JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 1
♦ FEBRUARY♦ JUNE 1, 19, 2013 2011 ♦ ♦
NEWS FEATURE LEGAL NOTES PHILIPPINE NEWS PhiliPPine State Senate Bill woUld U.S. iSSUeS UniverSity PreSidentS Clear emPloyment terroriSt viSit hawaii viSa BaCklog kidnaP alert
PRESORTED HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle JUne 1, 2013 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor f you’re like most young people, Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Public Acceptance for you may be wondering what to do Publisher & Managing Editor now that summer’s in full force. Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Interracial Marriages Rather than waste your time dur- ing the next few months, we sug- Associate Editors t’s hard to believe that a little less than 50 years Dennis Galolo I gest that you start brainstorming ago, interracial marriages were illegal across Edwin Quinabo a list of fun activities to do. You can start a much of the U.S. In fact, for much of the history Creative Designer of our beloved nation, from 1662 to 1967, mar- new hobby, take up a new sport, get a sum- Junggoi Peralta mer job, volunteer for a charitable or non-profit group, write a riages involving two people from different eth- Design Consultant I nicities were basically prohibited until the novel, learn a new language…the possibilities are endless! What- Randall Shiroma landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia struck ever you decide to do this summer, make sure to get out there and have a blast! Photography down state laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Tim Llena Speaking of summer, these next few months are a perfect time Fast-forward, if you would, to the second decade of the 21st Administrative Assistant Century, where tremendous progress has been made. The rate of for singles to kindle a new romance. What better place than in Shalimar Pagulayan cosmopolitan Hawaii, where the many ethnicities have resulted in marriage across racial and ethnic lines in the U.S. is on the rise, Columnists as is public acceptance of such unions. In 2010, about 15 per- a beautiful blend? For this issue’s cover story, contributing writer Carlota Hufana Ader cent of all newlyweds were from different races or ethnicities, Fiedes Doctor enlightens us on the growing numbers of newly- Sen. Will Espero compared to the 1980 level of 6.7 percent. Interracial dating wed couples nationwide (Filipinos included) who are from dif- Grace F. Fong, Ed.D ferent ethnic backgrounds. While it’s easy for opposites to attract, Emil Guillermo services online have certainly helped, offering those looking for Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. love an opportunity to find preferred matches. staying committed for the long term is usually the problem, given Ron Menor Not surprisingly, Hawaii—which is known for a diverse the many differences an interracial couple brings to the relation- J.P. Orias ship. Please turn to page 4 and read more on this rather interest- Pacita Saludes population and melting pot attitude, led the way for most inter- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. marriages with 42.4 percent. The next highest percentages of ing trend and how interracial couples manage to fall for and Charlie Sonido, M.D. interracial marriages were in Oklahoma, Nevada and New Mex- remain madly in love with each other. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. ico, with 26.3 percent, 25.6 percent and 25.4 percent respec- In other news, University of Hawaii-Manoa officials recently Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. tively. For Hawaii, interracial couples are so common that it’s hosted a delegation of presidents from various universities in the something locals almost don’t notice anymore. However, peo- Philippines who were in town to observe the intricacies of a U.S.- Contributing Writers ple from older generations like our grandparents or new immi- based educational system (see page 6). The distinguished guests Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. grants have been known to frown upon interracial marriage, so toured the various campuses in the UH system and were given a Clement Bautista warm aloha at a welcome reception hosted by the Philippine Con- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D everything isn’t always “hunky-dory” in the land of aloha. Jorge Camara, M.D. Nevertheless, we join a growing number of Americans who sulate General of Honolulu and well-wishers from Hawaii’s Fil- Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. believe more intermarriages is a change for the better. As we inch ipino community. Mahalo to all of those who had a hand in Linda Dela Cruz making these special visitors feel welcomed and appreciated. Fiedes Doctor towards greater equality and access for all, we should always re- Danny De Gracia, II, MA mind ourselves that a glance at the past and where we were is al- Lastly, if you’re looking for fun things to do with the little Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand most always a story about the present and where we can go. In ones, why not take them to an upcoming musical production of Amelia Jacang, M.D. “Robin Hood” by the Children’s Theatre of Oahu? It’s not only Caroline Julian fact, we should be looking forward to the day when news reports Maita Milallos about interracial marriages are no longer newsworthy. One day entertaining for the entire family but also a great way to support Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. hopefully soon we will be referring to married partners not as an the local arts in Hawaii. Tickets are $7 each and free for keiki two Glenn Wakai ‘interracial couple,’ but an ‘American couple.’ years and younger. If you’re interested, please turn to page 11 for Amado Yoro more details. Philippine Correspondent Greg Garcia In closing, the Chronicle sends its sincerest mahalo to our readers and advertisers for their faithful support. It is truly a bless- Big Island Distributor Kudos to Living Well Grace Larson ing to have them as partners as we continue our mission to serve Ditas Udani Hawaii’s vibrant and dynamic Filipino community. As always, Hawaii Project Maui Distributor we encourage you to share any story ideas, suggestions or con- Cecile Piros cerns you may have by sending an email to: filipinochroni- he recent opening of the Living Well Hawaii Proj- Molokai Distributor [email protected]. Until next time… aloha and mabuhay! Maria Watanabe ect at the new Kalihi-Palama Community Mental Health Center is welcomed news for the state’s Advertising/Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido healthcare advocates. A first-of-its kind project, Account Executives Living Well Hawaii combines medical care with and culturally informed array of health services delivered in a Carlota Hufana Ader T J.P. Orias mental health services under one roof for adults liv- manner that’s consistent with patient-centered medical home ing with serious mental illness and chronic disease. The pro- standards and expectations. The project is expected serve up to The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published ject’s goal is to improve the physical health status of people weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. 250 patients who qualify because of their chronic conditions It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- with mental illness and chronic, co-morbid medical conditions depending upon enrollment. tributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- like diabetes, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease by fully in- Living Well Hawaii is a good example of how integration ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- tegrating physical and mental health services. The result is more of health services can be done cost-effectively when dedicated lication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- effective, patient-centered, integrated services that support and determined individuals, organizations including state gov- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country health equity. $90. Copyright 2006-2012. The Hawaii Fil- ernment, health care providers, consumers and advocates work ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Prior to its opening, individuals had to go to separate loca- together for the common good. The project took two years to Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- tions and different doctors for their physical and mental health plan and implement. It was developed with less than $20,000— 1829. E-mail [email protected]. needs. Integration between these health care services did not half of which was spent to convert a room at the Kalihi-Palama Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and occur. Under the Living Well Project, individuals will receive Community Mental Health Center into a fully equipped med- contributors do not necessarily reflect those integrated services from a team of doctors, psychiatrists, case of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- ical examination room. ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole managers and other health professionals who will meet and talk Kudos especially to the Kalihi-Palama Health Center and or in part is prohibited without written per- mission from the management. All rights re- with each other and the client to determine the best combination the State Department of Health for supporting the project and served. Printed in the U.S.A. of services. providing expert staffing, medical supplies and resources. www.thefilipinochronicle.com Adults with severe mental illness who participate in the Liv- Their generosity will mean a better quality of life and improved www.efilipinochronicle.com MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional ing Well Hawaii project will have access to a comprehensive health for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. JournaliStS JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 3 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Mazie Leads on Family Reunification in Capitol Visitor Center for a use this to define the rest of Immigration Reform birthday party for King Kame- her political career. more petitions just because of So who is the senator hameha. Another resolution It’s that important for her, blood. You won’t be able to championing family unifica- commemorates the canoniza- because it’s that important for By Emil Guillermo bring them over. Not unless tion? tion of Father Damien to saint- all of us. they have some value to the Who’s out front to put hood, while a third recognizes he retirement of country, which is to say, they those provisions back in this the contributions of a Hawaii- emil gUillermo is an award- Sen. Daniel provide work or skill or make surly compromise? born former sumo wrestler. winning journalist and commentator who has written on Filipino and Asian- Akaka and the money for some corporate Mazie Hirono. There are also several bills American issues for many years. For death of Sen. concern that’s been able to Hirono has filed nearly a asking for studies of sections two years, he served on the editorial Dan Inouye left lobby for more visas. Family? dozen amendments that would of Hawaii land that might be board of the Honolulu Advertiser. T Guillermo was the first Filipino-Ameri- not just Hawaii, That was old think. The new make the proposal a lot more added to the National Park can to host a national news program but all of Asian America won- think: Don’t come here ex- family friendly. Service.” when he hosted NPR’s “All Things Con- sidered.” dering who would be our ad- pecting welfare. And don’t By time you read this, it’s Not exactly what you’d a He later served as press secretary vocate in the Senate. come here unless you’re also unclear whether Hirono was heavy hitter. to then Congressman Norman Mineta in the 103rd Congress in Washington. But with the Senate taking good for the U.S. of A. successful with her amend- But on immigration re- Based in Northern California, on immigration this year, a And to think, immigration ments or not. form, Hirono has stepped up Guillermo, won an American Book Award in 2000 for his book “Amok: Es- new leader has emerged to fill used to be so humanistic. But when she won Akaka’s her game. She’s our champion. says from an Asian American Perspec- the void: Mazie Hirono. But under this compro- seat last November, nobody And if she’s shrewed, she can tive.” If you haven’t noticed, the mise, it’s fairly cut and dry. would have said Hirono would major holes in that Gang of You want to immigrate, what be out front with major amend- Eight immigration compro- do you bring to the table? ments on anything. mise that has been in mark-up Nothing? We already have Indeed, the invaluable the last week, are the provi- lots of nothing. Stay home. public watchdog, Honolulu sions on family unification. Save the paperwork. You don’t Civil Beat, pretty much dis- In the proposal, there’s no want this America. missed Mazie’s previous role more visas for older married It’s really the least attrac- in the House as a rubber stamp children. No more visas for tive face we’re putting on the for Democratic issues, and brothers and sisters. Statue of Liberty. She’s no without any real substance. What? Manong Boy and longer shining that glorious Here’s a passage on Hi- Ate Baby have to stay path to citizenship. She’s got rono from HCB: “For exam- “home,” as in the RP? If the the soul of an elite college ad- ple, Hirono supported a current bill passes without missions officer now, with the resolution calling for the use amendment there will be no scowl of the border patrol. of Emancipation Hall in the HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Lanakila Health Center Reopens TB Wasserman, chief of high-risk groups. To date, Program DOH’s Communi- there have been no he State Department cable Disease negative impacts re- of Health’s (DOH) Division. sulting from the T Tuberculosis Control The tempo- suspension of the Program returned to the rary suspension state TB screening ground floor at Lanakila of tuberculosis requirements. Health Center on May 28, clearance require- “The department 2013 after a seven-month tem- ments for school per- appreciates the positive porary relocation. sonnel, students, food handlers collaboration we have had The program’s return to its and workers in health care, with the healthcare commu- permanent home follows the domiciliary care, daycare, and nity to prioritize the limited completion of construction residential care facilities re- supplies of TB test solution for work for renovations, remod- mains in effect. The statewide those most at risk,” says Dr. eling the air conditioning sys- temporary suspension of clear- Wasserman. “We will issue a tem and upgrading the ance requirements, which public notice when the sus- facility’s internet and tele- began April 11, 2013, is in re- pension of the TB clearance phone communication sys- sponse to a nationwide short- requirement is lifted and a tems. age of testing solution required grace period or catch-up date “Mahalo to the people of for tuberculin skin testing. will be announced for individ- Hawaii for their understand- The TB Control Program uals whose TB clearance was ing, patience and aloha for continues to provide guidance postponed.” both the inconvenience of the to schools, universities and col- For more information TB Control Program’s reloca- leges and partners in the med- about the TB Program or TB tion and the temporary sus- ical community on how best to testing, please call 832-5731 pension of TB clearance use available testing solution or go online to requirements,” says Dr. Glenn with a focus on testing specific www.hawaii.gov/health/tb. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE JUNE 1, 2013 COVER STORY Love in the Time of Interracial Relationships By Fiedes Doctor es, love. It’s the one abstract thing that has inspired poets, artists and dreamers. The per- sistent question: “How will you know?” is almost always an- Y swered cryptically: “You will.”
The first time Jeff saw Marriages May in church, he was smit- Jeff and May are part of ten. He knew right away that the rising trend of interracial she was the one for him. Her or inter-ethnic marriages glowing brown skin and petite across the country and the frame stood out among a sea world, as people aggressively of black and white in integrate with each other, Chicago, Illinois where she thanks to immigration, online arrived as a new immigrant dating and a broader world- five years ago. view. It has come a long way “She was very beautiful,” since the famous case of Lov- he sentenced Richard and followed by blacks at 17.1 “I am more attracted to he said as he remembered that ing vs Virginia in the 1960s, Mildren Loving in 1959 to percent. Whites were the least them than Filipino men or moment. “She is also a strong, which opened the door for one year of jail or banishment likely to marry out with only other races. Maybe because I independent, and God-fearing people to unapologetically from their hometown of Vir- 9 percent of newlyweds in was born here and I think woman.” seek out and marry others ginia for “the crime of being 2010 belonging to this group. more like an American than a Two years after that mo- from other races and ethnic an interracial couple.” Among all the states, Filipino,” she says. “I want mentous day, the couple flew groups. He was white, she was Hawaii not surprisingly has someone who is culturally to Maui for an intimate beach- “Almighty God created black and never the two shall the highest number of interra- different from me and my side wedding surrounded by the races, white, black, yel- mix was the verdict. cial married couples at 42.4 family. I guess you can say I friends and relatives with skin low, Malay, and red and The couple sought the primarily due to immigration think they are ‘exotic’ in the colors ranging from shades of placed them on separate con- help of Robert F. Kennedy, and military presence. The same way they think we are.” yellow, brown, black and tinents, and but for the inter- Attorney General of the U.S., population is so diverse that it The short-lived nature of white. Nobody noticed the ference with his arrangement in Washington, D.C. eventu- is not uncommon to hear local her relationships with men in spectrum as the colors and there would be no cause of ally winning the case and end- children blurt out more than uniform, however, has made languages blended together to such marriages. The fact that ing an era that banned five racial make-ups. Major “The One” very elusive. She celebrate one happy event. he separated the races shows interracial couples. Forty-two ones include white, black, is now presently expanding that he did not intend the races states had laws that restricted American Indian/Alaskan na- the possibility of meeting a The Rise of Interracial to mix,” the judge said when marriages not only between tive, Asian and native Hawai- “blond and blue-eyed hunk” black and white people but ian/Pacific Islander. through networking with among Asians, Native Ameri- Oklahoma is next in line friends, meet-ups and an via cans, Indians, Hispanics and at 26.3 percent, followed by online dating websites. other ethnic groups. Nevada at 25.6 percent and For Jonathon Lyon, a 51- “Under our Constitution, New Mexico at 25.4 percent. year-old Jewish man, meeting the freedom to marry, or not Vermont is the state with the his wife was initially more marry, a person of another least mix with only 4 percent work-induced than romantic. race resides with the individ- of all marriages being interra- He was in Boston in his late ual and cannot be infringed by cial or inter-ethnic. 20s laboring on his master’s the State,” the decision said. thesis on domestic violence Fifty years later, accord- When Love Happens among Southeast Asian ing to a 2010 study by the Some people know what refugees and was introduced Pew Research Center, about they want and pursue it. Oth- to someone who was also 15 percent of new marriages ers are less aware but what working on domestic vio- in the U.S. were interracial or they want happens to them. lence. She was Chemrath, inter-ethnic, a big jump from And they just know it. (English name, Sarah), his fu- 6.7 percent in the 1980s. Peo- A 36-year-old Filipino ture wife. ple are now marrying outside nurse who did not want her “We started meeting a few of their races, with Asians the name used has dated only times and after maybe the mostly likely, comprising white men since she was in third date, even though I 27.7 percent of the population her 20s. Most of her dates hardly knew her, I kept think- of newlyweds. Hispanics have been military personnel ing she was perfect for me,” were second at 25.5 percent, stationed on Oahu. (continued on page 5) JUNE 1, 2013 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY (from page 4, LOVE...) riod now over, Chemrath, solve the problem, we com- cept kalding (goat) and din- especially when it comes to he says. “It was most of what who works as a nurse, is more promise,” she says. “Instead uguan, has learned to cook racism because it is very hurt- I sensed about her. I felt that assertive and verbal. She of getting frustrated while adobo, apritada and pancit ful. If there is no support from she was a strong, trustworthy watches “Dancing with the waiting for me, he drops me and has tried most Filipino your partner, you would feel and reliable person.” Stars” and loves football. off and picks me up when I’m dishes. Lawrence says she has alone.” Being Cambodian, Lawrence Mangindin, 46, done. Problem solved.” learned to embrace the Fil- Jonathon also supported Chemrath’s culture has strict remembers a period of frus- For she and her husband ipino culture. his wife while she was in regulations on courtship and tration and adjustment during James of five years, open “In fact, she knows school because she was unfa- dating, especially since the the first few years of marriage communication is the key to enough of the culture to write miliar with the American uni- culture is known for parental with his non-Filipino wife. staying “happy together.” a draft for a children’s book versity system. He helped imposition and arranged mar- Being Filipino, he was more “We always sit and talk about a Filipino kid visiting a look up sources in the library, riages. Casual dating did not reticent while wife Valeri, and reflect on what we did. town fiesta in the Philip- research books and articles exist in her vocabulary and by being German-Irish, was We present solutions to prob- pines,” he says. and write her paper. the third date, Jonathon was more vocal. lems. We try to meet some- Lawrence has read it and “You have to see each quickly informed about it. “I knew that we had cul- where in the middle and gave his nod of approval for other as being on the same “If you want to see me, tural differences but felt help- there’s always an exchange.” cultural integrity. side and not against each the expectation was that we less because that’s how I was she says. “Because it takes Like any relationship, in- other. Remember, you are on would get married,” Jonathon brought up. Our culture tends two to argue, one of us would terracial or not, another key to the same side,” he says. remembers the straightfor- to keep stuff in,” he says. calm down and find a way to staying together is mutual Similarly, Lawrence re- ward FYI. Without a second “When I was annoyed be- de-escalate the tension.” support. ceives support from his wife thought, he said, “Okay.” cause she did something, I did Yvonne has learned to be Jonathon recalls a time in especially in his career as a One year later, they were not always tell her how I felt.” independent and to think for Boston when his wife would businessman. engaged. They’ve since relo- The challenges included herself, thanks to her hus- come home and report rude “She has not discouraged cated to Honolulu and have simple habits such as opening band’s constant encourage- and condescending treatment me. She is there with me and been married for 22 years. refrigerator doors, to major is- ment. from other people. Being always encouraging me to be “I like her strength, her sues like how to discipline “I’ve learned how to from the majority race, the positive. That is very impor- honesty and sense of humor,” their children. Over time, budget and keep track of my tendency was to simply brush tant.” he says. “She helps keep me Lawrence learned to better finances, and to be responsi- off the incident, he says. balanced. I am good with express himself, while his ble for my actions. If I make a “If your spouse is being More Similar Than Different reading books, she’s good wife began to understand how mistake, I cannot blame any- treated unfairly, you have to Racial differences are less with reading people. She he communicates. They live body but myself,” she says. take it seriously,” he says. distinct with couples who helps me to be stronger.” in Michigan and have been “What he has taught me is “You have to be supportive (continued on page 6) married for 21 years. t h i s — y o u He Said, She Said “The thing with interra- cannot de- Despite their inner cial relationships is that in the pend on any- strength and resolve, during beginning, it is more of a hin- b o d y b u t the first years of marriage, drance because each one has yourself.” something got lost in transla- a preconceived idea of the Genuine tion between Jonathon and other,” Lawrence says. “We interest in the Chemrath, for whom English have stereotypical ideas of other person’s isn’t her first language. Quiet each other. Until that gets bro- culture, not and laid-back, she experi- ken, you can’t begin to under- just for a few enced the trauma of the Pol stand each other’s culture or weeks but for (continued on page
COVER STORY (from page 5, LOVE...) terracial. the non-Filipinos are more events and books more were both raised in the U.S., riage as traditionally interra- “Race plays a small part,” laid-back and autonomous. often,” says David. “My especially in Hawaii where cial even if outward appear- he says. “The things we have “One of the big differ- family, in their professions, everybody is identified as ances show a white man and in common often outweigh ences I see in our families is habits and inclinations, tend “local.” a Filipino woman. Cynthia differences. We have similar that that my family is a lot to hive into small units, up- “Since we both grew up came to Oahu when she was education. In different ways, more boisterous, loud and root often and seldom assem- in Hawaii, it’s hard to distin- two, practically growing up we are obsessive and stubborn showy,” says Tom. “Her fam- ble together. Cynthia's family guish culturally what is Oki- local and American. She does but we share many common ily on the other hand seems seems to make a significant nawan/Japanese or Filipino. It not see herself being any dif- values.” more quiet, reserved and they effort for several days of just seems local,” says Tom ferent from David. With these couples, their don’t attract too much atten- feasting and large family Landeza who has been mar- “I relate to being an racial or cultural differences tion. It gets interesting when gatherings whenever a rela- ried to his Okinawan/Japan- American so, in some ways, become more evident during the two families get together. tive arrives from out of ese wife Grace for 5 years. we are from the same place,” extended family gatherings You can immediately tell who town.” They met at a singles worship she says. “I entered our mar- and parties. The contrast read- is related to who.” At the end of the day, night at church and were both riage as an American with a ily becomes recognizable “When I’m with Cyn- however, it boils down to attracted to each other’s pas- Filipino cultural back- with the Filipino family thia's family, we talk about dealing with, not forsaking, sion for God, heart for min- ground.” showing extra hospitality engineering, sports, food and their differences that make istry and love of surfing. Her husband David through stories and entertain- family occurrences. With my the marriage work. David and Cynthia Parker agrees and does not perceive ment or offering “unusual” own family, we probably “Our differences in up- also do not identify their mar- their relationship as being in- food to the foreigner, while bring up politics, current (continued on page 7) JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Deportation Relief is Discretionary give an adjudicator discretion, alien’s good character. discretion of Immigration abuses of Immigration Judges. it is susceptible to abuse. The negative factors to be Judges and thus they suffer de- Let us help the victims of abu- We recently won three de- considered are: (1) nature and portation and in many cases sive Immigration Judges. portation cases in a row before underlying circumstances of permanent separation from the Board of Immigration Ap- exclusion or deportation their families. This aspect of By Atty. Emmanuel (atty. tiPon has a Master of Samonte Tipon peals which reversed an Immi- grounds, (2) additional signif- deportation proceedings cries Laws degree from Yale Law School gration Judge’s decision icant violations of the immi- for reformation. That ought to and a Bachelor of Laws degree n the criminal ordering the deportation of gration laws, (3) existence of be the subject of immigration from the University of the Philip- justice system, three Filipinos because the criminal record, and (4) other reform – abolish the discretion pines. Office: 800 Bethel St., Suite 402, Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. when the ac- Board agreed with our argu- evidence of bad character or of Immigration Judges in de- (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filam- cused estab- ment that the Judge abused his undesirability. Matter of portation proceedings – not [email protected]. Websites: lishes that the discretion. Marin, 16 I&N Dec. 581 (BIA give wholesale amnesty to www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.co I prosecution has This “discretion” thing is 1978); Matter of C-V-T, 22 those who entered the country m, and www.ImmigrationService- failed to prove not in the immigration law it- I&N Dec. 7 (BIA 1998). illegally who in all likelihood sUSA.com. Listen to the most witty, interesting, and informative radio his guilt beyond a reasonable self. The Board promulgated it. Oftentimes, the IJ does not may be less deserving of im- program in Hawaii on KNDI at doubt, the accused is entitled The Board, which reviews all balance these positive and migration relief than the poor 1270, AM dial every Thursday at to be acquitted and released decisions of Immigration negative factors. The IJ simply aliens lawfully in this country 7:30 a.m., rebroadcast at from jail if in custody. The Judges brought to it on appeal, focuses on the negative factors who cannot afford to fight the www.iluko.com. judge cannot say “You may be held that in determining eligi- and declares: Voila, the nega- entitled to an acquittal, but I bility for deportation relief, the tive factors outweigh the pos- will deny you acquittal and Immigration Judge should con- itive factors, and the alien send you back to jail as a mat- sider the positive and negative should be removed from the ter of discretion.” factors in the alien’s case and United States. That is what But in deportation pro- make a complete review of all happened in the cases that we ceedings, the alien may have the factors and balance them. won on appeal. We have an- established that such alien is other case we brought a few statutorily eligible for relief Positive and Negative Factors weeks ago to the Board that from deportation such as can- The positive factors to be was lost by another attorney in cellation of removal or waiver, considered are: (1) family ties the Immigration Court. The meaning the alien has met all within the U.S., (2) residency alien possessed eight of the the requirements of the statute of long duration in this coun- nine positive factors, while he for the particular relief sought, try, (3) evidence of hardship to had only one negative factor. but the Immigration Judge can the respondent and family if The IJ held that the one nega- still tell the alien “You may be deportation occurs, (4) service tive factor outweighed the eligible for relief but will I in the Armed Forces, (5) his- eight positive factors. How deny you relief as a matter of tory of employment, (6) exis- can one outweigh eight? discretion and order you de- tence of property or business That is the kind of abuse ported.” ties, (7) existence of value and of discretion that exists in the It is this “discretion” thing service to the community, (8) deportation system. Unfortu- that is the bane of all aliens in proof of genuine rehabilitation nately, many aliens cannot af- deportation proceedings. As we if a criminal record exists, and ford to appeal to the Board in have been saying, once you (9) evidence attesting to the order to review the abuse of COVER STORY (from page 6, LOVE...) bringing, attitudes, values and end, it is the same as any other expectations require a little relationship with its own set more work than same race of joys and challenges. marriages just because it’s not The key is to work to- what you are used to,” says gether and enjoy what makes Tom. “But the key, just like each other unique and differ- any marriage, is to adjust and ent. make room for the differ- “With Valeri, my experi- ences.” ence is more enriched. I have Race is definitely a non- experienced another culture issue but more jarring would other than my own. It opens be cultural and economic ex- enjoy each other's company.” up a different perspective,” pectations, says David, such says Lawrence. as dividing family and work THE BEAUTY oF DIVERSITY “Definitely, there is more time and defining financial re- The cliché “opposites at- to learn about each other’s sponsibilities. tract” certainly becomes true culture. It is not like we are “Humor and forgiveness in most interracial/inter-ethnic doing the same thing all the would be the keys to a suc- marriages, especially when time. We don’t get bored,” cessful marriage. Much else each culture is distinct and has says Jonathon. can be endured or subordi- a different set of values, tradi- “I have no regrets at all,” nated when the couple can tions and beliefs. But in the says Yvonne. 8 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle JUne 1, 2013 TRAVEL Excursions in History, Culture and Nature with Naga X By Dandi Galvez new tourism product of Metro Naga, composed of 16 local ANILA, Philip- government units (LGUs), 15 pines - Naga City of them municipalities with is, without a Naga at the center. Alec Fran- doubt, one of the cis Santos, chief of office for M fastest emerging arts, culture and tourism and cities in the coun- city publications and external try today. It has a rich history relations chief, says, “Naga X dating back to when it was does not just assist tour opera- called Ciudad de Nueva Cac- tors, we are more inclusive. We eres by the Spaniards who es- include hotels, transport tablished it as the third Royal providers, restaurants, and tour City of the Philippines, after guides. We group them under Manila and Cebu. In 2010, one organization — we call it a President Aquino declared tourism consortium acknowl- Naga a “Pilgrim City” — the edged by Department of only one in the country — with Tourism (DOT) Secretary Mt. Isarog National Park | Photo by fernan nebres its over 300 years of religious Ramon Jimenez Jr., as the only During our time there we hotel’s posh lobby as we ar- cream of grated coconut (gata) history with Our Lady of consortium created by an stayed at the Avenue Hotel rived. wrapped in gabi (taro) leaves Peñafrancia. Aside from that, LGU.” along Magsaysay Avenue in Just in time for lunch, we and stuffed with shrimp and the city and its surrounding Santos invited a number of Naga City, a street lined with were led to one of the well- pork. Alongside it was the na- areas are abundant in natural journalists to a familiarization numerous restaurants and en- known local restaurants along tong, similar to pinangat and is resources, sites and rich local tour of Naga recently to sam- tertainment venues, making it Magsaysay called Bob Marlin. made of shredded gabi leaves, culture. Making all of these ple a taste of what Naga X has the de facto gimik spot of the As the pun implies, you can simmered in gata with pork easy to access and enjoy is to offer. And for a good part of area. Santos and a group of have great seafood here. How- and shrimp bits and diced chili. Naga eXcursions. the tour, it was literally our guides, composed of student ever, the highlight of the table A dialled-down Bicol Express Also known as Naga X, taste buds that enjoyed the interns from different colleges were the plates of pinangat — was served with pineapple this exciting development is a most. in the area, greeted us at the a mixture of chili peppers, and (continued on page 12) JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 9 CHRONICLE PULSE 10 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle JUne 1, 2013 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Auditions for Upcoming Show at Kumu Kahua Theatre
umu Kahua Theatre will be • Chief Detective Evan Flaherty— holding auditions for several 40s or 50s. K roles in an upcoming stage pro- • Kanoe—early 20’s duction entitled “Will the Real Charlie • Mei Lai—40’s Chan Please Stand Up?” Auditions are scheduled for Satur- Auditions will consist of readings day, June 15 from 12 noon to 3 pm, and from the script and some movement ex- on Sunday, June 16 from 6 pm to 9 pm ercises. Auditioners are asked to dress at Kumua Kahua Theatre, located at 46 accordingly, arrive early and be pre- Merchant Street in Downtown Hon- pared to stay for the entire time. olulu. Scripts are available for loan with a Director Reiko Ho is seeking 8 to 10 $10 cash deposit at the Kumu Kahua actors to play the following roles: Theatre office weekdays between 11am • Detective Chang Apana—Chinese, and 3pm. Please call 536-4222 before 40s, 5’2” or so coming to the theatre. • Detective Sergeant Charlie Chan— Rehearsals for “Will the Real Char- Chinese lie Chan Please Stand Up?” begin as • Sergeant Lee Fook—20s to 30s early as July 1st. Performances are • Joseph—20s, Filipino, receptionist scheduled for August 22 to September at the police station 22, 2013. NEWS FEATURE (from page 6, PHILIPPINE....) He added that the exposure and ex- Initiatives. Their visit was a “rare op- perience from their visit were “good in- portunity” that provided significant in- puts for educational reforms in the formation and insight into the dynamics Philippine system of higher education.” of higher education in Hawaii, a state He also stressed that there is currently a that has had long historical, cultural, Philippine Higher Education Reform and academic ties with the Philippines. Agenda initiative in CHED under the They look forward to similar visits leadership of Dr. Licuanan. in the future and hope that UH, which Another member of the delegation, has trained many academics and schol- Chancellor Reyes of the MSU Tawi- ars from the Philippines over the Tawi campus, talked about the strengths decades, would establish more produc- of his college in Mindanao, especially in tive relationships and partnerships with the area of Islamic Studies, which pro- Philippine institutions. vides the Muslim and cultural communi- ties with substantive knowledge and dr. aqUino is professor emeritus at the UH- experience on sustainable utilization and Manoa where she was professor of political science rational management of the region’s ex- and Asian studies and founding director of the Cen- tensive marine and fisheries resources, ter for Philippine Studies. She was also vice presi- especially around the Sulu Sea and dent of UP for public affairs (1989-91) and was nearby bodies of water. He envisions his given the UPAA Lifetime Achievement Award dur- ing UP’s Centennial in 2008. Originally from San institution as a Center of Excellence in Fernando, La Union, she got her BA (English) from fisheries, oceanography and related dis- UP, MA (Political Science) from UH as an East-West ciplines, which he expects will con- Center Scholar, and Ph.D. (Political Science and tribute to lasting peace and development Southeast Asian Studies) from Cornell University as in an area that has been in turmoil in re- a Ford Foundation Fellow. She has been a visiting professor or research fellow in various international cent years. institutions including Tokyo University of Foreign The participants were unanimous in Studies, Kansai University (Japan), Institute of expressing their gratitude to UH-Manoa Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore and Univer- officials, particularly President Green- sity of the Philippines. She is also a journalist who writes commentary columns for the Philippine Daily wood and Joanne Taira, UH senior exec- Inquirer and other international publications. utive for International Programs and JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 11 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS FilCom Center offers Citizenship Prep Courses f you’ve always wanted to ney from the Hawaii Immi- interviews designed to help FilCom officials say that apply for U.S. citizenship grant Justice Center at the applicants gain confidence in several graduates of the 2012 I but never got around to Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. taking the naturalization tests citizenship course attained cit- doing so, now may be the time Registration is $25 to cover and interviews. izenship earlier this year. They as the Filipino Community the cost of hand-outs and other Ilocano and Tagalog vol- encourage interested persons Center (FilCom) in Waipahu expenses. A Certificate of unteer-interpreters will be to apply in person at the Fil- will be offering citizenship Completion will be awarded to available. After the citizenship Com Center, located at 94-428 readiness classes on five con- all attendees who complete all classes, USCIS community Mokuola Street, Suite 302 in secutive Saturdays, from 1 pm five sessions. outreach workers will be at the Waipahu. to 3 pm beginning June 1, The sessions will include FilCom Center from 3 pm to 4 Register early since space 2013. instructions in filling out the pm to assist those with ques- is limited. For more informa- The FilCom’s U.S. Natu- most current forms required (USCIS); a review of ques- tions on immigration, applica- tion, please call 680-0451 or ralization Preparation course by the U.S. Citizenship and tions that will be asked; writ- tion for U.S. passports and send at email to: filcom@fil- will be conducted by an attor- I m m i g r a t i o n S e r v i c e s ing exercises and mock other related issues. com.org.
Children’s Theatre of oahu to Present ‘Robin Hood’ shows run about 75 minutes f you or your children provide high quality afford- share a high-quality produc- and have a great balance of love theatre productions, able and accessible theatrical tion,” says co-producer Toni drama, comedy and musical I“Robin Hood” by the performances for Oahu’s Muranaka. numbers. Children’s Theatre of Oahu youth. The organization is run ‘Robin Hood’ cast member Open auditions are usu- may be just for you. by a family of volunteers who Koa Bayani San Luis, says ally held in January. The cast “Robin Hood” will run believe in the invaluable op- memorizing her lines isn’t that member fee for a production June 5-8, 2013 at Paliku The- portunities that theatre pro- difficult. “I usually learn them is $50 dollars per cast mem- atre at Windward Community 291-5442. vides for children. pretty quickly when I put my ber, which includes a cast T- College. Tickets are available Launched 10 years ago, “Theatre allows opportuni- mind to it,” she says. shirt. There is a discount for only for the June 7 and 8 per- the Children’s Theatre of ties for individuals to build open Auditions additional family members. formances. For tickets and Oahu (CTO) is a not-for-profit character, increase self-confi- CTO’s productions are For more details on CTO, showtimes, go online to: organization for children and dence, meet new people and geared towards pre-school to please email Rachel Plunkett www.ctotheatre.com or call young adults. Its goal is to work as a team to create and elementary age youth. The at [email protected]. Living Well Hawaii Project opens Doors in Kalihi-Palama tate officials held a cer- integrates physical and mental barriers when accessing nually, many of them from emonial blessing and health care services under one health care. The Center serves low-income and immigrant S open house for the Liv- roof to serve individuals with more than 21,000 patients an- families. ing Well Hawaii Project on serious and persistent mental ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE HOW May 29, 2013 at the new illness. THE FACE OF BUSINESS IS CHANGING! Kalihi-Palama Community “A first clinic of its kind in No matter how small your ad, Mental Health Center located Hawaii, the project will lead it gets our readers attention! at 1700 Lanakila Avenue. the way to improved services CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ Gov. Neil Abercrombie for those living with serious and State Department of mental illness and chronic dis- www.thefilipinochronicle.com Health Director (DOH) ease,” says Janice Okubo from Loretta Fuddy were among the DOH’s communications dozens of invited guests. Also office. Gov. Neil Abercrombie on-hand were mental health The Kalihi-Palama advocates and staff from the Living Well Hawaii is a Health Center provides much- Kalihi-Palama Health Center new and innovative public and needed services to patients and Primary Care Association. private collaborative that fully who typically face significant 12 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle JUne 1, 2013 HEALTH & FAMILY Acai: Berry Good for Overall Health from www,philstar.com nore and overlook the effect used to eating double portions ANILA, Philip- that this Brazilian berry has on of fast foods and instant noo- pines - “We all my patients. Even as I pre- dles, are actually consuming know that once scribe the appropriate pharma- less than 1,000 ORAC units a diagnosed with cological medications and day!” M cancer, patients treatment modalities, their The good doctor points almost always swift recovery from various out, “This is why I advise my feel dread, as if a death sen- ailments is something that’s patients ‘if you want foods with tence has been given them … almost remarkable. There is greater antioxidant properties, and it’s only a matter of time. no side effect except for the you look for foods with high But I am a doctor who is not patient’s much improved ORAC levels. The higher the only here to diagnose a disease, sense of well-being.” ORAC number, the stronger but also to give hope that for as Studies show that not only A-OK: Acai berries contain 10 times the antioxidants found in red the antioxidant properties of long as one is willing, then half does acai berry have one of grapes and blueberries. the substance. Fresh acai al- the battle is won,” begins Dr. the highest contents of antiox- ture aging and can make their foods. Dr. Viloria explains, ready has an amazing 5,500 Sonny Viloria, medical director idants known to man, it is also way into your body through “This is because the acai berry ORAC score. Even more and owner of the Biovitale a source of plant sterols, es- pollution, smoking, and chem- contains 10 times the antioxi- amazing is Organique Acai as Health Clinic and Symbios Ho- sential fatty acids, dietary icals found in our tap water and dants found in red grapes and it actually has an ORAC value listic and Wellness Sanctuary. fiber, minerals, and amino foods. Free radicals are said to blueberries. In my own search of over 70,000 per 100 grams. For the doctor who is into acids. Essential fatty acids, eventually cause diabetes, for the best or most effective Imagine acai as your powerful integrative medicine, giving omegas 3, 6, and 9 help slow arthritis, heart disease, and are health supplement to boost the crusader against any illness or up is not an option. He elabo- down the effects of aging and also linked to the growth of health of my patients, I learned infection, helping the body re- rates, “That’s why I include in can lower bad fats like choles- cancer, tumors, as well as about the ORAC. I also gain its strength. For me, it’s an my patient’s treatment other terol in the blood. leukemia and other blood-re- learned that the recommended excellent beverage which I can modalities such as diet, exer- “Organique Acai Berry is lated diseases,” Viloria adds. daily ORAC level is between make into a smoothie, sorbet, cise, medicine, and a mega- rich in antioxidants that fight Scientists have classified 3,000 and 5,000! But most Fil- slush, or even top my green dose of the superfruit and and get rid of cell-damaging the acai berry as one of the ipinos, who are busy and al- salad with for my overall superfood acai. I cannot ig- free radicals that cause prema- world’s number one super- ways on the go, and are now health.” TRAVEL (from page 8, EXCURSIONS...) terest is the Plaza de Nueva Panicuason. it was a short half- duced the first Filipino bishop, chunks. Another standout dish bridges that crossed the Naga Caceres which has the monu- hour walk up a steep dirt road Jorge Barlin, and national hero, was beef dinuguan cooked River, famous for the tradi- ment depicting Naga’s history to the trail leading to Malabsay Jose Ma. Panganiban. Within with gata. tional fluvial procession for the from pre-colonial times on- Falls. Along the way there were the structure is the Archeologi- For merienda, we traveled image of Nuestra Señora de wards. Beside it is the Naga clearings where you could take cal Museum which showcases to nearby Barangay Dayan- Peñafrancia. The center of City People’s Mall which used in a panoramic view of the pre-colonial artifacts and, dang to a small roadside eatery town, with its numerous plazas to be the largest single-roof mountain. From the trail we oddly, a set of dinosaur eggs named Cordova’s Kinalasan. and surrounding Spanish-era structure in Asia when it was walked down through a lush from the Gobi Desert. Also The place is a simple, churches, buzzed with activity. built in the 1970s. forest into the falls. The 40-foot within is the Ecclesiastical Mu- makeshift house which is home At Plaza Quince Martires is a The next day we headed cascade poured into a cold pool seum with religious artifacts on to, reputably, the best kinalas in monument commemorating the for Mt. Isarog. The trip was a of water streaming down the display. the city. Kinalas is a noodle 15 brave martyrs of Bicol. Fur- short 20-minute ride to the base mountain slope. Afterwards we rode across dish made of stripped meat ther on is Plaza Quezon where of the 2,000-meter high moun- Nearby is Panicuason Hot the city and its outlying from cow’s or pig’s head which parades and public events are tain. As a major watershed, Mt. Springs Resort. The resort has barangays, visiting churches are boiled until tender. Com- held. Adjacent to it is Plaza Isarog is filled with numerous several natural pools with tem- such as the St. Joseph the plementing the meal was a Rizal which has a monument waterfalls, streams and thou- peratures ranging from a cold Worker Parish, known for its plate of maruya (banana frit- that is supposedly the original sands of different plant and an- 20 degrees Celsius to a relax- Baroque design. We ended our ters). winning entry for the Rizal imal species and is one of the ing 39 degrees Celsius. If you tour by stopping at the In the evening we started Monument in Luneta Park in oldest and well-preserved nat- want something more adrena- Peñafrancia Shrine and having our city tour. Heading toward Manila. ural forest parks in the Philip- line-filled, the resort has one of a snack of toasted siopao. A the town center we passed by Other nearby places of in- pines. From Barangay the fastest ziplines in the coun- Bicolano innovation, the meat try. At 280 feet above the and egg stuffed dough is oven- ground, the Tower 3 zipline is toasted for a longer shelf life. 200 meters long and takes an But it is best eaten while warm. average of 10-12 seconds to Whether it’s the activities, traverse. religious pilgrimage, culture or In the afternoon we opted food that you seek, Naga X is for a tour of some of the able to bring all of these churches on Naga X’s Heritage tourism elements together for and Pilgrimage itinerary. First the best kind of experience for stop was the Naga Metropoli- all kinds of visitors. It is a tan Cathedral, considered the prime example of what hap- largest church in the region. pens when the government and Beside it is the Holy Rosary the private sector work together Minor Seminary. A national in perfect harmony. landmark, the seminary pro- (www.philstar.com) JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 13 LEGAL NOTES Senate Bill Would Clear Employment be available during the first 4 For lower-skilled workers, Visa Backlog years under the new merit- a new nonimmigrant work visa based category. Spouses and children of based program of the bill. Im- would be created. The W-1 Among the groups that employment-based applicants migrant visas will be granted visa will be available to foreign would be exempted are the would not also be subject to under this program to those workers who work for a regis- By Reuben S. Seguritan foreign nationals of extraordi- the annual numerical limit. who can demonstrate that they tered employer and will be eeking to attract nary ability, outstanding pro- These derivative beneficiaries have the needed number of valid for 3 years with exten- highly-skilled fessors and researchers and used up more than half of the points from their education, sions in 3-year increments. and highly edu- multinational executives and annual quota in the past so that employment, length of resi- 20,000 W-1 visas will be allo- cated profession- managers who are under the their noninclusion would free dence in the U.S. and other cated in the first year and this als and workers current first preference cate- up about 80,000 visas yearly. factors. would increase to 75,000 in the S to the United gory with an annual allocation The yearly quota would be As for temporary visas, fourth year. Further increases States, the Senate immigration of 40,000. allocated under the bills as fol- the H-1B cap would be raised would be determined by a mar- reform bill proposes a number Also, exempted would be lows: 40% to advanced degree from 65,000 to 110,000 per ket-based formula but the cap of significant employment- those with doctorate degrees in professionals and persons of year and the cap may be ad- would not exceed 200,000. based immigration reforms. any field; those with U.S. ad- exceptional ability, 40% to justed each year up to 10% W-2 and W-3 nonimmi- The bill would clear the vanced degrees in Science, skilled workers, professionals with a ceiling of 180,000. The grant visa categories would huge employment-based visa Technology, Engineering and and other workers, 10% to cer- advance degree cap exemp- also be created to replace the backlog by exempting several Mathematics (STEM) earned tain special immigrants, and tion will be raised to 25,000 current H-2A visa for agricul- groups of immigrants from the in the 5 years before filing an 10% to immigrant investors. but would be limited to STEM tural workers. annual quota of 140,000, re- immigrant visa petition and The thousands of recap- graduates. More stringent capturing visa numbers that have a job offer in a related tured visa numbers that were rules will apply such as reUBen S. SegUritan has were authorized from 1992 to field; and physicians who have never used due to bureaucratic nondisplacement attestations, been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you 2003 but were never used, completed their 2 year foreign and processing delays would additional recruitment steps may call him at (212) 695 5281 or eliminating the per country residency requirement or who be added in fiscal year 2015. and higher fees for H-1B de- log on to his website at www.segu- limit, and creating a merit- have received a J-1 waiver. 120,000 yearly would also pendent employers. ritan.com PHILIPPINE NEWS Pacquiao Plugs CNN Docu on Manila Prostitution by Camille Diola Friday, May 24, 2012 ANILA, Philippines - Boxing champion M and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao promoted on Friday the encore airing of CNN's full-length documentary The Fighters featuring a woman's fight against sex traf- ficking in Manila. The documentary, a result of two years of undercover A videograb from the documentary film featuring champion boxer and con- work in the capital city's red gressman Manny Pacquiao (center) and Cecilia Flores-Oebanda (left) light district, was first shown over CNN International Chan- depth at the Manila trafficking dom Project that produced the nel last May 17 and 18, but will industry following the life and film, called the phenomenon return on June 1 and 2 in 4:00 advocacy of Visayan Forum of trafficking and cyber sex in p.m. and 9:00 p.m. airings. Foundation executive director the country "scary," "sicken- Pacquiao, whom the film Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, a war- ing" and "incredibly hard for features as among the lawmak- rior against sex slavery, and the law enforcement to stop." ers who sought a stronger girls and women she rescued. "In a country like the measure against sex traffick- Omebanda tapped Pac- Philippines, nothing ever is as ing, urged his Twitter followers quiao's help to champion the it seems," Coorlim said in the to watch the 80-minute docu- cause against trafficking as video, citing a district in mentary made available in full "the toughest fight that he will Makati where "many traffick- online. wage in his entire life," she ing victims wind up." "Please watch. It is impor- said, adding that unlike box- The government has said tant," he said. ing, the war to stop sex trade that there are currently especially of minors lasts "be- 800,000 people involved in Teaser of CNN documentary yond 12 rounds." the illegal sex industry, about 'The Fighter' Journalist Leif Coorlim, 100,000 of which are children The Fighters looks in- executive director CNN Free- and minors. (www.philstar.com) 14 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle JUne 1, 2013 MAINLAND NEWS Boracay as World’s Best? ‘Hardly,’ Says LA Times Travel Editor; Calls WV’s Tourist Destination a Big Disappointment By Melinda Myers / PNS world? Hardly.” It was to be Boracay compared to Manila’s main port calling it “pot-holed racay fever dream.” one of the day’s main stories heat and humidity. The latter obstacle courses” and the Voted by Travel & Leisure ALIFORNIA, USA – that had Boracay summed up even emerged as the better op- stream of Boracay vendors and as the Fourth Best Hotel in the More fun in the Philip- by Hamm as the island that tion for Hamm though with her human traffic as “a bit over- world, Discovery Shores like- C pines? Maybe. Or to “doesn’t live up to the high ex- piece concluding that she was whelming.” wise was a disappointment for borrow the word of a Los An- pectations.” better off with Manila’s smog, Hamm in the same article Hamm and chided for the failed geles (LA) Times Travel Editor, “Can a million and a half traffic and heat. also made mention of a news promise of “barefoot elegance.” “hardly.” The reason? Boracay, people be wrong?...Can Travel Such as she expressed her story that wrote of damage to “It was a bit of a hike to our the Philippines’ hyped-up & Leisure be wrong?....Can disappointment of not finding the island’s corals. Said recol- room at Moorish-looking Dis- tourist destination that gener- Trip Advisor be wrong?,” “the hoped-for-piece of para- lection had her quit her “little covery Shores, but things were ated a big “thumbs-down” from Hamm’s article began as she dise…..” relaxation” at a snorkel stop. looking up. Our accommoda- a renowned Travel Writer. explained that the said figure “If Boracay had been a first “…I remembered that the tions included a living room, a Located in Western Visayas was the expected visitors of Bo- date, there wouldn’t have been coral that I could now see bedroom and a small kitchen,” Region, Boracay fell short – racay this year and “Travel & a second. We just weren’t right clearly has been so badly dam- she wrote. “Our bellman ex- very short – of the expectations Leisure” being the magazine for each other. I should have aged that the Philippine Daily plained the large bowl on the of Catherine Hamm who inci- that dubbed Boracay as “best is- known that from the minute I Inquirer reported last year that floor in which yellow flowers dentally has since counted and land in the world.” Trip Advi- arrived at the hotel,” she wrote. less than a tenth of it remains in floated on water. Someone considered the Philippines as sor on the other hand is the Hamm stayed at the plush its original state. Coral is criti- would be by soon to give us a among her 34 places called popular website cum traveler’s Boracay Regency where she cal for marine life. I wasn’t welcome foot massage.” Sadly, “home.” best guide online that consid- took particular note of hotel pol- helping. I got out of the water,” the masseuse never came or in A principal figure in LA ered Boracay as a “Travelers’ icy cum warning that charges she said. Hamm’s words was “MIA” or Times Travel Section since Choice 2013 Winner.” will be made should the linens Yet it was to be sight of was Missing In Action. 1999, Hamm became the For Hamm, all three “could be stained. The stains being that children begging and mothers Yet massages or not, paper’s Travel Editor in 2003. be wrong. Or misguided” fol- of Henna Tatto, coconut oil or with children in tow likewise Hamm had her enough impres- Interviews granted by Hamm lowed by “Or I could be.” hair dye. asking for money that turned off sions of Boracay. revealed fond stories of her And with writing style dis- For Hamm, the hotel policy Hamm. “No number of spa treat- Manila stay during her child- tinct to Hamm, her article con- was a little too much saying she “We didn’t need a henna ments was going to change my hood following her father’s em- tinued stating that Boracay did not understand why she tattoo or a coconut oil massage impression of Boracay, a place ploy with the US Federal lovers may not be beach ex- would be charged in the first and we didn’t want the guilt,” for partyers or rich people, of Government. perts. place saying “What would I be she said while stressing that which I am neither,” she con- Hamm in Sunday’s LA “Maybe they don’t suffer doing that would cause me to what she actually came for was cluded. “This wasn’t a love Times edition wrote a lengthy guilt about the poverty or the damage the sheets like this?” the promise of yet another hotel, match – not for me. Maybe 30 piece of last year’s Boracay visit damage to the environment,” Hamm also chided Bora- Discovery Shores, “the hotel years ago when Boracay and I entitled “The best island in the she quipped with her dislike for cay’s road network from the that had started me on this Bo- were less overdeveloped.” PHILIPPINE NEWS US Issues Terrorist Kidnap Alert ANILA, Philip- operations to prevent untoward pines - The US em- incidents and to ensure the M bassy yesterday safety of the public. advised Americans to re-eval- “We respect the US em- uate their personal safety and bassy’s issuance of travel advi- consider postponing trips to the sories to its people who intend to Zamboanga peninsula, citing visit the Philippines, particularly terrorist threats to kidnap for- to the island of Mindanao,” eigners in the area. Armed Forces public affairs In an “emergency message,” chief Maj. Ramon Zagala said. the embassy alerted US citizens The Armed Forces of the of a credible threat that terrorists Philippines has a commitment to planned to kidnap foreigners for protect Filipinos and foreign cit- ransom in Zamboanga. izens visiting our country, he US government personnel added. already in Zamboanga were di- Zagala said they would con- rected to relocate to a secure tinue to work with the police to area. thwart any attempt to jeopardize US government employees peace and stability in the country. planning to travel to Zamboanga “We are vigilant and we were directed to defer their trip will continue to monitor the se- at this time. curity situation in the country, The military said it would particularly in Mindanao,” he continue to intensify its security said. (www.philstar.com) JUne 1, 2013 hawaii FiliPino ChroniCle 15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS oahU FILIpIno CoMMUnITy CoUnCIL annUaL 21ST UnIVERSITy oF STo. ToMaS MEDICaL Valbin Corporation is currently seeking TS/SCI ConVEnTIon ● June 9, 2013, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM ● aLUMnI aSSoCIaTIon In aMERICa (USTMaaa) TaGaLoG LInGUISTS who are also fluent in Philippine Consulate General Social Hall ● Contact: Jake GRanD REUnIon anD MEDICaL ConVEnTIon ● Maguindanao and/or Maranao. Please send us your Manegdeg @524-6993; Jean Jeremiah @ 387-5481; Amado June 26-30, 2013, ● Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach resume and salary requirements if interested at Yoro@699-9814 Resort ● Contact: (248) 626-2878 or 808-680-0558 [email protected] GLOBAL NEWS BUSINESS DIRECTORY Phl No Longer in France’s Foreign Aid sues of common concern, in particu- Blacklist lar enhancement of cooperation in ANILA, Philippines - areas of trade and investment and The Philippines is no socio-cultural exchanges. Both sides M longer included in a new are expected to share information list of countries that have been black- about developing tourism and im- listed by France due to foreign aid provements in tourism infrastruc- fraud, Foreign Affairs Secretary Al- ture. bert del Rosario said yesterday. Del Rosario’s visit to France fol- DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario Del Rosario made the statement lows the visit of Vice President Jejo- after seeking clarification from the their banks to help distribute devel- mar Binay in April this year as French government. opment funds. President Aquino’s representative to “On the news that France black- The blacklist expanded on an al- the opening of the Exhibition on listed the Philippines over foreign aid ready established register of eight Philippine pre-colonial art at the fraud, I have sought clarification “non-cooperative states and territo- Musée du Quai Branly. with the French government and ries” including Botswana, Brunei, French Prime Minister Jean- have been officially advised that this Guatemala, Nauru and the Philip- Marc Ayrault, who visited the Philip- information is totally inaccurate,” pines. pines in October 2012, also met Del Rosario said. Other blacklisted countries are Binay in Paris. France is the world’s problems in the management of EU funds,” said He said the French foreign min- Costa Rica, Dominica, Lebanon, fifth largest economy. It has an ad- Ledoux, who opened yesterday the 2nd EU- ister made a full denial of the report. Liberia, Panama, Switzerland, vanced industrial economy, with a Philippines Meeting on Energy at the New “With relevance to the afore- Trinidad and Tobago, the United strong base in manufacturing, partic- World Hotel in Makati. mentioned blacklist, we have in fact Arab Emirates and Vanuatu. ularly in automotives and aerospace. He explained that the EU applies the same been informed that there is a new list The Department of Foreign Af- France is one of the Philippines’ standard and conducts regular auditing of all its and this list does not include the fairs announced Del Rosario would partners in development assistance. projects implemented by government agencies Philippines,” Del Rosario said. leave last night for Paris to meet with It has expressed interest in cooperat- and NGOs in every country that receives assis- He explained that the mistake his counterpart, French Foreign Min- ing with the Philippines on climate tance from the EU. apparently arose from an interview ister Laurent Fabius. change programs and disaster risk “In case there is a problem we look into that of a civil servant by a French news- During his visit, Del Rosario will reduction management. very carefully but we do regular auditing of all paper. reiterate President Aquino’s invita- Meanwhile, European Union our projects. We hire accounting firms to do The report said France black- tion for French President Francois Ambassador Guy Ledoux said the that,” Ledoux said. listed the Philippines and 16 other Hollande to visit the Philippines. use of their aid to the Philippines had “You notice you have not heard about any countries that do not help investigate Del Rosario and Fabius would not encountered any problem. “As problems in the two years I have been here re- foreign aid fraud, banning the use of meet for the first time and discuss is- for the EU, we have not identified garding development,” he said. (www.philstar.com) PHILIPPINE NEWS First Missile-firing Warship for months before it was turned Phl Navy Due to Arrive over to the Philippines last year. ANILA, Philippines sources said. “With the arrival of our - The Philippine Aside from harpoon sur- second Hamilton-class cutter, M Navy will have its face-to-surface missiles, Al- converted into a frigate, the first missile-firing capable war- caraz is armed with 76mm Oto Navy will have its first missile- ship with the scheduled arrival Melara automatic cannon, two firing warship,” a military offi- of BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a de- 25-bushmaster guns and heavy cial said. commissioned United States machineguns. Alcaraz weighs 3,250 tons, Coast Guard cutter the govern- The BRP Gregorio del has a length of 378 feet, beam ment has bought. Pilar is only armed with 76mm of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet. Defense and military Oto Melara gun when it was Its propulsion systems con- sources said yesterday the Al- acquired in 2011, with the de- sist of two diesel engines and caraz (PF-16) is due to arrive in fense and military leadership two gas turbine engines, giving the country either by July or spending more to enhance its it a top speed of 29 knots. August. It has been fitted with capabilities. When deployed, Alcaraz, anti-ship harpoon missiles. Alcaraz has already com- with a total of 167 officers and “Her weapon system is pleted its three-day sea trial off men complement, will have a heavier and more sophisticated South Carolina where it under- cruising range of 14,000 miles compared to her sister ship, the went major engine repairs and and can stay in the high seas for BRP Gregorio del Pilar,” refurbishment for several 45 days. (www.philstar.com) JUNE 1, 2013