Real smiles versus fake smiles
THERE’S a big difference between a real smile and a fake smile. And while a polite smile can help smooth over some social situations, a sincere, honest, from-the-heart smile can…
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US Senators urge DHS and DOS to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work authorization to Filipinos in US
In previous articles, I wrote about the possibility of Filipinos being granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), as a result of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda. Although the Philippines has…
Celebrating new beginnings
IT’S still the love month, and although Valentine’s Day has passed, we want to feel love not just during February but also throughout the year. We also welcome new beginnings…
Reduce your wrinkles!
What are wrinkles? Also known as rhytides, wrinkles are folds or creases in the skin, resulting from loss of elasticity and skin turgor associated with aging and with years of…
Notice of registration and election to Filipino citizens
Notice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of…
Repressive law
SINCE its introduction to Filipinos in 1994, the Internet has provided boundless channels for people to exercise their right to know, express and be heard. Article III Section 4 of…
Martinez highlights need for more PH gov’t support in sports
17-YEAR-old Michael Christian Martinez has put the Philippines in the spotlight during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — ranking 19th in the figure skating competition during his Olympic…
Can trustee force debtor to turnover money that no longer exists?
WHEN debtor filed his Chapter 7 petition, he had $10,000 in his checking account which was used to cover checks issued before bankruptcy was filed. On schedule C, debtor claimed…
19 senators pressure White House-Kerry for Philippines’ TPS
IN November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan tore across the Philippines, resulting in at least 6,000 confirmed deaths and the displacement of at least 4 million people. While the Philippine Government continues…
Living the Olympic dream
His flexibility, artistic moves, and incredible stunts (rarely performed by other figure skaters) captivated the whole world. At age 17, he has just established his presence in the prestigious Olympic…
PhilDev Launches IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium
SAN FRANCISCO—Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) is hosting an international symposium with the aim of further developing the nation’s economy through the advancement of science and technological innovation. The conference is…
The splendor of moonlight
I admire a contented mind — one that reveres enlightenment of simple things. Yet, in quiet meditation, the one emotion that’s hardest to fight against is a longing for all…
Will Aiza Seguerra and Liza Diño challenge the definition of marriage in PH?
IN the midst of debates about the Obama administration’s policy to grant federal benefits, protection and services to all married same-sex couples in America (equal to those accorded to their…
Phenomenal
Michael Christian Martinez’s may not be bringing a medal home, but in the eyes of his kababayans, he has already achieved a milestone — being the first Filipino-born, the first…
Gov. Brown appoints Fil-Am to CA Volunteers Commission
LOS ANGELES – Another Filipino has been named to the California Volunteers Commission. On Monday, February 10, Ted Benito was appointed to the California Volunteers Commission by Gov. Edmund G….
PCG-LA launches 9th ACGTDT
LOS ANGELES- Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles (PCG-LA) launched the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) to the Philippines on Thursday, February 13. The launching event began…
College students revisit the past and learn for a better tomorrow
2014 SCPASA Summit in UCR RIVERSIDE—Hundreds of college students from different Filipino-American organizations participated in the seventh annual Southern California Pilipino American Student Alliance Summit last Saturday, February 8, at…
Do you have an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim in California?
ARE you involved in a vehicular accident in which the “at fault” other driver is uninsured, or is unidentified as in a hit-and-run collision, or does not have enough insurance…
Medical expense deductions
YOU may deduct medical expenses only to the extent that expenses for doctors, drugs, insurance, etc. exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. This means that you lose the…
Long-term unemployment: A sad result of wrongful termination
“INVOLUNTARY job loss is a stressful event, creating a variety of problems immediately, and long periods of unemployment can compound those problems,” states The Urban Institute, in a report it…
How to not abandon US resident status
US RESIDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES LAWFUL Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the US is a privilege, and the status can be abandoned, even involuntarily. Abandonment of permanent residence (also known…
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…
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…