Court upholds BIA’s ‘fixed marriage’ finding
While it is true that some people “got away” with fixed marriages, a person is taking a big risk in trying to do so, because, if caught, it results in…
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Buko featuring your suki
You are resting in your living room, and you hear the most distinct sound you are very well acquainted with – your “suki” shouts “buko.” Automatically, you get up and…
Should undocumented immigrants in the US be given work permits?
BALITANG America cited reports that President Barack Obama could issue an executive order on immigration by early September, which would impact the lives of qualified undocumented immigrants, including many Filipinos….
When does filing bankruptcy make sense?
NO one ever likes to talk about bankruptcy. However, it’s simply a fact of life. Things happen. Whether it’s losing your job, going through a divorce, having huge medical bills…
Remembering President Cory
I covered the presidential term, sailing through its choppy waters while chronicling President Cory’s wavy patterns of success and glory; laughter and grief; loss and devastation; troubles and genuine delights. Through the oppressive…
Paul Alimoren and friends were not ‘out swimming’ when he was swept to sea
Family friend clarifies facts about the incident LOS ANGELES – In an August 2 article, Asian Journal reported that Fil-Am teen Paul Alimoren was believed to have drowned after he saved two…
Council Approves Height Restrictions for Sunset Blvd in Echo Park
ECHO PARK — The Los Angeles City Council approved a new height limit for Echo Park on Tuesday, which establishes a new limit of 45 feet and will help to…
Of wonder and awe
FR. RONALD Rolheiser, O.M.I. contends that there is an important distinction between “amazement” and “wonder and awe.” He says that wonder and awe stop the flow of energy passing through…
Pinoy artist designs new National Humanities Award medal
PAETE, Laguna native, now Chicago-based Paul Balan recently exhibited Pinoy artistry when he was chosen to design the prestigious National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) Medal. This award is given to…
Firm pulls out video that negatively depicted Filipinos speaking in Tagalog in the workplace
YEARS back, I wrote about the legal victory and vindication of Filipina nurses who were wrongfully terminated by their employer hospital for allegedly speaking in Tagalog while on duty in…
The state of Noynoy Aquino
MANY, including myself, wanted to hear the 2014 SONA as much to learn about the State of Noynoy Aquino as we did about the State of the Nation. Thus, in…
Deathbed bankruptcy
I DON’T really want to talk about death but everyone dies whether we like it or not. Blame Adam for that. If Adam did not eat of the forbidden fruit…
IRS audits corporate shareholder loans
(Part 2) SHAREHOLDER loans accumulate over time and become red flags for IRS audits. Left unchecked, they grow to sums that are hard to repay. Let’s discuss some tips and…
‘Constructive discharge’ may be illegal termination
Q: I WAS recently forced to quit my job because of my abusive manager. Can I still sue for wrongful termination even if I was the one who left my…
Possible H-1B visas for nurses
ON July 11, 2014, USCIS issued a policy memorandum on the adjudication of H-1B petitions for nursing occupations. Most registered nurse positions do not qualify for H-1B classification but the…
Debt problems: Financial turnaround for businesses and families
WHILE I have written this article especially for small business owners, everything I say here will also apply to everyone who is going through a financial crisis. So, whether you…
What makes a perfect beauty pageant?
THERE is no correct or incorrect answer to that question—only an honest or dishonest one. Because you can’t deny its reality: it is about values, beliefs, love, money, integrity, generosity…
Eight hopefuls vie for the first ever FIA International King & Queen crowns
Fiesta in America (FIA) launches the first ever international beauty and talent search this side of the eastern seaboard in connection with its 16th year of celebrating the grandiosity of…
US residents in PH: How to not abandon US resident status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the US is a privilege, and the status can be abandoned, even involuntarily. Abandonment of permanent residence (also known as the “green card”) occurs…
Does the creation of a revocable living trust, during the marriage, transmute separate property to community property?
Divorcing couples may have established revocable living trust for estate planning pusposes during their marriage which was funded primarily with assets acquired by one spouse prior to the marriage. The…
When your toothbrush isn’t handy, reach for scrubber foods!
WE’VE all been in situations where we’ve wished we had a toothbrush—but didn’t. Perhaps it was on a recent camping trip. Perhaps it was right after lunch, on a day when you were…
Work authorization for parents of DACA recipients?
According to news reports, President Obama is considering executive action to let millions of undocumented immigrants obtain work permits and allow them to stay in the US “legally,” without threat…
AARP sponsors national Filipino-American conferences
AARP Community Ambassador General Tony Taguba to speak at upcoming FANHS and NaFFAA events in San Diego SAN DIEGO—AARP is proud to sponsor the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)…
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera head list of August birthday celebrants
REEL and real life lovebirds Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, both GMA 7 Kapuso talents, are celebrating their birthdays this month. Marian is adding another year on August 12, while…
Ballroom dancing
Is ballroom dancing good for everyone? For the majority of people who love to dance, ballroom dancing is one of the best exercises for cardiovascular fitness. Only those with medical…
You are bound to be there
THE rap artist Andrew E. gave people, at an early age, a picture of what Malate is in his song Banyo Queen—a place where one can have fun with an…
Saying goodbye to my father, my pillar of strength
ON Sunday, July 27, I lost my hero — my father, my pillar of strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited the Philippines last June — that…
Realization
IN his past State of the Nation Address (SONA), Pres. Benigno Aquino III enjoyed endless applause. He has been commended by his political peers and foreign observers for his ingenuity…