The papery essence of writing
Do we seriously think writing is all joy? One should realize it is also half pain, and sometimes it is pain that makes us write. Think about the atrocious solitude…
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Welcoming the spring season — the Filipino way
Having four seasons in a year is an idea that is quite foreign to Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. Back there, we only have the dry (summer) and…
God’s voice
“IF today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” These were words that came out from my former pastor’s lips many years ago as he began his homily one…
Should commission employees be paid separately for rest breaks?
RICARDO Vaquero and Robert Schaefer worked as Sales Associates for Stoneledge Furniture, a retail furniture company. Stoneledge paid sales associates on a commission basis, based on the company’s Commission Compensation…
Know your rights against pushy ICE Agents
QUESTION: I’m so afraid to open my door now. I’ve heard ICE agents are doing round-ups and just deporting people left and rights. What can I do? Answer: All people…
Life cycle of an audit
(Part 3 of 3) 11. Your case is referred to an Automated Collection System (ACS). The ACS is a nameless, faceless computerized collection system that utilizes telephones. IRS personnel at…
Are you in denial about your credit card debt?
MOST people don’t talk about their credit card debt because they find it embarrassing. They can talk to their friends and family about everything else but when it comes to…
Trump continues his unsubstantiated wiretapping accusations vs Obama, says British spies did it
PRESIDENT Donald Trump just will not stop. Republicans and Democrats on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees have said they have not seen any evidence to substantiate Trump’s accusations of…
Robredo lies to world, shames the nation and herself in UN message
I WAS shocked at Vice President Leni Robredo’s video message sent to the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs to be played at its 60th meeting today. Either this lady is…
PACCAL recognizes women‘s impact and empowered status in today’s society
Women have strategically used and relentlessly conceived various methods and schemes to break barriers and untiringly promote gender equality that they may stand at par with their male counterparts. Through…
75th Anniversary of Bataan Death March
Remembering the courage of our heroes On April 9, 1942, three months after the Bataan of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II; Filipino and American prisoners of war…
The April 2017 priority dates
EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A…
Social life impacts health
YOU and I are social animals. Our two-legged and four-legged friends are also “social” creatures. They are usually in pairs or in herds. Like us, humans, these animals apparently also…
When I grow too old to dream
I DON’T know of any woman who really wants to grow old. After a certain birthday, she enters into a battle with time, sometimes with a plastic surgeon by her…
Congressional Budget Office: Millions of Americans will lose insurance under Trumpcare
REPUBLICANS, including then candidate Donald Trump, ran on the campaign promise of repealing President Barack Obama’s signature legislative legacy — the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Republican party, a.k.a. the…
Trespassing
BILATERAL ties between the Philippines and China have begun to warm up as soon as President Rodrigo Duterte stepped into office. Following his early anti-American outbursts, Duterte vowed to carry…
On celebrating Fil-Am representation in the Trump administration
I have been elated about the recent appointments of Filipino Americans — Ninio Joseph Fetalvo as assistant press secretary, Kelly Ilagan as deputy associate director for presidential personnel, and Joyce…
Filipino Americans: Please do not be fooled. Visibility does not equate representation
So, it appears that Donald J. Trump has selected Noel Francisco as the new solicitor general, and apparently, Mr. Francisco is Filipino American. If he is confirmed, he would become…
Lenten blessings
“I WILL make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” — Genesis 12:1-4 You will…
Bonuses, commissions and shift differentials entitle employees to more overtime pay
Q: I WORK in the service industry and I often receive performance bonuses on top of my hourly rate. I also work a lot of hours (50 to 60 hours!)…
Do you have a right to see an immigration judge even if you committed a crime?
“ In the United States, the law gives rights to foreign nationals. Some of these rights include due process and appeals. This is why you can fight your case and…
Life cycle of an audit
(Part 2 of 3) 6. YOU first receive a contact letter advising you that your return has been selected for examination. It spells out the preliminary areas for audit. You…
Warning to parents who cosign their child’s student loans
YOU want to help your children go to college and if you’re like most parents, you would do anything to help them get a good education. At some point, you…
WARNING: Beware of fake ICE/immigration agents and officers
To Kababayans who are undocumented immigrants or those who have been overstaying and working illegally in the United States, please beware. I know many of you have been experiencing sleepless…
LA region survey finds alcohol and tobacco products are still more available than healthier foods at local markets
LOS ANGELES – Health officials from Los Angeles County, Long Beach, Pasadena, and Orange County, unveiled new survey findings regarding the availability and marketing of tobacco, alcohol, and food products…
What if you could speak directly with Christ?
LENT is the season when words and teachings of Christ are presented in a thousand pulpits across the nation — self-righteously, mournfully, nasally, coldly, feebly, flamboyantly, blandly, and violently. Ministers…
The importance of having a qualified immigration attorney in these uncertain times
Immigration policy and enforcement continues to evolve undergoing a large shift and uncertainty abounds. Undocumented immigrants fear ICE knocking at their door and those with lawful immigration status, but who…
Colon cancer rising among young people
WHILE colon cancer rates have been going down among the elderly (55 and older) since the 1980s, they are increasing among those in their 20s and 30s. This was the…
New enforcement memorandum by DHS Secretary John Kelly
WHAT is happening? On January 27, 2017, the President signed the Executive Order entitled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” (Executive Order 13769) This Executive…
Jimmy Gomez: Fighting for California’s values and people
Assemblymember and Calif. 34th Congressional District candidate Jimmy Gomez shares his reasons and passion in continuing to serve his constituents On Tuesday, April 4, the special primary in California’s 34th…