TO plainly dub the living legend of the Philippine music industry Gary Valenciano’s enthusiastically high spirited performances as merely world-class would be a glimmering understatement, for the Filipino-Puerto Rican’s iconic stature and unrivaled talent are much beyond commonly observed standards. Gary has unquestionably demonstrated his innately supreme capability (both on live performances and recordings) that…
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos on Wednesday, April 10, dodged questions on her credibility to be a senator due to discrepancies in her school records. “Sanay na kami (We’re used to it),” she said, referring to those doubting her capabilities and qualifications in running for senator. When pressed for her reaction about the criticisms involving…
The Archbishop of Manila on Wednesday, April 10, expressed disappointment at how easy it has been to manipulate truths and criticized those who lie “for political expediency or out of fear.” “Test of that freedom in truth is when you are persecuted. How easy it is to change truths. So, now everyone is entitled to…
A United States federal judge approved the transfer of proceeds from late President Ferdinand Marcos’ ill-gotten assets to compensate the human rights victims of the martial law regime on Tuesday, April 9. New York City district court Judge Katherine Polk Failla signed the order that mandates the transfer of $13.75 million or about P715 million…
WHAT if I do not have legal papers, and my spouse is abusive? If safety is a concern, we urge people to seek help first, particularly if there are minor children who may also be at risk of abuse. For non-emergency calls, individuals may dial 2-1-1 to seek help finding resources for health, mental health,…
RECENTLY, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) posted a brochure concerning lawful permanent residents’ (LPR or green card holder) rights when they are detained at a port of entry, such as an airport, border crossing, or ship dock. Here are some of the key points of that brochure: If questions or issues arise at the…
Nature is full of wonders. Among them are gems in the form of many food items, basically plant-based, have therapeutic effects that can provide safe relief from pains and other illnesses. A great example: The antibiotic penicillin, which has saved countless lives around the world, comes from penicillium mold (fungi) which naturally produces it, as…
Federal officials on Tuesday, April 9, dismantled a $1.2 billion Medicare scam peddling unneeded orthopedic braces to hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting elderly and disabled patients through call centers in the Philippines and in Latin America. According to the Justice Department, the scheme — which has been described as one of the largest health care…
Malacañang on Tuesday, April 9, downplayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to declare a “revolutionary war.” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the remark was an “exasperated expression” directed, not at the people, but at the enemies of the state. “The threat, if it is a threat, is not against the people but precisely against their enemies…
Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday, April 9, urged her brother Paolo, not to show the tattoo on his back unless a court issues an order mandating him to do so. During a Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) campaign sortie in Surigao, Duterte-Carpio told the reporters that she would not show her…
THERE IS a humanitarian crisis in the U.S.-Mexico border as President Donald Trump declared, but what is ironic is that he caused this crisis. Yes, there has been an influx of people coming in from Central America — thousands more are arriving as families with women and children in tow to seek refuge from violence…
“I DON’T feel any more free than I do when I’m on that stage in front of a microphone,” Filipina American rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra says. Before she takes the stage, she collects herself and starts organizing lyrics in her head. It’s a meditation of sorts until she’s out in front of…
From the series of infrastructure developments and significant private investments that are under way all the way to its burgeoning tourism sector, it is no wonder that Davao City has been hailed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III as the “hottest spot in the nation’s bright economic prospects.” With its massive business potential and substantial…
Sauna therapy has been around for for centuries, boasting many health benefits from de-stressing to detoxing. There are a handful of spas here in Southern California where you can enjoy a good sweat session and burn calories, all without having to exercise. While sitting in a traditional sauna can still provide these benefits, infrared saunas…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to declare a “revolutionary war” and arrest his critics until the end of his term. In a speech on Thursday, April 4, the president warned that he would suspend the writ of habeas corpus and go after those who dare critique his methods to end criminality. “I have enough…
A United States Treasury official this week said the U.S. government is monitoring the flow of money into the Philippines. Sigal Mandelker, U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said money has come from unidentified sources to finance alleged terror groups. “We continue to monitor terrorist financing related to Manila. But, of course, this…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, April 4 demanded that China back off from Pag-asa Island in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), which has been swarmed by hundreds of Chinese ships this week. The president told reporters that he would not let China “occupy” the island as it belongs to the Philippines. “Pag-asa…
APRIL 15 is an annual anniversary of sort – tax deadline for some, a date to file extensions for most. It has become a habit for those who procrastinate like you. I see the same taxpayers come to my office to file after April 15 year after year. It’s against their religion to break tradition….
The amount of Asian American students admitted to Harvard University is the highest its been in the last decade, as revealed by the university’s latest admission cycle results for its undergraduate class of 2023. In announcing the demographics for the 1,950 students admitted to the university, 25.4% were Asian American. That’s up from last year’s…
President Donald Trump arrived at the southern border in Calexico, California on Friday, April 5 to tour a recently rebuilt section of two-mile fencing and to meet with local law enforcement officials to address what his administration has called a “border crisis.” The visit came a day after he retracted his threat to shut down…
Philippine Senator Antonio Trillanes IV denied his involvement in a viral video alleging presidential son Paolo Duterte is linked to illegal drugs. Trillanes on Friday, April 5 said he would “congratulate” the people behind the nearly seven-minute video circulating online that links the president’s family to drugs. “The accusations of the witness were very serious,…
“ Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community separation.” GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770…
Freak accident liability I want to discuss the client with the freak accident first. The first client is 45. This is really a very unusual case. In fact, I have never encountered a case like this before in the last 30 years. The client has a rental condo that needs plumbing repair because of a…
SO much condemnation goes on in our society today, especially in social media, television, and digital world. People condemn each other for their different opinions on social, political, religious, and cultural issues. Because of this milieu, one either choose to be courageous, timid, or silent about presenting his or her thoughts and feelings. Of course,…
What used to be the valued gentility of the old school political aristocrats, courtly and polished; were rudely rapped by the rowdy new age of Duterte as legends sprang up about his virility; his physical courage has been equally blazoned. He has displayed the common touch that became so endearing to the masses. A PRESIDENT wears…
