Why you need to escape the debt trap
IF YOU are buried in debt, you may be feeling trapped at the moment with no way out. You realize you need help but don’t know where to go for…
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Loan modification companies might be a thing of the past!
CALIFORNIA would prohibit the charging of advance fees to homeowners in connection with a loan modification, and require anyone who wishes to charge a fee for loan modification services (after…
The August 2012 Priority Dates – Single children of US citizens (F-1) retrogresses!
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…
Countdown to the perfect wedding smile
Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle, stunning white dress cascading behind her, beaming groom waiting to take her hand. But wait – are the smiles photographer-ready, all set…
A true King
In the game of chess, the game is over when the king falls or is checkmated. It is a representation of accepting defeat, but what it signifies is that when…
DREAM Policy to be implemented by August 15, 2012
ON June 15, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that the DHS would consider granting Deferred Action Status (DAS) to many young people in the…
Common fears about bankruptcy are false
IF you are struggling with serious debt problems and the idea of filing for bankruptcy has crossed your mind, like most people, you may have some “fears” about bankruptcy that…
The Republic welcomes Royalty
ROYALTY graced the country last July 2 to 6 as Queen Sofia of Spain visited various parts of the Philippines. The official trip of the Queen of Spain was named…
From admiration to rejection
FIRST, the admiration, then, the rejection. “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands? Is…
Cha-cha for China?
EARLIER this week (in an interview with dzBB radio) Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile raised a question in jest: “Now that China has sent its own astronauts into space, would…
Foreclosure Protection Bill passing in California
NOW when lenders pursue foreclosures and simultaneously negotiate with clients to modify their mortgages so that payments become more affordable. Homeowners will not wind up being evicted even though they…
A Role Model for Public Servants
Retiring a few days ago, Anita Sanchez is the highest ranking and longest-serving government employee of the city and county of San Francisco. She lives to serve people, to empower…
DREAM Act is a reality
FOR those that have anticipated the DREAM Act to become reality, we are one step closer. On June 15, 2012, the Obama Administration revealed a new initiate which will orders…
Why have a Family Advisory Board?
“IF there were only one “success strategy” I could recommend to a family business, creating an Advisory Board would be that strategy. In times of crisis, the Advisory Board can…
How to pay your taxes by installment
PREVIOUSLY, I discussed ways on how to request the IRS to reduce your tax liabilities, which is accomplished by means of an Offer in Compromise (OIC). In this article, I…
Searching for the best
After the dramatic impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, comes the big question: Who will be the 24th Chief Justice of the Philippines? Last July 2, the Judicial…
Our failed health strategy
Today, our country and many others around the world are faced with the epidemics of arthritis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Obviously, our health prevention strategy of…
The Health Care Act remains unaffordable and therefore unattainable
Last week, a deeply divided US Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s health care initiative, the Affordable [Health] Care Act. But many are applauding this decision for the wrong reasons. LAST…
DREAMers: Gather your ‘verifiable documentation’ now!
As most people are aware, on June 15, 2012, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that “effective immediately,” certain young people would be eligible for “Deferred Action” (relief from removal),…
Fourth of July
ON this day, we are behooved to recall the history of how the United States of America came to be. The clarion call for independence is just as fundamental, and…
9th Circuit to revisit ‘CSPA’ priority date retention
GIVING new hope to thousands of individuals who would have been adversely impacted by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in De Osorio et. al v. Holder, The Chief…
Who needs to file bankruptcy?
NO ONE ever likes to talk about bankruptcy. However, it’s simply a fact of life. Things happen. Whether it’s losing your job, going through a divorce, having huge medical bills…
Why We Should Applaud Pew’s Study on Asian American Accomplishments
For more than 300 years, Asian Americans have been ignored and until recently, discriminated against. This includes the infamous incarceration of over 100,000 Japanese American citizens during the Second World…
Tribute to Pidol
ARE national honors, such as the title of National Artist, appropriate for a comedian? The French thought it was proper to confer the Legion of Honor on Jerry Lewis. Queen…
The presumption of ‘Undue Influence’ in transactions between spouses during the marriage
California law on the nature of spouses’ rights and obligations with respect to management and control of community property has evolved over the last thirty years from less stringent “good…
Paying it forward to Páy-yo
Let us begin by calling it the way Ifugaos call it, Páy-yo. It has been around for 2,000 years in the Cordilleras. As their masterpiece, it becomes more impressive considering…
DREAM Act: Deferred Action is here
(Part 2) QUESTION: If I am about to be 30 years old, but over 30 when it is ruled upon, will that be ok? Answer: That is unclear at this…
Living The American Dream
IT STARTED out simple. A local restaurant was up for sale near their home so Flores, then a commercial real estate agent in 1976, purchased it. It was a gift…
The Rice Expert
WHAT started out as a possible excuse to go back to the Philippines brought international recognition and honor for a Filipino-American instead. A scientist, genetic engineer, professor, researcher, and evolutionary…