JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ JANUARY 22, 2011 ♦

COMMENTARY HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS LEGAL NOTES MARK FARRALES STORY VISAYAN NOTICE REQUIRED INSPIRES FILIPINOS TO FIGHT GROUP RECEIVES BEFORE TERMINATION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF VISA REGISTRATION

MAINLAND NEWS HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE FILIPINO NAMED WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PRESIDENT AT SETON HALL PERMIT NO. 9661 UNIVERSITY 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011

EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER ow are you doing with your Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Congratulations, UST New Year’s resolutions? Most his year marks the 400th Anniversary of the Uni- deal with losing weight, get- Publisher & Managing Editor versity of Santo Tomas (UST)—widely known as ting more organized or taking Chona A. Montesines-Sonido the oldest university not only in the Philippines, H better care of your health. While these are great, we Associate Editors but throughout all of Asia. The venerable institu- Dennis Galolo T tion pre-dates even Harvard University in the U.S. should consider other ways to Edwin Quinabo which was founded in 1636. make 2011 one of the best years ever. Re- solve to spend more quality time with your children or invest Creative Designer UST ranks among the top universities in the Junggoi Peralta Philippines, along with De La Salle University-Manila, the in your marriage. Whatever your resolution is, keep at it and University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila Univer- don’t give up! Design Consultant Randall Shiroma sity. It has survived wars, revolutions and other landmark This past Wednesday marked the first day of the State Leg- events that helped shape the Philippines’ destiny. Through its islature. There were the usual opening day speeches, well Photographer hallowed halls have walked many of the nation’s heroes, pres- wishes, entertainment and food—but on a much more subdued Tim Llena idents, senators, scientists, engineers, artists and other influ- scale. At press time, members of the State House of Repre- Administrative Assistant ential figures. UST not only provides a quality education for its sentatives voted to retain Calvin Say as Speaker. We hope that Shalimar Pagulayan students, but also teaches them important values and virtues House leadership will decide quickly on committee assign- Columnists in life, such as community service and the importance of liv- ments and promptly carry on the business of Hawaii’s people. Carlota Ader ing out one’s faith and personal beliefs. Speaking of determined, a small but dedicated group of Carlo Cadiz, M.D. As for UST’s Quadricentennial, Thomasians have planned Filipino physicians, medical professionals and laypersons are Mayor Peter Carlisle now in the Philippines for a week long medical mission. The Sen. Will Espero a plethora of events and festivities aimed at bringing together Grace F. Fong, Ed.D the UST ohana as well as the entire nation. Preparations for team is in the Bicol region which has been recently hit hard Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. such a colossal and once-in-a-lifetime event began several by typhoons. The mission was organized by the Bicol Club of J.P. Orias Hawaii with assistance from the Titans USA Foundation. Pacita Saludes years ago and required the concerted effort of hundreds, per- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. haps thousands of volunteers. Since UST is indeed a national Please read more about this mission beginning on page 7. Charlie Sonido, M.D. treasure of the Philippines, organizers are encouraging all Fil- Our cover story for this issue is about the 400th Anniver- Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. ipinos to join in the celebrations—even if they did not attend sary of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Contributing Felino S. Tubera UST. Invitations have even been sent to no less than Pope writer Gregory Bren Garcia takes a look back at the rich his- Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Benedict XVI and the Spanish Royal family. tory of this prestigious university and interviews several Contributing Writers For an institution to last this long is a credit to the founders’ alumni who reminisced about their days at UST. In fact, a short list UST’s alumni reads like a who’s who in Philippine Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. vision, perpetual support of its faculty and alumni and a testa- Clement Bautista ment to divine favor throughout the centuries. In fact, the history— Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Manuel Quezon and Teresita Bernales, Ph.D motto for the Quadricentennial—“Unending Grace”—is an Sergio Osmena—just to name just a few. We hope you will Linda Dela Cruz appropriate reference to the unmistakable hand of Providence enjoy reading our cover story which begins on page 4. Fiedes Doctor On page 3, associate editor Edwin Quinabo tells the Gregory Bren Garcia upon the school. Danny De Gracia, II, MA So congratulations to UST and all of its students, alumni, plight of Mark Farrales, a Fil-Am doctoral student at the Uni- Amelia Jacang, M.D. faculty and staff—both past and present. Here’s to 400 more versity of California-San Diego and Harvard magna cum Caroline Julian years of success, service to our fellow man and providing qual- laude graduate who now faces deportation. Fortunately, the Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Filipino community and key legislators have rallied to his de- Glenn Wakai ity education for tomorrow’s future leaders. Amado Yoro fense. His case is an important reminder that it’s not just un- Philippine Correspondent documented Latinos who have been targeted by Immigration Guil Franco Green Light at Last and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. If anything, more Filipinos need to join the fight for immigration reform. Big Island Distributor for Rail Transit Project Grace Larson There are other articles of interest in this issue, including Ditas Udani he City received the Record of Decision (ROD) an award bestowed to the Congress of Visayan Organizations from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) last Maui Distributor from the Philippine government (page 6), a warning from the Cecile Piros week that clears the way for construction to begin Better Business Bureau about the top 10 scams of 2010 (page on the $5.5 billion fixed rail project. The ROD con- 6), our Immigration Guide column (page 7) and Legal Notes Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe T firms that the project has met all requirements of column (page 13). In closing, we again would like to thank the environmental review process. The Carlisle ad- you for faithfully supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle. Advertising/Marketing Director ministration in response announced a ground- Please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Chona A. Montesines-Sonido breaking for March 2011. The ROD comes on the heels of the if you have ideas, concerns or questions regarding Hawaii’s Account Executives Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) which was Carlota Ader Filipino community. J.P. Orias signed last month by Gov. Abercrombie. The FEIS declares Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! that the State is satisfied with the project’s plans to mitigate The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. potential impacts. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- For rail supporters, the ROD is the culmination of numer- hard part is over. Opponents have also vowed to file lawsuits tributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- ous hard-fought events that began in 2005 when then Mayor to stop the project, alleging that the City was biased in its tech- ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- Mufi Hannemann launched all-out efforts for a rail project for nology selection and did not properly study all alternatives. lication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- Honolulu commuters. The pieces slowly came together, be- Native Hawaiian groups will be monitoring the project for iwi lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country ginning with legislation that established the general excise tax kupuna, or bones of their ancestors, if and when they are en- $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu (GET) as the funding source, followed by an Alternatives countered. Lastly, there will always be an outspoken core of Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone Analysis (AA) report, selection of the transit technology, mim- transit critics questioning the City’s ability to adequately pay (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. E-mail [email protected]. Web- imum operable segment (MOS), draft environmental impact for the project. site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions statement, modification in alignment, a ballot question in the Our response? In as simple terms as possible, there will al- expressed by the columnists and contribu- tors do not necessarily reflect those of the November 2008 election, a Programmatic Agreement (PA) for ways be critics in whatever venture life holds. Because we can- Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- native Hawaiian burials, an independent financial review of not accurately predict what the future holds, we must plan production of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the project by Gov. Lingle and endless hours of testimony, dis- carefully, go with our best and most educated estimates and ad- the management. All rights reserved. cussion and presentations at community and Council meet- just as we go along. To kill this project or worse yet, do nothing, Printed in the U.S.A. ings. is unacceptable. We have studied transit to death for the past 30 www.thefilipinochronicle.com By no means is the project out of the woods. There are still or so years and cannot afford to delay the project further. www.efilipinochronicle.com permits, plans and agreements left to secure, but at least the March 2011 can’t come soon enough. JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 COMMENTARY Mark Farrales Story Inspires Filipinos to Fight immigration laws. here through no fault of their for Immigration Reform Unless immigration reform own and have proven them- by Edwin Quinabo On November 17 last year, was being held in detention. is acted upon, specifically the selves to be the good citizens of Farrales opened his door of his Farrales is a doctoral student at passage of the DREAM Act that the future should be a part of ven though Asians Los Angeles home and was UCSD and Harvard magna cum offers a path to citizenship for il- this country." make up 9 percent taken by Immigration and Cus- laude graduate. He graduated legal immigrants who were We encourage the ethnic of all undocu- toms Enforcement (ICE) valedictorian from his high brought into the US as minors, media throughout the nation to mented immi- agents. He was targeted, ar- school. Farrales faces the likelihood of be vigilant in gathering, report- E grants in the rested, detained and readied for Farrales arrived in the US at deportation. ing and disseminating news on United States and deportation - a controversial the age of 10. His father Jaime, Farrales' story is unique in the issue on immigration and that Filipino comprise a signifi- home invasion-style practice. a well known activist attorney his stellar academic achieve- deportation. There is a huge ex- cant part of that total, urgent After being incarcerated over a in the Philippines, sought polit- ments as an undocumented odus of our community that is calls for immigration reform in month, he suddenly was re- ical asylum in the US after hit youth/adult, but his situation is largely unreported. According this country has largely rested on leased and granted a one-year men shot him near the family's not unique to tens of thousands to the Department of Homeland the shoulders of the Latin com- deferred action by ICE upon the home. Jaime survived and fled of other Filipinos without legal Security, 18,820 undocumented munity. request of Rep. Brad Sherman with his family to Los Angeles status yearning to continue liv- Filipinos have already returned With more national attention (D-Sherman Oaks). Deferred fearing further attempts at his ing in the country as outstand- to the Philippines without a re- zooming in on the recent story of action is used in cases that in- life. Jaime repeatedly tried to ing citizens. While Congress moval order in fear of facing the Mark Farrales, the estimated volve compelling and humani- gain legal status while in the US and the President stand by on humiliating process of detain- 250,000 to 1.5 million undocu- tarian issues to allow the but was unsuccessful up until this issue, arrests, detainments ment and deportation. Filipinos mented Filipinos living in the individual additional time to his death in 2006. So his son, in and deportations of undocu- comprise the third largest U.S. is quickly gaining new al- pursue legal actions. The de- spite of being an outstanding mented immigrants continue group, next only to Mexicans lies in the Filipino community tainment of Farrales was resident and productive contrib- every day. and Canadians who have re- who are demanding that Con- brought to the attention of Rep. utor in this country, now faces We hope that Farrales' story turned to their home countries gress and President Barack Sherman and Sens. Dianne Fe- the uncertainty that he may be inspires the Filipino community voluntarily. Like Farrales, many Obama move on immigration re- instein and Barbara Boxer as deported after a year. to action and help them realize of these Filipinos are outstand- form. part of a passionate, well coor- ICE told the Los Angeles that immigration reform is not ing individuals who have so Farrales, like tens of thou- dinated drive to release Farrales Times before Farrales' release just a fight for Latinos to wage much talent and desire to con- sands of undocumented children by both University of California that courts have "consistently but should be one for all fair- tribute to bettering society. Let's who were brought into the coun- San Diego and Harvard students held that Mr. Farrales does not minded Americans. Rep. Sher- come together as a community try by their parents at a very and professors. His story re- have a legal basis to remain in man said it eloquently: "It's and help give them this oppor- young age, is now facing depor- ceived additional attention by the United States." This is per- clearly in our national interest tunity by advocating for fair im- tation. the Los Angeles Times while he haps true under the current rigid that young people who came migration reform. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 COVER STORY UST at 400: Asia’s Oldest University Celebrates Quadricentennial By Gregory Bren Garcia he history of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is deeply intertwined with the history of the Philippines itself. UST’s nascence can T be traced back to the heart of Manila, as it was originally founded within the ancient walled city of Intramuros in 1611. For 400 years, the university has born witness to the tribulations and tri- umphs of the people it serves. It has survived wars and revolutions and has been at the forefront of many other events that changed the country’s destiny. It has educated many of the nation’s heroes, presidents, sen- ators, scientists, engineers and artists among many others, and is today recognized as one of the best in- stitutions of higher learning in the Philippines.

The Beginnings of UST charter, if one is to exclude the 1605, he donated his own library the institution with the authority Manuel Quezon, Sergio Os- The University of Santo medieval Middle Eastern Is- and P1,500 of his own money to confer additional degrees in meña, Jose P. Laurel and Dios- Tomas holds the distinction of lamic madrasahs which are as for the founding of a seminary- the decades to come. UST dado Macapagal are all alumni being one of the oldest schools old as the ancient universities of college to prepare young men gained its “Royal University” of the institution. in the Philippines and the oldest Latin Europe. who wanted to enter the reli- status in 1785 when King It is also the oldest among existing Catholic university in UST was born through the gious vocation of priesthood. Charles III of Spain rewarded the “Big Four” Philippine uni- Asia. One could even argue it is initiative of Bishop Miguel de The Bishop’s vision became the students and faculty of the versities, antedating the 100-year the oldest institution of higher Benavides, O.P., Manila’s third a reality when UST was founded school for helping fight the old De La Salle Manila, the 102- learning in Asia with a university archbishop. On the 24th of July, in Intramuros on April 28, 1611. British invasion of Manila in year old University of the Philip- Originally called 1762. Additionally, UST now pines and the 151-year old the Colegio de also holds the titles of “Pontifi- Ateneo de Manila. Thus, one can Nuestra Señora del cal University,” an honor be- argue that it also has the richest Santisimo Rosario, stowed upon it by Pope Leo XIII historical heritage, one that the the school was in 1902 and “Catholic University whole Thomasian community is later renamed of the Philippines,” a title given sure to commemorate with fer- Colegio de Santo by Pope Pius XII in 1947. vor during the school’s quadri- Tomas, as a tribute In 1927, UST opened its centennial celebrations this year. to its patron saint, present 21.5-hectare Sampaloc Thomas Aquinas. campus to accommodate more Celebrating 400 Years of Un- The college students. Its Intramuros campus ending Grace was authorized to continued to accept students The UST quadricentennial confer academic until the breakout of the Second logo brings to mind an image of degrees in theology World War, a catastrophic period a lighthouse crowned by colos- and philosophy be- in history in which UST Intra- sal columns of flames. As a mat- ginning July 29, muros, along with many other ter of fact, the logo is entitled 1619 and through old landmarks in Manila, were Tongues of Fire. Designed by the blessing of destroyed, never to be rebuilt Thomasian Dopy Doplon, the Pope Innocent X, it again. logo features the likeness of the officially became a Today, UST is composed of UST Main Building Tower, university on No- several autonomous faculties, symbolizing the strength and in- vember 20, 1645. colleges, schools and institutes, tegrity of the institution which The Spanish each conferring undergraduate, has educated Filipinos for 400 monarchy, on the graduate and postgraduate de- years. Emanating from the cross other hand, also grees in different fields such as of the Main Building is an image recognized the uni- arts and humanities, social sci- of four tongues of fire, formed in versity by putting it ences, health sciences, natural the shapes of the letters U, S and under its patronage sciences, technology, as well as T. The flames are not only remi- in 1680. religion. niscent of the stripes of the Since then, Throughout its 400-year his- Growling Tiger (the school mas- UST’s history has tory, many illustrious names cot), they are also symbolic of become inter- have walked its halls. Heroes the Christian and Filipino ideals weaved with both and revolutionaries like José of the university. The logo is the Papacy and the Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, highlighted by the quadricenten- Spanish monarchy, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Emilio nial motto, Unending Grace. both bequeathing Jacinto. Philippine presidents (continued on page 5) JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY (from page 4, UST ...) be a trade fair entitled the her important values that served compassion and spiritual gle in front of the main building During the 400 Days to 400 Thomasian Global Expo, to be as her guideposts to a happy and strength.” on special feast days, especially Years Countdown held on De- led by magnates like Tony Cak- fulfilled life. during the feast day of the Holy cember 18, 2010, the UST com- tiong, president of Jollibee “I attended UST from high Treasured Memories Rosary, was attended by hun- munity was also graced by a Foods Corporation and Vivian school. These were formative Like most people who at- dreds of students. That gave me performance of the university’s Que-Ascona, president of Mer- years so the Catholic values and tend college, the Thomasians we a feeling of being united with the quadricentennial song, Ako’y cury Drug Corporation, who are ideals taught me since then have interviewed fondly remember whole student body even though Isang Tomasino. Composed by both graduates of UST. been a big part of my life. I their college friends. Ronna we came from the different col- Faculty of Engineering alumnus learned to follow the two great- Anne Navarro-Manaog, a leges,” she says. Gerry de Leon, the piece bested The Thomasian Choice est commandments: to love the Thomasian from Pandacan, Navarro-Manaog says that four other finalists in a song- Jahpz Acuzar-Parungao of Lord your God with all your Manila, says college friends are some of the best recollections making contest. Makati City, Philippines, says heart and with all your soul and usually the ones who last as life- she has of her days in the uni- As preparation for the cele- she chose to study at UST be- with all your mind and with all long soul mates and from whom versity were from the fun activi- brations this year, UST has cause of its reputation for in- your strength and second, to love you learn some of the most im- ties that were sponsored by the completed major physical de- tegrity and quality education. your neighbor as yourself. In portant lessons in life. school. velopments on its campus dur- “The prestige of the UST is doing so, I am able to face life “My six best buddies from “The memories that I never ing the last several years. The one of the main factors that en- and its everyday challenges with UST taught me a lot about life— fail to forget are those of the Plaza Mayor in front of the ticed me to study there. Its his- equanimity,” she shares. never mind that we were raised Paskuhan festivals and the foun- Main Building and the Quadri- tory alone is already one thing to Vickie Bunye, a legal assis- differently by our parents. I’m so dation days. Students are so re- centennial Square, featuring the be proud about; but of course, it tant at the City and County of blessed that God brought them laxed after the exhausting Tetraglobal sculpture, the doesn’t end there. Quality edu- Honolulu, also says that she did- to me. We have been friends reviews and exams and so we Quadricentennial Fountain and cation is still the first and fore- n’t make the choice of going to since freshmen year and we definitely loved activities like the Quadricentennial Alumni most reason in choosing a school UST, but it was a choice that remain friends up to this the sports fest, battle of the Walkway were constructed in and UST is known for it,” she eventually worked out for day, even though we bands, concerts and singing 2006. UST has also established says. her. have chosen different competitions. They offered us a the Tan Yan Kee Student Cen- California resident Socorro “Although the paths for each of our breather,” she says. ter, the UST Benavides Cancer Maniquis-Painter, on the other choice was made by my lives,” she says. Acuzar-Parungao, on the Institute and the Php800 million hand, was awarded a state schol- parents, I enjoyed my And what’s the best other hand, enjoyed watching (US$ 17.9 million) UST arship for the province of years of study at way to meet people games of the UST Growling Sports Complex designed Nueva Ecija in June UST because of the in UST? As in any Tigers, the university athletes. by Thomasian archi- 1972, which made inspiring professors, other school, one can “Participating in school ac- tects Jose Pedro Recio her eligible to apply my classmates who Vickie Bunye expect to find new tivities broadened my scope of and Carmelo Casas. to any school in became good friends, friends by joining friends. For example, cheering Plans of building satel- the country. the well-attended intramural ac- clubs and school activities. for the school’s basketball var- lite campuses in “I wanted to tivities, and because of the Bunye believes that one of the sity team is one thing we en- Santa Rosa, Laguna take nursing and knowledge that I’m studying in most unifying ceremonies in the joyed together during those and General Santos UST has the best Asia’s oldest Catholic university. university were its religious days,” she says. City, South Cotabato nursing school in I was part of its history,” she services. Socorro Maniquis-Painter Indeed, UST today is known are also in progress. the country. It says. “At UST, I also learned “The celebration of the Eu- for being the most successful The 400-day countdown turned out that since I didn’t take values like honesty, integrity, charist in that massive quadran- (continued on page 8) will culminate on January 28, the entrance exam, I could not be 2011, which is the official kick- accepted at the College of Nurs- off day of the UST Quadricen- ing. Then the College of Science tennial Celebrations. One of the had a special entrance exam for much-waited events is the Sim- late comers so I took it, passed bayan 400: Tomasino para sa and enrolled in the chemistry de- Simbahan at Bayan partment, planning to shift to (Thomasians for the Church and nursing later on. But I ended up the Country), a socio-civic enjoying chemistry and so I did- cause which aims to adopt 400 n’t transfer to nursing anymore,” villages nationwide with the she recalls. help of the organization, Gawad Other alumni of UST went Kalinga. Another is the Lumina to the school because of parental Pandit (Spreading the Light), prompting. Teresita Bernales, an exhibit by the Miguel de who now chairs the UST Benavides Library which Alumni Association of will showcase the Doc- Hawaii, says that at- trina Christiana, a tending UST for col- book first published by lege was practically a the Dominicans in 1593, tradition in their family as well as works by na- during those days. tional heroes José Rizal “I was perhaps and Apolinario scripted to attend Mabini. UST since all my There will also siblings, aunts, un- Teresita Bernales be exhibits organized cles and cousins at- by the International Council of tended UST. It was just assumed Universities of Saint Thomas that I would also study there Aquinas and by the United Na- when it was time to go to col- tions Educational, Scientific lege,” she says. and Cultural Organization. Bernales says that her edu- In addition, there will also cation at UST has inculcated in 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Visayan Group Receives Presidential Award By Jun Colmenares Philippines, or advanced the “This year’s awardees ex- he Congress of Visayan cause of overseas Filipino com- emplify the spirit of unity and Organizations (COVO), munities. public service that is much T the umbrella group for COVO was selected for “its needed in this time of hope and Visayan organizations in the achievements in fostering unity renewal,” Aquino said. “I salute State of Hawaii, recently re- and a sense of community the overseas Filipinos that we ceived the 2010 Presidential among Filipinos, particularly are honoring through this award Award for Filipino Individuals those with Visayan ancestry in for their professional accom- and Organizations Overseas Hawaii, and contributions to the plishments and civic involve- given by the Philippine govern- concerted humanitarian efforts ments that have helped uplift ment every two years. The for the welfare of beneficiaries the communities they serve.” award ceremonies were held at in Hawaii and the Philippines. Nine COVO members Malacañang Palace in Manila on The awards were presented (seven from Hawaii and two December 14, 2010. by Philippine President Be- from Cebu) attended the cere- President Noynoy Aquino (third from left) poses with COVO President COVO was one of 24 nigno Aquino III, who was as- monies. They were Jane Jane Clement (holding frame), Executive Director and Past President Jun awardees that were selected out sisted by Commission on Clement (COVO President) and Colmenares (second from right) and immediate Past President Margarita Hopkins (far right) during the award ceremonies in Manila. of 110 individuals/organizations Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Sec- her husband Eric; Jun Col- nominated worldwide. It was the retary Imelda Nicolas and Ex- menares (COVO Executive Di- nor); Hawaii State Rep. John networking with fellow only awardee from Hawaii. ecutive Director Mary Grace rector and Past President); Mizuno and his wife May awardees from the U.S., Ger- COVO received the Banaag Tirona. In his speech, President Margarita Hopkins (immediate (COVO members). many, Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Award which is given to Filipino Aquino thanked all the hon- past president); Nic Musico (past A dinner reception followed Arabia, Dubai, Jordan, South individuals and associations that orees for their work and gen- president); Luciano Lucero (past the awarding ceremony. COVO Korea, Hong Kong, Australia have significantly benefited a erosity in helping their fellow executive vice president) and his members had a wonderful time and Canada. sector or community in the Filipinos abroad and at home. wife Amy (past COVO gover- meeting new acquaintances and

can become a victim of BBB’s Top Scams of 2010 identity theft—through he Better Business Bu- be considered for the job. low-tech theft, phishing reau (BBB) released a emails, vishing phone calls, Tlist of the top 10 scams • Debt Relief and Settlement smishing text messages, or and rip-offs of 2010. Job seek- Services: These companies even through a corporate ers and others struggling to often require upfront fees data breach. Millions fall make money or get out of debt and potentially leave the victim to identity theft were common targets of fraud- consumer drowning in even every year. sters, hackers and deceptive more debt. Complaints businesses in this tough econ- about debt relief and settle- assembling items at home peatedly billed every month • Advance Fee Loan omy. ment services increased by or get paid to be a mystery and find it extremely diffi- Scams: These scams prey The following is BBB’s top approximately 30 percent in shopper. Some victims even cult to cancel. on consumers and business scams and rip-offs for 2010: 2010, according to tentative found that their opportunity owners who are struggling • Job Hunter Scams: Scams year-end estimates. to work from home was a • Itinerant Home Re- financially. Victims are told targeting job hunters in- job to fence stolen goods. pair/Roofers: Victims are they qualify for large loans clude attempts to gain ac- • Work from Home Instead of getting paid, you those who answer a knock but must pay upfront fees of cess to personal Schemes: Some work from can end up losing hun- from a door-to-door sales- more than $1,000. The vic- information such as bank home schemes promise to dreds—if not thousands— man or itinerant worker tim wires money to the account or social security teach the secrets to making of dollars. who eventually failed to de- scammers but never re- numbers and requirements money online, while others liver on promises to fix ceives the loan. to pay a fee in order to even claim you can make money • Timeshare Resellers: their roof or conduct other Complaints about the time- home repairs. Complaints • Over-Payment Scams: share industry—including about roofing companies Such scams typically target deceptive resellers—grew increased by roughly 40 small business owners, by over 40 percent. Time- percent in 2010. One such landlords or individuals share owners who are des- company, American Shin- with rooms to rent and sell- perate to get rid of their gle, received nearly 1,000 ers on classifieds or sites costly vacation property are complaints nationwide. like Craigslist. The scam- being targeted by compa- mers overpay the amount nies claiming to have eager • Lottery and Sweepstakes for the services or products buyers. Timeshare owners Scams: Victims receive a and then ask the victim to are told to pay up to several letter in the mail or phone wire the extra amount back thousand dollars to cover call from someone pretend- to them or to another fraud- fees but after paying the ing to be with Reader’s Di- ulent entity. Ultimately fees, they never hear from gest, Publisher’s Clearing though, the check is forged the company again. House or a phony foreign and the victim is out the lottery. Victims are told money wired back to the • Not So “Free” Trial Of- they won millions but must scammers. fers: Misleading free trial first wire hundreds or even offers online for diet sup- thousands of dollars to the Hawaii’s BBB advises con- plements, penny auctions scammers to cover taxes or sumers or small business owners and money making some other bogus fee. The who have been victimized to call schemes blanket the inter- victim wires the money but 536-6956 and file a complaint. net and result in thousands the prize never arrives. Consumers should always re- of complaints ever year. search a business with BBB be- The free trial offers seem • Identity Theft: There are a fore signing any contracts or no-risk but victims are re- number of ways a person handing over any money. JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Daughter Can Still Save Father from Deportation that respondent could appeal. (ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws de- Respondent, after looking at gree from Yale Law School and a Bach- dence. However, on arrival in Relief available for fraud elor of Laws degree from the University his son-in-law in the audience, of the Philippines. He practices in Honolulu he claimed he went to The Judge ruled respon- replied “No.” Hawaii, specializing in immigration law By Atty. Emmanuel the Philippines on March 7, dent was removable as During an exit interview, I and criminal defense. Tel. (808) 225- 2010, thus his return to the U.S. charged. He asked if respon- 2645. E-Mail: [email protected]. Samonte Tipon asked respondent why his Website: www.ImmigrationService- on October 16, 2010 was within dent had a relative who was a daughter did not file a new visa sUSA.com. He is from Laoag City and onor thy fa- the one year period. His pass- U.S. citizen. Respondent said petition and why he did not ask Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an Immigration Officer. He is co-author of ther and thy port showed a rubber stamped he had a USC daughter. “Has for fraud waiver so he would arrival date in the Philippines of “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.” an mother.” – 10 your daughter filed an immi- not be deported. The son-in-law 8-volume practice guide for immigration Command- March 7, 2010, purportedly is- grant visa petition for you?” remarked: “No money.” My re- officers and lawyers. Listen to the most “H ments. sued by Philippine immigration asked the Judge. “No,” replied joinder: “There are people who funny, witty, and useful radio program authorities. How did this hap- respondent. If respondent had a in Hawaii on KNDI at 1270, AM dial would mortgage their soul to every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and on This morning, after the pen? The man went to buy a lawyer, he could have asked for the devil to save their father KHBC at 1060, AM dial every Thursday hearing of 16 deportation cases ticket for the U.S. Someone continuance so that the daugh- from deportation.” at 8 p.m. This article is a general I was handling, the Immigration must have noticed that he would ter could file an immigrant visa overview of the subject matter discussed Is relief still available? Yes. and is not intended as legal advice. No Judge called the next case. The not be able to return to the U.S. petition for her father and later An excellent lawyer would warranty is made by the writer or pub- prosecutor handed me a copy of since he was out for over a year. adjustment of status. But the know. lisher as to its completeness or correct- their evidence packet but I told The page from his passport daughter did not even attend ness at the time of publication.) her I was not representing the showing his Philippine arrival the proceedings. respondent. “What’s the date of February 28, 2009 was Additionally, a competent charge?” I asked. “Fraud.” torn out. Then a rubber stamped lawyer could have asked for a Since I am writing a book on Philippine arrival date of March fraud waiver under Section fraud waivers, I decided to lis- 7, 2010 was imprinted on the 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigra- ten to the proceedings. passport. tion and Nationality Act since The respondent appeared Immigration officers at the respondent was the parent of a without a lawyer. He was a law- airport smelled fraud. They U.S. citizen. ful permanent resident. He went questioned him. He confessed “Do you have money to to the Philippines on February he went to the Philippines on pay for your fare to the Philip- 28, 2009. He returned to the February 28, 2009. He was pines so I can give you volun- U.S. on October 16, 2010, more charged with (1) having pro- tary departure?” asked the than one year later. Since he did cured documentation to enter Judge. This would avoid the not have a reentry permit, he the U.S. by fraud or by willfully adverse consequences of de- would have been barred from misrepresenting a material fact, portation. “No,” respondent returning for having presump- and (2) not being in possession replied. The Judge ordered tively abandoned his U.S. resi- of a valid entry document. him deported. The Judge said HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Volunteers Launch Bicol will cover one town and two Medical Mission cities in three days. They are By J.P. Orias Santo Tomas (UST) which Nabua, Camarines Sur, the heart agreed to conduct a medical mis- of Rinconada district on January eople from Hawaii have sion to Bicol in conjunction with 23, 2011, Naga City, Bicol’s been sending relief goods the school’s 400th anniversary business capital on January 24 P and services to the ty- celebration. and Legaspi City, the southern phoon-ravaged region of Bicol, BCH started planning for hub of the region, on January 25. located south of the Philippines’ the mission in August 2010 with This mission, composed of Luzon peninsula, some 250 many obstacles to hurdle, partic- ten physicians, two surgeons, six miles off Manila but never has a ularly the raising of funds. It was nurses and seven lay people, ex- Hawaii-based medical mission in the latter part of the year that pects to serve at least 6,000 pa- covered the major cities of the individual donations from its tients from all three areas with region in one visit since the first members started trekking in free medical consultations and medical mission of Aloha Med- from retirement pension savings, minor surgeries. ical Mission in 1983. winnings from a karaoke singing “The mission has $180,000 More than 25 years is a long contest and Christmas caroling. worth of medicines for scabies, wait to revisit the area where its One BCH member was blood pressure, diabetes, urology population has mushroomed ten- overheard saying that “it was problems and other illnesses,” fold and where its economy has difficult to raise funds because says Dr. Charlie Sonido, Mission sashayed with the nation’s members preferred caroling in- chair. predicament. Acting upon a re- stead of conventional money A thousand gift packs of oral quest from Monsignor Romulo makers like beauty pageants.” hygiene and canned goods will Vergara of the Peñafrancia Basil- This makes perfect sense since also be given to indigents of ica, the Bicol Club of Hawaii BCH is a prayer-inspired social each area. The medical volun- (BCH) was fortunate to be heard group with devotions to the teers invited medical practition- by the Titans USA Foundation, a Lady of Peñafrancia, patron ers of the area to round-the-table USA-based fraternity of medical Queen of the Bicol region. continuing medical education graduates from the University of Bicol Medical Mission 2011 (continued on page 8) 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 COVER STORY (cont.) (from page 5, UST ...) was only for a select group of during the rainy seasons. says. “You are a true Thomasian coming on January 28, I will be school in the University Athletic students who passed rigorous “I remember the floods dur- if you take pride in being a prod- attending the Chemistry home- Association of the Philippines, initiation rites. I am sorry to hear ing the rainy seasons which uct of UST and you practice in coming which will be held Janu- the country’s premier collegiate that this organization no longer meant a school day off and al- your daily life the moral and ary 22nd. It is the 80th athletic organization. It has won exists,” she shares. most always it was spent going spiritual values you learned from anniversary of the Chemistry the seniors overall championship It is also surprising how to the movies with friends. Our the school.” Department and the homecom- for all sports for a record 37 pretty mundane memories also favorite places to eat and hang This strong leaning towards ing has been called Chemback times and has held the title for become treasured recollections out were Little Quiapo and the Christian values is firmly incul- 80. We will unveil a fundraiser the last 12 years. Its successful for many Thomasians, some of Varsity. Those were the days of cated in many Thomasians. called Elements for a Cause, athletic program is a jewel in them involving quintessential petticoats, ponytails and rock Acuzar-Parungao says that a true whose main purpose is to help fi- UST’s crown, one that also at- Filipino street food favorites and roll,” says Bernales. Thomasian does not only strive nancially-challenged Chemistry tracts many young people today that students today still enjoy For Maniquis-Painter, the for excellence but is also charac- senior students,” she says. to attend the school. around the campus. Bernales re- flooding caused by Typhoon terized by respect for truth and For Bernales, the true defi- Aside from sports, UST is members having a daily al- Yoling in the 1970s was the reverence for the divine. nition of what it is to be a also known for its vibrant frater- lowance of 25 centavos and most memorable for her, and “A true Thomasian has fear Thomasian is to be whole, to be nity and sorority culture. Dante using this money to buy ba- not necessarily in a good way. of God. She does not compro- the sum totality of the great Verdadero from Waipahu was nanacue (banana fritters) and “I lived in an apartment on mise her integrity even if she has human ideals and virtues being one of those who partici- Coca-Cola during break the corner of Quiricada and P. to go through the toughest situa- espoused by the institution for pated in this tradition time. Maniquis-Painter, Guevarra and back then, I had tions. She is also dedicated, four centuries now. and he still fondly re- on the other hand, en- to walk through flooded streets knows how to set priorities and “A true Thomasian evokes a members his initiation joyed balut (fertilized to go to UST. While Yoling was tries very hard to finish what she certain aura that makes him or days in his fraternity. duck egg) but did more raging, I was walking with a has set out to do. A true her special because aside from “When I was a interesting things with classmate who was majoring in Thomasian strives hard to uplift having a purpose driven life, he neophyte with the them inside the Pharmacy through the flooded herself, but remains humble de- or she also possesses traits like Gamma Delta Epsilon classrooms. streets of Asturias when she spite her success,” she says. love, sacrifice, faith, devotion Fraternity, I was “We had a suddenly went under water. Ap- For her part, Maniquis- and hope. asked to measure small class parently she walked on an open Painter says that UST taught “Love means putting others the Medicine with 54 gradu- manhole that we couldn’t see be- her to be “smart, hardworking, first before oneself while sacri- Building by ating stu- cause of the flood. I’d never generous and loyal,” and that a fice means doing without things using a posporo dents,” she been so scared!” she shares. true Thomasian “will always you were used to or giving (matchstick),” he Dante Verdadero says, “and I re- try her best to give back to oth- something for the less fortunate. reminisces. member a The True Thomasian ers who are less fortunate than Faith means believing in God For her part, Bernales re- classmate from Pateros who In college, we learn some of herself.” and being an active Catholic members being very proud of would bring balut to class. We’d the most important values and Thus, for the quadricenten- while devotion means being her sorority Alpha Sigma Ep- boil them upstairs in beakers at virtues in life. Verdadero shares nial festivities, she and her fel- committed to one’s family life, silon. the chemistry laboratories on that his most important learnings low Chemistry alumni are all work and vocation. Lastly, hope “I remember having to wear the fourth floor of the main from UST were those of sharing looking forward to activities means being positive. different uniforms—the regular building,” she reminisces. and giving. where they will have a chance “A true Thomasian always white uniform, the physical edu- But perhaps more worthy “In college, I learned the to give something back to the looks for the good in every per- cation uniform, the social work of memories for all values of being a true and faith- society. son; he or she never loses hope uniform for field work and my Thomasians, past or present, is ful Christian; that giving and “Before our Manila Bay that each and every one of us is sorority uniform. I was proud to the frequent flooding experi- sharing unconditionally what Cruise on January 23 and the ultimately capable of goodness,” wear my sorority uniform every enced in España Avenue and you have is the most gratifying Quadricentennial Thanksgiving she says. Thursday since that organization other streets surrounding UST act you can do as a Christian,” he Mass and Grand Alumni Home- HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS (from page 7, VOLUNTEERS ...) Joining the medical volun- Naga City was moved from San discussions about Updates on teers from Manila are Titans Lorenzo Parish in Abella to Adult Out-Patient Problems. Charlemagne Aguinaldo, MD; Naga City Gym which can ac- “I’m excited to go to the Lorenzo Tan, MD; Kevin D. commodate a bigger crowd. mission” says Dr. Russell Kelly, Giller, MD; Peire Nap P. Niere, Legaspi City is being coor- an internist at the Hawaii Med- MD; and Rudy Singson, MD. dinated by Fr. Raleigh Siapno of ical Center, who is married to Dr. The group will be joined by Saint Roche Parish, Taysan in Cynthia Romano Kelly, who Bikolano general surgeon Dax partnership with Mayor Geral- comes from Sto. Domingo, Cabredo, MD; David C. A. dine Rosal and Rural Health Albay. The Kellys are hosting Reyes, RN/RM and student Physician Fulbert Gillego, MD. lunch at their residence at the nurse Angela Losa who is vaca- Fr. Siapno also rounded the UST coastal resort. tioning from California. medical community of Legaspi Mission co-chairs are Marc For the past two weekends, to help in the mission. Joven, MD and Erlinda Cachola, BCH members led by new pres- Bicol Association members and other volunteers sort medicines to be All these could not have MD. Also coming from Hon- ident Nino Oliveros, have been used at the mission been possible without the help of olulu are City Councilmember packing medicines solicited eros. “Because of the recent ty- MD, Health CaTTrulyre Dean of the Bicol Medical Mission 2011 Romy Cachola, general surgeon from the mainland and from phoons and landslides in Bicol, CamSur Polytechnic Colleges. sponsors—PMAH Ohana Med- Paul Glen, OR nurse Juliet Pi- Hawaii and trying to squeeze we really need this mission.” The Holy Cross Parish Hall ical Mission, Inc. and Bayanihan cazo, nurse-spouses Jose and everything into the maximum Bicol Medical Mission 2011 will be the venue of the mission. Clinic Without Walls and a long Marianela Jacob and daughter limits allowed by airlines to is supported by both local Naga City is managed locally by list of financial donors and sup- Vanessa, Joe and Delmar avoid incurring high shipping parishes and governments of each Mgsr. Romulo Vergara nad Fr. porters. Magno, RN and Greg McIntosh costs area. The local team of Nabua, John Poblete in partnership with Truly, the beauty of Bicol of Teva. Bernie and Tess “As a new president of Camarines Sur is headed by Mayor John Bongat, Council- Medical Mission 2011 is in the Bernales are the designated pho- BCH, I am honored to be fol- Monsignor Raul Pan in partner- man Jose Tuason and Health Of- coming together of the commu- tographer and historian of the lowing the lead of former presi- ship with Mayor Delia Simbulan, ficer Vito C. Borja, MD who is nity in Hawaii for the big, big mission, while J.P. Orias coordi- dent, J.P. Orias, who planned this Health Officer Teodora H. Pornil- coordinating the medical support benefit of Bicol, the typhoon- nates mission logistics. project a year ago,” says Oliv- los, MD, and Laarni M. Salcedo, from the area. The venue in prone region of the Philippines. JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9 NEWS FEATURE Fil-Am Busboy Outshoots Kobe Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 of Ricardo Reyes in a mini- lected from the Web showed basketball game of “Pop-a- that the 41-year-old Reyes has BA players of all Shot.” Kobe lost to Reyes, defeated all contenders at the time. But his 82-58. mini-basketball game, includ- reputation could At one point in the ing NBA stars LeBron James have been tar- shootout, with Reyes poised to of the Miami Heat, Carmelo N nished a bit after out shoot him, Kobe deflected Anthony of the Denver a Filipino bus- a shot of Reyes but this did not Nuggets, Laker’s Lamar boy beat him in a basketball prevent the Filipino busboy Odom and basketball legend shootout. from winning the game. Charles Barkley, who last Kobe was simply no Reyes went home driving played with the Houston match for the awesome skills a brand new car, leaving Kobe Rockets before retiring. The Kobe Bryant- Ricardo Reyes shootout on Jimmy Kimmel Live eating his dust, so “King” James even tried that roll back down to the after night, once the bar to speak, wonder- to distract Reyes but the Los player. Score more than 40 closed, Reyes took his hard- ing how he lost the Angeles-based Filipino stayed points and you get a free earned tips and fed them into bet. focused en route to a 72-42 game. the machine. When he came Kobe, who has rout in a 30-second shooting Reyes, who works as a home, Reyes always figured in won Most Valuable match. busboy at Barney’s Beanery in a spat with his wife, who Player honors both Reyes, it was reported, is Los Angeles, began playing wanted to know where the for the NBA season capable of making 240 out of the game 10 years ago. hard-earned money went. and the finals, 250 shots in three minutes, Kimmel discovered Reyes Reyes said he could not showed up last roughly 1.35 shots a second. and brought him on the show. give a straight answer to his Thursday on The game is relatively Reyes admitted that he is wife but he loved the simplic- “Jimmy Kimmel simple. It has a backboard that not particularly thrilled about ity of the game and the feeling Live: Game Night” is a smaller version of the of- meeting NBA players during of being unbeatable. to compete with ficial one being played in the the match. After routing Kobe last Reyes, who has al- NBA. The basket is about According to Reyes, he Thursday, a surprised Reyes ready earned a rep- seven to 10 feet high and eight needed to do something dur- was handed the keys of a Ford utation as a feet away. The goal of the ing breaks so he turned his at- Mustang by Kimmel. “Pop-A-Shot” mas- game is to sink as many shots tention to mini-basketball. “When she sees my car, I ter. as possible in 40 seconds with At first his scores were in say, okay, there is the money,” Reports col- three seven-inch wide balls the 300s, then the 400s. Night Reyes said. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Abercrombie Applicants Needed for State Appoints More Boards and Commissions f you ever wanted to serve missions established by state communities.” Cabinet Members the public and have the time constitution, statutes or execu- In November 2010, Hawaii I and energy to do so, you tive orders. Members of the pub- voters passed a Constitutional Filipino is ments were made after may want to consider applying lic may apply themselves or Amendment for a governor-ap- one of the a process that began for service on numerous state recommend qualified applicants. pointed BOE. The 2011 Legis- four most with applicants sub- boards and commissions—in- “We want an open and fair lature will be working on A cluding the Board of Education process to identify public ser- legislation to determine the ap- recent appointees to mitting their resumes the administration of through the transition (BOE). vants who are dedicated to ad- pointment process. Gov. Neil Aber- website, NewDay- Gov. Neil Abercrombie has vancing our vision of A New For more details on these crombie. Hawaii.org. The announced that applications are Day in Hawaii,” Abercrombie boards and commissions or to Named as process, led by transi- being accepted via his website: says. “We cannot make positive download application instruc- deputy Tax Director tion director Bill http://hawaii.gov/gov. The Of- change in Hawaii alone. It takes tions, go online to: was Randy Balde- Kaneko, includes col- fice of the Governor oversees many voices from diverse back- http://hawaii.gov/gov/about/boa mor, who is the president of lecting input from the commu- more than 150 boards and com- grounds to help build stronger rds-commissions.html. DiscoveryBox, Inc., a software nity and several rounds of company. He oversees the com- interviews before the final deci- pany’s operations, including in- sion is made by Abercrombie. vestor relations, sales, The governor has appointed marketing and product develop- a total of 16 directors including ment. the attorney general, which re- Prior to that, Baldemor was quire State Senate confirmation. an assistant vice president of He has also announced 17 claims at Island Insurance Com- deputy directors and one exec- panies and a partner at the law utive director. Several deputy firm of Goodsill Anderson positions remain to be ap- Quinn & Stifel. Baldemor holds pointed at the Department of a law degree from the Univer- Business, Economic Develop- sity of Washington and a BA in ment and Tourism, Department Political Science from the Uni- of Human Resources Develop- versity of Florida. ment and Department of Public The four recent appoint- Safety. 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS Pinoys Warned Against Online ing processing fees through wire transfer Job Offers is then sent to the victim. by Pia Lee-Brago The supposed employer’s solicitor Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 usually identifies himself as a member of a prominent legal firm. In some cases, the ANILA, Philippines - The employer sends photographs of his fam- Philippine embassy in London ily in the UK via email in an attempt to as- M yesterday warned about a new sure the applicant that the process is illegal recruitment scam involving online legitimate. job offers. Once the applicant has paid the fees, According to a report by the Philip- the fraudulent employer and the solicitor pine Nurses Association-United Kingdom terminate all contact with the victim. (PNA-UK) to the embassy, the new re- This modus operandi is similar to cruitment scam involves online job offers other online scams earlier reported by the sent by email to prospective victims, embassy involving job offers for nannies, mostly nurses, who have previously sub- hotel staff, store managers, salespersons mitted their resumes to public job search and engineers. websites. The public is advised to always ver- The supposed employer then sends ify job offers in the UK with the Philip- the victim follow up emails containing a pine Overseas Employment Agency job offer, a contract of agreement with an (POEA). attractive salary and benefits package, a They may also send an email request certificate of employment, and a blank for job offer verification to the Philippine certificate of good moral character. Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at Upon submission of documentary re- polo.london@ yahoo.co.uk or embassy quirements, a detailed procedure of send- @philemb.co.uk. (www.philstar.com) New POEA Chief to Run After Personnel Involved in Illegal

there were factional conflicts in the agency Smuggling that may have also triggered the news re- by Mayen Jaymalin ports on the alleged involvement of per- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 sonnel in human trafficking. “I have to carefully weight everything ANILA, Philippines – Heads because (the report) might be an offshoot may soon roll at the Philippine of destabilization efforts on the part of one M Overseas Employment Admin- faction,” Cao pointed out. istration (POEA). However, Cao gave assurances that if Newly appointed POEA chief Carlos proven that some of the personnel were in- Cao Jr. yesterday vowed to run after and deed involved in human trafficking, he prosecute any of the agency’s officials and would not hesitate to take appropriate ac- employees found involved in human tion. smuggling. “When it is necessary for us, we will “The moment the investigation would act with dispatch, firmness and determina- come up, we will cooperate with authori- tion,” Cao stressed. ties. To the fullest extent of the law, we will Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, earlier, filed cooperate with the prosecution,” Cao said. a resolution seeking an inquiry into the al- Cao issued the statement in reaction leged collusion within the POEA that leads amid calls for a full-blown investigation to the trafficking and illegal recruitment of into the reported collusion between POEA some aspiring overseas Filipino workers personnel and unscrupulous recruiters in (OFW). the illegal deployment of Filipino workers One POEA employee also filed a crim- abroad. inal charges against a number of co-em- According to Cao, he was surprised to ployees for alleged involvement in human hear of such reports upon assuming the trafficking. post a few weeks ago. Cao said if the Senate requires, the But Cao said he also observed that POEA would definitely participate in the when take over the POEA top post that investigation. (www.philstar.com) JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 PHILIPPINE NEWS Militant Group Wants Bill on Marcos Victims Certified as Urgent by Sandy Araneta compensation for the ney Robert Swift has Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 9,539 petitioners considered the vic- claiming to have expe- tims’ views on the resident Aquino to certify rienced human rights case. We call on At- as urgent the Marcos violation during the torney Swift to attend Phivolcs: Mt. Bulusan P Victims Compensation martial law era. the SELDA consulta- bill to give justice and compen- Last week, a US tions that will Spews Ash Anew sation to victims of human federal court approved arrange for him to Satur Ocampo rights abuse during the martial the distribution of $7.5 sufficiently answer by Cet Dematera a.m. Ashfalls were traced as far law era. million, or $1,000 each to 7,526 the questions of the martial law Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 as Monbon village in the adja- Former Rep. Satur petitioners. The funds came victims,” said Ocampo, who cent Irosin town. Ocampo, national board mem- from a $10-million settlement was a political detainee during EGAZPI CITY – Bulu- Ete said they failed to ob- ber of the Samahan ng mga Ex- of a case against individuals the martial law era. san Volcano in Sorsogon serve the height of the ash due detainees Laban sa Detensyon controlling Texas and Colorado SELDA secretary-general L province spewed ash to darkness and the thick clouds at Aresto (SELDA), said the land bought with Marcos Fr. Dionito Cabillas said their anew and caused rumblings this around the volcano. proposed legislation will offi- money. office would entertain questions morning, the Philippine Insti- “In fact, our team had al- cially recognize the occurrence The group, however, ques- from recipients of the funds of tute of Volcanology and Seis- ready started to survey ash fall of human rights violations by tions the delisting of 2,013 vic- the settlement agreements. They mology (Phivolcs) in Sorsogon traces to determine the extent of the Marcos government. tims from the list by lead can also update their contact in- City reported. the explosion,” Ete told The The bill has been pending counsel Robert Swift. formation. Phivolcs Bulusan resident STAR. in the past congresses. “We reiterate that while we The group is set to hold an watcher Abner Ete said that Bulusan remains under The group had initiated the welcome this development, we assembly in the last week of their seismographs recorded a Alert Level 1 since it started filing of an historic class action raise questions as to how the January or the first week of 392-second harmonic tremor spewing ash in November last suit in Hawaii in 1986 seeking court-appointed lawyer Attor- February. (www.philstar.com) before the ash explosion at 2:58 year. (www.philstar.com) CA Affirms Suspension of Comelec Officials in Folder Scam by Edu Punay the petition are Allen Francis the facts and circumstances of “While preventive suspen- sion of the CA upholding the sus- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 Abaya, Ma. Norina Casingal, the case” when it issued the sus- sion order may stem from a pension order of the Ombudsman pension order. complaint, the Ombudsman is ANILA, Philippines - Martin Niedo and Antonio San- on the Comelec officials linked to Alarkon and the members of not required to furnish the re- The Court of Appeals tella. the ballot secrecy folder project the Comelec committee filed the spondent with a copy of the (CA) has affirmed the The CA said there was “no has no bearing in the case. M petition in August last year, say- complaint prior to ordering pre- order of the Ombudsman sus- grave abuse of discretion on the “Actually there’s no case ing the suspension order on them ventive suspension,” the CA ex- pending the officials of the Com- part of the Ombudsman in issu- yet. The Office of the Ombuds- by the Ombudsman was “too plained. mission on Elections (Comelec) ing the assailed order.” man has not even conducted a broad” as it also effectively pre- “Finally, it is immaterial implicated in the botched P690- “A preventive suspension is preliminary investigation. The vented them from discharging that, as petitioners contend, no million ballot secrecy folder deal not a penalty and such an order, suspension was implemented (to their duties. evidence has been adduced to in the automated polls in May when issued by the Ombuds- give way to) the preliminary in- The petitioners argued their prove that their continued stay in last year. man, is accorded the highest def- vestigation,” Ferrer said. duties and functions were not office might prejudice the case In a 12-page decision, the erence unless the order violates According to Ferrer, the sus- connected or related to the issue against them. It is sufficient that special 15th division of the ap- Section 24 of RA 6070 (Om- pension was implemented to or the accusations against them. there exists such a possibility,” pellate court junked the petition budsman Act of 1989),” stated allow the Ombudsman to deter- But the CA ruled that ques- the CA said. of the Comelec for lack of merit. the ruling penned by Associate mine if the case has merit during tions on the strength of the evi- Comelec Commissioner The appellate court dis- Justice Magdangal de Leon. the preliminary investigation. dence to support the preventive Nicodemo Ferrer said the deci- missed the petition filed by the The CA stressed the Om- (www.philstar.com) suspension order are squarely members of the Comelec Bids budsman has the inherent power within the jurisdiction of the and Awards Committee (BAC) to put under preventive suspen- Ombudsman. led by Maria Lea Alarkon in sion any officer or employee of The CA said the law, Sec- seeking nullification of their sus- the government pending investi- tion 24, does not require the Om- pension order issued on July 29 gation to determine if the evi- budsman to issue notice of the last year. dence is strong. charges before an order for a The other members of the The CA allowed the argu- preventive suspension would be Comelec committee that filed ment of the Ombudsman that it “made a careful assessment of issued. 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 TRAVEL SIQUIJOR: The Mystique of Getting the past vulnerable to pirates which Away from It All is made evident by the numerous watchtowers located around the is- minute boat ride to Siquijor. land. Towers made from limestone by Twinkle Legaspi and eggshells were built by the fri- iquijor came to be We’ve got it all! ars and the town’s people to protect known as “the is- Don’t expect the beaches to the inhabitants of the island. It is land of fire” – a rival that of Boracay, but do expect said that women were asked to set place of mysticism, to find that this little island has aside eggshells which would then magic and mythical more than just beaches! Aside be crushed with limestone (which Taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the Cambugahay Falls is a must S try! Photographs don't do it justice creatures that usu- from it’s popular Salagdoong is easily found on the island) to “re- ally “starred” in Filipino folklore. beach, there are twenty-three div- touch” the mortar that holds the had your resort or- This reputation was due partly be- ing spots easily accessible from limestone blocks on the tower. ganize it for you or cause of the eerie glow that the is- this island, caves, cliffs, springs Make sure to check out the St.Fran- if you hire a tricy- land would cast at night (thanks to and if that’s not enough, Apo island cis of Assisi tower (1870) right be- cle to take you the thousands of fireflies that were (one of the best diving spots in the hind the Siquijor church. Visit the around for the prevalent in the island). That, tied world) is just a short bangka ride town of Lazi to see the Lazi Con- day(Php800). up with local superstition, dis- away. Armed with it’s own diving vent (1887), the biggest and oldest couraged people to visit. I was center, and a marine sanctuary right convent in Asia. I “heart” Siquijor understandably hesitant at first, in front of it’s beach front, and two Let your hair but the tales of untouched in-house restaurants, Coco Beach Naturally awe-some down and enjoy beaches, enchanting waterfalls, Resort would be a good bet. My favorite destinatin was the simple pleas- Cambugahay Falls. It was an easy ures that naturally and famous dive sites were too Lazi's limestone church hard to resist, so I packed my Back to Basics climb down from the mainroad, yet abound in this beautiful paradise. bags, sent out my last few emails There are hardly any cars on still seemed untouched. From the Words cannot give justice to this with something interesting to eat. This (internet and cellphone signal are this tiny island, and motorbikes are base of the waterfalls, we climbed little island. It is simply something hunger she has for food eventually led minimal if you get any at all), the way to go. Resorts usually level by level till we reached the you have to discover for yourself. her towards the food industry. Once grabbed on to a bag of sea salt lease them out on a per day basis third tier and just jumped in! The (www.officiallyphilippines.co) upon a time she was with a restaurant, a wine bar and a coffee brand then (said to be used against mananan- (Php800) so feel free to rough it up cool turquoise water was too hard found herself at home – baking. When gals -better safe than sorry) and around the island. Don’t worry to resist. Photographs do not give ½ hungry + ½ curious = TWINKLE asked what her profession is she gets headed off to conquer Siquijor. about getting lost, because the is- it justice! LEGASPI. If you happen to be with to say I get to make people smile after land is so small you’ll eventually If you plan to take a tour of her on a trip and “lose her”, I guaran- every meal. After all, there is always Getting there: Jump-off to para- find your way back (but bring a the island it would be easier if you tee you’ll find her in some food stall space for dessert. dise map just to be safe). Since there are no direct MAINLAND NEWS flights to Siquijor, book a flight to Tales of Watchtowers and Dumaguete. Hop on a five minute Churches Filipino Writer Nominated for tricycle (found ride outside the air- Siquijor is located between the port) ride to the Port Area then get two major island clusters of Pushcart Prize 2011 poverty like him- on a Delta Fast Craft for a forty- Visayas and Mindanao, and had in self and also frican descendant/Fil- teaching he received from worked as a la- ipino revolutionary his family of brilliant, borer. A writer Tony Robles has conscious artists and or- In addition to been nominated for the presti- ganic revolutionaries who, working as a ten- gious Pushcart Prize 2011 for his like Tony, supported their ant advocate and short story “In My Country.” families with work in the community jour- Winners will be announced in janitorial or service indus- nalist, Robles au- Tony Robles May 2011. try. Throughout his life of thored two A deeply-rooted community work and in the last two years, bilingual (English and Tagalog) story-teller and poet of the peo- Tony has worked as a security children’s books—“Lakas and ple, Robles has followed in the guard. Through his own lens this the Manilatown Fish” and footsteps of his uncle, the late “revolutionary worker scholar,” “Lakas and the Makibaka Manilatown poet and historian as is the title of his POOR Mag- Hotel."” Al Robles. azine/PoorNewsNetwork col- Robles is also a teacher and Tony Robles has worked as umn, has penned a series of playwright who authored a play, a tenant organizer for the elderly brilliant narrative essays and “Hotel Voices,” which he co- and poor in the Tenderloin, Mis- short stories about workers, produced with his wife Lisa sion and Manilatown districts of workplace injustices and people Gray-Garcia. “Hotel Voices” is San Francisco. He has also struggling with poverty, “house- an innovative theatre production served as the co-editor and con- lessness” and racism in the U.S. which took place in the Single tributing writer for POOR Mag- “In My Country” was in- Room Occupancy Hotels of San azine—one of the most spired by poverty and migrant Francisco and included a 20 revolutionary media organiza- scholar Jose Sermeno of the week script-writing and per- tions in the nation. Apollo hotel located in San formance workshop. It was per- Robles’ dedication to com- Francisco’s Mission District. formed before sold-out munity, ethics and resistance Sermeno was a tenant represen- audiences across the Bay Area in began as a young child with the tative for other migrants in 2009. (U.S. Asian Wire Newsroom) JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13 LEGAL NOTES Notice Required Before Termination alien of the availability of such of Visa Registration visa.” An implementing rule grant visa petition and the avail- terminate the beneficiary’s visa failure to apply. states that the registration pe- ability of a visa number – registration for his failure to It turns out that Singh had riod begins “upon the filing of which, in the case of the Philip- apply. actually left India for the U.S. the DS-230….or the transmis- By Reuben S. Seguritan pines, could take as long as two In that case, Singh was the in 1991, applied for asylum, sion by the Department to the decades – many times the ap- beneficiary of a relative petition and was eventually placed alien of a notification of the n an approved im- plicants do not receive the in- filed by his brother in 1988. In under removal proceedings. He availability of an immigrant migrant visa peti- struction packet and thus fail to 1991 the brother retained an at- applied for adjustment of status visa.” tion where no visa respond to the follow-up in- torney to assist with the peti- in 2005 to become a permanent According to the Court, the number is avail- structions and apply for the tion, which was soon thereafter resident, which the government government had no discretion able yet, the Na- visa. approved. In September 2000, denied on the ground that his to terminate the visa registra- I tional Visa Center The consequence of an ap- the National Visa Center mailed visa registration had been ter- tion after sending the applica- sends the benefi- plicant’s failure to respond is an instructional packet to the at- minated in 2004. tion packet to the attorney and ciary a “Notice of Registration grave: the NVC will proceed to torney at the address listed on Singh and his brother filed notice to the brother. The Court as Intending Immigrant” which terminate the registration, the petition filed nine years ear- a lawsuit asking for the rein- ruled that notice to the brother confirms receipt of the petition thereby foreclosing the appli- lier. The NVC then sent Singh’s statement of the approved I-130 does not satisfy the requirement at NVC and notifies the benefi- cant’s chances at obtaining an immigrant visa petition to the petition. because “the alien” in an I-130 ciary of his/her priority date. immigrant visa. U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, The Court found that the petition will always be benefi- When the priority date has What happens when a ben- India. The government also sent law unambiguously requires ciary, and that the petitioner is been reached, the NVC then eficiary of an approved immi- correspondence to the brother in that the State Department send a U.S. citizen and so could not sends the instruction packet for grant visa petition does not connection with his immigrant notice directly to the alien prior be an alien. The court noted that immigrant visa applicants. receive notice of his or her eli- visa petition. to the termination of a visa reg- it is the beneficiary, not the pe- Upon receipt of this instruction gibility for a visa? In the case of The U.S. Embassy sent fol- istration. The Immigration and titioner, who must file a DS-230 packet, the alien must file Form Singh v. Clinton, the U.S. Court low-up materials in 2001, 2002 Nationality Act provides that to start the application process. DS-230 and submit supporting of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and 2003 to the attorney’s ad- “(T)he Secretary of State shall documents to start the applica- held that the State Department dress in the petition. Then on terminate the registration of any REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For tion process. must send the notice of eligibil- September 9, 2004, the State alien who fails to apply for an further information, you may call him Because of the long delay ity “to the alien”, and its failure Department terminated Singh’s immigrant visa within one year at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- between the filing of an immi- to do so means that it could not visa registration based on his following notification to the site at www.seguritan.com MAINLAND NEWS Filipino Named President at Seton Hall University eton Hall University’s down from the presidency on the future,” says During that college professor and his Board of Regents has ap- July 1, 2010. Patrick Murray, time, Esteban mother was a high school S pointed Dr. A. Gabriel “His commitment to aca- chair of the was named in- teacher. Esteban attended Har- Esteban as the school’s next demic excellence and the uni- school’s BOR. terim president vard University’s Graduate president. versity’s Catholic mission along Esteban’s ap- and served as School of Education and com- Esteban, 49, had served as with his strong Catholic faith pointment broke provost before pleted the Japan Management interim president since Monsi- make him the ideal choice to with the univer- that. He had im- Program at the Japan-America gnor Robert Sheeran stepped lead our great institution into sity’s recent tradi- pressed the uni- Institute for Management Sci- tion of appointing versity with his ence. only Roman leadership and He holds a Ph.D. from the Dabawenyo TV Catholic priests to business acu- Graduate School of Manage- the post. Last men. ment at the University of Cali- Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban Reporter Wins Best spring, Seton Hall “We began fornia at Irvine, an M.S. in named two finalists but the can- to focus on how to go forward Japanese Business Studies from didates, both priests, withdrew and evaluate our options, and it Chaminade University in Hon- Film Award in New from consideration, forcing the became clear that Gabe was the olulu and an M.B.A. and B.S. in search to start over and prompt- right person,” says Murray. mathematics from the Univer- York Fest ing months of soul-searching Esteban comes from a fam- sity of the Philippines. (Good by Edith R. Regalado about whether to open the field ily of educators in the Philip- News Pilipinas) Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 to laypeople. pines, where his father was a

AVAO CITY, Philip- pines — A 30-year-old D GMA 7 Davao TV re- porter here won the Best In Short Film International Cate- gory in the recently-concluded New York Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIFVF). John Paul Seniel’s Latus bested 60 other entries that process of negotiating with came mostly from North and the Cannes Film Festival or- Central America as well as ganizers that the awarding be from Europe by more seasoned held in Cannes in May. film directors. Latus (Beating) was shown Seniel said the organizers last November during the Los of NYIFVF are now in the (continued on page 15) 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Kuwentong Korean: Si Ilchi Lee at Itinatag ni Ilchi Lee and paan ang layunin ng kanyang IBREA (International Brain Ed- mga pagsasanay. Upang ang Kapayapaan ucation Association) at noong matamo ito, kailangan ang bawat isa sa ritmo ng masaya at tanong kung kaya umakyat siya 2000, inanyayahan siya ng magkaroon ng personal na kali- malusog na buhay. sa bundok ng Moak sa Korea at United Nations na magsalita wanagan gaya ng mahahanap sa Paano niya nadiskubre ang gaya ni Gautama Siddharta Bud- tungkol sa “Papel ng Brain Edu- mga pilosopiyang silanganin; BAHAGHARI “brain wave vibration”? Maga- dha, naging asetiko sa loob ng cation sa Pandaigdigang at, pagtulong sa pagpapaunlad By Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. ndang kuwento ito na kuwento 21 araw. Wala siyang ginawa Kalusugan ng Isip”. Sa taong ito ng kalagayan ng tao sa mundo. gayong taong ito, rin ng buhay niya. Isinilang sa kundi magdili-dili (meditate), rin ipinahayag ng Lungsod ng Bilang pagsunod dito, inilunsad sisikapin kong South Korea si Ilchi Lee. Anak mag-ayuno (fast) nang walang Nuweba York ang “IBREA niya ang HSP (H for health; S magkuwento siya ng isang guro pero nahira- pagkain, inumin, tulog o Brain Education Day” bilang for smile and P for peace). tungkol sa ibang pan siya sa pag-aaral dahil hindi pahinga. Natamo niya ang kali- pagkilala sa ambag nito sa Kailangan daw lumampas ang tao; ibang lahi; siya makapokus at mahilig wanagan (enlightenment) na edukasyon, kalusugan at kabuti- tao sa pagkilala sa sarili bilang N ibang kapaligiran. siyang makipaglaro sa kanyang magiging batayan ng kanyang han ng mga mamamayan ng mamamayan ng kanyang bansa; Layunin kong ma- imahinasyon. Nilabanan niya mga pamamaraan. New York. bagkus dapat niyang kilalanin palawak ang ating kaalaman ang pagkakaroon ng ADD (At- Nagturo siya sa parke at tu- Binibigyang-diin ni Ilchi ang sarili bilang mamamayan ng upang matuto rin tayo tungkol sa tention Deficit Disorder) sa pa- mulong sa isang biktima ng Lee na pandaidigang kapaya- mundo. mga kalinangan ng mga taong mamagitan ng maalab at “stroke”. Sa panahong ito niya kasama nating naninirahan sa masinsinang pagsasanay na ginamit ang pangalang Ilchi (na Noong magbukas ang milenyo (August 28, 2000), inihandog ni Ilchi Lee Hawaii. kapwa pisikal at mental. Sang- ang ibig sabihin, daliring ang dasal na ito sa World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Lead- Si Ilchi Lee ang nagtatag ng ayon sa mga isinulat niyang nakatanto sa katotohanan). ers sa General Assembly Hall ng United Nations: Dahn Yoga. Kaiba sa mga yo- libro, tinulungan siya ng mga Lumaki ang grupo ng mga taong gang nabalitaan na natin, hindi karanasan niya para magkaroon tinuturuan niya sa parke kaya 2011 DALANGING PANGKAPAYAPAAN ito basta ehersisyo lamang. ng mga pamamaraang may kapag masama ang panahon, NI ILCHI LEE Nakatuon ang pagsasanay sa batayan sa pagsasanay ng utak. nahihirapan siya. Samakatwid, pagkilala ng sariling katawan, Nag-aral siya ng Taekwondo naisip niyang itayo ang unang Inihahandog ko ang dalanging pangkapayapaang ito pagpasok sa kalooban ng puso at noong bata pa siya para Sentro ng Dahn sa Seoul, South Hindi sa Diyos ng mga Kristiyano Hindi sa Diyos ng Budismo isip upang magkaroon ng holis- pakalmahin ang isip niya hang- Korea. May mahigit 300 Dahn Hindi sa Diyos ng Islam tikong lapit sa pagpapagaling o gang maging fourth-level black Yoga centers doon. Noong Ni hindi sa Diyos ng mga Hudyo pagsasanay. Ngunit hindi iyan belter siya. Noong 1972, nata- 1991, nagtungo siya sa Estados Kundi sa Diyos ng sangkatauhan ang paksa ko. Ibig kong ipaki- pos niya ang Taekwondo master Unidos at ikinalat ang kanyang Sapagkat ang idinadalangin nating kapayapaa’y lala sa inyo si Ilchi Lee. education at noong 1977, gru- simulain dito. May 126 sentro Hindi kapayapaang Kristiyano May iba’t ibang katauhan si madweyt siya ng BS degree in na ngayon sa U.S. Samantala’y Ni hindi kapayapaan ng Budismo Ilchi Lee. Guro siya, pilosoper, clinical pathotology and physi- maraming korporasyong Kore- Ni kapayapaan ng Islam musician, martial art practitioner cal education sa Dankook Uni- ano ang gumagamit ng kanyang O kapayapaan kaya ng mga Hudyo Kundi kapayapaan ng tao at tagalunsad ng iba’t ibang versity. Pagkaraan nagkaasawa simulain, gaya ng Samsung at Para sa ating lahat. pandaigdigang kilusan. Siya siya at nagtatag ng pamilya. Hyundai. May ilang ahensiya ang nanguna sa pagpapalaganap Gayunman, maraming rin ng gobyerno sa South Korea Inihahandog ko ang dalanging pangkapayapaang ito Sa Diyos na tumatahan sa kaibuturan ng bawat isa sa atin ng “Brain Wave Vibration”, tanong sa isip ni Ilchi Lee. Pat- ang tinulungan ng pilosopiya Yaong nagtitigib sa atin ng ligaya’t tuwa isang paraan para makabalik ang uloy siyang inuukilkil ng mga niya. Yaong nagkaloloob ng kaganapan At nakatutulong sa ating maunawaan ang buhay Sa pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig sa lahat ng tao Sapagkat walang relihiyong makahihigit pa Sa ibang relihiyon Dahil walang katotohanang higit na totoo Kaysa katotohanan Sapagkat walang bayang lalaki pa Kaysa sa mundo mismo Tumulong tayong pumakabila Sa ating maliliit na limitasyon At matantong lahat tayo’y iisa Na mula tayong lahat sa daigdig. Na lahat tayo’y mamamayan ng mundo bago tayo naging Indian, Korean o American Nilikha ng Diyos ang mundo At tayong mga tao ang nararapat magpayabong nito Sa pagkilalang mula tayo sa mundo At hindi mula sa anumang bayan, lahi o relihiyon. Sa pagkilalang tunay na iisa Ang ating pinagmulang ispiritwal na kalinangan. Humingi tayo ngayon ng paumanhin Sa sangkatauhan Sa kirot na idinulot ng mga relihiyon Para mapagaling ang sakit Mangako tayo sa isa’t isa Na lalampasan natin ang kompetisyon at egotismo Na magkakaisa tayong wari’y iisa ang Maykapal

Inihahandog ko ang dalanging pangkapayapaang ito Sa iyong pinakadakila Upang tulungan kaming mahanap ka sa aming kalooban Upang taas-noong makatayo kami sa harap mo Bilang isang sangkatauhan.

Inihahandog ko itong dalanging pangkapayapaan Kasama ang lahat ng kapwa mamamayan ng kalupaan Para sa kapayapaang di magmamaliw sa mundo. JANUARY 22, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15 CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS WANTED-FULL TIME OR PART-TIME with furniture, $1,000 a month FARM WORKERS, MALE, Avail now. Call Teri 808- 382-5444 DIRECTORY AGE BETWEEN 30-55 ROOMS FOR RENT If interested, please call 386-6898 $400-$500 including untilities FOR RENT If interested, Call Virginia at 676-0759 2 story house in LAS VEGAS, 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, GLOBAL NEWS Migrante: Waiting for Repatriation, 40 OFWs Stay Under Saudi Bridge ANILA, Philippines – Around 40 overseas Fil- ipino workers (OFWs), mostly women with chil- M dren, have camped out anew under the Khandara Bridge in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, waiting for Philippine em- bassy officials to repatriate them, a group said today. Migrante-Jeddah chairperson Bob Fajarito said this is despite the six-month window announced by the Saudi Ara- bia government to undocumented aliens. “These women and children got so tired of waiting for that ‘amnesty’ and became so desperate as to brave the ele- ments in order to go home through the only way they know,” Fajarito said. Jeddah has been reeling under a cold spell, with tem- perature ranging from 18 to 25 degrees and heavy rainfall camped under Khandara during a dialogue with Migrante since late December when the OFWs started to camp under Jeddah officials last Tuesday. the Bridge, he said. “Yet Friday came, and still nobody came. It’s just as “In fact, they were forced to remain standing for the re- frustrating as their ‘amnesty logbook,’” referring to the mainder of last night because their tents have been flooded record book at the Philippine Consulate where ‘stranded’ (due to heavy rains),” Fajarito added. Filipinos sign up to express their willingness to avail of the According to Fajarito, Consul General Ezzedin Tago ‘amnesty’ program offered by the Saudi government. supposedly promised to send his staff and check the OFWs (www.philstar.com) MAINLAND NEWS (from page 13, DABAWENYO ...) malaya in 2009. Angeles leg of the NYIFVF, which Seniel attended. Seniel’s first foray into film making was Torture, Seniel, a graduate of the Holy Cross of Davao Col- which won Best Picture and Best Director awards in lege, told The STAR that filmmaking has always been the First Guerilla Film Festival in 2003. his first love. And the following year, 2004, Seniel was com- He said he is thankful to the management of GMA missioned to direct a documentary about autism. The Network for allowing him to make short films on the film Amuma, Hands for Nobody participated in the side. His full-time job is as reporter and host of Isyu NYIFVF, and garnered rave reviews which paved the Karon, a local documentary program in Davao City. way for his making Latus. “I am glad that GMA has also been supportive of my In 2007, Seniel was hailed as the Most Promising first love which is film making. It is in film making that Filmmaker in the Mindanao Film Festival. I am able to tell more stories about what we cover every (www.philstar.com) day as a reporter,” Seniel said. He explained that what he fails to show on TV because of the limitations, he is able to con- vey through his short films. He has already done several. He described Latus, which he did in 2008, as a story about street children and domestic vio- lence. Latus conveys basically the message that it is against corporal punishment at home. The story revolves around two best friends who both expe- rience corporal punishment in their own homes and how they cope with the struggles both in school and at home. The film, which was also in done in cooper- RENTAL ation with the Tambayan Center for Street Chil- dren’s Rights, Inc., was based on the stories of the adolescent street girls in Davao City. “I would say that these street children were the writers and the actors themselves in their own stories in Latus,” Seniel said. He further explained that street violence could be an extension of the domestic violence these children also experience in their own homes. Latus was also Seniel’s first entry to Cine- 16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2011