Don’t spit, quit!
While the image of a puffy-cheeked ball player might first come to mind when mentioning chewing (“spit”) tobacco, the reality is that smokeless tobacco is also a daily habit to…
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Discretionary relief from removal
NORMAN is a 19-year-old high school senior and a legal permanent resident for 4 years. One evening, he and his friends decided to go on a “dare,” and his friends…
Paying taxes on a 1099-MISC
WE SEE these too often among our kababayans in the home care or home health business. Receiving 1099-Misc seems to be the overwhelming means of income reporting in this field of work….
From blindness to grace
BEING blind is absolutely a terrible fate that one can have. Imagine one’s self not being able to see the world – its life and colors. Imagine not being able…
Looking after the welfare of OFWs
Considered as the living heroes of the Philippines, Filipino migrant workers all over the world have long been contributing to the economic growth of the country. With their families as…
What is recruitment in PERM?
QUESTION: I have been sponsored for the PERM. I’m not sure what must be done with the recruitment. Can you specify. What exactly is recruitment? Answer: Recruitment is necessary in…
Aspirin and colon cancer
One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by…
Aspirin and colon cancer
One medication present in almost every household around the world is a wonder drug called acetylsalicylic acid, popularly know as aspirin. Besides acting as a mild blood thinner, taken by…
Misconstrued
IN his interview with David Letterman last week, actor Taylor Kitsch shared having a “moment” with a local customs official, when he (supposedly) came to the Philippines to shoot scenes…
Chance or capability
During the commemoration of the 26th year of the EDSA People Power Revolution last February 25, President Benigno Aquino III disproved speculations that his administration is going lax on leading…
Proposed Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is Not in Effect
WASHINGTON — On March 30, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time…
The battered spouse
Sylvia came to America carrying her hopes and dreams for a better life. Sadly, those dreams quickly turned into a nightmare. While working as a volunteer back in the Philippines…
Education for all
EDUCATION is at the crossroads for the future of Filipinos. It plays a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation and economic growth. It reflects the aspirations of the people for…
From nuts to eggs and red meat
WHY are nuts the super snack? Nuts, in general, are super food items, which provide the body protein, fiber, minerals, anti-oxidants, cholesterol lowering mono-saturated fats, immune and brain boosting nutrition….
Good, better, best or perfect?
NOWADAYS when you ask people how they’re doing, most likely you’ll get the answer, “I’m good.” This response has often intrigued me because I’m used to hearing more familiar responses…
Are tax refund loans any good?
INCOME tax season brings with it promises of easy and quick access to money. We have often heard some tax preparers, even the big chains, offering Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs)….
Fight vs Faith
BESIDES the long overdue fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather (which, up to now still hangs in the air), Pacquiao’s “renewed sense of faith” has also been making headlines,…
How can I get the Green Card through employment without waiting years?
QUESTION: I have a Master’s Degree in Economics and would like to know if there is anyway I can get the Green Card through employment without waiting years. Answer: There…
Visa fraud and false claim to United States citizenship
TWENTY years ago, Abel, who was 20 years old, entered the United States using his cousin’s passport that had a United States visa. They looked alike and were the same…
USCIS Hosts Entrepreneurs in Residence Information Summit
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas hosted an Information Summit today at the NASA Research Park in Moffett Field, Calif., to launch the USCIS Entrepreneurs in Residence…
Nové Deypalan, Two-time Fil-Am Conductor at Carnegie Hall
FOR musicians across the globe, performing in New York City’s Carnegie Hall is the ultimate dream. It is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical…
Valentine’s Day nightmare: Victims of domestic violence and permanent residency
VALENTINE’S Day is traditionally a holiday for couples to celebrate their love. However, when good relationships go bad, Valentine’s Day becomes one abusive nightmare. Debbie entered the United States as…
Conscious of your smile?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Could my smile be brighter?” or “Is it possible for me to get my discolored, (misshaped, chipped or crooked) teeth to look good?” Thanks to…
A nation on trial
As a physician witnessing the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Renato Corona, I cannot help but compare and discern a stark difference between medical practice and the legal process as…
State of confusion
DON’T KILL the messengers (aka the media) — but whether the US-PH high-level talks will push through this March is still a bit confusing at this juncture. Last week, Philstar.com…
Debt forgiveness in the eye of the IRS
IT’S PROBABLY the cliché of our economic times: foreclosures and short sales one after the other have triggered too many sleepless nights among honest Americans who were trapped into mortgages…
Chef Sally Camacho, Top Chef: Just Desserts Finalist and Pastry Chef at Wolfgang Puck
WHEN it comes to desserts, there’s nothing sweeter for Chef Sally Camacho. She is, after all, a pastry chef surrounded by yummy desserts every day. As executive pastry chef for…
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!
I’VE BEEN preaching about Jesus’ popularity lately. The Gospel of Mark relates how people sought him anywhere he went to listen to his preaching, to witness and to experience his…
Rising above uncertainties
DESPITE travel advisories posted against the Philippines, foreigners—especially Europeans—remain unfazed and have continued to come and visit the country. The Department of Tourism (DOT), further confirmed that tourists still consider…