Rumination
THE National Day of Prayer is neither a political rally nor a spiritual event. With the theme “One Nation in Prayer,” last Monday’s gathering went beyond political separation and religious…
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A tribute to Filipino nurses all over the world
(Part 1 of 2) WE may have heard of some horrific stories of abuse committed by a few Filipino nurses, but I hope we do not lose sight of the…
Congress stalls on immigration reform: Alternatives available now!
THE US House of Representatives has ignored a call to pass immigration reform over the past two years, opting instead to politicize the issue. As a result, the Boehner-led House…
Gothic architecture: Basilica Minore de San Sebastian
Among the iconic elements that depict the rich culture and history of Manila are the ancient churches. These stunning creations dating back the early 16th century have become the country’s…
On humility in human encounters
I STILL think fondly about my enjoyable trip to Guatemala and El Salvador. I think not so much about the places that I visited but the warm encounters that I…
Remember, Rebuild and Sustain: Walang Iwanan
Remember, Rebuild and Sustain: Walang Iwanan is the theme of the gala benefit event and concert for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which was organized by the Scripps College Music Department…
Brain drain
WHEN Labor Rosalinda Baldoz announced on January 12 that the government is “liberalizing the labor market and allowing entry of foreign workers with the required skills so we can fill…
Pinoy nurses accused of molesting elderly patient arrested
THE nursing profession is a field that Filipinos are known to excel in. Patients credit and are most thankful for Pinoy nurses’ high level of knowledge, strong work ethic and…
US Immigration extends relief for Filipino nationals
DUE to the extended damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan (“Yolanda”), USCIS has extended certain immigration relief available to Filipino nationals. On January 14, 2014, USCIS reminds that it will continue…
US Supreme Court to decide fate of inherited IRAs in bankruptcy
THE legal question that is posed is whether or not an inherited IRA is exempt in bankruptcy. For instance, your father died two years ago. You inherited his IRA of…
New CA Laws for 2014
(Part 1 of 2) MINIMUM Wage: Minimum wage increases to $9 per hour effective July 1, 2014. Identity Theft, Internet Online Tracking – Identity theft: State agencies and businesses are…
Paid leave to care for sick family members
LAST week, we wrote about the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) which entitles qualified employees 12 weeks of leave from work when they have to care for their seriously ill…
Criminal Court reduces conviction; Immigration court dismisses proceedings
ON December 17, 2013, the Hon. Mark C. Kim, Presiding Judge of Department 20 of the Long Beach Superior Court, ordered that the felony conviction of a Filipino client of…
First opinions and best opinions
THE most important advice I can give to a person seeking legal advice is that the first opinion they obtain is not necessarily the best opinion. Often, as an attorney…
Properly understanding one’s US immigration status is critical
DID you know that “failing to maintain status” is not the same thing as being “out of status” and that the government can still try to Deport (Remove) you, even…
Extensions of validity of passports no longer allowed beyond 2015
PER the regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), all non-machine readable passports may no longer be extended…
Advocacy groups raise awareness vs. human trafficking
WALK 4 FREEDOM LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles is considered as one of the top three points of entry for human trafficking to the United States. It is also home…
A personal revelation from God
THE cool and refreshing wind of Naga caresses my face and reminds me of my youthful days in the minor seminary. I remember those days vividly, particularly those times when…
New Year’s resolutions and the Chinese New Year celebration
The New Year, as it has always been, sets people’s mind into trying to take a different life pattern that would lead to a more productive status. People look forward…
Loan modification denied: Should you file Chapter 13?
Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often a last resort for people in foreclosure when no other options exist. A lot of homeowners usually put off making this decision for a…
What factors will the court look at in awarding spousal support?
The purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. The facts and circumstances of…
CPUC Expands LifeLine Program to Include Wireless
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – In a unanimous decision, the California Public Utilities Commission voted today to expand California’s Lifeline Program, which provides affordable telephone service to low-income consumers, to include…
On prudence
ONE of my great mentors in the seminary taught me and my peers not only to be holy but also to be prudent, not in the sense of acquiring a…
USCIS will ‘proactively’ expedite immediate relative petitions by Filipinos
If you are being petitioned by an American spouse, and are in the US but desperately want to go home to visit your family, or if you are a US…
Marian Rivera awarded Best Foreign Artist in Vietnam, Rachelle Ann Go joins ‘Miss Saigon’
THERE is no shortage of talents in the Philippines that is why it is not surprising that our local artists are recognized not only in their own backyard, but also…
Barona Resort & Casino Introduces Sic Bo and Barona Pan 9 for Lunar New Year
San Diego’s largest Asian games pit now features two new games (SAN DIEGO) January 15, 2014 – Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Barona Resort & Casino with traditional festivities, exciting new…
Attention Wells Fargo customers
Are you a Wells Fargo mortgage customer facing mortgage payment challenges? If so, we invite you to get the answers you need at a free workshop being held right in…
Cellulite: Mini-dimpled skin
The lumpy or mini-dimpled appearance of the skin especially among 80 to 90 percent of women in their thirties and older which replaces the smooth, firm, gorgeous-looking complexion in the…
Crisis Meets Opportunity: New Report Shows How Growing Health Sector Can Build Paths Out of Poverty
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA – California and the nation face a growing crisis of unemployment and underemployment among boys and men of color, but the rapid growth of the health services sector…
Magnifique Valentine’s at Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Love Blossoms at Spiral It is the season for flowers and with love, the scent of romance blooms. The Master Chefs at Spiral brings to you the magic of flowers…