FEBRUARY 21, 2009 FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ WEEKLY ♦ FEBRUARY 21, 2009 ♦

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION FEATURE LEGAL NOTES FIREWORKS AND SPOTLIGHT SHINES EXPEDITED PROCESSING OTHER HOT ITEMS ON FILIPINO CHEF FOR RNS RECOMMENDED AT STAGE BY OMBUDSMAN

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER elcome to another issue of Publisher & Executive Editor Family Values Set Tone Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. the Hawaii Filipino Chron- for Congressman icle! Most of you are prob- Publisher & Managing Editor ably aware by now that our Chona A. Montesines-Sonido s a skilled potter molds clay to form a beautiful W Filipino veterans of World vase, so can strong family bonds and values shape Associate Editors War II have finally received an individual. This is especially true for U.S. Con- Dennis Galolo gressman Steve Austria from Ohio—a second gen- recognition for their bravery and sacri- Edwin Quinabo fices. While this is welcomed news for eration Filipino-American whose close family Creative Designer A the community, it is too little too late for many of these upbringing helped shape him into the leader he is Junggoi Peralta veterans who have since passed on. The remaining few, today. Design Consultant Austria learned at an early age the importance of family now in their mid-80s and early 90s, are now in poor health. Randall Shiroma unity, responsibility and hard work—values instilled in him by While some veterans and their supporters insist that the payments are not enough, realistically speaking, receiving Photographer his father, whom he considers his mentor and best friend. When Tim Llena he first ran for public office in Ohio over 10 years ago, he had something is better than nothing. The U.S. Department of Administrative Assistant the full support of family and friends. To the surprise of many, Veterans Affairs is moving quickly to make sure that the Shalimar Pagulayan he defeated his opponent—a six-term incumbent. He again veterans, particularly those residing in the , re- bucked the odds and defeated his opponent last November, ceive their payments. If you are related to or know of vet- Columnists Carlota Ader earning him a seat as a member of the U.S. House of Repre- erans in the Philippines, please read the article on page 12 Michelle Alarcon, Esq. sentatives and the distinction of being the second member of for instructions on how to apply for the benefits. Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Congress of Filipino ethnicity For our cover story this issue, which was written by Sen. Will Espero It bears repeating that strong family bonds serve as a link Rowena Ballesteros, we introduce our readers to U.S. Rep. Grace F. Fong, Ed.D Mayor Mufi Hannemann to our beginnings and as a guide to our future. Such bonds are Steve Austria from Ohio. He is the second member of Con- Governor Linda Lingle extremely important, especially with the uncertainty in our gress of Filipino heritage. His parents migrated from Que- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. world today. Having said that, we can only hope that the core zon in the Philippines to Ohio, where he and his 8 siblings Rosemarie Mendoza family values Austria espouses will help the freshman Con- were raised. His father taught him the importance of fam- J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes gressman to not only survive the pitfalls that await on Capitol ily values, which he in turn passed on to his own three Charlie Sonido, M.D. Hill, but to thrive as well. sons. In fact, Austria says that family values influence Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. As Filipinos, we could stand to learn from the Austria fam- much of his decision-making and goals in life. Ultimately, Felino S. Tubera ily’s example. Let’s not take our own family bonds for granted he would like to see more Filipinos become politically-ac- Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. but instead commit ourselves to strengthening such relation- tive, which would result in a stronger voice in government Contributing Writers ships. Let’s do it not only for our children but for the genera- for the community. We hope you will be inspired by read- tions to follow. And, let us not forget to nurture and practice Calvin Alonzo, O.D. ing his story on pages 4-5. Rowena Ballesteros our cherished Filipino family values! On page 8, we have a feature story on Ron de Guzman, Clement Bautista who is the executive chef at Stage Restaurant, located at Linda Dela Cruz Constante A. Domingo Promised Benefits Are the Honolulu Design Center on Kapiolani Boulevard. De Danny De Gracia Guzman honed his culinary skills under well-known local Amelia Jacang, M.D. chef Alan Wong, who not only taught him about cooking Caroline Julian Bittersweet For Filipino Vets Albert Lanier but also encouraged him to become a better person. His he few thousand surviving Filipino veterans of Ashley Monfort creativity is reflected in Stage’s menu items, which has World War II will receive their long-awaited ben- Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. been described as contemporary Asian-American cuisine. Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. efits under a provision in the economic stimulus Glenn Wakai bill signed by President Obama. So consider Stage Restaurant the next time you go out for dinner. After a sumptuous meal, you can work off those Philippine Correspondent T The stimulus measure provides $198 million Guil Franco for one-time payments to these aging veterans. calories by browsing through the extensive line of designer chairs, tables and other pieces of furniture. Big Island Distributor Those who are U.S. citizens are eligible for $15,000, while Elmer Acasio non-citizens get $9,000. Of the 15,000 remaining veterans In closing, we hope you will take time to read these and Ditas Udani who are thought to still be alive, some 12,000 reside in the other articles of interest in this issue— articles such as Leg- Maui Distributor Philippines, while the remaining 3,000 live in the U.S. islative Connection, Legal Guide, Legal Notes and Philip- Cecile Piros Some veterans wanted to continue pushing for full recog- pine Language. Mabuhay once again for supporting the Molokai Distributor nition and benefits, rather than settle for partial gains. But Hawaii Filipino Chronicle! Until next time… Maria Watanabe with their ranks thinning with each passing day, the veterans Aloha and Mabuhay! Advertising/Marketing Director simply did not have the luxury of time. Furthermore, the at- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido tention of Congress was on the economic crisis, rather than justice for Filipino veterans. Another attempt at another vet- Account Executives Carlota Ader erans equity bill was doomed to fail yet again, since the over- LETTERS J.P. Orias whelming majority of House and Senate members were not Filipino Print Media Neglected to Report Filipinos The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published alive to remember World War II or the sacrifices made by Devastating Plight in Gaza?!!! weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. the Filipino veterans and were unmoved by appeals to make It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- tributed at various outlets around Oahu and good on America’s broken promise. It amazes me and other educated ethnic Filipinos that the U.S. the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- In the end, the consensus was that it would be better for ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- Filipino print media has neglected to report on the devastating lication date. Subscriptions are available at the remaining veterans to at least see some benefits rather plight of Filipino/Palestinians and their families in occupied Gaza. $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- than to pass on with nothing at all. For many of the veter- A majority of ethnic Filipinos in the U.S. has had no idea lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino ans, particularly those in poor health and living in the Philip- regarding the plight of the many Filipinos who are married to Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu pines, the one time payment will certainly help defray their Palestinians and who are attempting to escape from the crises in Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. medical expenses. Gaza. E-mail [email protected]. Web- The Filipino community is indebted to those lawmakers Our Filipino print media seems to limit their content or are site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions ignorant to report on this most unfortunate and expressed by the columnists and contribu- who supported our veterans. We especially tip our hat to tors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii’s congressional delegation—Senators Inouye and heart-breaking situation. Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- Akaka and Representatives Abercrombie and Hirono—for production of the contents in whole or in part Mel Domingo is prohibited without written permission from working tirelessly on behalf of our veterans. To them we say the management. All rights reserved. ‘mabuhay’ and that in turn, we as a community will not forget. Honolulu Printed in the U.S.A. FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION Fireworks and Other Hot Items Safety and Military Affairs en- The medical doctors are op- compasses civil defense. I re- posed to granting psychologists cently questioned our state the right to prescribe psy- Department of Transportation chotropic drugs on the grounds harbor officials about this loop- of patient safety. They say that By Senator Will Espero hole in the product stream. We psychologists simply cannot ac- will be working on this for the quire the medical training to en- ew Year's Eve protection of Hawaii residents. sure that the patient's health will was ablaze with The Legislature is consider- not be compromised. Psychol- the booms and ing several bills on fireworks, ogists may not be aware of drug lights of illegal among them: SB 2, which interactions with the patient's N aerials. While would ban fireworks except for other medications or medical some residents religious or cultural purposes; condition, they say. They will may enjoy the bright colors, SB 1059, which would establish not have the experience to iden- many others are bothered by the an illegal fireworks task force to tify adverse reactions or con- loud sounds that interrupt their stop the importation of illegal traindications. sleep or the air pollution that fireworks and explosives; and Psychologists, on the other makes it hazardous to drive and SB 1060, which would increase hand, point to problems with Civil union took place in Hawaii and it was difficult to breathe. the permit fees associated with access to care. There are many The civil union bill is back. already a crime? The enormous presence of using and importing fireworks. patients who need mental Persons in favor and against the the illegal aerials demonstrates At the hearings, held by my health treatment that requires issue have sent their comments On the lighter side a widespread disregard of the Committee this week, many tes- medication, who live in areas to legislative e-mails and tele- The pit bull bill generated a law. While illegal drugs may be tified in favor of the bills. where there is an unavailabil- phones. It has passed the House lot of e-mail and took down a grown or manufactured locally, ity of psychiatrists. Psycholo- and is now in the Senate. The few trees in massive, mass illegal aerials enter through our Can You Give Me Something to gists who work in the health arguments are familiar, and this faxes, but there was never any ports from manufacturing bases Take for This, Doctor? care clinics are often the only issue will heat up. serious impetus for it. abroad, and that presents a PhD or MD, is there a dif- source of mental health treat- Amusingly, the ban for grave concern. Contraband ar- ference in ability to prescribe ment for these residents. Pa- Dogfighting pocket knives also generated a riving in our harbors and escap- medicine to treat psychiatric tients are unable or hard – And I don't mean the fair amount of e-mail but we ing detection, then making its disorders? pressed, financially or other- scraps "Dog" Chapman gets didn't want to disenfranchise way to the end consumer is a The psychologists' pre- wise, to go to a psychiatrist for into hunting people down. Dog the Boy Scout vote, so the bill major security breach. If scriptive rights bill is once their prescriptions. fighting is, surprisingly, on the won't go anywhere. banned fireworks can reach the again before the Legislature, The debate has lasted for agenda. Testimony on the bill people who light their fuses, drawing psychiatrists and psy- more than a decade. Last year I in the Senate Judiciary Com- Filipino World War II Veterans what is to stop dirty bombs chologists out of their offices to voted with the psychiatrists, but mittee was interesting, on the One note on the fireworks from reaching the people who visit lawmakers and educate this Session I am keeping an one hand saying that it's a cul- on Capitol Hill in Washington would detonate them to even them on the issue. The advo- open mind and am willing to tural issue and people need to D.C.: President Obama's Stim- more harm than the aerials do? cacy is passionate and ad- listen to the arguments. get together to work things out. ulus package contains funds for My committee on Public mirable on both sides. Opponents of dog fighting payments to Filipino World War pointed to the strong link to do- II veterans. As you are aware, mestic violence shown by crim- Republican opposition to the inal justice research. I, bill poses a threat to the bill. personally, am against animal Please join me in supporting cruelty, and have in the past President Obama's proposal by sponsored bills against chicken contacting members of Con- fighting. Would many of you gress to ask for their vote in even know that dog fighting favor of the bill. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 COVER STORY Ohio Congressman Pushes for Family Values, Speaks Out For Filipinos By Rowena Ballesteros

espite the negative light on America’s troubled economy, the year 2009 brings promising changes. Just last month, the nation witnessed history as the first black man was inaugurated as the nation’s 44th president. D History was also made in November of last year when Steven Austria, a republican state senator from Ohio, became the second American with Filipino heritage elected to Congress. He was also the first Filipino elected to the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate.

Austria’s House colleague, His mother is Dr. Jean B. activities. U.S. Rep. Robert Scott of Vir- Austria and his father was the “I didn’t let anyone or any- ginia, holds the distinction of late Dr. Clement G. Austria thing put me down,” Austria ex- being the first member of Con- from Tiaong, Quezon, Philip- plained. “I kept myself busy by gress with Filipino blood run- pines who moved to Ohio to at- playing baseball and basketball. ning through his veins. tend medical school. I also made a lot of friends by Austria was born in Cincin- While growing up in Ohio, joining various clubs that were nati and grew up in Xenia, his father warned him about offered at school.” Ohio. He graduated from Car- prejudice that he would en- Despite the bouts of dis- roll High School in 1977 and counter from classmates and crimination, Austria says that he U.S. Representative Steve Austria lived in Beavercreek for more peers. There were only a hand- and his siblings were raised in than 20 years. The eldest of nine ful of Filipinos at the school he an overall positive environ- helping his father. “My father stood by my children, Austria took it upon attended, where Filipinos to- ment. “My dad owned 16 acres of side and helped me during my himself to set standards high for taled a mere 4-5 percent of the Looking back at his humble land and I would occasionally first election,” Austria says. “He his brothers and sisters and student body. Austria overcame beginnings, it seemed politics help with maintaining the land,” taught me the importance of let- therefore was very close with racial prejudice by participating was an unlikely career choice said Austria. But it didn’t stop ting voters know who you are his parents. in sports and extra-curricular for Austria. His first job was there. Austria also delivered and what issues you stand for.” newspapers and worked a few That election, Austria odd jobs to make extra money. gained the support of family, Austria and his wife Eileen friends and the Filipino com- have three sons—Brian, Kevin munity. He ran against and de- and Eric. In 1985, the Austrias feated a six-term incumbent. received one of the state’s most Four years later, Austria served prestigious awards—the Ohio as a member of the Ohio State Family of the Year and The House representing the 10th Great American Family Award. District. He then was a member “We were one of nine fam- of the U.S. House of Represen- ilies that received the award,” tatives representing Ohio’s 7th he says. “It was an honor to be congressional district. chosen. My family and I had the In the 2008 election, Aus- privilege of visiting the White tria was the Republican nomi- House. At that time, we met nee for the U.S. House of First Lady Nancy Regan who Representatives from Ohio’s presented the award to us.” 7th congressional district. He It didn’t end there. The defeated Democratic challenger Austrias then traveled to Rome, Sharen Neuhardt in the general where they met the Archbishop election. and shook hands with the Pope. One of Austria’s legislative Austria credits his father for priorities is the Filipino Vet- stressing the importance of fam- eran’s Bill. For him, it’s a per- ily values. sonal matter. “My father was my men- “My father was a World tor,” he says. “He got me in- War II vet himself,” Austria volved in politics and the said. “As a Congressman, I government. If it wasn’t for would like to recognize and him, I wouldn’t be where I am thank our Filipino veterans for today.” their sacrifices.” With an ever-increasing in- Other legislation Austria terest in politics and govern- will propose in Congress in- ment affairs, he decided to run clude lowering gas prices, pro- for a seat in the Ohio House of tecting jobs and controlling Representatives in 1998. government spending. He is FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY

also pushing for more protec- One of Austria’s legislative priorities is tion for our keiki. “In 1998, I pushed for the the Filipino Veteran’s Bill. For him, it’s Internet Job Protection Act,” Austria says. “The purpose of a personal matter. “My father was a that act was to protect every World War II vet himself,” Austria said. child of pedophiles and sex of- fenders.” “As a Congressman, I would like to Austria took it a step fur- recognize and thank our Filipino ther and pushed for the moni- toring of all sex offenders veterans for their sacrifices.” online. Austria says that family values influence much of his cause together we can make a them to not be afraid to speak decision-making and goals. difference. Together we can out,” Austria says. “More Fil- “My father drilled faith have a stronger voice that will ipinos need to get involved in and family first before any- be heard.” government and in their com- thing else,” said Austria. Austria believes there’s a munities and to run for elected “These values helped me to be- greater unity across the coun- office. Hopefully one day, come a better legislator, father try amongst Filipinos, as indi- we’ll have a Filipino in the and person. cated by the outpouring of White House.” “I am honored to be a support he received. The mo- Austria’s ultimate goal is voice of the Filipino commu- mentum, he says, needs to to visit the Philippines some- nity,” said Austria. “I want the continue building. day and to see more Filipinos “For the younger genera- U.S. Rep. Steve Austria’s oath-taking Filipino community to get making a difference in their re- more involved in politics be- tion of Filipinos, I encourage spective communities. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS is receiving a total of $150,000. manager at the Maui Economic Farrington Receives Funds For High Three other Oahu schools are Development Board’s Women beginning EAST projects during in Technology program and Tech Community Projects 2009—Mililani, McKinley and Project EAST Hawaii coordina- Roosevelt high schools. Ten tor. creatively applying knowledge sland Insurance Company, “We are proud to be one of neighbor island schools have al- “Project EAST provides an obtained from various sources, Ltd., through its Founda- the first with Project EAST on ready incorporated Project opportunity for the students to developing project plans and ex- I tion, has provided $50,000 Oahu.” EAST into curriculums. Those connect what they are learning ecuting strategies through team- to Farrington High School in Project EAST is an educa- schools include Maui High, in school to the real world. Ulti- work and their own diligence. matching funds from Gov. Lin- tional program that engages stu- Baldwin High, King Kekaulike mately, the goal is to educate, This approach enables students gle and the Legislature for the dents in an environment steeped High, Lahainaluna High, Kihei train and employ a strong home- to be better prepared for the expansion of the Project EAST in emerging technologies and fo- Charter School, Kea’au High, grown workforce instead of challenges of both college and program to Oahu. cused on self-direction and com- Molokai Middle & High having to import talent to fill the the business world. The process The check was presented by munity service. The program School, Kauai High and Kauai gaps.” also helps to develop critical Colbert Matsumoto, Island In- focuses on student-driven serv- Chiefess Middle School. Island Insurance Com- learning and problem solving- surance CEO and Chairman of ice projects using the latest in “Project EAST prepares pany, Ltd. is Hawaii’s largest skills. the Board, at the school’s stu- technology. students with the critical think- locally owned and managed Project EAST is part of the dent induction into the Engi- Project EAST schools are ing and problem-solving skills insurance carrier and offers a STEM (Science, Technology, neering Academy on February equipped with state-of-the-art needed in the 21st century work- full range of property and ca- Engineering and Math) educa- 13, 2009. computers, GPS/GIS mapping place,” says Isla Young, project sualty protection. “We are grateful to be able tools, architectural and CAD de- tion initiative through a federal to provide this opportunity for sign software, 3D animation grant, county and state funding, our students,” says Farrington suites and other technology that and matching money from pri- principal Catherine Payne. “For students use to solve real prob- vate business. this project to be successful, it lems in their local communities. “Island Insurance hopes will require continued commit- The students participating in that other businesses will join us ment and hard work from our Project EAST don’t find the so- in supporting the introduction of teachers and staff, along with lutions in a textbook or from a Project EAST to more schools,” help and guidance from outside teacher’s lecture. Instead, they Matsumoto says. the school. devise their own solutions by Farrington’s Project EAST

Island Insurance executives present a check for $50,000 to students at Farrington High School during their Engineering Academy student induction ceremony on February 13, 2009. 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 PHILIPPINE NEWS OPINI0N A Great Filipino, A Remarkable Public Service Career AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo ecause of the In- mark ponencias that Adolf Az- that decision on executive formation Gap, cuna contributed which im- privilege. many Filipinos proved tremendously the In a country where utang do not know the administration of justice in our na loob (debt of gratitude) B great men in pub- country are the Writ of Am- weighs a lot, Adolf Azcuna lic service – who paro, the recent decision that proved that he could resist fa- they are and what Cpl. Daniel Smith, the US sol- voring the Malacanang Palace they silently accomplish for dier found guilty of raping a resident who appointed him to our country. We suffer from a Filipina, should be held under the Supreme Court if doing the leadership crisis because most Philippine custody and the de- right thing called for it. Filipinos are prevented from cision that slapped down the Unless you are naïve, knowing the very people who CPR (Calibrated Pre-emptive you’d do well to regard as could best serve them. Response) edict of the Arroyo friends of convenience those This occurred to me last regime. who you meet whilst walking Friday when I attended the re- It is no coincidence that the corridors of power. Al- tirement ceremony of Supreme the promulgation of the Writ though I maintained that sober Court Associate Justice Adolf of Amparo and the slapping attitude during the Cory Azcuna. Hearing the highly- down of CPR were major con- Aquino administration, I must esteemed Chief Justice Rey- tributors to the popularity of admit to being fortunate to nato Puno extol the legacy of the Supreme Court in the last have made lifelong friends. the retiring Adolf Azcuna, as if two years. That popularity Adolf Azcuna was one of in awe, narrating Adolf’s land- plummeted somewhat when them. mark decisions and initiatives the high court rendered that I met Adolf through Elfren – I could not help feel that here highly controversial decision S. Cruz, former PMS (Presi- we have a great Filipino bow- on executive privilege which dential Management Staff) time Presidential Legal Coun- an aircraft, there was the view ing out of public service and hid the truth on the ZTE Secretary and Metro sel, Press Secretary and Presi- that the AVSECOM (Aviation only the cognoscenti will Broadband overprice scandal. Governor. Elfren and I worked dential Spokesman and Security Command) had juris- know what we all owe him. To highlight his patriotism, together under the wings of Chairman of the PCGG (Pres- diction. Because the aircraft Among the many land- Adolf Azcuna dissented from Jimmy Ferrer during the 1984 idential Commission on Good was on the expressway, there Parliamentary Government). He was so unaf- was the other view that the Elections and fected by power that one could Commission the 1986 Snap mistake him to be some lowly had jurisdiction. Elections that legal assistant who carried the Desperate to resolve the led to the Peo- briefcase of a legal eagle. issue, Elfren ran to Adolf for ple Power Re- From those Malacanang help on how to decide which volt. Adolf and Palace days up to now, Adolf government agency had juris- Elfren are ster- and Mariazun Azcuna (Azun is diction. Adolf finally resolved ling examples Adolf’s bitter half, oops I it and the clearing operation of the kind of mean better half) still reside in got underway. The aircraft leadership that their BF Homes Alamanza being on the expressway, the Cory Aquino house. Have we not seen many Metro Manila Commission wielded – rec- others who occupied much was tasked with its removal. ognizing the lesser positions and who now I was surprised and felt effective, tech- live in the posh villages of privileged when Adolf devi- nically Forbes Park, Dasmarinas in ated from his prepared speech equipped, Makati and Ayala Alabang? during his retirement cere- strong, silent I can never forget one un- mony and talked about me and workers and usual situation that took Adolf the memories we shared dur- trusting them to resolve during the Cory ing the Cory years. What to me with some of years. There was this commer- was help which I’ll gladly ex- the most sensi- cial aircraft that aborted take- tend to a friend, Adolf never tive positions off and crashed on the South ceased appreciating the help I in the Office Expressway. Naturally, a gave him when he was Press of the Presi- mammoth traffic jam was Secretary, Presidential dent. caused on both the northbound Spokesman and PCGG Chair- What im- and southbound lanes – caused man. Adolf needed my advice mediately by curious passersby whose on how to avoid the landmines struck me vehicles slowed to a crawl in that naughty media men can about Adolf order to get a glimpse of the plant along the route of public Azcuna was plane on the highway. officials. his unaffected Then Metro Manila Gov- Many of us were touched manner of oc- ernor Elfren Cruz was being when Adolf acknowledged that cupying the harassed to get the traffic flow- he followed the advice of his powerful and ing. To his consternation, El- former law professor to pray sensitive posi- fren could not get his own first for the Lord’s guidance tions that Cory personnel to move the plane before he pens a decision. To Aquino en- simply because nobody could us who know Adolf Azcuna, trusted to him. ascertain who had the jurisdic- there was no doubt that he did He was at one tion to move it. Because it was just that. (www.philstar.com) FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7 LEGAL GUIDE Psst Brother: Stimulate Thyself, Don't Wait for Pareng Barack ipino WW II veterans in the U.S. who do not pay taxes because big new beautiful homes being He is from Laoag City. He has a Mas- $15,000 and in the Philippines they do not make enough built, especially along the road ter of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree By Atty. Emmanuel $9,000. Veterans in the Philip- money. How silly can the legis- from Laoag City to the airport. from the University of the Philippines. Samonte Tipon pines should sue for denial of the lators be? A tax credit is an off- Restaurants like Max's and He served as an Immigration Officer. equal protection of the laws. set against taxes due. How can Golden Cow were full of din- He is co-author of “Immigration Law an nude pic- This paltry amount is an in- you offset $1,000 against a $ 0 ers. San Nicolas has its 365 Service,” an 8-volume practice and tures of sult. Many veterans were cheer- tax due? which is the venue for shops procedure guide for immigration offi- cers and lawyers. He specializes in Madonna ing, however, probably believing If you want to know more and restaurants and a big mall is immigration and criminal defense. Of- stimulate the in the Spanish saying "Mas vale about this extravagant spending being built by Robinson's. Two fice at 905 Umi St. corner N. King, “C economy?" poco que nada" (Better to have a bill, read USA Today and the new car dealers have set up Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96819. Tel. asked Larry little than nothing). The U.S. New York Times, Feb. 13, 2009. shop there. Magsingal has a (808) 847 1601. Fax (808) 847 1624. E-Mail: [email protected]. Web- King of Bill gave $20,000 each to the Japan- new public market and its mu- site: www.ImmigrationService- Maher on CNN. Bill expressed ese who were interred during No Recession Or Need for Stim- nicipal building looks remod- sUSA.com. Listen to the most amazement. "Somebody paid WW II. What did they do for the ulation in the Philippines eled. Filipinos back home do interesting and humorous radio pro- $37,000 for the pictures," replied U.S.? Weren't some spies? I was in the Philippines re- not need stimulation or bail gram on Hawaii radio KNDI 1270 Larry. Madonna's economy was Most veterans risked their outs. They are self-reliant. Fil- every Friday 7:30-8:00 AM. This arti- cently on immigration and real cle is a general overview of the subject stimulated. What part of the lives for the U.S., although a few estate business. I traveled to our ipinos in America should not matter discussed and is not intended as buyer was? are probably fake. I once asked beloved Ilocandia and went to lose this virtue. legal advice for any specific person or some of the vets hanging out at the barrios. There was no evi- situation Neither the writer nor pub- Stimulus Bill Butt of Joke the Honolulu Philippine Con- dence of recession. I doubt lisher warrant the completeness or ac- (ATTY. TIPON has won all deporta- curacy of the information provided Don't be naughty. This col- sulate why they did not stay at whether they even know how to tion cases he handled and obtained herein at the time of publication.) umn is not about SSS (sexual self the Marcos mansion at Makiki. spell "recession". There were approval of all visa petitions he filed. stimulation). This is about the "There are ghosts," replied one. $787 billion stimulus bill that the "How can you claim to have HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Democrats approved with the aid bravely fought the Japanese of three Republican contrarios or when you are afraid of ghosts?" RINO (Republicans in Name I exclaimed. Alyssa Reyes, Kalayaan Binibining Only). It was supposed to be a job-creating bill. It has turned out Others Getting Stimulated Pilipinas Georgette Miranda. The presi- to be a gigantic spending bill. Bailing out the aged and in- dent of Kalayaan Hawaii Inter- The stimulus bill has be- firm is okay. But not for the lyssa Reyes, the daugh- national is Ben Pulido. come the butt of jokes. "Who is RIGS (rich, irresponsible, ter of Manuel and Reyes traveled to Laoag the real Stimulus Bill?" asked greedy, and slothful). The most AAgnes Reyes garnered City, Philippines to compete for Jay Leno Friday. Answer: Bill deserving – war widows, or- the title of Miss Kalayaan Miss Laoag Philippines—an- Clinton. Remember Monica and phans, and injured veterans – get Binibining Pilipinas recently at other pageant that contestants how she stimulated Bill in the nothing. the Pacific beach Hotel. enter in order to qualify to com- Oval or Oral office. Billions are appropriated for She won most of the cate- pete for Miss Earth Philippines. A cartoon shows President infrastructure to create jobs. But gories including pre-pageant in- At age 16, Reyes was the Obama looking at pigs. "This how can the leggy secretary who terview, swimsuit, evening youngest of all the contestants. proves that Obama is not a Mus- lost her job or the laid off elderly gown, terno and speech. She She competed against older lim. He likes pork." says the cap- Wal-Mart greeter build roads also won Miss Photogenic and the title of Miss Metro Asia, contestants, some of whom tion. The stimulus bill is a giant and bridges? Miss Aloha. followed by Jasmin Soria who were professional models. Nev- pork barrel bill – government ap- Workers will get $13 First runner-up was Char- won Best in Talent and Miss ertheless, she won 1st runner- propriations providing rich bene- weekly from a tax credit of $400 maine Lazo, 2nd runner-up was Congeniality. Miss Kalayaan up, the best in talent category fits to patrons for political for singles and $800 for couples. Shayne Sabugo who also won International was garnered by for hula and most elegant. advantage. $13 cannot even buy a meal for Obama promised change two except at a carinderia. and a solution for our country's First-time homebuyers pur- economic problems. Is this all he chasing before Dec. 1, 2009 get can do? Spend? Bush did the a tax credit of $8,000. This is same. So did McCain who discriminatory. How about those backed Bush's $700 billion give- who bought last year or after away to banks, insurers, and car Dec. 1? makers. Where is the change? Homeowners who buy fur- naces and air conditioners will Self-Reliance get a tax credit equal to 30 per- Republicans, except Bush cent of the cost. If you don't pay and the three RINOs, believe in taxes, like several of Obama's self-reliance, not reliance on big cabinet appointees, you don't get government spending. Ilocanos the benefit. This discriminates share that value. Nobody among against those in Hawaii and Cal- the Ilocanos in Hawaii I have ifornia who do not need heaters talked with is relying on bailouts. or coolers. They earn money the old fash- New car buyers get a deduc- ioned way -- by working. tion equal to the sales tax. Sales taxes are already deductible. WW II Vets Get little Stimula- What else is new? tion A $1,000 child tax credit is The stimulus bill gives Fil- given to low-income families 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 7, 2009 FEATURE Spotlight Shines on Filipino Chef at Stage By Caroline Julian I (eventually) was offered the Grigio, Ries- job as a Sous Chef,” he says. ling, Sake, After five years at the Chardonnay Pineapple Room, de Guzman and Viogner. took a position at Alan Wong’s Even with a sophisticated ent hats—not only in the where he spent two years. palate, this chef still appreciates kitchen. I also need to know “I worked with Chef the simple food. about numbers and the business Alan for so long, he’s pretty “I like comfort food, such side and be a people person as much my mentor,” he says. as meat loaf and chicken adobo. well as a manager.” “He taught us more than I also like Filipino food, such as Nonetheless, de Guzman cooking, but also motivated mongo beans,” says the 32- enjoys making people smile us to be better people.” year-old chef, whose parents with his food, whether it’s pa- “He’s very creative (with are from Pangasinan, Philip- trons or his employees. dining food)… he also works with pines. “It requires long hours but area is filled with local farmers,” says de Guz- De Guzman says the job of it’s worth it for me,” he says “I designer chairs and tables. man. an executive chef is no piece guess it’s about self-satisfac- t’s been a little The environment is cer- De Guzman takes the same of cake. He works tion.” over two years, tainly one-of-a-kind compared creative approach with the nearly 12 hours a While being in the but Executive to where de Guzman honed his items on his menu, which has day, 6 days a kitchen is his pas- Chef Ron de Guz- culinary skills. been described as “Contempo- week and man- sion right now, de I man is still in awe He got his first taste of the rary Asian-American Cuisine.” ages a staff of Guzman says one over where he restaurant industry while at- “I work with local farmers 20. day that he would works. tending Leeward Community as much as possible to use local “It’s chal- like to teach aspiring “Stage is different,” says de College as an apprentice under products like tomatoes and as- lenging. There’s chefs and mentor Guzman. “We’re in a furniture well-known Hawaii chef Alan paragus. The greens are from always some- them. store. But I enjoy the environ- Wong. the Big Island,” he says. thing new that I His words of ad- ment and the ambiance,” the De Guzman proved his tal- His signature dish is also haven’t dealt with be- vice for future chefs? 1995 Pearl City High alumnus ent and skills and in time, local—Garlic Ahi. It’s made of fore,” he says. “Stick with it. adds. landed a job at one of Wong’s seared Hawaiian ahi, sake “It’s like being If you fall Stage Restaurant opened its restaurants as a cook. braised baby spinach, shaved a fireman, put- down, get doors about two years ago at the “Right when I heard they fennel, topped with Indonesian ting out fires back up and Honolulu Design Center on Ka- were opening a restaurant at Ala black peppercorn garlic sauce. throughout the keep doing piolani Boulevard, where sell- Moana—the Pineapple The tantalizing dish can be day and wear- it.” ing fine furniture is its focus. Its Room—I started as a cook, then paired with wine such as Pinot ing many differ- FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9 PHILIPPINE NEWS 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 PHILIPPINE NEWS More Asians to Become Poor, prevent widespread social unrest from Jobless - ILO erupting, officials said. By Mayen Jaymalin / “A dramatic increase in working Thursday, February 19, 2009 poverty of more than 140 million people by 2009 is projected under this scenario, ANILA, Philippines - More representing regression of the Asia and than 140 million people in Asia Pacific region to a working poverty rate of M could be plunged into poverty, 2004,” the study said. with 7.2 million more jobless people in Yamamoto noted the situation was 2009 than last year due to the fallout from quickly evolving “into an employment the global economic crisis, raising the re- and social crisis.” gion’s jobless rate to 5.1 percent, the In- “Its impact is deeply felt in both in- ternational Labor Organization (ILO) said dustrialized and developing countries in yesterday. Asia,” she told senior policy makers from The Geneva-based ILO also said yes- 11 countries at a meeting in Manila, stress- terday 23 million people would lose their ing that the downturn’s “magnitude and jobs in Asia this year as the global finan- speed have been astounding.” cial crisis batters the region. The region too is at the tipping point The ILO forecast the ranks of unem- of seeing social unrest explode into the ployed workers would likely balloon to 97 streets, as the jobless and marginalized de- million in 2009 in Asia, the world econ- mand greater government action. omy’s star performer in recent years but The report said that as Asia moves to where a third of the population still live spend about 3.9 percent of its gross do- on a little over $1 a day. Last year, the un- mestic product on stimulus packages, employment rate was 4.8 percent. there is also a need to protect employment In the most pessimistic scenario, the and support household purchasing power. number of unemployed could swell to 113 million, or 22.3 million more than last 51 M new jobs needed this year year, the ILO said in a report on the cri- The ILO also reported that an esti- sis’ fallout in Asia. mated 51 million new jobs will be needed ILO regional director Sachiko Ya- this year and next to absorb Asia’s grow- mamoto said the youth, particularly grad- ing labor force, with most jobs needed in uating students and women, face the the region’s giant economies – 20.3 mil- greater risk of losing their jobs or not find- lion in India, 10.9 million in China and 3.6 ing one. million in Indonesia. Migrant workers with short-term con- Countries with the highest rates of ex- tracts as well as women working in small- pected labor force growth through 2010 and medium-sized factories and firms are include Pakistan at 6.1 percent, Cambodia particularly vulnerable, she said. at 4.9 percent, and the Philippines at 4.9 Young people in the region, mean- percent. while, will also find opportunities dwin- “There is very little chance that a suf- dling, while children of poor families may ficient number of new jobs will be created be forced to quit school as incomes fall, in the region this year to keep up with ex- she said. pected labor force growth,” the report “Youth are at least three times more added. likely to become unemployed than As fewer jobs were created at home, adults,” said Yamamoto, who presented remittances from the region’s army of mi- the ILO report on the impact of the eco- grant workers began to slow in the third nomic crisis on employment. quarter of 2008. In the Philippines, as many as The ILO said the World Bank now 200,000 Filipino workers here and abroad forecasts an overall drop in remittances in could lose their jobs this year due to the 2009 – partly due to the deep recession in economic crisis, Labor Secretary Marian- the US, which accounts for 44 percent of ito Roque told a House labor committee workers’ money sent to East Asia and the yesterday. Pacific, and 28 percent to South Asia. “That is our worst-case scenario. That “As global demand for workers con- is also the projection of the National Eco- tracts, the flow of migrant workers from nomic and Development Authority,” he developing Asia will moderate in 2009,” told the committee hearing chaired by the report said. “For labor-sending coun- Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo. tries, this will exacerbate the challenge of “But at the rate we are going, it’s likely mitigating job losses and generating new that we will not hit that figure.” employment domestically.” Some 30,000 domestic employees It said the number of vulnerable and 5,000 overseas Filipino workers Asian workers, estimated at 1.08 billion (OFWs) have lost their jobs since Sep- in 2008, could rise this year by 21 mil- tember when the global financial crisis lion, and in an extreme case, by 61 mil- erupted. lion. He added that an additional 5,000 “The poor face a double crisis – high overseas workers losing their jobs this costs for basic necessities on which they year “would be on the high side.” spend the majority of their income, along And as unemployment rises, it is im- with economic stagnation that threaten perative for countries in the region to use their livelihoods,” the ILO said. fiscal stimulus packages for safety nets to (www.philstar.com) FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 PHILIPPINE NEWS or subsequently recognized by Feb. 16, 2010. Pinoy War Veterans Troop to the Commander-in-Chief of The Filipino veterans are the Southeast Pacific Area or requested to bring two forms of a $198-million lump-sum pack- “Ano ang gagawin namin. other competent authority in identification (such as pass- Aguinaldo age. Ang sabi ko magreklamo tayo, the US Army are qualified to port, driver’s license, senior The compensation package tayo, karapatan natin By James Mananghaya / receive the compensation. citizen ID, Bureau of Post ID, is part of the $787-billion eco- yan (What will we do now? I Friday, February 20, 2009 Those who served in the Voter’s ID, etc.); VA claim nomic stimulus package that told the widows that we have to Philippine Scouts under Sec- number; Service Number; ANILA, Philippines Obama signed into law. get together and complain, that tion 14 of the Armed Forces PVAO claim number; PVAO - Hundreds of World Filipino veterans with US is our right),” she said. Voluntary Recruitment Act of Pension bank account number; War II veterans and citizenship will receive a one- Aside from the widows, M 1945 are also considered qual- US passport (if a US citizen.) their relatives flocked to the time pay of $15,000 while non- members of the Hukbong ified claimants. “In order to provide effec- Philippine Veterans Affairs Of- US citizens will get $9,000. Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Huk- Meanwhile, the Depart- tive, transparent service, fice (PVAO) in Camp PVAO spokesman Nos- balahap) also came to file their ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) claims will only be accepted Aguinaldo, to file tradamus Villanueva said some claims, not realizing that quali- urged all Filipino veterans to from Filipino WWII veterans. their claims at the start of the of the concerns addressed by fied claimants are only those deal only with US veterans’ We encourage all Filipino processing of compensation representatives from the US that are included in the Revised, agencies and to avoid short WWII veterans to apply in per- claims yesterday. Veterans Affairs Office were Reconstructed Guerrilla Roster cuts offered by unscrupulous son at one of the locations Some of the veterans, the inquiries of widows who of 1948 which was compiled by fixers. listed on the dates indicated. If though, were confused on the thought that they were entitled the US army administration DFA spokesman Bayani a veteran is unable to appear in qualifications that would enable to the compensation package on center in Missouri. Mangibin said “fixers” might person, the US department of them to avail of the compensa- behalf of their spouses who At around noon, the US take advantage of the veterans. veterans affairs Manila re- tion package that US President served during WW II. Veterans Affairs Office was “We are hoping that the gional office will arrange to Barack Obama approved for Rosa Dinginbayan, a vet- able to process around 300 ap- Filipino veterans beneficiaries obtain the application in an ap- Filipino World War II veterans. eran’s widow, said she and plications from qualified veter- of this program will follow the propriate manner,” the US Em- Obama signed on Tuesday other widows of war veterans ans. process and will not resort to bassy said. the American Recovery and thought they were qualified to Defense Undersecretary short cuts,” Mangibin said. Claims by spouses, widows Reinvestment Act of 2009 that avail of the package but were Ernesto Carolina said only The US Embassy said all and children of Filipino WWII included a provision acknowl- disappointed to learn otherwise. members of the organized Filipino WWII veterans must veterans will not be accepted, it edging Filipino war veterans as Her husband Paulino died guerrilla forces under com- submit their applications by added. (www.philstar.com) US soldiers and granting them last year. manders appointed, designated

and other relations with China the KIG and Scarborough could GMA to Sign Baselines Bill Despite and other countries might sour be settled peacefully. due to this dispute should not “It should not be a flash- China - Palace blur the primary need to defend point or source of conflict the national territory and sover- among the claimant states, nor By Paolo Romero tions Convention of the Law of eignty. should the dispute affect their Thursday, February 5, 2009 the Sea and address concerns of “They are not entitled to normal and harmonious relations claimants including China. everything,” he said. as sovereign states,” she said. ANILA, Philippines - “We will have to highlight “Are we going to surrender Meanwhile, the Center for President Arroyo will the fact that the (Philippine) just because they have a stronger International Law, together with M sign into law a bill baselines (bill) is in conformity army or navy? What’s important the Concerned Citizens Move- seeking to set the nation’s terri- with our own laws,” he said. is we stand for our country and ment and students of the Univer- torial boundaries despite protests Mangibin said dialogues its territory.” sity of the Philippines-College of from China. should be held to resolve the “We should also complain Law, are preparing a petition to The government will let the matter, instead of making against their claim that is an af- challenge the constitutionality of United Nations resolve the six- threats. “In the (ASEAN) Code front to our sovereignty,” Roxas the Baselines Bill after Mrs. Ar- way dispute over the Kalayaan of Conduct, both parties must said. royo signs it into law. Island Group (KIG) in the South exercise self restraint,” he said. Legarda said claims over (www.philstar.com) China Sea, according to deputy “In short, we’re looking forward Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago presidential spokesman Anthony to peaceful discussion of is- Golez and Foreign Affairs sues.” uphold the country’s claim to spokesman Bayani Mangibin. Leaders of the Association the disputed islands. However, the Philippines of Southeast Asian Nations “It will remain for the Inter- will assert its sovereignty within (ASEAN) may also discuss the national Tribunal (for) the Law international law and agree- issue during their summit in of the Sea to abrogate the con- ments with claimant nations, Thailand next week, Mangibin flict but for China to file a they added. said. would be equivalent to Mangibin said the govern- On the other hand, Sen. bullying the Philippines to sur- ment is open to talks with China Miriam Defensor-Santiago said render our claim,” she said. to prevent relations between the the bill that aims to categorize “We are equal states, we two countries from deteriorating. the Kalayaan Island Group and should not be prevented from “We’re looking at summon- Scarborough Shoal as a “regime making our claim. I don’t think ing the Chinese ambassador,” he of islands under the Republic of we should expect retribution said. the Philippines,” is the “best ver- from China because if they stop “It’s our hope that the bill sion” that the country could put their foreign aid or foreign trade will be respected and that’s the forward to emphasize its claim with us, we will view that as a reason why we’re optimistic that on the islands. belligerent act on their part.” this will be resolved. The issue could be brought In separate statements, Sen- “We have expected that before the International Tribunal ators Manuel Roxas II and (protest), we’re prepared to face for the Law of the Sea, she Loren Legarda said the nation’s the concerns of China.” added. sovereignty must be protected Mangibin said lawmakers Santiago, Senate foreign af- despite protests from other took pains to ensure that the bill fairs committee chair, said Mrs. claimant-countries. would abide by the United Na- Arroyo should sign the bill to Roxas said fears that trade 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 MAINLAND NEWS residing in the Philippines. cated at the U.S. Embassy in Filipino WWII Veterans to Receive In accordance with the Manila. new law, for an individual to Instructions on how to Additional U.S. Benefits sum payment of $15,000. Non- be eligible for payment, the apply will be posted on the U.S. citizens will receive a DVA must receive the individ- U.S. Embassy website at he U.S. Department of recognizes the service of Fil- one-time lump-sum payment ual’s claim no later than Febru- http://manila.usembassy.gov. Veterans Affairs (DVA) ipino WWII veterans as active of $9,000. This is an additional ary 16, 2010, which is one year The DVA’s Manila Re- T is reaching out to all Fil- military service in the Armed benefit for those eligible and from the date President Obama gional Office will also conduct ipino WWII veterans regarding Forces. qualified WWII veterans. It signed the historic legislation. extensive outreach, within and the new one-time lump-sum The American Recovery will not change or affect other The DVA is working to outside of Manila, to the many benefit payment signed into law and Reinvestment Act of 2009 benefits an individual may be quickly implement the new Filipino WW II veterans by President Barack Obama on authorizes one-time lump-sum receiving. U.S. law. Filipino WWII veter- throughout the Philippines to February 17, 2009. payments to all eligible Fil- This new lump sum bene- ans can inquire about and sub- ensure all those entitled re- This new legislation, the ipino WW II veterans. Those fit will result in approximately mit claims for the new ceive the benefits they deserve American Recovery and Rein- veterans with U.S. citizenship $120 million in payments to el- lump-sum benefit at the DVA’s as soon as possible. vestment Act of 2009, formally will receive a one-time lump- igible Filipino WW II veterans Manila Regional Office lo-

To commemorate the 1986 of and who still Filipino Youth in Jersey City to Wear , continue to fight up to the pres- Anakbayan encourages Fil- ent for the realization of true na- Yellow Ribbons reminded of this historic affair to ipinos in the U.S. to wear yellow tional democracy in the embers of Anakbayan last February 16, 2009. draw lessons from and give us ribbons on February 25, 2009 as Philippines. New York/ New Jer- “Yellow is the color of one hope that change is possible.” a sign of their resolve for gen- Anakbayan is one of several M sey, a progressive Fil- of the most momentous event in Anakbayan members see uine change in Philippine gov- U.S. chapters of Anakbayan ipino youth group based in Philippine history,” says Yancy similarities between Marcos’ ernment. Philippines, a comprehensive Jersey City, recently gave out Gandionco, Anakbayan vice reign and current President Glo- Anakbayan NY/NJ and the national democratic mass or- yellow ribbons in remembrance president. “It is the symbolic ria Macapagal Arroyo’s eight New York Committee for ganization fighting for the of the 1986 People Power move- color of our united voice that years in office. They say Fil- Human Rights in the Philippines rights, welfare and basic needs ment in the Philippines. ended a 21-year rule of the Mar- ipinos have remained poor, will be holding “Pagpupugay” of Filipino youth around the Yellow ribbons with the in- cos regime. It has been more while others have faced political on February 21, 2009 as a tribute world. Other chapters include scription “People Power Lives!” than two decades ago but we are repression and even execution to the anti-Martial Law activists Honolulu, Los Angeles, San were handed out to Filipinos on still very proud of it. for opposing her administra- who tirelessly fought from the Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas and Westside and Newark Avenue “We should be constantly tion’s policies. First Quarter Storm movement East Bay. PHILIPPINE NEWS Charter Change Through Constituent Assembly Still Alive By Jess Diaz/ Friday, February 20, 2009 Battle Against Corruption said ing the economic provisions of The committee on constitu- yesterday. the Constitution, but the con ass tional amendments has already ANILA, Philippines He told reporters that on resolution of Rep. (Luis) Villa- endorsed the Nograles resolu- - The renewed effort Wednesday, he personally wit- fuerte (of Camarines Sur),” he tion, on which the House ex- M of President Arroyo’s nessed “10 or more” congress- said. pects to begin floor discussions House allies for Charter change men drop by the office of He said “Malacañang al- next week or before Congress (Cha-cha) via a constituent as- Speaker Prospero Nograles. lies” were in Nograles’ office to goes on its Holy Week break sembly (con ass) is very much “They were made to sign a present the Villafuerte resolution next month. alive, Rep. Joel Villanueva of resolution. This is not the to House members who have Senate President Juan Ponce the party-list group Citizens Speaker’s resolution on amend- not signed it. Enrile has expressed support for “This means that Cha-cha the Speaker’s proposed changes via con ass is President Arroyo’s in the Constitution’s economic exit option. She can stay in of- provisions since the envisioned Cong. Joel Villanueva fice beyond 2010 through an process involves his chamber. As of last count, Villafuerte amendment that will extend her In contrast, Villafuerte’s and his Kampi colleagues had term,” he said. con-ass could bypass senators. 165 signatures on their con-ass He added that there is Mala- Villafuerte, who is president of resolution, or 32 shy of their tar- cañang pressure for Nograles to Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino get. help in the signature-collection (Kampi), President Arroyo’s Con-ass proponents stepped drive of Villafuerte and his col- party, made this clear in a recent up their signature-collection leagues. debate with Rep. Roilo Golez of drive a few days after former “We should be vigilant Parañaque. senior government officials, in- against the GMA forever cam- “We will invite them (sena- cluding some who served in paign,” Villanueva stressed. tors). If they don’t show up, it Mrs. Arroyo’s Cabinet, warned Sought for comment, No- will be their fault,” the Kampi the nation that the President grales confirmed that some con- chief said. would try to cling to power via gressmen went to his office to He claimed 197 congress- Cha-cha. sign Villafuerte’s resolution ask- men could propose Charter Unlike Nograles’ Resolution ing the Senate and the House to amendments by themselves 737 that proposes specific con- convene as a con ass. since they represent three- stitutional changes, Villafuerte’s But he insisted that his Res- fourths of the combined mem- con-ass can subject the entire olution 737 on economic bership of the Senate and the Constitution to amendments. amendments would take the leg- House. If this happens, Mrs. Ar- islative process route, which “The Constitution provides royo’s critics fear that her allies means that it would be sent to that amendments be approved might extend her term along the Senate after the House ap- by a three-fourths vote of all with their own tenure. proves it. members of Congress,” he said. (www.philstar.com) FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13 LEGAL NOTES proval of the I-140 petition, the file will be transferred to the Na- Expedited Processing for RNs tional Visa Center (NVC) which would then request the submis- Recommended by Ombudsman sion of the biographic data of the alien and other documents. The jected that the U.S. will need 1.2 designating just one center to H.R. 5924, otherwise last step is the immigration in- million RNs by 2014. process the application would re- known as the Emergency Nurse terview to be conducted at a The Ombudsman said that sult in a more efficient, uniform Supply Relief Act, is intended to U.S. embassy. By Reuben S. Seguritan the immigration process should and faster adjudication. address visa retrogression. It If the alien is in the U.S., ast December 5, be expedited to address the crit- The recommendation will was introduced in the House on he/she may file an adjustment of the Ombudsman ical shortage. He recommended certainly go a long way in short- April 29, 2008 by Rep. Wexler status. The proposed bill re- of the U.S. Citi- that the RN applications be sep- ening the processing of RN visa and Rep. Sensenbrenner. It has quires a fee of $1,500.00 for zenship and Immi- arated and prioritized and be applications but it will not lift the bipartisan support and it was ap- each petitioned nurse to fund fu- L gration Services processed by just one service current retrogression of visa proved by the House Judiciary ture nurse training and develop- (USCIS) issued its center. numbers. Subcommittee on Immigration ment in health professional recommendation on ways to im- At present, there are two RNs are categorized under last August 7. shortage areas. prove the processing of visas for service centers that adjudicate the employment-based third Under the proposed law, Immigrant advocates re- Registered Nurses (RN). RN applications. Because of the preference. The December 2008 20,000 visa numbers will be main hopeful that this proposed But it did not address the lack of regular communication visa bulletin shows a backlog of given to registered nurses and bill will pass and that the Obama issue of visa retrogression which between these two service cen- three and one-half years for the physical therapists every year administration will usher in a has delayed the recruitment of ters, there have been inconsis- Philippines. The backlog for through September 30, 2011. more vigorous and effective re- thousands of foreign nurses, tencies in the number of USCIS India and China is even worse. Their immediate family mem- sponse to the nursing shortage mostly from the Philippines. requests for evidence and the As the Ombudsman report bers will also be allowed to im- crisis. In its background report, the processing time has become pointed out, visa availability is migrate without being subject to Ombudsman affirmed the wors- longer. The adjudication time the principal cause for the delay quota limitation. ening of the nursing shortage. It for an I-140 petition is now in the recruitment of foreign The USCIS will be required REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been cited a 2007 study made by the more than one year in both cen- nurses. This issue can be ad- to review and act on the immi- practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him U.S. Department of Health and ters. dressed only by the U.S. Con- grant visa (I-140) petition within at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- Human Services, which pro- The Ombudsman said that gress. 30 days from filing. After ap- site at www.seguritan.com GLOBAL NEWS RP One of Asia’s Bright Spots he Paris-based Interna- “The Philippines is one of (BPO) industry. tional Chamber of the economies in the region “Obviously, the Philip- T Commerce (ICC) says that has been relatively insu- pines’ exports have been some- the Philippines remains one of lated,” Dr. Fung says. “I’m what affected but is still going the economies in the region in- very impressed with the way strongly. That is not a major sulated from the effects of the the Philippine economy has part of its economy. I think that global economic downturn. functioned. It’s one of the remittances have kept up and This was the observation brightest spots in the whole re- BPOs have developed very of Dr. Victor Fung, chairman gion.” strongly due to good govern- of the ICC. Dr. Fung is the first Fung says the affects of the ment policies that started a few chairman from Hong Kong of global recession upon the years ago,” Fung says. the ICC, the largest, most rep- Philippines’ exporting industry The continuing reforms resentative business organiza- is only temporary and would and policies have firmly put the tion in the world with be offset by gains from remit- Philippines on a path to stabil- hundreds of thousands of tances by Overseas Filipino ity and growth which has main- Business Process Outsourcing in the Philippines member companies in over Workers (OFWs) and other ro- tained momentum in foreign 130 countries spanning every bust businesses, such as the investment, Fung says. (Good sector of private enterprise. business process outsourcing News Pilipinas) Remittances Up 13 Percent in 2008 oreign exchange remit- In December, remittances by the high number of deploy- tances from Filipino ex- rose to $1.4 billion, compared ment for work overseas. F patriates surged in 2008 to $1.3 billion in November and He said more and more Fil- despite the global economic cri- with $1.397 billion in Decem- ipinos abroad were also using sis. ber 2007. banks and other formal remit- According to Bangko Sen- “Amid the challenges tance channels to send money tral ng Pilipinas, remittances posed by the global financial to their families. The remittance through banks and other official market strains and the economic data captured by the BSP do not channels reached $16.43 billion downturn experienced by host include those sent through non- last year, up 13.7 percent from economies, remittances from formal channels, including per- $14.45 billion in 2007, when overseas Filipinos remain a de- sonal couriers. the amount grew 13.2 percent pendable source of foreign ex- The BSP said that while from 2006. change for the economy,” BSP jobs may have declined in Major sources of remit- Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. Western countries, new em- tances in 2008 were the United said. ployment opportunities have States, Saudi Arabia, Canada, He stressed that the demand opened in Canada, Bulgaria, UK, Italy, United Arab Emi- for Filipino professionals and Australia, the United Arab rates, Japan, Singapore and skilled workers remained high Emirates and Qatar. (Good News Hong Kong. in foreign countries as shown Pilipinas) 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Sa buwang ito, isang ipinagmamalaking estudyante ng Filipino and Philippine Literature Program sa UH ang ating magiging BAHAGHARI panauhing kolumnista. Ito si Jovanie De La Cruz, tagapamahalang patnugot ng Katipunan Magazin at recipient ng Aida Ramiscal- Martin Scholarship for Filipino noong 2007. Kuwentong Tagalog: Si TERESITA V. RAMOS ng Maynila

ni Elynia S. Mabanglo at Jovanie De La Cruz

uro ko si Dr. Teresita V. Ramos, profes- sor emeritus ng Filipino at G Philippine Liter- ature sa Univer- sity of Hawaii-Manoa. Hindi maaaring hindi ko siya ikuwento, lalo na ngayon, nang malaman kong ginawaran siya ni Pangulong Dr. Teresita Ramos receives the "Pamana ng Kultura" Award, a Thirty One Outstanding awardees with President Macapagal-Arroyo. The Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng presidential award for outstanding Filipinos overseas, from President Awardees from Hawaii included Dr. Teresita Ramos and the United “Presidential Award” para sa mga Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at a special ceremony in Malacañang Palace, Filipino Council of Hawaii Pilipinong nangibang-bayan at December 10, 2008 nakapagbigay ng makabuluhang isasyong nagtataguyod ng mga ar- susulat pa ng mga kagamitang Filipino Abroad Progam (AFAP) ako, lalong mahusay ang aking ambag sa bansang Pilipinas kahit aling Asian at Pacific (Asian and para sa Pacific and Asian Linguis- na binibigyang pondo ng Ful- pag-i-Ingles sa aking pakiramdam nasa ibayong dagat na sila. Pacific Studies) sa Estados tics Institute. Dahil gusto niyang bright-Hays at Department of Ed- sapagkat nagmemedyor ako ng Taas-noong ipinagmamalaki Unidos. mapalaganap ang Tagalog, tina- ucation, Title Six Project. Sa political science bukod sa Fil- ko siya sapagkat naging bahagi Mahirap ang pagpapalaganap pos niya ang lahat-- tatlong programang ito mababatid pa rin ipino. siya ng nabuong kamalayan ko ng ng Tagalog sa isang komunidad na bolyum na libro, diksyonaryo at ang layunin ni Dr. Ramos na la- Ipinagmamalaki ko ang pagka-Pilipino, ng kaalaman sa halos walang Tagalog. At higit na gramatika. long pagyamanin ang wika at kul- pagiging estudyante ng Filipino. wika, at naimpluwensiyahan nito mahirap itong gawin kung mangi- Noong magsimula siya, 5-6 turang Filipino. Ipinagmamalaki kong estudyante ang aking mga paniniwala. lan-ngilan lamang ang Pilipinong estudyante lang ang nasa unang ako ni Dr. Teresita Ramos. Siya Nang umuwi siya sa Pilipinas makakatulong mo sa mismong antas, 3-4 lamang ikalawa. Puro Ang Tagalog Ngayon ang aking huwaran. Nakita ko para tanggapin ang parangal sa unibersidad na pagtuturuan nito. hindi Pilipino ang mga es- Hindi na Tagalog ang pan- kung paano niya napanatiling Malakanyang, kabilang ako sa Naisip ko ring mahirap lalo kung tudyante. Karaniwang graduate galan ng mga kurso namin mataas ang kalidad ng pagtuturo mga estudyanteng nagbunyi. Sa wala kang mga kasangkapang students sila ng antropolohiya o ngayon. Tinatawag na itong Fil- ng mga iba't ibang wika sa aking palagay, talagang “deserv- (tools) magpapadali ng laban o lingwistika. Noong 1971, inump- ipino sapagkat ito ang mandato ng daigdig sa pagtulong niyang ing” siya sa prestihiyosong paran- trabaho mo. (Alam ko kasing ni isahan niya ang ikatlong antas, at konstitusyong 1987. Sinunod ng mabuo ang Hawaii Association of gal ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas. hindi marunong magmakinilya si pagkatapos noon, ang ikaapat na programa ang tagubilin kaya mula Language Teachers (HALT) at Samakatwid, hindi nasayang Dr. Ramos; hanggang ngayon, antas. Para tangkilikin at pahala- sa Tagalog, pinalitang lahat ang ang Council of Teachers of South- ang nominasyon nina Konsul- lapis pa rin ang ginagamit niya. gahan ng mga Pilipino ang kani- pangalan ng kurso sa Filipino. east Asian Languages (COT- Heneral Ariel Abadilla at Arlene Ha-ha-ha!). Pero magaling talaga lang kultura, nagbukas siya ng Sapagkat si Dr. Ramos din ang SEAL). Dahil doon, nalaman Gonzalez-Macaisa kay Dr. Ramos si Tita Terry. Sa kabila ng lahat ng mga kursong literature sa Ingles at founder ng kong, kailangan mong lumabas at para sa Presidential Award. Sa sagabal, nariyan ang Filipino and Tagalog. Para sa mga gurong full Consortium for the Advance- tumulong sa iba para may tumu- 122 nominadong indibidwal at or- Philippine Literature Program time na nagtuturo, 12 credits ang ment of Filipino (CAF), ipinag- long din sa iyo. Nagsisilbing in- ganisasyong Pilipino mula sa 29 ngayon—malusog! (May 224 es- kailangang ituro, pero 17-20 cred- bilin niya sa mga miyembro na spirasyon at ilaw ko siya – bansa, isa siya sa 31 napiling tudyante ang Programa, may 8 its ang itinuturo niya (libre) para palitan na rin ang pangalan ng nagawa niyang mapagbuklod- gawaran ng parangal noong gradweyt ng BA in Philippine ito lumaganap. Isinakripisyo niya kurso sa kani-kanilang unibersi- buklod sa iisang adhikain ang Disyembre 10, 2008. Napili si Language and Literature, konsen- ang kanyang oras at lakas (mag- dad. kanyang mga kaguro - ang ma- Tita Terry (iyan ang tawag naming trasyong Filipino), may mahigit bibiro sana ako, kaya hindi naka- Sa ngayon, mahigit 10,000 halin ang propesyon ng pagtuturo sa kanya) dahil sa hindi na 10 napagtapos ng maynor at pag-asawa?). estudyante na ang naturuan ng Fil- at isulong ang wika at kulturang matatawarang dedikasyon sa pag- kasalukuyang may 5 medyor! Noong 1975, ipinakilala niya ipino sa Programa. Sa aking paki- Pilipino dito sa Amerika. Marami tuturo at pagtataguyod sa wikang ang panitikan ng Pilipinas, folk- ramdam, kaming mga naging pa akong kakaining bigas bago ko Filipino at kulturang Filipino na Paano nagsimula ang Tagalog lore at kultura. Noong dekada ot- estudyante nito ay nahubog sa marating ito – pero kay Tita Terry mag-isang pinalaganap niya sa sa Hawaii? senta, UH lamang ang may ganap isang bagong direksyon ng pagk- ko natutuhan ang pormula: hindi Hawai’i at saka sa mainland US Ang Unibersidad ng Hawaii na programa sa wika at kulturang ilala sa aming sarili at pagkatao. sapat ang talino, kailangan din noong dekada sitenta pa ng nag- ang una kundi man ang kauna-un- Tagalog. Maaaring magkaroon ng Para sa akin, ito ang nagawa ni ang sipag; magtrabaho nang daang siglo. Lumago na lamang ahang institusyong nagturo ng certificate sa kaalamang Tagalog Tita Terry sa akin. Mapapatu- walang hinihintay na kapalit, ang Tagalog at ang pagtuturo nito Tagalog sa Amerika. Nagsimula sa mga panahong ito. Noong nayan ko na higit akong matatas huwag mawawalan ng loob, lag- sa Amerika noong siglo beinte. ito noong 1962. Si Dr. Howard sumunod na panahon, lumitaw ngayon sa Filipino bukod sa ing ipaglaban ang sariling simu- Pero nang kasalukuyang nag- McKaughan, propesor ng linguis- ang Intermediate Tagalog at Con- pagiging matatas ko rin sa aking lain at paniniwala, maging tapat sisikap siya, mag-isa niyang bi- tics sa UH ang nagturo nito sa De- versational Tagalog, mga best inang wika – ang Ilokano. Higit sa sarili. nalikat ang mga hamon nito. partment of Asian and Pacific seller ng Amazon.com. Naging na malawak ang aking paningin, Tunay ngang hindi Pinalaganap niya ang Tagalog na Languages. May ilang estudyante sikat ang mga librong ito kaya bi- higit kong napahahalagahan ang matatawaran ang mga bagay na tinatawag ngayong Filipino sa pa- at lecturer muna bago dumating si nansagan siyang ng mga estudy- aking kulturang Ilokano sapagkat nagawa ni Dr. Ramos. Isa siyang mamagitan ng pagiging aktibo sa Dr. Teresita Ramos. Hindi ito tante sa Utah (BYU) na "superstar napayayaman ito ng kaalaman ko tapat na alagad ng wikang Fil- mga pang-akademikong organ- madali dahil bago siya, saka mag- ng Tagalog". sa Tagalog. Naging grantee ako ipino at busilak ang puso sa Kabilang sa tagumpay na ng Advanced Filipino Abroad kanyang hangaring itaguyod ang tinahak ng Tagalog sa Unibersi- Program – natutuhan ko roon ang mga programmang magdudulot dad ng Hawaii ang pagkakaroon pagpapatalim ng karanasan upang ng kaunlaran at kaalaman. ng Bachelor’s degree na nagsim- lalong maging mahusay sa pan- Tamang-tama ang Pamana ng ula noong 2003. Ito ang kauna- gangatwiran, pagpapaliwanag at Pilipino Award na tinanggap unahang unibersidad sa labas ng pakikipagtalo. Natutuhan ko ring ninyo kay Pangulong Arroyo Pilipinas na may ganitong digri. magsalin ng mga kanta at iba pang noong Disyembre 10, 2008. Sala- Bukod dito, siya ang Advanced bagay. Sapagkat nasa Amerika na mat sa aking “mana”, Tita! FEBRUARY 21, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 55TH TERNO BALL & FILIPINO FIESTA, PARADE 5TH WOMEN ACHIEVERS' AND SANTACRUZAN SIGNIFICANT DATES IN 2009 WHEN THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE AWARDS NIGHT / SATURDAY GENERAL IN HONOLULU WILL HOLD COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS OR / SATURDAY May 9, 2009 ● All day start- ACTIVITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL EMILY AT 595-6316 EXT 242 March 7, 2009 ● Ala Moana ing at 8:00 a.m. ● Kalakaua Av- Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom ● enue and Kapiolani Park ● For FEBRUARY TO AUGUST— cation form. sulate grounds — “Araw ng Contact Lina Longboy (375 more information, call the Fil- Overseas Absentee Voting Kalayaan” (Independence 0828) or Jo Farina (282 3847) Com Center at 680-0451 Registration for Filipino citi- APRIL 6TH, 4pm, at the Na- Day) and another activity at zens who wish to vote in the tional Memorial Cemetery of 6:30 pm. UH ILOKANO LANGUAGE GOLDEN JUBILEE MISS presidential elections in May the Pacific, Punchbowl — AND LITERATURE PRO- OAHU FILIPINA PAGEANT 2010. Registrants may come “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of JULY 10-14TH — Ambassa- GRAM AND THE TIMPUYOG / SATURDAY Valor) dors and Consul Generals June 13, 2009 to the Consulate in person STUDENT ORGANIZATIONÊS ● Pacific Beach with their Philippine pass- Tour to the Philippines, a spe- ILOCANO DRAMA AND Hotel ports to accomplish the appli- JUNE 12, 8:30am, at the con- cial package tour for the public. SONG / SATURDAY April 11, 2009 ● 9:30am - OAHU FILIPINO COMMU- 1:30pm ● UHM Art Auditorium NITY COUNCIL (OFCC) CLASSIFIED ADS ● Free admission. Call Dr. Au- ANNUAL CONVENTION/ relio Agcaoili at 956-8405 or SATURDAY MOBILE DJ, BAND, PHOTOGRAPHER AND DISHWASHER/PREP COOK POSITION, Julius Soria at 956-2226 June 27, 2009 ● Hilton Hawai- VIDEO KARAOKE, HULA, SOUNDS Monday-Saturday *am -3pm. ian Village Duties: Wash dishes, cook rice, cut meat, cut AVAILABLE call 808-382-9495 OAHU FILIPINO COMMU- vegetables NITY COUNCIL (OFCC) FILIPINO CHAMBER VARIOUS OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT Starting $7.00 cash paid weekly. GOLF TOURNAMENT OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII Call Lendy at 845-4564 / SATURDAY INSTALLATION BANQUET Located in Waipahu. Call 678-8930 for details. April 15, 2009 ● Kapolei Golf / SATURDAY NON-MEDICAL CAREGIVERS WANTED Course July 11, 2009 ● 6:00pm ● I NEED HELP In-house training program for non-certified Hilton Hawaiian Village ● Call candidates. CNA & HHA welcomed. Elder care/domestic, in exchange for room in my TIMPUYOG AND ILOKANO Rose Mendoza at 371-3902 or Part time and full time positions available. Ewa home.Must be reliable /female. BA SCHOLARSHIP Bennett Evangelista at 398- Contact: Lynn at Aloha Home Care Services Please contact Lynn at 271-0885 BANQUET/ FRIDAY 5988. Phone: 271-0885 May 8, 2009 ● Hale Koa Hotel, WANTED YARDMAN Waikiki Ballroom ● For tickects VISAYAN CENTENNIAL Looking for a yardman to work at my and for more information, call AWARDS DINNER, SHOW Nuuanu home. Exchange for a free Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili at 956- / SUNDAY room including utilities. Call 531-7377 8405 or Julius Soria at 956- July 19, 2009 ● Hale Koa Hotel ● 2226 6:00pm ● Email Jun Colmenares at [email protected] BUSINESS DIRECTORY 16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 21, 2009