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…
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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…
Should the Republican Party stop Trump’s nomination?
DONALD Trump is winning more and more states in the primary contests across America and has knocked out all of his opponents in the previously crowded field, making it now…
Dirty business
THE recent $81-million money laundering scandal in the Philippines is a testimony to the dirty, hideous work that is hounding the banking community. It brought a darker shade of reality:…
Bohol’s most luxurious resort, ‘Eskaya’: A sanctuary like no other
After having visited Real, Quezon, Boracay and Bohol during my month-long vacation in the Philippines, I came to a conclusion that I am certain my friends (who came with me)…
Destination White House: The campaign combat
There is no arguing that Washington is one of the world’s most powerful city. But amidst its power, no one is immune to the spell of the city’s beauty, magnificent…
Family of mentally disabled Fil-Am killed by Long Beach police files claims
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Supporters, friends, and immediate family gathered in front of the Long Beach Police Headquarters on Thursday, March 17 for a press conference regarding the death of…
Tagalog legal assistance helpline launched in LA County
TO expand its reach of legal services in the growing Filipino community, non-profit organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles has launched a free Tagalog helpline to assist the…
Dr. Felicisima David Quines: An archetypal epitome of munificence and dedicated service
“We can all make a difference in the lives of others in need… because it is the most simple of gestures that make the most of difference…” – Miya Yamanouchi…
Appreciating FVR @ 88
Not all are privileged to work with a former Philippine president. But for over 15 years now, I’ve had the blessing of serving alongside former President Fidel V. Ramos, who…
Remembering actor Rico Yan on his birthday
THEY say only the good die young. So when news broke out on March 2002 that then young actor Rico Yan was dead, everybody thought it was a hoax. …
Three reasons why your smile may be a fountain of youth
COULD the secret to perpetual youth be found in your smile (wink, wink)? Well, that’s probably a bit of an exaggeration! But as you know, here at our practice, we…
How to bring your same-sex partner from the Philippines
WHEN the US Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), their ruling enabled same-sex couples to marry and, for immigration purposes, to petition one another for green…
We were all duped: SC majority didn’t vote for Grace Poe
Carpio’s revelation Contrary to what the public has been led to believe, there is no 9 – 6 majority vote in favor of declaring Mrs. Grace Poe Llamanzares a natural-born…
Healthful data
IS it safe to drink beverages from the cans? Only after cleaning the can. Canned beverages (soda, beer, etc.) are usually warehoused in areas where they are exposed to possible…
Super Tuesday Part 3: Trump and Clinton dominate primary night
ON Tuesday night, March 15, five more states held key presidential primary contests–Ohio, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Missouri–where two party candidates emerged as front-runners of the race. Hillary Clinton…
Happy Seniors of Cerritos association lives up to its name
CERRITOS, Calif. – True to its name, the Happy Seniors of Cerritos truly live up to its name as an association by organizing activities that entertain them, promoting fellowship and…
The presumption of ‘undue influence’ in transactions between spouses during the marriage
CALIFORNIA law on the nature of spouses’ rights and obligations with respect to management and control of community property has evolved over the last thirty years from less stringent “good…
Foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR-FinCEN Form 114)
SHOULD you report the accounts to the U.S. government if you have offshore bank accounts? Yes, if at any time during the year the aggregate balances exceed $10,000. What if…