The benefits of being childlike
AFTER the Easter Vigil Mass in my church last week, I congratulated one of the youngsters that I baptized and joked with him, “So, now that you’ve already received the…
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Final rule on provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar from inside the US
ON January 2, 2013, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced the posting of a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the time US citizens are separated…
The ‘adobo’ faction
IT WAS an epic battle that was bound to happen at some point. Both of Filipino descent, Conservative blogger and political pundit, Michelle Malkin and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and undocumented…
The perils of Kristeta
A long, long time ago, Kris Aquino and I sat together by the steps of the Guest House (the official residence of then, President Cory Aquino). We goofed around at…
Should married gay couples be given the same benefits that straight married couples enjoy?
(Part 2) IN MY last article, I discussed some of the socio-economic implications of marriage (starting off with Social Security and Taxes) and why gay couples insist that the federal…
Disability protections are extended to pregnant employees
CAN the employer legally fire a pregnant employee, who, after using up all her leave under California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (the pregnancy law), is still unable to return to…
Let’s review a few rules on federal, state, and local taxes
1. CALIFORNIA State Income Taxes in box 24 of your W2 are deductible. So are quarterly estimates paid by self-employed and subcontractor taxpayers. TIP: Time the payment of your estimates…
An Inspiration to Asian American Musicians
HE sings co-lead in the second most-played song on American radio in the past century, but few Filipinos have heard about him or know the impact he’s had on a…
No action on H-1B legislation: Alternatives?
THE debate over the United States economy and dearth of high-tech workers has spotlighted the H-1B professional working visa in the press. Nonetheless, Congress has been slow to respond in…
My close encounters with terrestrial stars Part IV
The demigods of the silver screen and the idiot box have given us a different kind of entertainment that we fail to get from social conversations or even from jokes…
New loan modification program coming in July 2013
DUE to obvious delays and failed attempted to help struggling homeowners, the two leading agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who owns or guarantee more than half of all US…
Easter: The day Jesus resurrected from the dead to prove that He is the Son of God
LAST Sunday was Easter Sunday celebrated by Christians all over the world as the greatest event in human history. This is the day when Jesus Christ, who died three days…
My close encounters with terrestrial stars Part IV
The demigods of the silver screen and the idiot box have given us a different kind of entertainment that we fail to get from social conversations or even from jokes…
Ways to bring RNs into the US
Question: I am a Registered Nurse and I don’t know how to come into the US Can you help? Answer: Primarily, the best way to come into the United States…
New ‘W’ visa for caregivers and ‘other workers’?
Under this agreement, qualified applicants would earn ‘American wages.’ With business and labor now in agreement, Congress is more comfortable moving forward with legislation. The pathway to legalization and citizenship…
Balagtas is with us
Last April 2 was the 225th birth anniversary of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar. Activities were drawn up to drum up interest and pay tribute to the life of the great poet….
‘Heightened alertness’
IT IS identified in every contingency plan that disasters, terrorism and war, civil disturbances can all precipitate evacuation. Ironically, the imminent danger looming in the Korean peninsula has not yet…
Should married gay couples be given the same benefits that straight married couples enjoy?
(Part 1) MANY of our kababayans who are guided by their conservative views ask: Why do gay couples insist on their “right” to marry, when the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defines…
Pinay accused of distracted driving due back in court
ANAHEIM – A Filipino-American woman accused of driving while distracted causing a fatal accident is due back in court again for an arraignment hearing on Thursday, April 4. Prosecutors allege…
Spiritual postscripts
The lenten season for this year has finally ended, with the celebration of Easter last Sunday. Lent is the season when words and teachings of Christ are presented in a…
Is bankruptcy the right choice for you?
Are you currently overwhelmed with debt problems that you can no longer handle on your own? Thinking about filing for bankruptcy but are afraid to make a decision? Do you…
Politics and Showbusiness
Of late, the national dailies and broadcast networks have been reporting news that they apparently believe are of more importance to the Filipino masses than poverty, unemployment, criminality, and the…
Foreclosure numbers down drastically due to higher home prices
IF YOU are looking for bargains on foreclosed houses, you are not alone and are probably having a harder time finding them. When the housing market crashed in 2007, a…
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…
Viva El Nuevo Papa! Long live the Church!
AT THE conclusion of the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels last Monday, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez led the packed Church in cheers,”Viva El Nuevo Papa!…
Fil-Am coach wins second HS basketball title
LOS ANGELES – FilAm coach Bryan Camacho continues to cement his legacy in high school basketball. Camacho’s Bishop Alemany High School girls basketball team (31–5) captured the CIF Division III…
New evidence uncovered in murder of Fil-Am Navy vet in San Diego
LOS ANGELES – New evidence has been uncovered in the continuation of preliminary hearings on the case of Alvin Bulaoro, a 24-year-old Fil-Am Navy veteran who was allegedly killed by…
Fil-Am groups push for Medicare portability
LOS ANGELES – A group of Filipino-American health advocates continue to push for US Medicare portability, for Fil-Am retirees who want to live in the Philippines and bring their benefits…
Richard Caldito Sr. (1913-2011), The First Fil-Am Elected County Official in the US
Several weeks ago, a Filipino-American was posthumously honored in Hawaii. The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the inaugural Richard Caldito Government Service Scholarship for a college student majoring…
Beautiful and poetic stories from the Bible
The Bible was written for the heart, as well as for the mind and the will. It was written for us. It can enlighten, enable, enrich and encourage us, if…