112,000 bacteria on our skin!
No, that is not a typo. Scientists in the new Human Microbiome Project at the National Institute of Health have sequenced genes from 20 skin sites of volunteers and “found…
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DACA Program underway
On August 15, 2012 the USCIS began accepting applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and accompanying request for work authorization, pursuant to the Obama Administration’s promise to accord…
Can you become debt-free without filing bankruptcy?
DEBT is a common problem that a lot of people struggle with and many people want to know how thy can become debt-free. Of course, in today’s society, you can’t…
A Culinary Tour: Binondo
The Philippines and China go way back, even before the conquest of the Spaniards. As early as the 10th century, trade was already happening between Filipinos and the seafaring Chinese….
On interruptions
Henri J.M. Nouwen, one of the great spiritual writers of the modern times, has influenced my personal spirituality and writing skill. He has helped me to see grace in my…
A Lesson About Essentials
A few weeks ago, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell appointed multi-awarded Filipina writer, Sofia Molina Starnes, as the new Poet Laureate of the state of Virginia, reported the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily….
Mortgage debt relief act: One step closer to an extension
Some encouraging news for financially stressed homeowners across the country: The Senate Finance Committee approved a bipartisan bill before heading home for summer recess that would extend the Mortgage Forgiveness…
The September 2012 Priority Dates
Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A…
USCIS releases Form I-821-D for DACA applicants
On Tuesday, August 14, 2012 USCIS announced that Form I-821-D will be used fro the filing of applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals benefits (DACA) also known as Deferred…
Are you looking for a solution to debt problems?
If you are searching for debt reduction solutions, no doubt you’ve been inundated with advertisements for various debt management programs, companies and solutions. The choices seem confusing to the average…
Waterproof indeed
SO it has happened again. A bombardment that occurred on tin roofs with assaults on the asphalt; it was an extended blitzkrieg of rain. Water rushed with a flurry carrying…
When tempests come
When the water is calm and the sailing is smooth, we feel happy and stable. We don’t want this state of serenity to end; we just want to stay with…
Disaster preparedness
BEING a monsoon country, the Philippines is visited by at least 20 typhoons in a year. Aside from that, even without an actual storm, rainfall can dump a month’s worth…
Learning from Life’s Lessons
Who knew that a former University of the Philippines (UP) student with a 2.56 undergraduate grade point average would one day become one of the school’s most distinguished alumnus and…
A roaring economy
ACCORDING to Drs. Tyler Cowen and John Nye (professors at George Mason University in Washington DC), under the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippines has “the best chance…
More on DREAMers
Question: What are some documents that can be used to document the Arrival Requirement? Answer: The documents that may be accepted by USCIS to satisfy this criterion includes, but is…
Deferred action for DREAMers: The rules
ON FRIDAY, August 3, 2012 the USCIS issued new guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify the rules and requirements for “Childhood Arrivals” to the US who may benefit…
Bankruptcy: When life doesn’t go as planned
LIFE just happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you? Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed? Remaining…
Ah, those good old tabloid days
PRESIDENT Noynoy Aquino had ample praise for the Manila business daily, BusinessWorld, at its 25th anniversary reception last week. In contrast, and within the same week, he had harsh words…
PNoy gov’t must take action now in reducing global warming
THE future is not somewhere we are going. It is something we are creating. Every day we do things that make some futures more probable and others less likely. Reducing…
The danger of voting in US elections
US citizens will soon be voting in the upcoming presidential elections. As election time nears, many groups try to register as many people as possible and increase the turn-out of…
Angina Pectoris: Chest pains
What is angina pectoris? Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pains or more specifically pains emanating from, and involving, the heart. It is most common for people to…
What illness and pain can do
MAUREEN Pratt, the speaker of the month this August of our parish’s centennial year, impressed many of us with her talk and example. Despite suffering from lupus erythematosus since age…
Passing it on
WITH the olympic torch still fired up for the London 2012 Olympics, inspiring Filipino athletes (and an NBA champion coach) seem to come out of the woodwork. 2012 NBA champ…
‘Face of Defense: Siblings Showcase the Navy’s Diversity’
SEVERAL months ago, a Filipino brother and sister team made history in the United States Navy, when they became the first and only siblings of Filipino descent to hold flag-officer…
New online resource provides immigration information in up to 22 different languages
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched its online Multilingual Resource Center, a new feature on www.uscis.gov. The center provides a central location for USCIS resources in…
Will I have any problems if I go home for a vacation?
Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I have a 10-year multiple B-1/B-2 visa. I entered the US, and was given six months by the Immigration Officer at the airport, but overstayed by only…
Remembering Tita Cory
FILIPINOS, who are old enough to remember the Marcos regime, would clearly understand what kind of impact Corazon Cojuangco Aquino made in freeing the Philippines from the clutches of oppression…
Deferred action for Dreamers: Thousands preparing to file
WITH the August 15, 2012 start date for the filing of Deferred Action Status (DAS) and work authorization for otherwise “DREAM ACT” eligible people, thousands of applicants are preparing to…
Why have a Family Advisory Board?
(Part 2) THE composition of the board should complement the knowledge and skill set of the owners. Good advisory boards will have at least one member with strong financial skills,…