Beefing up
THE United States and the Philippines have expressed alarm over China’s recent move. On Wednesday, China announced a 12.2 percent increase in its military spending, amounting to $132 billion —…
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Putin’s action in Ukraine like Hitler’s – Hillary
AS world leaders discuss options to de-escalate the growing tension between Russia and Ukraine, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made some controversial statements — comparing Putin’s recent move to…
The (not so) permanent resident
GETTING your green card is a wonderful accomplishment. When we represent a client at their adjustment of status interview, the room is filled with smiles and happy tears when their…
10 tips in deducting charitable contributions
1. 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,…
Are homeowners liable for injuries caused by drunk guests?
ON April 27, 2007, Jessica Manosa hosted a party at a vacant residence owned by her parents. Manosa and most of the attendees of the party were under 21 years…
Do you have a secret fear of losing everything you have?
I KNOW we’ve never met. But there’s a common concern we all share. As a debt relief attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me everyday. It is…
Fil-Am writer-filmmaker launches Kickstarter for WW II vets’ docu
LOS ANGELES – A Kickstarter campaign was recently launched for a documentary project. The project aims to tell the story of World War II veterans, who fought in the Philippines….
LA Board of Supervisors presents plaque to ConGen De La Vega
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors bid farewell to Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega with a presentation of a plaque in recognition of…
First debate forum for CA Secretary of State candidates
LOS ANGELES – Six aspiring candidates for the California Secretary of State position shared their platforms in the first California Secretary of State candidate forum on Monday night, March 3,…
Martinez is back on the ice
Receives hero’s welcome in LAX LOS ANGELES – Arriving in Southern California on March 1, Filipino figure skater and Olympian Christian Martinez is now back on the ice. After a…
To ConGen Hellen Barber De la Vega: Good luck and till we meet again!
Farewells are always simultaneously sad and bright, like sunshine after the rain. Braving the rain and howling wind, the guests poured into Double Tree by Hilton in Norwalk: Fil-Am officials,…
Ascesis for Lent
ASCESIS is another term for self-discipline. It comes from the Greek word, askesis, which literally means exercise. During this Lenten season, God calls us to a period of ascesis. The term…
Jayson Leonardo Javier: Weathering the storm while consoled by silver lining
The bustling thoroughfares of NYC leave no space for some cool and idle moments especially for someone like the lanky Asian guy who works in a well-patronized Japanese buffet restaurant…
B-1/B-2 visa holders and adjustment of status
Many individuals entering the United States on a visitor’s visa wonder whether they can adjust status on the basis of a petition from an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child). …
How is annulment different from divorce?
A petition for nullity of a marriage is based on an allegation that an impediment existed at the time of the marriage that prevented the marriage from ever existing. Whereas…
ZALORA to Launch Marketplace
The online fashion retailer to offer independent fashion designers and sellers access to their millions of customers ZALORA, Asia’s leading online fashion destination, has announced it will be launching ZALORA…
Mango now at ZALORA Philippines
The much-loved Spanish fashion brand makes its debut at ZALORA ZALORA, Asia’s leading online fashion destination, has expanded its assortment with the addition of international fashion brand Mango. ZALORA will make it easier…
Questions to ask yourself about brushing
BRUSHING: It’s the foundation for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. In fact, it’s so basic that most people don’t think about it very much—they just do it. If you’re…
‘Married/single’ immigrant discovered when derivative child applied for naturalization
Recently, a young woman came to my office for a consultation after USCIS denied her naturalization application. The reason? Her mother immigrated to the US as “single” but was secretly…
Actress Sarah Lahbati ends rift with the Kapuso network
JUST like in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies in show business – just permanent interests. For actress/model and Kapuso talent Sarah Lahbati and GMA Films President Annette…
TV’s bad impact on children
Unless otherwise disciplined, children in general would be glued on television hours on end. This is a part of their natural curiosity and playful instinct. If allowed, they would lose…
Obama’s Spring Visit to the Philippines Should Produce a Strong Alliance
The US and President Obama should be key partners with the Philippines and President Aquino in demonstrating the benefits of democracy. With one exception, all the Arab nations that have…
Celebrating women
MARCH is International Women’s Month. It has been designated to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of women around the world. With the theme: “Celebrating Women of Character,…
No to US involvement in conflict between Russia and Ukraine
WHEN news broke that Russia deployed troops to Ukraine, most Americans (including kababayans) cried “ENOUGH” to wars. They do not want the US to act us “Big Brother” or “Global…
Reinventing Mar
OVER a week ago, Kit Tatad, in his column in Manila Standard Today, wrote about the newly launched program of Malacañang to repair the 2016 presidential bandwagon of Mar Roxas…
Northern Cebu: Paradise in the making
CEBU, hailed as the Queen City of the South, is among the country’s most visited places. The main draw of this vibrant city is the harmonious co-existence of the vibrant…
Bill Lets Taxpayers Know If Tax-Exempt Hospitals Earn Their Tax Breaks
AB 503 Creates Transparency, Accountability; Inspired by Greenlining Institute Report Contact: Bruce Mirken, Greenlining Institute Media Relations Director, 510-926-4022; 415-846-7758 (cell) SACRAMENTO – Inspired in part by a report issued last year by…
PCG commemorates 28th EDSA People Power Revolution
LOS ANGELES – The Philippine Consulate General commemorated the 28th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution with the theme “Kapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pagbangon” with a Mass and feature…
The Oscars: A metaphor for success
CELEBRATING the Academy Awards (nicknamed The Oscars) is as old as a man’s knowledge of entertainment, music, laughter and despair. It is as fresh as a child’s first taste of…
Record-breaking
WHEN it comes to contending for world records in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Philippines is always game. Recently, the country (through the Polytechnic University of the Philippines…