Should Revilla, Estrada, Enrile et al. be given special treatment in their detention for the pork barrel scam?
SOCIAL media platforms have been burning with commentaries reflecting ordinary people’s sentiments from disbelief to disgust, about the stagecraft showcasing the surrender and detention of the most prominent public servants…
When to use chapter 13
CHAPTER 13 is normally used to save a house from foreclosure. But this is not the only situation where Chapter 13 is used. When a Chapter 13 petition is filed,…
Summer, a fiery weather of dreams
Summer time and the living is easy, says Gershwin. It is more mellow than autumn, more tender than spring and away from the inhospitable glare of winter. Summer has officially…
Fil-Ams have 2nd highest income among Asian Americans
LOS ANGELES – According to Philippine Ambassador the the United States Jose Cuisia Jr., Filipino-Americans are the second top income earners among Asian Americans. Citing a 2010 US Census report,…
APCF strengthen nonprofits with over $160,000 in grants, honors advocates for supporting API cause
ON Thursday, June 19, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) held its 8th Annual Giving for All Seasons Fundraising Gala at the Los Angeles Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles….
New report: Covered California’s big enrollment numbers mask problems
Serious Issues Hampered Outreach to Limited-English Californians Berkeley, Calif. – Covered California, the state health insurance exchange created under the Affordable Care Act, deserves credit for strong enrollment numbers in…
Drivers’ license for the Undocumented
WHILE the passing of the comprehensive immigration bill gets stalled in Congress, undocumented immigrants in California may soon be able to get drivers’ licenses. As Balitang America’s LA Correspondent Steve…
What’s happening to our country?
ON JULY 21, 1982, former senator and former Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez was ambushed in his car in Quezon City. He took six bullets but miraculously survived. His driver was…
The ABCs of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR)
IF YOU have offshore bank accounts, should you report the accounts to the US government? Yes, if the aggregate balances exceed $10,000 at any time during the year. What if…
When employees blow the whistle on employers
DAVID Bryant worked for 22 years for San Diego Gas and Electric as a bill collection clerk and then as a senior collector. For several years, he has reportedly complained…
Cantor loss signals no immigration reform- alternatives available now!
WITH House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s loss in a Virginia primary election last week to “Tea Party” challenger David Brat, the US House of Representatives looks even less likely to…
The Grand Ball of the 116th Philippine Independence Day
An Independence Grand Ball is like none other: nobody is there to have a good time. Everyone is there to do the room and get around. Image thinkers and label…
United, Nourished and Cared in the Eucharist
THESE past weeks have been anxious times for me as I prepare to finish my term of 12 years as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. There are times…
Elizabeth Divinagracia: Reaping remunerations from fortitude and benevolence
Compassion and resilience are just two of the many outstanding traits that distinctly embody a true-blooded physical therapist. Connately endowed with these enviable qualities plus being well-credentialed and ably experienced…
Permanent residency through marriage to US citizen spouse
The economic crisis of the past few years and changes in immigration legislation has made it more difficult to pursue certain traditional paths to obtaining permanent residency in the United…
Listening to gamers, next gen titles and the future of gaming
LOS ANGELES – The 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has come and gone, and it was just like that line from The Fault In Our Stars—slowly, and then all at once….
626 Night Market lights up Downtown LA on June 20 & 21
DTLA Night Market is a new kind of night market produced by the team behind 626 Night Market, the original and largest Asian-themed night market in America. Coming to the…
Dieting? Four tips to keep your smile healthy
ARE you setting weight loss goals? Great! Just remember to stay healthy—and that includes taking good care of your teeth while dieting. Connections between oral health and whole body health…
The Supreme Court’s decision does not mean CSPA is ‘dead’
In a long-awaited decision, the US Supreme Court recently ruled that the only aged-out children who can retain (and convert) their original priority date under the Child Status Protection Act…
Indie films rule at the 37th Gawad Urian awards
IT was a night for independent films at the 37th Gawad Urian last June 17 at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theatre. The indies won most of the categories, including the major ones….
Our self-abuse
Man’s natural instinct and normal automatic response to any possible harm is to protect itself, to ensure well-being and self-preservation. When we accidentally touch something hot, it is our instantaneous…
Crime deterrence
THERE was never a better time to call this world a civilized society. Because of current laws existing, we are bound to live vicariously, based on respect for the sanctity…
Bakasyon sa Pilipinas 2014: NAIA Surprise!
MY family had the privilege of spending a two-week vacation in the Philippines this early June, a travel I am thinking many kababayans would want to take at least every…
PNoy’s Marcosian predicament
IRONY of ironies. Noynoy Aquino appears to be facing the same predicament in dealing with the pork barrel and Malampaya scandals as Marcos did in the wake of the assassination…
Are you feeling hopeless about your debt problems?
THE last few years have been financially difficult for a lot of people. When the real estate marked crashed a few years ago, millions of people found themselves with a…
Conquering the Philippine Mountains: Tips for beginners
Life’s greatest competition, and perhaps the hardest, happens within one’s self. Imagine the struggle of overcoming your ego in admitting your fault; or pride in begging for a loved one…
A widow’s lament
For such a monumental thing to be accomplished in seconds defies logic. In fact it was almost insulting, but there it was. It happened in less time than it took…
Use of assets to qualify as an affidavit of support sponsor
An applicant for admission or adjustment of status must generally have a qualified sponsor who executes a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. Otherwise, such alien would be inadmissible under INA…
When you should use Chapter 7 debt relief
THE Supreme Court of the United States has often called Chapter 7 bankruptcy the “Fresh Start”. This is an accurate description of debt relief given by Chapter 7. Debtors are…