Can the IRS disregard compromise settlement because of bankruptcy?
THE situation we envision in this discussion is where you have an offer in compromise which has been accepted by the IRS then you file for bankruptcy relief. Do you…
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10 tips on mortgage debt forgiveness
IF your mortgage loan is forgiven, you end up with income from cancellation of debt. Here are 10 tips to exclude the forgiven debt from your income. • Cancellation of…
2013: The final year of the short sale
LENDERS as I thought are more aggressively helping homeowners modify their mortgages. I have seen more loan balance forbearance lately. Another term for that is a loan modification with a…
10- to 12-hour shift employees must be entitled to additional pay
Q: I WORK as a nurse in a hospital on a 12-hour shift, three days a week. Because of the realities of patient care, we often find ourselves working an…
DOMA and now same-sex immigration petition updates
QUESTION: I am a US citizen or lawful permanent resident in a same-sex marriage to a foreign national. Can I now sponsor my spouse for a family-based immigrant visa? Answer:…
The fire of ministry
More than division, the Gospel today speaks of passion: ‘I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism…
Empowerment awards highlights Fiesta in America’s 2013 People’s Ball
In its commitment to recognize outstanding Filipino-American community leaders who distinctly exemplify success, Philippine Fiesta, now Fiesta in America, once again honors individuals with exemplary achievements in their chosen profession…
Empowerment awards highlights Fiesta in America’s 2013 People’s Ball
In its commitment to recognize outstanding Filipino-American community leaders who distinctly exemplify success, Philippine Fiesta, now Fiesta in America, once again honors individuals with exemplary achievements in their chosen profession…
Do showbiz marriages last?
JUST as wagging tongues were dying down in talking about the Raymart Santiago-Claudine Barretto battle, another showbiz marriage was making the news. This time, it’s actress Sunshine Cruz against action…
The evolution of your toothbrush
WHERE WOULD WE BE without our toothbrushes?! Today personal dental hygiene is easy with convenient tools like toothbrushes and floss. But have you ever wondered what people did before modern toothbrushes?…
The September 2013 Priority Dates: Category F-2A is still current, but will ‘likely’ retrogress in October!
The September 2013 priority dates have phenomenal news for spouses and minor children of green cardholders (Category F – 2A). That means that spouses and minor children of green cardholders would…
Cyclospora, etc.
A mystery stomach bug that has sickened 275 persons in eight states in the USA since mid-June 2013 has been reported by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention….
Michael Cinco: ‘Impalpable’ couture designer
LOS ANGELES—Ask Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco how he would describe his fashion couture style and he would immediately tell you, “Impalpable!” Ethereal. Unreal. Dream-like. Otherworldly. Too perfect for…
Love as you grow old (and older)
I have always thought growing older was a quiet time. My 20’s and 40’s were interesting, fairly serene. But my 60’s are passionate. I grow more intense as I age…
Pacquiao boxing diplomacy and other approaches against China’s intrusion
How do we solve a problem like China, with its continued “bullying” and claim on a million square miles of the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea including some Philippine territories?…
The road to change
Usually during rush hour, it takes Ian two hours from his home in Kamias, Quezon City to his office in Intramuros, Manila. Now, his travel time is reduced to only…
Chapter 13: You can become debt-free sooner than you think
CHAPTER 13 is the section of the US Bankruptcy Code that allows individuals in the United States to reorganize their finances. If you are having difficulty paying your debts (credit…
State Dept. issues visa guidance for same-sex couples
THE United States Department of State has issued guidance for same-sex visa applications in light of the June 26, 2013 ruling of the Supreme Court that held Section 3 of…
‘Inside Out/11M’ puts a face on the issue of immigration reform
LOS ANGELES – On Monday, a mobile photo booth truck, a group of young artists, and eager young Angelenos turned the office facade of a non-profit organization in Los Angeles…
Jessica Nafarrete Pontillas to be crowned Queen at BPCA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
The Bani Pangasinan-California Association (BPCA) will be hosting its 35th Anniversary Celebration and Miss BP-CA Coronation Ball on August 31, 2013, at the elegant Marriott South Bay in Torrance, CA….
Material Misrepresentation under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i)
INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) bars an alien from receiving a visa or admission into the U.S. if this alien has previously obtained or attempted to obtain a visa, other documentation, admission or…
Solar panels made in PH, among best in the world
SOLARMAX TELLS CONGEN DURING HQ VISIT RIVERSIDE—According to SolarMax Technology Inc., the solar panels made in the Philippines are among the best in the world. SolarMax officials revealed this to…
Legislation to Equalize Climate Policy and Prioritize California’s Disadvantaged Communities Advances
SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, legislation authored by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and supported by a broad coalition of environmental justice groups which include The Greenlining Institute, Coalition for Clean Air,…
Philippine Development Foundation Kicks Off Filipino American History Month With Benefit Concert Featuring Tony® Award Winner Lea Salonga
Benefit Concert for PhilDev at The Nourse Auditorium on Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 8PM SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., August 12, 2013—Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) is proud to announce its annual…
Corruption, More Fun In The Philippines
What is it about Janet Lim-Napoles that reminds me of the Mafia? Oh, yes, Napoles sounds like Napoli or Naples in Italy, the original turf of The Mob, which subsequently…
A sultry night for sizzling romantic repartees
It was a presscon like no other. The LA media stopped, watched and stayed — only to start vibrating like tuning forks, stimulated by the night, the music, Bernardo Bernardo’s…
Fiesta beauties, empowerment awards highlight 2013 PF People’s Ball
Once again, Philippine Fiesta fever pervades the air and just like in the past festive events, this year’s celebration presents a bevy of pulsating sights and sounds. To be showcased…
The Asian American community must advocate for itself
Over 99 percent of all issues decided by the federal government that affect our nation’s 20 million Asian Americans are decided with little or no Asian American input. Largely, this…
Fiesta beauties, empowerment awards highlight 2013 PF People’s Ball
Once again, Philippine Fiesta fever pervades the air and just like in the past festive events, this year’s celebration presents a bevy of pulsating sights and sounds. To be showcased…