Obama’s help for ‘responsible homeowners’
WE HAVE been getting a lot of calls in regards to the new Obama Refinancing Programs and the supposedly more aggressive “Loan Modification Programs” that is geared more towards “Responsible…
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Cora Basa Cortes Tomalinas, Multi-Awarded Community Activist
Dealing with rebellious children amidst a drug epidemic in the 1980s, Corazon “Cora” Basa Cortes Tomalinas knew she had to do something or lose her children for good. She lived…
H-1B season starts
THE H-1B visa category opened again recently. As usual, we are seeing much interest by individuals and employers seeking obtain the H-1B nonimmigrant visa. In the last two years, the…
An Easter message
DURING the Chrism Mass last Monday at the Cathedral of Los Angeles, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez told us, the priests of the archdiocese, to value our priesthood — for God…
The new competitive edge: Spirituality in business
Society is becoming more individually oriented. More and more single occupancy homes are being sold. People are marrying less and later in life. They are also divorcing more. Single parent…
Let it all hang out
If senator-judge and presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile will not allow Corona’s defense lawyers to present the SALN of legislators and cabinet secretaries, as well as that of President Noynoy…
What about the new Waiver Law?
Question: I have been married for 12 years to a US citizen, but have always been afraid to file anything. I heard that I will have to file the Waiver…
I want out: Dissolution or legal separation?
When the marital relationship sours to the point where one or both spouses believe that the marriage cannot be salvaged, three remedies are available to terminate or alter the marital…
Mammogram controversy
There is public uproar and protests from the medical community against the US Health and Human Services Department about the recent guidelines issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force…
H-1B filing underway for FY 2013
THE H-1B visa quota for FY 2013 officially opened up on Sunday, April 1, 2012, making 65,000 new H-1B regular visa numbers available for new employment beginning on October 1,…
Wanted: A Mega stroke of luck
AS WE go to press, the whole nation is in a lottery frenzy, awaiting the nerve-wracking results of the Mega Millions jackpot, which is now estimated at $640-million – an…
FHA 3.5% down purchase money fees increase dramatically while refinancing costs decline
EFFECTIVE June, 2012: Fees for refinancing will fall sharply, as the upfront mortgage insurance decreases to 0.01 percent of the base loan amount, from 1 percent, starting on June 11….
Rigoberto C. Advincula, Ph.D, World-Class Pinoy Scientist
HERE is a highly elite group of intelligent and gifted scientists, whose breakthrough achievements have made an impact on the lives of people — both at present, and for future…
The new waiver process (not law yet)
ON JAN. 6, 2012, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a notice of intent in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time that US citizens are…
A Palm Sunday message
AS WE celebrate Palm Sunday this year, to commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem before his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, I invite you to reflect on the words of…
The battle to end child labor
Alarmed by the report of the International Labor Organization (ILO) that approximately 2.4 million minors aged nine to 17 are already working in the country, the Philippine government has recently…
Warning: Drug resistant TB
ONE of the easiest to catch infectious diseases is pulmonary tuberculosis. And most often than not, people get infected without even knowing they have it and who and where they…
Caught in the middle
WITH all the ballyhoo surrounding the North Korean rocket launch (expected to take place between April 12 and 16), the safety and security of the 50,000 Filipinos living in South…
USCIS to accept H-1B petitions for FY 2013 beginning April 2, 2012
WASHINGTON — US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 cap on Monday April 2, 2012. …
IRS hires thousands of new auditors
ON A typical Tuesday during this tax season, I’ve had three new tax clients (who were previously with other preparers) – all of them have just recently been audited on…
On losing one’s life and gaining it
IT would be dishonest for us to say that we wouldn’t want an easy life. Who wants to be poor? Who wants to struggle all the time? Who does not…
Gaining momentum
THE Philippine government has recently expressed optimism that growth is finally within reach, citing the recent improvements in the Philippine economy. In a recent interview with the press after the…
The bandwagon defense
“JOURNALISTS are NOT the story. We tell the story. We merely chronicle our country’s comings and goings in the best way we can. This is how we serve the country.”…
How can I save 15 years of waiting for my green card?
Question: My mother is a lawful permanent resident and she petitioned my father. However, by time the visa number became current, I had aged out and was over 21 years…
What to do with conditional greencard status in troubled marriages
Marriage for many persons is the culmination of one’s life. Getting married signifies the beginning of a new phase in life, both socially and economically. For those persons who lack…
On Phlebitis and DVT
What is Phlebitis? Phlebitis (also called thrombophlebitis) is a condition where there is inflammation in the walls of the veins, most commonly the leg veins, and usually clots form in…
USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of a competitive grant opportunity designed to promote immigrant civic integration and prepare permanent residents for citizenship. This…
The power of the Cross
EVERYONE’S life will always be beset by some trials and difficulties, however prosperous, successful and pleasurable it is. We cannot run away from the Cross; it will always be a…
What exactly is my employer for the H-1B?
QUESTION: I have someone who wants to petition me for an H-1B, but am confused as to whether it will qualify. Can you help? Answer: The H-1B regulations currently require…
Pills vs surgery for reflux
Good news for those with reflux esophagitis! A recent open, parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled study in Sweden (LOTUS – Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Anti-reflux Surgery) showed that drug…