Immigration and tax season
FOR many people there is no concern more pressing than that of their immigration status. People come to our office every day extremely worried and stressed about any number of…
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The academe, artists and doctors who rallied in an evening for a cause
On a recent Sunday, an enchanting concert with a profusion of unique talents of a superb ensemble of musical world of choirs (weeping violins, classics and folklore) settled briefly at …
Light of the world, salt of the earth
A POOR man asked a priest, “Why am a poor? The priest answered, “Because you have not learned to give? “What can I give, I don’t have anything,” the poor…
2 common mistakes that always lead to financial trouble
Many factors lead to financial problems and bankruptcy. While there are things that are simply beyond your control (example: sickness, disability, unemployment, etc.), a lot of bankruptcies are also a…
US residents in the Philippines: How to not abandon US resident status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the U.S. is a privilege, and the status can be abandoned, even involuntarily. Abandonment of permanent residence (also known as the “green card”) occurs…
Gail Banawis sings her way to fame
The current social strata has enormously influenced and generously accorded the new breed of young adults with limitless possibilities of expression while offering potentially diverse opportunities and intellectual growth. The…
Sugar shockers
Feeling a little listless today? Why not perk yourself up by pouring 15 teaspoons of sugar in your mouth? You probably laughed at the above suggestion, but if you’re a…
The March 2014 Priority Dates
The March 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…
The real-life sweethearts of the Philippine silver screen
AS this is Valentine’s Day weekend, I took the opportunity to write about the real-life sweethearts in Philippine showbiz today. In the entertainment business, relationships need more than love because…
Water versus soft drinks
Water is life. Without it, there would be no life on Planet Earth. Without soft drinks, which is toxic to our organs, life would go on, and more people, especially…
San Francisco legislators unanimously approve resolution in support of TPS for PH
San Francisco—On Tuesday, February 11, on the 3-month mark of Super-Typhoon Haiyan hitting the Philippines, San Francisco legislators along with dozens of Bay Area residents and organizations mobilized on City…
Judgment day
THE world’s population didn’t hit the 1 billionth threshold until the 19th century. Today, the numbers have since been growing by giant, exponential leaps. The world population has already breached…
Should federal benefits be given to all married same-sex couples in the US?
Last Monday, US Attorney General Eric Holder released a memo which accords the same federal benefits, protection and services to all same-sex couples across the nation — even in the…
How to reopen a deportation order
“If the alien’s failure to appear was caused by ‘exceptional circumstances,’ the Motion to Reopen must be filed within 180 days of the order. ‘Exceptional circumstances’ is defined as…
Pako: The edible fern
Scientific Name: Athyrium Esculentum Fiddlehead fern, locally called pako in the Philippines, is a vegetable fern. It is often listed among the several kinds of edible ferns mostly found in…
PCG co-hosts opening of ‘Triumph of Philippine Art’ exhibition at USC Fisher Museum of Art
LOS ANGELES – Consul General Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega co-hosted the opening of the “Triumph of Philippine Art” held at the University of Southern California (USC) Fisher Museum…
Controller Releases January Cash Update
SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang today released his monthly report covering California’s cash balance, receipts and disbursements in January 2014. Revenues for the month totaled $12.2 billion, surpassing estimates…
Admission and Adjustment
Eligibility for immigration relief sometimes depends on whether an alien was admitted into the US or the lapse of time since admission. Thus, it becomes necessary to determine whether or…
Don’t Blow It on Valentine’s Day, Tie Down Your Mylar Balloons
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Feb. 7, 2014 — Valentine’s Day is a day full of sweet sentiments, but Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers of a situation that can turn things sour…
Filipino art launches in USC Fisher Museum
LOS ANGELES – The University of Southern California (USC) Fisher Museum of Art recently launched an art exhibit that showcases Filipino art in all its glory. Entitled The Triumph of…
‘The Elysium,’ Philippine-style
I saw a movie the other night that reminded me of the Philippines. Elysium, starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, is set in the year 2154. It’s about a man-made…
Last push for TPS for PH
IF you are still hoping immigration reform will pass this 2014, you may be in for a big disappointment. In a 180-degree turn from his more optimistic tone in January,…
The ‘American Dream’
SEVERAL developments in immigration occurred this week, beginning with the possibility of raising the cost of acquiring US citizenship, if immigration reform pushes through. The current cost of filing for…
What types of taxes can you deduct?
LET’S review a few rules on federal, state, and local taxes: 1. California State Income Taxes in box 24 of your W2 are deductible. So are quarterly estimates paid by…
Employees misclassified as independent contractors awarded over $10 million
Courts look at several factors to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The most important factor is the employer’s right to control the worker’s manner…
Path to citizenship now available to family of active and non-active military
One of these great new benefits is the expansion of ‘Parole in Place’ to include the families of United States military veterans. ‘Parole in Place’has traditionally allowed the immediate relatives…
If you want to get out of debt, here’s what you need to change
EVERY day, I meet with a lot of people who are sick and tired of being in a financial mess but they are unwilling to pay the price of being…
Consul General De La Vega’s farewell call to the Office of Foreign Missions in LA
LOS ANGELES – Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega pays farewell to US Department of State, Office of Foreign Mission Assistant Regional Director Richard McCurry. Consul General De…
Fil-Am with leukemia appeals to community for marrow donor
Lovell Sevilla needs a marrow donor. In 23 years of her service to the community, she may have affected your family in a positive way and today she needs your…
Fil-Am USC professor co-leads Tacloban relief mission
LOS ANGELES – A team from the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Social Work (led in part by Filipino-American Professor Annalisa Enrile) recently returned to the US from…