Editorial

The waiting game

Wednesday, 20 January 2010 00:25 AJPress

NORMA Sotio has every reason to grieve.

Her husband, Gaudencio Sotio died on January 2010 without realizing a long-term dream – the promised monetary recognition made by the US government in February last year to Filipino WWII vets for their service and sacrifice. A lump sum of $9,000 or $15,000 will be paid to Filvets in lieu of pensions that the US government promised them during the war but reneged on paying.

The 84-year-old Sotio applied for his well-deserved compensation on Feb. 20, 2009, just a few days after the benefit law went into effect. Sotio did not live long enough before the Department of Veteran Affairs was able to rule on his claim.

Validation

Sunday, 20 December 2009 21:18 AJPress

(5 votes, average: 2.00 out of 5)

Finally, Filipinos will appear as a separate race category in the US 2010 national census.

On November 28, during a partnership program between The National Federation of Filipino American Associations and the US Bureau of Census, it was announced that

Déjà vu

Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:31 AJpress

IT’S a chapter in history that Filipinos would rather forget.

The Philippines’ first experience of martial law came during President Jose P. Laurel’s term, under Proclamation No. 29, dated September 21, 1944 which became effective the next day. Proclamation No. 30 was issued the following day, declaring the existence of a state of war between the Philippines and the US and United Kingdom. This took effect on September 23, 1944.

Christmas offering

Sunday, 06 December 2009 22:41 AJPress

(1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5)

FOR most Filipinos who have been away from home, the season brings loneliness, wanting to be with their families and friends, and missing the traditional Pinoy Pasko – the masses at dawn, the bibingka and puto bumbong, the festive Noche Buena and the constant echoes of songs by the carolers.

This year, the Asian Journal Foundation and the first-ever Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) are bringing back sweet memories of the perfect Filipino Christmas with Handog ng FASO sa Pasko on Sunday, December 6 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. With Maestro Robert "Bob" Shroder conducting, the event promises an evening of great music from its special guests Charice and Joey Albert; and other performances from Kit Navarro and musical choirs.

Free for all

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 20:08 AJPress

(1 vote, average: 1.00 out of 5)

THE stage is set, the race has begun and the political arena is now officially abuzz with activity.

November 30 is Bonifacio Day, an official holiday in the Philippines. This year, it has become even more festive, turning into an all-out political fiesta, filled with merry-making and cheers from Filipinos who came in droves to witness the filing of candidacy of three top presidential bets – Senator Manny Villar, former President Joseph Estrada and evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

And what better way to mark their candidacy than to associate it with a very significant day – when Filipinos commemorate one of the nation’s most beloved heroes – Andres Bonifacio.