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June 6, 2015 HawaII fIlIPIno cHronIcle 1 ♦ JUNE 6, 2015 ♦ CANDID PERSPECTIVES PHILIPPINE NEWS LEGAL NOTES tIme to Get to Grace Poe: “I am uscIs now accePtInG Know Your QualIfIed to run H-4 worK PermIt sPratlYs for PresIdent” aPPlIcatIons PRESORTED HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HawaII fIlIPIno cHronIcle June 6, 2015 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor he last of the state’s public Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. schools ended classes earlier Significance of Philippine Publisher & Managing Editor this week—much to the relief Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Independence Day of students who have put in so much effort this past school Associate Editors ilipinos the world over will celebrate Philippine In- T Dennis Galolo year. Whether you’ve transi- dependence Day on June 12—the date when Gen. Edwin Quinabo tioned from middle high to high school, high Emilio Aguinaldo, in Kawit, Cavite, boldly pro- Contributing Editor school to college, or college to the real claimed the sovereign independence of the Filipino Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. world…congratulations on a job well done. You deserve a well- people from Spanish colonial rule. Creative Designer F earned summer vacation! Junggoi Peralta Diosdado Macapagal, former president of the Our cover story for this issue is about Freemasonry, a frater- Philippines, eloquently stated that a nation is born into freedom nal organization and the key role it played in the struggle for a Photography “on the day when such a people, molded into a nation by a Tim Llena free and independent Republic of the Philippines. The cover process of cultural evolution and sense of oneness born of com- Administrative Assistant story was written by Serafin “Jun” Colmenares Jr., who delves mon struggle and suffering, announces to the world that it as- Shalimar Pagulayan into the history of Freemasonry and its rapid growth among key serts its natural right to liberty and is ready to defend it with Columnists Filipino leaders during the 1800 and 1900s. Please turn to page blood, life, and honor.” Carlota Hufana Ader 4 to read more about this fascinating organization that left an in- Emil Guillermo Some would argue that the United States, Spain and other delible mark on Philippine history. Incidentally, the Philippines Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. nations at the time refused to recognize Aguinaldo’s declaration Ron Menor is celebrating its 117th Independence Day on June 12. Some say and that the Philippines would undergo a hostile invasion by the J.P. Orias that although the Philippines has long since gained its independ- Pacita Saludes Imperial Japanese army and subsequent post-World War II oc- ence, true personal freedom continues to elude many of its citi- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. cupation by friendly U.S. forces. But by virtue of the declara- zens, especially the poor and underprivileged, who suffer from Charlie Sonido, M.D. tion, the seeds for the collective dream of a free and independent Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. the debilitating effects of corrupt government officials, abject Philippines were planted in the hearts and minds of the people. Felino S. Tubera poverty, high unemployment rates and poor education. But that Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Filipinos in the succeeding decades fought and bled to preserve is a topic to be discussed and debated for another time. For now, their nation’s freedom. June 12 then is a holiday to remember Contributing Writers Happy Philippine Independence Day! and honor those brave Filipino men and women who made the Clement Bautista On a related topic, our columnist Emil Guillermo makes an ultimate sacrifices in defending life and liberty for themselves Teresita Bernales, Ed.D interesting case on the need to pay greater attention to China’s Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. and their countrymen. It’s also important to remember that as antics in the Spratlys, where it has surreptitiously staked its Julia Crowley Filipinos, we should continue to embody the values that the Linda Dela Cruz claim—much to the chagrin of Fil-Am leaders like Loida Nico- Philippines was built upon—values such as family, respect for Fiedes Doctor las Lewis. The bottom line is that it will be extremely difficult Danny De Gracia, II, MA elders, faith in God and hard work—to name just a few. to boot China from the area, once its facilities and presence have Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand This June 12, as we honor those who have fought for the Amelia Jacang, M.D. been firmly entrenched. Read his column on page 3 and see liberty of the Philippines with parades, fiestas and speeches, Caroline Julian whether you agree with him or not. Raymund Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. let’s also remember that no matter what our backgrounds or per- If you’re looking to take the family on a relaxing summer Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. sonal beliefs—we Filipinos are basically the same at heart when Deborah T. Manog beach outing but want somewhere else besides Magic Island or it comes down to it. We all want a more prosperous Philippines, Maita Milallos Waikiki Beach, consider taking a scenic drive to Windward greater unity amongst ourselves and a brighter future for our na- Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Oahu’s Waimanalo Beach Park. This beach’s powdery white Seneca Moraleda-Puguan tion. That is the true meaning and essence of Independence Day! Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. sand helped it to win the title of the Nation’s Best Beach by “Dr. Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Beach.” To find out more about pristine Waimanalo Beach, Glenn Wakai Know What Is Covered please turn to page 8. Amado Yoro That’s all for now. Thank you once again for your faithful Philippine Correspondent In Your Health Insurance support. As always, if you would like to share a story idea, sug- Greg Garcia gestion or concern, please email it to our staff at: filipinochron- Big Island Distributor Grace Larson Plan [email protected]. Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! Ditas Udani he news coverage of a local couple’s hospital visit to Maui Distributor treat their infant has been getting a lot of attention Cecile Piros lately because many local residents are realizing that Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe they could end up in a similar situation of being stuck ices. EMP told the couple that they owe EMP $871.73. Advertising/Marketing Director with an unexpected, huge ER bill, even if they have The couple was shocked because this has never happened to T Chona A. Montesines-Sonido health coverage. them before while visiting ER. Like the couple, most people in Account Executives Amidst the rapid changes in medical care -- from insurance the general public believe that if they have health insurance, an Carlota Hufana Ader companies to hospitals, to physician groups -- this one case high- ER visit would normally require a co-payment for the visit, plus J.P. Orias lights the need for greater cooperation and simplification among payment for a certain percentage of the doctor’s services. For the The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. all parties in the medical community. If not, more cases as what most part, most people believe an ER visit covered by health in- It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- tributed at various outlets around Oahu and happened to this North Shore couple, will leave patients confused surance shouldn’t be that high. the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- and frustrated over the process of medical care, particularly when ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- While this particular visit will cost the couple $871.73, even lication date. Subscriptions are available at visiting the ER. with health insurance, there is a legitimate cause for concern be- $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country cause a medical ER bill could be even more for other medical $90. Copyright 2006-2014. The Hawaii Fil- ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 What Happened… services if a patient happens to be assigned to a doctor outside Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- A local couple drove their infant son to the emergency room the network of his health insurance. 1829. E-mail [email protected]. at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Their 17- Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and year child had a blood stool. The family is covered with HMAA. What you should know contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- At the hospital, a doctor was assigned to treat their son. But it To spare yourself from grief of having to be surprised with a ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written per- turns out that this doctor was a part of Emergency Medicine costly medical bill, everyone must actually read carefully what is mission from the management. All rights re- Physicians (EMP), and not a part of HMAA’s network. HMAA covered in his insurance plan. No one actually likes to read details served. Printed in the U.S.A. www.thefilipinochronicle.com and EMP are in labor negotiations. of plans, but it could prevent patients from feeling blind-sided www.efilipinochronicle.com When it came time to pay the bill for the ER visit, HMAA when the bill comes. MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional paid for the emergency room visit but not for the doctor’s serv- (continued on page 3) JournaliStS June 6, 2015 HawaII fIlIPIno cHronIcle 3 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Time to Get to Know Your Spratlys be the next hair trigger in Asia.