A tribute to Filipino nurses all over the world
(Part 2 of 2) LAST week, I shared the first part of the speech by Atty. Arnedo Valera, Legal Counsel of the Philippine Nurses Association in America (PNAA) and Executive…
New California laws for 2014
(Part 2 of 2) Immigrants POLL workers: Permanent legal residents who are not citizens may serve as poll workers in California elections. Employer threats: Employers are prohibited from inducing fear…
Sexual harassment at work does not have to be sexually motivated
MAX Taylor started work for Nabors Drilling as a “floorhand” on an oil rig in June 2010. Joe Mason and Jaime Mendez were Taylor’s supervisors. Several times a day, Mason…
Eric G: a full-package talent ready for the big time
The predominant influence of Rhythm and Blues, a music genre coined and abbreviated “RnB” or “R&B”by Billboard Magazine’s Jerry Wexter in 1948, undeniably opened a great opportunity for aspiring singers…
Postpetition inheritance is part of bankruptcy estate
Suppose you were a Chapter 13 debtor for the last two years of a 48 months plan then your mother dies leaving you as your inheritance a fully paid house…
Don’t let debt destroy everything you’ve worked so hard for
I often get asked whether filing for bankruptcy can be avoided in finding a solution to debt problems. I usually tell people that filing for bankruptcy should be a last…
Love is lovelier the second time around for Angel and Luis
THEY say love is lovelier for the second time around and this holds true for actress Angel Locsin and actor/TV host Luis Manzano. It can be remembered they were a…
Foods that cause pain
The body is a wonderful natural chemical factory. Whatever we eat, drink or apply to our body is absorbed and automatically transformed to energy (fuel) or to various hormones and…
Relief and benefits available while waiting for immigration reform
(Part 1) All of us are hopeful that, in the upcoming year, Congress will pass some form of comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) that could eventually lead to legalization and citizenship…
The Filipino American Seniors Association (FASA) celebrated its 20th Anniversary
The Filipino American Seniors Association (FASA) held its 20th Anniversary Celebration at Los Serranos Country Club last January 19, 2014 from 6 p.m. -12 p.m. The induction of new 2014-2015…
Women and equality in the battle scene
Some things light up — an uneasiness that, at first, you wouldn’t know how to define. But then you eventually do, and a shudder rises up and down your spine….
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…
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…