The glory of the Cross: An Easter message
I ALWAYS remember what my spiritual mentor, Nim Gonzales, once said: “At times, the unpleasant things that we reject in our lives, such as our struggles, our pains or our…
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PH SC rules: RH law is constitutional
DESPITE opposition from the mighty Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, key provisions in the controversial Reproductive Health(RH) Bill have been upheld by the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) as constitutional …
Moving forward
IT was a hard-fought battle, but on April 8 success gleamed when the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) deemed the basic principles of the controversial Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH)…
The Shoemakers: End-results of genetic dominance
The capacity to be skilled in the many facets of parenting remains to this day a gargantuan challenge for Singer-supermom Maureen Javier-Varco. Now that her kids are in the adolescent…
Are undocumented workers entitled to back wages if fired due to disability discrimination?
IN 2003, Vicente Salas started work for Sierra Chemical in its production line filling containers with chemicals used for water treatment. The company hires seasonal workers because demand for its…
Immigration consequences of domestic violence convictions
A CRIMINAL conviction for domestic violence might affect an alien’s eligibility for immigration relief or benefit. This conviction might qualify as a ground for inadmissibility under crime involving moral turpitude…
Facing foreclosure: Here’s one mistake you should avoid
YOU already know that your home is in foreclosure. You’ve received that dreaded Notice of Default. You know that after 90 days, your home can be scheduled for a Trustee…
H-1B cap reached in one week again: Alternatives?
ONCE again, the USCIS has announced that the H-1B cap has been reached within one week of opening on April 1, 2014. Even though we are talking about visas that…
The May 2014 Priority Dates
The May 2014 priority dates indicate that the F-2A priority date still remains at September 8, 2013, which is almost the same as being “current.” It is phenomenal news for spouses…
First Fil-Am elected to Sierra Madre City Council
LOS ANGELES – On April 8, Rachelle Arizmendi became the first non-white and first Filipino-American member of the Sierra Madre City Council. Arizmendi edged out re-electionist Gene Goss and two…
Edison International Awards $1.2 Million in Scholarships to Edison Scholars
ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Congratulations to 30 high school seniors across Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service territory who have been named 2014 Edison Scholars, each winning a $40,000 scholarship offered by Edison International,…
The unheard, unwept and unsung heroes of Bataan
There is always a legend of a hero — one who fights and dies in the name of freedom. The word freedom does not seem to have a synonym, only…
Does bankruptcy court have power to void debtor's homestead exemption?
The situation we are going to discuss involves the debtor’s homestead claim of exemption for his residence in a bankruptcy proceeding. In California, the homestead claim of exemption is $75,000,…
What if you receive a Notice to Appear?
Even as the Obama Administration has espoused some more lenient policies toward persons who have violated their immigration status in the US, such as prosecutorial discretion, USCIS over the past…
Crime-busting doesn't pay
In 2005, the late Samuel Ong, then deputy director of the NBI, blew the whistle on the Hello Garci phone calls that resulted in the “election” of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and…
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada opens up to Balitang America
Three senators believed to have been key players in the multi-billion pork barrel scam in the Philippines have already been charged with plunder. One of them, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, is…
Halo-Halo: Philippines’ ultimate summer quencher
Now that it’s summer in the Philippines, everybody’s looking for a way to beat the heat. And apart from the exciting getaways and road trips, there’s this one treat everybody…
Praying for God’s miracle
On Saturday, April 12, my husband and I became a lolo and lola. It’s a milestone that we’ve been looking forward to, after our daughter Misty got married in 2012….
The enjoyment of reading
It is the art of entertaining oneself with the brains of other men. I dedicate a considerable portion of my time with other people — reading their thoughts and their…
A period waiting: A test of faith and hope
“ May we never lose patience and hope in any painful period of waiting. May God strengthen us in every dark moment of life!” IT’S been five weeks since Malaysia Airlines…
Of sashes and tiaras: Binibining Pilipinas 2014 winners
During the question and answer portion of Binibining Pilipinas 2014, Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler asked candidate #25 Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa: For you, what is the greatest advantage of…
The ultimate interview: Questions I will ask Jesus Christ
Can anyone imagine how it would be like to interact with the Lord, who knows your every thought and word, even before you speak? How do I attempt to clear…
Immigration Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions
A criminal conviction for domestic violence might affect an alien’s eligibility for immigration relief or benefit. This conviction might qualify as a ground for inadmissibility under crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). It might also qualify as a ground for deportability under aggravated felony or domestic violence. Grounds for inadmissibility disqualify an alien who is trying to enter the US from getting a visa or admission. Grounds for deportability make an alien who has already been admitted into the US susceptible to removal.
God bless the queen(s)!
Red-faced and feeling contrite, I erred last Sunday. I rant against mediocrity and plead so ardently for an intelligent performance about real people, who say coherent things to each other….
Recognition
LIVING in the mecca of entertainment and filmmaking, it is unavoidable for Filipinos in Los Angeles to imbibe the Hollywood culture. Films (whether fictitious or based on real-life events) and…
Poll results on PH seeking UN intervention: Good or bad for the escalating standoff with China?
A MAJORITY of the viewers (76 percent) of The Filipino Channel’s Balitang America, who voted in the online poll regarding the Philippines seeking the United Nations’ (UN) intervention in its…
Whistleblowing Playboy employee in retaliatory firing, awarded $6 million
Internal complaints of illegal acts are protected CATHERINE Zulfer was employed by Playboy Enterprises, Inc. for about thirty years in various accounting positions. During the last eighteen months of her…
Need to file bankruptcy but worried about your credit?
IF YOU are in debt and are seriously considering bankruptcy as an option, I am sure a lot of thoughts are going through your mind. I just want to get…