There is no correct or incorrect answer to that question—only an honest or dishonest one. Yet it is susceptible to a glib answer, just the way Atty. Jojo Reyes handled it during the presentation of the Binibining Pilipinas candidates at the Porsche. Because you can’t deny it’s reality, it is about values, beliefs, love, money,…
Movie: “Trafficker.” Location: Mother Ignacia, Quezon City. Director: Roland Sanchez. Scene one. Sequence. Take one. Exterior shot. Day effect. Street scene. Along a congested neighborhood the street surprisingly looks deserted in broad daylight. Clapper enters frame. Assistant director calls “Quiet!” Director yells “Action!” A slow moving car suddenly stops. The driver, after checking for people…
Movie: “Trafficker.” Location: Mother Ignacia, Quezon City. Director: Roland Sanchez. Scene one. Sequence. Take one. Exterior shot. Day effect. Street scene. Along a congested neighborhood the street surprisingly looks deserted in broad daylight. Clapper enters frame. Assistant director calls “Quiet!” Director yells “Action!” A slow moving car suddenly stops. The driver, after checking for people…
Marriage fraud is a serious immigration violation with lasting consequences. An I-130 immigrant petition based on a fraudulent marriage would be denied. Additionally, under INA 204(c), no petition shall be approved if (1) the alien has been accorded, or has sought to be accorded, immediate relative status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen (USC)…
Question: I have been a victim of crime and also my friend was basically a slave for her employer. What can we do? Answer: There are different types of visas for these matters. Basically, the U, T and VAWA petitions. In March 2013 Congress enacted several changes to the William Wilberforce Violence Against Women Act…
AND just when you thought that the controversy about of the Barretto family has died down (a bit), a new one will surely come out. True enough, just recently, actress Claudine Barretto confirmed and her husband, actor Raymart Santiago has left their home. In an interview with GMA-7 last July 8 during the post-birthday celebration…
The August 2013 priority dates have phenomenal news for spouses and minor children of green cardholders (Category F – 2A). That is because the priority date is CURRENT! That means that spouses and minor children of green cardholders would be eligible to file for adjustment of status and work authorization, if they are in the US,…
In previous columns, I have discussed the controversy about the health effects of coconut oil which has been going on for decades. The question still remains: Is coconut oil ingestion beneficial or harmful to our body? The Philippines is the world’s largest exporter of coconut oil, accounting for 7 pecent of its total export income….
Almost immediately after the US Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, both Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, pledged their full support in providing same – sex couples the very same immigration benefits available to opposite – sex couples. Sec. Kerry, whose department oversees embassies…
THE Philippine economy is on the upswing and the numbers say it all. In the first three months, the country’s economy expanded by 7.8 percent, exceeding market expectations to become Asia’s fastest growing economy. The vibrant tourism industry and real estate market; and the Aquino administration’s pursuit of “Daang Matuwid” have all contributed to this…
THIS is a very common scenario that usually starts with good intentions from both sides. Many Pinoys from the Philippines come to America as tourists, secretly hoping to find lucrative job opportunities that seem elusive in the motherland. Some will find a kababayan who runs a business in America and will use all possible connections…
THE Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino is proposing the “rationalization” of the names used for our country, our citizens and our national language. Indeed, a lot of people – foreigners and Pinoys alike – are confused. Aside from being known as The Philippines, is our country called Pilipinas or Filipinas? Are our citizens Filipinos or Pilipinos?…
NO one ever wants face a debt crisis but at one time or another in your life, you may have to deal with one. Having debt problems does not make you a bad person although some people feel a sense of guilt as they feel responsible for the decision that they have made that led…
ON June 27, 2013, the US the Senate passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) by a resounding 68-32 vote. S. 744, or the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act,” as it is known, underwent hundreds of revisions since it was first proposed by the bi-partisan “Gang of Eight” earlier this year. …
There have been several sightings of stray cats and dogs in Manila. What brings about overpopulation in the city? It is important that people are aware of the proper knowledge about these animals, especially on their needs and rights. There is lack of voice for animals in the country but luckily the Philippine Animal Welfare…
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Council District (CD) 10’s Herb J. Wesson, Jr. was re-elected on Tuesday, July 2, as the LA City Council President. According to a CBS Los Angeles report, Wesson was unanimously voted into office by the 12 councilmembers present on Tuesday, himself included. CBS also reported that the lone councilmember who was not…
Two Chinese girls confirmed dead, 49 in serious condition THE Philippine Embassy in the United States said through social media that five Filipino-Americans, including a woman and her two sons were among the 181 injured in the Asiana Airlines Flight 241 crash at the San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, July 6. This information was…
IN a world running at digital pace, many newspapers have long been forced into the traditional news magazine model, with larger form writing and more big picture thinking. But we still have to do it everyday, after all there is only so much wisdom one can summon in a few hours. We are aware that…
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 8 (PIA) — Kapampangan film “Manenaya” (Waiting) won the Jury Prize award in the 11th Gawad Tanglaw sharing the honors with “Migrante” (The Filipino Diaspora). “The movie, which is filmed in black and white, is about the quest for truth and personal triumph through the challenges of life,” film…
“BE not afraid!” These are the words that I remember most from John Paul II as he spoke to youth during World Youth Days. His successor, Benedict XVI, would convey a similar message, and I’m certain that our present pope, Francis, would keep this mandate in mind when it will be his time to speak…
ON July 1, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to modernize the Philippine Air Force (PAF) before he steps down in 2016. The president said that a P75-billion fund will be allocated for the PAF’s modernization, to acquire new and modern aircraft. The country has retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters back in…
THE Senate may have passed their version of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, but most Filipinos in America cannot fully embrace victory. The reason: This legislation effectively kills the dream of many of our kababayans to re-unite with their family members (“mabuong muli ang pamilya”) and start a new and hopefully, better life here in…
(Part 2) LAST week, I said that if you have debt problems, think of Samson. We ended last week with Samson having wrecked havoc on the Philistines by killing a thousand of them with the jawbone of a donkey. Samson was a “Nazarite” who had dedicated his life to God, my God, the God of…
CALIFORNIA law has special wage requirements for labor performed on state public works by private or non-government workers. “Public works” to include any construction or repair work performed under contract and paid out of public funds. Public entities that award contracts to private contractors have specific responsibilities designed to help ensure that employees who work…
I AM concerned about the fast rising mortgage rates that seems to be headed only one direction which is higher but I see the other side of this rate hike, so let me explain first what is happening with mortgage rates. Mortgage rates have increased more than 1 percentage point since early May, jumping half…
“Every policy setting process stregthens and unifies the family and increases the likelihood of long term business and damily success, survival and prosperity.” – JS Strachan Running a family business with siblings and other relatives could be rewarding but at the same time, could be a source of conflict which may cause the downfall of the…
by Joseph Pimentel and Mico Letargo | AJPress LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a robbery suspect, who targets remittance companies that specialize in money transfers to the Philippines. Los Angeles Police detectives in a statement said the suspect is believed to…
Last Sunday, an enchanting outdoor concert with a profusion of unique talents in the musical world of choirs, settled briefly at the Ford Theater. It was an art haven patronized for its artistic, social and business prestige. Behind its footlights and nuggets of musical loves, a tone was set. It was a musical reunion for…
The massive turnout of Jersey City residents undoubtedly proved their overwhelming support to the incoming administration. Grove Street and all nearby thoroughfares were literally covered with spectators of all ages, colors, creed, and status. They all braved the darkening skies and defied the inclement weather just to be able to witness their new mayor’s formal…
The massive turnout of Jersey City residents undoubtedly proved their overwhelming support to the incoming administration. Grove Street and all nearby thoroughfares were literally covered with spectators of all ages, colors, creed, and status. They all braved the darkening skies and defied the inclement weather just to be able to witness their new mayor’s formal…
