MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ FEBRUARY♦ MARCH 5, 19, 2011 2011 ♦ ♦

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION FEATURE PHILIPPINE NEWS PEOPLE POWER: FILIPINO FILM 1ST BATCH OF FROM PHILIPPINES FESTIVAL 7,600 MARCOS VICTIMS TO EGYPT IS BACK .....! GET $1,000 EACH

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011

EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER elcome and thank you for Publisher & Executive Editor Congratulations, picking up the newest issue of Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. the Hawaii Filipino Chroni- Publisher & Managing Editor New Chief Justice cle—the leading Filipino Chona A. Montesines-Sonido W newspaper in the 50th State! In of California! case you missed it, February Associate Editors 25, 2011 marked the 25th An- Dennis Galolo hen Tani Cantil-Sakauye was sworn in as Chief Jus- niversary of the People Power revolution that Edwin Quinabo tice of California on January 3, 2011, it marked sev- toppled the regime of former Philippine presi- Creative Designer eral historic “firsts.” She holds the distinction as the dent Ferdinand Marcos. His exile to Hawaii sharply divided the Fil- Junggoi Peralta first Asian-American and the first Filipino to serve ipino community and pitted Marcos loyalists against vocal critics of the former dictator. Over time, leaders in the Filipino community Design Consultant W as the Golden State’s Chief Justice. It also marks Randall Shiroma the first time that California’s seven-member put aside their differences and managed to forgive and to forget. Supreme Court will have a female majority. This issue’s cover story was written by Danny de Gracia, II, Photographer who introduces readers to Tani Cantil-Sakauye—the first ever Cal- Tim Llena Cantil-Sakauye’s achievements were hailed by immigrants rights ifornia Supreme Court Chief Justice of Filipino ancestry. She holds groups, who see her as a living, breathing example of the American Administrative Assistant the distinction as the most powerful Filipina in U.S. public service. Shalimar Pagulayan dream. Hers is the classic rags-to-riches story. Cantil-Sakauye’s par- Cantil-Sakauye oversees some 1,700 judges and manages a $4 bil- ents worked as farm and plantation laborers who pinched pennies to lion budget for California's court system which is one of the largest Columnists provide a good education for she and her three siblings. She later put Carlota Ader in the world. We are extremely proud of her not for her Hawaii Carlo Cadiz, M.D. herself through college and law school by waiting on tables. Even roots (her father was a former plantation worker here who later set- Mayor Peter Carlisle after earning her Juris Doctor, a tight job market forced her to work tled in California) but because she is an example that anyone, im- Sen. Will Espero briefly as a blackjack dealer in Nevada. Eventually, she landed a job migrants included, can get ahead in life if they are determined and Grace F. Fong, Ed.D as prosecutor in the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office. She willing to work hard. We hope you will enjoy reading her inspir- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. ing story, which begins on page 4. J.P. Orias worked her way up the ladder, serving on the Sacramento Municipal Pacita Saludes Court and then the Superior Court before being appointed by Gov. In news you can use, please refer to our Social Security Update Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Court of Appeals. column for instructions on how to obtain a replacement SSA-1099 Charlie Sonido, M.D. We hope that Cantil-Sakauye will inspire young Filipinos to not form. If you are preparing to file your tax returns, Form SSA-1099 Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. is an important tax document to have. Please take time to read page Felino S. Tubera only study hard but to dream above and beyond what she has ac- 6, particularly if you receive Social Security benefits. You’ll be Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. complished. If a Filipina can lead a court system as large and as glad you did. complex as the state of California, surely it’s just a matter of time be- Lastly, we would like to remind our readers that HPD will be Contributing Writers fore America elects its first president of Filipino ancestry. And why setting up DUI checkpoints starting Friday, March 4 through Sat- Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. not? There are no limitations to what our young people can accom- urday, April 30. Nine people have been killed in eight traffic col- Clement Bautista plish, particularly with the groundwork laid down by trailblazers lisions on Oahu so far this year. Speed, alcohol or drugs were a Teresita Bernales, Ed.D like Cantil-Sakauye and others before her. factor in six of the crashes. It would be a good idea to have your Linda Dela Cruz Fiedes Doctor So congratulations to Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye on her mon- registration, safety check and other papers updated and on-hand in Gregory Bren Garcia umental achievements. Leading California’s court system is a daunt- case you are asked to pull over by police. Danny De Gracia, II, MA ing task but she is more than up for the challenges that lay ahead. In closing, thank you for faithfully supporting the Hawaii Fil- Amelia Jacang, M.D. ipino Chronicle. Please feel free to contact us at: filipinochroni- Caroline Julian [email protected] if you have story suggestions, concerns or Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. questions regarding Hawaii’s Filipino community. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro Big Corporations Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! Philippine Correspondent Must Pay Fair Share in Guil Franco Big Island Distributor Balancing National and and tax benefits. The billions that these corporations receive from Grace Larson tax breaks far surpasses all social welfare aid combined, AFDC, stu- Ditas Udani State Budgets dent aid, housing, food and individual public assistance. Corporate Maui Distributor s Hawaii’s Neil Abercrombie and other governors welfare costs taxpayers up to $570.8 billion over a five-year period. Cecile Piros across the nation painfully slash government spending These tax breaks extended to corporations shortchange govern- Molokai Distributor to balance state budgets, working- and middle-class ment revenues and prompt middle- and working-class Americans to Maria Watanabe Americans are asked to make do with a lot less and pos- pick up the slack by paying more taxes and fees. Advertising/Marketing Director A sibly pay more in taxes and fees. If corporate subsidies weren’t enough, the government also Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Select public schools may be closing. Cuts to Med- hands out billions to corporations, which are written off in many Account Executives icaid and essential welfare programs will be hard hit as cases as grants or packaged as zero percent or very minimal interest Carlota Ader the new GOP-led House in Congress put a plug on billions of federal loans. J.P. Orias dollars from reaching the state level. In times of financial crisis, the In one example alone, we see that social welfare pales in com- The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published most vulnerable sectors of society—the elderly, students and poor— parison to corporate welfare. Take the government’s Temporary As- weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- are asked to make the biggest sacrifices. We’ve seen it during the last sistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, a cash assistance tributed at various outlets around Oahu and recession which resulted in major welfare reform. But how much project that benefits poor families, which totaled to $4.5 billion in the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- more weight can the average American be asked to carry while the 2007. On the other hand, the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), lication date. Subscriptions are available at unlikeliest of groups—corporate America—gets a free ride? a cash assistance program to help failing banks, since September $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country 2008 to the present amounted to $700 billion. $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Another Option to Balance the Budget So one year of TANF spending equals to less than 1 percent of Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone The fact is, there is another major source of income that both TARP. Citibank alone received $25 billion—five times the cash (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. the federal and state government can rely on to balance the coun- transferred to mothers and children receiving public assistance. All E-mail [email protected]. Web- site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions try’s budget. It’s an enormous source of revenue that’s larger than the while, top executives of these banks received an estimated $1.6 expressed by the columnists and contribu- any newly-imposed tax or monies generated from spending cuts can billion in bonuses. The gross misconception is that poor and work- tors do not necessarily reflect those of the ing people are driving the government bankrupt through assistance; Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- muster. Yet, tapping this much-needed money has gone largely ig- production of the contents in whole or in part nored for political reasons. That is, until recently. yet the reality is corporations are even bigger welfare recipients. is prohibited without written permission from Americans are wising up to the surprise of powerful interest While some may argue subsidies to corporations contribute to the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. groups and now demanding Corporate Welfare Reform. the overall economy, the fact is billions are wastefully spent and do www.thefilipinochronicle.com Billions annually are extended by the U.S. government to prof- not contribute to the general welfare of the country and communities. www.efilipinochronicle.com itable multi-national companies in the form of corporate subsidies (continued on page 5) MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION People Power: Philippines to Egypt themselves between Marcos’ allies of the U.S. and their sto- tanks and the people. The quiet ries parallel each other in other heroism of Filipinos across the ways. entire country reminded Marcos The heavy investment in in- loyalists that they were all frastructure during Marcos’ first By Senator Will Espero brothers and led to their defec- term (1965-69) made him so ccupation: tions. At the end of February, popular that he won re-election Housewife.” the peaceful revolution pre- in 1969. The loans came due Last office vailed. Marcos flew to Hawaii right after, however, leaving the held: valedic- in exile. Cory Aquino raised country largely in debt and “O torian of her her hand to take her oath of of- plunging it into desperate eco- sixth-grade fice, and was inaugurated to her nomic conditions. It was in his class. The chief and only polit- rightful place as the duly second term that Marcos ele- ical strengths of the novice can- elected leader of the Philip- vated himself to cult status, re- didate for the highest office in pines. world, Time Magazine named where General Fidel Ramos and quiring his official portrait the land were her innocence of Corazon Aquino, the shy Corazon Aquino its “Woman of Minister of National Defense displayed at all businesses or politics and the moral symbol- housewife who was drawn by the Year” for 1986. Juan Ponce Enrile changed over schools on pain of closure for ism of her name. In Spanish, fate into an arena characterized No doubt there are a few of to support Aquino, the decision failure to do so and displacing Corazon means “heart”; to Fil- by macho politics, won her us for whom the images last of the army in Egypt to break billboard ads across the nation ipinos, Aquino meant her hus- country’s hearts with her deep week of Tahrir Square in down- away from Mubarak to carry with his propaganda. The deci- band, Benigno Aquino, the felt sense of humanity, calm- town Cairo, Egypt brought out the will of the people was sions of the Marcos Adminis- chief rival of President Ferdi- ness, and grace. Through her memories of those days of Feb- key to his stepping down. The tration, however, left much of nand Marcos. When the Febru- soft spoken leading of civil dis- ruary 1986, when another U.S. only seeming counterpart miss- the country in want. Filipino ary 7, 1986 snap election cast obedience, she restored the ally, Ferdinand Marcos, relin- ing from the Egyptian scene university students took to the Marcos as the winner, real life promises of democracy without quished his presidency. The was one for Cardinal Jaime Sin, streets in massive rallies and drama unfolded on the interna- bloodshed. Her heritage of no- sight of Egyptians offering who brought the strong influ- demonstrations. After three tional stage to protest. When bility as a daughter in the flowers to the soldiers paral- ence of religion to pressure the years of civil unrest, Marcos re- Marcos called out troops, old prominent Cojuango family leled the Filipinos whose offer- departure of Ferdinand Marcos. sponded by declaring martial women hugged armed militia was fortified by her living faith ing of a token of national unity Mubarak held the reins of law in 1972. Justifying it to while little girls offered flowers in God. For her determination softened the hearts of military power in Egypt for nearly 30 quell the active criticism, he to the soldiers. Nuns kneeling and courage in leading a demo- men. Like the “People Power” years; Marcos was in office 20 said the times were too tumul- and praying the rosary placed cratic revolution that riveted the revolution in the Philippines, years. Both were regarded as (continued on page 7) 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 COVER STORY California’s First Ever Filipina Chief Justice Takes Command of Supreme Court By Danny de Gracia, II

n January 3, Tani Cantil-Sakauye began a new year and new era of achievement for Asian-Pacific islanders in America when she became the first ever California O Supreme Court Chief Justice of Filipino ancestry.

The 51-year-old Filipina ifornia and married a Filipina years later, Schwarzenegger ap- was appointed by former Gov. from Central Valley. Tani would pointed her again, this time to Arnold Schwarzenegger on July go on receive an Associate’s de- Chief Justice of the Supreme 21, 2010 to replace Chief Justice gree from Sacramento City Col- Court of California, a nomina- Ronald M. George who an- lege in 1978, a Bachelor’s from tion which was met by unani- nounced his intention to retire at UC-Davis in 1980 and her law mous approval by the California the end of his term on January 2, degree 1984 from the UC-Davis Commission on Judicial Ap- 2011. Confirmed by plebiscite in Law School. pointments, allowing her to go the November 2010 elections, From the start, Tani’s star on to the November 2010 elec- Cantil-Sakuye is now the most rose quickly as she became a tions for her confirming vote by powerful Filipina in U.S. public Deputy California Attorney the public. service, overseeing some 1,700 General fresh out of law school. Described as a Republican judges and managing a $4 bil- By 1990, she was already the with generally moderate views lion budget for a court system Judge of the Sacramento County on social issues, Chief Justice Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye that is one of the largest in the Superior Court and in 1994 she Cantil-Sakauye is well-liked by world. married Mark Sakauye, a police many in California and believed “I’m very happy to know decisions could set precedents Born Tani Gorre Cantil on officer. to have strong administrative that California will have a Fil- for the rest of the nation's courts October 19, 1959 in Sacramento, In 2005 she was appointed skills that will lend well to man- ipina representing us when it to follow. Tani’s father was a former by Schwarzenegger to Associate aging the Golden State’s court comes to administering justice Chief Justice Cantil- Hawaii Filipino plantation Justice of the California Third system in a time of financial un- and interpreting the laws of the Sakauye is also seen by others worker who settled down in Cal- District Court of Appeals. Five certainty and budget austerity. land,” says Jess Losa, a Filipino as a victory for Hawaii Filipinos from Fairfield, California. “The and a validation of the belief position of Chief Justice of the that all immigrants can still Supreme Court is probably the make it big in America with most powerful position that vot- hard work and a lot of determi- ers have never heard of before. nation. Lauren Easley, a Filip- The Legislature and the Gover- ina who was born and raised in nor may make the laws, but the Redlands, California, is a polit- Supreme Court determines how ical scientist and former advisor the laws are interpreted and at the Hawaii State Capitol who whether or not they should was likewise impressed with the stand at all, using the state con- news of the new California stitution and the U.S. Constitu- Chief Justice. tion as the deciding standard. “As a California woman of “There are a lot of us who Filipino ancestry, I am so proud, are counting on newly-elected happy and thrilled for Tani Can- and appointed leaders to hold til-Sakauye,” Easley says. “As the line, and I pray that she will a testament to how far Filipinos be the one to do it like no one have come in so short a time, else before her. State govern- Justice Cantil-Sakauye is one of ment in many ways is much only three other Asian Ameri- more important and influential cans on the Court. Her confir- than even national govern- mation by California voters in ment.” the November election is in- In fact, state supreme courts spiring as it is historic.” have recently been propelled to Easley believes that Chief the center of national media at- Justice Cantil-Sakauye has an tention as lawsuits over legisla- opportunity to leave a mark for tion passed by the 111th U.S. future generations of Filipinos Congress have broke out all with her new position of au- across America. Cantil-Sakauye thority. will likely preside over cases of “It is important however extreme controversy, and her (continued on page 5) MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY (from page 4, CALIFORNIA’S ...) ◄ Pictured en banc in the Supreme that Filipinos understand that Court Courtroom in San Francisco are the court's seven justices, from our progress and honor doesn’t left to right: Associate Justice Car- end with just taking positions of los R. Moreno, Associate Justice prominence; we must daily Joyce L. Kennard, Associate Jus- tice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, prove ourselves to be worthy of Chief Justice Tani Cantil- our high calling,” Easley went Sakauye, Associate Justice Ming W. Chin, Associate Justice Marvin on to say. “U.S. Chief Justice R. Baxter, and Associate Justice Earl Warren once remarked that Carol A. Corrigan. (Photo: William A. Porter, he believed that the preserva- San Francisco, CA) tion of our civil liberties was the most fundamental and impor- dreams. I for one look forward tant duties of all, because if we to the day that America will ever permit those liberties to be young Hawaii Filipinos set to lieve that it is only a matter of things and far greater if we be- have a Filipino-American pres- destroyed, there will be nothing graduate from high schools and time before America elects a lieve in the beauty of our ident.” left in our system worthy of colleges this May, Chief Justice president of Filipino ancestry. preservation. I hope that Cali- Cantil-Sakauye’s story could be “The young people gradu- fornia’s new Chief Justice will the spark to inspire many more ating this year from Hawaii’s take those words to heart and Filipinos to dream big and study high schools need to know that recognize that she has been hard despite the challenges of our nation’s greatest strength is called for such a time as this, dwindling job availability and the power of their dreams,” says the hour of our nation’s greatest rising unemployment. With a Easley. “Chief Justice Cantil- need and most challenging tur- Filipina holding the rare posi- Sakauye opened the door, but moil.” tion of a state Supreme Court it’s up to us to walk through to With a new generation of Justice, there are some who be- the future. We can do these EDITORIAL (cont.) (from page 2, BIG CORPORATIONS ...) Be Aware amount individuals pay.” This According to a study by the Cato More Americans need to re- disparity also parallels the in- Institute, many solid profitable alize what’s really going on with creasingly stark inequities in companies have benefitted from corporate welfare. Congres- personal income and political in- U.S. federal government subsi- sional bills in the past that aimed fluence in the country. dies including Boeing, IBM, at reforming this problem in- We can collectively reverse Motorola, Dow Chemicals and clude the Public Resources this trend by asking politicians General Electric. They were Deficit Reduction Act and the one critical question—“Why among other recipients in 2006 Corporate Responsibility Act. If isn’t corporate welfare reform alone that cost taxpayers $92 bil- subsidies and tax breaks are to even on the table for discussion lion. be made, the government should in balancing federal and state In one corporate welfare be more selective and extend budgets?” program, the U.S. government them to benefit family farms, doled out $100 million a year for small businesses and consumer marketing. Companies that have health, not to wealthy corpora- participated in the Market Pro- tions that have no legitimate rea- motion Program include Dole son to receive them. Corporation, Sunkist and Mc- Americans are being asked Donalds. Why should the gov- to make sacrifices during these ernment be involved in rough economic times, but why marketing profitable private cor- should it benefit big corpora- porations? tions that operate primarily for- At the state and local gov- profit and often times contribute ernment level, it’s estimated that very little to the community? $40 to $50 billion are spent an- Voters should be cautious of nually for so called “economic politicians who trumpet “pub- development” incentives which lic-private partnerships” (buzz really amount to being corporate word of the 2000s) under the welfare. guise of economic develop- To rub salt into the wound, ment. While it sounds benefi- as cost-savings measures many cial, such projects just may be giant corporations have re- public relations spin for corpo- sorted to cutting back workers’ rate welfare. benefits and salaries just to There is a very telling fact maintain higher profit margins. that sums up the entire problem Where it gets even more unfair of corporate welfare. According is that the taxes these same to the U.S. Office of Manage- workers are paying in turn are ment and Budget: “After World used by the government to sub- War II, the nation’s tax bill was sidize these same profitable roughly split between corpora- companies that they work tions and individuals. But after for—conceivably the same years of changes in the federal multi-nationals that are cutting tax code, the corporate share of their pay and benefits. taxes has declined to a fourth the 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Honolulu Among 100 Best Communities For Young People onolulu has been of the honor. They were chosen United States, totaling 1.3 mil- Family Programs Hawaii, they collaborate across sectors named as one of the by a distinguished panel of lion young people a year. That’s YMCA of Honolulu, Honolulu (schools, nonprofits, business H America’s Promise Al- judges that included some of the just not acceptable. Fortunately, Community Action Program’s and faith communities working liance “100 Best Communities nation’s most well-known civic, many good people in Honolulu Head Start Program, Hawaii together) to help young people for Young People.” business and nonprofit leaders. and other cities are working to Youth Services Network, overcome challenges and Presented by ING, the “Our community has address this crisis.” Hawaii Community Founda- achieve their potential. award identifies 100 communi- worked very hard to assist The City Department of tion, Hawaii Job Corps and Founded in 1997, America’s ties nationwide that are dedi- young people identify and Community Services’ Youth ALU LIKE. Promise Alliance is the nation’s cated to ending the high school achieve their educational goals, Services Center applied for the Judges for the competition largest partnership organization dropout crisis by helping young and we must continue this im- “100 Best Cities” designation in reviewed applications from dedicated to improving the lives people overcome challenges to portant effort,” says Honolulu collaboration with several non- across the U.S., looking for in- of children and youth. The 100 succeed. This year, more than Mayor Peter Carlisle, who profit groups that assist young novative or proven programs Best Communities for Young 350 communities in all 50 states joined leaders of several com- people through various pro- and initiatives that demonstrate People competition is supported and Washington, D.C., were munity groups in announcing grams that provide mentoring, applicant communities are ac- by the ING Foundation, which nominated for the competition. Honolulu’s designation. “More career guidance, and other tively working to increase grad- contributes an average of $3.5 Winners come from 37 states than 7,000 students drop out youth development services— uation rates. Winning million annual towards educa- and 30 are first-time recipients every school day across the Good Beginnings Alliance, communities demonstrated how tion initiatives. City Marks 40 Years of Bus Service PICTORIAL NEWS he City’s awarding-win- expanded to become the re- panded to include routes serving ning public bus program spected Honolulu institution that the entire island,” says City T has reached a milestone thousands of commuters rely on Transportation Director Wayne Y. 40 years of service. every day. Yoshioka. “There’s no denying TheBus was launched on “From its modest first head- that TheBus has developed into a March 1, 1971 under the admin- quarters under a banyan tree that venerable and reliable transporta- istration of then-Honolulu is now the site of a child-care fa- tion necessity for Oahu. Mayor Frank Fasi. It has since cility, TheBus has grown and ex- “I congratulate our Public Transit Division, led by Division Chief James Burke and the Oahu Transit Services, Inc. led by President and General Manager Honored guests (holding o’o sticks) broke ground on February 22, 2011 in East Kapolei for Honolulu’s $5.5 billion fixed rail project. From left: State Roger Morton, for the great job Sen. Shan Tsutsui, State Rep. Calvin Say, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, U.S. they are doing to serve our tran- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, U.S. Sen. Daniel In- ouye, Mayor Peter Carlisle, City Councilmember Nestor Garcia, City sit and para-transit riders. Transportation director Wayne Yoshioka, transit project general manager TheBus now provides more Toru Hamayasu, former mayor Mufi Hannemann. The rail project is ex- than 75 million rides to residents pected to create thousands of jobs and provide a badly needed trans- portation alternative that will benefit Oahu for decades and generations and visitors each year. to come. SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE Getting a Replacement Federal tax laws about Social Security benefits provide that: SSA-1099 is Easy • Up to 50 percent of So- By Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay curity benefits, one of those cial Security benefits may be items may be your SSA-1099 illions of taxpayers subject to Federal income tax for from Social Security. are busy gathering all individuals with a combined in- Some people who receive M the forms and docu- come between $25,000 and Social Security may have to pay ments they need to file $34,000, or for couples with a taxes on a portion of their bene- their federal, state and local tax combined income between fits. If you’re one of these indi- returns. If you receive Social Se- $32,000 and $44,000; and viduals, a Social Security • Up to 85 percent of So- Benefit Statement (Form SSA- cial Security benefits may be sub- 1099) is an important tax docu- ject to Federal income tax for ment for you to have. individuals with a combined in- Social Security mailed the come above $34,000, or for cou- SSA-1099s for tax year 2010 to ples with a combined income all beneficiaries in January 2011. above $44,000. (Note: “Com- If you receive Social Security and bined income” means adjusted need a replacement SSA-1099 for gross income, plus nontaxable in- 2010 in order to file a tax return, terest, plus one-half of Social Se- you can request it online at curity benefits). www.socialsecurity.gov/1099. For more information on The SSA-1099 shows the taxation of Social Security bene- total amount of benefits received fits, visit the IRS website at in the previous year and is used www.irs.gov. To request a re- to find out if any Social Security placement SSA-1099, visit benefits are subject to tax. The www.socialsecurity.gov/1099. MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Pleading Guilty When You Are Not heiress Doris Duke heard about he heard Spence would defend the government’s witnesses. (ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws de- Imelda’s determination to fight, Imelda. The government’s case How about filing pre-trial mo- gree from Yale Law School and a Bach- elor of Laws degree from the University she asked a Honolulu attorney to was so weak that Spence did not tions and engaging in discovery? of the Philippines. He practices in look for a lawyer. He found even present any evidence. Rarely. We have been telling Fil- Hawaii, specializing in immigration law Gerry Spence who asked for $5 Imelda was acquitted on July 2, ipinos to fight if they are inno- and criminal defense. Tel. (808) 225- By Atty. Emmanuel 2645. E-Mail: [email protected]. million and a promise from 1990, her 61st birthday. cent. We talk about it incessantly Samonte Tipon Website: www.ImmigrationService- Imelda that he would do all the Imelda and this writer rem- on radio. Shun the “abogado de sUSA.com. He is from Laoag City and hy should I talking and that she would not inisced about the case when we plead guilty”. Hire the “abogado Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an plead guilty Immigration Officer. He is co-author of talk unless on cue. Imelda visited her in Batac before last de campanilla” who will fight “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.” an when I am agreed. At last she found a man May’s election. We presented for you. No one deserves to stay 8-volume practice guide for immigration not guilty?” who could tell her what to do. her with a copy of our newspa- in jail even for a moment if in- officers and lawyers. Listen to the most “W — Imelda Alas, Manong Andy was not that per, U.S. Philippine Times, pub- nocent. It is very difficult to funny, witty, and useful radio program in Hawaii on KNDI at 1270, AM dial Romualdez man. Perhaps the course of lished on the day of her prove an innocent man “guilty every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and on Marcos. Philippine history might have acquittal, with the headline beyond a reasonable doubt.” It KHBC at 1060, AM dial every Thursday Mrs. Marcos fumed when been different if Manong had “IMELDA INNOCENT” fea- is even difficult to prove a guilty at 8 p.m. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed her lawyers advised her to plead displayed some machismo ala turing her portrait in a white man “guilty beyond a reasonable and is not intended as legal advice. No guilty to racketeering charges, Spence. terno, a picture of innocence. doubt.” I am not talking about warranty is made by the writer or pub- exclaiming: “Why should I Spence went to work. He O.J. Simpson. lisher as to its completeness or correct- plead guilty when I am not asked for the government’s wit- Fight if innocent ness at the time of publication.) guilty?” It was alleged that she ness list and directed investiga- If only Filipinos and others took over $200 million from the tors to check their background. had the guts displayed by Imelda Philippine treasury and secretly He sent word that he would in- when they face criminal charges. bought four New York City sky- terview government witnesses Many fall victims to lazy, in- scrapers in conspiracy with before the trial and would sub- competent, and uncaring attor- Saudi businessman Adnan ject them to rigorous cross-ex- neys whose first thought is about Khashoggi. There were wit- amination. Potential witnesses losing and whose strategy is to nesses prepared to say that camped in NYC led by a Har- terrorize hapless defendants by $100,000 bundles of cash were vard graduate who headed the advising them to plead guilty delivered from the Philippine Presidential Commission on and get a light sentence, other- National Bank to her Waldorf- Good Government (PCGG) aka wise they could spend the rest of Astoria hotel. Her lawyers re- Palagi Caming Galit at Gutom their lives in jail, even if they portedly terrorized her saying fled. claim innocence. Some lawyers that if she went to trial and lost, Rudy Giuliani, the U.S. At- have met the defendant for the she could get 30 years in jail, but torney who filed the charges, ex- first time in the corridor of the if she pleaded guilty, they might pecting to make political capital court house. Others have not get her a one year sentence. by trying the case himself, even read the police report. Most When her friend tobacco turned it over to a deputy when do not even attempt to interview LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION (cont.)

(from page 3, PHILIPPINES ...) ning against the President, giv- people died and over 3000 were tuous to be left to traditional ing that right to parliament. Ma- injured. Cairo was described as democracy. nipulating this rule, Mubarak a “war zone,” leading foreign Two years after Ninoy would have himself nominated governments to try to evacuate Aquino was assassinated, Mar- by the largely rubber stamp par- their citizens from Egypt. After cos called a snap election. liament and confirmed without the Egyptian Army defected to Ninoy’s widow Corazon was opposition in a referendum. the side of the people and the catapulted into the campaign by On January 25, 2011, a na- U.S. expressed its belief that the a nomination of one million sig- tionwide series of riots, rallies, presidency was at its end, natures. She promised to re- labor strikes, street demonstra- Mubarak resigned on February store democracy to the weary tions, marches, and violent 11, “Farewell Friday.” As nation. When the election left clashes began, the largest in Egyptian Mohammed El Ba- Marcos in power, Aquino re- Cairo and Alexandria. Their radei said, "Egypt is free." sponded by calling for mass legal, political, and economic The dramatic events of both civil disobedience. Eighteen grievances were many: high then and now should remind us days later, on February 25, unemployment, low minimum how privileged we are to live in 1986, the People Power Revo- wages, high food prices, uncon- peace and freedom, in a politi- lution ousted Marcos and trollable corruption, lack of free cal structure that openly accepts Aquino was installed as Presi- elections, lack of free speech, challengers, peacefully permits dent of the Philippines. police brutality, and oppressive the transition of power, and Hosni Mubarak became life under “emergency law.” On holds our government officials president of Egypt in 1981, after February 1, in the “March of the to their role of providing for the the assassination of President Millions,” protestors demanded general welfare not their own Anwar al Sadat. Unlike Sadat, the overthrow of the Mubarak personal gain. Let us with hu- Mubarak survived six attempts regime, an end of its corruption mility give thanks that our na- on his life. His tight hold on the and police repression, and the tion, even with its flaws, stands presidency was secured by an restoration of democracy. The as a testament to the world for Egyptian constitution restriction protests escalated, and in the 18 this precious freedom we enjoy. that prohibited anyone from run- day episode, more than a 300 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 COMMUNITY PARADE

▲ Organized Chaos. BMM 2011 served about 1,800 patients in Taysan, Legaspi City who were very happy to receive vitamins, medicines and gift packages.

◄ Sister City in the Making? Naga City Kgd Seling Tuason with Dr. Linda Cachola and Honolulu Councilman Romy Cachola

Giving Back to the Community. ► JP Orias donating 2 boxes of left over medicines to Mayor Delia Simbulan for Nabua Health Center at the end of BMM 2011

◄ Gift Packages for the Indigents. In addition to free vitamins and medi- cines, the indigents also got tooth brush, toothpaste, canned goods and noodles

Bicolanang Magayon. ► Pretty Bicolana nursing students and health office assistants volunteered in all towns. They packed medicines good for 6 months

◄ Titans Medical Brothers. David Reyes, Pierre Nap Niere, Kevin Giller, Inzo Tan, Charlie Aguinaldo, Charlie Sonido, and Marc Joven

All In The Family. ► Marianela Jacob, Nurse Practitioner, assisted by daughter Vanessa, gave medical advise to patients. Husband Jose Jacob, RN, MR, was triage master in all towns

▲ Naga City Mayor John Bongat with ▲ Retired professionals came to volunteer. BMM 2011 historian Tess volunteer Tony Tria, Esq. Bernales interviewed some of the golden boys of Ateneo De Naga HS’59

▲ Pediatric patients were 42 percent of the total. Dr. Marc Joven seeing a patient with her grandma in Naga City MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9 FEATURE Celebrating Filipino Art Films By Fiedes Doctor organization that serves less for- pine Art Gallery will begin tional May celebration dance, he Filipino Film tunate communities in the March 26, Saturday. and while crossing gender lines, Festival is back Philippines. generational differences and and better than “The films focus on social, A Sneak Peek class issues. The film won Best ever, featuring political, economic, and spiritual “Here Comes the Bride” is a Screenplay and Best Cinematog- T once again the concerns that are central to the romantic comedy about five raphy in the New Breed Cate- very best and lat- Filipino culture,” says Gina souls switching bodies in a freak gory at Cinemalaya 2010. est Philippine in- Caruso, Curator of Film at the collision, allowing them to real- Showtime date is March 24. dependent films. Doris Duke Theatre of the Hon- ize their dreams and chase true “Pinoy Sunday” follows the Scheduled from March 19- olulu Academy of Arts. “Many love. What transpires is a hilari- adventures of Manuel and Dado, 26, 2011 at the Doris Duke The- of the films have won awards in ous riot of mixed identities. two Filipino migrant workers atre, the festival will showcase international film festivals for “Here Comes the Bride” was an living in Taipei, who devote a the latest blockbuster comedy their originality and surprising official selection at Cinemalaya whole day lugging a discarded “Here Comes the Bride” by ac- story lines. and the Pusan International Film red leather sofa across the city to claimed director Chris Martinez. “We conduct thorough re- Festival and was one of the their home. The film was offi- Several award winners from the search and focus on the best year’s top box office hits in the cially selected for the Toronto 2010 Cinemalaya Film Festival films from the Philippines and Philippines. It is scheduled on International Film Festival, complete the roster of art films the most highly acclaimed film March 19 and 20. Pusan International Film Festi- from romance to black comedy festivals there, particularly Cine- Bayani Agbayani and Epi Quizon Other films being shown are val, Hawaii International Film star in “Pinoy Sunday” to drama, all of which are a re- malaya, which is considered the “The Mountain Thief,” “Pink Festival and Cinemanila Interna- flection of the Filipino culture Sundance Film Festival of the ings with complex, compelling Halo-Halo,” “Mayohan,” “Pinoy tional Film Festival. Light and and way of life. Philippines.” narratives that equal some of the Sunday” and “Two Funerals.” humorous, “Pinoy Sunday” For the bona fide Filipino, Caruso typically receives 40 best international films being “The Mountain Thief” touches on discrimination, hard- it’s a road to nostalgia; for the films for screening prior to a fes- made today.” shows the fight for survival of ship and injustice. Showtime is non-Filipino—who will be rely- tival, reads blogs and reviews Now in its third year at the Julio, a scavenger in Payatas, to March 25. ing on subtitles—the festival of- from film critics and takes note Doris Duke Theatre, the Filipino live in extreme poverty, raise a “Two Funerals” is a black fers a deeper look into the of international acclaim to whit- Film Festival’s opening night son and prove his innocence in a comedy that starts off with two Filipino psyche. tle down the selection to six or will have Filipino-inspired cui- murder case. An outcast thief caskets getting switched and “Independent films are seven films. sine from Whole Foods with who witnessed the event holds going to the wrong grieving somewhat more reflective of “The films are entertaining, wine and beer at the Pavilion the key to his vindication and family, separated thousands of what is life back home,” says Dr. family friendly and appeal to a Cafe, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. fate. Winner of the Jury Prize at miles away. Pilar, mother of the May Ablan, who is the liaison sophisticated, well-educated au- Guests will include mem- the San Francisco International dead girl, takes a trip to correct between the Honolulu Academy dience,” Caruso says. “We chose bers of PMAH and the Filipino Asian American Film Festival, the faux pas—during Holy Week of Arts and festival sponsor the films that appeal to our regular community, UH professors and the film will be shown on March and election season—bringing a Philippine Medical Association patrons as well as the Filipino students, members from the mu- 20 and 22. hilarious mix of holy, irreverent, of Hawaii (PMAH) Ohana Med- community. Many of the films seum and the general public. “Pink Halo-Halo”, on political and religious satire. The ical Missions Inc.—a non-profit have redemptive, uplifting end- Tours of the Academy’s Philip- March 23, is the first full-length film won Best Direction, Best feature shot entirely in the Mas- Screenplay, Special Jury Prize bateño language, Tigaonon. It is and Audience Choice Award at a poignant film about Natoy, a this year’s Cinemalaya Festival. boy who loves eating halo-halo Showing is on March 26. and who is suddenly thrust into Proceeds of the Festival the tragedy of war and conflict benefit the medical and health when his father is detailed to projects of the PMAH Ohana war-torn Mindanao. It is an hon- Medical Mission. For dates and est look into the strength of the times of film showing, go to human spirit. The film is an offi- www.honoluluacademy.org cial selection at the 2010 Cine- under “events.” Click the link to malaya. Doris Duke Theatre and then to “Mayohan” is about young- Filipino Film Festival. Tickets sters Nino and Lilibeth who start are $5 for Academy of Arts a friendship in search of growth, members, $7 for students, sen- acceptance and renewal in the iors and military and $8 for the midst of Mayohan, the tradi- general public. 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS P-Noy Honors Heroes of Phl Democracy by Aurea Calica Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

ANILA, Philippines - President Aquino con- M ferred yesterday the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo on the late Alejandro “Chino” Roces and five Legion of Honor Awards with the rank of Chief President Noynoy Aquino conferred the Order of Commander to the late STAR colum- Lakandula with the rank of Chief Commander to Fr. James Reuter nist Teodoro Benigno and the late United States Rep. Stephen Solarz as well ident Corazon Aquino) media bureau that as Fr. James Reuter, Grand Commander to battled against media monopoly,” he said. Napoleon Rama and Commander toSTAR The President said Roces, his father’s columnist William Esposo. mentor in journalism, was also detained at The President said the six were the Fort Bonifacio during martial law for ones who fought during martial law and bravely publishing the unsanitized truth could attest that the Philippines would not about the Marcos regime. possibly take off under the then dictator, He said Benigno found it necessary, Ferdinand Marcos, whose son-senator, Fer- along with other foreign journalists, to es- dinand Jr. claimed the country would have tablish the Foreign Correspondents Asso- become a Singapore if his father was not ciation of the Philippines so that they kicked out of power in 1986. could help balance the Marcos-controlled “You don’t even have to take my word media. for it. Just ask the people who were there: “And of course, Stephen Solarz, who We can ask Fr. James Reuter, who was tried helped change US policy towards the Mar- for 12 days in Camp Aguinaldo for editing cos regime from collaboration to eventu- and publishing The Communicator, a four- ally ‘cut, and cut clean,’” he said. page paper on martial law, and who subse- “Why don’t we ask these people if it quently was put under house arrest for two would have been better? These heroes of years,” Aquino said. ours knew better and, for the sake of the The President also cited the case of Filipino people, had to act. They, along Rama, Manila Bulletin publisher and then with millions of Filipinos, acted in 1986 to vice president of the Constitutional Con- take back and win back democracy,” the vention. Rama shared a prison cell with his President said. father, former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. for He thanked the awardees and their sponsoring the “Ban Marcos” resolution, families for the sacrifices they undertook which would have prevented the Marcoses to restore democracy in the Philippines. from running for the top post under a new “It is those sacrifices that we honor Constitution. today. The revolution did not end in 1986, “Ask our favorite, (William) Billy Es- nor will it end after this 25th anniversary,” poso, who also put up a Cory (former Pres- the President said. (www.philstar.com) Noy off to Indonesia, Singapore in March by Aurea Calica Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 scale fraud ANILA, Philippines - Presi- to Beijing dent Aquino will embark on rather than M state visits to Indonesia and to Taipei. Singapore from March 7 to 11, Mala- In De- President Noynoy Aquino cañang said. cember, the Sources, meanwhile, said the Presi- President announced his wish to visit dent’s trip to China has been set for May China, saying the country was among the and that there are no indications that it first to invite him after his inauguration in would be scrapped because of the current June. issues involving Beijing and Taiwan. But he said his trips to Association of China earlier postponed the execution Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mem- of three overseas Filipino workers on ber-countries have to come first because death row for drug smuggling. heads of states in the region have been But the Philippines has to deal with egging him to visit their countries. Also Taiwan’s fury over its decision to deport on his priority list are Thailand and 14 Taiwanese nationals accused of large- Malaysia. (www.philstar.com) MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 PHILIPPINE NEWS 1st Batch of 7,600 Marcos Rights Victims Get $1,000 Each by Rainier Allan Ronda by their long-awaited compensa- received yesterday symbolized Tuesday, March 1, 2011 tion for human rights violations the suffering that they have en- they or their loved ones suffered dured in their difficult battle to ANILA, Philippines and angry at the resurgence of get justice. - Twelve of the more the Marcoses in public office. Veteran film director Joel M than 7,600 human Retired Air Force colonel Lamangan, meantime, said the rights victims during the more Nilo Olegario Sr., whose son Nilo Marcoses should be prosecuted than 20-year regime of the late Jr. was among the thousands who for the crimes that they have dictator Ferdinand Marcos were disappeared during martial law, committed. handed their $1,000 compensa- said, “I feel bad that they (Mar- “This is a victory but the tion in an emotional ceremony coses) have returned to power, fight has to go on. Yes, I want the yesterday morning at the Club considering what they have done Marcoses to be prosecuted but the Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan to us and the countless victims of problem is the justice system here City. human rights violations during Hilda Narciso (centre), a human rights victim under the late Philippine dic- in the country is defective,” said The victims, who are eligi- that period. But what can I do? tator Ferdinand Marcos, becomes emotional as she receives a compensa- Lamangan, who was 17 years old tion cheque from lawyers. ble to get a share of the $10-mil- This is a free country.” and a student activist when he lion compromise settlement with Olegario’s son was only 27 brations every Feb. 14 for his A professor at the Far Eastern was detained and tortured. the heirs of the late Filipino-Chi- when he disappeared. son’s birthday. University (FEU) during martial Cecilia Lagman accepted nese businessman Jose Yao “I would gladly exchange Another martial law victim, rule, Mangahas said she suffered a the compensation on behalf of Campos in connection with a this money for my son. Up to Fe Mangahas, was teary-eyed as miscarriage of her first baby as her son, lawyer Hermon Lag- claim they filed on lands in now, we still feel the pain, espe- she recounted the torture she en- a result of the torture inflicted man, who like several others, Texas and Colorado, were both cially my wife,” Olegario said, dured in the hands of security on her during her detention. disappeared during martial law. sad about the memories evoked adding that they still hold cele- forces. She said the amount they (www.philstar.com)

“full” powers on the assign- Del Rosario Wants Fewer Political Appointees ment, transfer, recall and pro- motion of officers in the by Pia Lee-Brago for the slow repatriation efforts Foreign Service. Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 in Libya. However, he kept mum if Only on his second day in he would recommend to the ANILA, Philippines office, he flew to Tunisia Friday President the appointment of - Acting Foreign Af- night to look personally after former Foreign Affairs secre- fairs Secretary Al- M the welfare of the overseas Fil- tary Alberto Romulo as next bert del Rosario has declared ipino workers and lead efforts Philippine Permanent Repre- his policy direction and advo- to bring them out of that coun- sentative to the United Nations cacy of having only a “few” po- try as quickly as possible. in New York. litical appointees while He will be assuming the “I don’t know just yet,” he recruiting the “best and the DFA post in an “acting capac- said. brightest” under his leadership. ity” while Congress is in ses- Career diplomats protested “I have thought about what sion but will have his “ad the practice of appointing polit- policy directions in some areas I interim appointment” once the ical ambassadors. Appointing a may like to take. I think I’d like Pres. Noynoy Aquino shakes hand of newly-appointed Acting Foreign Affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario legislature goes on recess in late substantial number of political to make a declaration that I’m March. ambassadors disrupt the regular an advocate of recruiting the based lobby firm Venable LLP, Philippine government and the Del Rosario admitted that rotation in the Foreign Service, best and brightest especially which the Arroyo government Moro Islamic Liberation Front. President Aquino has given they said. (www.philstar.com) since this is a reform-oriented hired to secure support from the His economic diplomacy government,” Del Rosario said US Congress on the proposed and his success in convincing at his first press conference on Charter change. the California Public Employ- Friday at the Department of The Arroyo administration ees Retirement System to keep Foreign Affairs (DFA). acknowledged Del Rosario’s the Philippines in its list of in- Del Rosario was a political accomplishments, including his vestment destinations were also appointee of former President contributions to the overall im- acknowledged. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when provement of relations between “My advocacy is to appoint he served as Philippine ambas- the Philippines and the US. as few political appointees as sador to Washington from 2001 Del Rosario promoted se- possible,” he said, but made it to 2006. curity cooperation involving de- clear that the replacement and He was recalled for oppos- fense, counterterrorism and law appointments to key positions at ing Arroyo’s declaration of a enforcement. the DFA might not immediately state of emergency in 2006 after He also exerted efforts in come. an alleged coup plot was foiled getting US financial aid for Del Rosario assumed office and for objecting to the govern- Mindanao and support for the as the country’s top diplomat ment contract with Washington- peace process between the when the DFA was under fire 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 FAMILY CORNER

quired to verify the child’s ItÊs Time to Register for age. to create the most effective • Legal documents—if there Kindergarten learning environment for all were changes to the child’s children and to have the right name, custody arrangement, Schools benefit, too. Just as number of teachers from the or guardianship, the legal children need preparation to be first day of school. documents that verify the By Grace Fong, Ed.D. and Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. ready for school, schools need to changes are needed. prepare for their students. When How to Register • Proof of current local ad- hildren born in parents can support their chil- parents register their children Parents or legal guardians of dress—a document such as 2006 are turning dren’s learning. Many schools well before the start of the children born on or before Au- an electric, telephone, or 5-years-old this also provide families with school year, schools are able to gust 1, 2006 can begin register- cable bill, or a housing or year. If you have a home learning packets that give anticipate an accurate count of ing them now for kindergarten at rental agreement that shows C 5-year-old, take suggestions for summer activi- incoming students and hire a Hawai‘i’s public schools. Once the address of the child’s the time now to ties to help prepare children ac- sufficient number of qualified registered, children can start home. register your child for kinder- ademically and behaviorally for kindergarten teachers. This re- school on the first day of the garten. Or, if you know some- the kindergarten classroom. duces the likelihood of having school year, August 1, 2011, Having all of the necessary one who has a 5-year-old, Families can use kinder- over-crowded classrooms—too even if they haven’t reached documents at the time of regis- remind them to register their garten registration as a starting many children and not enough their fifth birthday yet. tration is essential. Since chil- child for kindergarten. Why point to begin preparing their teachers. If parents are not sure which dren need a physical exam and register a child now instead of child for the new experience of At the start of each school school their child should attend, must be up-to-date on all neces- waiting until just before school attending kindergarten so that year, teachers usually spend a they can call or visit an elemen- sary immunizations before reg- starts on August 1? By regis- the start of school can be a lot of time with their kinder- tary school in their area. Office istering, early planning helps tering early, families can access smooth, enjoyable experience garteners developing routines, staff can help parents determine parents avoid the last minute important resources they can for everyone. Here are some clarifying expectations in the if their street address falls in the rush at the doctor’s office or any use to begin their child’s formal suggestions: classroom, and building rela- school’s geographic area. Once delays in starting school. For education on a positive note, • Talk with your child about tionships with and among stu- parents know which school their more information about register- and it helps their children’s going to school, reassuring dents. They also spend time child should attend, they will ing children for kindergarten or schools as well. her that it is okay to go to assessing the unique develop- need to take several documents for options for children born When families register their school; talk about her feel- mental and educational needs of to the school to register their after August 1, call your nearest children early, schools are able ings about going to school. the children in their class so that child. These include: elementary school, or check the to inform them about transi- • Practice separating—spend- they can provide appropriate in- • Health records (Form 14)— Department of Education web- tion/orientation programs for ing time apart—especially if struction. When a child starts children must have a physi- site at http://doe.k12.hi.us/par- children. These programs pro- she has little or no experi- school after the school year has cal examination, written ents/. vide an opportunity for children ence being apart from you; begun, she misses this critical documentation of required and their families to get ac- reassure her that you will re- orientation period, and every- immunizations, and tuber- GRACE FONG is the Interim Director quainted with their new school turn. one in the class is affected as the culosis clearance to enter of the Center on the Family, and and help them ease into the • Practice school-day rou- teacher takes time to integrate school on the first day. SYLVIA YUEN is the Interim Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and school experience by address- tines, e.g., going to bed the new student into the class. • Birth certificate—an origi- Human Resources at the University of ing any apprehensions children early, getting up at a specific Registering early helps schools nal or certified copy is re- Hawaii at Manoa. or parents may have about time, and having breakfast. “going to kindergarten.” They • Encourage your child to do WHAT’S COOKING? provide parents with a chance things independently, e.g., to meet with teachers and other toileting, putting away toys, school staff to discuss expecta- or pouring her own cereal Recipe File: So Cheesy, tions, school routines, and ways into a bowl. dough is smooth and elastic it is ready to begin So Yummy the rising phase. Place a few drops of oil at the bottom of a large heavy bowl. ANILA, Philippines - Pizza munchers 6. Place the rounded dough ball in the bowl and are in for a treat as Kraft Eden Melt turn to coat the mass lightly with oil. Cover M Sarap and Cook Sarap share this piz- the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to zalicious recipe. rise, undisturbed until it has nearly doubled in bulk. At this point, the dough may be punched Cheesy Bagnet Pizza down (deflated — the air bubbles pressed out) Ingredients: and stretched to form a pizza crust. Allow to 1 tsp. active dry yeast rise in the refrigerator for two to four hours be- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour fore pressing/stretching out into a pizza crust 1 cup warm water 4 1/2 tsps. sugar shape. 1 1/4 tbsps. oil 3/4 tsps. salt 7. When ready to bake, set the baking rack in the oven to the lower or lower-middle rack and set Procedure: the oven temperature to 475 or 500°F. Allow 1. Heat water in microwave oven until tempera- oven to preheat for at least 20 minutes. While ture reaches 105-115°F. the oven preheats, stretch (don’t roll) the 2. Sprinkle the yeast and stir until dissolved. dough out to a 14-inch diameter circle. The 3. Add sugar and stir in a teaspoon of flour; set dough may be pressed out on a work surface aside for five minutes. The mixture should and transferred to an ungreased pan. begin to bubble. 4. After the yeast begins to bubble, add it to the Top pizza dough with tomato sauce, small remaining ingredients in the bowl of an elec- bagnet pieces, sliced green peppers and one cup tric mixer. grated Eden Melt Sarap. Bake until done. 5. Knead on low speed for 15 minutes. When the (www.philstar.com) MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13 LEGAL NOTES Single Card for Employment and Travel ted” for immigration purposes. Advance parole does not of Adjustment Applicants cure inadmissibility due to un- lawful presence accrued prior to Forms I-765 and I-131 simulta- ployment authorization (I-765) An advance parole docu- the filing of the adjustment ap- neously and issue a single docu- and an application for travel doc- ment enables an adjustment of plication. Therefore, individuals By Reuben S. Seguritan ment if both benefits are ument (I-131). Separate EAD and status applicant to travel abroad who are subject to the 3 or 10- granted. The USCIS makes sep- advance parole documents will and re-enter the United States. year bar should carefully con- he USCIS an- arate adjudications of applica- continue to be issued if only one Without advance parole, an alien sider whether they need to file nounced recently tions for these ancillary benefits, ancillary benefit is requested, or who leaves the U.S. is consid- Form I-131. that it will issue although the information re- if they were concurrently filed but ered to have abandoned his/her The new dual purpose card employment and quired from the applicant and the I-131 is denied. adjustment application. The looks similar to the current EAD T travel authoriza- the processes followed by the For adjustment applications alien will not be permitted to re- but has the endorsement “Serves tion to adjustment adjudicator are similar. filed under the new fee structure enter the U.S. without first ob- as I-512 Advance Parole”. The of status applicants on a single Approximately 15% of (on or after July 30, 2007 for fam- taining some kind of visa, but in USCIS may issue a card validity card. Previously, only the em- EAD applicants with pending ily-based cases, and on or after such a case the adjustment ap- of one or two years depending ployment authorization docu- adjustment applications file a August 18, 2007 for employ- plication will be considered on the availability of immigrant ment (EAD) was issued in the Form 131 concurrently with or ment-based cases) there are no abandoned except in the case of visas, but it may in its discretion form of a plastic card and the ad- shortly after filing the I-485, and separate fees for Form I-765 and holders of certain types of visas, issue the card for a longer or vance parole document was an approximately 93% of those ap- I-131,and the applicant need only such as H and L visas. shorter period. The new card actual paper document. A single plications are approved. pay the I-485 fee of $1,070 fee, The alien must request pa- may be used for employment el- EAD card with advance parole Also referred to as Form I- inclusive of the biometrics fee. role at the port of entry by pre- igibility verification (I-9) by em- endorsement is more durable, 766, this new dual-purpose card On the other hand, if the ad- senting the advance parole ployers as a List A document. secure and convenient. is available to eligible individu- justment application was filed document. The determination to According to a Policy als with pending family- or em- under the old fee structure, the grant parole is also made at the REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been port of entry. Once in, the alien practicing law for over 30 years. For Memorandum dated December ployment-based I-485 card will cost $740 which is further information, you may call him 21, 2010, the USCIS found that applications who have concur- equal to the combined costs for is considered a parolee and not at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- it is cost-effective to adjudicate rently filed an application for em- Forms I-131 and I-765. someone who has been “admit- site at www.seguritan.com MAINLAND NEWS He said that in the 70’s garments would qualify to re-enter the US Senator Refiles Save Act exported P3 billion worth of United States free of duty. In ANILA, Philippines - Investments (BOI) managing there is a new BOI Executive goods and employed 600,000 addition, garments made of US US Senator John En- head Cristino L. Panlilio said Director who is leading the lob- people. spun yarn or extruded yarn M sign from Nevada has that the country needs to get bying for the bill. Unfortunately, free trade formed in the Philippines, may refiled the Save the Industries more support for the bill be- On the side of the House of agreements and the World Trade re-enter the United States at 50 Act before the US Senate in a cause currently it only has one Representatives, Panlilio said Organization (WTO) has dulled percent of the most favored na- bid to help revive the local sponsor in the Senate as op- Representative James Mc Der- the local garments industry as tion (MFN) duty. Philippine textile industry. posed to the last time it was mott has refiled the bill. the Philippines lost out its com- The Philippine garments The Philippine government filed when it had more spon- Should the Save Act be ap- petitiveness in garments to Viet- export industry, during its has been asking the US to pass sors. proved, Panlilio said that the nam, Bangladesh, Honduras and peak, employed around the Save Act because it will re- “We don’t know if the Save local garments industry will be Costa Rica. 600,000 workers but was whit- vive the local garments industry Act will piggy back on some able to regain lost ground. He Under the 809 component tled down to 150,000 as by allowing tariff free export of other trade bill,” Panlilio said. said that for four decades until of the program, US made fab- cheaper garments are being garments to the US. He noted that there is new direc- the 90’s, garment was one of the rics and yarns cut and wholly manufactured from neighbor- In an interview, Board of tion for the Save Act given that leading exports of the country. assembled in the Philippines ing countries. (www.philstar.com)

Wisco, senior marketing man- Cebuana Lhuillier Visits MoneyGram in Dallas ager for MoneyGram. “Money- epresentatives from Ce- with the Philippines Overseas direct MoneyGram agent. The awards from MoneyGram. Gram has had a great business buana Lhuillier, a pawn Employment Administration company has continuously “With more than 1,200 lo- relationship with Cebuana. R shop giant with stores (POEA) in reaching Overseas helped drive transaction growth cations throughout the Philip- Whenever we get opportunities throughout the Philippines, met Filipino Workers en route to in the Philippines and been rec- pines, Cebuana is a major to meet with our global partners with MoneyGram International, work destinations around the ognized several times with MoneyGram partner,” says Ivy we always try to do so.” a Dallas-based global money world in such places as Saudi transfer company, to discuss cur- Arabia, the United Arab Emi- rent and future business plans rates, the United States, Canada, and promotions for the year. Australia, Denmark and South During the meeting, Ce- Korea. buana Lhuillier officials dis- “Our commitment is to cussed plans to introduce more bring MoneyGram and Cebuana locations in the Philippines in Lhuillier closer to the families of 2011 and the promotion of its the overseas Filipino workers Philippines peso payout at all lo- through our branch expansion cations, and U.S. dollar payout program and provide them the at select locations. The company kind of service that they right- is pursuing strong marketing en- fully deserve.” says Cebuana deavors to increase brand aware- Lhuillier Financial Services ness such as promoting its send Chairman Philippe J. Lhuillier. partners such as MoneyGram. Cebuana had been a major Another success has been MoneyGram sub-agent and in Cebuana Lhuillier’s partnering November, Cebuana became a 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 5, 2011 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE

Hawaiian print. Nagsig-am. “Balasangkayo pay?” Dagiti Agkamkamat Iti Biahe “Wen!, kayatko koma pay nangisit a sapatosna, nasileng oyna iti makumkumpasan a Nagkuyakoyan. Nagtrabaho iti ti agbayag ditoy. Magustuak ketdi. Iggem ni Lakay Torcuato tokar. plantasion ti unas. Nagtrabaho ditoy Hawaii. Ngem madana- ti bassit a transistor radio. Pro- Simmaruno manen ti sabali pay kadagiti kapiniaan. Iti adu ganak ta mapagawidak metten grama Ilokana ti maipatpatan- a komersial ti balikbayan: a rigat ken kinababa ti sueldo, iti di unay mabayagen.” gatang. Pasarayna idennes ti “Siasino man a mayat a dandani dina nasuratan dagiti “Ania ngarud ti pampa- ILOKO radio iti lapayagna tapno sumurot itoy naisangsangayan kabagianna idiay awayda. Saan nunoten nga aramiden a By Amado I. Yoro maawatanna a nalaing ti ngi- a biahe para Filipinas intono ketdi a nakalipat a kas kadagiti pakaigawidan ita?” wngiwaten ti tanawtaw a Setiembre, umawag koma a dadduma nga OT. Pasaray pay “Uray anian. No adda INIMPA ni Lakay tanawtanaw nga anaunser. Na- dagus itoy a numero,”. Naibasa met la agipaw-it idi ngem ita pakaigawidak , uray makia- Torcuato Day-oan ballaetan iti ababa a komersial ti numero a maawagan. “Day- nga agpempensionen, a, ket, sawaak koman no adda iti panagtugawna maipapan iti itlog ti pugo a toy ti espesial a biahe para manmano metten pimanen ta mailaw-an kadatao.” iti pagurayan ti pagpapigsa ti tumeng. Nais- kadagiti nataengan ken agbir- limitado metten, ken man- Dandani naipdukan ni lugan. Mapan aruno pay ti sabali a komersial birok iti kapungan!” Naballae- manon a makaawat ti surat – Lakay Torcuato. Nagsig-am S manen. Baamman, nakuna ti idiay Aala Park a maipapan iti balikbayan a tan ti nalangpaw ken kasla nia garud ket dina met mapa- nga ayuyang dag- programa ti turay. mangsutsutil nga alak-ak ti gustuan dagiti agsursurat unegna. iti padana nga oldtimer. Dan- Nakatugawen ni Lakay disc jockey. “Awan danag a kenkuana idin. Ttssskkk. “Saan met ngata a narigat dani itan ti THE BUS iti Torcuato idi mapanak agtugaw panagbaniaga: Las Vegas style, dayta, adikko. Ti la ngata met eskediulna nga inoras. iti likudan. Kasla nailansa dag- nalaka pay! Alisto ti kasar!” ITA A BIGAT, uray saan- ad-adiyo met. Amangan no Nagtengngaag idi mapasun- iti mata ti lakay iti babai. Kasla nasigkatan ti mata ti nan a patuloyen ti mapan idiay managpilikayo unay.” gadanna ti babai a nakaisput- Nagsig-am daytoy. Inisemanna lakay. Nabennat ti lapayagna iti Aala Park. Surotenna laengen “Saan met, nong, ngem ta- ing. Kiniddayak ti lakay. ti babai. Napukray ti pallilit uray la nga. Nagisem pay iti daytoy a babai. Ania ngata ti na- laga nga awan san ti makadul- Immisem. nga insubalit ti babai. bangbangir. Ur-urayenna a ganna? Perfidia? Arcadia? Ti- ing a mailaw-an kadataon.” Nagtilmon ni Lakay Torcu- Naipatayab ti kanta a “Bal- pasarunuan ti disc jockey ti borsia? Timotea? Ania ti “Nagpintaska pay met! ato. Timmakder idi makaasideg asang a Nabaketan” iti transis- ipus ti alak-akna iti nayon ti palayawna ngata? Idiang? Mano kadi ti tawenmon?” ti babai. Nasay-opna ti tor. Simmugpet ti rupa ti babai. pagpapigsa ti tumeng malaksid Arkad? Kadiang? Akkad? “Kuarenta y singko” makasalibukag a sapsapo. Idi aggibus ti kanta, limmukay ti itlog ti pugo. Pudno a Wenno Bursia? Timoting? nababa ti timek ti babai. Pinallilitanna. Arimbettaken ti met la ti rupa ti babai. kumapsuten. Uray no manon a Ngem Hawaii ditoyen “Ne, ket sweet uppat a dies isem nupay namedmedan met Kasla naigagara a nais- sandia ken abokado ipaunegna amangan no pinasam-itna met- pay met gayam a nasurok! laeng. Damoda ngamin ti aruno ti sonata a “Baro a a kas yang-angaw a kanayon ten iti Perf! Arcade! Ti! Timmy! Kaim-imasanna !” Nalangpaw agkita ket ! Baak”. Kasta unay ti kumpas dagiti am-ammona, talaga a Ti Torcuato ngay? Torc ! ti ellek ti lakay a baak. “Sikisti Dimteng ti bus. Pinauna ni dagiti saka ti lakay. Dangdang- mapukawnan ti namnamana. Toring ! Ti ellek ti unegna. nainko metten. Ket ammom, Lakay Torcuato ti babai a lim- gayanna ti baho ti sonata. Pinadasna payen ti kunada a Dinno ngata ti maturongna? agbirbirokak met ket ti kua…” mugan. Insarang la ti lakay ti Mayat la unay iti pannakaigid- marunggay. Marakulbet ti imbansagna a pinalllilitanna ti babai. Senior BusPassna iti drayber. dan ti katekna ket uray nga a Pakaptanna met ti tirem palludip. Napilpilit met a sinip- Kas itay damo, napilpil Mayat man ti takderna iti nan- agkangkang ti datar ti lugan. ngem naalas met no kua ta paw ti babai. Uray lakayen no manen ti isem ti babai. gato a palukbot. Atiddog ti Salonero. Inkapkapsutna ti uni mapan idiay Maunakea. isut’ gasat, kasla kasta ti “Awan danagmon, manggas ti badona a Hawaiian ti transistor. Nadlaw ti lakay a Baro a lakay ni Lakay Tor- kunkuna dagiti itaktakawna a adikko!” nagkatek ti lakay a print. Nasaranta pay la dagiti kasla naipana amin a mata cuato Day-oan. Sakada a panangkita iti pensionado. baak. “Uray materminon ti askawna. Nupay bangking ti kenkuana iti panangilaglag- pulpol. Naggapu iti away iti Bumaket metten ti babai. bisam. Siglatam laengen. Amangan no nalabesen ti last Kukuam daytoy a pensionado! tripna. Sitisin ket pensionado payen. “Papanam kadi adikko?” Pensionadokanto metten no impaspasarak ni Lakay Torcu- kua…” ato. Kasla napaluknayan ti rik- Dayta ! nana. Agassidegda iti Umis-isem a napadumog ti nagtugawan. Agkabatogda. babai. Ala, adu la ketdi ti ma- “‘Nak koma idiay imigra- pampanunotna. Wen, suratan- sion, Tat…’Nong,” pinasam- nanto dagiti kakabagianna a itna. dida pay segseggaan ti sublina. “Ipailmo kadi ti asawa- Namakto kad’ pay a ram- mon?” impaspasarak ti lakay. bak ti kallaysada. Kasla deng- “Innak koma man makidu- denggenna dagiti kablaaw mamag no mabalinko nga iben- dagiti am-ammoda. “Good nat ti kaaddak ditoy, ‘nong.” luck kadakay a dua! Bay-am “Apay a bennatem?” Rum- man ta edad. Kitaem la ti gasat muar manen ti natural ti lakay. no kumagat! Adda met sense of humorna. Alla! Agarapaap ti baak. “Dandani ngamin agpason Torcuato a pimmanaw idiay ti bisak” Nagkuyakoyan. Torcuato pay “Bisak! Dandanin agpa- la ita. Ket no maigasatanna son?” daytoy a bisita, ay ! Ikuyognan nga agbalikbayan. Ituloyna ti Ti bisana ti kayat a sawen agsida ti marunggay ken man- ti babai. Madanagan ta visitor gan ti sandia. Makapagbiahe visa la nga immay. Di met pay met ketdi ngata idiay ngarud makastrek iti trabaho awayda. Sipti kano metten ti tapno pakaigawidanna koma. dalan. Sabtendanto ida idiay Apay ngamin aya a saan a Nagsapalan. Kablaawandanto working visa ti inaplikaranna ida. para abrod. Di met ngarud “Tira, Pari Day-oan! nasayaat no agTNT. Ikkam! Agawaam ta ganaygay! Nagplastar ni Lakay Torc. Subbotem amin nga aldaw ken Inurnosna ti kuelio ti polo a (continued on page 15) MARCH 5, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15 COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS CALENDAR FOR RENT-APARTMENTS PARTLY FURNISHED DIRECTORY Alewa Hts. Ex-lg 2/1. $1750/mo incl wtr, elec, basic 3RD ANNUAL FILIPINO FILM FESTIVAL cable, parking. Kitchen has space for dining room or FOR THE BENEFIT OF PMAH OHANA MEDICAL MISSIONS, INC home office. Furo soaking tub/shower in bathroom. March 19-26, 2011 ● Doris Duke Theater Wrap-around patio with city views. No pets. Month-to- Honolulu Academy of Arts 900 South Beretania Street month as property is listed for sale. Entrance to Doris Duke Theater at Kinau Street 803A Iholena Place. ● Contact Dr. Leni Alvarez @ 521-- 9847 Phone (808)330-5380 for appointment.

LETTERMEN AT NEIL BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL / SATURDAY Kalihi 2/1. $900/mo incl wtr. 2nd floor walk-up in 4-plex April 2, 2011, 7pm ● Benefit Concert of Divine Mercy Monastery bldg. No pets. Min lease 1 yr. of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity ● For more information 965 Kamenani St. contact: Arlene (808) 255-8165; Agnes (808) 429-8213 Phone (808)330-5380 for appointment. TRAVELOGUE (cont.) (from page 16, ROMANCING ...) Filipino gastronomic culture, so make vans careening off roads with 10 or Thankfully, at the end of our long sure not to miss out on this one. more people on their roofs have be- walk back to town, there was the My friends were not too im- come normal. And since many among Lemon Pie House to give us comfort. pressed with the food, however, and the townsfolk believe you’ve never Although I didn’t care much for their they said it tasted “too Western.” really been to Sagada if you haven’t lemon pie because it tasted like Maybe they were right, because the experienced riding on the roof, what Fruitella candies with the texture of place was packed with Europeans and else was left for us to do? All six of bad pudding, the vegetables they Americans who chattered off inex- us climbed on the roof of the Fierra served us were as fresh as Sagada orably and nonchalantly ignored the along with a handful of locals, our veggies could be, and they were ab- blackout that occurred in the middle daypacks, and all the courage we solutely delicious. of our dinner. Nonetheless, I enjoyed could muster. my food immensely and even helped The hour-long trip back to Bontoc High cuisine and high on the roof myself to four servings; one could was exhilarating. From our vantage On our last night, we traipsed off never have too much of the good point, the whole of the Cordilleras to our buffet dinner at Log Cabin, still stuff, you know. seemed to breathe and pulsate with somewhat dead beat from spelunking The following morning, it was life. And the inhabitants – the women earlier in the afternoon. The well-ap- pack-up time. After fixing my stuff, I carrying bags of vegetables and fruits pointed resto is by far my most fa- took a little stroll among the hotel’s on their heads, the children playing vorite eating place in Sagada. There, orange trees, past the campfire circles with their pet dogs, and the men in you can enjoy a great dining experi- where bottles of expensive Merlot cowboy hats standing dangerously ence, buffet style, for as little as and Cabernet Sauvignon were dis- near the cliffs but never actually falling Php350 (US$8). The place’s crown carded by the wealthier guests, put- off – they were all part of her, the great, jewel is a French chef known only by ting our cheap vodka and soda bottles omnipotent mountain range. his Igorot name, Aklay. Every week- from the night before to shame. I took Now the part where I return to end, he puts together a menu made deep breaths and tried to take in as Manila? I’ll gladly pass over it. Yes, from fresh ingredients: items like much of the carefree spirit of Sagada it’s probably most un-Tolkienesque of Sagada greens salad with strawber- as I could. I wished I could stay just a me to leave the story hanging, but I ries, Ethiopian berbere made from na- little bit longer. really prefer not talking about return tive chicken, and Filipino tableya But then it was time to go. Gao, journeys, and especially not about the chocolate and walnut brownies for ever a trustworthy hotelier-cum- prolonged ones that last half a day. dessert. The restaurant successfully driver, dropped us off in downtown. After all, every adventure is just a lit- interweaves global haute cuisine with By that time, sights of minibuses and tle stopover before the next one. PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE (cont.)

(from page 14, DAGITI ...) rabiim a nalibtawam!” Naguga ti maladaga nga ubba ti maysa nga ina iti akinsango a tugaw. Pinerreng ni Lakay Torcuato ti babai. Napigpigket itan ti perreng ti babai. Idi agsardeng ti Bus iti downtown, nagsarunoda a bimmaba. Impigpigsa manen ni Lakay Torc ti uni ti transistor. Nagalang-ang ENTAL manen ti disc jockey. Naulit ti komersial maipa- R pan iti itlog ti pugo. Daytoy a Bernie ket ! Nagkaabay da Lakay Torc ken ti babai a nangsurot ti sidewalk. Ket, ne, dida pay gayam nagam-ammo, ay! “Siak ni Toring adikko, portipaib kunam itay ti tawenmo?” “Wen, nong, furtipayb ken siak met ni Tim- otea”. “Ay sika met Timoting, sikisti nain plas fur- tipayb ekuals Wanhandred fur yirs no agtipon ti tawenta !” Nagsinnikilda bayat ti pannagnada. TRAVELOGUE the contrary, our guides were ature and tradi- very surefooted and had nary a tions trouble negotiating the slippery Romancing rocks. We went to the municipal hall I was amazed by the cave’s N early next morning beautiful rock formations, to meet our guide which resembled everything for the trekking and spelunking SAGADA from chocolate candies to tour. We chose a Php1000 (Part 2) human genitalia. And the fact (US$23) tour package and were that it took millions of years for By Gregory Bren Garcia lucky enough to get a very clever them to take shape made them guide. In Sagada, most locals even more remarkable. Our speak English, not Tagalog, as guides brought us to different their second tongue; our guide, spots inside the cave, and we in particular, spoke the language spent a good amount of time very well. having our pictures taken or He was about our age in his resting our feet in the pools of mid-20s and looked very unas- cool water that were all around suming in his worn-out clothes the cave. and flip-flops. But when he If struggling down talked about the town’s natural Sumaguing Cave was tiring, the wonders and their tribal tradi- ascent back to the top was The Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tions, he did it with such fervor downright murderous. And be- cause we didn't book for any that even other groups of tourists ended in the hanging of the cof- of water and bat guano. Fearing ders put everyone in our group pickup service, we also had to followed us around and listened fin on a carved mountainside to I might contract fungal histo- to shame. But their valiant spirits walk back to town; by the time in on his lectures. bring the dead’s spirit closer to plasmosis from the guano, I also also inspired and emboldened we go there, our legs and lungs We passed by the Church of heaven. donned a face mask, just in case. us, and in no time, we too were were just about ready to fall off. St. Mary the Virgin (the local After visiting similar burial I’ll admit I became a bit ap- deep into the belly of Sumagu- Trust me on this one: if pickup Christian population is mainly sites located at the mouth of the prehensive upon seeing the dark ing. service is available, make sure Anglican not Roman Catholic) nearby Lumiang Cave, we chasm into which we were sup- Our guides illuminated our to arrange for your hotel to col- and the Echo Valley, where far headed off to the famous posed to go, but my fears were path with petrol lamps so we lect you after caving. I’m sure off in the surrounding limestone Sumaguing Cave to explore its allayed when I saw that many could see our way better. Nev- that by the time you’re done outcrops, visitors can see the beautiful stone formations. Our other explorers were also going ertheless, we still struggled on with your spelunking adven- hanging coffins of the deceased 150-foot descent into the cave into the cave. The speed by our way down. We grasped ture, the last thing you will want members of indigenous tribes- was a precarious one because we which those five-year-old kids every nook, cranny, and jutting to do is walk some more! men. Our guide talked about the had to tread on stones which and their portly mothers tra- rock, and crouched low to the elaborate funeral ritual which were slippery from the presence versed the guano-strewn boul- ground to avoid slipping. On (continued on page 15)