HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS MAINLAND NEWS Philippine 6 Fil-Am Wins 14 Consulate Announces America's "Top Ambassadors Tour Chef" Competition March 24, 2012

H a w a i i ’ s O n l y w e e k l y F i l i p i n O - a m e r i c a n n e w s p a p e r A TrAde Mission WiTh

high energy Builders Betting By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D. on Brighter us housing market from www.philstar.com months. That increased the annual rate to a seasonally ASHINGTON (AP) — adjusted 717,000 permits, US builders are bet- the Commerce Depart- Wting that the housing ment said yesterday. market is finally on the path While that's still half back to health. the rate considered healthy They requested 5 percent by most economists, it's more permits in February to the highest since October build single- homes and 2008. apartments in the coming (continued on page 5)

Poll: 47% of Pinoys Believe CJ he 22nd Trade Mission to the under the auspices of is guilty the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and its af- filiate, the Hawaii-Philippines Business and Economic Council T (HPBEC), was held February 10-18, 2012. It covered five des- tinations—, Cebu, Baguio, Subic-Clark and Olongapo. I decided to join since it had been a while since I attended the one in 2006, which coincided with the Filipino Centennial observance in Hawaii.

The FCCH is the oldest Previous missions involved care home facilities in Honolulu. Filipino business organiza- the offices of the Governor of Including Mayor Carlisle, Xxxx tion in the U.S., having been Hawaii and Mayor of Honolulu there were 28 delegates who established in 1954 long be- with regard to sister-city relation- represented a broad spectrum of fore Hawaii became the ships with Philippine counter- professional, business, social 50th state of the Union. The parts. The 2012 mission invited and government entities. The By Helen Flores showed. Chamber’s founding father the City and County of Honolulu, mayor’s schedule varied from The survey showed 47 was the late Pastor Pablo— which has five sister-city ties the main itinerary since he vis- ANILA, Philippines - percent of the respondents with the Philippines, and Mayor ited other cities like Vigan and a pioneering entrepreneur in Almost half of the Fil- said Corona is guilty while the then Territory of Hawaii. Peter Carlisle to join. The City Laoag in the Ilocos region, in M ipino population be- only five percent said they The legacy he left behind made a modest donation to de- addition to Cebu, to renew exist- lieves Chief Justice Renato believe he is innocent of the has endured and survived to fray operational expenses. The ing ties between them and Hon- Corona is guilty of the charges. Forty-three per- become the leading Filipino other major donor was Maria olulu. In places he visited, he charges filed against him at community organization Etrata, president of the Renato showed a Powerpoint documen- cent said they could not say the Senate impeachment after more than half a cen- and Maria A.F. Etrata Founda- tary entitled “Honolulu—the if Corona is guilty or not. court, a recent survey by (continued on page 5) tury. tion and owner of a number of (continued on page 4) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE OPEN FORUM LEGAL NOTES 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. WAIPAHU, HI 96797 Germany's Solar 9 Long Delays and 13 Failure is a Big High Denial Rates Belie Lesson For Hawaii Immigration Report 2 News Edition marcH 24, 2012 EdiToRiaL Reality TV Actually Has Been Good for eality TV is a mixed bag: there is the very On the rise to celebrity chef stardom, Qui re- good and very bad. ceived his training from the prestigious Le Cor- R don Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta with For the very bad -- no matter how much peo- special emphasis on Asian and European cui- ple criticize it, this modern genre featuring outra- sine. He is currently Executive Chef at Uchiko geous temper flares, emotional meltdowns, and restaurant in Texas. vulgar conduct is here to stay, that is if high rat- Qui’s win goes beyond personal achievement ings have any influence on TV programming. and may help to promote Filipino cuisine. He be- Reality TV in general catapulted into popular- lieves Filipino food is “pretty close to the spotlight” ity starting in the late 1990s with wildly successful as restaurants in the U.S. are shifting to a “nose shows that for the very first time presented ordi- to tail” trend, where all parts of an animal are uti- nary people, non-actors, in unique, unscripted sit- lized in dishes. He mentioned dinuguan (pork uations. Today, many reality TV shows are far blood) and crispy ulo (deep fried pork head) as more profitable and popular than regular TV sit- two exotic dishes that may gain traction. He is coms or drama series. In fact, a new breed of re- also optimistic about Filipino vegetable dishes ality TV "stars" has become even larger than their like atchara that could be better promoted and trained card-holding, actors guild counterparts, at well received by wider culinary audiences. least in the realm of social media and internet Qui is the second Filipino to compete in Top search engines. Chef. In season 4, Filipino American Dale Talde won two competitions before being eliminated, A cut Above the rest - the very good just missing the final round of cuts. Talde has reALity tv shoWs worked with several famous chefs, including While some reality TV producers continue to test the borders of com- helping Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto open restaurant Morimoto in New mon decency, fomenting nothing more than sensationalism and York City. voyeurism, there are a few quality reality TV shows worth noting, specifi- (continued on page 3) cally those that reward extraordinary talent. Reality TV competition shows from music, dance, art, cooking, and designing have become a new stan- LETTERS dard in discovering fresh talent. Some winners of these shows have gone RAIL WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD on to become industry giants. Their rise to fame on the fast track could not I have been reading a lot of articles for and against the rail project. Those who are have happened without the massive exposure through TV. in favor claim that it will create jobs, solve traffic congestion, improve our quality of life and provide for a brighter future. I have also read a lot of anti-rail articles by experts outstAnding FiLipinos such as Randall O’Toole which appeared in the Star Advertiser on March 12th. Despite comprising only a small percentage of the U.S. overall popu- In my humble opinion, the rail project will not solve traffic congestion and its con- lation, several talented Filipinos have made their mark on reality TV com- struction will inconvenience a lot of commuters. The jobs that rail creates will mostly not petition shows. be for locals since more qualified workers will be hired from outside Hawaii. The elevated rail will be detrimental to our environment and the enormous cost of building it will burden all of us, especially our children. I sincerely believe that the money Top Chef for the construction of rail can be better used to repair and maintain our roads and Just recently, Filipino American Paul Qui took top honors in winning sewer system. Bravo TV’s popular series Top Chef. Based on recent polls and letters to the editor at the Star Advertiser, more Hawaii Qui, who is originally from Manila, out-cooked 29 respected chefs from residents are now against the elevated rail. In fact, the chairman of the City Council is around the country in Top Chef Season 9. He is the second Asian chef and questioning why HART is pushing for the construction of the elevated rail system. Thank you very much for the opportunity to express my views. first ever to win the TV series. “I think the number one thing that we Filipinos have is that we have a Wilma L. Albano lot of heart and a lot of guts. And I definitely got that from my parents and Salt Lake that definitely helped me push through to ‘Top Chef,’” said Qui.

NEWS EDITION www.thefilipinochronicle.com  www.efilipinochronicle.com Contributing Writers Advertising/Marketing Director Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., Clement Bautista, Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Charlie Y. SONIDO, M.D. Columnists Teresita Bernales, Ed.D., Linda Dela Cruz, Gov. Neil Abercrombie Carlota Ader Publisher and Executive Editor Fiedes Doctor, Danny de Gracia II, M.A., Account Executives Mayor Peter Carlisle Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Caroline Weygan-Hildebrand, Amelia Jacang, Carlota Ader Sen. Will Espero Chona A. M.D., Caroline Julian, Maita Milallos, Paul J. P. Orias MONTESINES-SONIDO Grace F. Fong, Ed.D. Melvin Palalay, M.D., Glenn Wakai Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Creative Designer Big Island Distributor Publisher and Managing Editor J. P. Orias Junggoi Peralta Grace Larson Pacita Saludes Ditas Udani Dennis GALOLO Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Philippine Correspondent Edwin QUINABO Charlie Sonido, M.D. Greg Garcia Maui Distributor Emmanuel S. Tipon,Esq. Associate Editors Photography Cecile Piros Felino S. Tubera Tim Llena Randall SHIROMA Amado Yoro Molokai Distributor Design Consultant Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan Maria Watanabe

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $85, foreign country $95. Copyright 2007-2012. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone: (808) 678-8930. Facsimile: (808) 678-1829. E-mail: [email protected]. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. 3 marcH 24, 2012 opinion News Edition The Prospect of Sen. Santiago as ICC Judge of the Philippine Daily Inquirer by rodel rODis from UP Prof. Gemino Abad who wrote: “Anyone, especially a sen- he resolve by the U.S. ator, who has no respect for the Pinoys for Good Gover- innate dignity of every human nance (USP4GG) to peti- being, loses his or her personal T tion the International worth and dignity. The senator no Criminal Court (ICC) to recon- longer entertains, she disgusts sider and reject the election of with her shrill, outrageous ha- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago rangues and self-congratulatory as an ICC judge was not made One member from Wash- local case of Ross Mirkarimi who move and then join them, as has displays of superior knowledge on a spur or on a whim but only ington DC, who participated in was elected Sheriff of San Fran- been the practice of overseas and experience in judicial pro- after careful deliberation. Al- the teleconference, previously cisco in the November 2011 Filipinos to follow the lead of ceedings; she dishonors the im- though members were dis- sent an email wherein he asked: elections two months before he homeland Filipinos. peachment court. mayed by the repeated “How can we maintain our cred- was charged with committing But that was before. As for- “Does the impeachment contemptuous conduct of Sen. ibility when we question some- domestic violence against his mer Chief Justice Artemio Pan- court condone such insufferable Santiago towards the House one’s election only after multiple wife. After Mirkarimi pled guilty to ganiban noted recently: behavior? What sanction has it prosecutors, the decibel levels rounds of nominations and vot- the lesser charge of misde- “Overseas Filipinos, without hav- for contemptuous disregard of went through the roof on Febru- ing? Senator Miriam Santiago’s meanor false imprisonment, ing to reside here physically, basic human dignity? Why is ary 29 when Sen. Santiago selection was confirmed after 15 calls came for him to resign even have the means to inform them- she not herself detained to stop screamed and twice called the rounds of ICC voting. I don’t as his supporters pointed to his selves of our country’s needs her from committing more dis- prosecutors “gago” (morons) at think questioning the process at impressive credentials and his and of the suitability of candi- honorable acts? If her fits of rage the court hearing. the back end speaks highly of 2011 election as the reasons for dates for national offices. Inter- and displays of self-satisfaction The Internet chatter rooms our intentions and deliberations. him to hang on. active news websites, cable TV should continue at the Interna- lit up. “How can a judge say that For one, she has very impres- Many expressed doubts that programs, social networks like tional Criminal Court, she would in a courtroom?” sive judiciary credentials. While the ICC would even consider the Facebook and Twitter, cell inevitably become our country’s The collective outrage led to she is well-known for her exag- petition. But USP4GG chair phones, Skype, Magic Jack, e- disgrace and a world-wide ob- calls to petition the ICC to review gerated bombastic pronounce- Loida Nicolas-Lewis, who mails, teleconferencing and ject of ridicule.” the conduct of Sen. Santiago to ments and at times eccentric served with Sen. Santiago and other electronic wonders no The answer to Prof. Abad’s determine if “a person who is actions, no one can question her Sen. in the Stu- longer require actual physical question is “yes.” The Philippine emotionally or psychologically intellectual capabilities.” dent Council of the University of presence to acquire thorough Senate has repeatedly con- unstable, prone to fits of uncon- But Macabenta noted in his the Philippines (UP) during the knowledge of Philippine political doned the “insufferable behav- trollable rage, lacking in patience draft petition that “mastery of in- 1960s, explained: “We do not life,” he wrote in his column “En- ior” of Sen. Santiago as they did and empathy, ruthless with the ternational jurisprudence and have the illusion of being suc- franchising duals and greens.” when she railed on the Senate feelings of fellow human beings, forensic skills” was not enough, cessful in removing Senator Just as Filipinos in Cagayan floor after her nomination as bereft of civility and uncaring as “a sound mind, emotional and Miriam but we are giving her no- de Oro should not defer their ini- Chief Justice was rejected by about decorum” deserves to be psychological stability, unsullied tice that her continued antics are tiatives to the folks in Manila, the Supreme Court: “I spit in the an ICC judge. integrity and incorruptibility, as not acceptable to global Filipinos overseas Filipinos should not face of Chief Justice Artemio A draft of the proposed pe- well as patience, civility and im- now that she is in the global likewise defer to Filipinos in the Panganiban and his cohorts in tition was prepared by Greg peccable decorum” were also arena. Something said is some- Philippines. An initiative will rise the Supreme Court…a Supreme Macabenta and circulated to required. thing heard. She thinks that she or fall on its merits and not on its Court of idiots.” more than 100 USP4GG mem- Another member pointed can do and say whatever she source. Sen. Santiago has never bers scattered across the U.S. out that although Sen. Santiago wants with impunity. Our petition When the Internet was been reprimanded nor chided for During a March 6 national tele- was nominated by no less than will show that Filipinos overseas googled to find out if any individ- her “dishonorable acts.” Perhaps phone conference call to dis- President Benigno Aquino III in will not tolerate her disrespectful, ual or group in the Philippines because her colleagues, a few of cuss the petition, members 2011, it was made before she uncouth behavior.” was embarking on a similar ini- whom barely graduated from high offered their opinions on the exhibited her unprofessional be- One member suggested tiative, none was found. There school, are intimidated by her im- draft petition. havior at the Senate impeach- that the group wait for those in was outrage certainly as ex- pressive academic accomplish- ment trial. It is comparable to the the Philippines to initiate this pressed in the letter to the editor (continued on page 7) EdiToRiaL (conT.) (cont. from page 2; REALITY... ) son, Jessica Sanchez, who So You Think You Can Project Runway serves sub categories. How critics believe may have the Dance The multiple award win- could viewers really justify American Idol powerful vocal range to take So You Think You Can ning show Project Runway placing Jersey Shore in the When it comes to reality the title. Since her now mem- Dance is another reality TV which features fashion de- same mix as American Idol TV in terms of viewer audi- orable rendition of Whitney competition show with mil- signers from around the world and pass them off as reality TV. ence and influence in Houston’s I Will Always Love lions of viewers that featured had Filipino Jay Nicolas Sario One benefit that quality launching the careers of its You (already receiving 6 mil- in its top tier of contestants, competing in season 7. Sario, reality TV shows has done is contestants, American Idol lion views on YouTube, even Filipino Americans. who received some of his improve visibility among mi- has no parallel. The most more hits than many estab- Just last year, Filipinos training in Hawaii, won two norities who had been well-known Filipino to grace lished music artists), she has Tadd Gadduang and Marko competitions before being let grossly underrepresented Idol is Jasmine Trias of sea- been the frontrunner of Germar finished in the top 5 go, placing fourth overall. from traditional TV program- son 3 who placed third over- American Idol season 11. As (top two male dancers) in Sario just missed the final cut ming for years. It’s refreshing all. Since her memorable run of press time, Sanchez is still season 8. Gadduang, 25, is of three who are chosen to to see Filipinos competing on the show, Trias has re- on top of Entertainment a hip-hop dancer from Daly show their collection during and excelling on national TV. leased one album to date Weekly’s poll of who should City, California. Germar, 22, 's fashion From the standpoint of rais- and is currently performing win American Idol. is a contemporary jazz week. ing our community’s image with Hawaii's very own Soci- Before American Idol, dancer from Guam. and perception, reality TV ety of Seven in Las Vegas. Sanchez competed in the The highest finisher of MisnoMer surprisingly has been posi- Other Idol finalists of Filipino first season of America’s Got Filipino ancestry on the show Perhaps the term reality tive for Filipinos. We’d like to heritage include Camile Ve- Talent, another reality TV was Melody Lacayanga of TV is no longer adequate to congratulate all of these tal- lasco and Ramiele Malubay. show. She was only 11 at the Season 1. A jazz dancer describe much of modern TV ented individuals who’ve rep- But to no surprise there time but still managed to ad- from Daly City, Lacayanga programming. The genre has resented our community is another Filipino this sea- vance to the top 13. amazingly placed runner-up. become so diverse that it de- admirably. 4 News Edition HEadLinES marcH 24, 2012

(cont. from page 1; A TRADE... ) pertise to Help the Retire- possible that some confusion Gathering Place of the Pacific.” ment Industry in the Philip- had occurred. In any case, the pines” no-show prompted FCCH presi- theMes oF the Mission • Soledad Manaay, “Making dent Harry Alonso to write a let- The general theme of the the Philippines a Choice Re- ter to the ambassador mission was “Cultural Nuances tirement Destination” expressing the disappointment in Doing Business in the Philip- • Paul Alimbuyao, “Money of mission delegation on his fail- pines.” It encompassed a num- Makes the World Go Round: ure to show up after the proper ber of sub-themes and topics on Opportunities and Chal- arrangements had been made. Philippine society, history and lenges to Moving Funds The mission is eagerly awaiting culture, which provided the con- Across the Pacific” an explanation. text for socio-economic pro- • Dean T. Alegado, “Chal- Dr. Belinda Aquino and Harry Alonzo during the 22nd Philippine Trade Mission sponsored by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii grams and business trends in lenges and Issues Inhibiting pubLic pArticipAtion the country that the mission was Growth of the U.S. Retiree • Harry Alonso, FCCH presi- Urquico and Sid Baquilar for Breakout panels on various primarily interested in. Community in the Philip- dent, for his foresight, over- Baguio. topics covered by the mission The mission organized six pines” sight and great sense of such as outsourcing, renewable workshop panels to address var- • Veridigno P Atienza, “The humor phiLippine oFFiciAL pAr- energy, social entrepreneurship, ious topics identified with their Philippines and Subic/Clark • Paul Alimbuyao, mission ticipAtion retirement, health care, medical lead discussants, as follows: as a Retirement Community chairperson, for his organiz- Officials from both the public tourism, etc., gave the public • Outsourcing/Workforce Destination” ing ability and effective net- and private sectors extended not more time to participate in Training/Professional Serv- • “Nestor Calara, “The U.S. working, especially with First only the usual welcome for visi- smaller group discussions. Due ices - Rosemarie Mendoza Retiree Community in the Hawaiian Bank tors but also extraordinary hos- to space constraints, I cannot in- • Renewable Energy Sources Philippines and Its Contribu- • Rose Cruz Churma, pitality and entertainment that clude every topic explored but a and Green Technology - tion to the Philippine Econ- HPBEC executive director required an enormous amount few major ones can be cited. Manuel Lanuevo omy” and mission co-chair, for the of time and financial expense. 1. Retirement and health is- • Trade Import-Export of • Desirea Aguinaldo substantive content and or- Mayors (Manila) sues. As attractive as retirement Goods/Products - Melody Helsham, “Outsourcing ganization of panels and Mike Rama (Cebu), Mauricio options in the Philippines seem Calisay Workforce Overseas—Op- constant consultation with Domogan (Baguio) and James to be, there are certain issues • Investments/Finance/Real portunities and Challenges and feedback from Philip- “Bong Gordon” (Olongapo) went that first need to be addressed Estate/International Banking to Partnering with Baguio pine counterparts and net- all out expounding on their best or resolved to make these op- - Harry Alonso Businesses” works achievements as local execu- tions viable. Most are related to • Retirement and Health Care • Danny Urquico, “Private • Rosemarie Mendoza, mis- tives and providing a wealth of health, security and well-being of Issues/Medical Tourism - Sector Initiatives: 25 years sion co-chair, for logistics, fi- information on their respective retirees who opt to return to the Belinda A. Aquino of Partnering with Hawaii— nancial resources and jurisdictions. Philippines. • Social Entrepreneurship and the Child and Family Serv- administrative skills needed Rizal Representative Joe For retirees from the U.S., Investments - Soledad Man- ices Philippines, Inc. Story” for organizational efficiency Duavit gave an insightful talk on the main problem is that they aay • Rosemarie Aquino, mission the Philippine legislative process cannot carry their Medicare in- When I saw the agenda dur- co-chair, for arranging Aloha and Baguio City Councilwoman surance benefits to the Philip- Each workshop panel also ing the mission’s planning stage, Night and visits with Philip- Betty Lourdes Tabanda gave an pines except in emergency had a number of individual my first thought was, “This looks pine Congressman Joe Du- inspirational message about cases. The question of speakers who focused on spe- like Mission Impossible.” It avit and the GMA TV Baguio being the highest city in “Medicare portability” is being cific topics, which were treated seemed more than the three in- station, as well as network- the country and therefore the widely discussed in Filipino cir- with more depth and detail espe- ternational conferences I had put ing with Bank of Hawaii city closest to God. Miguel cles and no less than President cially based on their own work together in the past. But the Varela, president of the Philip- Benigno Aquino III is seeking the experience. Among them were: seeming impossibly gradually The standing joke was, with pine Chamber of Commerce, cooperation of U.S. President • Dante Aragon, “Freedom turned into reality as the mission Three Roses with exceedingly welcomed the delegation on the so that retirees from Fossil Fuels—The rolled from place to place. This high-octane caliber and energy, mission’s first plenary at the who go back to the Philippines Hawaii Strategy” is a tribute to the talent, tenacity, how could the mission not suc- Asian Institute of Management, can use their Medicare insur- • Elsa Talavera, “Role of energy, synergy and teamwork ceed? Of course, no offense to where the Aloha Night was also ance to pay for medical services. Hawaii’s Care Home of the leadership team which the two gentlemen at the leader- held. The major drawback to Providers: Transfer of Ex- was composed of: ship helm. The delegation also met Medicare portability is the In addition, Paul Cortes, with other prominent figures in process of accrediting Philippine Deputy Philippine Consul Gen- the private sector like Peter Per- hospitals by U.S. health authori- eral of Honolulu, provided much- fecto of the Business ties. Currently, there are three needed coordination with Club and Roberto de Ocampo, accredited hospitals in Manila Philippine groups and individu- former Secretary of Finance and and one in Cebu. This is a tough als regarding schedules of the consultant to several business call because Philippine health- mission delegates on a day-to- organizations in the country. care facilities are subject to the day basis. He was able to The only downside as far as same stringent comprehensive arrange with former Philippine official participation was con- accreditation review that U.S. fa- Consul General in Honolulu, cerned was the non-appearance cilities undergo. Leoncio Cardenas Jr., a me- of the U.S. Ambassador to the Dr. Abraham Rasul, Jr. of rienda for many of the delegates Philippines as the keynote Washington D.C., who is a vig- before they returned to Hawaii. speaker of the Subic plenary orous advocate for Medicare The mission could not have session. The crowd waited but portability, believes that “Philip- succeeded without the input of a was later told that he was not pine tertiary care facilities can hardworking core of site coordi- coming, despite an earlier ac- meet the current standards of nators who were responsible for ceptance of the invitation sent to [U.S.] accreditation.” He says planning and coordinating ap- his office at the U.S. Embassy in that a number of these facilities propriate activities visited by the Manila. have already passed the ac- delegates. They included: The of Olongapo, creditation process of Medicare- George Carpenter (for Cebu); Anne Gordon, reportedly in- approved agencies like the Joint Nelda Zulueta (for all the places formed him that he was ex- Commission for Accreditation of visited); Gina Ordonez, Mary pected in the mission room Health Care Organizations Grace Tirona and Armand Bus- where people had been waiting. (JCAHO). mente (for Manila); Dean Ale- Apparently, he had other ap- Another hurdle is the U.S. gado (for Subic); and Danny pointments that day and it was (continued on page 5) 5 marcH 24, 2012 HEadLinES News Edition

(cont. from page 1; BUILDERS... ) has a long way to go before it is ther gains over the next few Builders are starting to see struggling to compete with "This report is one of the back to full health. months. some signs of progress. They deeply discounted foreclosures more encouraging new con- In an indication of that chal- "Housing will add to growth are more confident after seeing and short sales — when lenders struction reports we have seen lenge, the government said all year, and beyond," Shep- more people express interest in allow homes to be sold for less in the last four years," said builders broke ground on slightly herdson said. buying a home. Mortgage rates than what's owed on the mort- Patrick Newport, an economist fewer homes in February. The A mild winter allowed are hovering near record lows gage. with IHS Global Insight. seasonally adjusted rate of builders to keep working in most below 4 percent. And home After previous recessions, Builders have grown more 698,000 housing starts fell from parts of the country. And an im- sales started to rise at the end of housing accounted for at least confident over the past six January's revised level of proving job market has many last year. 15 percent of US economic months after seeing more peo- 706,000, which was the highest slightly more optimistic about Though new homes repre- growth. Since the recession offi- ple express interest in buying a since October 2008. home sales this year. sent just 20 percent of the cially ended in June 2009, it has home. "The key numbers in this re- Newport said 2012 should overall home market, they contributed just 4 percent. The rise in permits suggests port are the housing permits_not be a better year for construction have an outsize impact on the Another reason sales have builders see that interest trans- the starts," said Newport. "The of homes. He projects 745,000 economy. Each home built cre- fallen is that previously occupied lating into sales over the next 12 permits are better measured homes will be started, up from ates an average of three jobs homes have become a better months. That's how long it typi- than starts, are less influenced 611,000 last year. Two-thirds for a year and generates about deal than new homes. The me- cally takes to build a home after by weather and are forward are likely to be apartments and $90,000 in taxes, according to dian price of a new home is a permit is obtained. looking." condos, reflecting pent-up de- the National Association of about 30 percent higher than the Economists cautioned that Ian Shepherdson, chief US mand for housing among young Home Builders. median price for a re-sale. That's construction levels remain de- economist at High Frequency adults who are living with their There are some hurdles to a nearly twice the markup typical pressed and the housing market , said he expects fur- parents. smooth recovery: Builders are in a healthy housing market.

(cont. from page 1; POLL ... ) the . Class E (24 percent) and the and respect whatever would be know.” The survey was conducted Sixty six percent of those Visayas (25 percent). the Senate’s decision on the im- Pulse Asia said the public is among 1,200 respondents from who said they believe Corona is Sixty-seven percent said peachment case of Corona. divided on whether the House of Feb. 26 to March 9. It was com- guilty and 64 percent who said they have “little to no knowl- It was the majority sentiment Representatives fast-tracked the pleted while the impeachment he is innocent said they formed edge” of the impeachment case; in every socio-economic class impeachment process. court was in recess after 26 days their opinion during the trial. 56 percent said they have “a lit- (53 to 63 percent) and almost all Thirty eight percent of the of trial. About eight in ten Filipinos tle knowledge” and 11 percent geographic areas (53 to 68 per- respondents said they do think At least 33 percent of the re- (84 percent) said they follow the said they have “almost none or cent). the congressmen fast-tracked spondents said Corona is “prob- impeachment trial of Corona, no knowledge at all.” Respondents in the the process while 32 percent of ably guilty” while 15 percent said while 56 percent admitted they Only 33 percent said they Visayas, however, said only 40 Filipinos have a contrary opin- he is “definitely guilty.” know little about it. have a “great deal to sufficient percent of Filipinos would accept ion. Twenty nine percent were Four percent said the Chief Majority said they are moni- knowledge”; 24 percent said “not the decision, while 41 percent undecided. Justice is “probably innocent” toring developments through tel- a great deal but a sufficient said Filipinos would accept and A near majority of Metro and one percent said he is “def- evision – 80 percent at the amount”; and eight percent said respect only the decision that Manilans (46 percent) said the initely innocent.” national level, 67 to 84 percent they have a “great deal of knowl- they favor. impeachment process at the Fifty-four percent of the re- across geographic areas and 70 edge.” The poll also showed that House was fast-tracked, while spondents in Mindanao said to 88 percent across socio-eco- ‘Filipinos will accept or re- nearly seven in 10 Filipinos (69 44 percent in the rest of they believe the Chief Justice is nomic groupings. spect Senate’s decision’ percent) said they expect the sen- said otherwise. guilty, 50 percent in the National Lack of interest was cited for The survey also showed that ators to be fair and impartial in the In the Visayas, almost the Capital Region, 48 percent in the those who said they are not 58 percent of Filipinos believe performance of their duty as same percentages either ex- rest of Luzon and 37 percent in monitoring the trial – among the their countrymen would accept judges in the impeachment trial. pressed ambivalence or did not On the other hand, 22 per- believe that the impeachment of (cont. from page 5; A TRADE ... ) agency can also assist with find- waste management and that cent said the senator-judges Corona was hastily done (44 Congress, which needs to be ing affordable homes for proper garbage can be converted to would not be fair. Nine percent of v e r s u s 3 2 p e r c e n t ) . convinced that liberalizing the care of elderly if they do not energy. the respondents said they “don’t (www.philstar.com) accreditation process for pur- qualify for Medicaid benefits. No doubt, all these possibil- poses of portability means The concept and practice of ities in a Philippine setting will greater savings for the U.S. “case management” can be ap- need capitalization for infra- Medicare and Medicaid are ex- plied to Philippine settings for structure development and periencing severe funding prob- the benefit of clients needing more sophisticated technology. lems in this time of financial different levels of health care. But the Philippine economy has crisis, with the Hospital Insur- There is no shortage of human actually been doing well in re- ance Program expected to run resources that can be properly cent years in macro terms. out of funds by 2029. Still, many trained and professionally de- President Aquino indicated this groups are already lobbying veloped as caregivers for an when he came to Hawaii for the Congress for Medicare portabil- aging population. APEC conference. The coun- ity legislation. 3. Waste Management and try’s political leaders and eco- 2. Transfer of Health Care Environmental Protection. nomic planners should examine Expertise and Facilities. The These are areas in which the their priorities to include many level and quality of health care Philippines’ record is quite dis- of the programs discussed in for seniors and retirees was an- mal. This hit home for delegates the mission workshops. Devel- other popular topic. Elsa Talav- especially in highland Baguio, oping regional partnerships are era, president and CEO of where waste disposal is cer- certainly feasible and doable in All-Island Case Management tainly detrimental to lowland this rapidly globalizing world. Corporation, spoke about her areas receiving all that waste experiences in assessing needs material, thereby further pollut- concLusion of clients, placing them at appro- ing the environment. Manny Overall, the 22nd Mission priate levels of care, matching Lanuevo suggested in his pres- was sparked by high energy re- them with caregivers and evalu- entation that towns and cities in sulting in very productive out- ating services and other activi- the Philippines can actually puts. An informal debriefing was ties designed to give them generate an income stream held to review the mission’s per- utmost quality care. Talavera’s from garbage collection and (continued on page 6) 6 News Edition HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS marcH 24, 2012

• Waikiki/ Makiki/ Kahala/ Down- City Schedules Transit Plan Meetings town/ East Honolulu THE CITY’S DEPARTMENT Plan is intended to map transit’s view online at http://www1.hon- such as large print materials or March 29, 2012, 7 pm at Mis- OF TRANSPORTATION role to support enhanced mobil- olulu.gov/dts/short-range- sign language interpreters, are sion Memorial Auditorium, 550 SERvICES (DTS) will hold a ity for Oahu’s residents and vis- transit-plan.htm. It identifies and asked to call DTS at 768-8362 South King Street series of public informational itors, reduce traffic congestion recommends service improve- by March 20, 2012. • Windward Oahu meetings on the recently-com- and provide a transit-based ments for existing bus and The meeting schedule is as April 2, 2012, 7 pm at Ben pleted draft of the Short Range strategy to create livable com- paratransit services. It also follows: Parker Elementary, 45-269 Transit Service Operations Plan. munities. To accomplish this, serves as a tool to prioritize • Central Oahu/ Mililani/ Wahi- Waikalua Road DTS is in the process of devel- the plan’s focus is on mitigating capital improvements, including awa/ Haleiwa • Salt Lake/ Kalihi/ Airport/ Aiea oping and implementing the plan operational problems in the acquisition of replacement and March 27, 2012, 7 pm at the April 3, 2012, 7 pm at the Oahu to improve the effectiveness of near term and setting the stage expansion service buses and Wahiawa Recreation Center, Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila The Bus and Handi-Van. for fixed guideway service. paratransit vans. 1139 Kilani Avenue Street The Short Range Transit The Plan is available for re- Five regional meetings are • Kapolei/ Ewa/ Leeward Coast/ For more details on the scheduled for the convenience Waipahu/ Pearl City meetings, please contact Eric of transit patrons and the public. March 28, 2012, 7 pm at Stoetzer from DTS at 768-8362 State to Process ID Cards Persons requiring special ac- Kapolei Hale, 1000 Uluohia or via email at: estoezer@hon- • New applicants must provide at commodation at the meetings, Street, Conference Room A olulu.gov. on Lanai a minimum an original social se- STATE ID PERSONNEL WILL curity card and a certified copy BE AT THE LANAI SENIOR of their birth certificate (or resi- Foodbank Celebration to Honor CENTER to process applications dent alien card, if applicable). distributed 11.8 million pounds for State ID cards on April 14, 2012 • For renewals of current ID Hawaii’s Patriots of food, including 3 million from 9:30 am to 2 pm. cards with no change in name HAWAII’S WORLD WAR II Hawaii Village’s Coral Ballroom. pounds of fresh fruits and veg- The fee is $10 for senior cit- or citizenship, no other docu- FILIPINO-AMERICAN U.S. The event will feature a recep- etables to those requiring emer- izens 65 years and older and ments are required. ARMY vETERANS will be tion with live entertainment, sit- gency food assistance in $15 for all others, payable in • All changes in status or name among the heroes honored dur- down dinner and formal Hawaii. Individual seats are $250 cash only. State ID cards will be due to marriage, divorce, annul- ing the upcoming Hawaii Food- program. Proceeds will benefit per person; $10,000 per Medal processed and mailed to appli- ment, adoption or citizenship bank’s Patriots Celebration. the Hawaii Foodbank. Now in its 17th and final The Hawaii Foodbank col- of Honor table; $5,000 per Sil- cants within 10 business days. must also be supported by certi- year, this annual gala fundraiser lects, warehouses and distrib- ver Star table and $2,500 per Priority will be given to ap- fied government-issued docu- for the Hawaii Foodbank will utes mass quantities of both Bronze Star table. For more in- plicants with completed applica- ments. Altered and illegible celebrate 16 years of Hawaii’s perishable and non-perishable formation, please call 836-3600 documents are not acceptable. tion forms and required certified Patriots. It is scheduled for July food to help feed Hawaii’s hun- ext. 223. documents. Applications without Information on application 3, 2012 at 6 pm at the Hilton gry. Last year, the Foodbank these documents will not be requirements is available by call- processed. State ID officials also ing 587-3112. Application forms advise the public to keep the fol- are also available online at: Philippine Consulate Announces lowing in mind: www.stateid.hawaii.gov. • Choice of special tours and Ambassadors Tour immersion programs THE PHILIPPINE CON- opportunity to visit selected at- • Day trip and barrio fiesta at SULATE GENERAL OF tractions in the Philippines and Las Casas de Acuzar in HONOLULU has announced experience the beauty of its top Bataan the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls destinations. Consulate officials are en- General and Tourism Directors The tour includes: couraging those who are inter- Tour of the Philippines, sched- • Three to four nights at the ested to book now. The cost of uled for July 11-15, 2012. Dusit Hotel in Makati City the tour is $1,474 via Philippine The tour is a joint project of with daily buffet breakfasts Airlines and $1,465 via Hawai- all Philippine foreign posts in • Dinners with cultural shows ian Airlines. the U.S. (Agana, , Hon- and entertainment For more details, please olulu, Los Angeles, New York, • Historic wreath laying cere- contact Aloha Tours and Travel Saipan, San Francisco and mony at at 845-2218, Diplomat Tours Washington, DC) and , • Visit to Malacanang with and Travel at 848-2404, Ever- in cooperation with the Philip- lunch lasting Services at 841-2881, pine Department of Tourism and • Meeting and photo opportu- Noble Travel (Maui) at 244- Department of Trade & Industry. nity with President Benigno 4609 or Panda Travel at 732- Participants will have the S. Aquino III 6691. HEadLinES (conT.) (cont. from page 5; A TRADE... ) much room for improvement, brings an opportunity to expand formance vis-a-vis its avowed especially in the area of giving our networking skills,” she adds, goals, foremost of which is to young and upcoming leaders and to really achieve its goals, promote better Hawaii-Philippine opportunities to get involved in “the Trade Mission needs to fol- economic relations in a mutually the next trade mission. The mis- low through on its aims to beneficial way. sion is held every two years. strengthen existing relation- Mission chair Alimbuyao Mission co-chair Aquino ships and build new ones.” says his job was “a great chal- says, “I see the Trade Mission (dr. Aquino is currently Professor lenge.” His main concern was to as an introduction of who we Emeritus at the University of Hawaii- “break new ground and signifi- are and what we can offer.” She Manoa where she served as Professor believes the Mission got its cantly enhance the current state of Political Science and Asian Studies of Philippine-Hawaii relations message across, but is not yet and Director of the Center for Philip- particularly in the field of eco- near its goal of significantly in- pine Studies for 35 years. She was a nomic and business develop- creasing business and eco- member of the 22nd Trade Mission ment, which, in my opinion, was nomic activity between Hawaii Committee and member of the HPBEC's achieved.” He adds that there is and the Philippines. “Each trip Board of Directors.) 7 marcH 24, 2012 immigRaTion guidE News Edition

owned their own home, had a Sarah Palin, Game Change, car, had a maid, and were re- spected members of the com- Americans like Casanova munity. Here they have none of and Immigration charmed the women he se- the above or only some. It is are part of the liberal, elitist, pro- worse, they did not thoroughly duced. McCain lost not because probably too late to go back. Democrat media who probably prepare her. Even if they did, of Palin but because many peo- They have no more job there, enjoy kicking a woman when how could they have anticipated ple vented their anger at him for they might have sold their home, she is down simply because she the question to name one bad Bush II’s (his fellow Republican) and as the comedian Rodney is a Republican? Supreme Court decision – a to- reckless imprudence in invading Dangerfield complained “don’t by atty. emmanuel tally irrelevant one since Palin Iraq on the pretext it had get no respect” because they samonte tipOn shouLd We kick A WoMAn was not applying for a judgeship. weapons of mass destruction, would be considered failures. Who is doWn? Even lawyers applying for a just like Marcos and Enrile faking Should they be lamenting their ou don’t get to go back How would this argument judgeship are not likely to be Enrile’s ambush as a pretext for misfortune like David remem- in time and do do- play in immigration court? “Is it asked such question. If they imposing martial law. bering the days of old? Psalms “Y overs in life.” – Steve the American way to kick out of cited one case, there would be 143:5. Or hearken to Steve Schmidt, Sen. John McCain’s the country a woman who is endless follow up questions. prepAre For intervieW Schmidt’s words: “You don’t get campaign adviser, on whether down and is trying to get up in How about the question to Palin Immigrants should en- to go back in time and do do- he would have recommended order to care for and support her to name the newspapers she deavor to avoid an interview by overs in life?” Sarah Palin as McCain’s vice young children by working in a read? Obama and Biden were submitting a neat and complete presidential running mate if he health care facility to help the never asked. This was a trick application package. But in (Atty. tipon has a Master of had to do it over again. sick? Is it in the best interest of question. If she named many cases, an interview is re- Laws degree from Yale Law School “You have watched that the to break up a one/some, the follow up ques- quired for which immigrants and a Bachelor of Laws degree movie three times, what’s so fas- family and leave U.S. citizen chil- tion would be “why does she should thoroughly prepare with from the University of the Philip- pines. Office: 800 Bethel St., Suite cinating about it?” asked my dren motherless simply because read this newspaper/newspa- their lawyer. Some lawyers do 402, Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. beloved as she urged me to get their mother many years ago de- pers and why not others? An- not prepare an immigrant but tell (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filam- dressed and go to church. She posited some bad checks at the other follow up question would the immigrant that they will just [email protected]. Websites: was referring to the new HBO behest of her former husband, be “how often?” If she did not meet at the immigration office. www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.co film “Game Change” which por- even though she has been pun- say “everyday,” the follow up Replace your lawyer who tells m, and www.ImmigrationService- trays Sarah Palin (Julianne ished and met the 5 R’s of reha- question would be “why not you that. sUSA.com. Listen to the most witty, interesting, and informative radio Moore) from the time she was bilitation – took responsibility every day?” On and on. Many immigrants regret program in Hawaii on KNDI at being considered by Steve although she did not know the How come Obama was re- ever having immigrated to the 1270, AM dial every Thursday at Schmidt (Woody Harrelson) as checks were bad, expressed re- garded by the media as “experi- United States. They had a good 7:30 a.m., rebroadcast at Sen. McCain’s (Ed Harris) run- gret and apologized, showed re- enced” to become President, life in their homeland, had a job, www.iluko.com.) ning mate because they needed morse, made restitution, and has even though his an exciting game changer to lift not been a recidivist? experience ba- them from the political doldrums Sarah Palin has sex appeal, sically con- until they lost the election. exhibits poise, and is a great sisted in being “There are lessons to be communicator with a sense of a “community learned from the story that are humor in her speeches and in organizer,” relevant to immigration,” I her debate with the humorless while Sarah replied. Senator Biden (whom she mis- Palin was re- Depending on your political takenly called O’Biden probably garded as “in- orientation, the movie is either because she was thinking of experienced,” accurate, partly accurate and Obama). During these occa- even though partly derogatory, totally deroga- sions she could talk eloquently she was a for- tory, etc. Why would HBO, four about policy and spoke in gen- mer mayor and years after Palin’s defeat, make eralities. Her handlers’ mistake an incumbent a film about her? Is it because was arranging for her to be in- governor? Be- she is a super star and there is a terviewed by reporters who are cause Obama continuing interest in her and part of the liberal pro-Democrat was supported they want to make money out of media. Didn’t they realize that by the media her story without even giving her these people are out there to and knew how a share? Or is it because they pose “gotcha” questions? And to charm many opinion (conT.) they, so can we, so should we. (cont. from page 3; THE PROSPECT... ) At the end of the lengthy March 6 tele- ments or because they fear being on the conference, the vote was called on the receiving end of her tongue-lashing. resolution to petition the ICC to reconsider But what made the February 29 and reject Sen. Santiago as an ICC judge. “gago” harangue at the House prosecutors The vote was unanimous with no absten- memorable was not the outrageousness of tions. The petition was posted online and Sen. Santiago’s conduct but the quiet will be personally handed to the Interna- courage of private prosecutor Vitaliano tional Criminal Court in The Hague. Aguirre who covered his ears while she While the petition to the ICC is virtu- was berating the prosecutors. Although he ally dead on arrival, it nevertheless was cited by the Senate for contempt, his sends a powerful message. Just like the simple act of defiance, captured on na- time when the Roman bullies asked the tional television, inspired a global protest captured slave rebels to point out Spar- of her conduct the likes of which Sen. San- tacus and each stood up to say that he tiago has never faced before. was Spartacus, we are all Vitaliano It was as if people resolved that if Aguirre now. We’re mad as hell and we Atty. Aguirre can stand up to her, so can won’t take it anymore. 8 News Edition Food & LEiSuRE marcH 24, 2012 Sinigang: We Like It Sour Of all the sinigang variants, this Text & Photos by version with miso (fermented Chinese tUrO-tUrO claude tayaG yellow bean paste, not the Japanese miso) has fresh mustard leaves and f one is to take a survey on makes the ritual of pouring a lit- radish as the requisite vegetables instead of the usual kangkong, gabi, what is our national dish, tle broth over the rice to moisten and okra. Kanduli is the salmon catfish I chances are it will definitely it, mashing the gabi, cutting the caught in the coastal waters, estuaries, be a tossup between adobo and protein and veggies, and mixing and freshwater streams of Batangas everything together, and before and Laguna de Bay, feeding on sinigang. But which adobo and crustaceans, snails and small fishes. which sinigang, may I ask? a spoonful is placed in the mouth, it is sprinkled with a little in Metro Manila, including Ange- Though both are found in every patis and mashed green finger les City where I live? They’ve region of the archipelago coming chili for the coup de grace. It is been growing them locally in the in different names and varia- our chicken soup, comforting past decade or so. Salmon tions, they nevertheless share every Juan’s tired soul, satisfy- heads and bellies are readily the same popularity, crossing all ing every Juan’s craving. available everywhere, a byprod- economic boundaries. They are Of all the basic tastes, it is uct of the canning factories of the great levelers on the Pinoy sourness that is most dominant Alaska. They are a favorite main dining table. in Philippine cuisine. With vine- ingredient in sinigang sa miso, Sinigang is basically a clear- gar as one of the most indispen- cle water. And, have you ever Manila and its southern and command a premium price broth soup dish flavored with a sable ingredients in the Filipino noticed why we automatically provinces collectively known as compared with using maya- sour fruit or the young, acidic kitchen, it has been in use for add vinegar or kalamansi to any Calabarzon — Calamba, La- maya or other local fishes. One leaves of a fruit-bearing tree. centuries not just for seasoning kind of pancit? The uninitiated guna, Batangas,Rizal and Que- can find this once-rare Alaskan Any seafood or meat may be in- but also as a natural preserva- may find the sourness initially a zon), and Mimaropa — Mindoro, product being served in most cluded, with a requisite set of tive. In the pre-refrigeration era, bit jarring to their taste buds, but Marinduque, Romblon and food courts nowadays. But vegetables added to it (i.e. it was common practice to cook it is indeed an acquired taste. Palawan, which all use copious does using an imported fish in kangkong, okra, gabi, sitaw, with vinegar, which would pro- Adding to this mouth-puckering amounts of vinegar and sour our sinigang makes it any less eggplant, banana heart, mustard long the dish’s shelf life without acidic preference is the abun- fruits in their cooking (i.e. “authentic”? And where did the leaves, radish, and the must- refrigeration, most especially dance of sour fruits and leaves kamias/kalamias, sampalok, miso come from anyway? Of have green finger chilies. It with our hot tropical climate. It is that are eaten as is, used in dip- kalamansi, suka). Chinese origin, it’s been part of doesn’t vary much from these), also widely used as a marinade ping sauces, or added to the In , it is the nu- the Pinoy’s pantry list for cen- making it a complete meal unto or brine, pickling vegetables and cooking: kamias, kalamansi, anced sweet/sour notes of bu- turies. itself. It owes its popularity not fruits (i.e. achara and burong dayap, green sampalok fruit and langlang bayabas made with What about sinigang na only to its readily available in- mangga), and is the much-fa- its young leaves, green mango, ripe guava, while in Lucena City, corned beef? SideBar of the gredients, its versatility as to its vored dipping sauce throughout tomato, santol, batuan, alibang- it is the very mildly sour fish- Chateau 1771 Group first intro- contents, depending on what the the length and breadth of the ar- bang and labog leaves, etc. head soup cocido (nothing to do duced it to the public only in purse can afford, but also mainly chipelago. Even our national hero, Dr. with the Spanish cocido, a.k.a. 1995, and yet it has become a satisfying every Pinoy’s pen- Thus, wrote the late Doreen Jose Rizal, must have been sali- pucherohereabouts) made only popular addition to our sinigang chant for anything sour or Fernandez in Palayok, this vating (gut-wrenching, hair- with a few drops of kalamansi tradition. Again, is it any less au- maasim. formed our collective fondness pulling withdrawal) for that and tomato. thentic by introducing an im- When one takes a sip of the for a touch of sourness in dishes mouth-puckering sourness In the ported component to it? hot, sour broth, it will make you like kinilaw, paksiw, adobo and when he wrote the four chapters (Bohol, Cebu, , Why is Bulanglang Kapam- break into a sweat, a most wel- sinigang. Just imagine having in Noli Me Tangere where food and Siquijor) and the Eastern pangan (that’s sinigang sa come cooling effect in this warm chicharon, tapa, longganisa, was the central theme, consid- Visayas (, Leyte and Bili- bayabas to the Tagalogs) fa- climate of ours. Many a time one tuyô, danggít, without the mira- ering he finished the book in ran), a not-so-sour fish soup, vored by the Pampangos? 1892, after four years of living tola is also favored, basically the Going back some four centuries Europe. In the chapter “The same as cocido using just kala- or more, our native guava, com- Fishing Excursion”: “When the mansi and tomato. But in the monplace as it is nowadays, party reached the baklad or region (Aklan, originally came from the Ameri- bamboo fish pen, Tía Isabel or- Antique, , cas during the 250 years of the dered the boatman’s son to have Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo), the galleon trade when Spain ruled the panalok (bamboo rod with a batuan fruit is more commonly us through the viceroy of Mex- net basket) ready “so the live used. And mind you, nobody — ico. And so did atsuete, tsoko- fish can pass from the water to but nobody — calls it sinigang late, mani, avocado, camachile, the sinigang broth,” she said. anywhere in the Visayas. chico, atis, pinya, kasuy, Meanwhile, “Andeng, Maria So, going back to our mil- kamote, sayote, champorado, Clara’s childhood friend, who lion-peso question, which sini- tamales, etc. had a reputation of being an ex- gang, may I ask? The word And what if you happen to cellent cook, prepared the rice “authentic” always pops up in be in a foreign land? Does water (washing) for stewing the any food discussion, but what is using trout, bokchoy and sini- gang powder make it less au- In Chinese culture, the fish head is always a special treat reserved for the fish, adding to it some tomatoes “authentic” anyway? It is a very patriarch or honored guest, and we Filipinos must have inherited this practice and kamias.” gray area, especially in this day thentic? Cooking anywhere else from our Chinese forebears. What could be a more gustatory delight than sucking In this scene, Rizal not only and age of globalization. What in the world is making the most on the skull’s deep recesses for its rich, creamy brain, nibbling a fatty eyeball and revealed his knowledge of what used to be hard-to-get ingredi- of whatever is locally available, tender, soft flavorful cheeks (wish there was more), gelatinous tendons, and silky skin? Nothing can beat the luxury of this treat, coupled with comforting flavors went into the sinigang and how ents, as well as seasonal veg- and then adapting it to the of its salty-sour broth, dipped in fish sauce with mashed green chili. it is done, but also gave para- etables and fruits, are now taste/palate (panlasa) one grew mount importance to the fresh- available year-round. Did you up with. A cuisine is a work in advertise noW and see hoW ness of the fish. know that French beans (hari- progress; it is a living thing that the faCe of Business is Changing! Though asim or sourness cot vert), cherry tomatoes, ro- is constantly evolving. Whatever No matter how small your ad, may be the predominant taste in maine lettuce, the Japanese the case, sinigang will definitely it gets our readers attention! the Pinoy palate, the degree of yakon and daikon, and the Viet- keep its asim even a century CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ sour notes nevertheless varies namese dragon fruit are now hence. Isn’t more fun not knowing www.thefilipinochronicle.com from region to region. Most pro- commonplace in most super- what it will be like generations nounced is the Tagalog (Metro markets and even wet markets from now? (www.philstar.com) marcH 24, 2012 opEn FoRum News Edition 9 Germany’s Solar Failure is a Big Lesson for els are made. in renewable energy initiatives, Hawaii • Germany’s citizens now recently backed off of at least by panos prevedouros pay the second-highest one of them. price for electricity in the Google said it is dropping jorn Lomborg recently developed world. development of solar thermal exposed Germany’s • Denmark’s citizens now electricity because solar thermal Sunshine Daydream. pay the highest price for cannot keep pace with the rapid B It’s the same daydream electricity because they are price decline of another solar that Gov. Abercrombie, Public the “world wind-energy nuclear power plants. Hawaii with solar we need oil 60 per- technology— photovoltaics. Utilities Commission (PUC) champion.” has no such options so the out- cent to 70 percent of the time On November 29, 2011, I Chair Mina Morita and the local come will be brown outs and ex- on a clear sunny day. sent the article about Google’s “pseudo-greens” have put into Hawaii’s energy plan is fo- plosive KWh costs. A true For this reason, solar en- decision to PUC chair Morita, motion for Hawaii. cused on solar and wind, so we lose-lose plan is now in the ergy has a capacity factor of 25 the governor and State Legisla- Like Germany, the results clearly know what the energy works. percent. This means that a 100 ture. Apparently, unlike Google, will be pathetic and costs very supply and cost future will be for If you doubt me, just read MW solar photovoltaic plant is they do not care to spend high. Here are some highlights Hawaii. Hawaii residents pay this Pacific Business News arti- equivalent to a 25 MW oil or hy- money wisely. of Germany’s failed solar initia- the same rate as Germany now cle dated March 7, 2012: droelectric plant. A similar “ca- HECO is in a position of tive: and three times the U.S. aver- www.bizjournals.com/pacific/blo pacity factor” applies to wind. technological and cost-effec- • Despite the massive invest- age. If the current plan contin- g/morning_call/2012/03/kea- Solar thermal, like the Kea- tiveness indifference caused by ment of $130 billion, solar ues, Hawaii’s price for electricity hole-solar-power-heco- hole Solar Power that HECO mandates. It agreed to a power power accounts for only will be five times higher than sign.html and compare it with agreed to buy energy from and purchase at 33.5 cents per about 0.3 percent of Ger- that of the U.S. mainland. my June 27, 2011 assessment: that the PUC is likely to rubber KWh from hyper-expensive and many’s total energy. However, this may be the http://fixoahu.blogspot.com/201 stamp, is defunct technology under-performing Sopogy tech- • Germany is paying about least of Hawaii’s problems. 1/07/solar-power-plant-on- abandoned in Spain which once nology. $1,000 per ton of CO2 re- Since wind and solar are inter- oahu-does-not-pass.html. championed it. Note that’s 33.5 cents per duced. The current CO2 mittent, we will need to maintain If you think that Hawaii has KWh at the production site. It price in Europe is $8 per ton. archaic, oil burning generators. perfect, sunny conditions for googLe cAns soLAr en- will reach residences at over 50 • Defenders of Germany’s In contrast, Denmark imports solar, you’re wrong. Hawaii has ergy project cents per KWh, or five times the solar subsidies also claim electricity from the hydroelectric good conditions but it’s far from Even when you have all the U.S. mainland average. So the that they have helped to plants of Scandinavia when wind perfect due to frequent cloudi- money of Google, you should exorbitant pricing future I was create “green jobs”—yes dies down, while Germany im- ness. At best, we get 8 to 10 spend it wisely. The search en- talking about before is already but in China where the pan- ports electricity from France’s hours of solar power per day, so gine giant, which invests heavily here! 10 News Edition pHiLippinE nEWS marcH 24, 2012 New Bulacan, NLEX Interchange Opened by Dino BalaBO tire 24.61-kiolometers arterial road project Tuesday, March 20, 2012 is completed. BULACAN, Philippines — TRAvEL The Department of Public Works and TIME TO AND FROM EASTERN BU- Highways (DPWH) said the 6.87 kilometer LACAN AND CENTRAL LUzON Plaridel by-pass road is under the contract through the North Luzon Expressway package 1 of the Phase 1 of the project (NLEX) will dramatically reduce. funded by International Cooperation This as the Balagtas Interchange was Agency JICA). opened to vehicular traffic today leading to For his part, Metro Pacific Tollways the 6.87-kilometers Plaridel by-pass road Corporation President and Chief Executive that branch out of the northbound lane of Officer (CEO) Ramoncito Fernandez said the NLEX. the Plaridel Bypass road and the Balagtas The opening of the by-pass road is Interchange is a good manifestation of part of the 24.61 kilometers arterial road public-private partnership (PPP). project that will link NLEX and the old Ma- “In this PPP, the government provided harlika Highway. the road infrastructure while the Manila Public Works Secretary Rogelio North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) will Singson said the completion of the arterial operate and maintain it as the country’s toad project will greatly boost economic newest tollway,” he said. activity in eastern Bulacan and Central The MNTC installed the fixed and non- Luzon. fixed equipment necessary for an efficient He stressed that travel time will be tollway system. (www.philstar.com) greatly reduced, especially when the en- Chiz Asks Senate to Probe Mindanao Power Crisis WITH WIDESPREAD the other hand, says the short- POWER INTERRUPTIONS age of supply and the electric GRIPPING MINDANAO and cooperatives’ decision not to conflicting reports as to its main contract and purchase the nec- cause, Sen. Chiz Escudero has essary capacities within their re- introduced Senate Resolution spective areas were the primary 753 which asks the Senate’s causes of the power interrup- Committee on Energy to imme- Sen. Chiz Esudero tions. diately conduct an inquiry into the power Escudero says the DOE can consider deficit in Mindanao. opening up the market for competitive Residents have experienced rotating players to construct more power plants on brownouts lasting 1-2 hours daily. Many the island, with the government still main- fear prolonged power outages that may taining, if not controlling, at least influence last up to eight hours with the on-set of the over the market. summer season. “There is a dormant asset lying in the A member of the Joint Congressional electric cooperatives nationwide which has Power Commission (JCPC), Escudero an asset base of 130 billion pesos at any says the present power problem in Min- given time. The Agus-Pulangi hydro power danao is “a matter of significant concern plants, which supply half of Mindanao’s because its impact may impair the eco- power demand, need to be rehabilitated for nomic soundness and competitiveness of at least 3 billion pesos so it can generate Mindanao as an investment hub.” additional capacity,” Escudero says. “Immediate intervention must be given “The government can tap the electric to this persisting problem given the already cooperatives to rehabilitate the said volatile peace problem in Mindanao,” he plants. In return, the government can sell says. “The only way to avert and finally them power at a low cost competitive for solve the peace problem is by improving the cooperatives to earn and get their re- the state of development of the people and turn of Investment.” their livelihoods. This cannot happen if fu- Escudero also says the government, ture investors and current businesses pull through an executive order, can make an out from Mindanao because of unstable inventory of all privately-owned generator power supply.” sets through mandatory registration. The Officials with the National Grid Corpo- combined power generated from all the ration of the Philippines (NGCP), which private generator sets can supply an entire has been blamed for the daily outages, say city. power supply in Mindanao was acutely “As an example, in Philippine Export short due to “lack of power supply gener- Zone Authorities (PEZA) sites all over the ated by plants.” country, power pooled from all their gen- Mindanao Development Authority eration sets can provide 278 megawatts in (MinDA) chairman has capacity. If we can convince them to use it accused the NGCP of creating an artificial in times of need, it’s like creating a 278- shortage in its bid to have the Angus-Pu- megawatt plant. Compensation and in- langi Power Plant privatized. centives should be given to them of The Department of Energy (DOE), on course,” the senator says. 11 marcH 24, 2012 pHiLippinE nEWS News Edition

tances entering the country is al- unAFFected 'Noynoying' Enters Wikipedia ways applauded? If the stronger Meanwhile, Malacañang purchasing power of OFW fami- said yesterday President Aquino by rhodina VillanUeVa lies is a positive factor in the would just continue his work de- Thursday, March 22, 2012 economy then should not the spite all the criticism. MANILA, Philippines - THE same thing hold for more money Presidential spokesman TERM “NOYNOYING”– in the hands of workers which said the most COINED BY MILITANTS to we will use to buy the necessi- important thing was that the gov- refer to President Aquino’s al- ties of life?” he added. ernment could carry out reforms leged inaction on the country’s He said that a “wage hike that would benefit the country’s pressing social issues – has will be good for the workers and economy and the poor. “Other caught worldwide attention. will also be beneficial to the countries would see our eco- “Noynoying” is now in online the things to be done by con- of political unrest. The intransi- economy because it will spur the nomic indicators and that’s the encyclopedia Wikipedia, which centrating on other matters. It gence of Malacañang is beyond production of more goods and reason why you see a lot of for- describes the word as an Inter- was created as a reaction to belief. It’s like Gloria Macapagal- provision of more services.” eign investors coming in,” he net meme or concept that de- what the public perceive as the Arroyo all over again,” said However, Vice President Je- said. fines an effortless pose or President’s inaction with regard Reyes. jomar Binay took up the cudgels According to Lacierda, the activity consisting of sitting or to major issues affecting the “First Aquino opposes any for the President, saying even President was not affected by standing around, in an uncon- country.” move to lower or suspend the the least of officials like the criticisms and did not take those cerned manner. But Wikipedia said the entry VAT and repeal the oil deregula- barangay chairman is also work- comments personally, knowing “It is also recognized as had been nominated for deletion tion law. Now he flatly opposes ing. that being in public office could doing nothing when in fact you and to be checked for its neu- the P125 wage hike in Con- “Put an end to this,” Binay entail harsh criticisms from de- have something to do. The word trality. gress. The callousness of this said, referring to the derogatory tractors. is derived from President The umbrella group Bagong government will be its own un- term. “The best evidence is that Aquino’s nickname, Noynoy, and Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) doing,” he added. “Spare the President. Can the President is answering you the suffix -ing, to describe the act has been accusing the govern- Not contented, militant you imagine if the President is straight and that’s his . He of being Noynoy. It is a parody of ment of Noynoying” on the issue workers yesterday coined a new not doing anything? The Presi- doesn’t take things personally,” his work ethic as President of the of oil price hike. term to spite the President for dent is working more than any- he said, adding that “free speech Philippines,” according to As transport fares and oil Malacañang’s rejection of the one else in the country.” is enshrined in the Constitution Wikipedia. prices go up, President Aquino legislated wage increase, saying and that is something we will Noynoying was introduced still has no substantial response there is a disconnect between pALAce: p-noy honor.” (www.philstar.com) on March 15, 2012 by youth pro- to the people’s demand for relief. his “words and deeds.” testers in support of the transport He still thinks the economy is “Just last Friday night, P- caravan, led by the transport doing good and that his presi- Noy declared in front of employ- group Piston. “Noynoying was dency has performed above par. ers that workers’ welfare is described as an effortless pose, The insensitivity and inaction is paramount but now his adminis- an obvious jab at President appalling. Noynoying at its tration has thumbed down the Aquino, which borrowed his worst,” said Bayan secretary- wage hike proposal with the nickname, Noynoy, who is being general Renato Reyes. usual capitalist blackmail. P-Noy criticized for having done nothing The group questioned if is a Noy-ngaling,” noted Partido to cushion the impact of, or pre- government is waiting for a “na- ng Manggagawa (PM) chair Re- vent the spike in, crude oil prices tional emergency” before ad- nato Magtubo. and tuition fees,” the online site dressing the issue of high oil Noy-ngaling apparently said. prices. comes from word “sinungaling” Wikipedia said, “Noynoying “The government continues or liar. is synonymous to being lazy, in- to ignore calls for the lowering of According to Magtubo, decisiveness or just neglecting oil prices, even despite warnings Malacañang’s claim that the P125 across-the-board wage Aquino to Go to UK hike would only lead to layoffs of workers was unfounded. for 'Substantial “Such horror stories are just black propaganda and black- Investment' in Energy mail. Why should we be afraid of additional money circulating in Sector the economy due to a wage hike when billions of dollars in remit- from wwww.philstar.com Tuesday, March 20, 2012 MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III WILL vISIT the United Kingdom in either May or June to negotiate for a "sub- stantial investment" in the en- ergy sector. Aquino bared his foreign The President's first foreign trips for the year which include trip this year is to Cambodia, a state visit to the US and a where he will attend the Associ- swing of European countries in ation of Southeast Asian Na- October. If his schedule allows tions (ASEAN) meeting in April. him, Aquino will attend the can- He will return to that country in onization ceremonies of Fil- November for the ASEAN Sum- ipino saint Pedro Calungsod in mit and Related Summits in No- Rome. vember. 12 News Edition pHiLippinE nEWS marcH 24, 2012 Witnesses in GMA Case Down BIR quotes Bible to from 42 to 12 The bail hearings would re- Pacman: Give to by perseus ecHiminaDa tificate of Canvass (COC), elec- sume today and the Comelec is sar what is Caesar’s and to God Thursday, March 22, 2012 tion-related directives, and re- expected to submit more docu- Caesar... what is God’s’,” Lozares said in MANILA, Philippines - COM- ports in connection with the May ments to be marked and also from www.philstar.com Filipino. MISSION ON ELECTIONS 2007 midterm elections in present witnesses to verify the Thursday, March 22, 2012 BIR chief Kim Henares ear- (COMELEC) PROSECU- Maguindanao. documents. MANILA, Philippines - “GIvE lier confirmed over dzMM radio TORS HAvE AGREED in She said that they would “We will be presenting sur- TO CAESAR WHAT IS CAE- that Pacquiao’s tax payments in- principle to limit presentation of pursue the theory of conspiracy prise witnesses to prove our SAR’S, and to God what is deed fell sharply. evidence and witnesses in the among the accused Arroyo, case,” Valesa said. God’s.” However, the eight-division electoral sabotage case against Bedol and former Maguindanao Valesa said the Comelec This verse from the Bible – champion explained that he had former President now Pam- Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. has clarified that only the COC the book of Mathew in the New already paid his taxes in the US panga Rep. Gloria Arroyo and “We will present witnesses from Maguindanao and not the Testament – was read by Bu- with regard to his fight in that former Maguindanao election of- to collaborate documentary evi- election returns was submitted reau of Internal Revenue (BIR) country. ficer Lintang Bedol. dence,” she said. to the court. director for Region 8 Rozil “If my income has been Prosecutor Juana Maria Defense lawyer Benjamin She said the municipal elec- Lozares to boxing champion taxed in the US, it is not neces- Valesa said that they would trim Santos welcomed the trimming tion returns of Maguindanao Manny Pacquiao after filing sary that I pay taxes here,” he down their witnesses from 42 to down of witnesses and presen- were missing and were not sub- charges against him for failure to told ABS-CBNnews.com in Fil- 12 or less to speed up bail hear- tation of documents in the bail mitted to the Comelec by Bedol. submit his tax records. ipino. ings before Judge Jesus Mupas hearings to prove that there is a The COC that was can- A report by ABS-CBN- “ Only the money that I earn of Pasay Regional Trial Court strong case against Arroyo. vassed by Bedol showed that news.com said the BIR has in the Philippines, that’s what (RTC) Branch 112. “The bail hearings would Luis Singson was the leading noted that the boxer’s huge tax they can tax,” he said. Valesa said they have al- only determine if there is strong senatorial candidate in Maguin- payments dropped from over “I told them, if they tax me in ready submitted more than 100 evidence against the former danao in the 2007 elections. P100 million in 2008 to only P7 America and they tax me here, documents that include the Cer- president,” he said. (www.philstar.com) million in 2009. that’s double taxation. We have But Pacquiao, recently ap- a law on double taxation,” he Unregulated Use of Cyanide in pointed by the added. as Bible ambassador to promote But Lozares told the pound- Balabag Mines Revealed the “Words of God,” insisted that for-pound champion to submit he had already fulfilled his tax his tax records, and the BIR by Jun pasaylO small-scale mining operations. obligations. would give him tax credits. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Since its creation in Decem- “The Pharisee asked Jesus “What will happen is tax ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philip- ber 2011, the task force has filed if he should pay taxes to Cae- credit – we will deduct whatever pines – THE SMALL-SCALE 14 cases against various small- sar. Jesus took a coin and he has paid. But he has not yet MINING OPERATIONS IN scale mining operations in Bal- asked the Pharisee whose face submitted proof that he had re- BALABAG vILLAGE in the abag including those that were was on it. He replied, ‘Caesar’s’. ally paid his taxes,” Lozares hinterlands of Bayog town here allegedly own by several town Then Jesus said ‘Give to Cae- countered. revealed a disturbing reality – officials of Bayog. the local miners employed un- The tailings dam of small-scale miners gal miners attempted to sneak Guinoman, an area below the regulated use of cyanide in ex- in the gold-rich area of Balabag MinerAL thieF out from Balabag mine site; the Balabag mine site, said there village in Zamboanga del Sur tracting minerals from the Paul Vincent Arias, security “pregnant carbon” worth over P7 were already countless incidents gold-rich mountain. the necessary permits from the manager of the Balabag Cop- million. where their farm animals die This after the Inter-Agency environment department, appre- per-Gold Exploration Project of The latest addition to the re- while drinking waters in the river. Task Force, created to haunt hended hundreds of kilos of TVI Resource Development covered items from illegal min- "We believe that the con- those miners who work without cyanide from the workers of (Philippines), said that among ers were the 75 sacks of illegally taminated waters of the river kill the cases filed against the sus- extracted limestone and 28 bags them. We know that something pects included thief of minerals of illegally extracted coal – all is wrong since no fish could ever and transport of illegal mining were seized at the task force be found in our rivers today," he equipments and chemicals. checkpoint last Sunday. added. "We already file several The driver, identified as Ro- The 47-year-old village offi- cases against those individuals mulo Elona Jate, admitted that cial also condemned the small- that attempt to transport illegal the cargoes were owned by scale mining operations that were chemicals and minerals," he Jerry Munding and Boberto owned by Bayog local officials, said in an interview at the intera- Lopez, local official and promi- saying, "It’s not their concern gency checkpoint in Balabag. nent individual from Bayog town. whether the people and the envi- "We also intercept cyanide Cyanide contamination ronment would be destroyed as that the small-scale miners want On top of the lack of proper long as they will have money." to sneak to the mine site," he protective gears for their mine Zamora, who erstwhile added. workers, the unregulated mining owned a small-scale plant in the The task force was a com- activities of small-scale opera- area, expressed fear on the ef- posed of representatives from tions have taken its toll in the en- fect of the improper waste dis- the Philippine National Police, vironment. posal to the environment and its Armed Forces of the Philippines, With the improper tailings people as well. local government units, and the dam for water treatment, small- "I stop my own plant be- Department of Environment and scale miners simply dispose cause how can I be a good Natural Resources (DENR), their cyanide-contaminated leader in the community when I among others. wastewater to the arterial rivers own an illegal business that de- It also intercepted hundreds near the mine site. stroys not only the environment of kilos of carbon granules rich Former village chief Bien- but the life of the people as well," with gold and silver that the ille- venido Zamora of Barangay he added. (www.philstar.com) 13 marcH 24, 2012 LEgaL noTES News Edition Long Delays and High Denial Rates nothing short of a miracle, but Belie Immigration Report miracles do happen: in the 108th Congress, three private grant or offer a path to permanent a class that is a high enforce- quested before or at the master bills were passed. residence. If the respondent alien ment priority. calendar hearing, after the indi- The rules of both houses is not eligible for these forms of A grant of deferred action vidual hearing, or at the conclu- require the alien to establish relief, he should certainly consider means that the government sion of the proceedings. particularly compelling circum- other options before he loses all would not take steps to remove If the alien has a matter stances and hardship. Even the by reuben s. hope and gives up. the alien from the United pending with the USCIS, typi- mere sponsorship of a bill by a Deferred action is one of the States. He becomes eligible for cally an I-130, I-140 or I-360 pe- member of Congress already seGUritan remedies available to an alien employment authorization in the tition, the judge may order an gives the alien relief. This is ecause of the visa back- under deportation which is meantime. However, deferred administrative closure of the re- what happened to one of our log, it is common for a granted for humanitarian reasons. action is only a temporary stay moval proceedings. This is to clients years ago. The pen- B lawful permanent resident It is a form of relief granted not by of removal and does not confer allow the USCIS to adjudicate dency of the private bill enabled (LPR) parent, usually after living the judge but in the exercise of any positive immigration status. the petition since the judge him to remain in the U.S. until in the U.S. for five years, to be- prosecutorial discretion by the Another type of relief that does not have jurisdiction over he obtained his employment- come a naturalized citizen while district director with the approval may be available is voluntary it. If the petition is approved by based green card. a child waits for a visa on the of the regional commissioner. departure. This allows an alien USCIS, the alien may apply for Deferred enforced depar- basis of an approved second The alien must demonstrate who would otherwise be de- permanent resident status be- ture (DED) is a relief given to preference petition. that his removal is not a priority ported to leave the U.S. at his fore the immigration judge. nationals of certain countries as Being placed under removal of the government. Some of the own expense but within the time A little-known type of relief, determined by the President in proceedings is probably one of factors to be considered include period ordered by the judge, perhaps because it is rarely re- his power to conduct foreign re- the hardest things that any immi- the likelihood of ultimately re- which can be as long as 120 sorted to, is the private bill. It in- lations. If an alien is covered grant might have to experience in moving the alien; the presence days if requested at the begin- volves convincing a U.S. and is eligible for a DED, his re- the United States. However, even of sympathetic factors; likelihood ning of the proceedings. Senator or Representative to moval is temporarily stayed and at this stage several types of re- of a large amount of adverse An alien who is ordered re- sponsor a bill providing one with he may get employment author- lief are available to prevent an in- publicity because of those sym- moved may be barred from permanent residence, and ization and advance parole. dividual’s deportation. pathetic factors; the alien’s con- reentering the U.S. for at least thereafter to have that bill REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been prac- tinued presence is desired by several years, but one who vol- passed in both houses of Con- Some remedies, for exam- ticing law for over 30 years. For further in- ple, adjustment of status, cancel- law enforcement for an ongoing untarily departs is not subject to gress and then signed by the formation, you may call him at (212) 695 lation of removal, or asylum and investigation or review; and the penalties of removal. Volun- President. As one can imagine, 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguri- withholding of removal, either whether the alien is a member of tary departure may be re- getting a private bill passed is tan.com pHiLippinE nEWS The new policies are set to will definitely help in achieving Visa Reforms Seen to Boost Tourism simplify entry requirement pro- our target of 10 million foreign from www.philstar.com 166 countries/territories from 21 Shengen, Singapore, or United cedures and processes and al- visitors by 2016," said Jimenez. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day Kingdom visa. lowing tourists more time in the Thailand, Singapore, and MANILA, Philippines - THE visa-free stay to Chinese nation- The new policies were Philippines. Malaysia allow entry of nationals GOvERNMENT IS SET TO als traveling to the Philippines as agreed upon in a recent meeting "We need to address the of most countries without a visa IMPLEMENT a number of visa part of a tour group handled by a between Tourism Secretary perception abroad that it is diffi- for stays of up to 30 days. reforms intended to boost the Department of Tourism-accred- Ramon Jimenez, Foreign Affairs cult to enter the Philippines. with Tourists entering Cambodia are competitiveness of the Philip- ited Philippine tour operator and Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, these visa reforms, we will be at issued visas upon arrival valid pines as a tourism destination. a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian Justice Secretary Leila M. De par with the entry policies of our for one month, except for na- The new visa policies include nationals who have a valid Amer- Lima, and BI Commissioner Ri- neighbors in the region and, for tionals of ASEAN countries who additional visa-freee privilege for ican, Japan, , Canadian, cardo A. David Jr. some markets, more liberal. This are allowed to enter visa-free.

entry procedures. More impor- Visitor Arrivals Hit Record High in January tantly, everybody’s support is by Jovan cerDa 173.8 percent from 15,656 ar- stitutional programs will be gence projects with other gov- critical in creating the fun and Thursday, March 22, 2012 rivals last year. The increase in complemented by those from ernment agencies will seek to competitive image that we are MANILA, Philippines - vISI- Chinese tourists is owing to the the private sector and the local address impediments to selling to the world,” said TOR ARRIvALS HIT A heavy influx of visitors for the government units. Meanwhile, tourism growth particularly on Tourism Secretary Ramon RECORD-BREAkING Chinese New Year, which fell on policy reforms and conver- accessibility, connectivity and Jimenez. (www.philstar.com) 411,064 in January this year, a the third week of January, the 17.5 percent gain from the DOT said. same month last year, the De- Meanwhile, the Japanese partment of Tourism (DOT) said and the Taiwanese were the Thursday. fourth and fifth top visitors, with Koreans remained the 32,089 and 21,995 arrivals, re- Philippines' top visitors at spectively. 102,166, which accounted for DOT said Filipinos perma- 24.9 percent of the total visitor nently residing abroad, con- volume. tributed 15,531 arrivals, Visitors from the United representing a 3.8 percent States came second with share to the total volume. 63,160 arrivals or 15.4 percent “We are excited to meet of the total figures. our year-end target of 4.6-mil- The Chinese accounted for lion arrivals with the full roll-out the third biggest volume with of the ‘It’s More Fun in the 42,868 arrivals, jumping by Philippines’ campaign. Our in- 14 News Edition mainLand nEWS marcH 24, 2012 Fil-Am Wins America’s ‘Top Chef’ Competition FILIPINO-AMERICAN CHEF body I met throughout this jour- under pressure over several Cohen and Eugene Villatora PAUL QUI EMERGED as the ney,” says Qui. “Seeing my dad seasons of the Bravo and Food from “Top Chef” season 5 (New champion of “Top Chef: Texas,” cry makes me say that he is re- Network reality show aired over York); and Josie Smith-Malave season 9 of the reality show. ally proud of me. It has been a Solar cable channels in Manila. from “Top Chef” season 2 (Los Qui, the executive chef of while since I saw him be proud Sally Camacho of Los Angeles Angeles). Uchiko Restaurant in Austin, of me like that.” placed runner-up to Chris Han- Qui is scheduled to return Texas, defeated Sarah Gruen- However, his workload will mer of Las Vegas in 2011’s sec- for a reunion episode in the berg of Chicago following a remain the same for the new Chef Paul Qui ond season of “Top Chef: Just biggest season yet for “Top kitchen square-off at Black & celebrity chef. “rocked a clam dashi broth and Desserts.” Chef.” A total of 29 hopefuls Blue restaurant in Vancouver, “I’d still be cooking and coconut ice cream with Thai U.S.-based Filipinos previ- made it at the start of the com- British Columbia. doing what I do best,” says Qui, chili foam,” according to OK! ously featured in the TV fran- petition. In the U.S., the show “I am top chef. I am ex- 31, and the winner of the News. chise include Dale Talde from clocks in an average of more tremely happy to see my mom $125,000 grand prize. Other Fil-Ams have tried to “Top Chef All-Stars” season 8 than one to two million viewers and dad being there and every- During the finale, Qui win the title exhibiting grace and “Top Chef” season 4; Leah per season. (Good News Pilipinas) Court Weighs US Power Over States in Health Case WASHINGTON (AP) — CON- No lower court has sided program that creates conditions hospitals. GOP presidential would jeopardize billions in fed- GRESS WILL HELP PAY with the state plaintiffs. But the for the receipt of funds." candidate Mitt Romney's ex- eral funds. FOR YOUR ROADS, but justices have reserved time Medicaid, the federal-state pansion of health insurance The federal government did your state can't lower its drink- next yesterday to hear the Med- insurance program for low-in- when he was governor of Mas- enact provisions to make the ing age below 21. There's fed- icaid issue as part of their broad come people, is a case study on sachusetts depended heavily expansion less costly. Under eral money for colleges, but review of challenges to the the growing federal role in on getting the federal govern- the overhaul law, Washington they can't discriminate against health care overhaul. And their health care. Created in 1965 ment's blessing to tap Medicaid will pick up the entire tab for women in the classroom or on decision could have implica- mainly to serve in the funds. newly eligible enrollees the first the athletic field. tions far beyond health — for old cash welfare program, it Overall, the federal govern- three years. Eventually the fed- Federal cash comes with federal aid for housing, law en- now covers more people than ment pays about 60 percent of eral share will drop to 90 per- strings. Now 26 states are forcement, education and trans- Medicare as a result of expan- Medicaid costs, and states cent, still far more than telling the Supreme Court that portation. sions usually initiated from cover the rest. But the pro- Washington contributes for the President Barack Obama's "It was such a surprise that Washington. gram's scope and reach have rest of Medicaid. health care law has stretched the court decided to hear this," The more than 60 million turned it into one of the top state That's no comfort, said an old rule too far. The new said Ron Pollack, executive di- Medicaid beneficiaries include budget items, and the fact that Smith, because the law has law's requirements for expand- rector of Families USA, a liberal one in four children, severely Medicaid rolls swell when the many hidden costs, including a ing Medicaid amount, in their advocacy group backing the disabled people, many nursing economy tanks makes it espe- so-called "woodwork effect" that view, to coercion that violates law. If the plaintiffs prevail "it home residents and low-income cially tricky to handle for states Washington was aware of but the US Constitution's division of would not only invalidate the pregnant women. Trauma hos- required by their own constitu- did not address. power between the national Medicaid expansion but place pitals rely on Medicaid for criti- tions to balance the books. It works like this: Many peo- government and the states. in jeopardy almost any federal cal funding, as do children's As if Medicaid weren't com- ple already eligible for Medicaid plicated already, along came under previous laws don't apply, Obama's health care overhaul. partly because of the stigma as- About half of the more than 30 sociated with a low-income pro- million people expected to gain gram. But Obama's law health coverage as a result of requires most Americans to the overhaul will do so through carry health insurance, so Medicaid, most of them child- states are expecting many of less adults. Starting in 2014, the those already eligible to sign up law effectively opens the pro- for the first time. And there will gram to anyone making up to be no enhanced federal match- 138 percent of the federal ing funds to help with those. poverty level, or about $15,400 "There is a line somewhere for an individual. — undefined by the courts — About half the states are but there is a line somewhere," saying: Enough is enough. said Smith. "If this isn't coer- "Medicaid is no longer a cion, what in the world is?" partnership," said Wisconsin Yet Smith's counterpart in health secretary Dennis G. Massachusetts, health secre- Smith, who ran the program na- tary JudyAnn Bigby, doesn't call tionwide for former President it coercion but "a relief in many George W. Bush. "When Wash- ways." ington says 'You shall do this' or "I don't see it as a burden at your entire Medicaid program is all," said Bigby, a primary care at risk ... that is flat-out coer- doctor before going into gov- cion." ernment service. "I see it as a The new health care law tremendous opportunity. We uses "blunt force," said Smith, know we have poor people who who was appointed by GOP are currently unable to afford Gov. Scott Walker. States are private health insurance." forced to carry out the expan- Bigby, appointed by Demo- sion if they want to continue to cratic Gov. Deval Patrick, says participate in Medicaid. Refusal (continued on page 15) MaRCH 24, 2012 News Edition 15 COmmuNITy CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS BuSINESS DIRECTORy

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Joe Heck Heck also cited the re- War II veterans have been denied by however, had proof of US cent passing of 88-year old the United States government. military service from the Philippine Filipino veteran Augusto Oppus whose In particular, the Disability Assis- government. military service to the US was left un- tance and Memorial Affairs subcom- “That’s what I want to get to the compensated and unrecognized. mittee will “look into methods used by bottom of. If there is an individual who Oppus was one of five Filipino the VA (Department of Veterans Af- already has papers showing proof of World War II veterans who are resi- fairs) to verify claims submitted by Fil- service to the military, why are they dents of Nevada, the third congres- ipino veterans under FVEC (Filipino denied compensation,” Heck told sional district of which is represented Veterans Equity Compensation Asian Journal in a telephone interview. by Heck. Compensation claims of Fund),” Jeff Miller, House Veterans Af- In his letter to Miller, who is repre- these six former soldiers have been fairs committee chair said in a Feb. sentative of Florida’s first district, Heck denied by the VA. 17th letter to US Rep. Joe Heck. expressed concern over veterans’ “le- Also living in Nevada is the oldest The probe was ordered in re- gitimate claims that may have been living Filipino veteran in the US, Silve- sponse to Heck’s Feb. 8th request for unjustly denied” due to inaccurate mil- rio Cuaresma who will celebrate his the House Veterans Affairs committee itary service records. 100th birthday in June. to urgently look into the denial of as “The incomplete nature of Coincidentally, Heck is expecting many as 24,000 claims of Filipino vet- NPRC’s service records is well-docu- results of the congressional probe that erans as well as the administration of mented,” Heck said in his letter. month. “We are hoping for a preliminary the FVEC. He mentioned a 1973 fire that de- report by June,” he said in the interview. ADVERTISE NOW ! The FVEC is a $198-million fund stroyed official military files, including a In the meantime, the Nevada con- No matter how small your ad, large amount of the US Department of gressman said he is throwing his sup- authorized by President Obama in it gets our readers attention! 2008 for distribution as one-time lump the Army’s records of veterans dis- port to House Resolution 210. The bill CALL 678-8930 OR sum payments of $15,000 each to Fil- charged from 1912 to 1960. This his- known as the Filipino Veterans Fair- ipino World War II veterans who are torical data can be found in the ness Act of 2011, by US Rep. Jackie GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ US citizens and US residents. Veter- NPRC’s own website. Spier, directs the VA “to take into ac- www.thefilipinochronicle.com ans living in the Philippines were allot- “With such a well-documented count any relevant service documen- ted $9,000 each. data deficiency, it’s reasonable to as- tation, including documentation other The VA had turned down 24,000 sume that deserving Filipino veterans than the Missouri List or the list of all claims because solders’ names were were denied their benefits,” Heck said discharged and deceased veterans not on the National Personnel in his letter. from the 20th century.” (AJPress Las Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, In the Asian Journal interview, Vegas)

(cont. from page 14; COURT ... ) Reflecting divisions nationally, Fla., in the first decision on the main part of the expansion costs will be off- most of the state officials suing to case now before the Supreme Court. set with savings from accounts used overturn the law are Republicans. Nonetheless, Vinson said he ap- to reimburse hospitals caring for the The defenders are Democrats. preciated the predicament of the uninsured. Even with Romney's health The lower court judge who went plaintiffs. "At the time the Constitution insurance overhaul, some Massachu- the furthest on the broad overhaul, was drafted and ratified, the founders setts residents lack coverage. ruling that the whole law should be did not expect that the federal gov- As for the feds telling the states struck down, nonetheless said he ernment would be able to provide siz- what to do, Bigby says it's nothing found the challenge to the Medicaid able funding to the states and ... exert new. "States have always been obli- expansion legally unpersuasive. power over the states to the extent gated to follow federal rules and reg- "There is simply no support for that it currently does," Vinson wrote. ulations in order to participate in the state plaintiffs' coercion argument He suggested the Supreme Medicaid," she said. "I don't see this in existing case law," wrote US District Court may want to revisit the issue. as any different, quite frankly." Judge Roger Vinson of Pensacola, (www.philstar.com) 16 News Edition marcH 24, 2012