WHEN it comes to Medi-Cal , one of the concepts that our office gets the most questions about is something called Share of Cost. Share of Cost seems simple: it functions like an insurance deductible, the amount that a Medi-Cal beneficiary must pay to healthcare providers before receiving benefits from the state. Although it sounds…
Q: MY workplace installed a new time recording system where employees are required to provide our photos and fingerprints to be able to clock in and out for work. I am concerned about all the personal information my employer already has about me – my name, address, phone number, Social Security number, bank account, my…
NEITHER one, actually. You see, IRS conducts field audits where the books and records of a business are maintained. This, of course, is your home, office, warehouse, factory, or store. But I don’t like any of these locations. What I like is my own accounting office. After representing taxpayers in IRS disputes for decades, I…
IF you are delinquent on your debts, you may be able to avoid dealing with the bill collectors for a few months but sooner or later, you will still need to face the reality of your debt problems and do something to protect yourself. For example, creditors will probably wait until you are 60 days…
THINK of a spa and the immediate perception is an air of pretense and privilege that only a select few can indulge in, given the exorbitant prices. However, if you live in Los Angeles, Korean spas have sprouted up, contributing to the idea that pampering oneself and affordability are not mutually exclusive. Though the options…
While Hmart has made a name for themselves as America’s number one Asian supermarket chain, the South Bay region of Los Angeles county welcomed Hmart to Torrance for the first time on Wednesday, June 22 in Torrance, California. Shoppers packed the aisles at the grand opening, both inquisitive, yet excited to experience what the supermarket…
Just a little over two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Maxine Medina, our lovely candidate for Ms. Universe. Maxine is in LA for a short vacation and to spend some time with her family over here. We had a private party at my friends, Hydee and (her husband) Akima Abrahan’s pad….
Monet Salon is excited to announce its new location at 20113 Vanowen St. Canoga Park, CA (across Canoga Bowling). Spreading its hair care and makeover expertise, Monet Salon is thrilled to add another beauty haven for the San Fernando Valley locals. As it celebrates 30 years of making beautiful beginnings, they are proud to offer updated hairstyles…
The Southern California Filipino Dental Society (SCFDC) is a world unto itself. As the energy level started going up and up, the dentists moved, talked, laughed and think — and the brain power within the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library patio/garden became formidable, cell phones ringing as the sun went down dramatically into the evening. This…
The world as a stage has tremendously mounted incalculable players masterfully delineating varied roles as they effectually interact with the rest on the arena. While some were assigned light and moderate roles others took a load that required varied acting techniques and wide-ranging attacks. Meet would-be protagonist Shirley Escalada Capaldo, a loquaciously outspoken beauty pageant…
Actor John Lloyd Cruz won the honor for the film “Honor Thy Father,” while LJ Reyes won best actress for the film “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” at the 39th Gawad Urian awards night last Wednesday, June 22, held at the Kia Theater. “I came here tonight as an actor that can honor and celebrate…
DESPITE having only limited knowledge or understanding of immigration laws, some people attempt to strategize and handle their immigration case on their own. They follow the advice of friends or relatives or listen to gossip or rumors they hear on the streets or at parties. Partial or incomplete information about immigration law and benefits can…
WHEN a legal permanent resident files for citizenship, one of the questions being asked of the applicant is whether the applicant has ever been convicted or charged with a crime. Depending on the nature of the crime committed, a criminal conviction may result in a permanent bar to an applicant for citizenship. If an applicant…
To celebrate the opening of the new Seafood Department in 99 Ranch Market’s Alhambra location, the store held an “Asian Food Festival” on June 11 and 12. The new Seafood Department itself “not only provides fresh seafood, but also allows customers to choose fish, lobsters, crabs, and other live seafood right in front of the…
THE glutathione craze seems to have spread to various countries, including the Philippines, inspired mostly by women’s desire for a fairer complexion and people’s quest for the fountain of health and youth. Knowing that any substance or drug we use, including “simple” aspirin, is associated with possible adverse side-effects, the concern about the safety of…
FILIPINO HERITAGE NIGHT. The Los Angeles Dodgers held its seventh annual Filipino Heritage Night on Friday, June 17 at Dodger Stadium. Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas threw the ceremonial first pitch, while Broadway star Joan Almedilla sang the national anthem. U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Keith Guiang was honored as a Military Hero of the Game. Dodger Stadium also offered a Filipino Night t-shirt and a special Pinoy Dog — a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog with diced Spam, pineapple, onions and chicharrones. The Dodgers went up against the Milwaukee Brewers, winning 3-2. Photos by Andy Tecson
DURING and after the recession, many borrowers who were financially distressed lost their homes and had their loans cancelled. It was a relief to have their debts reduced or forgiven, but the same debt relief also triggered tax consequences that they were not aware of. Some homeowners were in disbelief when they learn that they…
IT may be less than a month away from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, but the respective presumptive nominees for parties — Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton — have sharpened their attacks against each other. Polls suggest that Hillary Clinton is winning in the match-up this early. According to a CNN/ORC poll released on…
THERE has seemingly been a string of criminal incidents where police officers have instantly shot suspected drug peddlers and pushers upon encounter. Is change really coming to address criminality and the growing illegal drug trade in the Philippines? Or is this a ploy to clean up their ranks? It is unpleasant to see officers you…
Jessica Sanchez’s latest single “Stronger Together” was a hit at this year’s Democratic National Convention, so much so that the song has become the unofficial anthem of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Legendary songwriters Carole Bayer Sager, Bruce Roberts and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds wrote the song and asked the half-Filipina, half-Mexican popstar to record…
At the level of daily life, we learn by experience, how to protect ourselves by learning many strategies. Perla Santos, the mother of MOTHER, or the Movement to Help End Rape and Other Child Abuses, inimitably took the center stage and received the support and partnership of arnis aficionado Master Allan Fami, founder of Kalahi…
On 28 June 2016 at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino along Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City with incoming Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as guest of honor and speaker. This was announced by Paranaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez who describes the landmark book published by Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. as “a fitting celebration of our rich…
“THUS says the Lord: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition…” Zechariah 12:10 Have you ever prayed hard to God, asking him to listen to your petition? Have you asked people to pray for you? I’m sure that you made these…
Traveling on an air- line you haven’t been on before is an adventure in itself. During an overseas flight that spans more than 10 hours, you desire that level of comfort where you can extend your limbs and catch some sleep. in the hours you find yourself awake staring at the in-flight map and wondering ‘are…
FAMILY based petitions and some employment-based petitions (where a relative owns a 5% interest in the petitioning company) require the petitioner to submit an affidavit of support (Form I – 864) in order for the beneficiary to adjust status or obtain an immigrant visa. The petitioner must be domiciled (or living) in the US to…
Clinton beats trump to become first woman president of America CLIENT is 50. This is his financial picture: He has been working as a truck driver for a furniture company for 15 years. Before that, he worked in the warehouse of that company for 5 years. He is married with a 10-year-old son and a…
FAMILY Code 760 provides that all property acquired by the spouse during the marriage is community property. That means each spouse has a half interest on any assets that are acquired during the marriage, with certain exceptions, since it is generally characterized as community property. On the same token, Family Code 771(a) provides that earnings…
Why non-discriminatory conduct can still be illegal retaliation FOR about 19 years, Maria Montoya worked as a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. In November 2011, while on vacation, she suffered a back injury. On Nov. 28, 2011, she sent her employer her doctor’s note, stating that she needed to be on leave…
• YOU may claim exemptions for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. • Dependents must have a Social Security number (TIN is not good enough). • Exemption amount is $4,000 for 2015 for each exemption. • Exemptions reduce your taxable income and your income tax. • It could also produce credits such as child care…
ARE you being harassed by your creditors day and night due to unpaid bills? If you are, you know that this is a pretty unpleasant experience. You may feel scared, angry or embarrassed about your situation. The prospect of debt relief through bankruptcy may sound appealing to you but you are not quite sure if…
