a living selling bananas cooked in recycled vegetable oil and brown sugar to the church goers at the weekly novena and daily masses.

Both rich and poor fi lled the Wednesday novena prayers. The poor being the vast majority were begging divine help to fi nd enough food for their families and medicines for their sick and the irresponsible and unrepentant rich praying for forgiveness and donating coins for a

by Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDA

ticket to heaven. Alas that’s the great divide; the poor trying to live for a few days more, the rich trying to live forever.

Blessed are the responsible well off rich people, the Zac-chaeus people of this world who are enlightened and see the social and human reality and are determined to use their infl u-ence and resources to change it for the better. They are agents of change and have compas-sion for the poor, exploited and the abused, and they dedicate their talents, wealth and efforts to change this unjust divide between the haves and have not. But it’s not an easy task. In Davos, Switzerland the world leaders have lost their way. Greed and excess has damaged the world economy and they can’t fi x it.

Trying to make this a more honest, loving and compas-sionate world where equality and justice reigns is the true and goal of Christianity. When

The Baclaran Phenomenon is, fi rst and foremost, the incredible number of people who come to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran every Wednesday to make the Perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is estimated that at least 100,000 devotees come on regular Wednesdays, reaching about 120,000 on the First Wednesday of each month. -- www.baclaranovena.org.

Jeepney Asian Grill and BEC-CA Products mount Pinoy Idol & Pinoy Kidz Idol competitions

to support Bantay Bata

Redwood City, Calif. (January 30, 2012) – Filipino communities all over the world abound with talented children. But what sets the JAG Pinoy Idol & JAG Pinoy Kidz Idol competitions apart is its pro-social and philan-thropic component, as it sup-ported the international fund-raising efforts for Bantay Bata and the ABS CBN Foundation

International. Dozens of chil-dren competed for the coveted titles at Jeepney Asian Grill in

By Marvin Sy, Philippine Star | MANILA, Philippines, 2/2/2012 - Sen. Panfi lo Lac-son says he has documents to prove that former fi rst gentle-man Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and his late brother Ignacio or Iggy each owned bank accounts containing over P2 billion.

Lacson yesterday said the two accounts are in one bank, and that these are still active.

The accounts are no longer in the names of “Jose Pi-dal” but those of Mike’s and Iggy’s, Lacson added.

Lacson said he intended to revive the Jose Pidal probe with the new evidence in his possession.

“There was really no clo-sure (on the issue),” he said.

“There really has to be closure, but not at this time because Iggy has yet to be buried.”

Lacson asked Ferdinand Topacio, the lawyer of Mike Arroyo, to ask his client for a written waiver on the money contained in the accounts.

“That’s my information and I have documents to back it up,” Lacson said.

Topacio, quoting Mike Ar-royo, said if Lacson could fi nd any such deposits, he could have the money.

Speaking over ANC, Topa-cio dared Lacson to prove his allegation. The lawyer also voiced suspicion that the issue of Jose Pidal was be-ing revived to divert attention from the apparent bungling of the case against Chief Justice Renato Corona, who is facing an impeachment trial.

Lacson said he heard there was a challenge from Mike Arroyo, as quoted by Topacio, that they are willing to donate any such bank deposits.

“Well, I accept the challenge. I will put in the account numbers, name or names of the bank or banks and the account name. Then I will let him sign the waiver,” Lacson said. “But I won’t donate it to families of crimi-nals. If Topacio wishes to donate to the families of notorious hold-uppers, let him do it on his own.”

Lacson dared to prove allegations

February 3-9, 2012Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

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Read Atty. Jean Tinsay’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

The Great Pov-erty Divide

(Continued from page 1)

January 31, 2012

by: Jean S. Tinsay, Esq.Romeo and Julie met in High

School and fell madly in love. The young couple had but one dream to marry after college and spend the rest of their life together. After graduating from college, call centers were sprouting everywhere and Ro-meo and Julie were fortunate to find found good paying jobs as customer representatives at the call centers. However, when Romeo informed his mother who recently immigrated to the United States of his plan to marry Julie, his mother forbade him to do so since this will affect the immigrant petition she filed for him. His mother who was a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) filed an immigrant petition for Romeo as her unmarried child who over 21 years old. Romeo’s marriage to Julie would lead to the automatic revocation of the immigrant petition filed by his mother since there is no preference category for a married son or daughter of an LPR.

Romeo and Juliet decided to live together without the benefit of mar-riage and eventually had children. To shield their children from future shame and embarrassment and in or-der that the they will carry Romeo’s last name, the birth certificates of all their children showed a fictitious date of marriage for Romeo and Julie.

Eventually, the Romeo’s priority

date became current. He sought the help of a travel agent to help him process his Philippine passport and immigration papers. The travel agent advised him not to declare his children when dealing with the U.S. Embassy because they were born out-of-wedlock and that it will just complicate his immigrant petition because their birth certificates show a fictitious date of marriage.

We have encountered many clients who following the well meaning but ill-advice of travel agents, relatives and know-it-all friends, decide not to disclose information about their children for fear that said disclosure would affect their immigrant peti-tion. The non-disclosure is unneces-sary and in fact would potentially create problems for Romeo in the future. If Romeo opts to not dis-close his children and immigrate to the United States, such non-disclo-sure may not only affect his ability to bring his children to the United States at a later date, but may also become an issue when he eventually files a naturalization application. By initially denying having children and later on claiming these children after becoming a U.S. permanent resident creates doubts as to the chil-dren’s true relationship to the U.S. permanent resident and puts a cloud on the alien’s credibility.

All children, be they adopted, legitimate, children out of wedlock and even stepchildren needs to be disclosed. Thus, during an alien’s

application for U.S. permanent resi-dence or during a naturalization ap-plication, the officer will specifically ask the applicant whether they have any children anywhere in the world and enumerate all kinds of children. This way, there is no room for mis-understanding as to what they mean by children. By requesting this in-formation about children, the United States government gets a heads up as to who may come knocking at their doors in the future.

Contrary to the advice of the travel agent, Romeo should disclose all his children in the immigration forms he will be required to submit in connection with his immigration ap-plication. As a matter of fact, what he should have done was to inform the National Visa Center about the birth of his children after each child was born and provide a copy of their birth certificates so that there is no delay during the immigrant visa processing.

All children of Romeo who are below 21 years old are derivative beneficiaries of the immigrant peti-tion filed by Romeo’s mother. As derivative beneficiaries they are included in the immigrant petition filed on behalf of Romeo and these children are entitled to get immi-grant visas together with Romeo.

The problem with the fictitious date of marriage that appears in the birth certificates of all his children will likely be an issue. Thus, it

would greatly benefit Romeo to retain an experienced immigration attorney to help him deal with this immigration matter.

Atty. Jean S. Tinsay is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for gen-eral information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-cli-ent relationship. The CTV attorneys will be holding regular free legal clinics at the Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo, California. Call or CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; [email protected]

SINGLE WITH CHILDREN, An Immigration Story

Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed that it was coming, the corrupt rich elite called him a blasphemer and a rebel, a danger to the nation and to their elite status and tortured him and handed down the death penalty in cruelest way possible. Today around

the world, human rights advocates and those committed social workers dedicated to helping the victims of abuse and hardship, work to bring about a just society based on de-mocracy and greater equality. They are vilified and condemned, tortured and killed. Yet more heroes rise up to take their place and carry on the mission.

The irresponsible rich and their deluded followers call such heroic striving for spiritual and social trans-formation class warfare, Jesus called it the road to the Kingdom of God where the poorest and their support-ers would live in dignity and be the most blessed instead of being the most despised and cursed.

In the Philippines there is much to be done to reduce hunger and poverty. In a recent survey made in December 2011, 45 % of those surveyed said they were poor, that’s an improvement from the previous year when 52% said they were poor. Another 36% of those surveyed said they experienced hunger. The Philip-pine situation still remains “serious” according to the Global hunger index.

Back at the Parañaque jail a group of visiting German Parliamentarians from the Economic Cooperation and Development Committee led by the dedicated human rights defender chairperson Dagmar Wohri saw the worst of all. They were visiting the jails and witnessing the over crowd-

ed cells of hungry inmates, minors among them so symbolic of the condition of the urban poor squeezed into shacks and shanties and living on scraps and recycled left-over.

The committee will be reviewing their assessment of the Philippines as a semi-developed middle-income country as some agencies rate it and will hopefully deliver development aid in a way that directly impacts the lives of the poor.

There is hope that justice will emerge. The government of Presi-dent Aquino is fighting corruption and social welfare secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman is deliv-ering poverty reduction programs through conditional cash transfers. Cash transfers will ease the hun-ger for a while and will get more children vaccinated and into school, they will not change the deeply rooted causes of poverty and hunger in the Philippines. That’s due to the structural inequality in society where the 1% of the 96 million people owns 70% of the wealth. That calls for government reform and a just re-distribution of wealth in such a way that the poor will develop through equal opportunity into a strong dig-nified middle class. But first human and civil rights must be top priority. END

Link: http://www.preda.org/en/news/fr-shays-articles/the-great-poverty-divide/

Letters to the EditorRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

Phil-Am Law 101 by Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr. Victoria • [email protected] 24 • hi atty. gup pm i have a gf in the philippines can i ask u if how

can get her here in US we are same sex? i am 1 yr. and 5 months here i have a green card?

Fiancée vs. Spousal Petition

Showbiz Watcher by Ogie Cruzjohn sy co • [email protected] 30 • away showbiz parang away politika maintriga executive vs

judiciary tapos siguro executive vs congress tapos sila sila naman wow showbiz na showbiz ang dating

Cristy, Hinamon Si Rico Para Magpa-drugtest !!!

At Large by Miles BeauchampBAJ • [email protected] 23 • Soon as the garage is sorted out, it will be time to start on the

closets.

Workin’ in the garage

Light & Shadows by Zena Sultana Babaokaren davis • [email protected] 22 • This book touches my heart and makes me reflect on my deci-

sions.

Tomorrow does not always come

Bill’s Corner by Bill LabestreAnonymous • (name withheld)JAN 21 • For several years I have enjoyed your sometimes stories, other

times lectures. I presume following your own advice has led to your enjoy-able stories of your recent vacations with your wife. After you retire to the Phillipines, you must still submit two or three monthly articles to the Asian Journal, but I do not think that you will.

Retirement Dream

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comFebruary 3-9, 2012

San Diego Newsily for the Day” and will receive the following recognition:

*Their family photo or business logo featured on the Senior Commu-nity Centers website with a message or quote that refl ects the family’s values and aspirations.

*They will have the opportunity to serve lunch to seniors at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center on the day of their choice. On their chosen day, the family name or busi-ness logo will appear on the video monitors throughout the lunch service and there will be verbal announce-ments to recognize their attendance and donation.

“Thousands of San Diego seniors benefi t from our services. With Senior Community Centers support, these seniors are able to not only age with grace, but to continue to make valu-able contributions to our society,” says Paul Downey, president and CEO, Senior Community Centers. “We encourage the public to unite and become one of our families of the day. When you serve lunch to our seniors, their smiles will give your group an even greater gift in return.”

Many families, such as the Fran Robinson Family, participate in honor of a loved one. “Our mother Fran loves to ballroom dance and has many trophies for her exhibition dances. Her energy and zest for life teach us all many things as a mother,” said a family representative. “She has always encouraged us to look on the good side of things and has instilled in all of us the importance of being charitable and always helping others.”

In addition to the $1,000 “Family for the Day” sponsorship, for just $250 an individual or family can be recognized as a Table Mate or Pet

Table Mate sponsors at any one of the congregate meal sites operated by Senior Community Centers. At this level of sponsorship, donors receive their name listed on the Senior Community Centers’ website and a verbal announcement is made at the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center during lunch service. A Pet Table Mate sponsorship funds specifi c seating areas for seniors with service animals, and also includes a treat for their pet. All donations to the “Food from the Heart” initiative are 100 percent tax deductible.

The team at Senior Community Centers has put together an online toolkit with fundraising ideas to help groups and families organize their fundraising efforts and share the program with others. Ideas include collecting donation in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts, hosting a happy hour with friends, colleagues, and family members, or even having students create a class project to raise funds and sponsor meals for seniors. More ideas are available at www.servingse-niors.org.

To learn more about the “Food from the Heart” program or to make a donation, call (619) 487-0605 or visit http://www.servingseniors.org/how-to-help/food-from-the-heart/.

About Senior Community CentersFounded in 1970, Senior Community Centers is a

nonprofi t agency transforming the aging experience for San Diego seniors through nutrition, health and wellness services, advocacy and transitional and supportive housing that increase the quality of life for seniors living in poverty and allowing them to live independently for as long as possible. The organization has been skillfully led for more than 15 years by Chief Executive Offi cer and President Paul Downey, who is also the president of the Na-tional Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs and the California Nutrition Coalition. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities or more information, please visit www.servingseniors.org, Facebook or Twitter, or call (619) 235-6572.

If you want to learn more about down-loading e-Books, have questions about your e-Book reader, or are thinking about purchasing one, plan to attend one of two free information classes.

The Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street, will hold classes on Wednesday, February 15 and Wednes-

Chula Vista Civic Center Library Offering E-Books Classes

day, February 22, both at 4 p.m., to help you with e-Books.

The library now offers free e-books for the Kindle, Nook, smartphones, and many other e-readers. Space is limited; please pre-register at www.chulav-istalibrary.com or call the Civic Center Library at (619) 691-5069. Wednesday, February 15 and Wednes- Library at (619) 691-5069.

(888) 724-7240 Launches Feb. 15

The services will remain the same.

But the number will change.Starting February 15, people who

need help with mental health includ-ing alcohol or drug abuse, suicide prevention, medication needs, and more can call a new and easier-to-remember telephone number: (888) 724-7240.

The easiest way to remember the new number for the County’s Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Line is to think of getting help 7/24. The line operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (724-724). The 0 is easy to remember as it is a number people call for help from an operator.

“County residents wanted an easier number to remember and we listened,” said Chairman Ron Rob-erts, County Board of Supervisors. “This is a number change only and does not affect the services offered to callers.”

At the Access and Crisis Line, trained counselors offer advice on how to handle a mental health crisis, and can help callers with a specifi c issue. They will talk to callers about services available in their area, including mental health services for those with Medi-Cal or no insur-ance. All calls are answered in 60 seconds or less.

“Mental health is just as important as physical well-being,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the County Health and Human Services Agency. “Access to mental health services is a key support for living healthily and safely, and part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative.”

The previous number, (800) 479-3339, will continue working until calls no longer come in on that line.

Established in 1997, the Access and Crisis Line receives about 7,000 calls per month and is operated by OPTUMHealth with County fund-ing.

Every year, more than 61,000 adults and children benefi t from services offered by County mental health programs. ###

FOLLOW THE COUNTY ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE

COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE, 1600 Pacifi c Highway, Room 208 · San Diego, Ca 92101-2472

County Access And Crisis Line:

New, Easy-To-Re-member Number

Share the ebook experience of downloading free digital titles with just a library card and an Internet-connected computer,

smartphone, or tablet San Diego, CA – The Digital

Bookmobile National Tour will showcase the free eBook download service from the San Diego Public Library. The Bookmobile will be in San Diego at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library at 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123-2312 on Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. At these free events, readers all ages will learn how to download eBooks from the library through interactive demon-strations and high-defi nition instruc-tional videos. A gadget gallery—featuring Kindle®, iPod® touch, Android™ tablet, NOOK™, Sony® Reader™, BlackBerry®, Windows® Phone, and more—will help visi-tors discover portable devices that are compatible with the library’s download service. Library card hold-ers can also check out and download digital titles anytime, anywhere by visiting www.sandiegolibrary.org.

The Digital Bookmobile, operated by OverDrive, Inc., is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served com-

San Diego Public Library To Host Digi-tal Bookmobile National Tour Event

munities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high defi nition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors ex-plore the San Diego Public Library’s download service. Interactive learn-ing stations give visitors an oppor-tunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, and videos. We encour-age visitors to bring their eReader devices to get expert assistance in how to download from the library’s eBook collection.

Patrons can take advantage of the download service 24/7 when they visit the library’s website. From there, they can browse the grow-ing collection of bestselling, new release, and classic titles, and check out a digital title with a valid library card. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to supported mobile devices. Many audio titles can also be burned to audio CD. At the end of the lending period, titles will au-tomatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. There are never late fees or damaged items.

Learn about other events at the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library and 35 branches, fi nd links to numerous additional resources, or search for materials in the Library’s catalog online at www.sandiegoli-brary.org.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has awarded the Urban Corps of San Diego County an Environmental Champions Grant for $25,000 to benefi t the non-profi t organization’s GreenBuild Program. The funding will provide for the establishment of a Mobile Green Building Learning Center module that will enable Urban Corps’ youth Corpsmembers to learn skilled trades relevant to the green home improvement industry.

“We want our graduating Corpsmem-bers to leave Urban Corps with careers, not just jobs,” says Sam Duran, CEO of Urban Corps. “To that end, we realized that we needed to establish the internal capacity to train and certify Corpsmem-bers in pertinent green job specialties. The Green Building Learner Center will serve as an onsite learning tool that will facilitate ongoing training prior to placing students in construction jobs that require knowledge of new energy and resource conservation technologies.”

According to Duran, the training mod-

ule will enable Corpsmembers to receive training in conservation and home renova-tion, as well as in Energy Star appliance and solar panel installation prior to their being placed on the GreenBuild job site. It will be modeled after a similar training module located at the Sustainability Train-ing and Resource Center at San Diego Community College.

Urban Corps’ GreenBuild program provides youth job training through home and community improvements designed to conserve resources. GreenBuild work crews are primarily comprised of Corps-members that are poised to graduate from the Urban Corps program with a high school diploma from Urban Corps Charter School. Within the GreenBuild program, they receive skilled on-the-job training that enables them to be hired directly off the job site by contractors. GreenBuild services include home weatherization, tree planting, graffi ti removal, mold and mildew removal, and general community beautifi cation. Corpsmembers also pro-vide exterior rodent and vermin protection and moisture damage prevention as well as safety improvements such as the repair, replacement, and/or installation of security doors, security screens, and battery oper-ated smoke alarms.

Urban Corps currently partners with the City of San Diego, GRID Alternatives, and the South East Development Corpora-tion for the GreenBuild Program. The GRID Alternatives partnership will contin-ue on this initiative, providing training in solar panel and solar hot water installation to staff and Corpsmembers. San Diego Community College will provide advisory services and is expected to participate in the construction of the Mobile Green Building Learning Center module.

This Environmental Champions Grant will also cover Urban Corps’ U.S. Green Building Council membership and a subscription to their web-based green building learning seminars, as well as a series of certifi cations for staff and Corps-members pertaining to weatherization and energy auditing. The Urban Corps campus –located in the Midway area of San Diego – includes two LEED certifi ed buildings which serve as an example of green build-ing techniques for Corpsmembers and visitors interest aed in green technologies and sustainable work environments.

SDG&E’s Environmental Champion’s Grant program is designed to promote environmental stewardship, recycling and conservation efforts, and natural resource management. SDG&E is a regulated pub-lic utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange coun-ties. The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help our customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a sub-sidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Since 1989, the Urban Corps has served as a bridge to a better life for thousands

Urban Corps Receives Sdg&E Environmental Champion’s Grant To Build A Mobile Green Building Learning Center For Youth Job Training

of inner-city youth. The organization pro-vides paid green job training in the fi elds of recycling, conservation and community service while offering young people a second chance to earn their high school diploma at their onsite Urban Corps Char-ter School. For more information, contact Communications Manager Klara Arter at 619-235-6884 or visit www.urbancorpssd.org.

Businesses, families, individuals and community groups encouraged to

support Senior Community Centers’ ‘Food from the Heart’ initiative

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Jan. 31, 2012 – February is the month of love in San Diego, so why not show some love for seniors? Senior Community Centers asks for the public’s support for the nutritional needs of low-income seniors in San Diego through the “Food from the Heart” fundraising drive.

Senior Community Centers provides 1,800 meals each day to low-income seniors, including those who are homebound. These meals keep seniors healthy and independent, which means less time in hospitals and long-term care facilities. With the rising cost of food, the organization needs help from the community to continue serving the seniors who need their assistance.

Since the “Food from the Heart” program launched in November 2011, several businesses and groups have participated, including Kirby Noonan Lance & Hoge, LLP, Harris & Friends, Martha Guy and Charlie Hoge, Solar Turbines, Golden Eagle Insurance, McIntyre/McCrary/Kam-bourakis Families, the Fran Robinson Family and more.

Families, businesses, schools, church groups and social groups are all invited to participate in the “Food from the Heart” initiative. With just a $1,000 donation to the nutrition pro-gram, a group will become a “Fam-

Show Your Love for San Diego Seniors in February


Anti-Mining(Continued from page 1)

One in fi ve local residents cannot read at the third-grade level, lacking the literacy skills needed to sign a form or fi ll out a bank deposit slip. San Diego County Library is doing its part to build better lives for the residents of San Diego County through the LEARN (Libraries Empower All to Read Now) program. The LEARN adult literacy program is hosting a free, two-part training for potential English language literacy tutors on February 11 and February 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave.

By becoming a LEARN tutor, anyone over the age of 18 with a high school di-ploma or equivalent can change lives and improve local literacy rates. Registration for the tutor training is recommended by calling 888-466-0668 but walk-ins are welcome. A six-month commit-ment is required, but tutoring times and locations are fl exible. A video featur-ing this program can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/countysandiego#p/search/22/5WXPvJmOrVk.

“From reading the instructions on a medicine bottle to reading a story to a curious child, words touch lives in count-less ways,” said LEARN staff member Kevin Vigil. “We have 130 learners waiting to be matched with a tutor and start on their path to literacy.”

For more information about the LEARN program, call 888-466-0668 or visit www.sdcl.org. # # #

Become A Literacy Tutor At The Vista

Library

Ping Lacson(Continued from page 1)

Why Philippines is Top Call


19900$Equiped with Digital X-Rays for less radiation

they are mining. Citing evidence of destruction from

mining activities, the Save Palawan Movement insists there should be no mining in areas of biodiversity and island ecosystems like Palawan. Dr. Gerardo “Doc Gerry” Ortega, a civic leader, environmentalist and broad-caster was killed January 2011? Was this an extrajudicial killing ? This sent a strong message to the govern-ments of the Philippines and Palawan of the need to stop mining activities in Palawan and help protect its natural resources. Dr. Ortega’s daughter said, “We live in a culture of death. We need to change that and go back to a culture of life. The most important thing is not gold, copper, cell phone or a laptop. It’s food, air, and water--things we are losing already. The costs always outweigh the benefi ts. Let’s bring back a culture of life.”

Like Dr. Ortega, I have my dream to have a Philippines where natural resources are protected. You may call me an environmental activist, someone who is resisting outside interference, since I have been solidly entrenched with my civic activism in my hometown even though I am here in the U.S. In my opinion, the importance of doing activist work al-lows me to give back and to consider myself not as a single individual who may have achieved whatever I have aspired for, but to be a part of a move-ment that sees problems that are not being addressed and help make our voice heard.

I am a believer of grassroots em-powerment and strengthened civil societies.

Environmentalist David Brower was once asked, “Why are you conserva-tionists always against things?” He replied, “If you are against something, you are always for something. If you are against a dam, you are for a river.”

I will tell you my ‘environmental encounters’ that have resulted to my strong contention and protestations to speak up and raise arms against tyrants and dictators. I happened to be one in the forefront of an e-group of kababayans -townmates- liv-ing abroad and we are passionate about our cause and its lasting value because we can’t just accept the way things are if they are to the detriment of our loved ones and the destruction of things we hold dear. We are solidly behind “No to Mining” in our area in the Northwest Panay Peninsula.

I delivered my views with clarity and intimacy to my community in the province of Antique, particularly my beloved hometown Pandan. You may call my environmental feature editori-als and opinions to be demonstrative, refl ective, and with a litany of rants and raves against the mining venture in our area.

Together with my friends and townmates here and abroad we have raised our voices to give vent to our stubborn and ongoing passion to pre-serve our beautiful forested mountain that sustains endemic wildlife, our land, rivers and sea from environ-mental intimidations. Foremost is the mine’s familiar catastrophic impact on the environment and the serious health vulnerability it will create on the residents of the municipalities of Pandan and Libertad in my province of Antique. It will bring about unac-ceptable environmental impact and destruction such as permanent altera-tion of terrain, stripping of vegetation, soil erosion from fl oods and land-slides, and water pollution from the mine’s tailings and wastes. These are just a few of the numerous unaccept-able environmental perils wrought by mining.

There is a Kalikasan People’s Net-work for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) and the Defend Patrimony Alliance that emphasized mining is a great detriment to the welfare of the people and to the environment.

The transnational mining corpora-tions (TNCs) are broadly opposed by the communities in the Philippines. Operations by these mining TNCs have overwhelming support from the government.

(To be continued.)

Lifestyle

Read Joe Son’s past articles on www.asianjournalusa.com

by Joe Son

Kalusugan Community Services (KCS) is actively recruiting volun-teers for the coming year starting January 2012 for a period of 3-6 months to 1 year. Volunteers may serve as receptionist at the Center, do general secretarial work, set up and man exhibit booths, take blood pressures, assist durign workshops at registrations, order and serve food, conduct evaluation, disseminate information, send e-mail blasts, and maintain and follow-up on our contacts.

Volunteering takes many forms and is perormed by a wide range of people. Many volunteers are specifi cally trained in the areas they work in, such as medicine, educa-tion, emergency rescue, or some may volunteer for general services. Volunteers maybe full time, part time, or as needed baisis, such as in response to a natural disaster or community clean-up.

Why do people volunteer? Be-cause, volunteerism is the act of self-lessly giving your life to something you believe free of pay, it is an act of giving back to your country, fel-lowmen, community, club or maybe religion. Although a volunteer may not earn monetarily, it gives him/her a sense of self-respect and con-tentment. Some volunteers intend to promote good human quality of life, improve skills development to meet others, make contacts for possible employment, or merely have fun, and a variety of other reasons.

For students and young profes-sionals, volunteering can help them acquire work experience tht can eventually propel them upward in their career ladder. If they do very well as volunteers, they can get excellent recommendations from their mentors if applying for gradu-ate sshool, scholarship or job. Some may even be hired as staff for the company or become members of the board, as in the case for some volunteer workers.

In a recent orientation seminar held in KCS, last January 28, 2012, at 1419 East 8th St., National City, Melissa Pregill, KCS Consult

ant spoke of the “Benefi ts of being sa Volunteer, “ emphasizing that vol-unteers are unrecognized assets of an organization. They have an obvious strong personal interest in the work, they don’t ask to be paid, often they become the most committed board members, and in large measure they become signifi cant future fi nancial donors.

The orientation seminar was coor-dinated by Paul Valen, MSW, which started at 9:00 am, for the registra-tion of participants and followed by continental breakfast and network-ing. Dr. Ofelia Dirige, President & CEO spoke on the rule and major accomplishments of the Kalusugan Community Services. Melissa Pre-gill, Consultant, Founder of Cipher, spoke on the Benefi ts of being a Volunteer, then followed strictly the orientation agenda, which culmi-

KCS Recruits Volunteers

nated on the participants signing of application forms and one -on one interview for volunteer assignments.

The new volunteers of KCS are: Ed Fontanilla, Roman Cruz, Noel Malvar, Marygrave Flores, Jon Val-dez, Michael Lapid, Oscar Baterina, Sharon Chaing, Marla Ramirez, Mary Ann Lubao, Glen Lubao, Gen-lie Sto. Domingo, Leo Sto. Domin-go, Pete Cortez and Irish Diwa.

If interested, please call Dr. Ofelia Dirige at (619) 477-3392 or send e-mail to [email protected] or KCS website www.fi lamwellness.org, you may also visit the Filipino American Wellness Center to fi ll out volunteer form at 1419 East 8th St., National City, CA 91950. -- Joe C.Son

[email protected] San Diego, CA

In an interview over radio dwIZ, Topacio questioned the revival of the Jose Pidal issue.

It could be an attempt to cover up the weakness of the prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Chief Jus-tice Renato Corona, he added.

“Why are they resurrecting the issue?” he asked.

Topacio said Lacson has yet to prove his allegations for the past nine years.

“Senator Lacson has been talking about Jose Pidal for nine years,” he said in Filipino. “If he has evidence, he must show it. We are just wonder-ing why he is resurrecting the issue.”

The Senate investigated the Jose Pidal accounts in 2005, two years after Lacson delivered a privilege speech on the issue.

The turning point of the probe was when Iggy appeared before the Senate to claim ownership of the accounts.

Signatures of Iggy were compared with those in the bank documents by the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.

Chief Superintendent Restituto Mosqueda, Crime Laboratory head, testifi ed that the signatures in the bank documents were not made by Mike Arroyo.

In August last year, Mosqueda reappeared before the Senate to claim that he conspired with Mike and Iggy Arroyo in forging the signatures.

Lacson said he would probably pursue the probe after the impeach-ment trial of Corona. – With Perseus Echeminada

Follow Asian Journal on Twitter @asianjournal

neutral speaking styles in the world. Filipinos talk in a smooth way that most Americans immediately understand, with a describable “calm” manner of speaking.

The Philippines’ style of doing busi-ness has always mimicked the United States. Our form of government, account-ing practices, and legal policies, to name a few, are very similar to the American

system. Even the country’s lifestyle reverberates “American” as loudly as it can: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme, TGI Friday’s, Hard Rock Cafe, to say the least, are prevalent in the urban areas. It is not diffi cult for an American to insert himself into Philip-pine society simply because everything you see is as American as it can be.

Being considered a developing country, Filipinos always fi nd ways to fi x things and use them until they get old or broken, or troubleshoot problems until there are no escapable solutions available any-more. This trait makes Filipinos frugal with the things they own and do, at home and the workplace. Hence, creativity, sound judgment and common sense are often used in resolving issues and fi xing broken things regardless of each one’s craft or expertise.

The culture of the Philippines is all about respect for the elder, including elder brothers and sisters. Filipinos are non-confrontational and are gener-ally considered to be a submissive lot. Everyone who is older is considered a big brother, big sister, aunt, uncle or grandparent, translated into its native language or dialect. The words “po” and “ho” (and its versions in the hundred-plus dialects) are always inserted in a sentence to signify respect to the elder, much like putting the Japanese suffi x “san” in people’s names. So, it is common prac-tice for Filipinos to address Americans with “sir” or “ma’am” repeatedly, and in almost every sentence. It’s just the way Filipinos talk.

Now, put these characteristics and traits inside the call center and you’ve got one of the most respectful, “the customer is always right,” and “try as much as you can to solve it” type of service delivery in the world. The Philippine culture fi ts perfectly with the demands of customer service in the call center world. When an irate customer yells, the Filipino always says “I’m sorry” and continues to be respectful through the course of the entire conversation. When a customer complains, the Filipino fi nds all means available to fi x the problem, sometimes going out of his way to do so.

Outsourcing customer service and tech-nical support to the Philippines is proba-bly one of the best decisions a U.S.-based company can do. Only new technology – systems and procedures – including the client’s style of doing business, stand out as something the American company needs to teach the Filipino. Other than that, everything else about communica-tion and customer service is in place. In a world where fi scal demands outweigh the natural order of things, a U.S. company’s

best bet is to use the Philippines as its primary means to outsource; because you can’t go wrong with an American culture and system already in place for the past 100 years.


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San Diego, CA | January 28, 2012-- In a fi rst of its kind sympo-sium held at the Malcolm X Library in southeast San Diego, Mark Leo, Council of Elders for the Igorot Global Organization and Public Relations Offi cer for BIBAK San Diego; Michael Wandag, Executive Director for the Institute of Native Arts and BIBAK Dance Ensemble, Council of Elders for the Igorot Global Organization; and Kirin Macapugay, Vice President of BIBAK San Diego and Director of Youth Affairs for the Kalingas-North America Network; all full blooded Igorots, presented “Beyond Perfor-mance, a Discussion on Igorot Arts and Culture.”

About 80 attendees, half of which were of Igorot descent, learned of the sociopolitical history of Igorots, the Igorot American experience, the dual identity of Igorots within the Filipino-American community, the signifi cance of certain Igorot rites and rituals, and the way by which these traditions are passed on through generations, both in the Philippines and in America. Attend-ees included representatives from PASACAT, the Philippine Perform-ing Arts Company, Samahanís Pakaraguian Kulintang, and the the Kuya Ate Mentorship Program.

Attendees learned about hosting organization BIBAK, the interna-tional organization which promotes the Igorot culture of fi ve tribes from the Cordilleras: Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga, as well as the Igorot Global Organiza-tion (IGO) and the Kalingas-North America Network (KANA). Future educational and cultural workshops are funded in part by a grant from the Alliance for California Tradi-tional Arts.

Follow up discussions on the various aspects of authentic Igorot history, art, and culture will be held throughout 2012. To learn more about these events, email Kirin Macapugay at [email protected]. You may learn more about BIBAK San Diego at bibaksandiego.net.

Contact: Kirin Macapugay of BIBAK San Diego, Kalingas North America Network Email: [email protected] or call (619) 917 8412

First Public Symposium on Igorot Culture

Beyond Performance, a Discussion on Igorot Arts and Culture

Kirin Macapugay (center), VP of BIBAK, with colleagues Mark Leo and Michael Wandag

After two years of being a morning kapamilya favorite, “It’s Showtime” will be ABS-CBN’s newest noontime program effective Monday, February 6, 2012.

The new show will be hosted by Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Billy Crawford, Karylle, ‘Kuya’ Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta and Vice Ganda, whose camara-derie, spontaneity, talents, and shared sense of humor have brought joy to kapami-lyas. Joining them in “It’s Showtime” are dance master Jhong Hilario, and favorite “ex hurados” Ryan Bang, and Coleen Garcia.

Together, they will be bringing a new

and more exciting show fi lled with surprises and engaging segments that will make viewers experience MORE FUN IN SHOWTIME.

ABS-CBN thanks the “madlang people, “ here in the Philip-pines and in The Filipino Channel (TFC) markets world-wide, for being with Showtime

and its hosts in their journey of bringing joy and hope every morning the past two years. ABS-CBN invites the viewers to continue their unwavering support for Showtime as it moves to noontime, from Monday to Sat-urday starting February 6. --Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” Moves to Noontime Slot

by Issa Cuevas-Santos

Balloons with names and prayers for those that perished. Sky lanterns carrying the messages of survivors for loved ones lost. Flowers fl oating on the river that violently stole the life of thousands of people, mostly very small children. Yellow ribbons lining the bridge where small, frail bodies were trapped as fl ood waters rose and engulfed the area.

And their eyes. How can I forget the eyes that spoke of unimaginable pain as survivor upon survivor that I met shared the horrors that they experienced and the nightmare of waking up everyday only to real-ize that their loved ones will never come home. Tears fl owed as they recounted how they lost their home, and everything they had. One of the survivors, Joanna Valdez, shared about losing three children, two that died in her arms and another that she couldn’t hold on to and remains missing to this day. Her grief was unfathomable.

It sometimes seems like my very heart will tear itself out from my

chest as the images haunt me and I recall the stories I have heard. The pain is so real, and I suddenly feel so small and helpless . How can we even begin to heal this land that is so wounded and these people that have lived through the unspeakable hor-ror of nature’s wrath and its painful

consequences?It is almost a symphony of emo-

tions pounding through my heart as I struggled with these questions but also witnessed so much hope and heroism from Filipinos responding to the call.

My heart swelled and my hope rose as I witnessed a whole city come together at ground zero on the 40th day of the aftermath. Few words were spoken, but the silent

commitment made to one another was so palpable. No words were necessary - presence was enough. I saw over 50 volunteer teams on-site, ready to build even if we haven’t done the layouts for the homes. Even teams from Sultan Kudarat and Southern Leyte were present -- they simply wanted to be there & their presence brought concrete hope. Through-out the day, our GK work-ers were receiv-ing texts from all over the country and all over the world just inquiring about how they could share, give and volunteer. The need may be great, but the response is overwhelming - we are building not just a commu-nity, but a whole country that knows how to care for their fellow Filipi-nos. Our ED, Luis Oquine-na, pointed out that Sendong has made us realize, yet again, that we are all brothers and sisters. And to build with and for the victims is the best way for us to be family to one another.

Yesterday, no homes were built yet, but we saw a community rising. People have come together, com-mitments have been given and I am convinced that the spirit that brought us all together is far greater than the tragedy of Sendong.

Yesterday, I witnessed the depths of pain, brokenness and grieving. But I also saw genuine hope as hearts opened to one another. This is solidarity in its deepest form - it was one heart speaking to another

and saying, “walang iwanan.” And when we make this sacred pledge to God and to one another, we can expect miracles.

I know it sounds crazy. But it’s already happening. The miracles continue to unfold before our very eyes.

I met Aileen Manulat, a GK resident in Rainbow Village, Brgy. Tam-bacan. This community is special to me because it’s one of the fi rst-ever GK com-munities and

I spent a great deal of time with our caretaker team in the early years just learning together. She was 11 years old when we started our work there about ten years ago. When Send-ong happened, their homes also got fl ooded, but it was sturdy enough

to withstand the fl ood waters and her family was spared. Today, at 21 years old, she has volun-teered to be one of our community organizers

for Sendong victims that will be relocated to their new village.

Yes, hope is real. And when we reach out to the poor in love, they pay forward a thousandfold.

One of the early caretaker team members that served in Iligan, Tito Albert Orquieza, passed away a few days before the reconstruction hap-pened. He was one of our valiant workers, fi ercely committed to the mission and loved the Lord with a passion. He was recovering from a heart bypass and was advised by doctors to rest. But he knew some-thing that most people only fi gure

Heartbreak and HealingHope, Gawad Kalinga and the People of Mindanao



Save the Date, April 28, 2012


ASIAN JOURNALThe fi rst Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

An award-winning newspaper, it is San Diego’s most widely circulated Asian-Filipino newspaper!

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

In Pursuit of ExcellenceEugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)

Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)Soledad Bautista, (1917-2009)

Dr. Rizalino “Riz” Oades, (1935-2009)

The Asian Journal is published weekly and distrib-uted in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Adver-tising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photo-graphs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2012 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materi-als in this publication may not be reproduced without specifi c permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

Miles is Assistant to the Dean and Assistant Professor in the Shirley Hufstedler School of Education at Alliant International University where he teaches new media and diverse writing courses. He has been with the Asian Journal since the 1990’s.

by Miles Beauchamp, PhD

by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Founder, President & CEO Kalusugan

Community Services. www.fi lamwellness.org

Contemporary Asian American Issues

Perspectives

Inclusion is more than feeling good

SAVE THE DATE!!

RIZ A. OADES MEMORIAL

CHARITY GOLF

PLAY FOR FUN, GOLF FOR A CAUSE

APRIL 28, 2012, SATURDAY

6:30 AM check-in; Shotgun start 7:30 AM

EASTLAKE COUNTRY CLUB 2375 Clubhouse Drive, Chula Vista, CA

SPONSORED BY KALUSUGAN AND

FORE ORGANIZED GOLF (FOG)

CALLING FOR SPONSORS, DONORS, PLAYERS, VOLUNTEERS.

CONTACT Willie Racelis

(619) 405-2603 email:

[email protected]

Nori Gamboa (760) 274-4817

email: [email protected]

You, them, we, us, they, and ev-eryone else are in it together

Inclusion is such a loaded word. It can mean so many things to so many different people. Inclusion

signifi es power. In other words, “I am included and you are not.” People with power may not always want to include those without power. And it is so

much harder to include others than to want to be included by others.

Inclusion and exclusion happen every-where in nearly all situations. It occurs in clubs, in ethnic groups, in businesses, in housing developments (guard gates do not engender feelings of inclusion do they?).

Inclusion guarantees exclusion. Inclu-sion and exclusion signify power. Power signifi es powerless.

That won’t work. Societies and govern-ments have fallen, nations have been born, revolutions have happened because of inclusion and exclusion. In the long term powerlessness just won’t work.

The human race still has so much to learn in so many areas. We have begun to tackle some issues; we’re working on things like racial inclusion, age (that needs more work although there has been some movement) and disabilities (the ADA has helped hugely but there is so far yet to go). But all of that which so nobly seeks inclusion is still beside the point. The point is simply this: we must reach the point of “simply just”:

The point of just

* Just is (my body is just like this)* Just because (my mind works like this

just because it does)* Just are (my eyes are just this way)* Just am (I am just forgetful, am in this

chair, am in this bed, am on this respirator, am in this class, am wearing these hearing aids, am wearing these glasses, am using this cane, am painting this painting with a brush strapped to my arm, am giving a lecture with a synthesizer, am strapping on a leg or arm, am waiting for the light to tweet so I’ll know when to cross, am wait-ing for someone to come help me with my shopping because I can’t feel the differ-ence between Campbell’s chicken noodle soup and split pea soup. Just am in the bathroom emptying a bag before it over-fl ows, am scrambling for an inhaler, am needing to stop and rest for a moment, am waiting for a teacher to understand what it’s like to learn with this disability, am waiting for a doctor to understand what this feels like, am waiting for something, anything to be developed before I die, am wanting to be hugged, just hugged once, just am waiting to be seen as okay, just am waiting to be seen…to be seen.

It’s not about permission

Inclusion is more than words, more than permitting access. It must enable access. Curb cutouts and tweeters enable people to be included in many aspects of every-day life. The desire to include someone is not the same as including them. The desire to embrace equality is not the same

as embracing it. The desire to offer equal access is not the same as offering it.

Inclusion means that there is exclusion and we all know that there is exclusion on this planet, in this hemisphere, in this nation, this state, this county, this city. We

humans excel at excluding each other. Pri-vate club, gated community, security guards; if you’re in you’re in and if you’re out, boy you are all the way out. “Honey,

of course you can go out with him but think about your future. Will he be able to give you kids and take care of them? That’s a pretty big wheelchair…”

We need to get beyond the “Of course I have a, you know, a disabled friend. Yeah.” To “I don’t know. Maybe, I guess, I don’t know. Well yeah, I guess Freddie’s something – he drives a wheel-chair. We all went with him in his van to do fi gure 8’s in the parking lot – does it with just hand controls.” In other words we need to get to the point of any differ-ence being simply background static.

One of the problems might be in how good inclusion feels. We so desperately want to be included that it makes us feel warm and giving when we can include someone else. But it’s also selfi sh. It starts as children and pretty much just stays with us in varying forms. Remember: Inclu-sion, when there is rampant exclusion, is a great thing. But inclusion is inherently as wrong as exclusion. If someone is including you then someone else is being excluded. More than that, if someone is including you then someone else can ex-clude you. We must be in a place without inclusion and exclusion. We must be in a place that simply says all.

This is not to say we haven’t come a long way when it comes to inclusion. Ra-cially we have come a great long way. We have an African-American president. That we have a long way to go is signifi ed by the fact that the election of Barack Obama was such a remarkable thing. Inclusion will truly exist when the fact of his race produces a yawn.

The act of Barack Obama’s election to the presidency was inclusion to a huge degree. He’s African American. His name is Barack Obama. His hair is natural. His parents were biracial. This was inclu-sion. And yet, that’s the point. The fact

that it’s considered inclusionary is sad. It should have been normal. And it will be someday. He opened that door. Many others such as George Ariyoshi, Benjamin Jerome “Ben” Cayetano, Gary Locke, Bobby Jindal, Nikki Haley, Kamala Har-ris, Daniel Inouye, Mike Honda, Doris Matsui, Mazie Hirono, Colleen Hanabusa, Daniel Akaka, Judy Chu, Bobby Scott, Steve Austria, Hansen Clarke, Elaine Chao, March Fong Eu, Norman Yoshio Mineta and more have opened doors. We do, however, have so many more doors

left to open.So what are we left with? It’s not a

message that simply says: inclusion good, exclusion bad. Sorry, that’s too simple. Thought is involved, a desire is involved, a need to act is involved, the acts them-selves are involved and the vision that lets us see our own higher goals in a way that pushes us toward them peacefully and with great determination is involved. And that’s all okay because, simply, it all comes to this: There should simply be: IS.

Kalusugan Com-munity Services (KCS) is sponsoring

a golf tournament on April 28, Saturday, at the Eastlake Country Club in Chula Vista. This tournament is held in collaboration with the Fore Organized Golf (FOG) Group, founded by Femie Cupit, one of the leading local golf organizers in San Diego. She is hired by local organizations such as KCS and private com-panies to organize their fund raising events.

This event is not only for fun and health but to benefi t KCS’ programs and activities. We would also honor our late Founder and President, Dr. Riz A. Oades, who passed away in October 8, 2009. His 76th birthday is March 27, 2012. He was our mentor, guide, inspiration, and his pioneering spirit propelled KCS to what it is today.

There are several benefi ts for participating at this event. First, it provides fun and entertainment for the golfer and his/her family and networking with fellow golfers and other golfi ng enthusiasts all over San Diego (SD) County. Since this is a sport, it provides physical activity exercising most parts of the body that is benefi cial for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes

that are major killers of the Filipino American (FilAm) population.

Most of all, proceeds from this fund raiser will support the pro-grams of KCS. The current reces-sion threatens the survival of KCS limiting and disrupting programs and activities for the community. Our program includes community service, organizational development, research, and training. Activities are dissemination of health information through the Center library, health fairs, media, website and personal contact. We conduct blood pressure screenings and referrals; nutrition and physical activities; health educa-tion and organizational development workshops; and intergenerational arts and cultural festivals, i.e., the annual Filipino American Arts and Cultural Festival (FilAmFest). The Kuya Ate Mentorship Program (KAMP) for young people is also affi liated with KCS.

For players, check-in begins at 6:30 AM followed by a breakfast and a driving range competition. The reverse “Shotgun” competition starts at 7:30 AM. There will be many fun activities and surprises along the way such as raffl es and games for those who are there with their spouses, friends and family. Lunch will be at 12 noon followed by an awards ceremony

There are many ways that one can help and participate in this event. One can be a sponsor and this is divided into the following catego-ries: Title Sponsor- $2,500; Corpo-rate Sponsor- $2,000; Hole-in-One Sponsor- $1,500; Closest to the Pin

Sponsor- $1,000; Longest Drive Sponsor- $1,000; Awards & Recep-tion Sponsor- $800; Practice Range Sponsor- $500; Hole Sponsor- $300; Volunteer Sponsor -$300; and Player Gifts, Prizes and Award Sponsors- $50.00 to $275. Sponsors receive different amenities depending on level of sponsorship, golf tickets and plaque or certifi cate of appreciation for their donations. Golf ticket in-cludes breakfast, range balls, player gift pack, 18 hole-golf with cart, lunch and awards ceremony.

One may also place an ad in the program book to advertise their company or programs. The book contains information on all activi-ties, sponsors, and individuals as-sociated with the event. This will be distributed to all who participated in the Riz Oades Charity Golf as well as leaders of the FilAm commu-nity. Ranges for ads are: Full page $100, Half-page $75; ¼ page $50 and Business card $25. The cost for player is $95 per individual, individ-ual non-players $20 for lunch, and for foursome $360 ($320 if payment is received before April 1, 2012).

For information about sponsoring, placing an ad, playing, and volun-teering, please contact Fore Orga-nized Golf at (858) 220-5487, Willie D. Racelis at (619) 405-2603/email: [email protected] or Nori Gamboa at (760) 274-4817/email: [email protected]. Deadline for ads is April 18.

ABOUT DR. RIZ A. OADES: Dr. Oades was born on March 27, 1935 in Lumban, Laguna as the eldest of eight children. He earned Magna Cum Laude honors with an AB degree in History from Far Eastern University in the Philippines. He was awarded full scholarships at the University of Hong kong where he earned a Master’s Degree in History. In 1961, Dr. Oades received the prestigious Fullbright/Smith-Mundt scholarship enabling him to pursue graduate studies at Cornell Universi-ty. In 1967, Dr. Oades earned a PhD in Asian History from the Univer-sity of Hawaii. Professionally, Dr. Oades was a professor at San Diego State University starting in 1970 and pioneered Asian Studies courses such as “Contemporary Issues in Filipino American Communities.”

He was also a regular columnist in the Asian Journal and writer for Filipino Press and Philippine Mabu-hay News. He actively participated in many community organizations, such as COPAO. In 1993, Dr. Oades became president and co-founder of KCS and continued this role until he passed away in 2009.

ABOUT KALUSUGAN COM-MUNITY SERVICES: is a non-profi t community based organiza-tion serving the Filipino American community and underserved groups through community services, organi-zational development, research, and training. It was founded in 1992 as “Project Kalusugan” and became a 501(c)3 organization in 1995 chang-ing its name to Kalusugan Com-munity Services. It established the Filipino American Wellness Center (FWC) in 2002 that provides a com-prehensive health promotion pro-gram. Its exceptional achievement, long standing excellence, outstand-ing leadership and contributions continues to advance THE health and social well-being of diverse communities in SD, the nation and abroad. It is located on 1419 East 8th Street, National City, CA 91950. Anyone interested in learning more about KCS can call (619) 477-3392 or visit www.webkalusgan.org.

ABOUT THE FORE ORGA-NIZED GOLF: FOG started in Makati, Philippines by organizing a charity golf tour for the Rotary International Clubs and vacation golf tours for the Filipino American (FilAm) golfers from New York in 1998. Beginning in 2004, FOG found its market with the FilAm Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of San Diego (SD) Paradise Valley, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Kinwanis Club and Camden Proper-ties. In 2009, FOG was endorsed as the oldest and most elite Golf Club in SD, the Par Shooters who have 50 active members that play weekly on different golf courses in SD. For more information call (8580 220-5487.

ABOUT GOLF: Golf is a preci-sion club and ball sport, in which competing players ( or golfers) use many types of clubs to hit balls into

Riz A. Oades Memorial Charity Golf “Play For Fun, Health, And A Cause”



Riz A. Oades Golf

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Asian Journal San Diego

by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Immigration 911

Read Atty. Susan Perez’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Work Visas/Green Cards thru Employment• Family Visas• Student, Trainee, Tourist, Investors, Visas • Reinstatement of Petition • Deportation Defense• International Adoption• Appeals, Motions to Reopen/Reconsider• Battered/Abused Spouse• I-601 Waivers (Hardship)• Consular Support in Manila•

IMMIGRATION (619) 819-8648Speak directly with an Attorney

The Law Offi ces of SUSAN V. PEREZ offer the following services:

We also handle ALL PHILIPPINE cases and have an offi ce in Manila to service your needs there.

*Susan Perez is a licensed attorney both in the State of California and the Philippines. She has eighteen (18) years of combined experience in both jurisdictions in the areas of Immigration, Family, Appellate, Juvenile Dependency, Civil, Criminal, Labor, Contracts, Tax, and Business Law. She is also admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit of the Court of Appeals, and the District Courts of Southern California and Central District of California.

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a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes. It is one of the few ball games that do not require a standardized play-ing area. Instead the game is played on “golf courses”, each of which features a unique design, although courses typically consists of nine or 18 holes. Golf is defined, in the rules of golf, as “playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into a hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.” For more info on the Internet; www.info about golf.

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SAVE THE DATEBook Signing of the 2nd Edition of

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Edited by Virginia Claudio

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VILLA MANILA.

IMMIGRATION 911 by Atty. Susan V. Perez | SAN DIEGO, 2/3/2012 --

It looks like President Obama is really committed to fix-ing our broken immigration

system. He recognized that highly skilled immigrants help the U.S. economy. In his remarks in El Paso last May 2011 he stated, “In recent years, a full 25 per-cent of high-tech startups in the United States were founded by immigrants, leading to more than 200,000 jobs in America.”

In his State of the Union last week, the President noted that most new jobs are created by start-ups and small businesses. As part of com-prehensive immigration reform, the President supports legislative measures that would attract and retain immigrants who create jobs and boost competitiveness in the United States, including creating a “Startup Visa,” strengthening the H-1B program, and “stapling” green cards to the diplomas of certain foreign-born graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

On January 31, 2012, the Depart-ment of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a series of reforms which will be completed in the future. The following initiatives will serve to make the United States more attrac-tive to highly-skilled foreign students and workers:

Expand eligibility for 17-month ex-tension of optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 international students with prior degree in STEM. Student status under an F-1 visa is available to foreign students who are com-ing to the United States to pursue a full course of study in any educa-tional program such as elementary or high school, bachelor’s or master’s degree, doctoral or post-doctoral pro-gram. Currently, an F-1 student may only engage OPT for 12 months, F-1

students who graduate in programs of study classified as STEM can obtain 17 months extension of OPT as part of their F-1 status if the de-gree they were conferred is included on the DHS list of eligible STEM degree programs.

Allow for additional part-time study for spouses of F-1 students and expand the number of Designated School Officials (DSOs) at schools certified by DHS to enroll interna-tional students. This reform would allow spouses of F-1 students to en-roll in additional academic classes on a part-time basis while their spouse is pursuing full-time studies. Under the present regulation, spouses may only take part-time vocational or recreational classes.

Provide work authorization for spouses for certain H-1B holders. The H-1B program allows employ-ers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in a specialized field and a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Typical H-1B occupations include architects, engineers, computer programmers, accountants, doctors and college professors. The H-1B nonimmigrant visa category is popular because of its basic feature-- qualification in an occupation that usually requires a college degree. The spouses and minor children of H-1B holders are eligible to stay in the United States on H-4 visas. However, they are not allowed to legally work while on H-4 status. The proposed change would allow certain spouses of H-1B hold-ers to legally work while their visa holder spouse waits for his or her adjustment status application to be adjudicated. Specifically, employ-ment will be authorized for H-4 spouse of H-1B visa holders who have begun the process of seeking lawful permanent resident status through employment after meeting a minimum period of H-1B status in the U.S.

Allow outstanding professors and researchers to present a broader scope of evidence of academic achievement. This proposed

change would increase the type of evidence that employers can submit to demonstrate that a professor or researcher is among the very best in their field. Presently, applications for the employment-based immigrant visa category of “outstanding profes-sors and researchers” are limited to the specific types of evidence listed by regulation. This would allow “comparable evidence” beyond the specifically articulated regulatory list. This change will harmonize the evidentiary standard for this category with the other exceptional ability im-migrant visa categories.

We welcome your feedback. If you have any immigration questions, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call 619 819 -8648 to arrange for a telephone consultation.

Some Immigration Reforms That Would Benefit Higly

Skilled Immigrants



Trends


SECTION: SCIENCE, INNOVA-TION, AND TECHNOLOGY

It was all MAC or “iProducts. I did not see anyone possessing a device other than a MAC computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod or some device with a MAC OS or IOS. The battle was on 3 A’s: applications, accessories and attention.

There are now about 500,000 apps and counting for iPhones and iPads. During the last quarter, there were 37 million iPhones, 15.3 million iPads, 5.2 million MACs and 15.43 iPods added to potentially download many of the apps.

I met a couple of enthusiasts who claim to have already purchased 1500 and 1800 apps respectively. I have a long way to go but I thought that I had a good start with my MACBOOK PRO, iPAD2, iPhone and IPOD and their corresponding apps.

At the MACWORLD/IWORLD Convention, I attended 3 TECH TALKS. They were all about apps that the speakers felt were useful for iPad 2 owners.

TOP APPS FOR IPAD 2

The first TECH TALK was on the top apps for iPad 2. I already have most of them but they might interest many of the readers: 1. Facebook; 2. Twitter; 3. Skype; 4. Facetime; 5. G-Whizz; 6. Aim; 7. Localmind; 8. WordPress; 9. Blogsy; 10. Clibe; 11. Blurb Mobile; 12. Flipboard; 13. Instagram; 14. Instapad; 15. Tripit; 16. Words with friends; 17. Sound-hound; 18. Match.com; 19. Dating Dna; 20. Zoosk; 21. Scout.

The last 4 apps are “dating” apps and I did not download them. I have the first 17 and I love them. If you have an iPad 2, I advise you to download them. They are mostly free and if not, each costs definitely less than $5.

PRODUCTIVITY APPS FOR IPAD 2

The second TECH TALK was on productivity apps for iPad 2. Those discussed were: 1. Evernote; 2. Baby Monitor; 3. Aroundme; 4. AudioN-ote; 5. Penultimate; 6. Kindle store web app for iPad; and 7. Polkast.

They obviously make iPad 2 users more productive. I also have and love all of them. My advice is, you should also download them and try them out. Again, they are mostly free.

SUPER TOOLS FOR IPAD AT WORK

The third TECH TALK was on the super tools for iPad at work. The speakers asked iPad users to embrace the cloud. They advised us-ers to download any or all of the fol-lowing: 1. Dropbox; 2. Sugarsync; 3. Box.net; and 4. iCloud. To access any of them you can use any of these apps: 1. Evernote; 2. Ipassword; and 3. GoodReader.

Some core business apps were recommended: 1. Pages; 2. Num-bers; 3. Keynote; 4. Quick Office; 5. Office2; 6. CloudOn; 7. Word; 8. Excel; 9. Power Point; and 10. OnLive Desktop.

There were other core business apps mentioned : For database management, the FileMaker Go for iPad was recommended. For Task/

Tech ITfrom My Barber

“KAMA SUTRA” Positioningat MACWORLD

Tech IT from My Barber by Benjamin Maynigo | MACWORLD CONVENTION | San Jose, 2/3/2012

Expert Says Face-to-Face On-Demand is the Next Tech Trend

Imagine you’re in the United States, but you speak no English. You fall

ill and go to the hospital but you can’t tell the doctor that your pain is sharp and radiates from front to back; that you’re allergic to penicillin; that you have a history of asthma. You’re being seen in the best health-care system in the world, but you can’t access it because the doctor doesn’t

Forget Email, Have Business Class Video Calls on Any Device Handy

1.800.210.1019

1. iRest Lap StandThe iRest is the first tablet stand

designed specifically for use on the lap. It frees your hand for a com-fortable viewing and typing experience away from the desk.

Created by award winner Rain Design, Inc. iRest is exceptionally light at only 15 oz. and its aluminum quite thin with 1.5mm or 1/16 of an inch.

The iRest also features soft foam cushions that rest on the lap and a torque hinge that makes it easy to adjust the angle up to 60

degrees. It prevents hand fatigue from holding the iPad and raising the screen for easier viewing.

I tried it at home. It is very simple, sturdy and comfortable to use. It is also reasonably priced. I like it.

It was awarded Best of Show at the MACWORLD in 2011.

2. iBallzDoes your iPad have balls? If

none, having the iBallz would provide you with balls that would make your iPad safe even when it falls. With its carrying case, you can safely transport your device around the house, office or on errands. The

zip off cover allows for quick access to your iPad, so you are not con-stantly pulling it in and out.

It also allows for several comfort-able positions like: resting on your lap, hanging from or leaning against a wall, tilted up towards you on your desk or coffee table.

PRODUCT REVIEWS: iPAD Stands and Covers

understand you.

You fear a misunderstanding could kill you, or you’ll die waiting for them to find someone who speaks your language.

Your physician pulls out his iPad and in seconds you’re talking to a profession-al interpreter via a high-definition video conference call. This person can see you point to and explain your pain; she can follow along as the physician examines you. If your illness is serious, this phone call may have just saved your life.

That’s the vision of Stratus Video (www.stratusvideo.com), a company that launched in early 2011 as the corporate child of a national video relay services provider for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The Z, as that service is now called, was the first to offer 24/7

availability and is utilized in government agencies and businesses across the coun-try, including the Social Security Admin-istration, Boeing Corp. and Wal-Mart.

The future of that technology is one that saves both businesses and consumers time, money and frustration, says Sean Belanger, CEO of Stratus Video, which is already providing on-demand video interpreting service for hospital patients with limited or no English.

“With the enormous success of our products and services, we are moving into a new era of video technology,” Belanger says. “On-demand, high-defi-nition mobile video conferencing linked to a 24/7 call center can solve life-or-death problems, like the hospital patient who needs an interpreter fast. And it can

make life much simpler for both service providers and customers, like the client who can’t figure out how to install his printer cartridge.”

The technology lays the foundation for simplifying life -- for consumers who access call centers to resolve problems and the support people who answer those calls, Belanger says.

“We’re not far from a future where your Maytag repairman dials into a call center from the field for live video sup-port,” Belanger said. “Or the customer herself calls in and is visually instructed on how she can replace the part herself. Instead of the customer and the support person wasting their time struggling to communicate, problems get resolved quickly.”

The company offers three video relay services that lay the groundwork for that vision:

• ZVRI is a video language interpreta-tion tool. It’s cloud-based and provides on-demand video interpretation for American Sign Language and spoken languages.

• Video Call Center integrates video communication into customer service for face-to-face communications, while making it easier for employees to do their jobs more efficiently.

• ViewME is a cloud-based high-definition video communication tool that links business employees, customers and suppliers.

“The world has gone video,” Belanger says. “Video phone technology adaption is increasing at a rapid pace. Every day, 23 million Skype users are on-line; You-

Tube serves more than 2 billion videos per day. Personal adaption of video is across the all age groups, not just the 14- to 35-year-olds.”

Want to look into the future? It's face-to-face contact, now acceptable for busi-ness class, on all of your mobile devices.

About Sean Belanger

Sean Belanger is the chief executive of-ficer of Clearwater, Fla.-based CSDVRS, the parent company ofStratus Video, and CEO of Stratus. A graduate of Virginia Tech, he has 30 years’ experience in the technology industry. He previously served as CEO of the Paradyne Networks and general manager of 3Coms’network service provider division.

I tried it and even intentionally bounced it with my iPad. It is nice to have. Just for the guarantee of a safe landing when it falls is worth the investment.

3. Prop’n GOMade by Padded Spaces this prod-

uct is actually a 3 in 1 device:

Stand, Cover, and Backpack. It also has an accessory pocket so that the power cords, headphones, etc. don’t come in contact with your iPad. You should be comfortable using it on a couch, in bed or other soft surface.

The heights, angles, or positions are adjustable so that it would be good when reading or watching movies.

The product could also be useful for other devices such as Kindle, Nook and other tablets – not just for the iPad. It’s a great device. I’ve used it and I like it. Perfect on your bed, on your couch and on your desk!

4. Powis iCaseThis is the case and stand, which is

dubbed the Kama Sutra Master

Stand for the iPad. This stand can actually be pre-designed if you pre- order. With a beautifully designed cover, the sample that was provided to me was really as good as it was

billed.While using it, I counted at least 9

positions. As billed, I used it for reading the news, watching a movie, playing a game, writing emails, presenting to a colleague, checking the NBA scores, and running an app. The Powis iPad case really

secures your iPad in the most comfortable position for your activ-ity.

5. REV 360The product that the Hub Interna-

tional LLC provided me to review is what they call the revolutionary Hand Stand that is a Rotating iPad Case. It is called REV 360 because I assume it is revolutionary and

rotates 360 degrees of “ergonomic freedom”.

It is sleek and durable. Indeed, it brings a revolutionary, rotational

accessory that allows users to spin effortlessly the iPad 360 de-grees for quick transition from landscape to portrait viewing

and back again.It also allows easy manipulation

of the touch screen without acciden-





Product Reviews





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Cleansing The CORONAry Path To Justice

My barber asked me, “What is your take on the impeach-ment trial of Philippine Chief

Justice Renato Corona?”I told him that I should really with-

hold judgment until both sides are presented and heard. However, there are certain issues that I could deal with without appearing to be biased. Besides, now that I am a credentialed member of the Press, there are respon-sibilities that I have to meet in the dissemination of information relating to the trial.

NATURE OF IMPREACHMENT

In a representative (republican), democratic (sovereignty resides in the people) and constitutional government, impeachment is both a quasi-political and a quasi-judicial process.

The House of Representatives is empowered by the Constitution to impeach by a vote or by signatures of 1/3 of its members. Upon transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment as en-dorsed by the required numbers to the Senate, the latter shall conduct the trial as provided by the Constitution.

The assumption is that it is the will of the people that the signatories in the House represent and that of the Senate who will hear and judge.

Under this process, the House is like the Fiscal or Prosecutor while the Sen-ate is like a Judge and Jury. Their cor-responding powers are exclusive and could only be overruled by the people who gave them such authority.

As argued by some, theoretically, if the Senate abuses its power or authority, its actions are appealable to the Supreme Court. Who determines what is abusive or not? Each Senator is a Judge and Juror. One has to prove each and collectively such abuse which is next to impossible to do. My take is

that only the sovereign people could determine whether their representa-tives in the Senate abused the powers vested upon them.

BURDEN OF PROOF

Another issue is the burden of proof. There is no specifi c provision defi ning the required evidence in an impeach-ment proceeding. If perceived as a criminal case, then, “proof beyond reasonable doubt” is required. This means “that degree of proof produced in an unprejudiced mind” which arises from moral certainty that the person to be convicted is guilty of the crime.

It could also be looked at as an ordinary administrative proceeding; administrative proceedings in quasi-judicial bodies; or as a case that is be-tween civil and criminal. The evidence required is: Substantial evidence; Preponderance of evidence; and Clear and convincing proof or overwhelming preponderance.

Substantial evidence refers to “such amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion.” As expected, the prosecution asserts that the required burden on their part is this one.

Section 1 of Rule 133 of the Rules of Court shows how to determine prepon-derance of evidence: “the court may consider all the facts and circumstanc-es of the case, the witnesses’ manner of testifying, their intelligence, their means and opportunity of knowing the facts to which they are testifying, the nature of the facts to which they tes-tify, the probability or improbability of their testimony, their interest or want of interest, and also their personal credibility so far as the same may legitimately appear upon trial.”

Clear and convincing proof is a more stringent standard than preponderance of evidence but less than proof beyond

reasonable doubt. A couple of Senators who are lawyers are inclined to use this standard but call it the same way as Yale Professor Charles Black, Jr. as “overwhelming preponderance of evidence.”

My barber interrupted: “The maximum penalty for impeachment is removal from offi ce. It could even be less, such as reprimand. This is like an ordinary worker or employee getting fi red for cause where it only requires substantial evidence. Why should the required evidence to sanction an errant Chief Justice be any different?”

He has a point but this has to be relayed to each of the Senators. I proceeded.

Prior to judgment, the Judge gives instructions to each member of the Jury regarding the standard of proof and other matters. Since each Sena-tor is a Judge and Juror, he actually instructs himself. In short, he could follow any standard and judge for him-self either objectively or subjectively. The law gives him that much leeway as a chosen Judge/Juror/Representative of the sovereign people.

IMPEACHABLE OFFENSES

The Constitution enumerates the following offenses as impeachable: culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.

Let me touch briefl y on only two offenses, as we still have to hear the rest of evidence to be presented. One is culpable violation of the Constitution and the other, betrayal of public trust.

The prosecution charges CJ Co-rona with “culpable violation of the Constitution for non-disclosure of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).”

CJ Corona actually fi led his SALN. It was eventually disclosed at the Sen-ate for all the Senators and the public to see. Does this constitute compliance regardless of the accuracy or falsity of the contents?

The law requires full disclosure of facts. In fact, to do otherwise would be considered “Making untruthful statements in a narration of facts” un-der Article 171-Falsifi cation by public offi cer, employee, etc. It is a Crime Against Public Interest.

As stated in the law, “by legal obli-gation is meant that the law requires a full disclosure of facts such as in a public offi cial’s STATEMENT OF AS-SETS and LIABILITIES…”

This could also be interpreted as

betrayal of public trust on the part of Chief Justice Corona if his SALN as submitted proved to be false. Waiting for the defense.

My favorite top-notch investigative reporter Raissa Robles in a brilliant re-search, reporting and analysis had this to say about the relevance of SALN in CJ Corona’s case:

To the prosecutors: “they have a document they can refer to when they present Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and Statements of Assets Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs) as evidence. It’s a document written by someone who happens to be named Renato C. Corona.

In that document, CJ Corona made some interesting points:

■He said the burden of proof lies with the person being accused of hav-ing amassed such wealth. ■He also said the court should disregard tech-nicalities thrown by the defendant’s side. ■And he said it was enough to compare a respondent’s SALNs (Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth) and ITRs (Income Tax Return) with the wealth in question to determine the latter’s illegal origin. If disclosed income and assets were far less than the questioned wealth, then the latter is ill-gotten. CJ Corona showed how to connect the dots using the SALN and the ITR in his ruling entitled Republic of the Philippines vs. the Sandiganbayan and Ferdinand Marcos, as represented by his heirs: his wife Imelda and their children Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., Governor Imee Marcos, and Irene Marcos-Araneta.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona wrote how to compute for corruption in his landmark decision on the Marcoses’ ill gotten wealth case. In this 2011 photo, CJ Corona sits beside Senator Bongbong Marcos In his very exhaustive ruling on this civil forfeiture case, CJ Corona concretely showed:

■How to use SALNs and ITRs to compute for the total assets of the respondent ■Then how to determine the amount of alleged ill-gotten wealth in comparison to the defendant’s total assets.”

By defi nition, ill-gotten wealth is graft and corruption, which is also a ground for impeachment.

Read previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-journalusa.com

by Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr.Member, State Bar of California & Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Phil - Am Law 101

tally launching apps or randomly scrolling. The Silicone iPad Case is really designed durably to provide protection for iPad 2 without scuff-ing. It has an elastic strap that is comfortably one-size fi ts all.

It is fun using it especially when I rotate the disk. This one is also worth buying.

What would interest our Filipino readers is that one of the Founders of the company is a half Filipino named Preston Hodges.

The rest of the products will be reviewed in the next issue of our paper.

Dear Atty. Karagdag,

I am a United States citizen, still single, and have a girlfriend in the Philippines. What makes our rela-tionship unique is that we are both females. Is there a way I can bring her to the United States? I heard that some states now allow marriages between couples of the same sex.

Tommy

Dear Tommy,

Are you thinking of marrying your girlfriend here in the United States, in a state which allows same sex marriages? Unfortunately, this idea will not work. There are simply too many legal and practical challenges that you will have to overcome.

Firstly, same sex marriage is not allowed in the Philippines, so getting married in the Philippines is out of the question. This means that you and your girlfriend have to come here to the U.S. or to another country that allows same sex mar-riage. In the U.S., only six states allow it, namely Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. It is also allowed in Washington, DC and in at least two Indian tribal territories. For some time, between June 16, 2008, and November 4, 2008, it was also allowed in California until it was outlawed by Proposition 8. Ten other counties – Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland and Argentina also allow it. It is surprising that the list includes Spain, which ruled the Philippines through the Catholic faith for more than 300 years.

Secondly, again if you are think-ing of getting married in the U.S., your girlfriend has to get a tourist or another non-immigrant visa to enter the U.S. We are assuming that your girlfriend is single and of marrying age, two factors that serve as red fl ags to the U.S. consular offi cers in Manila. We must also warn you that going to the United States on a visitor visa, but with the intent to get married and residing here permanently, constitutes immigra-tion fraud.

But your biggest obstacle will re-ally be that USCIS does not recog-nize same sex marriage. While some states allow and recognize same it, the defi nition of a spouse under United States immigration law re-mains to be a person of the opposite sex. This is because immigration law falls under federal law, and hence not governed by any state law. To make sure that the federal govern-ment’s position is made clear, the U.S. Congress enacted on September 26, 1996 the Defense of Marriage

Act (DOMA). The law specifi cally defi nes marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. In other words, the USCIS, even if it wants to, cannot recognize as valid a marriage between two persons of the same sex. Because of this, even if you marry your girlfriend in a state or another country that allows same sex marriage, it will still deny your immigrant petition for her. The same answer goes for a fi ancée petition.

Therefore, if your girlfriend wants to immigrate to the U.S., it should not be through you but based on her own application, such as an employ-ment petition.

We hope we have clearly answered your question. Please do not hesitate to write the Asian Journal again should you have any more questions.

Thank you for reading the Asian Journal.

Sincerely,

Atty. Rogelio Karagdag , Jr. is licensed to practice law in both Cal-ifornia and the Philippines. He prac-tices immigration law in San Diego and has continuously been a trial and appellate attorney in the Philip-pines since 1989. He travels between San Diego and Manila. His offi ce address is located at 10717 Camino Ruiz, Suite 131, San Diego, CA 92126. He also has an offi ce in the Philippines at 1240 Apacible Street, Paco, Manila, Philippines 1007, with telephone numbers (632)522-1199 and (632)526-0326. Please call (858)348-7475/(858)536-4292 or email him at [email protected]. He speaks Tagalog fl uently. Articles written in this column are not legal advice but are hypotheticals intended as general, non-specifi c legal information. Readers must seek legal consultation before taking any legal steps.

Can I Bring My Same Sex Partner to the United States?

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Light &Shadows

Read Zena Babao’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Zena Sultana Babao

By Zena Sultana Babao

A record number of preliminary contests are now taking place around the world as part of the 6th annual search for the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.” These pre-liminary contests will select the contestants who will proceed to Memphis to partici-pate in the Ultimate ETA Contest during Elvis Week in August 10-18, 2012.

Scott Williams, Vice President of Marketing and Media for the Elvis Presley

Enterprises (EPE) announced: “In 2012,

during the 35th anniversary, you’ll see Elvis’ life and legacy celebrated with con-certs, festivals, special events and unique product releases taking place around the world. These contests give Elvis fans worldwide an opportunity to experience his music in a fun and unique way that we have seen continue to grow in popularity.”

In addition to the preliminary contests going on now, Elvis fans can also enjoy some of the Ultimate Elvis tribute artist on tour in “Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis

Tribute Artist Event” now performing in

twenty-nine U.S. cities through March 19, 2012.

Cody Slaughter, the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner, is performing the role of Elvis in the North American tour of the “Million Dollar Quartet”, while Brandon Bennett, the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, is also performing the role of Elvis in the Chicago cast of the “Million Dollar Quartet.”

All preliminary contest winners will compete in the Semifi nal Round One on August 17, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. The top tribute artists in that round will then proceed to the Semifi nal Round Two later that evening. The Top 10 Elvis tribute artists selected in the Semi-fi nal Round Two will then proceed to the Final Round on August 18, 2012.

The top three winners of the Final Round will receive a big cash priz-es along with a selec-tion of other valuable prizes. The First Place winner will receive the title of “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2012”, recognition by the Elvis Presley Enterprises, cash prize of $20,000, and a selection of other valuable prizes. The second place winner will receive $3,000 and other valuable prizes, and the third place winner will receive $2,000 and other valuable prizes.

Judging guidelines, rules and scoring forms are provided to each Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary loca-tion and they are required to follow these criteria when choosing their preliminary winner. These scoring forms are also used during the semifi nal and fi nal rounds of the contest in Memphis to choose the top win-ners and the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year”.

For the semifi nals and fi nal rounds of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, the accounting fi rm of Dixon Hughes oversees the scoring and tabulation of the contest judging. This assures that the tabulation is held to the highest standards of integrity

and objectivity.The judging criteria are as follows: Vo-

cals – overall singing ability; style – ability to present a look and style that represents Elvis well during the era of the song being performed; Stage Wear – rating of the ETA’s stage wear, including quality and proper fi t; and Stage Presence – ability to recreate the charisma Elvis created when performing on stage.

Elvis tribute artists competing at all lev-els of the contest are all judged using the same scoring sheet. Each of the judging criteria is scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score. Vocals will count for 40 percent of the score. Style, Stage Wear and Stage Presence each count as 20 percent.

Judges for the 2012 preliminary rounds of the contest will be chosen by each in-dividual contest organizer. Once they are selected, judges’ names are required to be submitted to EPE for fi nal approval. The score of each judge’s sheet will be added together to provide an overall performance total for each Elvis tribute artist. The Elvis tribute artist receiving the highest overall score will be selected as the winner of that preliminary round.

Preliminary rounds of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest that have occurred, or are in the planning stages at this time, include:

Tweed Tribute Elvis Festival, August 26-28, 2011 at Tweed, Ontario, Canada New England Elvis Festival, Sept 2-4, 2011 at Manchester, New Hampshire Rockin’ E Jamboree at Oneida Casino, Sept 14-16, 2011 at Green Bay, Wisconsin Elvis FANtasy Fest, Oct 14-16, 2011 at Portage, Indiana Pocono Mountains Elvis Festival, Oct 21-23, 2011 at Bushkill, Pennsylvania Elvis Birthday Bash and Ultimate ETA Contest, Jan 6-11, 2012 at Surfers Para-dise, Queensland, Australia The 2012 Elvis Cruise, Jan 12-16, 2012 at Nassau, Bahamas “Fill the Blue Suede Shoes” Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, March 3, 2012 at Ocala, Florida Third Look for Japanese Elvis, March 11, 2012 at Osaka, JapanRockin’ Elvis Fest at Pala Casino, March 16-18 at Escondido, CaliforniaBranson Elvis Festival, April 20-22, 2012 at Branson, MissouriToronto Elvis Festival, April 20-22, 2012 at Mississauga, Ontario, CanadaPhiladelphia Elvis Fest, May 4-6, 2012 at Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLas Vegas Ultimate ETA Contest, May 11-12 at Las Vegas, NevadaHawaii Ultimate ETA Contest, May 19, 2012 at Waikiki, HawaiiTupelo Elvis Festival May 31-June 3, 2012 at Tupelo, MississippiLakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival, May 31-June 3, 2012 at Lake George, New YorkWintersun Festival, June 1-11, 2012 at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Aus-traliaAtlantic City Ultimate ETA Contest, June 9, 2012 at Bally’s, Atlantic City, New JerseyRockin’ Elvis Fest at Oneida Casino, June 18-20, 2012 at Green Bay, WisconsinPenticton Elvis Festival, June 22-24, 2012 at Penticton, British Columbia, Canada

The Ultimate Contest Returns

Cody Slaughter, the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist

Myrtle Beach Ultimate ETA Contest, June 30, 2012 at Myrtle Beach, South CarolinaRockin’ Elvis Fest at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, July 19-21, 2012 at Cherokee, North CarolinaCollingwood Elvis Festival, July 26-29, 2012 at Collingwood, Ontario, CanadaHard Rock Café Last Chance Ultimate ETA Contest, Aug 10-12, 2012 at Mem-phis, Tennessee For more information on how to compete at these preliminary rounds or attend to support your favorite Elvis tribute artist, visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Art-ist Contest website. Organizations and entertainment venues interested in holding their own preliminary contest please email [email protected] for more informa-tion. XXX

On the fi rst of every month, our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.

February 1, 2012

Jesus

Dear apostles, your faith makes you beautiful. I am watching you as you receive graces from heaven. Your heart is transformed, little by little, and your service to Me is purifi ed and becoming more unblemished by self interest. Your life is changing in many ways. Perhaps you are leaving one type of service for another or completing a task that has

Direction for Our Timesheld your attention for a long time. Perhaps you are laying down a heavy cross of suffering and being released from it so that you can serve more freely in another way. Perhaps, dear apostle, you are awaiting your next heavenly assignment and you are eager to move on to it. Or you are simply serving faith-fully as best you can in the work that is yours each day. Regardless, you believe, and you are trying to live that belief. This makes you beautiful to Me. Yes, faithfulness to Me consoles the world. The little pocket of faithfulness you con-tribute is like a sign that directs the eyes of others to the next life. Others look at you and understand that not everyone lives for this life. They understand that even if you are wrong about eternity, hope in eternity exists. My friends, you do not realize the value of that hope for someone in a moment when all hope seems lost. Poor humanity. We must bring hope to the world through our committed service to the Father. And if you fi nd your hope challenged, then you must explain to Me the source of your pain. Come to Me in the silence of your heart and I will listen to your grief. I will console you. I will show you that the power of heaven can heal the gravest hurts and the cruelest sufferings. I will restore you. Please believe Me. It is in the interest of all of humanity that you possess the hope needed for others. Yes, you are beautiful to Me, dear apostles. You are beautiful.

WASHINGTON, 1/31/2012 – The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department today announced the results of a massive national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft per-petrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft.

Working with the Justice Depart-ment’s Tax Division and local U.S. Attorneys’ offi ces, the nationwide effort targeted 105 people in 23 states. The coast-to-coast effort took place over the last week and included indictments, arrests and the execution of search warrants involving the potential theft of thousands of identities and taxpayer refunds. In all, 939 criminal charges are included in the 69 indictments and informations related to identity theft.

In addition, IRS auditors and investi-gators conducted extensive compliance visits to money service businesses in nine locations across the country in the past week. The approximately 150 visits occurred to help ensure these check-cashing facilities aren’t facilitating refund fraud and identity theft.

“This unprecedented effort against identity theft sends a strong, unmistak-able message to anyone considering participating in a refund fraud scheme this tax season,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “We are aggressively pursuing cases across the nation with the Justice Department, and people will be going to jail. This is part of a much wider effort underway at the IRS to help protect taxpayers.”

“The Justice Department is work-ing closely with the IRS to investigate, prosecute, and punish tax refund crimes committed through the theft of identi-ties,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John A. DiCicco of the Tax Division. “Now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant against the un-authorized use of identifi cation informa-tion to defraud the U.S. government.”

The national effort is part of a com-prehensive identity theft strategy the IRS has embarked on that is focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases as soon as possible. In addition to the law-enforcement crackdown, the IRS has stepped up its internal reviews to spot false tax returns before tax refunds are issued as well as working to help victims of the identity theft refund schemes.

The law-enforcement sweep started last week across the country, refl ecting investigative efforts stretching back months and even years.

Beyond the criminal actions, the IRS enforcement personnel conducted a spe-cial sweep last week and on Monday to visit 150 money services businesses to help make sure these businesses are not knowingly or unknowingly facilitating identity theft or refund fraud. The visits occurred in nine high-risk places identi-fi ed by the IRS covering areas in and surrounding Atlanta, Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Tampa and Washington, D.C.

In addition, the IRS has more than 250 check-cashing operations under audit across the country and will be looking for indicators of identity theft as part of the exam effort.

The information from these audits and compliance visits will be used to assist continuing IRS investigations into refund fraud and identity theft.

The IRS also is taking a number of ad-ditional steps this tax season to prevent identity theft and detect refund fraud before it occurs. These efforts includes designing new identity theft screening fi lters that will improve the IRS’s abil-ity to spot false returns before they are processed and before a refund is issued, as well as expanded efforts to place identity theft indicators on taxpayer ac-counts to track and manage identity theft incidents.

To help taxpayers, the IRS earlier this month created a new, special section on IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft matters, including YouTube videos, tips for taxpayers and a special guide to assistance. The information includes how to contact the IRS Identity Protec-tion Specialized Unit and tips to protect against “phishing” schemes that can lead to identity theft.

Taxpayers looking for additional information can consult the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft or the IRS Identity Theft Protection page on the IRS website.

Identity Theft Crackdown Sweeps Across the Nation; More than 200 Actions Taken In Past Week in 23 States



Spiritual Life

Read Monsignor’s previous articles by visit-ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets Balintataw

Read Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

©2012 Virginia H. Ferrer. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Virginia H. Ferrer is a Filipino Language Teacher at Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista.

Bayad Na (3)Feb. 5: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Joke of the Week: A cross-country tourist stopped for a gas at a backward station. The attendant was perfect specimen of manhood – tall, broad and muscular. When the tour-ist remarked that this seemed to be an unusually healthful area, the at-tendant exclaimed: “Healthy is right, the healthiest place I’ve ever been. You won’t believe it, mister, but when I come here I couldn’t speak a word. I had no teeth and just a few hairs on my head. I was so weak I couldn’t walk one step. They had to put me in bed and take me out and feed me. And now – look at me.” “Unbeliev-able!” admitted the tourist, “How long have you lived here?” The husky attendant declared, “I was born here.”

A lawyer and an HMO manager were waiting at the Pearly Gate. St. Peter asked the lawyer any good thing he did on earth that would earn him a ticket to heaven. The lawyer said that he defended pro bono many poor clients. St. Peter allowed the lawyer to enter heaven. Next, St. Peter asked the HMO provider the same question he asked the lawyer. The HMO provider said that he lowered the cost of hospitalization. The heavenly Gatekeeper told the manager that it’s ok for him to enter heaven, but that he can stay only for three days.

Scriptures: First Reading: Job 7: 1-4, 6-7. Time weighs heavily upon Job. Lacking reason and direc-tion, Job’s days are unremittingly drudgery. Second Reading: 1 Corin-thians 9: 16-19; 22-23. In compari-son with the boredom of Job, Paul in his letter to the Christians at Corinth explains the urgency of his mission. The urgent task of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus has made Paul “all things to all.”

Gospel: Mark 1: 29-39. The pas-sage from Mark outlines the hectic schedule of Jesus. Rather than be kept from the very reason for which he came, because the crowd wanted to keep him in the community, Jesus started to move on to nearby vil-

lages. He seemed to be saying to the disciples, “We have accomplished our mission here. Hurry, let’s go to other places.”

Refl ections: In 2008 (June) I missed my weekly column for The Asian Journal of San Diego, because I had been sick. I was taken to ICS (Intermediate Care Services). My sister, Fellie Barlahan and her

husband, Ernie, drove me to the ER of Kaiser-Permanente (Zion, San Diego, California) on three separate occasions. The ER doctors sent me home after two of those visits. Fi-nally, at the third time, I insisted that I be admitted to the hospital so that the doctors could observe my condi-tion that was getting worse day after day. I was confi ned for three days at the hospital because of stomach fl u. My ordeal at the ER and at the hospital was a learning experience in patience, mercy, forgiveness, and humility. I was completely at the mercy of the health profession-als. I had to patiently wait for them to come and help me. I was suf-fering from dehydration, stomach cramps, lightheadedness, nausea, and lack of sleep. Throughout my health ordeal, I was able, with God’s grace, to practice humility, mercy and forgiveness. One of the medical technicians informed me that she was wondering as to who I might be, because she noticed that there is something especial and professional in the way I conducted myself. She was not surprised at all when I told her that I am a Catholic priest. To the medical staff members, who taught

me how to be patient, compassion-ate, humble and forgiving, I am grateful. Likewise, may God reward abundantly all those who prayed for my speedy recovery, especially the Catholic priests and the members of El Shaddai Prayer Partners of San Diego. God bless those who suf-fered with me, especially my sister, brother-in-law and relatives. I am equally thankful to countless friends

who also paid me visit at the hospital.

The Marcan passage in today’s gospel speaks about the urgency of Jesus’ mission. Similarly, my stomach fl u was so uncomfortable that I needed an urgent and immedi-ate medical attention. If we would only realize that the world is suffering also from various forms of acute spiri-tual diseases, then we would not hesitate to take it to the “divine ER” and to call on the

Greatest Physician, Jesus Christ. Our world is acutely in need of spiritual healing. Jesus showed us in today’s gospel that he came for this very rea-son. We are all responsible to carry on his profound mission.

A man fell into a dark, slimy pit, and he tried to climb out, but he couldn’t. Confucius came along. He saw the man in the pit, and said, “Poor fellow, if you had listened to me, you never would have fallen into that pit.” And Confucius went on his way. Buddha came along. He saw the man in the pit, and said, “Poor fellow, if he’ll just come up here, I’ll help him.” And Buddha went on his way. Then Jesus came along. He saw the man and said, “Poor fellow!” And he jumped into the pit and lifted him out.

Quotation of the Week: “Love has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others. That’s what love looks like.” St. Augustine.

Jesus’ Mission and the ER

Sunday January 29, 2012 Forgiving does not mean forget-

ting. When we forgive a person, the memory of the wound might stay with us for a long time, even throughout our lives. Sometimes we carry the memory in our bodies as a visible sign. But forgiveness changes the way we remember. It converts the curse into a blessing. When we forgive our parents for their divorce, our children for their lack of atten-tion, our friends for their unfaithful-ness in crisis, our doctors for their ill advice, we no longer have to experience ourselves as the victims of events we had no control over.

Forgiveness allows us to claim our

own power and not let these events destroy us; it enables them to be-come events that deepen the wisdom of our hearts. Forgiveness indeed heals memories.

Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc.

Daily Medita-tion: Healing

Our Memories

By Nancy Frazier O’BrienCatholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although Catholic leaders vowed to fi ght on, the Obama administration has turned down repeated requests from Catho-lic bishops, hospitals, schools and charitable organizations to revise its religious exemption to the requirement that all health plans cover contracep-tives and sterilization free of charge.

Instead, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary

HHS delays, but does not change, rule on contraceptive coverage

of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced Jan. 20 that nonprofi t groups that do not pro-vide contraceptive coverage because of their religious beliefs will get an additional year “to adapt to this new rule.”

“This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty,” Sebelius said. Naisip niyang ama'y malaki na ang itinanda

maputi na ang buhok at mukhang mahinang-mahinabaka mata'y malabo na at nakakabasa pa kaya?sa tagal ng 'di pagkikita siya'y naging balisa.

Kaya nagbalak ang pamilya na dalawin ang amaat sa tagal ng panahon na hindi sila nagkitamula ng magtapos s'ya sa pinasukang eskuwelahindi na siya umuwi dili kaya'y nagpakita.

Isang araw ay tumanggap s'ya ng isang telegramaat sinasabi dito na ang ama ay pumanaw naat lahat ng pag-aari'y sa kanya ipinamanakailangang umuwi't mga bagay ayusin niya.

At ng kaniya nang sapitin ang dati nilang bahaypunong-puno ng lungkot ang bumalot sa katauhankasabay ng hindi n'ya maitagong panghihinayangkanyang nararamdaman ang pusong niyang humihiyaw.

Sinimulan niyang ayusin mahahalagang bagaynakitang muli regalong sa kanya ay ibinigaymaayos pa ang kahon na tila hindi man nagalawmula pa nuong nilisan niya ang kanilang bahay.


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EntertainmentShowbiz Watcher

Read Ogie Cruz’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Ogie Cruz

Dra. Myra Alcala of Melrose Dental Care


Anne Curtis

Ni Ogie Cruz

Sa Monday na ang simula ng ‘Showtime’ bilang noontime show ng ABS-CBN, kapalit ito sa natigbak na show na ‘Happy Yipee Yehey ‘ nina John Estrada, Randy Santiago at Rico Puno, siempre pantapat nila sa ‘Eat Bulaga’ ng channel 7.

Pero anu itong nabalitaan namin, kasado na ang guesting ng Wil Time Big Time host na si Willie Revil-lame sa ‘Eat Bulaga’ nina Tito, Vic & Joey on Monday Feb.6,2012.Aba malakas na banggaan ito para sa dalawang networks.

Ipo-promote talaga ni Mr. Wowowee ang noontime show ng GMA 7, at fi rst time na guesting ng naturang host . Pantapat sa launch-ing ng bagong oras ng ‘Showtime’ nina Anne Curtis & Vice Ganda & Co.

At ang balita namin, maglalaro pa raw si Willie ng Pinoy Henyo sa nasabing show nina Tito, Vic and Joey, tiyak aabangan ito ng maram-ing manonood ang pagsasama ng apat.Hindi kaya maapektuhan ang launching ng ‘Showtime’ dahil sa magaganap na ito on Monday.Abangan !

Samantala, nagkatotoo ang banta ni Willie sa show nina John

Estrada, Randy Santiago at Rico Puno na sabi noon ng Tv host na hindi magre-rate ang ‘Happy Yipee Yehey’ , at matatagal din ito sa ere.Nagkatotoo nga at magpapaalam na ito sa Feb.4.Pero alam n’yo ba na binati nina John at Randy ng Happy Birthday si Willie last Saturday (Jan 28) sa show nila?

HINDI BOTO SI KRIS AQUINO SA BAGONG APPLE OF THE EYES NI PRES. PNOY!!!Aminado ang ating Presidente ngayon na nakikipagdate siya ngayon sa isang kapuso news anchor na si Grace Lee ng isang pantanghaling News Show

ng GMA 7.Sabi pa nga ng naturang TV host,

aminado si Grace na nakikipag date siya sa ating Presidente na si Pnoy, pero kailan lang daw ito nagsimula.

Sa Cebu pala sila nagkakilala ni Pnoy nang mag-host si Grace sa isang event doon.Pero pagkatapos ‘yun matagal din silang hindi nag-kita at eto na nga ngayon.

First time lang na inamin muli ni Pnoy na nakikipag-date siya sa isang babae matapos noong karelasyon pa niya si Shalani Soledad na inamin din niya noon.

Pero sabi nga ni Pnoy,gusto niya ng privacy at ayaw na niyang magk-wento pa ng husto about Grace Lee.Hindi nyo ba alam na tahimik lang si Kris Aquino sa bagong apple of the eyes ng kanyang kapatid.Dahil

hindi siya ang nagreto rito, kagaya ni Shalani mukhang hindi rin boto ang Queen of All Media kay Grace Lee.Pakisagot ito Kris?

MAY SUNGAY AT PANGIL NA RAW SI KC CONCEPCION !!!Matapos maging cover girl si KC Concepcion sa isang magazine naging talk of the town siya kahit sa palengke, talipapa,MRT, University Belt at kahit sa Alabang kung baga kahit sa mga sosyalan naging tam-pok na usapan ang anak ni Sharon Cuneta.

Pinataob nga niya sa dami nang bumili ng Rogue Magazine, sina Charice, Jinkee Pacquiao, Valerie Concepcion at Sam Pinto na nag-kataong cover girl din ng ibat-ibang Magazine.

Pero ang nakakaintriga raw talaga, ang interview ni Direk Joey Reyes kay Kc sa naturang magazine.Sabi raw sa interview, ayaw na raw ni Kc magkaroon ng boyfriend na taga-showbiz dahil marami raw nakiki-alam. Dahil sa mga pinagdaanan ng dalaga ni Gabby Concepcion noong mga nakaraang buwan, mayroon na raw siya pangil at sungay na puedeng sumuwag, na ang ibig sabi-hin palaban na si Kc Concepcion.

At ang huli, its time to prove to the people na adult na siya at kaya na niyang magdisisyon ng sarili niyang buhay.Nagbago si KC dahil sa nangyaring break-up niya with Piolo Pascual, tumapang na sa buhay ang anak ng Megastar.

ANNE CURTIS KINAIINGITAN NG MGA BIRITERA !!!Kinaiing-gitan ngayon ng mga singers lalo na yung mahilig bumirit ng mga matataas na note dahil napuno ni Anne Curtis ang Smart Araneta last Saturday concert nito.

Buti pa raw si Anne napuno nito,samantalang sila hirap na hirap punuin ang naturang venue ng

Pantapat Sa “Showtime”: Kasado Na Ang Guesting Ni Willie Sa “Eat Bulaga” !!!

maraming manonood.Kahit sabihin pang wala namang talagang boses itong si Anne at nagpupumilit lang kumanta pero pumatok pa rin ang kanyang ‘Annebisyosa’ concert.

Takenote, may worldtour pa siya na mangyayari lalo na rito sa Amerika na gustong mapanood ang kanyang concert.Yes magko-concert si Ms. Curtis dito sa San Diego California ayon na rin sa invitation sa kanya ng mga Casino rito, as in Live.

Abangan si Anne sa San Diego,concert to the max ang gagawin niya rito at hindi na muna namin sasabihin kung saang Casino rito magaganap.

KUNG MAGALING NA DEN-TISTA ANG KAILANGAN MO! Huwag na huwag kayong magkaka-mali kung magaling na dentists ang kailangan mo dyan sa bandang Sea-food City Chula Vista.Garantisado ang Melrose Dental Care nina Dr. Ray S.L. Alcala at Dra. Myra Alcala na malapit sa The Coin Laundry, nasa banda gilid sila ng Seafood City Chula Vista at wag na wag

Grace Lee and P-Noy


Reach the lucrative

Asian Pacific Islander Market by advertising

in the Asian Journal!

Call (619) 474-0588

Filipino Ameri-can kids sing

for a cause(Continued from page 1)

Promised Land

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.

PROMISED

LAND

“Promised Land” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.PROMISED LAND, the inspirational and difficult journey of two Filipino cousins marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and financial purposes. As a piece of the Filipino-American

experience, this story also applies to the lives of all people.

Excerpts from the book“You must join the U.S. Navy so we can live abroad,” Isabel of-

ten told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weav-ing dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoul-ders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

The clash of two cultures, Filipino and Mexican, had taken its toll. He grew weary of the enchiladas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes she prepared repeatedly. He longed for the Filipino dishes from his na-tive land that he would always eat as a child. Teresa would not let him cook his favorite adobo and tuyo (dried fish) due to their stinking up the house. When he brought her to the Philippines, Teresa refused to stay and sleep in their house in the barrio. “It is hot and there are liz-ards on the ceiling,” she complained. – from Chapter 3 - Trophy Wife

“Let me make this clear with you again,” Ditas once told Romy when he accosted her while tipsy from drinking with friends nearby. “I will never marry you even if you are the last man on earth.” The friends laughed hard and Romy retreated in shame. The next day he left town and she didn’t hear from him until she received a letter from the United States Naval Base in San Diego from her jilted suitor, now a mem-ber of the U.S. Navy. – from Chapter 5 - The Last Man On Earth

One evening, when Romy and his friends were drinking in the house, Ditas showed Andy the photo of Isabel. “Check her out, Andy,” she told him. “She’s looking for a boyfriend here in America.” “No way,” Andy replied. “I know what she’s up to. She will just marry and leave me once she gets her green card.” “But she’s very pretty,” Romy told his friend. “With your looks, you can never have a wife as beautiful as her.” – from Chapter 8 – Pretty Girl’s Photo

“Is this your first time riding an airplane?” her seatmate, a wom-an in her fifties, asked Isabel. “How did you know?” “Because you’re holding your bag tightly and you look scared. And also, that huge envelope in plastic bag contains the x-ray film carried by first time immigrants.” Isabel sheepishly smiled. – from Chap-ter 12 – Land of Milk and Honey

Now Available: Books by Asian Journal San Diego

Betel Nuts &

Other Stories

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.


BETEL NUTS &

OTHER STORIES

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a

Filipino’s experience in growing up in the Philippines.

Excerpts from the bookOne day, however, the duckling went inside an opening under the house.

Borobot waited for it to come out but it did not. He kept waiting even when it got dark, but there was no sign of the duckling. When his father came home that evening, he told him about his missing duckling. His dad took a flashlight and pointed it toward the opening. He inserted a long stick inside and tried to stir it. They could hear some squealing but no quacking. Finally, his dad told him the bad news: “The rats have eaten your duckling.” Borobot cried and cried for a very long time. – from Chapter 2 – Childhood Tales

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase, “the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second floor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

From where he sat, he could tell Juanita had just bathed. Her hair was still damp and the fragrant scent of her cheap bath soap wafted through the air. She hardly no-ticed him as she was minding her own business. While he pretended to be concen-trating on his reading, he would occasionally take a sneak peak at her, feasting his eyes on all of her seductive beauty. For a hot-blooded fourteen-year-old, she was not just an object of curiosity. – from Chapter 9 – Fragrant Scent of Bath Soap And All

By the time they reached Platerias Street, everything was quiet. There was hardly a soul in sight; it was ten minutes past midnight. Narding frantically ran inside the brothel in search of Clarita, but he was told the Chinese took her just ten minutes before. He ran outside towards P. Paterno Street. Finding no speed-ing taxi, he ran back towards Carriedo Street, turned right towards Rizal Avenue, hoping the taxi holding Clarita had broken down. Finally, a loud, agonizing cry was heard all over in that quiet neighborhood of Quiapo. – from Chapter 11 – True Love

Everyone was looking up at the top of an electric post, where sparks of light shone bright against the dark of the night. When the firemen trained the spotlight to the top of the post, they saw a body of a man lying on a wood across the post. It was Fred, the drunkard pimp. Without anybody noticing, he woke from deep slumber and this time, success-fully climbed the top of the post. He was electrocuted while celebrating his feat. – from Chapter 15 – A Day In The Life Of The People Of Platerias Street


Philippine Hom

ecoming

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

“Philippine Homecoming & Other Memories”An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s homecoming to the Philippines and the

interesting memories it triggered.

Excerpts from the bookSeeing the Philippines for the first time after many years would give any former

resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared narrow. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Balikbayan Culture Shock

All of a sudden, the small kids from before were now grown up. Their faces had changed, yet somehow looked familiar. Some of his relatives who lived in a compound beside them had already died. Gone forever dur-ing a span of just ten years were his maternal grandmother, three uncles, two aunties and two cousins. – Chapter 3 – Like A Video Tape Experience

Their vehicle moved towards the man and again they asked: “Boss, alam mo ba ang bahay ni Maning Bakla (Boss, do you know the resi-dence of Maning, the homosexual?)?” The man looked serious and glumly said: “Yes, I am Maning, what do you want?” They were embarrassed as they were sure that Maning did not appreciate the unsavory nick-name. – Chapter 6 – Maning Bakla And the Duty Free Shops In Manila

There was a full moon above, and they could see its reflections on the water as the waves slapped on the sand. They could feel the cool breeze kiss their face, the warm water wet their feet. On that cold December evening in Maryland Beach Re-sort in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, they wanted to freeze time and enjoy every moment of their stay – Chapter 10 – Nasugbu Market Place And The IUD BBQ

Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas proved to be an innovative mayor; for example, he introduced the free elementary and high school education in the city, the first of its kind in the country. He was also a poet in the ver-nacular; at every opportunity, he would recite or talk in the form of a poem he himself composed. In answer to his critics, he once said: “Marami ang nagtatanong kung bakit ako tumutula, bakit, ang tula ba ay masama (Many are asking why I am reciting a poem, why, is a poem bad)?” Chapter 17 – When “Gatpuno” Villegas warmed his “Salumpuwit” at Maharnilad

Their playmates from the barrio were cautious and made a sign of the cross when passing ant hills, which they would call “nuno sa punso”. They would reverently say, “Makikiraan, po (Please allow us to pass!)!” Chapter 31 - Nuno Sa Punso And Other Weird Provincial Experiences

The boys, usually five at a time, would line up and march without their pants towards the rice fields at the back of the house. They would pass by a guava tree, pull out several leaves and wash them in the artesian well. Once in the field, the quack doctor would hammer a stake into the ground made of a branch of a guava tree with the other end bent towards the boy. – Chapter 34 - Circumcision: Why Do Some Boys Walk Bow-Legged During Summertime In The Province?


PHILIPPINE HOMECOMING’S

CHERISHED MEMORIES

To order a copy, send $13.95 (mailing cost included) to Asian Journal San Diego. 550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel. (619) 474-0588

For more information, e-mail [email protected] To order copies through the Internet, go to amazon.com, go to

“books”, go to “advance search” and type name of author, SIMEON SILVERIO, and follow instructions.

To order by mail, fi ll outMail Order Form

(Check quantities in space before book title)

____ Promised Land by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

____ Betel Nuts and Other Stories by Simeon G. Sil-verio, Jr.

____ Philippine Homecoming’s Cherished Memories – by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Complicated Affairs by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

___________ Total number of booksTimes $13.95 each (mailing cost included)

______________ Total Cost

Fill out form below and send it together with check pay-ment payable to: Asian Journal San Diego, 550 East 8th Street, # 6, National City, CA 91950

Full Name: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: ___________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: __________________

Com

plicated Affairs

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.“Complicated Affairs” By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s complicated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:How did you know Richard?” she asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I

produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie was aghast, but realized he was joking. She hit him on the shoulder. He knew the ice was broken. – Chapter 2 : Movie Star

“So how are you doing?” Danny was pleased to hear from Juanita. “I am okay, how about you?” “So-so,” he replied. “I’ve missed you,” his playboy persona took over again. “Really?” she asked. “I have something to tell you.” “What? “ Danny was rejuvenated. He had not dated for a while and was eager to do so. He saw an opportunity with Juanita. “I just gave birth to a baby girl.” “Congratulations,” Danny said. “Are you sexy again?” He was hoping to renew their relationship but was unsure about it since she was with her husband. Juanita did not answer his question; instead, she said, “And it’s yours.” – Chapter 3 :Another Child

“This is Mindy,” Diaz introduced a pretty twenty-five year old girl to him when he arrived at the dock. “She’s Digna’s sister.” Mindy shyly extended her right hand which Danny shook. He noticed that Digna was teasing her sister, as though there was a pre-arranged plan between Diaz and the two girls unbeknownst to him. Later on, during the course of the fishing trip, he discovered the plan: Digna wanted Danny to hook up with her sister. “Marry my sister,” Digna told him as they ate lunch aboard the boat in the middle of the bay. “So she can migrate to America.” She knew Danny was a divorced American citizen. – Chapter 5: Gone Fishin’

Danny called up his friend Pepito and asked for ideas on how to best help Kate. Pepito was the brother of his comedian friend, Elvis, one of the top enter-tainers in the Philippines at that time. “Jackpot ka, pare (You’ve got a jackpot, friend),” Pepito told Danny. “She is a gold mine.” “What do you mean?” “We can set her up with rich Chinese men playing at the casinos and charge them at least 50,000 pesos to spend the night with her. I am sure many of them would be willing to spend that much just to be with a beautiful white girl like Kate. We will get our commission afterwards.” – Chapter 8 : Leading Lady

After Danny gave him her name, the clerk spent a few minutes in the com-puter. “That’s it,” the clerk said afterwards. “She has pension due her, and you are entitled to it!” Danny was surprised. He didn’t expect this bounty. “How much do you think you will get?” the clerk asked him. Danny was hesitant to give him an amount. He was happy to get $100 a month. That would go a long way espe-cially if one was living in the Philippines. “One hundred dollars,” he answered. “That’s way too low, make it higher.” “Three hundred?” “Way too low.” “Five hundred?” “Still very low.” “How much?” he finally asked. “Try fourteen hundred dollars.” He could not believe what he heard. – Chapter 9 : Windfall

COMPLICATED AFFAIRS

Promised Land

by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The inspirational and diffi cult journey of two Filipino cousins

marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and fi nancial purposes.

As a piece of the Filipino-American experience, this story also applies to

the lives of all people.

Excerpts from the book“You must join the U.S. Navy so we

can live abroad,” Isabel often told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weaving dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoulders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories”


Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a Filipino’s

experience in growing up in the Philippines.

Excerpts from the book

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase,

“the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second fl oor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

Philippine Homecoming’s

Cherished Memories


An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s

homecoming to the Philippines and the interesting memories it trig-

gered.

Excerpts from the book

Seeing the Philippines for the fi rst time after many years would give any former resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared nar-row. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Ba-likbayan Culture Shock

Complicated Affairs


The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s compli-

cated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:How did you know Richard?” she

asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie

was aghast, but realized he was jok-ing. She hit him on the shoulder. He knew the ice was broken. – Chapter 2 : Movie Star

Tula ng mga Piling

KatatawananBy Joe Cabrera

Excerpts from the bookMayrong isang tao, ito’y “impresa-

rio”Na ang hanap buhay, maglabas ng

floor showMinsa’y nag-advertise, ng bihirang

aktoNa naiba naman, diyan sa ordi-

narioMay isang dumating, nag-prisinta

bagaAng mga ibon daw, kanyang na-

gagayaKay daling gawin niya, ang sabi sa

kanyaMarami na ko nyan, alis ka na munaMagre-reklamo pa, itong tao sanaNguni’t itong boss, medyo napika paKaya’t itong tao, kagyat umalis naSa bintana’ng daan, lumipad pag-

dakaHEEEEHAAWWWW!!!

Balik Tanaw:The Filipino Movie Stars

of Yesteryearsby Dr. Romy Protacio

Lives and Loves of the Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Tidbits from this book your inquiring mind wants to know:

How many children does Tessie Agana have?

Who are the two movie star cousins of Robert Arevalo?

Whose autograph of a famous come-dian Perla Bautista sought that led her to become a movie star?

What physical attributes did Bernard Bonnie have that made him a top sprinter in college?

Who is the other movie star brother of Robert Campos?

Who was the Manila couturier that was instrumental in making Charlie Davao a movie star?

Who was the top actor Myrna Del-gado had an affair with that produced a love child?

Who was the legendary actor who gave Dolphy his first break in the movies?

How did Amalia Fuentes get her last name?

Get all the answers in this book, “Balik Tanaw:

The Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears”!

Mga sikat na salawikain: Better late than pregnant.Kapag may tiyaga, good luck!Aanhin pa ang damo...kabayo ba

ako?Do unto others, then, run! Run!

Run!Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling

wika ay lumaki sa ibang bansa.Ang lalaking nagigipit, sa bakla

kumakapit.

*** Guro: Sino si Jose Rizal? Juan: Di ko po kilala.Guro: Ikaw Pepe?Pepe: Di ko rin po kilala...Guro: Di nyo kilala si Jose Rizal?Pedro: Ma’m, baka po sa kabilang

section sya!

*** Paano humamon ng AWAY ang ...BULAG?Magpakita kayo mga Duwag!

DULING?Isa Isa Lang! para patas ang

Laban! PILAY?Patay kung Patay! Walang Takbu-

han!

*** Pedro: Pare balita ko bading ka

daw. totoo ba?!Ambo: Pare, Mga chismax lang

‘yun galing sa mga chuvanes na wa-lang magawa sa mga chenilyn nila.... chura nila! hmpf!

*** Boy: Di na tuloy ang kasal natinGirl: Bakit?!Boy: Kuya mo kasi eh!Girl: Hindi no! Gusto ka ng Kuya

ko!Boy: Yun nga eh...gusto ko rin ang

kuya mo!

Laughing MatterRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

SalawikainAdvocate Offers Tools to

End Horrific PracticeIn January, MSNBC.com posted

a report of its four-month investiga-tion into a slavery network emanat-ing in Eastern Europe. Every year, it says, some 200,000 women and girls are smuggled out of impoverished former Soviet countries and sent to the Middle East, Western Europe and the United States, where they’re held captive.

In Haiti, UNICEF reported thousands of children were illegally trafficked out of the country follow-ing the devastating earthquakes two years ago. Selling orphaned children as slaves is a common problem fol-lowing natural disasters, it says.

“Modern-day slavery is an even bigger problem than it was during the years of legalized slave trade from Africa to the Americas,” says Lucia Mann, the daughter of a woman who was held as a sex slave in South Africa in the 1940s. Mann, a former journalist, tells a slightly fictionalized version of her family’s story in Rise Above Hate & Anger (www.luciamann.com).

There are ways individuals can help end the suffering and reach out a hand to victims, says Mann, who created the Modern-Day Slave Reporting Centre as a tool to ad-dress the problem. Here are details about the reporting center and other resources.

• At The Modern-Day Slave Reporting Centre, www.mdsrc.org, anyone who suspects a person is being held captive, or any person who is being held their will, can file a report. The information will be reported to law enforcement officers and the person filing can request they remain a confidential source. The Web site also includes links to relevant law-enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States.

• At www.slaveryfootprint.org, people can take a short online survey that calculates the number of slaves working for you around the world based on the clothes, cars, electronic items and other consumer goods you own. The number is calculated according to what’s known about slave labor in the regions where the raw materials are produced and the

goods are manufactured. (Google Chrome is required to take the survey.)

• At www.chainstorereaction.com, are email prepared letters and surveys to any of 1,566 companies asking what steps they’re taking to ensure no slave labor is used in their supply chains. Companies who com-plete the survey and go out of their way to describe ongoing and current efforts are tagged with a “Thank You.” Companies that complete the survey are tagged with “View Response.” As of mid-January, 70 companies ranging from Fruit of the Loom to Campbell’s Soup had earned a “Thank You.” Another 25, including Avon and Best Buy, had completed the survey. Most, though, had not responded despite numerous emails. Duracell, for instance, was sent 432 emails and Bounty was sent 221.

• In California, the Transparency in Supply Chains Act became effec-tive Jan. 1. It requires retailers and manufacturers with gross receipts of $100 million to disclose what they’ve done – or haven’t done – to eliminate slavery in their supply chains. While there are no punitive consequences, advocates say the law will raise awareness and allow consumers to reward or punish com-panies with their shopping choices. Residents of other states can lobby legislators for a similar law.

“There is nowhere in the world now where slavery is legal, and yet more than 27 million people are held captive as forced laborers or sex slaves,” Mann says. “That’s more than twice the number enslaved during 400 years of trans-Atlantic trading.

Raising Americans’ awareness and concern is the first step to ending slavery, Mann says.

“If there is no money to be made from enslaving people, it will end.”

About Lucia MannLucia Mann was born in British

colonial South Africa in the wake of World War II and lives in British Columbia, Canada. She retired from freelance journalism in 1998 and wrote Rise Above Hate & Anger to give voice to those who suffered brutalities and captivity decades ago.

Free the Slaves – a Call to Action for Modern Society

Cerritos, California, bringing out the little pop stars, croon-ers and family bands. On its maiden year, its winners were Katriz Trinidad and Christine Umali.

The 12 and over and kids compe-titions drew in Filipino American celebrities such as international producer/composer Morris Albert, comedian Bernardo Bernardo, actress Louie Reyes, TV personal-ity Giselle Toengi, beauty queen Yogi Dominguez Zaragoza, Dante Basco, and Antoinette Taus. The events were presented by Jeepney Asian Grill and Becca Products, distributor of turones de mani and casoy. Produced by PAE Live! of producer extraordinaire, Ted Benito, the events drew in dozens of young artists from all over Southern Cali-fornia every week for the duration of the competition.

“We’re honored to be in partner-ship with ABS CBN Foundation International and Bantay Bata in the Pinoy Idol/Kidz contests,” said Danny Moran, President of Innova Foods and the Henry V Moran Foun-dation. “It’s wonderful to see how kids can turn into mature and re-sponsible men and women who have come to find Christ in the games that they play, and are willing to share their experience with others.”

Moran is also the patron behind the “Football for Good” program for Bantay Bata. This program trains, develops and engages poor and street kids in the Philippines in the sport of football (soccer, in the US), and teaches them values of life like teamwork, hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for the rules, and authority. In the process of their engagement in the sport, they learn skills and are given the opportunity to compete internationally at the Homeless World Cup.

JAG Pinoy Idol Katriz Trinidad is a 7th grader at Rancho Del Rey Middle School, from Chula Vista,

CA who has been singing since she was 5. A veteran in the singing com-petition circuit, her latest achieve-ments include recognitions as Artist of the Year at the Rising Star Music Awards in LA and at the 7th Las Vegas Music Awards. Having opened for celebrity acts like Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual, Katriz believes that kids should “Reach for the moon because if you fall short you will land on a star.”

The recently concluded 12 and under competition, JAG Pinoy Kidz Idol, was bested by 8-year old Chris-tine Umali from San Diego County. A young member of the children’s choir of the Mater Dei Catholic Church, her musical interests span from dancing to singing and playing the piano. “It’s a dream come true, and answer to my prayers,” said Umali. “I’m really very happy and consider this as an early Christmas present.”

“We have always believed that philanthropy is something that everyone can do,” said J. Robbie Fabian, President of the ABS CBN Foundation International. “When you add a giving component to com-munity events, it adds an incentive to participants and reminds us that giving can be fun, no matter how old you are.”

##

ABOUT ABS CBN FOUNDA-TION INTERNATIONAL:

ABS CBN Foundation Internation-al is a 501(c)3 non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Filipino children and their families in the Philippines and around the world. Its flag-ship program, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), is a child abuse rescue operation that responds to an aver-age of 15,300 calls for assistance a year. The program assists more than 21,000 children and families in relocation communities and feeds at least 4,400 severely malnourished children a year. Its education pro-gram serves 4.2 million elementary school children and their teachers.

In the United States, the organiza-tion partners with Filipino-American organizations and associations in addressing community issues--youth

truancy, housing, issues affecting the elderly, health, and emergency needs. For more programs and information, visit www.abscbnfoun-dation.org.

ABOUT JEEPNEY ASIAN GRILL (JAG):

Jeepney Asian Grill – Cerritos is a family restaurant, offering excel-lent Filipino and Asian food. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and parties. Experience dining with live band music - NO COVER CHARGE. For your holiday par-ties, contact Ramon Saporsantos, Operations Manager, 562.207.0070. 11900 South St., Cerritos, CA. WE CATER! Call us. Let us cater your Holiday Parties!

MEDIA ASSET:TV Commercial: http://youtu.be/v-

GU4ZJKjvw


Health and Wellness

Joyce Benavides Medina, O.D.Doctor of Optometry

Clinic located inside Walmart1200 Highland AvenueNational City, CA 91950

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 9:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Most insurances accepted.

Call for an appointment: (619) 477-9621

Complete Eye Exams $58* additional charge for contact lens �tting

Walk-Ins Are Welcome



Call Asian Journal at 619.474.0588 for great ad rates! Ask for Ogie Cruz

1/23/2012 -- From increased energy to the prevention of cancer, alkaline foods and a healthy pH balance have been revered as a panacea in modern Western culture. While the science of using alkaline foods to keep a healthy pH balance may not yet be fully studied, there is certainly enough anecdotal (and documented) evidence to make the topic essential for overall health and wellness.

Even susceptibility to bone loss and fybromyalgia may be attributed to an acidic pH balance in the body. Direct links to these ill-nesses may have yet to be determined, but for those suffering from their

symp-toms, the hope of relief is enough to generate interest in a variety of alternatives. One option is to use alkaline foods that help the body man-age a healthy pH balance.

The biggest offender in the acidi-fi cation of body fl uids and tissues is simply the fact that most people do not eat enough alkaline foods. Instead, the usual American diet leans heavily upon acid foods such as animal pro-tein, white fl our, sugar, and artifi cial ingredients.

Unlike alkaline foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, highly processed foods, meats, and sugars are the fuel source for unwanted organisms in the body, such as yeast and bacteria. These organisms feed off of the sugars and proteins consumed. As a result, they excrete a variety of toxins, many of which are acid forming. This makes the body behave unnaturally in order to maintain pH balance, causing in-ternal systems to fi ght for the alkaline condition that is required for optimal health. Food is not the only reason

The Importance of Alkaline Foods and pH Balance

for unhealthy pH balance, however. Excessive stress can trigger the release of toxins, too. Environmental pollut-ants may also be blamed for the acidic nature of many bodies in modern society.

By adjusting the diet to include more alkaline foods, the body has the tools it needs to retain a healthy pH balance. Sustituting acid foods with alkaline foods gives the body a chance to perform in a far more natural state. Undesirable organisms such as fungus, bacteria, and yeast will not thrive in an alkaline environment. The same is true for many viruses. When they are unable to survive, they

are less likely

to

cause deterioration

to the body.Some of these ailments and diseases

are thought to be linked with the acidi-fi cation of blood, tissues, and organ systems:

• Cancer • Chronic Aches and Pains • Depression • Arterial Sclero-sis • Multiple Sclerosis • Rheumatoid Arthritis

While the the thought of completely overhauling the diet is intimidating, it may very well be the smartest way to improve overall health. On the other hand, it can be smart to begin slowly but steadily introducing more alkaline foods while removing the acid foods. Often, changes are simpler than one might even expect. For example, rather than drinking coffee and sodas, which are highly acidic, choose herbal tea and alkaline drinks made with real fruit. Implementing changes like this can be a great start in restoring the body’s natural pH balance. -- http://re-freshingnews9.blogspot.com/2012/01/importance-of-alkaline-foods-and-ph.html

1/23/2012 -- 1. Wear sunglassesWearing sunglasses that block 100

percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays can delay the development of cataracts by protecting your eyes from direct sunlight that can damage the retina. Sunglasses also protect the delicate eyelid skin and reduce your risk of wrinkles and skin cancer around the eye.

2. Don’t smokeTobacco smoking is directly linked

to many adverse health effects, includ-ing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at in-creased risk for developing cataracts.

3. Eat rightA vitamin or mineral defi ciency can

impair retinal function. The belief that eating carrots improves vision has some truth, but a variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD.

4. Get a baseline eye examAdults with no signs or risk factors

for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 (the age when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur). Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the neces-sary intervals for follow-up exams. If you have symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you should see an ophthalmol-ogist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.

5. Wear eye protectionAn estimated 2.5 million eye injuries

occur in the US each year from sports, home repairs and other home projects. Many injuries can be avoided by simply wearing proper eye protection. Sports eye protection should meet the spe-cifi c requirements of that sport; these requirements are usually established and certifi ed by the sport’s governing body and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). For most repair projects and activities around the home, standard ANSI-approved protective eyewear is suffi cient.

6. Know your family historyMany eye diseases cluster in families,

so knowing your family’s history of eye disease and discussing it with your ophthalmologist can reduce your risk of vision loss and other eye conditions.

7. Early interventionAge-related eye diseases, including

cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and AMD are expected to dramatically increase from 28 million today to 43 million by the year 2020. Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Re-gardless of your age, early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.

8. Know your eye care providerWhen you go to get your eyes

checked, there are a variety of eye care providers you might see. Ophthalmolo-gists, optometrists and opticians all play an important role in providing eye care services to consumers. However, each has a different level of training and expertise. Make sure you are seeing the right provider for your condition or treat-ment. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.

9. Follow your eye doctor’s contact lens instructions

Follow your eye care provider’s instructions regarding the care and use of your contact lenses. Abuse, such as sleeping in contacts that are not ap-proved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions, and using disposable contact lenses beyond their recommend-ed wear can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss.

10. Be aware of eye fatigueIf your eyes are tired from working at

a computer or doing close work, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from your work every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If eye fa-tigue persists, it can be a sign of several different conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, presbyopia, or spectacles with lenses that are not properly centered. See an eye doctor to determine why you are having eye fatigue and to receive proper treatment. -- http://refreshingnews9.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-tips-to-avoid-vision-loss.html

10 Tips to avoid vision loss

1/24/2012 -- Can you identify someone in your life who uses lan-guage carelessly, who agrees to things readily but then never seems to be able to show up for his or her agreements? Do you know indi-viduals who spend a lot of their time speaking about things they have no experience with — who have plenty of opinions but little real, applicable knowledge to back it up? Do you have friends who frequently gossip or who say disempowering things about themselves? These are some of the common ways that people deprive themselves of the potential power of speech.

Language is meant to power our dreams into physical reality. When we “spend” our language on half-baked ideas, or passionate views we may have heard about but have no direct experience with, when we use language destructively or we say things we don’t really mean, we lose personal power. Personal power comes from being in integrity and diminishes whenever our integrity is undermined. Unfortunately, very few of us are taught the skills of using language as an integrity-building force.

White Lies

To fi nd the roots of our dishon-esty with ourselves, we need only look as far as our cultural patterns around language and lies. Most of us consider ourselves good people. We recycle our cardboard, give to char-ity and generally try to do the right thing when we have the opportunity. Yet most nice people also lie quite frequently. Why is that? And how has that become acceptable behav-ior?

The dictionary describes the word “lie” in the following way: v 1. to say something that is not true in a

Why We Lie

conscious effort to deceive some-body, 2. to give a false impres-

sion; n 1. a false statement made deliberately, 2. a false impression created deliber-ately. In all four of these descriptions, one thing stands out

clearly: that lying is something we do deliberately — that our purpose for lying is to intentionally deceive. Obviously, this type of activity seems at odds with being “nice.” How is it that we can consider ourselves good people and include lying? We may think our lying is for a good reason: to keep from hurt-ing someone’s feelings, to smooth over confl ict or to make someone happy. After all, what does it hurt to tell a little white lie every once in a while? What lying does, as a rule, is to create multiple realities. When you lie, reality splits — it “dis-in-tegrates.” You now have one reality that you know and live in, knowing the “truth” about a particular issue, and the reality that the people to whom you’ve lied live in, which is designed around somewhat or totally different information. The people to whom you have lied make decisions and choices based on the reality they inhabit, but it’s a different reality than the one you inhabit, so that split will now infl uence your relationship and your common future. Presum-ably, you told the white lie to make these other people’s reality “nicer,” but you probably also told it to make your reality more comfortable (i.e., by lying, you avoided “feeling bad,” disappointing them or being the bearer of bad news). The problem is, you are creating this potentially huge disintegration without having any real way of knowing what the re-percussions of that reality-split will be down the road. You can’t know

What lying does, as a rule, is to create multiple realities. When you lie, reality splits — it “dis-integrates.”

Anthony Gucciardi NaturalSoci-ety 1/29/2012 --

Turmeric and curcumin have been highlighted as powerful anti-cancer substances in the past, but research has now shed even more light on the amazing ability of both turmeric and curcumin to actually block cancer growth. This is due to the unique ability of a main component in tur-meric that is actually able to block an enzyme that promotes the spread of head and neck cancer.

Researchers at UCLA found that curcumin — the primary component in turmeric also responsible for its color — exhibited these cancer-blocking properties during a study involving 21 participants suffering from head and neck cancers. The subjects were given two chewable curcumin tablets containing 1,000 miligrams of the substance each. After administering the chewable curcumin tablets, an independent lab in Maryland was in charge of evaluating the results.

What the lab found was that the enzymes in the patients’ mouths responsible for promoting cancer spread and growth were inhibited by the curcumin supplementation. As a result, the curcumin intake halted the spread of the malignant cells. Cur-cumin has previously been found to reduce tumors by 81% in similarly shocking research, which also gives credence to the natural anti-cancer benefi ts of turmeric and curcumin intake.

While the benefi ts of turmeric have not been widely publicized in the United States, turmeric is known for its widespread use in many South Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Utilized as a spice in traditional dishes, many cultures have already fully recognized the powerful health-promoting aspects of tur-

Turmeric, Curcumin

Naturally Block Cancer Growth



Mga Tula ng BayanRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

It is estimated that California is amongst the top 3 states in the nation for human trafficking. By its very nature, human trafficking, in all of its forms, is largely hidden from view. This is due in part to the large im-migrant communities, within California, which provide for good conceal-ment of a trafficking operation - in many cases, these persons can be hidden in plain sight. Many of these communities are not trusting of law enforcement and tend to maintain cultural norms – some which dictate maintaining silence in the face of illegal enterprise.

The state’s extensive international border, its major harbors and air-ports, its powerful economy and accelerating population, its large immi-grant population and its industries make it a prime target for traffickers. Apart from the harm that this crime causes its victims, the infrastructure that is necessary to support this heinous crime can serve the needs of ter-rorist wishing to smuggle themselves and/or dangerous weapons into the country.

If you would like to help, please call:Trafficking in Persons Information and Referral Hotline (US HHS) 1-888-373-7888Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force Hotline (US DOJ) 1-888-428-7581Source: California Office of Emergency Services (OES)

Why We Lie(Continued from page 15)


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*Juris Doctor law degree, University of San Diego (1985),Diploma; Oxford Institute on International and Comparative Law (USD), Oxford, England (1984);Bachelor Degree, University of Southern California (1983);Montgomery High School, San Diego (1979)

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how this separate reality might circle back in the future, and you can’t re-ally know whether the net outcome for this other person will be better or worse than the course of the reality that might have resulted if you had told the truth. All you can know for sure is that you’ve now created a rift in a continuum of both your own and these other people’s lives, and you’ve taken charge, if even in a small way, of designing someone else’s reality. The more lies you tell, of course, the more multiple realities you create and must live with. That’s an enormous responsibility, and it can also be energy draining, because it literally costs you integrity — the state of being connected, sound, con-sistent and undivided. When enough “white lies” are floating around in your midst, your integrity becomes fractured. You may feel pulled in a thousand directions, and unable to make decisions without the fear that all these “custom made” realities could come crashing down around you. You may also not feel like you fully know or trust yourself at times.

Resurrecting Honesty In his book, The Four Agreements

(Amber-Allen Publishing, 1997), author and Toltec wise man don Miguel Ruiz presents a simple but profound code of personal conduct based on adhering to four basic principles or “agreements.”

The very first agreement is “Be Impeccable With Your Word.” The word impeccable comes from the Latin im, mean-ing “without,” and pecatus, which means “sin.” So impeccable (which we generally think of as meaning “perfectly clean”) really means “without sin.” According to Ruiz, to sin is to go against yourself, in word or in deed. To speak something other than your highest choice and truth is a form of fragmentation.

In the first section of The Four Agreements, he advises: “Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and

meric. Perhaps the best part about turmeric is the fact that it is very cheap compared to highly ineffective cancer drugs that have actually been shown to worsen tumors conditions and kill patients. As more health professionals begin to realize the at-tributes of turmeric and curcumin, it is very possible that it could become as popular and widespread — if not more so– than super-nutrient vitamin D.

What the lab found was that the enzymes in the patients’ mouths responsible for promoting cancer spread and growth were inhibited by the curcumin supplementation. As a result, the curcumin intake halted the spread of the malignant cells. Cur-cumin has previously been found to reduce tumors by 81% in similarly shocking research, which also gives credence to the natural anti-cancer benefits of turmeric and curcumin intake.

While the benefits of turmeric have not been widely publicized in the United States, turmeric is known for its widespread use in many South Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Utilized as a spice in traditional dishes, many cultures have already fully recognized the powerful health-promoting aspects of tur-meric. Perhaps the best part about turmeric is the fact that it is very cheap compared to highly ineffective cancer drugs that have actually been shown to worsen tumors conditions and kill patients. As more health professionals begin to realize the at-tributes of turmeric and curcumin, it is very possible that it could become as popular and widespread — if not more so– than super-nutrient vitamin D.-- http://naturalsociety.com/turmeric-curcumin-naturally-block-cancer-cells/

Turmeric, Crucum-in Naturally Block

Cancer Growth(Continued from page 15)

love.” Those are wise words, and they provide the basis for personal integrity.

But if we accept that all of us are already wandering around in slightly different realities (thanks to each having access to different knowl-edge and experience), what is truth, really? How can we be sure we are speaking it, and speaking it with full integrity? How can we know when we are simply telling the truth, and when we are gossiping or talking out of turn?

At one time or another, most of us have been on the receiving end of someone who just had to “speak his or her truth,” but who also seemed to have had an agenda about making us wrong, guilt-tripping us or hurting our feelings. We’ve been in situa-tions where someone says something totally inappropriate or unkind and then uses, “Well, it’s true!” as an excuse.

Insisting on speaking the whole truth and nothing but the truth all the time doesn’t seem practical or wise; it seems reckless and undiscerning. This is where we need to come back and revisit that last, very important bit of Ruiz’s counsel: “Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” That might mean love for another person, but it also means love of the greater good, for a principle or fundamental truth.

Sometimes you may have to speak up in a way that hurts or angers someone close to you but that you feel is necessary for the benefit of a larger group or purpose. And yes, sometimes it means you may elect not to share a particular truth out of care or respect for another person. The intersection of love and truth is a complex territory.

What you need is a personal code of integrity that you can live with and be proud of. You will find yourself to be a much happier person when your words match your inten-tions and when your actions match your words. You will find yourself sleeping better when there are no niggling half-truths keeping you awake at night.

As your word becomes more and more powerful, your reality will begin to reflect that. As you speak from a place of integrity, and use powerful language in the service of your highest choices, you will start to manifest those choices very much as you have described them. When that happens, you’ll know you are on the right path and headed in the best possible direction — the direction of your dreams. -- http://refreshing-news9.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-lie.html

ni Audele Ano ang karapatan ng huwad na panguloPintasan ang liderato ni Noynoy AquinoAniya ay hungkag kahalintulad ay basyoItong bansa’y walang aasahang pag-asenso? Ang wika ng huwad noong s’ya ang namahalaKabuhaya’y lumago tulad ng ibang bansaGayong ang totoo sa kanya napariwaraItong ating Inang Bayan, lalong naging dukha. Sa haba ng panahong siya’y nasa tungkulinNagsiputa’y “mga tinamaan ng magaling”Kanya-kanyang kurakot, salapi’y kung lustayinAy tila hindi sa kaban ng bayan nanggaling. Siya ang nagturo, kumunsinti’t nagpabayaUpang ang lahat ng sangay ay naging masamaKaya ang ibinunga ng kaniyang ginawaKaalyadong ganid ngayon ay nananagana. Si P-Noy na ang sabi’y pamamahala’y hungkagAy hindi dapat turuan ng pangulong huwadPagka’t kay Noynoy, pag-asa ay nababanaagDahil yaong tinutunton ay lagusang tumpak. Hindi makatarungan na pakapaghanapanKung baga sa bata ay mura pa yaong gulang,Ano’ng magagawa sa loob ng walong buwan?Kundi imisin ang bulok ng mga lumisan. At sa paglilinis, isa-isang nasasagiYaong mga masasama ang pag-uugaliPalibhasa’y namulat sa gawaing tiwaliManang-mana sa inang sakdal itim ng budhi. Silang mga namantala, ngayo’y inuusigPati na yaong hindi nagbabayad ng buwisTabi-tabi po lamang baka kayo’y mawalisSi P-Noy ay dadaan sa landas na matuwid. Ika-17 ng Abril, 2011

audele

Landas Na Matuwid!Read Romeo Nicolas’s previous poems by vis-

iting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Mga Tulang Tagalog

by Romeo Nicolas

Kung pagdinig sa Senado ay matamang pakikinggan,Ang kilos ng AKUSADO ay inyo ring pagmamasdan.Ang papel ng nagkasala lagi na lang DRAMANG JUAN,MAGKASAKIT, MAKALIMOT, KITILIN rin yaong buhay.

Kung sila ay malilinis, sadyang walang kasalanan,Bakit silang AKUSADO ay para bang SINAPIAN?Si MISTER ay umiiwas sa lahat ng katanungan,At si MISIS, sa eksena, sobra-sobrang naturuan.

‘Di ba ninyo napapansin itong DRAMA sa ‘ting bansa?Sa sino mang akusadong NAIPIT sa ‘gawang SAMA.Dumarami ang “alibi”, “excuses” na GAWA-GAWA,Ganyang ganyan tayong Pinoy, mula pa sa pagkabata.

Bihira sa kabataan ang aamin kung may sala,‘Di aamin sa sala nya, lalo’t ito’y may parusa.Ngayong GURANG ang akusa kay bigat ng banat nila,Iwasan lang itong kaso, “SCRIPT’ nila, dramang-drama.

Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! Tigil na nga itong dramang lumang-luma,Sawa na ang mga tao sa ARTE nyong hindi tama.Kahit wala pa ring hatol sa BUWAYA na nagsitaba,Ang KARMA ay naghihintay, husga na rin nitong madla.

Batikos ni: Romeo S. Nicolas3/25/2011

Eksena At Mga Drama

“Indian-Style Rice with Cashews Raisins and Turmeric” recipe from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 1/2 cups basmati rice1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk1 1/4 (14 ounce) cans chicken stock1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon ground coriander1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric1 bay leaf1/2 cup raisins3/4 cup cashew halvesDirections

Heat oil in a large pot over medi-um-high heat. Stir in rice, and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, cumin, corian-der, red pepper flakes, salt, turmeric, bay leaf, raisins, and cashew halves. Bring to a boil, then cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. -- http://all-recipes.com/recipe/indian-style-rice-with-cashews-raisins-and-turmeric/




Street Poetry

Read about Michael’s upcoming book of poems “Crushed Violets” by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Michael R. Tagudin

©2012 Michael R. Tagudin. All rights reserved. About the Author: Michael R. Tagudin Educated as an engineer in the Philippines, the City of Los Angeles employee hopes his legacy of poems will provoke a dialogue about the human condition. He is donating the proceeds from the book “Crushed Violets” to the “Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST)”, a non-profit that provides public awareness and advocacy efforts against human trafficking in the City of Angels. To learn more, visit www.castla.org. To help, call the CAST 24 hour hotline 888.KEY.2.FRE(EDOM) or 888.539.2373. Contact [email protected] for more information about ordering the book “Crushed Violets.”

Legacy of 182 Trees

Now Available:

TAWA’T TULA NG MGA PILING KATATAWANAN

By Joe Cabrera

A Collection of Jokes Written in Pilipino Verse

$10.00 a copyCall Asian Journal San Diego

619-474-0588

HHS delays



WASHINGTON-- Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Jus-tice Center (AAJC), member of the Asian American Center for Advanc-ing Justice (Advancing Justice), issued the following statement on the FCC’s announcement regarding changes to the Lifeline program that provides monthly discounts on home telephone service for low-income households.

“Access to high speed Internet is a basic necessity in today’s modern society. The Internet is a power-ful tool that enables individuals to find job opportunities, training, and important government informa-tion and services. That is why it is so important that all Americans have access to affordable Internet services. We have heard from Asian Americans who are not connected that affordability is a key barrier to adopting broadband service. We are pleased that the FCC is modernizing the Lifeline program by expanding it to include broadband service. Poor and minority communities continue to be on the wrong side of the digital divide, but this announcement is an important first step in closing that divide.

We also support the FCC’s ef-forts to eliminate fraud and abuse in the program. We are concerned, however, that for the first time, the FCC will place budget restrictions on Lifeline. This move is premature

AAJC Supports Expansion of FCC’s Low-Income Subsidy Pro-

gram for Broadband Accessgiven that the FCC is still modifying and evaluating the program to pro-mote broadband access and adoption in low-income communities.

Moreover, limiting Lifeline at this time is imprudent when only one-third of households that are eligible to participate in the Lifeline program are currently enrolled in the program. There are 100 million people in the U.S. who do not have home broadband access, mainly due to cost of service. While we are pleased that Lifeline will expand to include broadband service, we urge the Commission to ensure that all Americans who are eligible for the Lifeline program are able to receive its benefits.”

# # # The Asian American Justice Center

(www.advancingequality.org), a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice (www.advancingjustice.org), works closely with the other Advancing Justice members–the Asian American Insti-tute in Chicago (www.aaichicago.org), the Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco (www.asianlawcaucus.org) and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles (www.apalc.org)– to promote a fair and equitable society for all by work-ing for civil and human rights and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other under-served communities.

Featured Books of RD Liporada

Read Rudy Liporada’s previous articles by visiting our web-site at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Rudy D. Liporada

Pusoy, A Russian Poker -- Chapter 27

Submit Your Healthy Cooking

Recipes to [email protected]

by Rudy D. Liporada | PUSOY, Chapter 27

Zambia is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It had just

wrested its independence from the United Kingdom in 1964. Lacking in qualified person-nel to run its government, mines, and other administra-tive and technological entities, they hired personnel abroad – mostly teachers and engi-neers. They then could afford due to their vast copper mines which made their Kwacha even stronger than the dollar. At that time one Kwacha bore $1.50.

Heeding my coronel uncle’s “just try,” Cynthia and I applied for a rare Zambia family hiring package. She got accepted as a nurse tutor; I, a feature writing lecturer. The Zam-bian recruiters actually thought they struck three birds with one stone with me. Aside from feature writing, I could also teach photography and advertising. For them, that was three posi-tions for one pay. I did not care if, to their view, they exploited me. The six hundred fifty Kwa-cha contract equaled a thousand dollars a month. Compare that to the one hundred dollar equiv-alent of my Philippine peso monthly pay, the Zambians could have added more subjects I would teach and I would have. Add my Kwacha pay to Cynthia’s and we would have been peso millionaires in due time.

Of course, it was “just try.” Getting accepted did not mean we would be cleared from the police and the NBI.

My coronel uncle must have, how-ever, known it all along. No records of my activist days could be found. My police records came out clean and the NBI office clerk was like “Rodel Romualdez Morato who?”

I attributed our vanishing records to the new dictum of then govern-ment Labor Secretary Blas Ople who “thought of deploying Filipino workers to the Middle East and other countries to take advantage of the oil boom and at the same time, temporarily solve the growing unemployment rate in the country…sending Filipino workers abroad could defuse what could be a social volcano.”

This meant that it would be better for the unemployed and the under-employed who could be or would be harboring discontent to be out of the country. This would help diffuse a revolutionary explosion against the government. Besides, we would also

inject more income to the govern-ment as we would eventually spend our earnings from abroad in the Philippines. This is apart from what the government would earn from our clearance, medical, passport, orientation, and other unnecessary incidental fees.

“BUT WHY AFRICA,” MY MOTHER SAID. “There are other places you could go abroad to. Aren’t you afraid of the lions and all those cannibals? Think of your children for goodness’ sake.”

“It is for our children’s sake. That is why we have to go,” I said. Zam-bia was the only country we knew that offered jobs where contracts included bringing one’s family. In my contract, I bring Cynthia and my family. In her contract, she brings me and her children. “At least, un-like other overseas opportunities, we could still be together as a family.”

“Why do you have to go anyway? Your father and I have nobody else to support. All our income can be for our grandchildren now.”

“It is for future opportunities, mommy.”

“You don’t have to go abroad for that.”

“You left Cebu for Manila.”“That’s different. That’s only

within the Philippines.”“During your time, that was going

abroad.”To ally her fears, I showed her

pages on Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, using the Britannica Ency-clopedia. American and European cars plied Cairo Road, the city’s main thoroughfare. Black men in the picture had ties and suits and with attaché cases.

I also showed her a picture under “F”. The caption said ‘A Filipino’. The picture depicted an Igorot, holding a spear, covered only in loincloth. “See,” I said, “Because of this, many in the world think that Filipinos are still in the savage era. That’s like you thinking that Afri-cans are still cannibals because of all the Tarzan movies you have seen.”

To be continued…

(Publisher’s Note: Pusoy is Rudy D. Liporada’s second novel and third book being serialized in Asian Journal. One can get a copy of the book through Amazon.com – A Russian Poker - or by calling the author at 858-722-1465.)

Zambia

“I believe this proposal strikes the ap-propriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing ac-cess to important preventive services.”

But Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the Obama administration had “drawn an unprecedented line in the sand” with the decision.

“The Catholic bishops are commit-ted to working with our fellow Ameri-cans to reform the law and change this unjust regulation,” he added. “We will continue to study all the implications of this troubling decision.”

Sebelius announced the mandate and a narrow religious exemption to it Aug. 1, 2011. Under the plan, after Aug. 1 of this year, new or sig-nificantly altered health plans will be required to provide all FDA-approved contraceptives, including some that can cause abortions, without co-pays or deductibles as part of preventive health care for women.

The only religious organizations exempt from the requirement would be those meeting four specific criteria -- “(1) has the inculcation of religious values as its purpose; (2) primar-ily employs persons who share its religious tenets; (3) primarily serves persons who share its religious tenets; and (4) is a nonprofit organization” under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code.

Those sections “refer to churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and con-ventions or associations of churches, as well as to the exclusively religious activities of any religious orders,” according to a footnote to the interim final rule.

Catholic groups, including the USCCB, the Catholic Health Asso-ciation and Catholic Charities USA, called that exemption too narrow, say-ing it would require Catholic groups to stop all services to those who were not Catholic and would inappropriately involve the government in decisions about whether an organization is “reli-gious enough” to be exempted.

Sebelius’ announcement brought an outcry from Catholic leaders and a sigh of relief from groups such as Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America, which had opposed any moves to weaken the contraceptive mandate or strengthen the religious exemption.

In a video posted on the USCCB website, Cardinal-designate Dolan said the decision put the Obama ad-ministration “on the wrong side of the Constitution” and should be rescinded.

“In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences,” the cardinal-designate said in a separate statement. “To force American citizens to choose between violating their consciences and forgoing their health care is liter-ally unconscionable. It is as much an attack on access to health care as on religious freedom. Historically this represents a challenge and a compro-mise of our religious liberty.”

Franciscan Sister Jane Marie Klein, who chairs the board at Franciscan Alliance, a system of 13 Catholic hospitals, characterized the decision as “nothing else than a direct attack on religion and First Amendment rights.”

Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, said the announcement was a “missed opportunity to be clear on appropriate conscience protection.”

“The challenge that these regula-tions posed for many groups remains unresolved,” she added. “This indi-cates the need for an effective national conversation on the appropriate con-science protections in our pluralistic country, which has always respected the role of religions.”

Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, said he was “extremely disappointed” that the administration chose to ignore calls from religious institutions to broaden the exemption.

“With the existing restrictive defini-tion in this mandate, the ministry of Jesus Christ himself would not be con-sidered a religious entity,” he said.

“Just as the identity of Catholic Charities is firmly rooted in the teach-ing of its church, the identity of this nation includes a mandated respect of religious beliefs,” Father Snyder added. “It is this long-standing history that gave us hope that as a religious institution we would be granted the freedom to remain faithful to our beliefs while also being committed to providing access to quality health care for our 70,000 employees and their families across the country.” END

Poem No. 30

Everybody has to make a choice.You did your ownI did mine.Forgive me if I was not aroundI came in too lateI am already worn and wastedStill I do careCause your beauty shinesFrom the insideThe magnificence of your spiritCannot be hiddenI am just a captive fanPlease forgive me.

Choice

death and continuing pestilence.The issue on the 182 trees has all

the trappings of the conflict drama involving a heartless conglomerate, a castrated Baguio mayor and his City Council, environmental policies which are being railroaded – all against Baguio citizens who are against the ‘massacre’ of these trees.

While the Sendong, Bicol, and Leyte and other denudations were happening which caused those thou-sands to be buried in their sleep, no huge clamor against those denuda-tions really hit the headlines before the denudations. Reactions after the disasters, investigations, policy resolutions against more denudations were mere talk as the onslaught on the environment continued waiting for the next disasters.

The saving of the 182 trees issue is very much in the limelight. Thou-sands of students, clergy, simple folks, professionals in Baguio have marched, rallied, and made petitions to save the trees. It has become a national issue as congress is now involved, requesting to investigate the propriety of the ‘massacre’. The issue has gone viral involving even Baguioites and Cordillerans who are now abroad. It has hit the CNN boards. Eight thousand have signed a petition to save the trees.

SM must have thought it to be sim-ple enough. Welcomed in the City in Nov. 21, 2003, the SM Baguio had encroached into the skyline of the City. Initially just sitting on 858,600 sq. ft. of land formerly occupied by the razed Pines Hotel at the zenith of Session Road, SM would now want to expand towards the Government Park Road to add more parking lot and other services in the humongous facility. In the process, it would eliminate 182 trees which include Pine and Alnus trees which had been deep rooted alongside the hill front-ing Government Pack Road for over decades now.

At the forefront of the protest is Dr. Michael A. Bengwayan. An arborist, he says that “trees are the most important living things that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). They trap CO2 before it gets to the atmo-sphere to trap heat around the earth surface.”

Mike Arvisu, Kafagwayan chair, also says that “the trees and plants in Luneta Hill have a combined capac-ity to absorb 12-24 TONS of air pollutants each year. They produce a combined 26 TONS of oxygen annually.”

Moreover and most importantly, Arvisu says that “the tree canopy intercepts rainfall and prevents water run offs that cause erosion and structural damage.” With almost all of Baguio’s mountains now dotted with houses and commercial build-ings, erosions and flooding within the City had become more frequent and disastrous in the later years. The pine scent for which Baguio was noted more had practically vanished, supplanted by suffocating dieseled air.

The 182 trees, if animate, appear to be those that are taking a last stand for the environment, almost shouting – That’s it, tama na.

Instead of cutting the trees, SM had offered to earth-ball and transplant them. “We are actually not killing a single tree,” says a SM spokesperson.

Bengwayan, however retorts that “these promises are good if you don’t know what happened to the past trees that were being earth balled. For the 497 pine trees that were being earth-balled by Camp John Hay Development Corp. last 1994, only less than 20% survived and those not dead were showing signs of deteriorating. So, we should expect that out of the 187 Pine Trees that will be uprooted, more or less only 30 trees will survive.”

In the midst of the imbroglio, Baguio City Mauricio Domogan and his Council are not only lifting a fin-ger against but appears to be siding with SM. This, in spite of Depart-ment of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) anti-denudation policies and recent President Benigno Aquino III environmen-tal declarations on saving forests. Domogan is saying that he could not do anything because SM is a private property. A move is in place to have him recalled. It is the contention that even if SM is such, no public hearing protocols had been made at any level to consider the propriety of SM’s expansion considering that it would largely impact the lives of the Baguio populace.

While the 182 trees are only a min-iscule of the remaining trees in the county, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization reports

that the rate of deforestation in the Philippines is among the highest in the world. In a span of 50 years from 1934, almost two thirds of Philippine forests were lost – down to 16 from 26 million acres. This resulted in flooding, soil, erosion and degradation at the rate of 100,000 tons of soil annually, loss of species diversity – and more importantly – human lives and properties.

Philippine Senator Loren Legarda blames much of the inadequacy to protect the forests on the govern-ment which had evolved more laws and policies favorable to logging, mining, and real and commercial expansions.

With the Baguio trees issue, I project that SM would try hard to bulldoze the protest. Moreover, it would no longer be just SM but also those interested entities that gravitate to logging, mining, and real and commercial expansion. If the Baguio populace prevails against

the ‘massacre’ of the trees, the issue would be a landmark which could be quoted in the years to come to hold off any denudation in any part of the archipelago. This would not be good for those who masquerade behind the term ‘development.’

So, to the Save the 182 Trees Movement, this is not only a Baguio City fight. It is not only SM that would oppose you. It is not only Baguio City officials who will not be on your side. Gear up your loins, pull us your socks. You are in for a long war. May the great anitos of nature and the wards of Kabunian be with you.


MY HYSTERECTOMY RESULTSWhy the Lord sometimes does

not grant our prayer request that my chronic cervixitis would be healed. It is because He has a different will from ours.

That 1981, after praying for 5 months without an answer, I medi-tated on this and said to the Lord, “I will be in Manila on May 31, You know, to attend the competition of Rosemary, please let me know Your will on my cervixitis upon the medi-cal examination of two doctors.”

On June 1, 1981, I went to my doc-tor, (I forgot her name). While I was having my medical examination, I was wondering why she disappeared. I learned later that she got another gynaecologist nearby to examine me. Then, they both went to her offi ce to discuss about my case. I was praying that the will of God would be done on me.

After they got out, both doctors de-cided to operate on in me. My doctor told me I had already 7 children, and there was no need for my ovaries. If I had an ovarian cancer, the bleed-ing would tell it, but it would be too late already. She told me many more. “Decide whether you will have the operation.”

I was in a great hurry to go home to Gen. Santos City and I told her about it. So she contacted the UST Hospital and the doctor said that an operat-ing table was available. She told me that her would-be-patient on June 3 had postponed her surgery. Next, I contacted my anesthesiologist. After he looked at his appointment notes, he told me that his patient backed out that day! Three faith options were

given to me but I was not contented yet. I contacted Sister Annunciata Santa Ana, SPC to pray if I would have the surgery.

The night before, I did not like a surgery, but when I woke up, why, I decided on a surgery! It was very strange, indeed!

So on in June 2 afternoon, I entered UST Hospital, room 4086 to pre-pare for the surgery, I wrote in my diary the following: “Tomorrow, I will have my surgery on my uterus (womb) and all my ovaries will be removed … I implore You, Lord that, that surgery would heal my cervixitis of two years … May these 7 children to whom my ovaries have given life to and my womb who nourished them be fi lled with the Spirit of God...” I thanked Him and His faith-words in Matthew 11. I completely surren-dered to Him.

I called up my husband, Johnny,

through long distance telephone that he need not come but to look for money there in Dadiangas.

My brother, Bert in Manila called me up and I told him and my children not to come to the hospital so I could meditate.

A sister from Taiwan, a nun, came to console me later, but after sharing with her, she said she was the one consoled! She was asking why my faith seemed so strong. I was fi lled with the Holy Spirit at that time!

When Sis. Annunciata, SPC and Sis. Alice, SPC came, one of them told me, “It’s a good thing, they took out your ovaries. A dean of ours was discovered to have cancer of ovary and it had spread to her liver and other parts of the body, but it was too late, so the doctor closed her stomach without touching anything. The bleeding came late. Her cancer had already spread. She died that week.” Sister Annunciata said, “You see Mercy, the Lord really loves you! You were operated on just in time!”

The Dominican nuns of the Im-maculate Conception Dormitory where Ma.Theresa and Rosemary were staying came also. There were other visitors.

When my doctor came the next day, she told me that my right ovary had an apple-size growth – an adenoma with a chocolate-like content, which burst during the operation. They had to clean me for four hours. A small growth had begun in my left ovary and it was attached already to my uterus, and in turn my uterus was connected to my anus. My uterus had become hard, ready for a massive bleeding. My Fallopian tubes had

plenty of very small growth. But thanks to God, they were benign!

When the doctor told me that she did not remove my cervix, I became enraged. That was the purpose of the surgery! But I told myself, “Did I not pray for the doctor?” She explained the nearness of my ovaries, uterus and cervix to my intestine, which could puncture it if the cervix was removed. That would be an invasive surgery.

But since that surgery, my cervix never bothered me again!

It was God’s will that I would be opened up. No wonder He was not listening to my prayer about my cervix! I praised the Lord for His wisdom!

What was also strange is that my lawyer-husband had a client, Mr. Olarte for his Last Will and Testa-ment. My husband was paid P8,000, the amount I needed for my hospital-ization after SSS was deducted!

THE CONVERSION OF BERT

God in His own time, hears the prayers of my good mother.

Humberto, called Bert, my young-est brother, 42-year-old, was a Ster-ling Airways pilot.

In June 1981, I was recuperating for hysterectomy in his house at Mer-ville, Manila. He entertained me well and made me comfortable. Maybe, he was pleased that I was with him for he was lonely since his wife, Kate was in the USA.

Bert talked of many things, his unfaithfulness or escapade to his wife, which made me squirm with disdain. He conversed with me about God and the Bible. Was he in the verge of conversion? I was puzzled! (Remember, Mama prayed for all her children.) I kept on talking with him about my personal experience of God after I was renewed in the Charis-matic Renewal.

I went home as soon as I was able to ascend to a high stairway. (I have tried before, but going up the 4-steps made me bleed.) Just before I left his house, I asked Bert that I would pray-over him. He refused, saying, “Not yet.” He did not probably want to leave his sinful ways. I prayed, “Lord, let my stay here be not in vain. Convert my brother strongly. I leave him into Your hands.”

While in the airplane, I was won-dering why God made me stay there for a month. I tried to analyze the events. What was God’s purpose?

When Vincent, our youngest son, died that September 20, 1981 (that’s another story), Bert told me at the wake of Vincent that Kate arrived by August 1981. Kate threatened him with a divorce because Kate learned about his unfaithfulness. That is when he realized he loved his wife! (I was dazed on those days that what he said did not enter my memory.)

Much later, I heard Bert give a testimony at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City at the Full Gospel Association that Kate desired a divorce and that their property be divided. Bert was in a great turmoil, that he almost committed suicide by banging his Mercedes Benz, an expensive car. After that turmoil, Bert went to see a Catholic pilot, who was involved with the Charismatic Renewal. He was listed in the ‘Life in the Spirit Seminar’ (LSS). When Kate heard about it, she too enlisted, although she was not sure of Bert’s sincerity.

A miracle happened! What I was sharing in the LSS, he found out was true! He fi nished the LSS and went to confession. From then on, he was faithful to God and his wife, Kate. Kate also fi nished the LSS.

Through the working of the Holy Spirit, they discovered that a number of 300 men working in their con-struction company were living-in with their common law wives. Bert had them all married in the Catholic Church.

THE DOOR OPENING TO THE FUTURE

In His wisdom, God prepares us for our future.

In the summer of 1982, our Catho-lic Charismatic Renewal Movement in General Santos City offered a Life Seminar (LSS) for the young people. Johnny and I encouraged our older children to join it. (Clement was in Manila at that time.) It was easy to convince the eldest Mary Anne and Rosemary, the 4th child, but not Ma.Theresa, the 2nd in the family who at that time had just fi nished her college, BM, major in piano (UST, Manila). She was home for vacation

and teaching music at the Dole Phil-ippines International School near our city. I tried to convince Ma. Theresa to join the LSS telling her, “Tett, this is an opportunity for you to join the renewal because it’s your vacation time, and probably, your only time.”

However, she answered me, “Mama, I don’t like to attend a semi-nar because there is so much in my mind right now. I am still undecided whether to go back to school for a Master’s Degree, or to teach in Manila, or to stay here. I need time to think.”

“That’s precisely, why you should join the LSS. Give priority to God this summer, and He will help you make the right decision.” I added.

“But Mama, please, I don’t feel like joining anything at all now!” So that was that! When your children are of age and they speak out their minds, one cannot insist anymore, or else, they will consider you, the mother as a nagger. So what did I do?

The Lord is in chargeI went into prayer that night, “Lord,

convince Tett, and don’t make her miss this great opportunity to know You better. Ikaw. Na bahala, Lord!” (You are in charge, Lord.) And I just lay that matter into God’s hands.

The next morning, I was surprised. I saw Tett fi lling up the form. “So you are joining the LSS. I’m glad for your decision to do so.” I remarked.

“Yes, Mama. Last night,” she explained, “I had a dream. Jesus stretched out His arms to me lov-ingly, saying, ‘Theresa, I’m inviting you!’ ”

The Lord was really in charge! I went to my room with tears of joy!

More ResistanceBut that was not the end of it. More

resistance would come later. I knew the enemy in the spiritual realm, the devil was trying to dissuage her. So, I intensifi ed my prayer.

One morning before the 5th ses-sion, Ma. Theresa just announced, “I received a telegram just now from Sienna College in Manila to join their teaching faculty. So I must leave this week.” I strongly objected for her not fi nishing the LSS. “You see, God had shown you what to do in the future. But, my dear hija, please don‘t miss the 5th session, which is the Baptism


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But seek fi rst his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things

will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

EAD PEOPLE TO KNOW CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOUR

NCOURAGE THEM TO GROW IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

CKNOWLEDGE THEIR SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND TALENTS EVELOP THEM TO BECOME LEADERS AND WORKERS FOR GOD

L

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D

OUR MISSION

“The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustinaespecially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustina

CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCYUsing the rosary beads, recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one I Believe in God.

On the Our Father beads say this prayer, which was given by Our Lord to St. Faustina (1905-1938).

Eternal Father, I o�er You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary beads say:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In conclusion say three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

The Hour of Great Mercy

At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion,

particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great

mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in

virtue of My Passion (Diary, 1320). -- Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Faustina

Kowalska

You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls and an ocean of mercy

opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable

Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the

Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. Amen.

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FilipinianaMiracles of The Divine Mercy: My Life Testimony

3rd of a Series by Mercy Lotilla-Asencio


in the Holy Spirit. It is the highlight of the LSS!”

“But, Ma, the telegram says, ‘Come, June 2, 1982.’ So I must go.” “Tett, please, you can leave the day after the 5th session - June 4th.” And she answered me stubbornly, “I must go tomorrow.” And she went to PAL for the air ticket, but the booking was already closed. “Thank You, God.” I whispered. Ma. Theresa was able to attend the 5th session. She was say-ing, “What a very beautiful experi-ence of God!”

God arranges events

The next day the newspaper was headlined: PRESIDENT MAR-COS POSTPONES OPENING OF CLASSES TO JUNE 15

“A good thing, Mama, I did not leave sooner, or else, I would be paying my board and lodging already without a job yet.” She remarked. I added, “When we give priority to God, He arranges the events in our lives!”

Our Tett fi nished the last 2 sessions: Growth and Transformation.

Indeed, God arranges the events!Ma.Theresa became a SPC nun (St.

Paul de Chartres). She is taking up her Master’s Degree in Music at UP, Manila, Philippines, this 2008.

Miracles of the Divine Mercy


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MacWorld(Continued from page 8)

Project Management, the apps are: 1. Omnifocus; 2. OmniGraffl e; 3. Carbon Fin Outliner; 4. Instapaper; 5. PDF Expert; 6. Billings Touch; 7. Invoice2Go; and 8. TelePrompt+.

For meetings we should use the following apps: 1. Idea Flight for iPad; 2. Agendas; 3. GoToMeeting for iPad; and 4. WebEx for iPad.

For note-taking, these apps were suggested: 1. Notability; 2. Penulti-mate; and 3. SoundNote;

For communications: 1. Aim; 2. Beejibe; 3. iChat; 4. Skype; and 5. Whistle Phone. The last app gives you a phone number and your iPad rings when somebody calls the number.

For travel, you should download: 1. Kayak; 2. Tripit; 3. Flight Track; 4. BizXpense Tracker for iPad; and 6. TravelTracker – Personal Travel Assistant.

Other apps worth mentioning are: 1. Square; 2. LogMeIn; 3. Ignition; and 4. Air Display.

With most, if not all, of these apps downloaded in your iPAD, you are expected to be a top, productive and super user. As my barber said on this downloading advice, “Tech IT or leave it!”

There were new amazing applica-tions that were unveiled during the show. I will discuss some of them in my next article.

“KAMA SUTRA” POSITIONING

MACWORLD/IWORLD was also a battle of accessories and atten-tion. The most notable one was on IPad stands and covers. To get the attention of the media, the fi rms who were promoting their products hired their respective PR (Public Rela-tions) fi rms.

One PR lady sent me an email with the following subject: “What is your favorite position?”

In the body of the email she said, “Stay focused……I’m referring to the 9+ positions of the Powis iCase, of course.

Visit us at Booth 1049 during Macworld/iWorld and see what the Kama Sutra Master of iPad cases can do.

Want to try Powis iCases in the privacy of your room? Visit www.powisicase.com to choose the case you would like to review. Let me know and I will have it ready for you to pick up at Booth 1049.”

Thus, the PR lady defi ned to a certain degree one criterion that could be used in the choice of stands and covers for the iPad. Offering a sample product to try out and review was defi nitely a plus.

This certainly caught my attention. Bearing that in mind I looked at similar amazing products whose PR fi rms also invited me to visit their booth and also provided me with samples for review. Among them were: the iRest; the Prop’n GO; the iBalz; Proof; and Rev 360.

I will write a review on these iPad stands and covers and other MAC-related products in a separate article.

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out when they face death -- that what truly counts is to dedicate your life in the service of others.

He chose to live his remaining days on earth helping put together the plan for the reconstruction. He died with his boots on, and I am convinced he is looking down upon us from heaven with pride, and rests in peace knowing that we will con-tinue the good fi ght that he started many years ago. We will miss you Tito Albert - salamat po sa lahat ng itinuro ninyo sa amin. In life and in death, you pointed us to what truly matters. Salamat sa inspirasyon. Please say hi to my dad -- he is that tall angel that’s always watching out for me :)

And so although the story of humanity may be fi lled with heart-break, every so often we are given a wonderful opportunity to bring His healing hands into this wounded world. Sendong is one such op-portunity. It doesn’t matter what you do, how far you are, or how much time or resources you share -- together, we can forge something beautiful and we can spend our lifetimes building a world free from poverty.

More importantly, we can heal a heart, and in the process, heal our own heart too. I shed tears as I close this article, recalling the many faces and places of the families we serve and the heroic caretakers who hold their hand and refuse to give up. Ours is a journey of heartbreak and healing, of challenges and how love overcomes each and every one of them. I am privileged to serve with each and every one of you.

So tonight I shall sleep soundly, guarded by my guardian angels and carrying with me our very name. Gawad Kalinga. To give care. Although the world’s problems may be great and complex, the solution is simple. Gawad Kalinga. As my dear friend Mark Lawrence Cruz so wisely shared,

“The impossibility of the problem can only be met by the infi nity of our love.”

With God’s grace, we shall over-come. Walang Iwanan!

Source: http://gk1world.com/heartbreak-and-healing

Heartbreak and Healing



Global Pinoy


Nathalie Tomada, Philippine Star (Reprinted in Good News Pilipinas) 2/1/2012 -- Van Partible defi nitely draws from his experiences, and that includes his being Filipino.

The Filipino-American animator (born Efrem Giovanni Bravo Partible) is the creator of the Cartoon Network original animated series Johnny Bravo, which is about a muscle-fl exing and karate-chopping Mama’s boy, who’s convinced he’s God’s gift to women, dishing out disastrous pick-up lines like “Enough about you, let’s talk about me, Johnny Bravo.”

The 40-year-old artist never thought that the title character of the series, de-scribed by fans and critics alike as clever, funny and totally irrev-erent, would become an iconic cartoon. “The character was based a lot on my love for Elvis. I also make a character based on all the things that I know and love, so he had moves like Michael Jackson. His cool came from Henry Winkler’s character from the American sitcom Happy Days. His poses came a lot from my (former) roommate, who was pretty much into his body. And I also had a lot of friends who got women all the time, and I wasn’t so much of a ladies’ man, so I thought, it was fun to make fun of them,” Van told The STAR in a phone interview.

Why the character has had connected with viewers, according to Van, is because “there’s a part of Johnny Bravo in every guy — a part that wants atten-tion. He’s just looking for someone who notices him and who thinks he’s cool.”

The phone interview with Van was arranged in relation to the forthcom-ing premiere of Johnny Bravo Goes To Bollywood, wherein Johnny, with his beefcake swagger, pompadour ‘do and all, pursues his big Bollywood dreams, and along the way, maybe — just

maybe — fi nally gets lucky in love. This comeback special of Johnny Bravo, which ended its original run in 2007, is Cartoon Network’s fi rst full-length made-for-TV musical to be aired

on Nov. 27, 4 p.m.

Johnny Bravo was

Van’s senior year

thesis project as a studio arts student at the Loyola Mary-

mount College in California. A seven-minute short originally titled

Mess O’ Blues, he sold it straight out of college when Cartoon Network was looking for shorts to debut in the animation showcase World Premiere Toons in 1995. The character became an instant hit that Cartoon Network commissioned a fi rst season for Johnny Bravo which commenced in 1997.

The series enjoyed four more seasons, and while there were inherently, albeit subtle, Filipino attributes in the Johnny Bravo character (i.e. him being close to his “momma”), Van said that it was in the fi fth season that he consciously added some Filipino fl avor into it.

“I wasn’t much in touch with my Filipino roots when I fi rst developed Johnny Bravo,” Van admitted.

That changed after watching the movie The Debut, directed by Fil-Am fi lmmaker Gene Cajayon about a talented high school senior who enrolls in an elite arts institute to realize his dreams of becoming an artist, but in the process, struggles for acceptance in America and thereby, rejecting his heritage.

Because the story struck close to home, Van said, “It really got me thinking about my roots. So on the fi fth season of Johnny Bravo, I thought I wanna hire more Filipinos. I hired voice actresses that are Filipinos like Tia Carere, Lea Salonga and Dante Basco. There’s also one episode that had a cari-

cature of me, saying some things in Tagalog.”

Van’s father is a certi-fi ed public accountant, who still runs his own ac-counting fi rm in the US, while his mom used to work for the state. They immigrated to the US in the early ’70s. “How Filipino am I? I’m pretty Filipino,” Van, who’s married and a father of two, said. “I was born in Manila and we still have lots of relatives in Bag-

notan in La Union. My father moved to the States 18 months after I was born because he got a job. He brought us to the US nine months after,” said Van.

It was a long-standing family affair with comic books that paved the way for a career in the animation arts. “We collected comic books, my brothers and I. My dad collected comic books when he was in the Philippines, so we pretty much carried on the tradition to the point that by the time I graduated from high school we had about 15,000 to 20,000 comic books. I started out just copying the characters from comic books. It was a natural introduction to all kinds of media from movies to TV,” said Van, whose other brothers are also part of the US fi lm industry but doing live action work.

Was it hard breaking into the industry as an Asian, and specifi cally as a Filipi-no? “I never gave that a lot of thought. At the beginning of (Johnny Bravo), I was so far removed from considering myself to be Filipino; I was just trying to get into the industry based on talent,” Van shared. “I felt like, okay, either I’m going to get in or not.”

He said that whatever struggles he had to hurdle were not due to being Filipino but due to a “lack of experi-ence or lack of talent.” He cited the design problems that cropped up during Johnny Bravo’s fi rst season because “my design vocabulary wasn’t the greatest.”

“Those were setbacks, but I just got better with what I did (because) I

always challenge myself to do better, and that’s pretty much what I keep on doing,” he said.

Van is also aware that there’s a bud-ding animation industry in the Philip-pines and he’s willing to lend his expert advice and help if sought out. “I knew that there’s Phil Cartoons, but I’ve never really talked to people there in the Philippines. I’m more than willing to help, and it just depends on what capacity and where I can help.”

He, nevertheless, gave this advice to aspiring animators. “In order to break into the animation industry, you really have to have a good portfolio. That’s the fi rst step: It’s knowing your craft, and then, being a person other people would want to work with. That’s what I feel: Many percent of the jobs out you can get through people that you know.

“You can get your foot in the door if you have a really good portfolio but staying long in the industry is by who you know, and how you get on to the projects. Reliability is key. If you have talent and you’re reliable, you’re someone people would want to hire,” he ended.

(Story courtesy of Nathalie Tomada of the Philippine Star)

Cartoon Network’s Johnny Bravo creator is Proudly FilipinoGood News Pilipinas | MANILA,

12/23/2011

Travel photographer George Tapan bagged fi rst place in the 2011 pho-tography contest of National Geo-graphic, according to the contest’s offi cial website.

Tapan was picked as the winner in the Places category for his photo-graph “Into the Green Zone.”

The Filipino photographer submit-ted a photo of a rainbow after a rain-storm taken in the island of Onuk in Balabac, Palawan.

The photo also captured a fi sher-man in a small boat and a woman walking on the shore of Onuk Island’s pristine beach.

According to the website, judge Tim Laman said the photo “showed a perfect sense of timing and composition in the way he captured the two small human subjects in this beautiful scene, and that really made the shot.”

Judge Amy Toensing described the photo as “very moody, beauti-fully composed.”

Nature photographer Peter Essick, meanwhile, was cap-tivated by the detail of the woman’s hair on the photo, saying that it only

Pinoy wins top prize in National Geographic Photo Contest

“fi lls a fraction of the picture’s real estate, but by capturing the move-ment at the apex, the photographer has documented a sense of style and fl air.”

Tapan’s photo showed that “small things can sometimes make a big difference,” ac-cording to National Geo-graphic.

Aside from receiving a cash prize of $2,500,

Tapan’s winning photograph will be published in National Geographic magazine.

Boracay island in Aklan province is the second best beach destination in the world and the No. 1 in Asia for the second year in a row, accord-ing to travel website TripAdvisor.

“At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rent-ed bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you — you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from,” TripAdvisor said in its website.

“Yapak beach is known for beauti-

ful white shells; White beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Baling-hai beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you’ll agree this is one of the best beach destina-tions in the world,” it added.

The tiny island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos remains the world’s best beach destination ac-cording to TripAdvisor’s list, which is based on travelers’ reviews and ratings.

Palm/Eagle beach in Aruba island

ranked third, followed by Negril in Jamaica, Tulum in Mexico, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman island, Punta Cana in Dominican Republic, Cape May in New Jersey, and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica.

Baguio, known as the summer cap-ital of the Philippines, meanwhile, ranked 22nd in TripAdvisor’s list of best destinations in Asia this year.

Boracay hailed as Asia’s # 1

beach, World’s 2nd best

Asian Journal February 3, 2012 edition

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Transcript of Asian Journal February 3, 2012 edition