It’s spring once again
Today, we stop and breathe because there it is, the scent of hope, love and lust — spring. It is land’s perpetual gift of sudden grace. It is upon us…
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APIDC hosts statewide conference on Americans with Disabilities Act
PASADENA, Calif. — Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC), a non-profit volunteer-run organization that assists with bridging the services and cultural barriers faced by the Asian and…
9 linked to Brussels bombings arrested
Evidence of link to Paris attacks mounting SEVEN people have been arrested in a series of raids in connection with the bombings at Brussels Airport and subway station earlier this…
NY lawmakers to vote April 1 on min. wage hike
NEW York lawmakers are scheduled to vote on Friday, April 1 on a proposal that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. If approved, New York would…
A time to reflect on faith and belief
Holy Week or Lenten season is the time when Christians, Catholic and other religious denominations remember Christ’s passion (his suffering and death) and resurrection. Ash Wednesday (forty days before Easter Sunday)…
An Easter Sunday message
AN explosion of new life and hope happened on that Easter morning when Jesus resurrected from the dead after three days in the tomb. It was an explosion that brought…
Client’s ‘friend’ uses her identity to borrow $80K credit cards
Creditor puts lien on client’s house for $16K identity theft credit card TWO clients with issues relating to known and unknown persons who used their names and social security information…
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach now dating ‘hottest doctor alive’
REIGNING Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is no longer a member of “Team Sawi,” as the Filipina beauty queen is apparently dating Mikhail “Doc Mike” Varshavski, who was named the…
Would you perform surgery on yourself, or would you let a doctor do it?
SOME people, with only limited knowledge or understanding of immigration laws, try to strategize and handle their immigration case on their own. They follow the advice of friends or relatives,…
New regulations extend OPT extension for STEM
ON March 11, 2016, the US Department of Homeland Security released its final rule enhancing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 international students in science, technology, engineering, and…
AMLC debased under Aquino
AMLC COUNCIL, EXECUTIVES SHOULD RESIGN Set up in 2001 during President Gloria Arroyo’s term, it is only under President Benigno Aquino that the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC) along with …
Cardiomyopathy: Causes of a flabby heart
What is cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy is a serious disease of the muscles of the heart, where they become enlarged, flabby, and weak, severely reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively….
President should secure Supreme Court that is diverse
President Obama, as is his right, has nominated to the US Supreme Court another white man from Harvard, Merrick Garland. Yet Mr. Garland is highly unlikely to ever be confirmed…
3 ISIS-claimed attacks in Brussels kill at least 34, wound over 30
Suicide bombers are brothers and believed to be dead, 1 suspect still on the run THREE explosions in Brussels on Tuesday, March 22, that killed at least 34 and wounded…
New form requirement to report foreign financial assets
“ A single taxpayer is only required to file if the overall value of his specified foreign financial assets is more than $200,000 on the last day of the tax…
Observing Holy Week in the Jubilee Year of Mercy: What does this mean to Christians?
LAST DECEMBER 8, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Mercy of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, inaugurating the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Mercy is defined as getting the…
Holy Week message
“THE world today no longer counts on God. We count on money, arms, private armies, intimidation and connection, and if we continue to do these, it is very easy to…
Former caregiver shares trafficking story, urges victims to fight for their rights
IN the Philippines, when someone is asked to work in the United States, it’s tantamount to winning the lottery. So when the option to do so was presented to Angela…
AAPI director leaves Clinton campaign
THE Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) outreach director for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has left the campaign. Lisa Changadveja, who was first appointed outreach director last August, is moving to…
Obama meets with Cuban Pres. Castro in ‘historic’ visit
PRESIDENT Barack Obama became the first sitting US president since 1928 to visit Cuba when he landed on the island nation for a three-day visit on Sunday, March 20. “This…
If I could interview Jesus Christ
The Lenten season is the time for people to renew themselves with the teachings of Christ. Presented in words in a thousand pulpits across the nation, some may be true…
Filipino clothing designer, Lou Razon launches ready-to-wear line, ‘Lou Lou Couture’
FIFTEEN YEARS ago when she debuted her first fashion show at Reflections, I already saw the promising career that lies ahead of this amazing designer. From starting a couture shop…
The Passion of Christ: God’s ultimate act of love and service to his people
CAN you think with your heart? In other words, can you have a critical mind and at the same time have intense feelings of love, compassion, sympathy and care for…
Client seeks chapter 7 relief again for $48 credit cards
Client seeks chapter 13 again for default on residence WHO said that, first is chance, twice is coincidence and third is habit? I have two new clients who are actually previous…
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
BECAUSE of the current economic downturn, some people are interested about bankruptcy as a relief to their financial dilemma. I deem it therefore appropriate to discuss bankruptcy and Chapter 7…
When are ‘commission’ and piece-rate employees entitled to back wages?
MELISSA Fong and other hair stylists worked for Regis Corporation, which operates several hair salons all over California. During their employment, the stylists were paid on a “commission” or piece-rate…
10 tips in deducting charitable contributions
• YOU may deduct donations to qualified organizations. Qualified organizations have tax-exempt status from the IRS. These include corporations or foundations organized in the U.S. for religious, charitable, educational, scientific,…
Victims of domestic violence can terminate a lease on written notice to the landlord
A TENANT may terminate his or her tenancy on written notice to the landlord that the tenant, or a household member, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking,…
What creditors can do when you don’t pay
“ In some cases you may also be called to appear in court for something called a “debtor’s examination”, in which case, a bench warrant for your arrest may be…
From Noy-Bi to Poe-Noy: The anatomy of a double-cross
IT helps to visit my favorite watering hole in Daly City. I pick up insights from folks who can still see the forest from the trees, with respect to the…