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…
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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…
Remedies for employees who suffer age discrimination
IN February 2010, Cable’s Restaurant in Woodland Hills, CA was acquired by GACN, Inc. During the acquisition, the employer promised that veteran servers Martha Aboulafia (57 years-old), Cheryl Colgin (57),…
The separation of Showbiz and State
IN the Philippines, politics and show business are no strange bedfellows. Through the years, the country has been (and still is) under the influence of different officials – be it…
Celebrating the Philippine Independence Day Grand Parade
In an unprecedented show of unity, patriotism and force, 30 or more disparate Fil-Am groups joined the celebration of the Kalayaan Grand in Historic Filipinotown last Saturday, June 7. Inspired…
On mending our ways to live in peace
THE words of St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13 would always relevant to us: “Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live…
Celebrating my 68th year: Life at a cutting-edge phase
Last Saturday, June 7, the 158th day of 2014, I woke up to a rather smoggy morning but the murky weather was no match to my self-decreed over-powering cheerfulness and…
LA City Hall celebrates 116th PH Independence Day
LOS ANGELES – On Friday, the Los Angeles City Hall joined the Filipino community in LA in celebrating Philippine Independence Day. The celebration was organized by the Los Angeles Filipino…
The July 2014 Priority Dates: Employment-based priority dates moved forward one year to January 2009!
The July 2014 Visa Bulletin provides great news for Filipinos petitioned in the third preference (professional/skilled worker) and other (unskilled) worker categories, in that the priority date moved forward one…
Richard Yap is now 47, Kris Aquino still brokenhearted
HE has proven that age is not a factor in being a star. Last May 18, actor Richard Yap turned 47 and still remained humble as ever. The star of…