THERE are many things happening in the world and in our lives today that trouble us. They are the constant killings of innocent people in many countries, the never-ending violence in cities, the unstoppable corruption in governments, and the division and differences among people in politics and religion. They are the verbal attacks and anger…
After Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, many people became fearful, anxious, and nervous about their future in America. After all, he started his campaign by stating he wanted to deport ALL of the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. He recently modified that position, by stating he wants to…
Young couple need Chapter 7 relief for $40K credit cards CLIENTS are married to each other and they are both seniors. He is 68 and she is 66. He is a member of the professions and still works in that professional capacity. She is retired. Their residence has equity of $400K. This fact alone knocks them…
Different Health Plans PRESIDENT-elect Trump vowed to repeal at least parts of Affordable Care Act (ACA). Certain parts of that he will maintain, as he wants all Americans to have insurance and to maintain health coverage for those who have pre-existing health condition. Surely change will come, but for now, Covered CA assures Californians that…
(Injured persons’ immigration status not subject to inquiry under new law) ON October 23, 1979, Jesus Rodriguez was injured in a traffic accident after being hit by a vehicle driven by Samuel Kline. As a result of his injuries, Rodriguez could no longer work at his usual job. Rodriguez sued Kline in court and won…
WHEN buying real estate, there is always that inevitable question: how do you hold title? Your choice can have dramatic impact on estate taxes and income taxes. Let’s explore choices to help you determine which title is best for your next property. Whichever you chose, get legal advice from your attorney. Joint Tenancy: • Any…
I CAN’T believe this year is almost over. This morning, I saw a lot of my neighbors starting to put up their Christmas lights. It seems like 2016 just started. Where did the time go? For me, it’s going a little too fast these days. It is usually around this time of the year that…
In recent months, a stretch of Brand Blvd. in Glendale, California has suddenly been revitalized with outposts of hot foodie spots. Across from The Americana at Brand, Shake Shack, Philz Coffee, Mainland Poke and Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop have opened up — giving us all more dining options to choose from. Popular breakfast sandwich outlet Eggslut…
AT my favorite watering hole in Daly City, California, the hottest topic has been the series of Senate and House committee hearings, particularly those on the extrajudicial killings under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the alleged involvement of Senator and former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima with drug lords, as well as with…
The moniker “Mark Bautista” has persistently been a household name since his emergence in the Philippine music arena via a local reality TV talent search, Star For A Night, where he demonstrated an excellent struggle but finished close behind its top contender Sarah Geronimo. Undaunted and resolved Mark was challenged even more and vowed to…
AFTER Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, many people became fearful, anxious, and nervous about their future in America. After all, he started his campaign by stating he wanted to deport ALL of the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. He recently modified that position, by stating he wants to…
WHAT happens when my green card expires? Lawful Permanent Resident status is not affected by the expiration of the Form I-551, or the “green card.” A person does not lose his or her status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States by the mere fact that their green card has expired. However, individuals…
All of us want to live a long and healthy life. The search for the Fountain of Youth has been an obsession of man from time immemorial. More than ever before, our quest for that “secret formula” today has intensified in the research labs and medical centers around the world. While the scientific exploration and…
After more than 30 years serving Nevada in Washington, my time in office is coming to an end. Representing the Silver State in the United States Congress has been the honor of a lifetime. I am forever humbled and full of gratitude for the chance I was given to serve Nevadans all these years. There…
THERE are two types of income tax – Regular and AMT. Currently, regular tax rates are: 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%, 39.6%, while AMT tax rates are: 26% with alternative taxable income (ATI) of not more than $186,300 in 2016, 28% with ATI greater than $186,300 from $185,400 in 2015. AMT limits the excessive…
SLEEPLESS nights… Stressed out… Worried about the future.. Always broke no matter how hard they work…Feeling hopeless about their situation. This is what most people are going through when they are considering bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. The word “bankruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure. They…
Widower seeks Chapter 13 for $50K credit cards CLIENT is 53 and recently widowed. She works as a caregiver and met her now deceased husband through her job. At first, husband was her patient. She provided caregiving services to the man in his house. He was 70, divorced and lived by himself. As part of…
Some doubters thought Eduard Folayang’s career as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter had ended years before he won two consecutive victories in 2016 to earn a shot at the ONE Lightweight World Championship. Many believed the 32-year-old Wushu practitioner’s comeback would come to a screeching halt against highly-decorated grappler and former lightweight champ, Shinya…
IT was a month of passion, erudition and of past times, but mostly politics and government at every turn both here and across the country. In a trove of bemused reflection, timeless 30 days of follies, tragedies and triumphs that intrigued us, filling our days and troubled our nights, these thoughts gave us pause, pleasure…
AS soon as she took a stand against the rising cases of alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, Sen. Leila De Lima put a target on her back. When she criticized the government’s bloody war on drugs, she was chastised. Some lawmakers are now hell-bent on linking the senator to the illegal drug trade at…
LOS ANGELES — Vandals defaced a 21-year-old mural in Historic Filipinotown celebrating historical and multicultural elements of Filipino heritage sometime before Tuesday, November 22. Photos circulating on social media show black graffiti spray painted over a central portion of the massive outdoor acrylic painting titled “Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana (A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy)”…
WHEN it comes to bioscience, the state universities that flank downtown Los Angeles—Cal State LA to the east and UCLA in the west—are teaming up. A new training program between the two schools will provide recently graduated UCLA doctoral students doing postdoctoral research with experience in integrating lab work with innovative teaching in the fields…
There is no better place than to be than in your own country. I realized that there are a lot to discover in the Philippines. This is my most memorable vacation and I want to share this incredible experience to all my readers. Aside from meeting a lot of good people and spending quality time…
I WILL always remember Fr. Anthony Lee’s homily last week in the seminary when our community celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass. To start his homily he shared a “culture shock” he had during his first years of immigrating to America from Korea. It was about opening gifts on Christmas Day. He was stunned to see how…
THE blitzkrieg burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani of the remains of the late President Ferdinand Marcos has aroused fears of more surprises from the Supreme Court. Among those fears is a bona fide nightmare for those who experienced two decades of the Marcos dictatorship: the proclamation of Bongbong Marcos as vice-president in lieu…
THANKSGIVING DAY goes beyond turkey dinner and Black Friday shopping. It is that season when families get together not just to wine and dine and be merry. It is also that time when we remind ourselves of the blessings we have already received and the things that matter most to us. Let me share with…
(Liabilities of “joint employers”) Q: I WORK as a manager for a fast-food franchisee with three stores in Los Angeles. While my title is “manager” I spend 70 percent of my time doing cashier and cook duties. I work 10 to 12 hours per day, 6- 7 days per week, but not paid overtime. The…
Widower seeks Chapter 13 for $50K credit cards CLIENT is 53 and recently widowed. She works as a caregiver and met her now deceased husband through her job. At first, husband was her patient. She provided caregiving services to the man in his house. He was 70, divorced and lived by himself. As part of…
YOU have just received an invitation to visit an office of the Internal Revenue Service to examine (meaning audit) your tax returns. Don’t panic. You have stashed funds for a rainy day, and this is it – a gathering storm. Take a minute to compose yourself, then read these tactics to shelter you from the…
THE E-1/E-2 visa is available to citizens of countries with which the U.S. maintains treaties of commerce and navigation. The Philippines is a participating country, and therefore, Philippine citizens are eligible to apply for an E-1/E-2 visa. The purpose of the E-1/E-2 visa is for the Filipino national to engage in substantial trade principally between…
