HOW is it like being on Broadway? It’s so exciting here, there are so many opportunities. And to somehow represent the Filipino community on Broadway is really cool, too. Was it how you imagined it to be? And more. To make my Broadway debut in a principal role is really awesome. I keep saying it…
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 priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date…
WHAT is a stomach ulcer? A stomach ulcer, also known as a gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer, as the second part of the name suggests, is a “wound, an open sore,” in the mucosa (inner wall) that penetrates the muscle layer of the stomach or of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine…
ONE way to reconnect with one’s roots is by creating artistic pieces, whether in writing, sculpting, painting and more. In mixed-media installations, some people would think it is just a mish-mash of junk, but in reality, it is a collection of materials that has a deeper connection to the artist. Minus words, artist Rea Lynn…
Many kababayans in the Philippines and here in the United States have been asking me about the truth behind #LeniLeaks — a trending topic on social media that talks about the alleged plot by supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo to oust President Rodrigo Duterte by discrediting both the Philippine president, as well as former…
In silent hot rebellion, we cry silently, “I have lived my life – haven’t I? What more is expected of me?” With a certain haughtiness, one realizes that we have reached the place beyond resignation, a place I had no idea existed until we arrived here. It is now our most precious place, where we…
The year 2016 has been an interesting year in terms of fashion and lifestyle, which also means the fashion icons and newsmakers of 2016 had their moment. 2016 was a like retro year as it reeked of countless throwback trends. Our Instagram feeds were filled with people sporting chokers from the ‘90s, pins and patches,…
A little known provision of a new law could result in a denial of health care benefits to an estimated 50 million Medicaid (California’s Medi-Cal) enrollees. This includes hundreds of residents in nursing homes around the Southland. With President-elect Donald Trump taking office soon, these issues are sure to be raised again. On February 8,…
ABM Security Services, Inc. employed about 15,000 current and former security guards at residential, retail, office, and industrial sites throughout California. In 2005, Jennifer Augustus and two other security guards, filed a class action case against ABM on behalf of all ABM security guards. The complaint accused ABM of failing to provide uninterrupted rest breaks…
Are you struggling with debt problems and have thought about filing for bankruptcy but have questions that you’re afraid to ask? Over the last 12 years, I have counseled and helped thousands of individuals in debt. From what I’ve seen, a lot of people suffer for many years in debt when they could have obtained…
BEFORE YOU DRIVE, take the time to know these new laws in California or you may end up paying hefty fines and have a record of violating laws. The State of California has already been implementing a law that says a person driving a motor vehicle is prohibited from using an electronic wireless communications device…
While the fashion industry has impressively produced branded products and familiar household commercial faces, it has simultaneously opened doors to the mushrooming integer of aspiring live mannequins. The glamorous and fascinating world of modeling has beguilingly inveigled a huge number of females that introduced and ultimately changed the lifestyles of millions. More than just the…
In the wake of the devastation wreaked by super typhoon Nina in the Bicol Region, Vice-President Leni Robredo has been pilloried in social and mainstream media for being “missing in action.” Camarines Sur has been among the most severely damaged, as well as Albay and neighboring provinces. The fact that CamSur is Robredo’s home province…
The City of Los Angeles is notorious for having the largest population of homeless people in the United States. Furthermore, LA has more homeless United States veterans than any other city in the country. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), there are more than 45,000 homeless individuals in the county with veterans…
WE all wonder why many stars and celebrities seem to have flawless, white skin. For sure, not all of them were born with perfect skin. Many rely on beauty products that effectively lighten dark skin and evens out darker pigmentations. Thank goodness, you too, can have beautiful white skin within just a few weeks with…
MANY people are justifiably afraid and concerned about their future in America once Donald Trump becomes president. When he kicked off his campaign, he stated his intention to deport the approximate 11 million illegal aliens who are in the US. He later changed his position to focusing on the approximate 3 million he referred to…
One advantage in filing a fiancé visa petition is that the fiancé beneficiary will be able to enter the United States faster compared to a spousal immigrant petition to be filed for the fiance. Once the fiancé beneficiary enters the United States, he or she must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within ninety (90) days. …
The holidays may be behind us but their physical effects, among others, will linger for a while. Medically speaking, it is actually a time for “damage control” for those of us who overindulged during the festivities. The post-holiday “makeover” is just as a healthy preemptive measure, more so for those who really want to maintain…
The ability to lawfully live and work in the United States is a dream of so many people. The fulfillment of this dream requires the aspiring immigrant to navigate the United States’ immigration laws, which are considered to be a very confusing and complex area of law. However, despite this complexity, and the incredible importance…
You own a successful business, as a sole proprietor, prior to marriage. You later meet the love of your life and decide to marry her. Years into the marriage, you decide to incorporate the business. A common question when the couple later divorces becomes 1) did your separate property business become community property by virtue…
Best wishes to all readers for the new year! Mr. Trump has made filing for bankruptcy relief as a sign that he’s smart. He’s smart he says because his companies filed for bankruptcy 4 times using applicable law. Bankruptcy allowed his businesses to get rid of debt, a lot of it, and bankruptcy allowed him…
Being in debt can be one of the most stressful situations you will ever face in life. It happens to everyone although you may feel like you’re the only person on the planet going through what you’re going through. But let me assure you that you are not alone in your struggle. The first step…
CRYSTAL BALL — what do you reveal? After a divisive, toxic and confusing election season in 2016, will it be an enlightening, hopeful and promising year for U.S. politics in 2017? On Tuesday, January 3, Re-elected Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and the newly-elected members of Congress were sworn into…
His country absorbed him as affectionately. His poems are easy to read — perhaps to sing — to take to heart and put to meaning on its ability to bring what is dearest, as poetry to the human heart and taste. Murmurs of pleasant memories, pains and wrongs, Rizal’s poetry sings of exceptional passions, of…
Another year is past us and following tradition, the Asian Journal editorial team lists the top MDWK Magazine covers from 2016. Each week, the MDWK Magazine is a platform to recognize and share the stories of Filipino Americans who continue to break barriers in their respective career fields. From the 15 Filipino Americans working in…
Cloudy skies could not hamper the high spirits of thousands of cheering spectators who lined the five-and-a-half mile route of the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade in the City of Pasadena, California on Monday, January 2. A collection of 41 floats, 19 marching bands and 20 equestrian units from across the country captivated people of…
Another year has gone by and another year is before us. As we get older we feel the rapidness of life and its brevity. We become more contemplative about life’s mysteries, particularly its purpose and its end. We tremble at our personal finality on earth, but our faith in God strengthen us to trust in…
THERE is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest friends (BFFs) and family members are even deserving of inheriting from your estate. In doing so, you should also think about which vehicle you plan…
This is our yearly wrap-up of some of the new laws created in California this year to continue to protect employees: Gender Pay Equality Law Expanded Beginning January 2016, an employer shall not pay employees at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex for substantially similar work, and performed…
WHILE my columns usually focus on the serious subject of IRS audits, let’s end this year with more somber versions of Murphy’s Law: Law of IRS Audits If you are a rat pack who keeps lots of tax records, you get an IRS audit letter as soon as you discard your records. Keep your records…
