Billion germs in the kitchen!
Yes, billion microorganisms! That’s not a typo. That’s how many unwanted and potentially dangerous bugs there are on average in almost any kitchen. So, it is not the bathroom that…
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Reinstating A Deceased Petitioner’s Family Based Petition
It is very common for beneficiaries of family based petition to wait many years before their petition’s priority date becomes current. This is usually the case with US Citizen parent…
Fil-Am Stories: Nic Belasco
THE mark of a great athlete is his ability to transcend generations of spectators. In the past, the glory of being an athlete was immortalized in poetry and the other…
The purpose of prayer
A FEW days ago, I was telling my parishioners in a homily about a Catholic priest who was traveling by train through Siberia. Sitting next to him in the train…
How can I bring in an orphan to the US?
QUESTION: I want to petition an orphan. What must I do? Answer: A USC can petition for an orphan under age 16. In order to be an orphan, both parents…
Refinance your mortgage without extending the term
OBVIOUSLY, the simplest way to refinance without extending the term is to select a new mortgage with a shorter term. How do you refinance your 30 year loan after paying…
Shooting for the stars
Lloyd Manglapus’ work is literally out of this world. The 42-year-old Manglapus is one of two Pinoys part of NASA’s historic and newest Mars rover called “Curiosity,” as it roams…
The ‘Outstanding’ Doctor
FILIPINO physician Dr. Edsel Maurice Tanghal Salvana might as well have “outstanding” as his middle name. Recently elected as one of the 2012 Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World…
Are your debt problems forcing you into bankruptcy?
ARE you having problems paying your debts? Are creditors calling you day and night threatening you with a wage garnishment, repossession or foreclosure? Are you starting to feel hopeless and…
Moderating The Greed At DOTC?
In spite of the brickbats hurled at Noynoy Aquino by his detractors, I continue to believe he is sincere in his vow to carve a Daang Matuwid or Straight Path…
The Republican and Democratic platforms on immigration
The Democrats and Republicans have held their conventions where they nominated their presidential candidates and released their respective party’s platform – representing who they are, what they stand for, their…
Citizens of nowhere
After patiently waiting for more than 100 years for the government to provide them with automatic citizenship rights, the American Samoan community has filed suit against the US Government. Our…
Healthy smile, healthy outlook
WHILE each dentist may focus on different priorities in their practices, we all preach the same mantra: Take care of your teeth, and they’ll take care of you. Teeth begin…
West Nile Virus Outbreak
This year, the worst ever outbreak of West Nile virus happened in the United States where 1,993 persons were infected and 87 were killed, the number tripling in just two weeks….
How to avoid taxes in case of foreclosure, short sale or loan modification
As we all know, the recent global financial crisis has forced thousands of homeowners to give up their homes through foreclosures. To make matters worse, these homeowners had to contend…
11 years after
THE tragedy of 9/11 will forever be etched in the memories of billions of people all over the world. On the morning of September 11, 2001, news of passenger planes…
For the love of books
To open a book is an act that could change lives. Among the early progenitors of the book were the Egyptians who decided to write on papyrus for ideas to…
On living generously
I WAS telling my close friend about his personal qualities. “I admire your intelligence, prayerfulness, and convivial nature,” I said. “But what I admire most about you is your genuine…
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…
Leaps and bounds
ACCORDING to the World Economic Forum (WEF), out of the 144 countries that were surveyed from April to June, the Philippines has improved significantly in terms of competitiveness, moving up…
Metro Manila and Makati real estate market booming
I THOUGHT of sharing this information about my trip to the Philippines recently. I primarily stayed in the Metro Manila and the Makati Area for about a week. I did…
What if your request for consideration of DACA is granted or denied?
YOU filed on or after August 15, 2012, your From I-821D, consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765 WS…
Z-Pack and sudden death
The antibiotic azithromycin, which came in a Z-pack of 5 one-a-day pill for a five day treatment, has been linked to sudden death. Last year alone, 55.3 million prescriptions have…
Room for improvement
WITH a strong currency, an innovative and energetic economy, and an increase in remittances and tax revenues, the Philippines is keen in avoiding financial mistakes made in the past. With…
Overspending while in debt is a recipe for financial disaster
AS a bankruptcy attorney and financial recovery counselor, I see a lot of people who are spending way beyond their means. They are always struggling to make ends meet and…
The Peace Parade
To live in a country where peace reigns supreme is a dream for Filipinos who believe in its blessings. Reaching a state of complete peace may sound a bit too…
Do I really need an attorney for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)? – Pt. 2
(Part 2) In a previous article, I discussed some reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney in connection with preparing and submitting your DACA request. Here are some more…
Religion of the heart
A DEAR friend introduced me to the writings of Marianne Williamson, a spiritual writer, activist, author, lecturer and founder of The Peace Alliance. Two of her books, A Return to Love:…
Chicken and egg
FOR the past few days, social media was replete with feedback on two issues from opposite ends of the spectrum: Sec. Robredo’s untimely death, and Sen. Tito Sotto alleged commission…
DACA is here and ready
QUESTION: What is deferred action? Answer: Deferred action is a discretionary decision by DHS not to pursue enforcement against a person for a specific period. A grant of deferred action…